From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW: THERE FOR YOU (1/5) Date: 2 Mar 1996 21:22:05 -0500 Disclaimers: All right you all know Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen and FOX tv owns these guys. I only borrowed them for a little while. I never ask for money, so feel free to distribute this where you will as long as my name stays on it. The title of this story, and the song contained with in is taken from CLANNAD's wonderful tape BANBA. I heard it the other day, while I was writing PUSHED, and thought to my self... this is a perfect relationship song for our favorite intrepid heros. That said let me put out the warning. DANGER! RELATIONSHIP STORY AHEAD! If you don't like the idea of Mulder and Scully together... skip this completely. There is only reflection and romance here. Lastly, if you have read any of my previous fan fiction then please know that this is in no way related to anything else I have written. It's a billion lightyears away from the Cassandra Series, and in an alternate universe from "Pushed". THERE FOR YOU by Rhondda Lake (part 1/5) Scully slammed down the office phone with enough force to shake the desk. Mulder looked up at her, startled for a moment. "You break it, they dock your pay." She didn't bother to respond. It was turning out to be a rotten day all around. From Clyde being sick this morning, to Skinner informing her that her report of the Kincade autopsy was missing and now THIS. "Is there any particular reason you wanted to shove that phone all the way to China?" "Just a bad day Mulder, and it isn't about to get any better." She pulled up the Kincade report again and began printing it out. "It's Friday, the day's almost over, what happened? Your date cancel?" Mulder tossed three files on a stack behind him a playful smile toying with the corners of his mouth. When he didn't get a sharp reply he turned back around to see Scully giving him THAT glare. The one that made him want to cringe even though he'd never give her the satisfaction of showing it. Ooookay. He'd managed to hit the nail right on the head, and from the pained look on his partner's face he figured the nail's point went right into the heart. He automatically felt like an asshole. "Hey, I'm sorry. I had no idea.." "It's hardly your fault."" She sighed. "I barely knew the guy anyway. He is a friend of Bill's, and he'd agreed to go with me tonight as a favor to my brother." And boy did THAT hurt. Not only that she hadn't been able to come up with a date on her own, but that Greg had agreed to take her as a favor to Bill. Not because she was someone anyone would voluntarily date. How long had it been since she'd actually had a date anyway? Two years. "He wanted to get out of it so bad he got hit by a car. I'm surprised he stopped at a broken leg." Dana blanched, where had that come from? And why the Hell had she said it aloud? Just a tad bitter aren't we? "So, what do you have to go to tonight that you were going to drag along someone you don't really know?" Mulder flopped back into his seat, trying to look only mildly curious. "Captain and Mrs. John H. Bryce are celebrating their 50th anniversary in grand style. Uncle John was my father's best friend. My mom was supposed to attend, but she went on that Florida vacation. She needed to get away and enjoy herself so much I agreed to fill in for her and represent the family. I can't get out of it, so I guess I'm going alone." She felt guilty about wanting to get out of it too. After all Uncle John and Aunt Clair were old friends of the family, she'd even dated their grandson, Michael, a few times when they were in high school. Back when she actually HAD dates. But she didn't FEEL like looking at all those happily married people, let alone a couple who were together for a half a century. And she certainly didn't need to remember that she was attending because Ahab was gone. She'd only know a handful of people there anyway. "All right, what time should I pick you up?" Dana did a double take. "Excuse me?" "Come on Scully, you passed the hearing test. How formal is this thing anyway?" He was giving her that cocky little grin. "Look Mulder, I don't need you taking pity on me." She fought the surge of anger. Had she really become that pathetic? He frowned slightly, giving her a puzzled look. "It's not pity. You need someone to take you to this thing. I happen to have nothing to do tonight. I'm just after a free meal. After all eating too many Hungry Man dinners in a row can cause severe mental instability and possible hallucinations." She looked at him across their desks for what seemed an eternity. He returned the frank appraisal with a look of wry humor. "So that's what happened to you." She said at last, falling into step with his humor signaling the lightening of her mood. "All right Mulder. Pick me up at seven. Dinner is at eight thirty. Suit and tie." * Scully had the stereo on as she went through her closet. She'd put on and threw aside four dresses already. She had THOUGHT she knew what she was wearing tonight. The all purpose little black dress. But it was totally inappropriate