From: Daydream59 Date: 15 Oct 1998 02:37:55 GMT Subject: Urania 01/01 MSR by Daydreamer Title: The Muses: Urania 01/01 Author: Daydreamer Author E-mail: Daydream59@aol.com Rating: R sexual situations; slight nudity; no violence Category: V Spoilers: None Keywords: MSR Archive: Yes, please. Feedback: Yes! Please! Disclaimer: Mulder and Scully are owned by Chris Carter, 1013 Productions, Fox Television Network, etc. They are wonderfully brought to life by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. I will make no profit from this, and neither will Fox if they sue me, for I am poor and have nothing material they can profit from. Summary: Part of a nine part anthology based on the Greek Muses and the artistic field each represents. Urania is Astronomy. Urania 01/01 She sat in the car with her partner, each lost in their own thoughts, staring up into the August sky. The softly scented air wafted through the open windows and she felt strangely high on the heat, the dark, the light aroma of wildflowers. There'd been a tension between them for some time and she knew it had to end. She'd let him persuade her to come sit in a car, on a dark, deserted dirt road, and spend the entire night waiting for UFOs. She smiled to herself in the inky blackness of the night. It hadn't been all that hard for him to convince her. She'd given mock resistance, because he expected her to, but really, she didn't mind. And it was beautiful out here -- quiet and peaceful. The night sky was a work of art. The dome of darkness above them was devoid of clouds, the stars glowing uninhibited, as if the hand of God Himself had scattered diamonds across the velvet fabric of the night. She sighed quietly, a sigh of contentment, and when he turned to look at her, she smiled, then opened the door and stepped out into the warm night air. The summer breeze teased loose tendrils of her hair and she reached up to push them back from her face, but he was suddenly before her, appearing out of the darkness like some mythic creature. She froze as he gently tucked the strands behind her ear, his hand lingering on her cheek for a long moment. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a minute she thought he was going to kiss her. She closed her eyes, her body tingling with anticipation, but he dropped his hand and turned, looking up into the sky again. Oddly disappointed, and not quite comfortable with her reaction, she lifted her arms high over her head. Her back popped slightly as she leaned back into a deeper stretch, arms reaching behind her. "So. Do you still expect to see anything?" she asked, trying to suppress a yawn. She glanced at her watch. Almost 3:30 in the morning. She watched as he shrugged, lithe muscles rippling beneath the black T-shirt he wore, and that strangely drunken sensation washed over her again. She pulled her eyes away from his torso, and gazed up into the night. "These dark skies are incredible," she said, and saw the nod he gave in answer. "Just beautiful." Her gaze was fixed on Perseus, watching the streaks of light he wept every few minutes. He glanced at her, then lifted his head to follow her line of sight. "The Perseids are in full bloom." Another golden streak emerged as he finished the sentence. "It's Zeus, you know." She was startled by his non-sequitar. She turned more fully to look at him. "Zeus? I thought it was Perseus." "It is," he replied. "Well, the constellation is. Perseus the warrior. Perseus the hero. But the meteors are Zeus." He stepped back, leaning against the car, and she followed. "Perseus is Zeus's son. Even his name -- per Zeus -- identifies his lineage." She smiled in the darkness. He was in the mood to tell stories. A warrior son of a powerful father. An apt story for Mulder to tell. His own name yielded his lineage as well. An age old custom still in use as fathers sought to brand their sons and shape them in their own image. She leaned against the car as well, and was surprised by her own pleasure as he companionably draped one arm across her shoulder. When she made no move to pull away, he settled her a bit closer and her head fell naturally into the hollow of his shoulder. "Zeus fell in love with Danae, the beautiful daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos. An oracle had predicted that Danae would some- day bear a son who would kill the king, so Acrisius hid her in an ivory tower. But Zeus knew of her beauty, and one day he changed himself into a shower of gold dust and visited Danae's cell." He paused then, and she wondered if he was connecting her to the Danae in his story. Did he see her as hidden in an ivory tower? Always so prim and proper. Always correct, following all the rules. Did he know her tower kept her safe, and shielded her from the emotions that oftentimes dizzied her soul? He was looking at her now, and when she gazed up at him, he tickled her lightly and teased, "Nice name -- Danae." She wriggled at his touch, then smiled again, unseen in the night, and shifted slightly nearer to him. Perhaps her tower was not so safe after all. "When Perseus was born, Acrisius put him and his mother in a wooden chest and threw it into the sea. The wooden chest floated to the island of Seriphos, where the fisherman Dictys rescued it. He took them to his brother Polydectes, who happened to be the king of Seriphos." Taken