From: "steve.maddison" Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1999 17:47:13 +0100 Subject: New Beginnings - new fanfic Source: direct Reply To: "steve.maddison" _________________________________________________________ New Beginnings By: Sophie Maddison Rating: PG Category: S,R - major M&S UST, eventually MSR Spoilers: general events up to season 6, Fight the future, Redux Summary: Mulder & Scully question where their relationship is heading, and over the course of a weekend discover new things about each other and themselves that change their situation - forever. Disclaimer: you know the score, none of the characters you recognise belong to me, they belong to 1013, Fox, Chris, David, Gillian etc - the characters you don't recognise do belong to me, but they can be borrowed - I wouldn't mind! Author's note: This is my first attempt at writing one of these things up, so if you don't like it, please tell me so I don't get any worse! It's part story and part script when you get to the long dialogues, but it should be fairly easy to follow. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this story to my best friend Hannah, who inspired me to write the bloody thing in the first place! Here's to you kid! ---- XXX ~~^~^~^~~ XXX ---- SCENE: MULDER & SCULLY'S BASEMENT OFFICE. APPROXIMATELY 10.30 ON A TUESDAY MORNING, EARLY FEBRUARY. MULDER & SCULLY ARE BOTH SITTING AT THEIR DESKS, WHICH ARE ALMOST OPPOSITE EACH OTHER, ATTEMPTING TO WORK. NARRATIVE BEGINS FROM SCULLY'S P.O.V: She looked across the office at her silent companion. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, and he was chewing on a match stick again. He had that cute frown on, that she recognised as his "confused" face. He reached up to brush a lock of hair out of his eyes, but still didn't see her. After a few seconds, he seemed to get fresh inspiration, and began typing hurriedly at his computer. She sighed and looked back to her own desk. All hope of concentration on this 'grunt work' (as Mulder so charmingly put it, she recalled) was lost with him in the room. It had, for lack of a better expression, gone out the window. Which was ironic, as their little basement room didn't have any windows. She picked up a file in a last-ditch attempt to get something done that morning, when she was interrupted by her mail messager on the computer. The message read: "If you don't stop staring at me, we'll never finish this, it's very distracting!" It was from Mulder - and he had seen her after all. Uh - oh! She felt her cheeks beginning to warm, as she looked up and caught him staring straight at her, with a cheeky smile. He waggled his eyebrows at her, suggestively, and she had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing. She took a deep breath and started typing a response. Oh God - I hope he didn't see me blush. He can't have seen me like this - I won't let him. But every time I look up into those deep hazel eyes of his, I have to fight to keep control of my own emotions, emotions that are getting stronger every day. It's so hard - I've seen this guy virtually everyday for the last 6 years - God, has it really been that long? - and after all that time and all we've been through, I'm still just his partner. His partner, his rock, maybe even his best friend - but nothing more. I've wrestled with these feelings for God knows how long, I can't deny them any longer. I want Mulder. I need Mulder - more than I've ever needed anything in my life - but I can't tell him. I want to so badly, but I can't allow myself to lose control. I'm Special Agent Dana Katherine Scully, M.D. and she never loses control - does she? "Mulder, I wasn't staring at you", I begin to type. He pauses to read this and looks up with an expression I could only describe as 'oh please' that sets me off into a spin again. Only Mulder could make feigning disapproval sexy! Did I really just say that. What happened to control? I smiled in spite of myself and decided to admit defeat. "I'm going for coffee - you want some?" "What you giving up already?" he replied with that eyebrow waggle again. He's killing me with this, and he knows. Then after waiting long enough for effect - he really does know me too well - he adds "the usual, if you're offering". The 'usual' - black, two sugars. God, I even know how he takes his coffee. This is relationship stuff. I take a breath and calm down. Smiling, I tell him I'll be back in a minute and close the door behind me. He calls after me, but I carry on. He can wait, I think to myself. Control has returned. MULDER'S P.O.V: Wow - that was unexpected. Scully - my Scully - sits staring at me instead of getting on with her work with the seemingly endless energy she pours into everything she does. And did she blush when I noticed? Is it really possible that she feels as I do, that there is something other than friendship between us, which binds us together. That time in the hallway, I was so close to kissing --- No. I can't. But when I got her out of the ship and she stopped breathing, I gave her CPR without even thinking about it. It wasn't until after that I realised that that was the closest I had ever been to kissing her - and probably the closest I would ever get. What am I doing? This is Scully we're talking about. She's my partner - I can't do this - I'm certainly not supposed to, but then again when has that ever stopped me before? No. No matter how much I want to, I can't. He opened the top drawer of his desk. It was a total mess as usual. Silently recalling the number of times she had told him to clear it out, he smiled and began to hunt around for something. He dug under a half - eaten packet of sunflower seeds, battered address book, hundreds of biros and pencils chewed away till practically nothing, gum wrappers, and finally found what he was looking for. He closed the drawer, remembering why he had switched to matchsticks. Last week he had been chewing on a biro, when Scully had made a particular comment about a case. I was so shocked, I bit clean through the barrel and my mouth filled up with blue ink. Not a wonderful flavour, it has to be said. He put two air tickets to Boston leaving Friday, down on the desk. He toyed with a small blue box, but then after seemingly thinking better of whatever he was considering, replaced it in the drawer, closed it and locked it. He sat silently for a moment still chewing on the match stick, looked back at the tickets and slid them under a file. Not yet. At that moment, Scully re-emerged, carrying two coffees plus a couple of twinkies and hershey bars. BACK TO SCULLY: "Par-tay", he exclaimed upon seeing the food. I gave him the most disapproving look I could, while stifling giggles and set the drinks down. "Thought you might need a sugar boost" "Ah, Scully - how well you know me" he sighed, in mock contentment. I smiled and looked up to meet his gaze. I swear sometimes I can see right down into him through those eyes, and today there is definitely something devious in there. "Mulder, what's going on," I ask. He feigns surprise, "Nothing," he manages after a second. I accept this - for the while anyway. Half an hour later, we are both trying to get through costing reports on last months operations. Not the most riveting of jobs! I'm trying to make sense of a note written in typical Mulder 'scrawl', when my messager flashes up again. "Hey Scully, whatya doing this weekend?" it read. I'd had enough of this. "Mulder ......." "Humour me" he interrupts with that puppy dog face of his he always uses to get his own way. God those eyes ..... NOTE: this next part is all dialogue so I'll write this part in script form. Notes in brackets are stage directions. S: "Actually, I'm going to a wedding in Massachusetts" M: "Oh?" S: "Yeah - some friends from high school, D.C.'s answer to Romeo & Juliet, y'know." M: "Sure - when is it?" S: "Sunday why?" M: "So you're free Saturday then" S: "I have some shopping to do, but basically, yeah?" M: "Will you be my wife?" S: "WHAT?!" (this was too much for me. I topple backwards off the chair with a shriek and land in a heap on the floor.) M: "Jesus Scully" (he runs over to help me up and notices a cut in my left palm) "You're bleeding. Come on - sit down here." (he pulled the chair upright again, sat me down in it and ran off to get the first aid box.) S: (I only now notice the blood coming from my hand. I must have caught my hand on the desk as I fell.) (Great Dana - very cool! Just when I think I've got him figured out, he does something like this. I'd imagined him asking me so many times - more than I'd admit to - but when he actually said it, he threw me completely off. ) (he comes back armed with the kit and a bottle of water. He knelt down and gently moved my right hand away so he could see the gash. He looked really concerned) (God - he looks cute like that!) (After a while of him wiping the cut down with the water and some antiseptic, he smiled and still not looking at me, said...) M: "Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for!" (The cut actually turned out to be not that deep and he put a dressing on) S: "Yeah well, I wasn't exactly expecting the question" (I smile as he looks up and look at the dressing) "You did a good job" M: "Well I've seen you patch me up enough times, you kinda catch on" (smiles) S: (laughs slightly) M: (finishes up) "Any better?" S: "Still stings a little , but it's okay." M: (leans over and plants the softest of kisses on her hand) "Now?" S: (Oh wow - what the hell was that?! For once, I'm stunned to silence.) M: (looking down) "You still didn't answer my question" S: (struggles to get words out) "Yes - that is better" M: (laughs) Thanks - but I meant my other question. S: "Mulder you're not serious - are you?" M: "Look I'm not talking 'till death do us part' or anything. God knows we've been close enough to that already." (utter confusion on Scully's face) (looks down) "Okay - this is going to sound really stupid, I'm aware of that and please don't give me that look, I know what you're thinking--- (still looking down so misses indignant look on Scully's face) ---" S: (What look? Okay he does have a point - but that was actually the last thought in my head right now!) M: "---anyway its my high school reunion this Saturday---" S: (interrupts - welcome back to reality!) "I thought you weren't going" M: "How did you know - I didn't say anything about it" S: "Aha - they don't call it women's intuition for nothing!" (very puzzled look from Mulder) "nah, your Mom told me" M: "When did you ---" S: (anticipating question) "I ran into her at your apartment that day you forget the O'Grady file. She was looking for you. We chatted a little - she told me." M: "Oh. Did she say why she was looking for me?" S: "No. I guess it was personal, I didn't ask." (thankful expression from Mulder) --PAUSE-- "What have you been saying to her about me?" M: "What?" (taken aback) S: "She called me 'Dana honey' instead of Scully, and kept giving these weird looks, like she knew something I didn't." M: "I don't know," --BIG PAUSE-- "She called you 'honey'? Jeez, I've known you for six years and you won't even let me call you 'Dana'!" S: (laughs) "So - you were saying about the reunion?" (letting the 'honey' matter go for the time being) M: "Yeah, Anyway - I wasn't planning on going, but Mom kinda talked me into it. She said I should take a break from work - (off Scully's look) - don't even start with me. See I wasn't exactly 'Joe popular' at high school and there was this one guy, Richard Campbell, who got everything I wanted. He was always better than me, at everything. Sports, girls, cars, anything he wanted just fell into his lap. I just thought how good it would feel to once have something that was better than his." S: "I didn't have you down as the jealous type Mulder, especially not of some dumb jock." M: "Oh - so you two have met then (sees Scully's expression) okay, I admit that was a cheap shot, but I feel a hell of a lot better now! Anyway, I wasn't jealous (incredulous look from Scully) I was going for silently resentful." S: "Right, my mistake, sorry" (laughs) M: "So -- (finally getting to the point) -- I was wondering if I was extra nice to you this week--- (even more incredulous look from Scully) (carries on anyway) --- you'd come down to the reunion with me and ---" S: "What?" M: "---maybe pretend you were my wife? (hopefully) S: (chokes on a mouthful of twinkie) "WHAT?!!" M: "I know it sounds crazy" (Scully's look - 'you think?') "But it's only for a few hours---" S: (interrupts) "Okay." M: "---I mean, it shouldn't be too - wait, did you just say yes? S: (smiles) "Yeah - but no autopsies for a week!" M: "Deal" (laughs) "Seriously though Scully - you sure you don't mind?" S: "Well what exactly do you want me to do" M: "I figure - we fly down late Friday, then you can have all day Saturday to go do your shopping and pick out something sexy - (Scully gives him a murderous look!) -er than office stuff? (she seems satisfied with this) We go to the party like 7.30 and we can be out of there by midnight." S: (slightly sceptical) "Okay - I mean it's not quite the weirdest thing you've got me to do on a weekend!" M: "Great" S: "On one condition though. You have to come with me to the wedding on Sunday, I don't want to go without a date either! Oh -- (as an afterthought) --and you have to pay for this sexy-er (emphasises 'er') outfit." M: "That's two conditions! But okay." (smiles) (gets up to walk back to his own desk) (turns to face her) "Scully?" S: (now with mouth full of hershey's) "Mmm?" M: "Thanks." S: (swallows) "Sure." (big smile) M: (walks back over as Scully rises from her chair and embraces her) (he breathes in deeply) (God, how can she not know how I feel - or maybe she does?) (he pulls away and kisses her