From: Victoria <eve2483@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 13:03:07 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Playing In The Dark -Post "The Unnatural"


As I come upon the baseball field, I notice him.  He
is gripping a bat.  Swinging with the enthusiasm of a
child in the throes of the first sandlot game of the
summer. His face seems to glow with enjoyment and my
heart wrenched as it occurs to me that he had never
had this growing up.

Mulder's childhood had been one of loss and
disappointment.  A sullen, absentee father, a cold
mother.  Both, who I assume had no tolerance for
nonsense or silly behavior.  Stingy with hugs and
simple affection.  After Samantha's disappearance,
Mulder had to grow up remarkable fast.  A man at the
age of 12.

I hate to interrupt him, as he looks happier than I
had seen him in months...or was it years.

To be honest, I'd never really been able to figure
Mulder out...not completely. His emotional make up
seemed incredibly complex.  Bright and jovial one
moment.  Dark and brooding the next.

Sighing, I finally make my presence known by
mentioning a telephone call I had received....  from a
Fox Mantle?  I bring up the lack of birthday gifts I
had been offered in his attempt to lure me here.

Ignoring my little rant, he says, "You've never hit a
baseball before, have you, Scully?"

It was if my entire personality, or lack of one, could
be explained by my lack of experience with the game.

Standing outside the fence, I counter with some flip
reply about having better things to do.

Shrugging off my sarcasm, he turns and gave me a look
I've seen turn even the most profession woman into a
puddle...myself included although I hide it better
than most.

"Get over here, Scully."

Exasperated, I do as he says...as usual.

When I reached him, I'm surprised to feel those arms
embracing me...and wondered what he was up to.

"This my birthday present, Mulder? You shouldn't
have."

That came out a little huskier than I intended and I
chide myself for letting my emotions...and my body
control my mind.

I can hear him instructing me on the proper way to
hold the bat but I can't concentrate. He's too close
to me.  All rational though fades away as I think
about the feel of Mulder's breath on my cheek, his
hands, how adorable he looks in that damn baseball
jersey.

His hand goes to my hip and I resist the urge to spin
around and kiss him. Is he doing this on purpose? I
wonder?  Mulder are trying to drive me insane?

Mulder touches my hand and again my hip. This time he
lingers a little longer.  I wonder if he's enjoying
this as much as I am...

Together, we bring back the bat in preparation for the
first ball.  Our bodies wiggle in unison and I...oh
god, is that what I think it is?  I chuckle to myself,
as I no longer have to wonder if Mulder likes this.  
You were right, Mulder. It's not a bad piece of
ash..not bad at all.

Part of me wonders why this all seems so special. 
It's certainly not the first time I've been in his
arms.
This time is just a little different, though.  I
haven't just escaped the hands of any madman.  I am
not fighting a losing battle with disease. It's not
comfort for the death of a loved one. It's merely two
people, having fun.  At least for tonight, we're safe.
 No looming destruction...no malevolent forces
attempting to destroy the world.
Just me and Mulder, playing in the dark.