From: Nicole Baker Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2000 21:13:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: xfc: Fic: The Song (a sequel to The Mouse and The Dance) Source: xfc Title: The Song (a sequel to The Mouse; a story in The Dance series) by: Agent Diana Fowley Email: agtdianafowley@yahoo.com Category: MSR, vignette Keywords: MSR Rating: PG-13 (sorry to disappoint any of you) Spoilers: none Feedback: I need it to live. Feedback will motivate me to write a sequel (see Author's Notes as the end of this post) Summary: This story takes place after the events of The Mouse and The Dance. If you haven't read the first two parts, you will still be able of follow this one but I would love for you to read The Dance first. They are both on my website <> Summary: A song get both Scully and Mulder thinking about their relationship Author's Notes: At the end of the post. The Song by Agent Diana Fowley It's on again. The song. I swear I hear it every single time Mulder and I are in the car together and it's driving me crazy. Not that it's a bad song. Don't get me wrong, the tune is very catchy. What drives me crazy are the words. I don't think I've ever been quite this affected by song lyrics before. Every time I hear it I can't help but think about Mulder and me. I won't lie and say I don't know why that it, because I do. Mulder and I are...well, we're on the verge of.....something. We're on the verge of crossing that line that exists between being friends and being so much more. We've kissed. Many times, but only on two occasions. Actually it was much more than kissing, much, much more. Anyway, in both cases we stopped short of to much more. Why did we stop? Well, I don't know if we are quite mentally and emotionally ready to cross that line. Back to the song. Every time I hear it, I can picture the events happening to Mulder and me. I first time I hear it I saw the lyrics as a way for us to hurdle that line and never look back. Then I listen to the last verse. In six lines the last verse sums up everything I fear will happen if I allow us to cross that line. Then I think back to the third verse....I get so turned on just imagining Mulder and me doing those things. Believe me, having those kinds of thoughts about Mulder when I am locked in the car with him, makes my attraction for him even harder to handle. Maybe next time I hear that song I will have to ask Mulder to dance.... The ringing of Mulder's phone brings me out of my daydream. "Mulder," he says into the phone. I watch the color drain from his face as he listens to the details of the conversation. I stare at him, willing him to fill me in. Instead he just keeps glancing in my direction. Finally, after a series of 'uh huh''s and 'yes, sir''s he hangs up the phone and stows it in his pocket. "Mulder?" I demand when I can't stand the suspense any longer. "That was Skinner," Mulder offers stating the obvious. "And..." I prompt when he doesn't continue. "We have a new assignment," he says, again stating the obvious. If he wasn't so damn irresistible, I would have to kill him. "And..." When he doesn't respond I continue, "Mulder, it can't be that bad...Just spit it out!" "Pack your travel Scrabble, Scully....We're on our way to the annual FBI field agent's convention." XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX It's on again. The song. I swear I hear it every single time Scully and I are in any type of confined space, especially the car. It's driving me crazy. Not that it's a bad song. Don't get me wrong, the tune is very catchy. What drives me crazy are the words. I don't think I've ever been quite this affected by song lyrics before. Every time I hear it I can't help but think about Scully and me. I won't lie and say I don't know why that it, because I do. Scully and I are...well, we're on the verge of.....something. We're on the verge of crossing that line that exists between being friends and being so much more. We've kissed. Many times, but only on two occasions. Actually we pretty much made out on both occasions. I think we both wanted more to happen. I know that I wanted more than what happened but in both cases we stopped short. Why did we stop? Well, I don't know if Scully is quite ready to cross that line, at least not without a bit of Irish courage on her side. Anyway, back to the song. Every time I hear it, I can picture the events happening to Scully and me. In fact, I think some of the lyrics are directly taken from Scully Fantasy # 45. I am the man in the song. Scully is the beautiful, irresistible women. My "special agent" starts to spring into action just thinking about the third verse. Believe me, having those kinds of thoughts about Scully when I am locked in the car with her, makes my attraction for her even harder to handle. Then I think about how the song ends. Every fear I believe Scully has about us becoming lovers is wrapped up in those six lines. I know I would never ever leave her. I would be devastated if Scully and I could no longer be friends. I wonder if she's ever listened to the lyrics. I wonder if she's afraid that if we do become lovers I will run off and leave her. I wonder if she thinks that it is possible for two people who love