on the forehead) (for a minute it looks like things may go further but they are interrupted by SPENDER knocking at the door) "Yeah?" (moves apart from Scully) SP: (doesn't appear to have seen anything) "Agent Mulder - Assistant Director Skinner's asking for you" (bluntly - they aren't exactly friends) M: "Right" (grabs his jacket and smiles to Scully) "Back in a minute" (leaves) SP: (sees bandage on Scully's hand) "Agent Scully - what happened to your hand?" S: "You wouldn't believe me if I told you" (smiles - thinking about something else) SP: (frowns and dismisses himself) (leaves) (Scully is left on her own in the office). .............TO BE CONTINUED !!! X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X New Beginnings part two By: Sophie Maddison __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ SCENE: STILL IN THE BASEMENT OFFICE, LATER THAT MORNING. WE PICK UP WITH SCULLY'S P.O.V: Wow!! What the hell was that? Mulder - Mr Couldn't-be-more-single-if-I-tried - asks me to pretend to be his wife to impress some guy from high school. This really doesn't sound like him does it? He really had this planned though, the travel, everything. And he wants me to dress sexy, but for this Richard guy or for him? Okay, maybe I'm crazy, but despite the very painful cut in my hand, I'm actually deliriously happy at the moment! And that kiss! Maybe I'm reading him wrong, but Mulder has kissed me plenty of times, but not like that! And if Spender hadn't come in at that exact moment, I don't know what would've happened! Wait a second! I'm just having a very pleasant thought. He could have asked Fowley to go with him, but he didn't. I wonder why? I mean, they used to date and I'm sure she wouldn't have minded - then again who would? Strangely, the thought of him choosing me over her cheered me up even more. That may not be very nice, but I get almost territorial when it comes to Mulder. I'm just glowing from my triumph, when he returns. He mumbles something, while tearing off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves, but I'm not really listening. God he's cute! M: "Yo Scully, G-girl....." (if Mulder's a G-man, Scully must be a G-girl) S: (suddenly realising he's talking to me) "Sorry." M: "You o-kay there?" (he gives me that sweet concerned look again) S: (smiling to reassure him) "Yeah I'm fine, hand still hurts though." M: Ah, you need some more 'Mulder magic'?!" (waggling eyebrows) S: (trying hard to look disapproving) "I don't know about that --PAUSE-- some aspirin would be nice" (big smile) M: "Oh well - can't blame a guy for trying!" (grins back, picks up a little bottle on top of his desk and chucks it at her) "Heads up!" S: (catches it) M: "We'll make a baseball player of you yet!" S: "Very funny" (sarcastically) SCENE: FRIDAY AFTERNOON IN THE OFFICE - DAY THEY ARE DUE TO FLY DOWN TO MASSACHUSETTS. SCULLY'S P.O.V: The rest of the week was fairly quiet. Mulder didn't mention the kiss, or even the reunion, except for asking me about my planned outfit............ M: "So Scully - you got anything for the weekend yet?" S: (seriously, while looking down at some reports) "No, the stores are all out of leather catsuits (Mulder's eyebrows shoot up!) so I figured I'd get something tomorrow afternoon." M: "Oh --PAUSE-- you weren't serious about the catsuits were you?" (weird look, possibly hopeful?) S: ('do-you-even-have-to-ask' look as I look up and catch his gaze) .........But today was Friday, and according to the ticket Mulder gave me, we still had four hours before we left. I sighed and looked back at the pile of work on my desk, it was going to be a long four hours! MULDER'S P.O.V: I looked at my watch, the day was really dragging on. But maybe that was due to my excitement about the weekend. Two whole days with Scully - my Scully - not thinking about work, but just having a (moderately!) good time. I didn't let her know just how much I was looking forward to going. I tried to bring up the topic a couple of days ago, and she made this weird crack about catsuits. The thought of her flame-haired ice queen figure in an Emma Peel outfit was insanely arousing! I considered the Avengers analogy, thinking how like Steed and Mrs Peel we were. But in the Avengers, Steed didn't get the girl - now, you never know what might happen! I smiled and returned to my catsuit fantasy. SCULLY'S P.O.V: I don't know what he's doing, but I'm sure he's been typing the same sentence for the last half hour. I look up and see my bags in the corner of the room. Again I ask myself why I'm doing this. The answer is the same every time though - Mulder. If he asked me to go to the other side of the world for him, I would, and in fact frequently have. I'd do anything for him. If only he could see that. Oh well, I suppose I shouldn't dwell on it. He's still deeply engrossed in his work - I wish I could say the same. I look down and see the paperclip I'd been playing with before and smile. MULDER'S P.O.V: I was trying my hardest to get the idea of Scully in a catsuit out of my head when something flew past my head. What the hell?! She flicked a paperclip at me! I looked up indignantly and she was staring fixedly at her work with a sly smile. Right - that's it! SCULLY'S P.O.V: Ah, finally got his attention then! The paperclip flew back at me and a kind of war ensued, lasting for about thirty seconds, when one of his struck me in the middle of my forehead. S: "Ow!" M: (hiding behind his computer) "Sorry Scully!" (not meaning it at all) S: (I decide to forgive him) "Look - it's 4.30, the plane leaves in three and a half hours and we're obviously not going to get anything else done (shooting Mulder a severe look) so why don't we leave early and I'll meet you at your apartment in an hour." M: "Why in an hour?" S: "Well - I have to go home first." M: "Don't tell me you forgot something! (sarcastic) We're only going for two days, didn't you pack enough?" (looking over at my pile of bags next to his tiny little hold-all that he drags around on all our field work) S: "Thank you very much! I want to change first and I'm not wearing any rings today" M: "Yeah?" (totally missing the point) S: "Well call me picky (off Mulder's look) shut up Mulder (smiling as he puts on a hurt expression) but did you ever think of bringing a ring?" M: "Why?" S: "Well it's a little hard to be married to someone without a ring" M: "You have no faith in me, do you?" S: (a little hurt) "I wouldn't say that" M: "...because for once I planned ahead. (walking over to his desk and taking out the small blue box from the top drawer) This was supposed to be your birthday present (looking down, a little nervously) it's a little early, but I guess the occasion calls for it." S: (opening the box, inside there is a thin gold band with three diamonds set in the front) "Oh my God!" (tears begin to appear) M: "You - (scanning her face) don't like it?" S: "I love it! (massive grin through tears) But this must have cost like...." M: (interrupting her) "It was worth it." S: (grateful smile) "Only you could go from a keyring to diamonds in two years!" M: (walking over, he takes the ring out of the box, places it on her wedding finger and kisses her hand. Thankfully the bandage had gone by now!) "Happy Birthday Dana." S: (did he just call me Dana?! I smile and look up into his face and God, I want to kiss him. He looks like he wants to too!) We edge closer and closer together, and I could swear time just seemed to stop, like we were the only people in the world. He releases my hand and puts one hand round my waist and another in my hair. I breathe heavily and reach my hands up around his neck. We are now only about a playing card's width apart, and I can feel his breath on my cheek. Then it happens, he reached down to tilt my chin upwards and leans in. His lips brush the lightest of kisses on mine when.........the phone interrupts us. We pull apart breathing deeply. He doesn't release me, but reaches out a hand to press the phone onto 'speaker', his eyes do not leave mine the entire time. SK*: "Agent Mulder?" (*: Skinner) M: (we share a deep sigh, but he's still holding me) "Yeah?" SK: "Are you alone?" M: (I shoot him a confused look) "No, I'm here with Scully" (damn, what happened to 'Dana'?) SK: "May I speak with you in private please?" M: (confused) "Sure" (he releases me and grabs the phone, walking to the other side of the office) Thanks a lot sir! The moment was totally lost, but I realised I was still tingling from that kiss......that KISS! Mulder kissed me! It just sunk in. I reach one finger up to touch my increasingly scarlet lips. Wow!! That was definitely worth waiting for! It may have taken six years, but it was definitely worth it! But still, it wasn't enough. I realised - I want more. Mulder finished on the phone and then looked up at me. He looked as shocked as I was, but then collapsed into a huge grin that I couldn't help returning. S: "So, what was that about?" M: (flustered) "What?" S: (I know what he's thinking about!) "Skinner. On the phone remember, the thing on the desk that you pick up when it rings?" (enjoying teasing him) M: Very funny - but no, it wasn't anything important, so..... (stopping as I begin to gather my bags together) what?" S: "I'm going home to change." (I needed to get out of there, I needed some air!) M: "Right so it's probably easiest if I pick you up, say about 6.00?" S: "Sure - I'll - go then." (not sure what to say) M: "Right" (feeling the same way) I gather up my bags and leave Mulder to his thoughts. MULDER'S P.O.V: Oh my God! Did that really just happen? I saw the ring like two months ago, and I've been working up the courage ever since to buy it for her. It may have cost a lot - she was right about that! - but the look on her face when I gave it to her made it all worth while. I'm constantly having to re-invent the rules around her. I've never gone this far for anyone before. Just being around her makes getting up in the morning to be stamped on, beat up, officially reprimanded or whatever else God decides to dump on me, suddenly seem much more appealing. For as long as I can remember I've been driven by my search for the truth, to finally find out what happened to Samantha 26 years ago. For more years than I can count, that one thing was my reason to get up and get on with life. But since Scully came into my life, my priorities have changed. Now, the single most important thing to me is keeping her safe and happy, whatever it takes. She started off as my partner, then became my confident and best friend, but now? I can't describe what she is to me now. And after six years of stepping round it, I finally gave in and went for it. I couldn't hide how I feel about her anymore, she deserves better than that. I put the ring on her finger and it just felt so right, it felt totally natural to me. But not as natural as what came next. That single moment with her was like a re-birth, I was given new hope that a future with her may not be beyond my reach anymore. But even with this new hope came new doubts. What if I'd gone too far? I couldn't bear to lose her, I'd never forgive myself. She looked okay when she left, I guess I'll see when I get to her place. After all, she could have called the whole thing off, but she didn't. She held onto me as strongly as I held her. Maybe she needs me too........ SCENE: SCULLY'S APARTMENT, LATER THAT DAY. SCULLY'S P.O.V: I paced around the apartment anxiously looking at my watch. He was late, unconsciously I toyed with the ring now on my finger. What if he'd decided not to come? Maybe he'd decided that this wasn't such a great idea after all. I was still reeling from the events of this afternoon. I'd done a lot of things with Mulder, ranging from the bizarre to the downright dangerous. But this afternoon - that was new. It was exciting, it was thrilling, it was wonderful! I saw him as if for the first time all over again, it was like someone was giving us a fresh start, and I intended to make the most of it! Just feeling his arms around me like I'd dreamed about for God knows how many sleepless nights on field cases. I didn't ever want it to end, but then the phone rang. The moment was lost, but definitely not forgotten, by either of us, judging by his expression. Oh well, this weekend should prove interesting! I decided I'd go crazy if I hung around the apartment any longer, I'd already tried to call him four times to check if he was coming. I grabbed my bags and headed for the door, waiting downstairs has got to be better than this, I was just getting myself worked up. As I closed the door, I saw someone walking towards me. I sighed, it was Laura, the owner's daughter, from the apartment opposite mine. L: "Hey Miss Scully" S: "Hey Laura" (walking towards the elevator) L: "Your boyfriend's waiting for you downstairs by the way" S: "Who?" (a little shocked) L: "Didn't say his name. He's the guy you're always hanging around with. Tall, dark hair, nice eyes, moderately cute in an unconventional way. Excellent butt too" (smiling) S: "Oh you mean Mulder! (smiling) He's not my boyfriend" L: "Sure" (sarcastically) S: Thanks for the message (disapproving look) --PAUSE-- excellent butt?" L: "Oh yeah! (smiling) --PAUSE-- Hey if you guys aren't dating then, could you put in a good word for me?" S: "Laura you're 14!" (slightly incredulously) L: "So? Can't blame a girl for trying!" VOICE OUT OF SIGHT: "Laura! Phone!" L: "Gotta go - see ya Miss Scully" S: "Bye Sarah" (starting to walk away) L: "Remember - 555 0142!" S: (very disapproving look) L: "Hey - worth a shot right?" Scully walks away and travels down to the lobby via the ancient elevator. It may only be three floors, but no way was she taking the stairs with these bags! She stepped off the elevator at the ground floor, and immediately saw him. You couldn't miss him, in his black jeans, white T-shirt and a black leather jacket to die for, plus he was the only guy actually down there! She walked over, well it was more like staggered actually, with a huge grin on her face, that he instantly returned. M: "I swear I didn't pack this much when I moved apartments!" S: "Nice to see you too Mulder" M: "Sorry - you look gorgeous by the way!" S: (slightly flustered, she was wearing white trousers and an over sized college sweatshirt that she usually reserved for slouching around in) "Thanks - so, shall we...." M: "Ah - before we go I have something for you" (mysteriously) S: (inquisitive look) "Oh?" M: "Yeah well I know it's supposed to be candy and flowers, (Scully looks slightly confused) but all the stores were closing early (typical Mulder excuse) so this was the best I could do." (handing her a box of Oreos and a bunch of dandelions) S: "That is so sweet (actually has tears in her eyes) thank you!" (taken aback by something so thoughtful - so Mulder she thought!) M: (smiling at her) "Okay - so we should go." (grabs bags and walks to the door, towards the cab he had waiting) S: (following behind him, remembering something that Laura said, and trying as discreetly as possible to check) M: (turns around and sees her staring) "What are you doing?" S: "Nothing" (very quickly!) M: (grins) "Were you checking out my ass?" S: (blushing) "No!" M: "Okay whatever you say Miss Scully!" (sly smile) S: "How did you--?" (Mulder pulls out his cell phone and smiles) "I'm gonna kill that girl! (to herself) Maybe I should have given her your number after all!" M: "What?" S: (huge grin) "Never mind!" (getting into the car leaving Mulder looking very confused) END OF PART TWO........... ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ New Beginnings - part three By: Sophie Maddison ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ SCULLY'S NARRATIVE: The talk I had with Laura, kinda made me think. I had always thought of Mulder as indescribably attractive, and no one has ever looked that good in a suit! Don't even get me started on the paramedic uniform! It was strange though, hearing someone other than me talking about Mulder as a 'hotty' - as Laura charmingly calls her frequently changing boyfriends! I must have been doing something wrong - I was never that popular at 14! I think I was even a little mad - but the realisation that even Mulder wouldn't have a relationship with someone less than half his age, cheered me up! I was slightly annoyed at him for being late, but when I saw him in the lobby, that more than made up for it! He looked amazing! Then again, he always does, he can even make a hospital gown look sexy! He caught me staring at his butt - kind of unfortunate, he didn't seem to mind though! This last week has been really strange! First Mulder asks me to pretend to be his wife, then he gives me a diamond ring, then a box of Oreo's and some dandelions! Who is this guy?! I have never seen him like this before, he's definitely flirting with me! Okay so I'm flirting back - but who's counting?! For the first time he's actually acting like my boyfriend, a rather strange but amazing feeling! Neither of us has mentioned the kiss - though it's certainly prominent in my - and I guess his - mind. It was unbelievable! However short it was, it felt like a lifetime. At first, I had to actually convince myself it had happened, but now? I relive the moment every time I see him. Our whole relationship has changed - it's amazing how 30 seconds can change your life! I'm sure now, that I want what we started this afternoon to continue, but I'm waiting for him to make the first move - it's more fun that way! Besides - I've got a few surprises of my own planned for him this weekend...... MULDER'S P.O.V: She gave me the oddest look when I went to meet her at the apartment. She seemed really touched by the cookies and flowers - I know it was kind of dumb, but she liked them, so that's good enough for me. I even her caught her staring at my ass - very un-Scully kinda thing to do! We rode to the airport basically in silence, except for a few looks, she said nothing. I asked her if there was anything wrong, but she just smiled and shook her head. Her hair looks amazing when she does that, the colour is a little lost on me (being colour-blind) but I can still tell it's shiny at least! Ever since she left, I hadn't stopped thinking about the kiss. It was totally unplanned, but it just felt right. She didn't say anything, but I think she was thinking about it too. The flight was fairly boring. We had eaten before, we actually almost missed the plane because of that.... S: "Right, well we've still got an hour before take-off, so you wanna grab something to eat?" (I hoped he did, I was starving!) M: "Great idea, there's a Burger King just over there" S: (I gave him a look) "Please be joking!" M: (delightfully oblivious as always!) "What?" S: "For once I would like to eat something that actually tastes like what I ordered!" M: (faking shock) "Don't diss the 'King" S: (laughs) "Sorry - but can we please go somewhere else" M: "I guess" (feigning disappointment) S: "Don't sulk - look, you can pick all the meals while we're away - deal?" M: (brightening) " 'Kay" We trekked around for ages, and finally found this little cafe. Okay - I will admit the food was good, but we had to wait for ever to get served. We didn't notice the time until 10 minutes before the plane left. I looked down at my watch and said something I probably shouldn't have. Scully threw me a withering look, but I pointed out the time and she said the same! We paid as quickly as we could and ran out of the cafe leaving its small clientele opened mouthed looking after us. Luckily, we made the flight, and I had an enjoyable half hour pretending to be mad at Scully, while she apologised profusely. S: (after many apologies) "Okay - next time you pick the place" M: (smiling widely) S: (really mad) "I can't believe you did that, the entire plane must have heard me apologising and you weren't even mad. (darkly) You are so gonna get it for this!" M: (waggles eyebrows) S: "I can't win, can I?!" (laughs) M: (innuendo-laden look) "Depends what you're playing!" S: (smiles) Anyway, I let it go at that and we settled down to watch the in-flight movie. I'd never realised just how annoying Steve Guttenburg is! I looked across to Scully who was in the seat next to me, and suddenly realised she was asleep. She was so bored she'd fallen asleep with her head on my shoulder. I smiled in content, and felt more than ever that we were supposed to be together. She looked so peaceful as she slept, but she was going to have one hell of a crick in her neck when she woke up! SCULLY'S P.O.V: I must have fallen asleep during the flight. Mulder had begged me to lend him my computer so he could play FreeCell, but I declined..... S: "Mulder you don't want to play games, you want to go on the Internet again." M: "What do you mean again?" (confused) S: "When we went out to Houston, you sneaked into my room at like 3.30 in the morning and stole (Mulder interrupts "Borrowed") sorry, borrowed my computer. I checked your files at work when we got back, and lets just say you weren't sending memos." M: "You knew about that (shocked) what other things of mine have you been snooping around?" S: (using Mulder's innuendo look) "Wouldn't you like to know?" Anyway, we eventually agreed to watch the movie, I hated reading on planes, but it wasn't particularly fascinating. I must have drifted off, because the next thing I know, Mulder's shaking me gently and telling me to wake up. Mmm, it was nice to wake up to his voice..... M: "Hey sleepy head (I groan) hi (smiles) welcome back. We've landed, (I look out the window and see the rough outline of Boston International airport) so unless you plan to spend the night here, I would suggest moving." S: "God my neck (massaging some feeling back into it) (Mulder smiled, knowing I'd regret sleeping like that) how long was I asleep?" M: "About 2 hours" S: "Oh (suddenly thinks of something) are you okay - (he looks confused) I didn't cut off the circulation did I?" M: "What!" S: (confused look) "In your shoulder" (smiles) M: "Right - no, no you didn't" (calming down) S: (even bigger smile) "Come on - we better go." SCENE: A BOSTON HOTEL, THE CLERK (C) IS JUST SHOWING MULDER AND SCULLY TO THEIR ROOMS. C: "Right, 42 is your room sir, (unlocking the door and putting the luggage down inside) your room is next door Miss." (I tell Mulder I'll be back in a minute and leave with the clerk) C: "This is your room Miss (puts down luggage) (I wander round examining the room, I notice a door) S: "Is that a connecting door to his room?" C: "Yes Miss" S: (tries handle, it is locked) "Could you unlock it for me?" C: (gives her a look but unlocks the door anyway) S: "Thank you" (I give him a twenty, he smiles thanks and leaves) I survey the room, it's fairly lavish, way better than the run-down motels he usually has us staying at. Oh well, he's paying, I think. I flop down on the bed and pick up the room service menu and see what their most expensive thing is, then think better of it. He doesn't deserve that. I'm just thinking about this, when the phone rings...... S: "Hey Mulder" M: "--PAUSE-- Damn, I was going to do that 'Scream' trick!" S: "Nah - I don't scare that easy (I laugh) did you want something?" M: "Well I know it's late, but do you want to come over and see how high a bill we can run up on room service?" S: (I laugh, remembering my previous thought) M: "What?" S: "Is that the best you can come up with?" M: "What? It's too late to go out and I fancy a burger! Or I give a mean neck-rub if you'd prefer that!" S: "Hmm - tempting (feeling my stiff neck) let me think about it, I'll be over in twenty minutes, just let me unpack first" M: "Sure - see ya then" I hang up the phone and roll over on the bed so I'm now on my back. I'll unpack in a minute, I think........ MULDER'S P.O.V: I smile as I put down the phone, I made up some dumb line about room service, which she saw straight through, but the truth is I just wanted to see her. I know it's silly, I mean she's only in the next room, but I wanted her here, and running up a huge bill wasn't exactly the only thing on my mind at that precise time! The clock ticked by, 20 minutes had been and gone, but she hadn't come. I decided to see what was going on. I went over to the connecting door, I'd heard the clerk unlocking it earlier, and opened it. I called out her name and then caught sight of her on the bed. She was deeply asleep. I smiled, she looked even more beautiful asleep than awake. I went over to her, and removed her shoes and pulled the covers up over her. She still hadn't stirred. I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, "Goodnight g-girl"...... SCULLY'S P.O.V: I awoke the next morning at 8.30, my neck feeling more stiff than ever, I was also still fully dressed. I realised I must have fallen asleep before making it to Mulder's. I groan and wish I'd taken him up on the offer of that neck-rub. Then I realised - this was Mulder offering here - he's never offered me one before. What is going on with him this week? I can't make him out! I take a shower and dress, feeling much better. I decided to see if Mulder was up yet. I opened the connecting door and walked through into his room, just as he was emerging from the shower! Fortunately (or should that be unfortunately!) he did at least have a towel round his waist. He looked a little surprised at first, but quickly recovered.... M: "Hey Scully" S: (I realise he has noticed me staring at him - I'm sorry, but what a body! He could be an athlete! He certainly hides it well underneath his suits! The wet look is definitely him!) M: "Should I get dressed first?" (smiles cheekily) S: (blushing slightly) "No, I'm sorry, I didn't think to knock..." M: "Evidently!" S: "....