if she was going with Mulder. She didn't want him getting the wrong idea, did she? He was her PARTNER for crying out loud, her best friend. So what was she doing trying to slip on a short sapphire blue strapless sheath with a matching bolero jacket? She stopped herself as she was pulling up the zipper in back. Well Dana Katherine Scully, why are you putting on THIS dress? The black one was actually a lot LESS revealing, the neckline was higher and the skirt longer and fuller. She sat down on her bed, looking at herself in the mirror, at the stunned, puzzled look on her face. Her mind barely registering the music pouring from her stereo. Her favorite Clannad tape. "Everything is foolhardy, Never so good. Who would need an explanation, If all is understood? This time has come again, It's all shining through, This one will be forever, And I'll be there for you." She looked at the clock, it was quarter after seven. There was no time to change yet again, and she still had to put on her makeup. >Convenient isn't it? You put on this dress because you know damn well you think he's one of the most handsome, sexy men you've ever met. Add to that his sense of humor and intellect, and you know you were lost long ago. How else do you explain those interesting dreams of yours?> She frowned at the little voice in the back of her mind. Carefully applying her makeup she told the voice to take a flying leap off the nearest bridge. Finishing the last stroke of mascara she heard a knock at the door. She completely ignored the odd little skip in her heart rate as she rechecked and fluffed her hair before going to the door. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW: THERE FOR YOU (2/5) Date: 2 Mar 1996 21:23:02 -0500 Disclaimers attached to part 1. THERE FOR YOU by Rhondda Lake (part 2/5) He stood outside her door absently asking himself why he was here. The rational part of him answered neatly, because she didn't want to face tonight alone. She was facing being a stand in for the father she still missed. It couldn't be easy. She was his partner, his friend. She'd faced aliens, conspiracies, mutants, phantoms and mad psychics by his side without flinching. She'd been there for him more times then he could count. The least he could do was be there for her when she faced a room full of her father's old friends. >Sure, and you didn't want to escort her to a dinner surrounded by friendly strangers. Someplace safe in a completely unofficial capacity. Not at all.> His inner voice prodded sarcastically. He checked his tie once more. It was... sedate. It actually went tastefully with his dark blue suit. The things he did for his partner... He knocked on the door and tried to look relaxed. Dana Scully opened her front door. >Down boy.> His mental voice chastised. Her dress managed to match her eyes. The low sweetheart front managed to show her pale neck and throat to perfection, her simple gold cross drawing the eyes to a show of cleavage that was both too modest to be considered risque and just to low to truly be considered modest. She raised an eyebrow at him and he realized he had been standing in the hall with a stupid stunned expression on his face. "Sorry. You look nice. I don't know what I was expecting, but not this." She frowned slightly then eyed his tie. "And there is a hint of taste somewhere in you as well. Come on in. I have to get my shoes and purse." He followed her into her apartment watching as she disappeared into her bedroom. "Make sure Clyde has water will you? I'll be right out." Mulder went into the kitchen and saw the little red bowl in the corner was a bit low, so he filled it. The fluffball himself was under the kitchen table, eyeing him curiously. "Thanks." Mulder found himself looking at a pair of blue spiked heels. Attached to them was Scully. He had always admired her legs, secretly of course. For a short woman he wondered how she managed to to posses such long legs. He stood up rather abruptly. "No problem. Shall we?" He helped her with her coat. "Might as well get it over with." Scully shrugged on the garment and headed for the door. * The banquet hall was large enough to fit the hundred guests comfortably. There was no band, but music was played softly in the background and there was a dance floor already sporting a handful of couples when Mulder escorted Scully through the door. The size of the gathering for an anniversary party was impressive. Scully practically pulled Mulder over to a small group of people talking next to the doors that led out to a terrace. "Uncle John, Aunt Clair congratulations." Scully released Mulder's arm to embrace a dignified looking elderly couple. They returned the embraces, smiling warmly. "Well if it isn't Dana. I'm so glad you could make it. This whole overdone shindig would seem more ridiculous then it is without a Scully in attendance." The elderly man winked at her and Dana smiled brightly. "And who is this?" His eyes turned to Mulder as he held out a hand that trembled slightly with age. "This is my partner Fox Mulder. Mulder this is Captain John Bryce. And this is Clair Bryce." Mulder nodded to each