each other as much as we do to mess up their relationship by sleeping together so much that they can't even work together any longer... The ringing of my phone brings me out of my daydream. "Mulder," I say. "Agent Mulder. This is AD Skinner. A new case has just been handed to me. I have been told to make it my top priority. For the past few month, there has been some kind of unusual phenomenon taking place at convention center in D.C. The F.B.I. is especially interested in this phenomenon because the annual Field Agents Convention..." I feel the color drain from my face when I hear the title of the song escape Skinner's lips. Convention? God, please don't let him tell me..... "I have already made reservations for you and Agent Scully. Good luck with you investigation, and please remember it is a formal affair and you need to be discrete." I respond with a series of 'uh huh''s and 'yes, sir''s as he gives me the details. I can feel Scully stare at me but refuse to acknowledge her. I can't believe this assignment. I don't think this is a good idea. "That was Skinner," I offer stating the obvious. "And..." she prompts when I don't continue. "We have a new assignment," I say, again stating the obvious. I know she's getting mad, but she's so damn cute when she's mad that her glare is worth it. "And..." she insists When I still don't respond she continues, "Mulder, it can't be that bad...Just spit it out!" "Pack your travel Scrabble, Scully....We're on out way to the annual FBI field agent's convention." XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx Convention! Did he just say we were headed to a convention? A place were there will be formal attire, dinner and dancing.....Oh God! It will be fine. We will be fine. We're on assignment, nothing will happen. We're nothing if not professional. At least he seems nervous too. I don't think I could deal with this if I were the only one acting so foolishly. I can't believe I think about our relationship as much as I do. I think about it a lot, a lot, a lot. I hoped that kissing him would sort of take away some of the curiosity, resolve some of the tension. It's hasn't, not by a long shot. It's so much worse. All I think about doing is kissing him again, and again, and more.....I need to get my mind off of this. "Mulder..." I begin and he jumps. I arch an eyebrow in confusion but continue, "What is our assignment exactly?" "Details are waiting for us at the hotel. What I know is that there have been some strange occurrences at every convention that has been held at the center in the last few months. Evidently something has a strange influence on the behavior of those in attendance." "What kind of behavior?" "Well, there have been many reports of strange behavior among coworkers in attendance." "What kind of strange behavior, Mulder?" I prompt, wishing he would just cut to the chase. He pauses and steals a glance in my direction before he continues, "Let's just say that if this Field Agent's convention is like the other that have been held at the center, we will see many agents consorting in many places outside of their hotel rooms." "You means something is making these conventionites act amorously toward each other?" "That's pretty much what I got out of Skinner." "Is alcohol served as these events?" Mulder smiles but never takes his eyes off the road, "I think that the convention center staff thought of that. The last few conventions has been dry and the conventioneers were still all over each other." "So what exactly will our function be?" I ask, fearing the response. "Well, according to Skinner we are going undercover as Field Agents from the Kirksville, Missouri office. We are supposed to keep our eyes open for.....unusual.....behavior." Great. This is just great. This is exactly what I feared. I can't believe this. I am still considering the irony of the situation as Mulder flips the station. Guess what song is on....This is going to be a long assignment. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX That was the most excruciating experience of my life. It took every ounce of self control I had not to push Scully back into the dressing room so we could participate in a little 'unusual' behavior of our own. Not only do I have to taking my beautiful partner dancing, but I also got to help her pick out a dress. 'Got to help' is maybe not the correct phrase. 'Forced to help' is more like it. I, like every man, hate shopping, but I both me and my special agent loved the fashion show. Every dress Scully put on revealed new sections of perfect skin, each more appealing than the one before. Finally, when I felt like I was about to burst she stepped out of the dressing room wearing a deep blue, strapless, backless gown, that was slit all the up one side. I had a death grip on the chair to keep me from jumping her right there. To top it off, as she stepped out of the dressing room the Song started playing. My reaction must have told her everything she needed to know, because she didn't even ask me what I thought, she just smiled, spun on her heal and walked back into the dressing room. Now, I am stuck in the car with Scully, that absolutely, unbelievable dress hanging in the back and an image of Scully wearing said dress burned into my mind. I've said it before, tonight is going to be a long night. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Tonight is going to be a long night. A long, long night. Mulder is sexy as hell in a tux. Mulder is sexy as hell in anything but I have always been attracted to men in formal attire. I think it's a James Bond thing. I think I may have gotten even though. Judging by his reaction to my dress, it's going to be a long night for him too. It's nice to know that he's attracted to me. It's also nice that he never even tries to hide it. It makes a girl feel good, even if she knows nothing will come of it. I know nothing will happen or can happen tonight. Though it will be hard to hide my attraction when he is wearing that tux. I just finish slipping my ear ring into place as Mulder knocks at my door. When I open the door I feel my knees go weak at the site of him. He is beautiful. "Ready?" he asks as his eyes make a return trip up my body. I nod and pull the door closed behind me. As we walk down the hall to the elevator, he rests his hand on the small of my back and leans close to me ear. "You look beautiful, Scully," he says in my ear. I feel the blush start on my face so I keeping walking with no response. It's one think to know that he's attracted to me, but he's never said anything about it out loud. I finally look at him when we reach the elevator. "You look wonderful yourself." He smiles as he guides me into the elevator door. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I never really thought Scully found me attractive. I never thought she looked at me that way. Hearing her say that I looked "wonderful" nearly made my night. The fact that she is wearing that unbelievable dress pretty much did. I am sure she knows that I am attracted to her. I've never tried to hide it. I didn't figure there was a point. Mere attraction was never going lead to anything more between us, and frankly it took to much energy to hide the fact that I thought about throwing her down on my desk and having my way with her a minimum of 40 times a day. After seeing her in that dress, that number is sure to rise along with other things. When we enter the conference I see at least 10 agents turn and stare at my beautiful partner. I knew that would happen. Everywhere we go, she gets checked out. I notice. I usually try to give the ogles a dirty glare, but I don't think Scully even notices. I don't think she has any ideas how beautiful she is. For some reason that thought is very sad, especially considering that I think she is the most beautiful creature on earth. "Everyone is staring, Scully," I whisper into her ear. She gives me a questioning look and I continue, "There looking at the most beautiful woman in the room." She inhales at my statement. I know I shocked her. There is a difference between being attracted to someone and thinking they are beautiful. She clears her throat and raises her head to me but doesn't meet my eyes. "So, where should we begin our investigation?" "Where the action is," I reply. "Where would that be, Mulder?" she says looking around the room. I wait for her to look me in the eye and then I nod my head in the direction of the dance floor. I don't want to say it. I don't want to ask her to dance. Not like this, not because it is part of an assignment. She stares at me, and thankfully understands. We share a smile and she grabs my hand and pulls me to the dance floor. We dance and a safe distance, only touching each other in the necessary places. We are both quite as we watch for signs of abnormal behavior. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX We dance and dance and dance. I have to admit that it feels wonderful to be back in Mulder's arms, even if we are trying to keep ourselves at a safe distance. I though it was a good idea not to touch Mulder anywhere that wasn't necessary but that just makes it hard not to concentrate on everywhere we are touching. My hands are burning where it is wrapped in his. Every time he adjusts the pressure of the hand that is at my waist I feel the tingle all the way up my spine. Every time he accidentally brushed up against me I want to become the source of some inappropriate behavior right here in the he middle of the dance floor. We dance through at least five songs without speaking. When the music once again returns to a more mellow tune he finally speaks, "Have you seen anything unusual?" "Nothing," I say with a shake of my head. We continue to dance until our contacts starts heading in our direction. "Agents," he says. "Thank you for your time, but a couple of my men apprehended a man carrying a large amount of a chemical yet to be identified. He was dressed as one of the caterers. I just got word that he confessed to putting he substance in the drinks at these conventions for the last few months. We don't know why but at least we have some answers. Thanks for your help, and please enjoy the rest of your evening." With that he turns on his heal and marches out of the room. "That was easy," I say. I realize that I am still in Mulder's arms and take a step back. He looks a little hurt but agrees with a nod. "What should we do now?" he asks. I know what I want to