in by a king. As Mulder had been taken in by powerful people as well. The unseen forces that had shaped his life, those that still helped him, and those that worked against him. But, "How fortunate for Perseus," was all she said, as she snuggled in a little closer to him, and felt him tighten his hold on her in response. He grinned and went on. "Polydectes raised Perseus to manhood. Perseus went on to found the city state of Mycenae, and to become its first king. At least that's the myth. In reality, the city was founded about 3000 BC, and between 1650 and 1400 the Mycenaean civilization was one of the most brilliant in all of Greece, until its sudden collapse around 1300." So Perseus created his own city, his own world. She was quite struck by the comparisons. Mulder, too, had created his own little world, taking what had been abandoned and ignored for years, and restoring it to a level of acceptance and even respectability. "As for Perseus, he's mostly remembered for killing the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing Andromeda." "Medusa," she commented. "I think I remember that one. Hair of snakes, right?" He nodded. "Medusa was originally one of three beautiful sisters but she slept with Poseidon one night. That wasn't so bad in and of itself, the gods were always sleeping around, but they did it in Athena's temple and she didn't look kindly on the sacrilege. Athena changed Medusa into a hideous monster with huge teeth and protruding tongue, claws in place of hands, snakes in place of tresses, large wings, and a look that would turn anyone into stone." "Lovely," she murmured. "Sounds like a cross between your beast woman and the flukeman." He chuckled, then shocked her when he pulled her forward and settled her between his legs, his arms encircling her as she leaned back against him. "Is this OK?" he asked, his breath hot against her skin. She felt dizzy. Where was her ivory tower? How could she stay safe when the very earth itself conspired against her? The breeze was laden with the scent of summer flowers -- jasmine and lilacs and others still unnamed. She breathed deeply, filling her lungs with their heady, intoxicating aroma as she nodded her response to his query. Her bottom pressed against his groin, she shivered slightly, and he asked, "Are you cold?" Cold? How could he think she was cold? The heat of the night had inflamed her, and her very soul felt on fire. Not trusting her voice, she shook her head without looking at him, and missed the speculative gaze he gave her. "Needless to say, Medusa wasn't terribly popular and her head became the ultimate prize. Anyone who could chop it off would be an instant hero. But no one was foolish enough to try. Until Perseus." Mulder again. If there was anything deemed impossible, he would be standing in line -- no, leading the line, to give it a shot. And he was still seeking his own ultimate prize. She sighed. "Sorta like someone else I know -- brave but foolish. Out to succeed where no one else can." He squeezed her gently and went on. "The thing was, Polydectes wanted to marry Perseus' mother, the beautiful Danae, but the king tried to keep his wishes secret by telling Perseus that he wanted to take someone else as his wife. Perseus had suspected the king was lusting after his mom, so he was relieved to hear the king's plans. So relieved, in fact, he told Polydectes that if he would marry Hippodaemia, he would do anything asked of him. Even offer the head of the Gorgon Medusa as a wedding present." Well, if she was Danae, and Mulder was Perseus, if you ignored the weird Oedipal stuff, then this was them all over again. Mulder willing to do anything, no matter how impossible, no matter what the cost, if he thought it would save her from some threat. Be it real or imagined, Mulder would sacrifice everything for her. And, here, in this magical, mythical moment, she fully realized that, perhaps for the very first time. Overcome with her newly found insight, she stepped back slightly, resting her weight more fully against him, and pulling his arms around her. She felt him stiffen, then relax, and he hugged her to himself, and she could feel his arousal, even through the thick jeans he wore. He cleared his throat and shifted slightly, then went on. "Polydectes saw the opportunity to get rid of the one person who would object to his marriage to Danae, so he accepted, agreeing that would be a very nice gift indeed." "Just what I would want for my wedding," she murmured. "The head of a monster that turns people to stone." "I'll have to remember that," he whispered huskily. "I'll put it with my other options for wedding presents for you." As he spoke, his breath teased her ear, and she shivered again. "You have a list of wedding presents for me?" she asked teasingly. "What's on it?" "Well, the contents of the list varies." He was on top of her now, his height making it possible to bend over her shoulder, his scratchy cheek brushing gently against her own soft skin. His voice was deep, a growl against her ear, laden with promises as he said, "It really depends on who you marry now, doesn't it?" The breeze whispered again, fluttering their pant legs, and she shivered once more. He pulled himself erect, leaning back slightly from her and she could feel him as he tried to discreetly adjust himself within the