of them as he shook their hands. "Congratulations sir, ma'am." "Ah yes, I've heard that word a lot tonight. I think people are congratulating Clair on not killing me after I retired." Captain Bryce chuckled. "And well they should. A more impossible man I could never have married." Mrs. Bryce shook her head. "That is the opinion of every Navy wife since time immemorial. Sailors make terrible retirees. Too much time on land. Dana, Michael was looking forward to seeing you again. He's over there somewhere, trying to charm the ladies." "I'm sure to see him before the night is out. We're just going to find out where we're sitting first. "That didn't seem too bad." Mulder placed a familiar guiding hand at the small of Scully's back. "They certainly act like they've been married for fifty years." "They always have." Scully bent to examine place cards at the nearest round tables. "They've always been regular bickersons. But you could tell they never meant it. Insults were their terms of endearment. Dad always said they had to really be in love to put up with each other they way they do." Scully found the place card labeled Scully and guest. She vaguely recognized a few of the names of others placed at their table. "Your father served under Captain Bryce?" Mulder hazarded a safe guess, considering the age difference between the men. He had never had the pleasure of meeting Captain Scully, but he'd seen the pictures on the mantle of Mrs. Scully's. "He was his first officer for four years. They got along famously. When dad was promoted to full Captain they were free to be friends as equals. The Bryce's attended the christenings of all the Scully kids, and sent christmas presents when they couldn't visit." Scully smiled softly at the good memories. Mulder grabbed to glasses of white wind from a passing tray and handed one to Scully. She took it with a slight inclination of her head as thanks. "Dana? Is that you?" The question was called from half way across the room. A blond man of average height and better then average looks wove throughout the sparse gathering to stand next to Scully. "You look ... terrific. It's been forever." "Not quite Michael." Not long enough Scully thought to herself. In high school he had been the good looking jock, and she'd been flattered to be asked out. On the fourth date he'd turned into an octopus. There hadn't been a fifth. "Is this your husband? You are a lucky man." Michael was holding out his hand to Mulder so he missed Dana almost choking on her wine. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW: THERE FOR YOU (3/5) Date: 2 Mar 1996 21:25:00 -0500 Disclaimer attached to part 1. THERE FOR YOU by Rhondda Lake (Part 3/5) Mulder toyed with the idea of pretending for just a while, mostly because something in him instantly disliked the man in front of him. Scully seemed to read his thoughts and shot him a warning glare. "No, I'm afraid not. I'm her partner." Mulder shook the man's hand as briefly as possible. "Oh? Partner? What do you do now Dana?" The man had immediately dismissed Mulder and turned back to Scully. "I'm with the FBI Mike. Hope your record's clean." The little smile she graced him with clearly said she didn't think it was. Michael Bryce's smile never wavered. "As a whistle. Can I interest you in a pre-dinner dance?" He gestured to the sparsely peopled dance floor. Whoever had selected the music had decided that now was the perfect time to play "Beyond the Sea." Mulder noticed Scully's hand shake slightly as she held her wine glass, and there was a suspicious shimmer to her eyes. She obviously wanted nothing to do with this boor. The damned music was the worst thing they could have played at the moment. "Actually I signed her dance card first. Sorry Mike. You snooze, you lose." Mulder took the glass out of Scully's hand and led her away to the dance floor. She hesitated. "I'm sorry about that. About this. I'm not sure I can..." "Sure you can. It's either dance or go back and talk to Mike." Scully's lips twitched a bit. "Try not to step on my toes." He didn't. Scully was a bit surprised to find that someone as accident prone as her partner was actually a fairly good dancer. They maintained what the nuns from her gradeschool days would have called the 'handbreadth of daylight' between them as they moved. They actually danced quite well together. >But then you work well together so why are you so amazed? There's probably a lot of things you could do well together.> Dana mentally stomped on her inner voice. She suddenly didn't mind that they were playing her parent's song. "Umm... Scully, music's stopped." Mulder was looking down at her with a touch of amusement. He caught the hint of a blush as she moved a bit too quickly away from the floor.>Interesting reaction.