(he's not going to make this easy!) I just came in to say that I'm going to hit the shops now....." M: "I'll alert the swat team!" S: "Mulder!" M: "Sorry!" (not meaning it at all!) S: "...anyway, I just wanted to see if you wanted to come and have breakfast with me before I go." M: "Sure (smiling) I better get dressed first though - I think they might object if I didn't! --PAUSE-- I'll meet you downstairs in half an hour" S: "Okay" I close the door behind me, as I go back to my room. Oh - My - God!!!!! He looked amazing! I mean, I've seen him wearing very little before, but I didn't have the time to take advantage of the moment. Wow!! He definitely saw me staring this time! I finally calm myself down and go to wait for him in the restaurant. We ate breakfast in relative silence, except for a few waggled-eyebrow looks from Mulder nothing more was said. The food was good - not amazing, but pretty nice, and Mulder certainly made the most of it! After his third helping, I called him a pig, to which he strongly objected...... M: (in a fake accent) "But Ma - I'm a growing boy!" S: (I couldn't help laughing) "So what's happening tonight then?" M: "Well I thought we could meet upstairs about 6.30 and then I'll drive us over to the reunion" S: (checks watch) Right I better go, I have some serious shopping to do." M: "How serious is serious?" S: "Why?" M: "Well I need to know how much to give you for the outfit, your 1st condition, remember?" (seeing the blank look on my face) S: "Don't worry about it, I was only joking" M: "So does that mean I don't have to go to the wedding tomorrow?" (hopefully) S: "Nope, sorry, that you are definitely not getting out of" M: (groans) S: "I gotta go - I'll see you later okay?" M: "Yeah - bye" I literally shopped till I dropped today, I was exhausted by the time I got back to the hotel. I think I hit every major store in the city! I managed to get something for the 'happy couple' for tomorrow, and a couple of killer outfits - thank God for Macy's! I bought something for Mulder too. I was in the middle of Sak's, desperate to find somewhere to sit down, when I saw this tie. I always thought Mulder's taste in ties was fairly 'eclectic' shall we say, so strictly on impulse, I bought it. I contemplated going to get birthday presents, but realised that my feet wanted to get back to the hotel - and fast! I walked through the door and threw myself at the bed. Never ever wear heels while shopping! I was just about to phone Mulder to see if he was about, when he walked through the door...... M: "Hey (sees my bags) jeez, how much did you buy?" S: (smiling) "Enough" M: "I should hope so - you did get something for tonight I take it?" S: "Yep" M: "Right well, why don't we both get changed and I'll meet you in 30 minutes." S: "Sure" I went and had a shower after he had left and sprayed myself liberally with perfume, and then pulled out my 'outfit' smiling. Well, he wanted sexy, he was going to get it! I pulled the dress I had bought on, but it was a back-fastening one, so draping my robe over the front of the dress and taking special care to knock first, I went into Mulder's room...... S: "See, I can remember to knock!" M: "So I see (smiles) (he looked really cute, in black trousers and a white shirt with it's collar undone and sleeves rammed up to the elbows!) I know I said that robe looked good on you, but you weren't actually planning on wearing that to the reunion were you?" S: "Nah, my outfit's underneath, I just didn't want you to see it till I was completely ready." M: "Right" S: "So anyway, this thing fastens at the back, and obviously I can't do it, so (walking towards him with a pleading smile) would you mind?" M: (fakes a disgruntled smile) "I 'spose not - come here" S: (I turn round so my back is now facing him and I could swear I hear him draw breath!) M: (recovers his voice) "Well at least I know it's cream (brings his hands down and gently pulls up the zip) there - all done" S: (I turn back round to face him with a smile) "Well I did see this great green dress, but I thought I should probably go for a colour you could see - make it easier for you to compliment me!" (big grin) M: "Ah I see, it was all part of your cunning plan!" S: "Something like that, anyway I'll finish dressing and I'll be back in a minute" M: "Okay" I close the door behind me and draw in a deep breath. Wow! Just feeling his hands on my skin felt amazing, his hands were so soft and cool against my back. I realised I was trembling. How I'm going to get through the evening I do not know! I calmed myself down and went to finish dressing. MULDER'S P.O.V: Oh my God! What was that about?! She is seriously flirting with me, giving me funny looks, getting me to fasten her dress. I may not have been able to see very much of it, but from what I did see, she has excellent taste!! I had to try really hard to keep control when she got me to zip her up - she has perfect skin, and it felt so soft under my hands! This evening should be very interesting! I was interrupted from my thoughts then, by a knock at the door...... M: "Yeah?" S: "I'm ready, shall I come in?" M: "Sure, I want to see this secret outfit of yours, plus we actually have to leave in the next 5 minutes or we'll be late!" (I'm facing the wall at this point, as I take my keys out of the cabinet drawer) S: (already in the room) "Thanks for the compliment" M: (I whirl round to see her. Wow. She is wearing a cream silk, very fitted dress. It is strapless, reaches the floor, and has a slit all the way up the left leg. She looks fantastic) "Okay, what happened to Scully!" S: "She's still there, you just haven't seen her like this before! (big grin) Does that mean you like it?" (twirling for maximum effect) M: (struggling to get the words out!) "I love it -Scully you look beautiful" (sincerely) S: "Thank you (very flattered) although I think you better start calling me Dana (look of confusion on Mulder's face) well it might seem a bit suspicious if I'm supposed to be your wife, and you're calling me by my surname!" M: "Oh right - Shall we go then Dana?" (smiling widely) S: "Sure - Fox!" (walks out leaving Mulder to stare after her) M: "Wow! I should have done this a long time ago!" (not quite loud enough for her to hear) S: (peeps head back around door) "You coming or what?!" M: "Yeah" (it was going to be a very interesting evening!) TO BE CONTINUED........ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X New Beginnings - part four By: Sophie Maddison ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ MULDER'S P.O.V: Okay - I'm still trying to recover from the shock! I almost had a heart attack when she came out in that dress. Well I asked for sexy - and oh boy was that what I got! She looked really happy - although she must have noticed the way I was looking at her - she'd be blind not to. How the hell I'm going to get through this evening I don't know! It's like she' s not Scully any more. Obviously I know she is - but I've never seen her quite like this before! It suddenly occurs to me that this is probably the closest we've come in six years to having a date! One night where we don't have to think about work, or protocol or anything like that - we can just relax (kind of!) and enjoy ourselves. She brought me out of my daze and we were just about to head off to the reunion. I grabbed my jacket off the bed and suddenly she seemed to remember something.... S: "Ooh - I knew I forgot something - wait a second" M: "What did you forget - the rest of your dress?!" (full eyebrow waggle) S: "I'll ignore that (mock disapproval) actually I bought you something while I was out" (heading back into her room) M: "Really?" (trying and not succeeding to hide my excitement!) S: (coming back into room holding a small black box) "It's not much - but I thought you might need it!" (smiles) M: (looking very confused) "I didn't know there were any of those type of shops in Boston!" S: "I'll pretend I didn't hear that (even bigger smile) --PAUSE-- oh will you just open the damn thing!" M: (opens box to reveal a black tie with yellow smiley faces on it!) (laughs in surprise) "It's perfect!" S: "Well I always thought your tie collection left a little to be desired (I pretend to be hurt, which just makes her smile even more!) so I thought you should at least have one decent one!" M: "Well that's nice!" (Scully laughs) (I throw the tie around my neck into a loose knot) "Shall we go then - or we really are going to be late" S: "Not like that we're not - didn't anyone ever teach you how to do a tie properly Fox?" (looking a little surprised at the use of my first name) (walks over to me and re-does the tie - she is pressed up very closely to me) M: (taking advantage of the situation puts his hands around her waist) S: (smiles, but reaches down to remove his hands) "Come on - we really do have to go now!" M: (sighs but smiles) (he reaches out his hand which she takes gladly and they walk out together) M: "Oh no!" (sudden realisation) S: "What? (concerned) M: "I forgot to bring a ring! (she now looks confused) I gave you your ring but I forgot to bring one for myself!" S: (rolls her eyes as if to say "typical Mulder") "Well it's too late to buy one now --PAUSE-- (suddenly seems to get an idea) gimme your keys" M: "What - why?" (hands her the keyring anyway) S: (looks at the keyring) (reading it) " 'Take me to your leader'? Mulder how old are you?!" (he gives her a 'what?' look and she can't help smiling. She removes all the keys and the keyring itself and hands me the thin band they were all on) "Voila - one wedding ring!" M: "Okay I admit it - you're a genius! (smiling) Right, we can go now" S: "Finally!" (big grin) (she walks towards the door then looks back at him over her shoulder) "Coming?" M: "Yep - right behind you" (she smiles and walks out. God, she looks gorgeous!) SCULLY'S P.O.V: We said very little to each other on the way to the reunion. I looked down at my dress and was very thankful for finding it. I would never normally buy something like this, but that was partly why I actually did. I wanted to show Mulder I could be more than just his partner. Well - it seemed to be working! The tie was definitely a good move too! We arrived at the school and it kind of took me by surprise. The building was fairly old but very grand and ornate. It was strange to think of Mulder running around the halls and shooting hoops on the courts. I looked across at him, and he looked a little nervous I think, so I slipped my hand in his and he turned to me and smiled. We arrived at the desk in the foyer, which was designated for 'signing in'. There was a woman (K) sitting behind the table. She was older than me, I noted, and looked more like one of the teachers than a student. Mulder gave me a look, rolling his eyes skywards as we approached the table. He didn't have to say anything, I could read Mulder like a book, and this was definitely not a friend of his..... K: "Well well - if it isn't Fox Mulder - my, haven't you changed!" (voice dripping with lust! - hey would you blame her!) M: "Hey Kristy" (not exactly happy) K: "You look great!" (Mulder smiles but does not return the compliment! Typical Mulder!) (she then seemed to notice me) "Oh - I don't remember you" (puzzled expression) S: "No - I'm not from round here. I'm Dana Mulder (look of surprise on Kristy's face) Fox's wife!" K: "Oh my - I'm sorry, --PAUSE-- I had no idea you were married Fox" M: (puts his arm round me smiling, to emphasise the point) "Yeah - almost 6 years now. Look we've had a long drive over here so could you just give us our badges or whatever and we can go get a drink or something" K: "Sure - maybe I'll see you later!" (hopeful) M: "Maybe" (she giggles and looks like blushing) (Mulder swiftly guides me away into the main hall) "Kristy Mayer (by way of explanation) resident stalker - senior year" S: (I smiled at this) "Why honey (in a mock Southern accent) I had no idea you were so darn popular!" He gave me such a look for that, that I couldn't help laughing. We walked together into the main auditorium which was all decked out with balloons, streamers and tacky banners saying "Welcome back class of 77" (Author's note: okay, I know the years don't work exactly - just work with me here!) We seemed to be fairly late arrivals, the hall was already fairly full and there was some awful 70's anthem coming out of a seemingly antiquated speaker system..... S: "God - you're stuck in 1977 - goodnight! --PAUSE-- You know I never was pro 70's revival! (Mulder laughed) (I spy a drinks table) I'll go and grab us a couple of drinks, why don't you mingle?" M: (gives me a look 'do-I-have-to?') S: "Don't give me that - you brought me here! (relenting) Look, I'll come back and rescue you in a minute - okay? (I kiss him on the cheek and hurry over to the bar) The bar table was overflowing with all sorts of alcoholic concoctions, some of which looked suspiciously like bathroom cleaner! The guy (G) standing behind it looked like a real sleaze - I groaned and wished I'd asked Mulder to get the drinks!.......... S: (walking over to the table) G: "Hell-o gorgeous (oh please! He was a sleaze after all!) what can I get you?" S: "A white wine and a vodka and O.J" G: "Vodka and O.J? (pauses in thought) You're not here with Fox Mulder are you?" S: "Yeah, how did you--" (surprise) G: "Only Mulder drinks stuff like that! You a friend of his?" S: "You could say that!" (shows him the ring) G: "Damn! (I laugh in spite of myself) I'm sorry - I'm David Leery, Mulder and I used to hang out in junior year" S: "Oh right" (smiling) G: "So how's he doing?" S: (sees him approaching) "Maybe you should ask him yourself!" G: "Hey buddy - long time no see" M: (approaches table) "Hey Dave - how's it going?" G: (laughs) "Can't complain - apparently not as good as you though!" (looking at me) M: "Yeah! (smiling, puts his arm round me and kisses me on the cheek. Mmmm!) Dave - this is Dana, Dana - Dave" S: "Hi" G: "So - where did you two meet?" S: (I decide to explain, as Mulder has his mouth full of 'Voju' (as he calls it)) "Actually, it's quite a funny story. Fox is a special agent with the FBI (Dave looks impressed) and I work in their forensic pathology labs at Quantico. I was doing an autopsy for him, he came in and said "Great body!" Unfortunately he was talking about the corpse - at least I think he was! (smiling) Anyway - that was our first meeting, and he did kinda make an impression!" G: "Wow!" M: (finishes his drink) "Anyway, it was nice to see you again..." G: "Likewise - and lovely to meet you Dana!" S: "Thanks (Mulder leads me away) Maybe see you later" G: "Count on it!" M: (as soon as we were out of earshot) "Great story!" (smiling) S: "Thanks. I know it was a little cliché - but it was the only thing I could think of at the time!" (even bigger smile) M: "Oh by the way..." S: "Yeah?" M: "...In your story - I wasn't talking about the corpse!" S: (look of shock) "Fox! --PAUSE-- It's still really weird calling you that, y'know?" M: (thoughtful expression) "I dunno - I kinda like calling you Dana!" (big smile) I give him a look, but we are suddenly interrupted by another voice..... R: "Well if it isn't Fox Mulder!" We turn around and from the name tag on his lapel, I see this is the famous Richard. I'm a little surprised - Richard is balding slightly, is about 60 pounds overweight and by the looks of it is unmarried. I look at Mulder who appears to be as surprised as me! ........ M: "Hey Richard" R: (noticing me and giving me a dodgy look) "Well hello missy - I don't believe we've been introduced" S: (oh God - not another one!) (I slip my arm around Mulder's waist, and he responds by putting his around my shoulder) "Hi I'm Dana - Fox's wife - nice to meet you!" R: "Fox's wife (looking surprised) (to Mulder) Jeez - how did you ever get a girl like her?" M: "I didn't try!" (looking at me smiling) ('Blue Suede Shoes' by Cher - Author's note: remember when they went to Vegas? - starts playing, finally something recent!) S: (I give him a look, move round so I now have both hands round his waist, and pull him over to the dance floor, leaving Richard behind looking stunned) "So (once we were out of earshot) that was the guy you were jealous of? (in disbelief) 'cause he ain't got nothing on you honey!" M: (raises eyebrows) "He has changed since I last saw him! --PAUSE-- Did you just call me honey?" (questioning look) S: (I decide not to answer!) "So (as we dance) how am I doing?" (raising one eyebrow as I smile) M: "So far - wow!" (I smile at this) We dance quite happily for the next few minutes, I move in close to him and lay my head against his shoulder. I can feel his breath against my neck - God, that feels good! He has his hands rounds my waist, while mine are on his upper back. After a while he whispers in my ear........ M: "Okay - I think everybody's watching. (I pick my head up to see his face) On the next chorus I'm going to spin you out, pull you in again, put my hand up to your cheek and kiss you - okay?" S: (Okay?! Sounds all right to me!) (I nod in reply) M: "Okay here we go" He spins me out and pulls me back towards him, I now have my arms around his neck. He reaches a hand up and slowly moves it across my cheek, I can feel my skin tingling beneath his fingers. I close my eyes, and he leans in and kisses me. There is no mistaking it this time. We pull in really close to each other, and it is about 30 seconds before he lets me go again. I breathe deeply and smile up at him, "Wow!" He says nothing, but smiles and kisses me again. Oh my God - that boy can kiss! I literally felt like my whole body was trembling! There was no way that was just for the benefit of our 'audience'! MULDER'S P.O.V: The rest of the evening just seemed to be a blur. We ran into a couple of girls from my class, who were just as charmless now as they were then! I managed to get through dinner and conversation afterwards, purely on auto-pilot I think. I couldn't believe how much Richard had changed - I guess time is the ultimate form of justice! But Scully? When we were dancing, it felt like we were the only two people in the room, and all I could hear was the sound of her breathing. The kiss was a bit unexpected - I think for both of us! I just thought, I may never get another chance like this, so I went for it. I had been agonising over what kissing her would be like practically ever since our first meeting six years ago, but the reality was a thousand times better than the dream! She ceased to be Scully at that moment, and became a part of me. After all that we've been through, I finally got the courage to kiss her, and now I am never going to let that go. We can't go back, we've passed the point of no return and we're still going! We eventually managed to leave at about 12.30. The party had really disintegrated about an hour before, but someone had stupidly let the janitor get drunk and he couldn't find the keys to let us out. I don't know why they locked the doors in the first place - it's not like anyone's going to gatecrash is it? Scully had been fairly quiet for the most part, answering questions politely, but not much more. She had a ridiculous grin on her face that was either put on or alcohol induced, I presumed! We got back to the hotel late, and, certainly on my part, absolutely exhausted. I wasn't exactly ready to sleep yet though.......... S: "Right (as we reach her door) I guess I should thank you for an interesting evening!" (smiling) M: "Yeah - well it actually turned out better than expected" S: "Hmm, well I guess I'll give you call in the morning about 9 ish and we can go have breakfast before the wedding" M: "Oh are you going now then?" S: "Well yes Mulder - it is (looking at watch) 1.30!" M: "I just thought you may like to come in for a moment --PAUSE-- what happened to 'Fox'?" S: "Not tonight Mulder - and I think I prefer 'Mulder' to 'Fox'!" M: "Fair enough (looking a little disappointed, but trying hard to hide it) Goodnight then" S: " 'Night Mulder" M: "Oh..." S: "What?" M: ".....can I still call you 'Dana'?" (hopeful look) S: (smiles) "I guess!" SCULLY'S P.O.V: I walked into the room and deposited my key and purse on the bed. It certainly had been an interesting evening! I got to see a whole new side to Fox Mulder - a side I think he rarely shows to anybody. The people were fairly dull, they reminded me of some of my old class mates, people I had tried very hard to forget. Yet, through the sea of boredom and godawful 70's music (!), he was there. After a while, when we were dancing, the entire room seemed to fade away. At that moment it felt like we were the only people in the world. And oh my God - can he dance! I know it's really dumb, but it reminded me of that scene in Beauty in the Beast, where Belle is dancing with him in that huge ballroom. Hey what do you want - I baby-sit my 3 year old nephew a lot! When he kissed me it felt like everything had just stopped. It was incredible!!! It seemed like something out of a dream, and for the rest of the evening, I felt like I was floating by on a cloud! We managed to escape after a rather infuriating game of 'find the key'. Mental note: never let a janitor get drunk at a big party you can't wait to get out of! We didn't really speak on the way back to the hotel. I let Mulder drive, so I spent the entire time staring at him. He actually noticed unfortunately! Why does he always notice when I don't want him to? Murphy's law, I guess! M: (while driving so not looking at me) "Okay, I give up, have I got something on my face or what? 'Cause you staring at me is doing nothing for my concentration!" S: (uh oh! He wasn't supposed to notice - oh God what do I say!) M: "Are you blushing?" S: "NO!" (glances up into the rear view mirror - oh damn, he's right!) M: "All right - no need to bite my head off (smiling) you started it after all!" S: (gasping in protest) "It's a good job you're driving right now or you would be in serious trouble!" M: (still smiling - I love that smile!) "Do you want me to pull over?!" (waggling eyebrows again) S: "Don't tempt me!" (giving in and smiling too) I walked into the bathroom to rinse my face. I smiled as I noticed the dandelions Mulder had given me. I stood them in a glass, and they were doing surprisingly well. Only he could make weeds romantic! I looked at my reflection in the mirror - the dress was definitely a good buy! Mulder certainly seemed to like it! I can't wait to see his face when he sees what I'm wearing tomorrow! I suddenly realised, I was going to have to go and see him, to get him to undo my dress. Oh well! ........ MULDER'S P.O.V: I had resigned myself to an early (at least for me!) night, when there was a knock at the door... S: "Hey - not interrupting am I?" (smiling) M: (trying and failing badly to hide my excitement at seeing her - God that dress was incredible!) "No, not at all - is anything up?" S: "Actually, I need a hand, I - can't reach" (pointing to her zip on the dress and turning round for me) M: (Oh God - she's killing me doing this) (I walk over to her and ease the zip down to just above her waist, admiring her perfect skin) "There - all done" S: (turning around with her arms across her chest, holding the dress up) "Thanks (big smile) goodnight Mulder" M: (she walks back to her room - was that it?!) " 'Night Dana" (she turns round to smile at me and then closes the door behind her) SCULLY'S P.O.V: Well that was in no way awkward! I so wanted to stay - but my rational Scully got the better of the sentimental one and I left him alone again. I started changing for bed - I had brought my comfy old blue-check PJ trousers and a white vest top, my silk things were great in the winter, but not too good in the summer! I tied my hair up in a ponytail while I did my teeth, but then I caught another glimpse of the flowers and gave in. Somehow I plucked up the courage, and again knocked on the door. I walked in and Mulder was evidently also getting ready for bed. The smart suit that he had been wearing was thrown over a chair (typical Mulder!) and he was only wearing a white T-shirt and baby blue boxers. Huboy!! He doesn't even seem to mind that I'm seeing him like this - still I've seen him wearing a lot less than that before! S: "Is that offer of coming in for a while still open?" (smiling) M: (very pleased) Yeah sure! Come in - I'll phone for a pizza!" S: "Mulder it's 2 in the morning!" M: "So, I've got a real craving for a Hawaiian!" S: "Mmm, that's my favourite!" M: (interrupting me) "I know!" S: (smiles at this, then considering) "Okay then" (walks in and sits on the bed) M: (goes to phone for the pizza) "You look good Dana" (smiling) S: (rolling over so I'm now on my side with my arm resting on my elbow) "Actually I think I prefer 'Scully'!" M: (laughs) "Okay - (sits down next to her grabbing the TV guide) oh cool!" (flicking on the TV) S: (the TV comes on to show a basketball game) (groans) "Mulder!" M: "What?! (protesting) Come on Scully, it's the final of the NBA - you gotta watch it! There's like a law or something!" S: (grumbles but smiles) "All right" Actually, I have to say the game wasn't actually all that bad. We sat watching it, munching away on the pizza, fairly quietly except for a semi-amusing fight over the last slice. I won - ha! I smiled to myself, thinking how like a 'couple' we were acting lately. It was a nice feeling! The game didn't finish till about 3.30. Amazingly I still wasn't tired, and neither was Mulder...... S: "So - now what?" (picking up the guide) M: "There's a baseball match on WCBN" (Author's note: I couldn't remember what the American sports channels were called so I made this one up!) S: "Oh - (reading) Casablanca's on! Gimme the remote" (reaching for it) M: "No!" S: "Mulder - twenty guys running round hitting and catching balls or one of the greatest movies of all time!" (I give him a sarcastic look and reach for the remote again) M: "You'll have to fight me for it!" (big grin, waggling eyebrows like crazy!) S: (indignant look and then decides to go for it!) (A funny kind of fight ensued with us rolling around on the bed with me trying to grab the remote off him!) "Give it up!" M: "No way!" S: "No fair - you've got longer arms than me!" (smiling) We finally stop, panting. I'm on top of him and he's still holding the remote at arms length, out of my reach. I suddenly have an idea. This is so totally unlike me - I put my hands to his face and kiss him - hard. He responds by letting the remote go and moving his hands up to my back. As soon as he does this I reach out and grab the remote and then break off the kiss triumphantly! S: "Ha!" (switching it over to Casablanca) M: (looking really disappointed) "That was it?!" S: "What? (confused look) I love this movie!" MULDER'S P.O.V: That was really low! If that was the only reason she just did that, she's a lot meaner than I thought she was! I don't think it can be though. I'm not the only one who wanted that to happen, I could tell by the look she gave me. I've never seen her look that way before, for once in her messed up life, she actually looked completely content. In the end, I admitted defeat and let her watch the movie. Okay - I will admit it was good, it's actually one of my favourite movies too, but I wasn't going to tell her that!! It finished insanely late, and I have no idea how I'm going to manage to stay awake tomorrow through this wedding she's dragging me to. I looked across at her. She had fallen asleep! Her favourite movie and she'd fallen asleep! She looked so peaceful I decided not to move her. I lifted her legs slightly so I could pull the covers up around her. She sighed in her sleep and moaned slightly. I turned off the TV and headed for her room. I could sleep there for what was left of the night! I was almost at the door when I heard her voice. I couldn't tell if she was awake or asleep - it sounded like somewhere in between. She sighed and said it again, "Mmmulder"! Okay - what the hell was that?! If this is another one of her stupid pranks, she is so dead! I walked over to her and she was definitley asleep. She had the same goofy grin on her face as before. Could she be dreaming about me?! She looked so beautiful lying there like that, I leant in and planted the softest of kisses on her lips, and whispered "Goodnight Dana!" I turned around and walked into her room. It was so neat and tidy - a real stark contrast to mine! I picked up a book off her bedside cabinet and smiled in surprise. It was some joke thing I gave to her years ago - "So you think your friend's an alien"! I couldn't believe she still had it! I felt really happy - for the first time in years. Just knowing she was in the next room was enough for now. I got into the bed and I think I was asleep before I even hit the pillow! TO BE CONTINUED.......... X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X New Beginnings - part five By: Sophie Maddison ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X SCULLY'S P.O.V: I woke up about 8.30 and had no idea where I was! I sat up and looked around and then caught sight of the black trousers on the chair with that ridiculous tie on top! I was in Mulder's room - in his bed! Okay this was weird! Actually - where the hell was Mulder and why was I sleeping in his bed! I got up - thankfully I was still fully dressed! I wandered across to the adjoining door and opened it....... MULDER'S P.O.V: I awoke with a splitting headache - oh God I shouldn't have stayed up that late! I rolled over away from the window where the light was streaming through the opened curtains. Uh-oh! I stared up straight into Scully's brilliantly blue eyes, she didn't exactly look happy!........ S: "So you want to tell me what's going on or do I have to guess?" (she smiled) M: (Phew - at least she wasn't mad!) "Well you fell asleep through the movie, and I didn't want to wake you, so I came to sleep in here" (sitting up and rubbing my head) S: (he had taken his shirt off during the night - what a view!) "That is so sweet, thank you (genuinely pleased) you need an aspirin?" M: (I couldn't exactly lie - she always knew what was wrong!) "Mmm, it'd be nice!" (smiling) S: "There's some in the bathroom, take a couple and then you better go and get ready" M: "Oh God I forgot about the wedding - is it too late to back out?" (hopefully) S: "Sorry - I am not going by myself, not after the party last night! (smiling) Go and take some aspirin and get a shower. I'll meet you for breakfast in half an hour." M: "Okay" (walks over to bathroom and finds the aspirin) (I smile as I see the dandelions on the shelf) (to her as I walk back into the room) "You've still got those flowers, I thought they'd be dead by now!" S: (she was brushing her hair - how did it always look so perfect?) (she didn't reply - just smiled that gorgeous smile of hers - the one that makes her eyes light up - God she was beautiful!) M: (I smiled back and went to change) S: "Hey Mulder!" M: (turning around - she threw me my shirt) "Oh, right - thanks!" I have to tell you - a shower has never felt so good as it did that morning! I dried off and went over to the closet. I opened it to reveal the tuxedo I had brought with me for the wedding - this better be worth it! I dressed quickly, and so had to hang around waiting for her to dress. It was so worth it! If anything she looked even more beautiful than last night! She was wearing a floor-length white satin dress. It was just as fitted as the other - showing off her perfect figure - had a halter neck strap and a slit up the back. She looked fantastic!! She twirled round to give it full effect. Her hair was perfect as always in a slick bob, just as perfect as her ice-maiden skin. I smiled in approval - a smile which she returned. M: "Scully you look amazing!" S: "Thank you (really pleased) (grabbing a baby blue cardigan) How's the headache?" M: "It's fine now - shall we go?" S: "Hang on" (she walked over to me, did my bow tie and kissed me on the cheek) "That's better!" M: "Right - what am I supposed to be again?" S: "You are my long-term boyfriend. We are not engaged or married, but we are very happy. I met you through the FBI doing an autopsy, you know the story!" M: "Wow! You really thought this through!" S: "Yeah, well just think of it as another undercover assignment" M: "Yes sir!" (saluting) S: (rolls her eyes) (under her breath) "Here we go again!" SCULLY'S P.O.V: We headed off to the wedding straight after breakfast. The place was quite a way out of town and we actually got a little lost! All my fault according to Mulder! He looked really good in a tux! I see him in suits everyday - but this was a little different! Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all! We finally got to the Church and hurried in. The service was beautiful, though Mulder insisted it was a little over the top! He even rolled his eyes when they released two white doves at the end! He did hold my hand all the way through the vows, though! I almost felt like it was my wedding! I was still wearing the ring he had given me on my wedding finger, after all. Mike (the groom) looked good (not quite as good as Mulder!) and I managed to point out Nina (the bride) to him.... M: "Nah - total meringue! (referring to her dress) You look a hundred times better than her!" How sweet was that?! After the ceremony was over, we moved to this big hotel for the reception. The hall was all decked out with flowers and balloons and streamers. I thought it was lovely, Mulder took one look at it and pronounced it a... M: "Yuk!" S: "What? It looks lovely!" M: "Whatever!" (giving me one of those looks) Just when I was about to give him hell, we were interrupted by Nina!......... N: "Dana! (running over and giving her a huge hug) God you look great, (admiring my dress) how are you? S: "I'm good, you look fantastic by the way. That was a beautiful service!" (shooting Mulder a look) N: (seeing Mulder) "Well hello! (to Scully) And what did you bring!" S: "Oh right, Nina this is Fox Mulder, Fox this is Nina Raymond" N: "Not any more! It's Nina Christianson now!" (smiling) S: "Oh of course!" (also smiling) N: "So Fox you are....?" M: "I'm Dana's...." S: "...husband." M: (shoots her an incredulous look) N: "Wow! You never said you were married!" S: (smiling) "Yeah, almost 6 years now - we met through the FBI" (putting her arm round Mulder's waist, he kisses her on the forehead) N: "Ah - well I hate to run, but they're about to do the photos so I better go! It was great to see you again Dana (kissing her on both cheeks) and great to meet you Fox!" M: "Likewise, congratulations!" N: "Thank you! I'll have to go, but mingle, enjoy yourselves!" ~X~ M: (as soon as Nina was out of earshot) "What?!" S: "I'm sorry I panicked - anyway, I had to pretend to be your wife last night!" M: "Fair enough - at least none of your family are here!" (putting the keyring band back on his finger - makeshift wedding ring) S: "Oh no!" (putting her hands to her mouth) M: "What?" (concerned) S: "I totally forgot. Nina invited Mom and Bill too!" (worried) M: "And you didn't think to mention that! (sarcastic) Bill ain't exactly gonna be pleased is he!" S: "What's that supposed to mean?" (she knows nothing of their conversation while she had cancer) M: "Let's just say he wouldn't be voting me in as next president!" S: (inquisitive look) We walked around the hall meeting various people, luckily managing to avoid Bill and Mom. How could I forget they were coming?! Mom even called me to talk about it! I cannot believe I forgot! Then again - I have had other things (or should I say other people!) on my mind lately! Mulder was the perfect gentlemen all day. He was polite and kind to all the weirdo's I introduced him to. Even this sad woman from my school (Ruth Hardy), who obviously had a thing for him! When we were on our own, I could see he was as bored as hell - but he didn't show it. Well not really!..... M: (after Ruth left) "Okay admit it - your old classmates are worse than mine!" S: "I dunno - you did have Richard!" (smiling) M: "Him I can take - crazy old women with bad breath? Maybe not!" S: "Fox!" M: "Sorry - so you've gone back to 'Fox'!" S: "Only for today!" MULDER'S P.O.V: God she knows some weird people! I thought my old friends were strange! The wedding was terribly cliché, but Scully seemed to enjoy it. I held her hand through the vows and I think she understood what I meant - she was still wearing the ring after all! She is very hard to figure out. This morning she was as calm as anything, then at the sight of Mr and Mrs Lovesick she disintegrated entirely! She looked very happy walking around the hall with me on her arm! After all, she could have introduced me to Nina as her boyfriend, or even her friend - but no, she said I was her husband. That was a bit of a shock I must admit! Not as much as finding out about her mother and brother though! We managed to dodge them through the morning and lunch, maybe they had decided not to come! After lunch, it was dance time. The band struck up as Mike and Nina took to the floor. We sat at our table watching them. Why couldn't that be me and Scully? They finished their dance and the rest of the congregation descended on the dance floor. We remained seated for a minute and then I realised what the song was, "As time goes by" (Author's note: just in case you forgot - Casablanca song). I gave her a look and pulled her up to dance! We made our way through to the centre of the crowd and began a wonderful, slow dance. She had her arms around my neck, mine were on her waist. It was perfect. She smiled happily up at me, and I knew that this was it. This was what I had been waiting for, for 6 long years! M: "So - is this going to be our song?" (smiling) S: "I guess, it's not my favourite but it'll do!" M: "Ah - hold on one second" (he released me and ran off towards the band) S: (calling after him) "Fox - what are you doing?" M: (whispering something to the band, then comes running back) S: "What was all that about?" (she reaches her arms up around his neck and they begin dancing again) M: "You'll see!" (secretive smile) SCULLY'S P.O.V: The song finally finished and we pulled apart to applaud, with everyone else. The singer (F) stopped to whisper something to the rest of the band, then turned back to face us....... F: "Hey guys, my name's Freddy, and on behalf of the 'Blues boys', I'd like to wish you a happy evening. Special congratulations to Mike and Nina - here's to you guys!" (everyone applauds) "Now for our next song we have a request. Do we have a Dana out there?" (everyone wolf-whistles as I give Fox a murderous look and then raise my hand) "Alrighty - this one's for you Dana from a very close friend of yours I'm told!" S: (he starts singing - the song was "Wicked game" by Chris Isaak - sorry I love that song!) (happy-shocked) "How did you know - I love this song!" M: "Lucky guess!" (smiling, they start dancing) "Right this is definitely our song!" S: "Okay" (smiling at him) She looks so beautiful - I can't believe she's here with me! Courage finally wins out, I reach down and kiss her. This time it's even longer than last. After a long time, we pull apart, and I breathe in hard. She smiles raising one eyebrow, and then grabs my shirt and pulls me in to kiss her again...... MARGARET'S P.O.V: (She'll have to be MA - we already have an M) I smiled as I drank my champagne, while some dull guy talked to me about how wonderful the service had been and how beautiful the bride was. I looked down at my glass, if he carried on for much longer, then he would end up with my champagne all over his shirt! I kept smiling while imagining tipping the glass over his head, when suddenly he just left of his own accord. Doubtless to find a more receptive audience for his unbelievably boring anecdotes about the groom's supposedly shady past. Well that was a lie for a start. I'd known Mike since he was 13, he and Dana and Bill were good friends through high school, and there wasn't anything shady about his past! I looked around the room distractedly. I hadn't managed to find Dana yet, although I knew she was here. Bill and Tara had taken Matthew (their son) to get a drink. I had elected to stay put. This turned out to be a particularly bad judgement on my part - enter dull guy! I drained my glass and looked around again. I still couldn't see Dana, but I recognised Nina making a beeline for my table. I got up to hug her...... MA: "Nina honey you look beautiful!" (beaming) N: "Thanks, you having a good time?" MA: "Hmm, it's a lovely party!" N: "You looked a little lonely here by yourself, so I thought I'd come and check if you were okay" MA: "That's sweet! Really I'm fine --PAUSE-- have you seen Dana? I've been looking but I haven't been able to find her all day" N: (scanning the crowd as they danced) "There she is!" MA: "Where?" N: "Right in the centre, going for it with her husband by the looks of it!" (smiling) MA: "Her what?!" N: (looking a little confused) "The guy she's kissing right now, --PAUSE-- he had a weird name like 'wolf' or something!" MA: "Oh, you mean Fox! He's not her husband, (finally seeing them) though looking at them I can understand why you'd think so!" (smiling) N: "No he is - she showed me the ring and everything!" MA: "Really? I might have to go and have a word with Fred and Ginger there then! (Author's note: in joke - Fred and Ginger? Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers - v. famous dancing couple) (standing up) I'll see you later honey!" N: "Sure - have fun!" (as Maggie walks away) MA: (under her breath as she approaches Mulder & Scully) "Oh I will!" ~X~ MA: "Hello Dana!" S: (breaking off the kiss and looking at her Mom in shock) "Mom! (pauses as she realises Maggie is staring at Mulder) "Okay this is awkward, can we go someplace to talk?" (she guides Maggie off the floor to a nearby table, Mulder goes off to get drinks) S: "Mom, this is not what it seems!" (looking a little embarassed!) MA: "Oh really (sceptical look - now we know where Scully gets it from! - picking up Scully's left hand to expose the ring) S: "Okay - (seeing she's going to have to explain) Mulder and I are not married, we're not even dating (Maggie raises her eyebrows!) really! He asked me to pretend to be his wife at his high school reunion last night, and I agreed, as long as he did the same for me today" MA: "Why?" (not understanding) S: "Mom look at me - I'm virtually thirty, I'm unmarried, I'm not rich and I don't have kids!" MA: "So - that's never bothered you before!" S: "Yeah I know, but I didn't want to show up today like that. I knew I couldn't exactly do anything about the other three things, but I could at least show up with a husband!" MA: (smiling understanding) "So what I just saw was just for show?" S: (she couldn't lie to her mother) "No - Mom. I'm in love with him. I have been for a long time now, I just, I don't know how to tell him" MA: (not looking at all surprised!) "I know!" (smiling) S: "You know - how?" (completely confused) MA: "Dana I'm your mother! I can read you like a book. The way you look at him, you'd have to be blind not to notice! Especially while you were ill. Even Father McCue said he'd noticed! Besides he's not exactly unattractive is he!" S: (total shock) "Mom!" --PAUSE-- "I can't believe you knew (suddenly realises something) oh God - does Bill know?" (serious) MA: "No --PAUSE-- are you kidding? He couldn't even figure out that Tara liked him!" S: "Yeah (remembering) - what about Tara?" MA: "Oh she knows" S: "So - what do you think?" (unsure of her response) MA: "I think that after all you two have been through together, you'd crazy if you didn't love each other! (smiles) Honey, he's intelligent, he's very handsome, he's kind and he respects you. I think he's perfect!" S: "Really?! (shocked!) I didn't think you liked him all that much!" MA: "Whenever I've lost you, he always brings you back to me. That's all I need to know" S: "Wow! --PAUSE-- Thanks Mom! (hugs her) MA: "Anytime." (they pull apart) "He loves you too y'know -I mean he'd be crazy not to!" (hugs her again) SCULLY'S P.O.V: I can't believe she's so okay with this! I at least expected her to be shocked! Those few words she said, meant more to me than anything. She actually likes Mulder (she even thinks he's cute! - that was a shock!) and thinks we should be together! Now I just need to convince him! I wonder where he is - it surely can't take that long to get drinks. I scan the floor looking for him, and then I see someone else - oh God!..... B: "Hey Dana! (walks over as I stand and gives me a hug) We've been looking for you all day!" S: (in shock as she hugs him and Tara) "Hi! (by way of an excuse) Sorry, I've been all over the place meeting people!" (nervously smiling) T: "God - where did you get that dress! It's fantastic!" S: (smiling) "Thanks - Macy's" T: "Of course - they do all the best stuff don't they?!" (smiling too) Typically just at this particular moment, when I least want him too, he re-emerges. He comes striding across the room towards me, unaware of who I'm talking to. He puts the tray of drinks down then, standing behind me, puts his hands round my waist and kisses me on the cheek. Then he notices Bill!...... B: "Mulder - I didn't realise you were here!" (definitely not pleased!) M: "Yeah (staying where he is) Dana asked me" B: "I can see that!" (to me) "I had no idea you two were so close" (still not happy!) S: "As a matter of fact we are!" (indignant) B: (Bill then notices the ring) "Okay is one of you gonna tell me what the hell is going on here!" (practically scarlet in the face now!) MA: (to Mulder and me) "I think now may a good time to leave! (smiling) I'll sort Bill out don't worry!" S: (hugging her Mom and kissing her as she did Nina) "Thanks - I'll call you later!" Luckily the party was more or less over by this point anyway. We managed to find Nina and Mike to say goodbye before we left, and then headed out of there as fast as possible, not wanting to stick around and see Bill again! On the drive back to the hotel, Mulder looked a little upset, I was slightly worried.... S: "Don't pay any attention to Bill - if he wasn't my brother I think I'd hate him too!" M: "I don't hate him though - he just doesn't like me. And I know he blames me for Melissa" S: "What - did he actually say that?!" (shocked) M: "Yeah - he's probably right" S: "Don't say that. He just doesn't like that I respect you more than him. (trying to explain) Mulder, when Dad died, Bill became the man of the family. But I wouldn't follow him mindlessly like Mom and Tara do. He is my brother - and I love him for it. But however much I do - I love you more!" M: (totally shocked) "Oh my God!" (losing concentration momentarily) S: (he swerved and I had to grab the wheel to stop us crashing) "Jesus Mulder!" M: (Still looking shocked, but regaining concentration) "Oh - My - God!!" S: (smiling!) We didn't really speak the rest of the journey. I think he was really shocked! That wasn't exactly the reaction I was hoping for, but at least he didn't laugh! We arrived back at the hotel and stopped outside my door again........ S: "So - thank you for coming with me today. I had a really good time!" (smiling) M: "Yeah, likewise (still looking shocked) did you really mean that?" S: "What?" M: "What you said in the car" S: "What do you think?!" (grabbing him and kissing him hard) M: (after we eventually pull apart) "Wow! --PAUSE-- (then, smiling too) So you coming in this time?" (waggling eyebrows - Mulder was back!) S: "I'll think about it! Just let me change first" (going into her room) M: (as she leaves) "Okay --PAUSE-- Wow!!!" MULDER'S P.O.V: I can't believe it!!!! Scully - my Scully - just comes out and tells me she loves me!!! Okay, I need to lie down! I walk around the room in a daze, discarding my jacket and tie and rolling my sleeves up. I just can't believe it! Why would someone as smart, as pretty, as sexy as she is, possibly be interested in me?! I feel a new kind of courage wash over me, and I think it may be time to tell her what the ring was really for! I sit down on the bed to wait for her, when I hear a knock at the outside door...... M: (opens it) "Yeah?" B: (strides through the door) "Where's Dana?" (not looking too pleased) M: "She's next door, why?" B: "Good - she doesn't need to hear this. I want you to stay away from her, you hear me. You've already caused enough pain in this family, Dana doesn't need this right now - back off!" M: "I think it's you that needs to back off! She's not a little girl anymore. She's a beautiful, intelligent woman with a mind of her own, and she can make her own decisions - whether you may agree with them or not is irrelevant - you should stick by her anyway!" B: "You arrogant little---(red with anger) And I suppose you're included in this?" M: "Whether I am or not is up to her, but I will not back off just to please you or anyone else. I love her! And I am not going to stand by and watch you take her away from me!" B: "You bastard!" (punches me full across the face. As I fall I hit the edge of the cabinet across my stomach and collapse on the floor) S: (comes rushing in wearing only her robe!) "What the hell's going on?!" (sees me first and runs over to me) "Oh my God, honey are you okay?" (concerned) (then sees Bill) (crying but extremely angry) "GET OUT!!!" B: "It's alright, I was just leaving --PAUSE-- I'm sorry Dana. (to Mulder) you think about what I said!" (leaves) S: "What the hell was that about?!" M: "Difference of opinion" (always the gentlemen, not telling her) (notices something) "You're crying!" (concerned) (I reach up a hand to wipe away the tears) S: "I'm okay really!" (smiles, sniffing) (kisses my hand) "You, I think, need sorting out though!" (stands up, pulling me up with her) "Come on!" (she guides me through the door and sits me down on the bed, while she goes off to get the first aid kit!) TO BE CONTINUED........ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X ~ X New Beginnings - part six By: Sophie Maddison ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ X ~~ SCULLY'S P.O.V: This has been an absolutely surreal day! I was having the best time with Mulder at the party, until Bill ruined that. Then we kinda picked up where we left off, once we got back to the hotel, but Bill ruined that too! I tell you - it may be nice to have an older brother, but it's the kiss of death for your lovelife!! Did I just say that?!! I referred to Mulder as part of my lovelife! Well I guess he is!! Talking to Mom was the best thing I could have done. Her being okay with everything really set me off. If it hadn't have been for her, I probably still wouldn't have told Mulder. But I did. He was a little shocked to say the least! I thought we were going to crash! Thinking about it now - telling him while he was driving was probably not the best of ideas!! Oh well!! He didn't say anything in return, but he looked really happy! He had that dumb grin on his face that he reserves for moments of real happiness. He doesn't use it very often - but it's wonderful when he does!! Things were going really well, then Bill came along - again. In two minutes he single-handedly managed to destroy the atmosphere and almost destroy Mulder! God knows what would've happened if I hadn't come in! I don't even like to think about it! I tried to get Mulder to tell me what had happened, but he wouldn't. He could be really stubborn when he wanted to be! I got the impression he was trying to protect me - and I was actually thankful for it. I led him into my room and sat him down on the bed. I returned from the bathroom with the first-aid kit and a glass of water. I tell you - I can't go anywhere with him without one (first aid kit, not the water!)! I don't think I know anybody who gets injured as often as he does! He's a walking disaster area! But he's my walking disaster area! I smiled thinking this..... S: (examining his forehead) "There's a little cut there, but nothing too serious. I'll put a Band-Aid on it and it'll be fine." M: "Thanks doc!" (smiling, but then wincing slightly as I wiped the cut down with anti-septic) S: "Oh don't be such a baby!" (smiling) M: "Gee thanks for the sympathy!" S: "I'm kidding (big grin) do you want something for the pain?" M: "Please" S: "Right (as he swallows down some painkillers) so where else did he get you then?" M: "Do I get the impression you're mocking me? (sarcastic) Boy, Scully - you really know how to kick a guy when he's down!" S: "Thank you! You can do this by yourself if you'd rather!" M: (hastily) "Oh no no - I didn't mean that!" S: "Relax Mulder. (smiling) So where else was it?" M: (lifts his left arm to show a gash through his shirt, slightly bloody around the edges) S: "Well that's no good! Come on you're gonna have to take that shirt off!" M: "Ooh Scully, what are you suggesting?!" (cheeky look) (after a sarcastic look from me, he agrees and removes the shirt to reveal a white T-shirt) S: "Jeez Mulder - it's not like we're living in the arctic - it's not that cold! M: (not looking amused, reaches up and removes the T-shirt, wincing again) S: (oh boy!!) "Can I see?" M: "Sure --PAUSE-- be gentle with me!" (big smile) S: (Huboy!! His skin felt really warm underneath my hands, he winced again) "What, what hurts?" (a little concerned) M: "Nothing (I look up at him confused) you're hands are cold!" S: (I give him the most sarcastic look I can manage) M: "Sorry!" (smiling) S: (I patch up the wound and, as I try to stand up, my robe falls open at the bottom) M: (stunned!) "Scully, you wear stockings!" S: (covering up again, then looking up at him I raise an eyebrow) "All done" M: "Thanks. --PAUSE-- You must be getting really fed up of this!" S: "What?" M: "Having to fix me all the time!" S: "Nah - actually I really don't mind! You're a great patient!" (I grab his arms in my hands and try to pull him up) He rises up a little then falls back, pulling me down with him. We bump heads as we fall, and we end up on the bed, with me on top of him. I laugh a little as he rubs his head... M: "Ow!" (faking it!) S: (still laughing) "Sorry!" (he starts laughing too) We both laugh for a second and then we both stop, almost exactly at the same time. He looks deep into my eyes as I look into his. He reaches up a hand and runs it along my cheek. Then it happens. He kisses me! This time he definitely meant it. We didn't pull apart for a long time, and then it was only to take a breath! My hands were in his hair, his left was still on my face. His right now moved down to my leg and the top of my stocking. Thank God I didn't wear tights!! I look up as he begins to kiss the skin on my neck. God that feels amazing! And it's been so long since I've let anyone do it! I happen to glance at the clock on my cabinet as my eyes wander around the room... S: "Damn!!" M: (pulling off me straight away) "What (concerned) - was that not okay? God I'm such an idiot!" (looking away from me, really sad) S: "Hey (pulling him towards me and kissing him again) talk about negativity!! There was nothing wrong with that, (smiling) but have you seen the time?" M: (he glances over my shoulder to the clock) "Damn!! Our plane leaves in an hour!" S: "Yeah - I know!" He jumps up and runs around like a mad thing grabbing all his stuff, and then runs into his room. I can't help but laugh at him.... M: "You're a lot of help!" (exasperated) S: "I'm sorry - (smiling) but have you ever heard the phrase 'headless chicken'?!" M: "Thank you!"(a little annoyed) S: "I'm kidding!" (getting up and starting to pack myself) MULDER'S P.O.V: We ran around like lunatics for the next fifteen minutes and finally managed to get everything into our suitcases and make a mad dash for the airport. We got to the gate just as they were closing the flight, and ran on. Some guy and his wife in the seats in front of us looked very disapproving as we rushed onto the plane into our seats. I realised Scully was wearing my shirt! I don't think she'd even noticed!.... M: "Hey, isn't that my shirt?!" S: "Oh God, I hadn't noticed, I was in such a hurry. No wonder they were staring!" (smiling) M: "It suits you!" (approving) S: "Thanks!" (smiling even wider, and blushing a little) The flight was fairly boring. The movie wasn't anything particularly fascinating, but we sat and watched it together anyway.... M: "You're not going to fall asleep on me again are you? 'Cause if you are, could you warn me so we could switch seats. My right shoulder's still recovering from last time!" She looked very indignant but resisted saying anything! I couldn't believe how great today had been! The wedding may have been a little cheesy, but the party was okay! Anyway, I wasn't really concentrating on either - not with Scully next to me the whole time! She was so amazingly beautiful and so graceful too. Heads turned when she walked past. Of course these heads were then slapped by their wives for staring in the first place! She seemed to remain totally oblivious though! That was the one of the things I liked most about her - she was absolutely gorgeous (no question) but she was completely modest. Some women are all 'look at me I'm so fabulous!'