From: AlienShip2000@aol.com
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2002 00:56:08 EDT
Subject: One Lonely Night by Eve
Source: direct

Title: One Lonely Night
Author: Eve
Rating: PG 
Category: MSR
Archive: Sure, if you want to, then just let me know first.
Spoilers: None really, just title and all inspiration is drawn from Trust No 
1. Time set is S7
Summary: One lonely night...
Feedback: I'd love it!
Authors notes at end.

      "Hey Scully, you ready to call it quits?" I looked up at Mulder,
warily.
      "Mulder, it's only 5 o'clock. You're either really bored, or you
want me to do something for you,"
      "Well, I do have two tickets to a small town in Kansas..." he
smirked as I shot him a look that had been designed to kill. "Or, we
could get out of this hole, and get something to eat."
      "Are you feeding me a line, Agent Mulder?" I teased gently.
      "Only if you want it to be."
      I smiled briefly, saddly, thinking of all the answers I wanted
to give.  But the words got in the way, as always. "Let's go."

      As we entered the dingy pub, I decided it suit my mood
perfectly. The sturdy wooden tables were stained and cracked from
years past. Smoke filled the crowded room, and Irish step music could
just be heard over the din of conversation. Looking around, I noticed
most of the patrons were men with their ties off. Some alone, hitting
on the female bartenders. Others were with colleagues, a few with
wives or girlfriends.
      Mulder and I appeared no different. For once, it seemed we fit
in. No questions about work, or relationships. Only anonymity.
      And lonliness.
      When I ordered a pint of Guiness, Mulder didn't try to mask his
surprise, before doing the same.
      Our meal was quiet. Words are over rated, and lost between us
anyway. I found myself studying him as we ate. He'd barely changed
over the past seven years. There is no denying that he is attractive.
I rarely thought about it.  Partially because I was accostumed to it,
but also dwelling on the physical made me all too aware of the pull he
has on me. Not just the lanky figure, or defined jaw. But the depth of
his eyes, and the happiness in his grin.
      I love him. It's not even a secret anymore. I have no secrets
from him.  Couldn't if I wanted to. But instead of moving foward, we
continue this pointles masquerade of innuendos and partnership.

      He drives me home, concerned about my alcohol level. In reality,
I've had no more to drink then him, but I understand his need to play
protector, and accept it.
      I invited him to come up with me. I don't feel like facing an
empty apartment right now. It's not much better with him here. It's a
torutre, but a welcome one.
      We chat idly for a while. Our seats on the couch are close,
shoulders and thighs touching. If I've learned anything since working
with Mulder, it's self control. Not to laugh, not to cry. Not to
touch.
      "What's on your reading list this week, Scully?" he jokes,
picking up the novel from the coffee table.
      "Mul-" I start pointlessly, as he opens to my bookmark.
      He reads silently, expressionless, for a moment before placing
it back.
      "Well, at least somebody is getting some." He smiles easily, and
instead of stammering excuses as planned, I stand, rolling my eyes.
      "Its all so simple to you, isn't it? Yet so pointless. Both of
us practicly taking a vow of celibacy, just to keep dancing in circles
around each other."
      "You lost me Scully."
      I can't help my sigh. "Nothing," I say quietly after a pause.
"Just blowing off steam." I sti back down, aware of Mulder's eyes on
me still.
      "Scully..." he starts softly. I turn to him, suddenly startled
by how close we are. "I know what you mean." His hand comes to my
shoulder, his thumb brushing against my collarbone. "All the bullshit,
and lines. The walls we've built..." he move to my cheek, hand and
words blending to form an irresistible caress. "We pretend to deny,
when we simply ignore." His lips find the corner of my mouth. "Why is
that?"
      My body is melting with his gentle seduction, but I force words
out to answer. "I don't know. Habit maybe." I try to retain control
and logic as he brushes back my hair to lay a soft kiss under my jaw.
      I fail, as does he.
      Our lips, our souls, touch. Words of love and tenderness aren't
neccesary now. Everything seems clear and right, with only a kiss.
      His hands hold my face gently. Even with Mulder, I had been
lonely this evening. All sense of tha tis gone.
      We break apart, eyes opening and connecting. I don't know how
long it has been. Everything but this moment, this night, is
insignificant now.
      I stand reluctantly, yet purposely.
      "I'm going to bed." I smile, not with coyness or jest. But
warmth, and love. "Are you coming?"
      His hand in mine is the answer.

-30-

A/N
Wow, that came out totally different then expected or planned! Cornier and 
cleaner for one! Please, confiscate my romance novels, I think that they are 
having a bad influence on me. Many, many thanks to Chris for getting his act 
together and providing me with such great inspriation. Please, let me know 
what you think!!