confines of his jeans. He pulled her back against his chest and she felt his lips graze her hair. Did he just kiss her? "Sure you're not cold?" he asked, his hands running lightly down her bare arms. "I'm OK," she said. Was that low, husky voice really hers? What was he doing to her? Could she afford to play this game of seduction? She leaned back against him and felt him stir again beneath her. "Go on." "Athena had been listening; this was the moment she had been waiting for: someone to strike back at her worst enemy. Athena brought Perseus to Samos, where the Gorgons were living, and she showed him an image of the three, so he could distinguish between the sisters. Then she warned Perseus to look only at a reflection of Medusa, never her face, or he would be turned to stone. She also gave him a bright, shiny shield. Oh God. How often had Mulder been used, in just this way? Sent out to slay the proverbial dragon, with no concern from the powers over his safety, no care for his life. How often had he been shown the prize, only to have to choose, distinguishing between what was real and what was not? At least Perseus was given a tool to use -- Mulder was sent unarmed into the fray, his sense of honor and commitment turned against him as others continued to manipulate his life. He sensed her tension, and leaned around to the side to look into her face. With the tilt of his head and the slight lift of his brow, he asked without words, "Are you all right?" Silent communication. Invisible bonds. Connections that surpassed what most people would know if they lived a hundred lives. She smiled to ease his concern, and he pulled back to stand fully behind her again. She leaned into him, drawing a deep breath of the summer air - air heavy with the scent of flowers, and newly mown hay, of Mulder's unique scent, and her own arousal. She breathed again, closing her eyes and tilting her head back, offering her throat in the ancient gesture of submission and vulnerability. She could feel her life blood coursing through her veins as her heart raced. My life for his! Here I am, take me! A shadow touch brushed her neck and she lowered her head, settling back against his chest. Had he kissed her again? Her blood suddenly grew heated, and she was flooded with a rush of moisture. She could feel his erection pressing urgently against her, and knew that he knew that she felt it. They stood quietly for some time, as their hearts slowed and their breathing quieted. What had just happened? She was confused, aroused, intoxicated, as they both contemplated the meteors that flowed from the stellar Perseus. When she was able to speak in a normal tone, she said, "Not a very popular lady, our Medusa, eh?" His voice was hoarse, his breathing still uneven, but he struggled on with the story. "Not hardly. But Perseus had some more help in his quest for the Gorgon's head. Hermes gave him a sickle and loaned him his winged sandals, but the most important things he got for himself: the helmet that would make him invisible, and the magic wallet to put the severed head in." Help on his quest. Deep Throat. Senator Matheson. The mysterious Mr. X. But for what purpose was the help offered? His voice pulled her from her reverie before she could sink into despair. "To make a rather long story a little shorter..." "Too late," she interrupted. "Hey! Do you want to hear this or not?" he asked in mock indignation, his hands tightening slightly on her upper arms. "Sorry." She lifted her own hands and slowly stroked his fingers until he loosened his grip. His body was alive beneath her back and she heard the low groan that escaped his throat as she shifted her weight. "Do go on." "He managed to steal the helmet and the wallet from the Stygian Nymphs, who lived in the bowels of the earth. Then, properly armed and equipped, Perseus set out to kill Medusa. "He came across the three Gorgons asleep. Looking at his shield, he carefully studied each figure, making sure it was Medusa who would feel the blade of his sickle. He sliced off her head and threw it into the magic wallet." His voice rumbled in his chest, the vibrations teasing her skin beneath the thin cotton blouse she wore. His hands moved up and down her arms as he talked, then crept slowly across her belly. Stroke, then squeeze. Stroke, then squeeze. His body was a comforting, solid bulk behind her. She closed her eyes and let the sensations capture her, pulling her along toward -- what? Her eyes flew open again. What was happening tonight? "When Medusa died, the winged horse Pegasus instantly flew out of her body. He had been conceived by Poseidon in the temple of Athena, but Poseidon had chosen to not let Pegasus come into the world, in an effort to placate the goddess. But at Medusa's death, Pegasus was now free." Could something beautiful come from death? Perhaps not real death as in the end of life. But metaphorical death, symbolic death. Death of childhood. Death of family. Death of security, and safety, and comfort. Mulder was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Not just his body, but his soul, tortured as he was, his soul was a thing of beauty. True and faithful, loyal and committed. He lived passionately, he fought passionately, and when he gave his love, he gave it passionately. She suspected he would be a passionate lover as well. Still