> He thought to himself. Dinner was announced by the time Mulder got back to the table, and the bothersome blond was nowhere to be seen. The meal itself was buffet style. Mulder returned to his seat to see Scully talking with a slightly older woman at their table. "Mulder this is Carol Asman. She used to live next door to my family when we lived in Norfolk. Carol this is my partner, Fox Mulder." Small talk was easy and deliberately shied from any topic that might prove uncomfortable. Mulder cleaned his plate and grinned at Scully. "That was much better then a frozen dinner or cold pizza." Scully shook her head. "I'm glad I was able to contribute to something resembling a nutritious meal entering your system. Although I should watch you and make sure your body doesn't go into shock." "If it does will you do CPR?" Mulder's eyes flashed with mischief. "No. Dr. Larson over there knows CPR. I'll let him do it. I'll call the ambulance." Scully nodded to a bearded man at the next table who resembled Paverotti too much for Mulder's comfort. As dinner wound down there was an interminable number of toasts to the couple who had weathered fifty years together. Capt. Bryce looked as if he feared the toasts would go on for another fifty. Mulder could sympathise. If the couples sharing the head table where their children and their spouses, they were enjoying the proceedings more then the guests of honor. At last the Captain raised his own wine glass. "And at last a toast to the end of all these toasts." There was as many chuckles as sighes of relief. Mulder spotted irritation boy headed back their way and he nudged Scully's arm. "Could I interest you in another dance?" Scully actually looked a bit flustered for a moment, but followed the direction of his eyes. She gulped and nodded quickly. The dance number playing was fast enough to be safe. Although Dana noted that Mulder's hand at her waist was uncomfortable only in that it felt so damned comfortable. "So what's the story with you and Mr. Congeniality over there?" Scully chuckled a bit and shook her head. "That is Michael Bryce. Grandson of the guests of honor. I dated him a bit in my senior year of highschool. He was fairly boring until the night he sprouted about a dozen extra hands. I believe the date ended with him laying on the ground and singing soprano for a while. I think he continued to consider me a challenge for the rest of the year. He just doesn't seem to know whan to give up." "Maybe you should have let me tell him I was your husband." Mulder teased. "I don't think so." She arched a brow at him. "It's been fifteen years, you'd think he'd get the point by now." "Maybe. But then maybe you're worth waiting for Scully." She froze midstep and looked up at him. He was looking down at her with that sardonic half smile of his. A tiny crease formed between her brows as she tried to read his eyes. A lump formed in her throat at what she thought she might have seen there. She looked quickly away, to see Uncle John and Aunt Clair had moved onto the dance floor. For all their barbs at each other the way they looked at one another as they danced made it quite clear that they were still as in love now as they had been when they married. >They are so lucky. Will I ever have anyone look at me like that? Even now, let alone when I'm old and grey?> The music changed, became a bit slower and she recognized the song she'd had on earlier in the evening. Clannad. Scully almost laughed. The Bryces had good taste. Everything is fool hardy and Never so good. Who would need an explination If all was understood? This time has come again It's all shining through This one will be forever And I'll be there for You. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW: THERE FOR YOU (4/5) Date: 2 Mar 1996 21:30:22 -0500 Disclaimers attached to part 1. THERE FOR YOU by Rhondda Lake (Part 4/5) Sometime during the first part of the song the safe distance disappeared. Mulder had pulled her closer and she'd made no move to object. For a few seconds her cheek pressed to his chest as he spun them in the dance. She could feel the flow of lithe muscle under his shirt, and smell the spicy aroma of his aftershave. She'd always liked that smell. Polo, it drove her crazy. She relaxed into the dance almost against her will. Mulder wasn't sure what he thought he was doing when he'd pulled her closer, making the dance more intimate. Yes he did, he was torturing himself. He felt her soft curves pressed against him, felt her thighs brush his, smelled the intoxicating fragrance of her hair. He wanted nothing so much as to take her home now, lay her down and make love to her until a new president was in office. But that was out of the question. So he had to make do with this. A substitute for the dream of what could never be. Part of him even wondered why she had let him get away with it. It's just midnight Feeling was so high. Dancing in a questionable way Your eyes met mine. Leaving all the scares behind us. Dancing in the moon. The time has come again. It's all shining through. This one will be forever, And I'll be there for you. Dana was struck suddenly by the words of the song they danced to. How it perfectly matched this moment. She looked up at Mulder and found him looking down at her again. His small smile seemed just a little sad. She reached up to touch the corner of his mouth, smiling encouragingly. He smiled back at the gesture. The touch of her fingers sent a jolt through him. He