. Scully would probably slap someone like that!! She'd taken me by surprise on the way home though. I'm driving quietly along some rural Massachusets highway and she just suddenly comes out and tells me she loves me!! I almost crashed, I was just in complete shock! I've been in love with her for ever, but I never thought she felt the same way! I should have told her a long time ago!! I looked across at her and smiled.... S: "What?" (smiling too, as she takes a drink of coffee) M: "Scully, I love you too. I've been in love with you for years, I just never knew how to tell you before, but you're the only woman I can ever imagine being with!" S: "What?!!!" (she jumps and manages to spill the coffee all over me - luckily it wasn't too hot!) "Oh God Mulder, I am so sorry! You kinda took me by surprise with that one!" M: "Obviously!" (dabbing at my shirt with a napkin) S: "That was the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me! (smiling and kissing me) God I love you!" M: "I love you too! (big smile) (grabbing my bag, and taking a shirt out) I think I better go change though!" S: (smiling) "Good idea!" Well that could have gone better! After years of waiting - I finally tell the woman I love how I feel, and she spills coffee all over me! I feel so great though! Telling her was so liberating, I feel like a new man! Things were going so well back at the hotel - I have no idea what would've happened if we hadn't had to make this flight! It's difficult to know where to go from here though! I guess I'll see when we get back to D.C. It's going to be so hard hiding this at the office - at least a lot of our cases involve field work! SCULLY'S P.O.V: The flight was fairly uneventful, we actually almost didn't make it! Then again we were kinda distracted!! I couldn't believe it was actually happening. I'd dreamed about it for a long time, but when it actually came down to it, it was even better than I'd imagined! This weekend had been amazing! Our whole relationship was re-defined in basically two days! I was so nervous when I told him how I felt, but I was so relieved afterwards! When he said it to me just now though, I was still completely stunned! I think I on some level I had already known, but just hearing it made it seem much more real! Spilling coffee on him was probably not a good move though! I looked down and admired the shirt I was wearing. I don't know how I didn't notice it was one of his! It looked good on me though - even he had said so! Yet somehow, in the midst of my happiness, I suddenly had a nasty thought. What about Fowley? He hadn't mentioned her, and I still don't know what their whole history is. Is it over between them? She certainly doesn't seem to think so - but what about him? M: (returning from the bathroom) "Right all changed. Could you warn me next time though - I haven't got another shirt on me!" (smiling) S: (as he sits down) "Sorry!" (smiling too) M: "That's okay - I forgive you!" (reaching over and kissing me, his breath smelt slightly of ....) S: "Hershey's! You have Hershey's - gimme, I'm starving!" M: (reaching inside his pocket, he pulled out a bag of Hershey's kisses ) "Appropriate huh?!" (pointing to the name) S: (I popped a couple in my mouth and then kissed him) "I dunno - (moving my tongue around my teeth) hey you took one!" M: (smiling opens his mouth to reveal one sitting on the edge of his tongue) "I've had a lot of practice!" S: (disapproving look) --PAUSE-- "You know I love you right?" M: (looking confused) "Yeah, of course. I love you too!" S: "Then there's something I gotta know - is it all over between you and Fowley?" M: "You mean Diana?" (understanding look) "Okay - I never really told you about what went on between us. I met her through the bureau while I was still training. We got on really well and started dating soon after. She was, I guess you could say, my first love. We were absolutely crazy about each other, and after a while I asked her to marry me" S: (total shock) "Oh my God!" M: "Yeah. Anyway, we were married very soon after, and for a while things were great, but somewhere along the line, I realised we weren't so perfect for each other after all. We divorced, and she went away to Europe. Then I met you! (smiling) I then realised what love really was - I was so crazy about you, I just didn't want to get hurt again. When she came back, I guess I got confused. With her it was familiar, it was easy, there was still some feeling there, but it wasn't right. She wanted to get back together, but I pushed her away. I told her I was already in love with someone else. (looking to Scully) And that's it - that's the whole story" S: (hugging him hard, crying a little) "Thank you" M: "For what? Acting like an idiot for the last six years because of her?" S: "No, for just being you! --PAUSE-- I love you, you idiot! (kissing him again) M: "I love you too !" (under his breath) "I'm not going to mess up this time, I'm never going to let you go, you mean too much to me" MULDER'S P.O.V: We got to Scully's place at around 9.30, after stopping for some food at Burger King! Her concession to me after us almost missing the flight to Boston! She was fairly quiet as we drove home, but she looked happy enough. As we pulled up outside her door, I realised she'd dozed off again - probably last night catching up with her! I reached over and kissed her, willing her to wake up like Sleeping Beauty. She stirred and stretched her arms... S: "God, did I fall asleep again?" M: "Uh uh - come on I'll grab the bags, lets get you inside" S: (suddenly registering where they were) "Okay" We got to the door, I don't know what she had in those bags but they weighed a ton! She unlocked the door and I struggled in with the bags!....... M: "Right, well I better get going, I'll leave you to your beauty sleep!" (smiling) S: "Not yet Mister! (smiling) You're not going anywhere till I've..... (leaning over me till our lips are about a millimetre apart) ....checked that dressing on your chest! (smiling again, raising one eyebrow as I look disappointed) M: "Okay" (sitting down on the couch, and removing my jacket and shirt) She returns from the kitchen and grabs the hi-fi remote off the table and clicks the CD on. I recognise the song immediately - "Wicked Game"! I look up at her smiling, surprised..... S: "What? I told you I loved this song! (smiling) (kneeling down in front of me, with another first aid kit!) (she peels away the old bandage and wipes the wound down with a cloth before putting a new dressing on top) "Okay - you're all done, fit for service!" (standing) M: (I pull her down again to kiss her, looking deep into her eyes) S: (we pull apart finally, and she drags me up) (we struggle across the room to her bedroom, it's very hard to walk and kiss at the same time!) M: "Okay, now there's one thing I gotta know" (as we enter the room and pull apart momentarily) S: "What?" M: "What were you dreaming about the other night?!" S: "How did you--?"(looking confused) M: (interrupting her) "You talk in your sleep!" S: "Oh God - what did I say?!" M: "Just 'Mmmulder'!" (trying to imitate her voice) "You had the biggest grin on your face whatever it was!" (waggling eyebrows again!) S: (walks over to me) "Do you want me to tell you (putting her arms around my neck) or show you?!" (smiling wickedly) M: "Oh my!" (kissing her, and kicking the door shut!) NEXT MORNING: I woke up and light was streaming through the bamboo blinds over her windows. I smiled happily and rolled over onto my back. What an amazing night!! I had waited six years for that, but oh my God, was it worth it!! I couldn't believe it had actually happened! I rolled over again, but she wasn't there. Where was she? I don't think she was unhappy about what had happened - she didn't sound like it anyway!! Suddenly the door opened and in she walked. She looked beautiful! She was wearing my shirt again - and by the looks of it, not a whole lot else!........ S: "Morning sleepy head! (smiling) I made you breakfast!" M: (sitting up, she had brought in coffee, croissants and fresh melon) "Wow this looks fantastic - (kissing her) thank you!" S: "Anytime, --PAUSE-- I figured you deserved it anyway!" (smiling mischievously!) "I'm sure we can be a little late for work today, I don't think we've got anything major on anyway!" M: "Oh God, what time is it!" (suddenly remembering) S: "8.15 why?" (concerned) M: "I totally forgot - we have a meeting with Skinner at 9!" S: "And you didn't think to mention that?!" M: "Well I was kinda distracted!" (smiling) We ran around like lunatics trying to get ready for work on time! Luckily I had a suit in Scully's closet, so I didn't have to go home. We were just about ready to go when the phone rang. Scully was in the bathroom so I grabbed it instead....... M: "Hello?" MA: "Fox? Is that you?" M: (oh God - now what?) "Yeah it's me Mrs Scully, how are you?" MA: "I'm fine thank you, I was actually looking for Dana, is she there?" M: "Uh yeah" (she emerged from the bathroom, I mouthed to her "It's your Mom!") S: (looking a little shocked, but taking the phone anyway) "Hi Mom - is everything okay?" MA: "Yes. I just spoke to Tara. She told me what had happened between you, Bill and Fox last night. I was just checking you were okay - but apparently you are!" (referring to the fact that Mulder was there!) S: "Mom!" (Embarassed) "Can we talk about this later - we're in a rush for work" MA: "You two oversleep, did you?!" S: "We'll talk later, we have to go now. Bye!" (hanging up) "Okay she knows!" M: "Is that a bad thing?" (worried slightly) S: "Nah (smiling) she likes you! (kissing him) Just not quite as much as I do! Now we really do have to go!" SCULLY'S P.O.V: We got to work in separate cabs. It takes nothing to get a rumour started at that place, and if anyone found out about us, we could be separated! I was not gonna let that happen! We ran into the building and got to Skinner's (SK) office at exactly 9.00! Bit of an achievement! We paused briefly to catch breath, while his secretary announced us. We were a little apprehensive about the meeting, we had no idea what it was about! We walked in and sat down. I suddenly noticed I was still wearing the ring he had given me on my wedding finger. I switched it over to my other hand quickly. SK: "Morning agents - in a bit of a hurry this morning were we?" (looking at us) M: "My fault sir, I forgot to tell Agent Scully about the meeting and we were both back fairly late last night" (I looked him thinking 'what the hell are you doing??!') SK: "Oh of course you had the reunion and Scully, I believe you had a wedding?" S: "Er yes Sir" (still a little confused) (interlocking my fingers over my crossed legs) SK: (he looked down at my hands) (by way of explanation) "Agent Mulder told me. (I nodded in understanding) Ah, I see congratulations are in order" S: "Sir?" (looking confused) SK: (pointing to my ring) "You're engaged! Who's the lucky guy?" S: (realising) "Oh yes Sir. (Mulder shoots me a look) He's an old friend of mine. We've known each other for years but I never really told him how I felt. Anyway, last Tuesday he asked me to marry me. I said yes!" (Author's note: Tuesday was when Mulder asked her to pretend to be his wife!) SK: "Oh well bad luck Mulder!" (smiling) M: (looking at Scully) "Yeah, he's a very lucky guy!" S: (smiling at him) SK: "Anyway, the reason I called you two in here was because of this case. There's been a few reports of disappearances at this little community in Southern Texas. So we need a couple of agents to go down there and check it out. The thing is, the community was set up for young couples buying their first homes together, and you two seem to be the most likely couple to send. (they look a little surprised) You know each other very well and get on okay, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. We anticipate you'll only need about a week to sort it out. Besides, it was either you two or Spender and Fowley, and they don't exactly embody marital bliss, so you're up!" M: "Right sir" (secretly smiling at me while Skinner removes something from his desk) SK: "Okay, you will be William and Katherine Stevenson. We picked your middle names as aliases, so they should be easy enough to remember. Mulder you are a psychologist and Scully you are a doctor. I don't think I need to remind you not to mention the FBI, you don't want to arise suspicion. (handing them an envelope) Here are your tickets. Your flight leaves at midday. Good luck agents." (he looks down at the desk and begins working again) We stand and walk out of the office. I don't say a word till we get back to the office. Once inside with the door locked, I run over to him, throw my arms around his neck and kiss him..... S: "I can't believe it!" (grinning like a maniac) "They're paying us to go and pretend to be married! Hey I'd do it for free!" (kissing him again) M: "Yeah I know! (also grinning madly) (then more seriously) What was the whole 'engagement' thing about anyway?" S: "Calm down, I was only joking!" M: "Good! I love you but I'm not crazy!!" S: "Thanks a lot!" (a little put out) (walking away from him) M: (grabbing my wrist and pulling me back in towards him, and kissing me hard) Suddenly we were interrupted by Mulder's e-mail reminder on his computer. I walk over as he brings up the message. It was from Frohike!... F: "Did ya get lucky then?!" (it read) I smile and try to look indignant as he types a response: M: "Extremely!!!!" I grab him and kiss him again. God I love this man! We ignore the computer as it beeps up with another message: F: "Bastard!!!" THE END __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Any feedback to: sophie.maddison@lineone.net Thank you!