slightly shocked at the turn her thoughts were taking, she looked up into the velvet sky and felt the intoxicating beauty of the night sweeping her away. She turned in his arms to look at him, her small body pressed tightly against his larger form. He was staring silently into the night sky now, lost in this own thoughts. He gazed down into her eyes, then said quietly, "Pegasus flew off and eventually ended up living with the Muses." His voice dropped to a husky whisper as he added, "Nine beautiful women -- one lucky horse." She smacked his leg softly and he chuckled. His hand rose to stroke her cheek, then he turned her again, pulling her back against his chest once more. "The Gorgon sisters looked frantically for the killer of Medusa, but the helmet worn by Perseus rendered him invisible. Using the winged sandals of Hermes, Perseus made his escape. Again, to shorten the story considerably," he paused, waiting till she turned to look up at him, then giving her a mischievous smile. She took the bait, saying, "And, again, too late," as she grinned up at him. "As Perseus traveled home, he came across Andromeda, naked -- " She moved against him and he sighed. "Mmm, I like that." He liked that? Naked Andromeda? Or this? She moved against him again, and this time is was not a sigh, but a groan her movement elicited. His hands quickened their pace, as he traced feather light patterns on her abdomen and she could feel the rush of heat in the center of her being. She could feel his hardness behind her, straining, and heard the slight catch in his voice as she shifted again. It was so hot. Summer heat, August heat, the night air warm as it brushed against her inflamed body. How could one get high on heat? He swallowed, then cleared his throat and continued. "Andromeda was naked and chained to a rock as a sacrifice for a terrible sea monster. Perseus quickly made a deal with her parents, Cepheus and Cassiopeia; for rescuing the maiden he would then win her hand." The story jolted her from her thoughts of sybaritic decadence. Was she Andromeda? Chained to a rock in sacrifice? Waiting for her Perseus to set her free? Oh God, why this night? This story? This man? She deliberately slowed her breathing, forcing her body to still its almost unconscious movements. He stood immobile behind her, allowing her to set the pace, make the rules, define the parameters. When she was in control again, she teased, "Oh, is that what happens when you rescue a maiden?" She squeezed his arm and looked up over her shoulder at him. "Ruby, Marty, Lauren, to name a few. You should have a harem by now." "Only one fair maiden I'm interested in," he growled, his lips again at her ear. His arms circled her waist possessively and pulled her tight against him. She lifted her arms to rest over his, smiling into the darkness, and he went on. She was drunk on this night, this air, this place, this man. "After Perseus killed the sea monster and rescued Andromeda, Cassiopeia changed her mind about allowing him to marry her daughter. In the battle that followed, Perseus had to resort to desperate measures. He took the head of Medusa out of the magic wallet and brandished it. Instantly, the warring parties, including both king and queen, were turned to stone. "Hmm," she mused. "I might be able to use that head after all. The next time you and Bill are together. Sounds like it ends conflict quite nicely." "Ouch. Remind me to take that off the list of wedding presents. You're too tough." "Don't you forget it, G-man." She suppressed a giggle. "Then what happened?" "Well, Perseus took his new bride back to Seriphos, where a new threat greeted him. His mother had fled to a temple to avoid marrying Polydectes. Sort of the Greek version of 'Hie thee to a nunnery.' The king was hosting a banquet; Perseus entered the palace and announced that he had brought the marriage gift, as promised. He showed them the Gorgon's head, turning the entire banquet party to stone." He paused, holding her tight against his hardness. He took several deep breaths then his hands resumed their sensuous travels across her body. So that was how he saw it ending. Not with acquiring the ultimate prize, but with saving her. Against all odds, he would find a way to save her. He had done it uncountable times already. Moving mountains and going through walls to find her, save her, bring her back. To keep her safe. Her eyes filled with tears and she was glad he couldn't see her face. "Interestingly enough, the island of Seriphos does contain a group of boulders which some still believe to be the petrified remains of the banquet." She sighed, then risked wiping her eyes briefly as she commented, "You would know that, wouldn't you?" He smiled and lowered his head again to speak in her ear. "I am full of tidbits of arcane lore -- some of it most fascinating -- and useful." His mouth was against her ear, his breath teasing her, his words inflaming her further, and -- God -- was that his tongue? She wriggled against him, stretching like a cat, and was rewarded with a sharp intake of air as her bottom moved against the front of his jeans. "You still didn't tell me about the meteors," she said. Her voice was low, rough, as she fought for a semblance of control. She could feel him struggling for nonchalance as he pulled his mouth away from her ear and straightened. "Uhmm, yeah, the