managed to cover it well. He bent to kiss her forehead lightly. An innocent, friendly kiss. To Dana the brief touch of his lips on her skin burned to her soul. A certain combination Near impossible to find. Rolling on the stormy weather Such a fine line. Driving to a seventh heaven, Knowing that we could. This time has come again. It's all shining through. This one will be forever, And I'll be there for you. They parted reluctantly when the song ended. Another slow song began. Mulder didn't think he could handle the stress of having his partner pressed against him for the duration of another song. Not without her finding out in a rather embarrassing way how he felt about her anyway. Scully was a bit disappointed when he guided her back to her seat. But she figured she needed a rest to get her speeding heart rate under control. "Would you like some coffee or more wine?" Mulder asked just as she sat down. "Water. Just water, thanks." She watched him retreat to look for drinks. "He's very handsome, and charming too. You could do a lot worse dear." Carol Asman smiled at Dana. "Yah, I probably could." She sighed before she could catch herself. "But he's off limits. He's my partner." She straightened in her seat and looked over to where Mulder was returning with two glasses of water. "There are no limits in this life, except the ones we set for ourselves." Carol winked at her. Over Carol Asman's shoulder Dana saw Mike heading in their direction again. She took a moment to study her old neighbor. "You know, you may be right. It was nice to see you again Mrs. Asman. But I really think it's about time we left." The older woman nodded with a sparkle in her eye. Mike and Mulder arrived at the same time. "Dana, perhaps you could spare that dance now?" "Sorry Mike. I was just going to say my goodbyes to your grandparents. Mulder and I have to go." Mulder looked at the little twerp and shrugged while wearing an insolent smile. Scully sipped a bit of the water he had brought and took his hand. He looked down at their hands curiously. She just gave him one of her most enigmatic smiles and led him over to the Bryces. "Uncle John, I'm sorry we didn't get to talk more, however we really should be going. It was a lovely dinner." "Dana it was a pain in the ass, and I know it. It's what I get for raising two doctors and a lawyer. They always have to overdo things." He squeezed her hand affectionately. "John, they are trying to be nice. No shut up and enjoy our party. You can bitch when we get home." His wife smacked him on the shoulder. "It was so nice to see you again Dana. And nice to meet you Mr. Mulder. As Dana's partner you are invited to the fourth of July picnic we hold every year you know. It's usually just the Bryce and the Scully families, and a few close friends." Clair Bryce's lined face crinkled into a radiant, amused smile. "And Mike won't be there this year." "I'll think about it. Thanks for the invite. It was great to meet you two as well. I hope you have another fifty years." "Good lord boy, you dislike me that much?" Clair Bryce laughed. * Scully looked out the car window, barely registering the street lights or the little homey squares of illumination marking residences. Her mind kept wandering back to the previous few hours. Little bits and pieces of memory winding around her own musings. The sadness of attending the dinner, compounded by the melancholy of hearing her parent's favorite song, the appreciation of having Mulder there, bailing her out of what could have been a really embarrassing situation. The feel of dancing with him so closely was brought to mind by smell of his cologne still lingering lightly on her dress and hair, mingling with her perfume into a unique new scent. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW: THERE FOR YOU (5/5) Date: 2 Mar 1996 21:35:01 -0500 Disclaimer attached to part 1. THERE FOR YOU by Rhondda Lake (Part 5/5) Where was she going to be fifty years from now, if she managed to live that long? Would she be some lonely old woman shuffled off into a state run nursing home. Never seen or visited, empty. Or would she be surrounded by family and friends, joking and laughing? She usually didn't like to think about the future. It had become such an uncertain thing, especially since she'd first walked into the basement office. A chill ran down her spine as she remembered how many times she'd come close to death. Death? She was still missing three months of her life. All because she worked on the X-Files, because she supported Mulder. What were the chances of her living another fifty years? At least fifty fifty if she had any say. She planned on doing her damndest to outlive their enemies. It would be the best revenge in the end wouldn't it? Mulder looked sideways at Scully. She'd been silent the entire ride. Her apartment was just ahead. "Are you ok, Scully?" "I'm fine Mulder." He chewed on the inside of his cheek. Had he expected any other answer? Scully looked up suddenly when he stopped the car, gathering her thoughts in from wherever they had been. He turned off the engine and got out walking her to her door