do. I want to ask him to dance. I also know what I should do. I should leave this convention and go up to my room, alone, and get some sleep. I should distance myself from Mulder. Before I can come to a decision he says, "Would you like to dance?" He keeps his eyes locked with mine as he awaits my response. I want to dance. I really want to dance. I am so afraid of where it will lead. I am about to protest when the band starts a new song and Mulder pulls me back to the floor. This time he pulls me flush against him and whispers into my hair, "This doesn't have to lead to anything, Scully. You look so beautiful tonight, I just had to hold you once more time before I returned to my lonely room." I release a sigh of both relief and contentment. I have to admit to myself that this is nice. He is not expecting this is lead anywhere and I have to agree this is much better than returning to my room alone. I settle myself against him and he pulls me close and his hand gently strokes my back. I fell so relaxed and content and then I hear it. The first few chords of the song. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I don't notice it at first. I am to busy paying attention to Scully, bonelessly pressed against my chest. I am to busy paying attention to the silky feel of her skin as I stroke my hand up and down her back. I am too busy trying to keep myself under control as her breath caresses the sensitive skin of my neck. I don't notice that they are playing the song until Scully tenses in my arms. "Shit," I hear her say as she pulls away from me. "What's wrong?" I ask as I see the panic on her face. "Nothing," she says as she turns to leave. I grab her arm and spin her back in my direction. "Scully, what's wrong?" I insist. "It's silly," she says and I release her arm and wait for her to continue. When she doesn't I pull her back into my arms. She reluctantly rejoins me but never relaxes in my embrace. "This song is perfect for us, perfect for tonight," I whisper into her hair. Before I know it she is out of my arms and all I can see is a red and blue streak heading for the door. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx I make it to my room without crying. I don't even know what happened back there. I blame the song. That song has been driving me crazy for day and now it has finally put me over the edge. I ran out the warm embrace of one of the most wonderful men in the world based on the lyrics of a song. A song that he said was "perfect" for us. That was why I ran. Is what the song described what he wanted for us? Is it what he hoped would happen tonight? I can't believe that our relationship means so little to him that he would be able to leave me after a night of passion, but that is also what I fear the most. That fear is what enabled me to push him away again and again. My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on my door. I don't even look through the peep hole. I know who will be standing on the other side of the door. I feel foolish about running away from him. I feel even more foolish about my reason behind it. I don't even want to face him tonight but I know he won't leave until he knows that I'm all right, that we're all right. That is one of his qualities that is dreadfully annoying and unbelievably endearing all at the same time. The take a deep breath and swing open the door to find a very concerned Mulder leaning against the door frame. "Hi," I say as I step a side to let him in. He says nothing as he steps past me into the room. I lock the door and turn to find him standing by my bed watching me. I wait for him to speak and when he doesn't I say, "So, did the smell of my perfume lead you here?" I see the corner's of his mouth pull into the beginnings of a smile at this. I am sure the last thing he expected me to do was spout lines from the song. I wait for him to speak and when he doesn't I begin, "I suppose you want and explanation for what happened back there." When he shakes his head "no," it's my chance to stand there speechless. "I know," is all he says. He gives that a few minutes to sink in. When I finally look him in the eye he says, "Come here, Scully." I move cautiously in his direction, not knowing what to expect. When I am within he reach he grabs me and pulls me into his embrace. Then he whispers into my hair, "I know. I know that you're scared. I know you're scared about starting a relationship with me. I didn't realize until tonight that you were partially afraid of me." I raise my head from his chest and try to speak, but he keeps me pressed against him and continues, "I came up here tonight to assure you that you have nothing to be afraid of." He then pulls me back so he can look me in the eyes and repeats, "You have nothing to be afraid of." Relief washes over me. I'm not going to lose he because of this. He understands. I feel tears stinging my nose so I step beside him and sit on the edge of the bed. He understands. Mulder is truly the most amazing man in the world. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I don't want to turn around. I really don't. She looked like she was going to cry and I can't resist touching crying Scully when she is crying and I don't know how she will react to that tonight. I finally turn around and see her sitting on the edge of the bed. She's not crying but she looks exhausted. I sit next to her. She looks at me and gives me one of her most brilliant, heart-warming smiles. God, she is so beautiful. Her smile soon fades and a yawn takes its place. The I yawn, and we both laugh. It feels really good to laugh. When we stop laughing Scully moves up to the head of the bed and lies down. I take it as my cue to leave and stand. She puts her feet in my lap and forces me back into sitting position. I look up and her and she props her self on her elbows and says, in a very small, shy voice, "Stay? I don't want to be alone." I smile and move her feet so I can stand. A flash of disappointment registers across her face, but it is soon replaced with a shy smile when I pull off my shoes, tie, and jacket before joining her in her bed. We lay next to each other, heads on the pillows, staring at the ceiling but not touching. We lay there in silence. I notice that our breathing is in sync moments before I decide to speak. "I'm afraid of you too." I continue to stare at the ceiling after my confession but and see her head turn toward me on her pillow. She regards me for a moment and then does the last thing this I ever expected her to do. She rolls on her side, throws her arm across my chest, and tucks her head under my chin. I takes me a moment to respond but when I do I cover her arm with me own and wrap the other around her back, pulling me more securely against me. Once we are both settled, she speaks, "Why?" I brush a kiss against her head and she borrows closer to me, "I'm afraid that if something happens, you'll realize what a mistake you are making with me and you'll leave. I know I couldn't live without out you. I tried once...." During my confession she propes herself up so that she can look me in the eyes. "Mulder," she says, the hand that had been across my chest trailing down my cheek. "You have nothing to be afraid of." I smile and nod. I don't think I could love her anymore than I do this instant. Then, she does something else that amazes me. She leans forward and brushes a kiss across my lips. She pulls away after only the slightest brush of her lips on mine, leaving me wanting more. I bring my hand up and guide her back to my mouth for another kiss. This one is equally as chaste by with a bit more pressure. Her lips are like silk gliding over mine. The second kiss is better, even though it is entirely too short. When she again pulls away, I watch her closely. I can tell she is considering what has just happened between us. Yes, Scully, I want to say, we kissed and it can't be blamed on the emotional high of a gruesome case or alcohol. I think she comes to the same conclusions, because she smiles as me and settles herself back against my chest. Moments later the change in her breathing pattern tells me she is asleep. As I lay here, starring at the ceiling, Scully tucked against me, I consider the day. We took a big step. We haven't really crossed the line but we are getting closer. We are working through our fears and this time, there were no excuses for her falling asleep in my arms or the kiss we shared....Well, maybe it had something to do with the song.... The End. There you go, another installment of THE DANCE. I hope you are all still enjoying it. This series had been a nice change of pace from baby fic and smut, though I may include both in the future if I continue to write. Please send feedback so I know what you are thinking. I write for myself, but write faster if I even know that one person besides myself is enjoying my work. In case you are wondering, here is the song. It is by the Barenaked Ladies and is on their CD Maroon. Listening to it is much better than reading it.... Conventioneers You walked into the room And the whole place stopped to notice Standing next to you, I feel so hopeless and you know this I've never been ashamed of my attraction I'd be happy if you gave me just a fraction As we danced, I could see in your eyes You and me as senior citizens in love Followed you perfume out away from all the rabble Right up to your room for a drink and travel Scrabble You, stationed in the warm glow of the t.v. Too patient as I'm playing L-O-V-E And we laugh...and we laugh...and we laugh... And we have to or we'll end up in the bath Now we're in the bath, I'm already thinking marriage I know that in the past it was something I disparage You turned down all the light, I lit the candles We rolled around in robes and hotel sandals Then you slept, and I dresses, and I left And I guess I'll you Monday like before Before all the fireworks exploded Our conversations were so loaded, innuendo flying... Now what can I say? Have a nice day Looks like rain today... Now I'm in a cab, heading back to my apartment Everything is drab, and I wish it never started Now I've landed in this awkward situation How can I just avoid a conversation? So I wait, come in late. It'd great If you transferred out of state ===== AIM: xflznicole CSM: How do you like your coffee? Scully: Unadulterated! Justice - When you get what you deserve Mercy - When you don't get what you deserve Grace - When you get what you don't deserve