meteors. Remember the shower of gold dust? Well, that's the meteors." His voice dropped to a deep rumble in his chest. "Zeus, still pining for the beautiful Danae." She sighed. "Very nice." His hands were on her arms again, long, delicate strokes that brought goose bumps to the surface. The warm summer night, his breath, hot against her skin, the solid feel of him behind her, it was making her high. She twisted out of his embrace, and she could feel him tense as he fought for self-control, and let her go. It may be Zeus that pined for Danae, but it was Perseus who freed her from her captivity. It was Perseus who battled monsters and braved the unknown to keep her safe. It was Perseus who loved her. She took a few steps away, then twirled madly under the stars, sliding dizzily to her knees. She laughed, then looked back at him. He was watching her, his breathing suddenly uneven again, and his eyes dark with desire denied. Star drunk. She laughed again, then looked up, drinking of the glittering stars, overflowing their velvet bowl. I'm star drunk. Her head tilted far back and she asked, "Did you ever count stars when you were a child?" "Didn't everyone?" "It always amazes me how many more there are away from the city," she said. "These dark skies are incredible." "UFO phenomenon is associated with remote areas. Probably not that there's really any more activity out here than there is in the city, but it's just easier to see." She rose slowly and turned back to look at him. "Mulder, don't you ever just look?" He stared at her, those incredible eyes peering into her soul. "I think I've forgotten how to just look." They stood that way for a long moment, unmoving. There was a ferocious hunger in his eyes and his hands clenched spasmodically as he fought to hold his place. She turned her back to him then, unable to confront the naked longing in his face. The summer night encompassed her in its dry warmth as she lifted her arms and twirled again beneath the sky. Only the occasional chirp of a cricket and the dry rustle of leaves were brazen enough to break the silence. Even Gaia herself slept at this mythical time. She let out a giddy laugh, drunk with the beauty of the night, the magic of the moment. Was it the overpowering presence of a million shining stars? The soft fragrance of nature's bouquet floating on the evening breeze? Was it the warm summer air running delicate fingers over her sensitive skin? The teasing touch of a man who filled her days -- and haunted her nights? She only knew that she felt completely, utterly -- different. She began to walk up a slight hill into a flat open field. Her fingers methodically opened the buttons of her shirt and she deliberately let it fall behind her as it slid gracelessly down her bare arms. "Scully!" he called, his voice drifting up to her. "What the hell are you doing?" She ignored him for the moment and reached behind her, her eyes fixed on the sky. Perseus glowed brightly in the heavens, casting golden dust down to her, a god's last tears for his lost love. Not lost! Not lost! I'm here! She opened her bra and let it fall, forgotten, to the ground, embracing the warm summer air against her nude skin. He ran the short distance to her, scooping up her clothes as he came. "Scully, have you lost your mind?" he asked. His breathing was ragged now and his voice was rough, an odd mix of concern, amusement, and barely leashed passion. She turned to him, her eyes heavy lidded and a slow smile crept across her face, a smile she'd never shared with him before. She watched his unbelieving eyes as they drank greedily of her bare beauty under the diamonds of the night. "Mulder," she crooned, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't you ever just look anymore?" He swallowed hard, his eyes not quite high enough to meet her own. "I'm looking now." She stepped closer, and the breeze lifted wisps of her hair to tickle his neck and cheek. "Don't just look," she whispered slowly, her voice deep and low. He hesitated, his tongue snaking out to moisten his lips, then tentatively reached out to pull her bare body tight against him as she let out a deep sigh. Staring deeply into her eyes, the hunger naked on his face, he slowly lowered his head and kissed her. She caught his lower lip, sucking gently, silently urging him to touch her, to run his hands over her warm skin, to make her his own. His fingers tripped lightly down her bare arms, then rose hesitantly to her breasts. She arched beneath his touch, pushing her chest forward to meet his hands as they gently brushed the hardened tips of her nipples. She moaned, then pulled at his shirt, suddenly wanting -- needing -- to feel his skin against her own. His pupils were wide, his breath came in tortured gasps. He clung to her like one who had been lost and has finally been found. She broke from his exploring touch long enough to tug his shirt over his head and toss it to the ground. "Let's count the stars, Mulder," she breathed as they both sank to their knees before the majesty of the night. "Let's count the stars." End Daydreamer Check out my web page, Daydreamer's Den, brought to you by the talented Shirley Smiley, WebMistress Extraordinaire! http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Dunes/2113/ and please sign the guest book so I'll know you stopped by!