as he had many times before. "Thanks for coming with me Mulder. You made it a lot easier." "Any time Scully. Any time you want to tempt me with free food..." She smiled and shook her head. "Maybe we should have packed you a doggie bag for tomorrow's dinner." "Damn. I knew there was something I forgot." Scully unlocked her door and Mulder turned to head back out. "There's something else you forgot Mulder." He paused and turned back to her, frowning slightly. "You forgot to give your date a goodnight kiss." Mulder stood there for a moment, shocked into complete silence. Something that did not happen to him often. Had she just said what he thought she said? He desperately snatched at the ends of his scattering wits and pulled them back into some semblance of sane and rational thought. "Weather I forgot or not would depend on if this was a date or not." Scully took a deep breath. Did he have any idea how hard this was? He managed to stand there looking completely at ease, and throw out such a light, teasing remark. Then she saw his eyes. He wasn't at ease. And he wasn't looking for escape either. There was a hopeful look in his eyes that made it all the harder for her to breath. "Then you definitely forgot." She couldn't force herself to say anything else. That had been difficult enough. He saw the hesitation, the hint of fear. But was she afraid of rejection or of him taking up the offer? But then he couldn't see Scully saying those words and not meaning them. "I must really be slipping then." He whispered as he bent down to brush her lips with his. He didn't want to push it. She leaned in, adding pressure to the contact. Sliding her own lips against him, marveling at the feel, the way her heart sped up and the sudden acknowledgment that, yes, she did actually love this man. For all his flaws and foibles, and there were many, he'd always try to be there for her. The times he had not been able to had hurt him as deeply or more so then it had hurt her. For his part Mulder was sure he was lost in some dream and any moment now he would wake up. The kiss was gentle, exploratory, soft, yet more intimate then a hundred deep, hungry kisses could have been. He wanted to deepen the kiss. He wanted to touch and explore every part of the woman before him, but he didn't. He held himself tightly in check and pulled back, breaking that sweet, longed for moment. "I'd better go. I'll call you." Scully smiled slightly, her already full lips swollen slightly from the contact. He hadn't turned away. He'd wanted this too. But he was letting her take the lead. "Don't you always? There's a Nicks game on tomorrow. Do you want to come by and watch it with me? You bring the pizza." "And would that be a date too?" He actually sounded hopeful. "I'll decide that tomorrow." She stepped into her apartment and closed the door. Fox Mulder stood looking at the white painted surface for a moment. What had just happened here? He was half afraid to go home and fall asleep. When he woke up would it still be real? Did he actually stand a chance? For with that kiss he'd known that it wasn't just the normal lust for a beautiful woman he had been feeling for his partner. If it were just that he'd have either walked away or done what he so wanted to do. No, much as he craved to touch her, to be touched by her... he didn't want to rush, he wanted her to be sure, even to have the chance to back away. Because he didn't ever want to hurt her, and if she chose this, he wanted there to be no regrets. He stepped away from the door at last. As he got into his car he smiled at a stray thought. It had been real. And the pizza had better have mushrooms, but no pepperoni. She'd be there for him tomorrow. This time has come again. It's all shining through. This one will be forever, And I'll be there for you. End. **************************************************** Ok what do you think? This was inspired wholly by the Clannad song 'There For You' that shows up so much in this story. I'm open to all responses, even the flames. I have a really powerful sunscreen. Please send all responses to: Rhoni@microserve.com I'm not sure how much longer my AOL address will be open. Finally, while I have no plans for a sequal, if I get enough requests I may do one anyway. From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW* THERE FOR YOU: CARPE DIEM (1/2) Date: 4 Mar 1996 23:15:49 -0500 Disclaimers: Every thing in this story owes it's entire existence to Chris Carter and Ten Thirteen productions, Fox television and (in the case of Clyde the dog) Darin Morgan. Who else?... David Duchovney and Gillian Anderson. If I forgot anyone I apologize profusely. I'm afraid I don't own anything about this but the idea. WARNING! M&S romance ahead! If you find this offensive look elsewhere. Due to poular demand this is a follow up to "There For You". No sex...yet. THERE FOR YOU: CARPE DIEM by Rhondda Lake (Part 1/2) The kid behind the counter was barely old enough to be in the store himself. He looked at his customer with boredom. Ringing up the purchases he just shoved the bottles into a bag. "Chianti's supposed to go with Italian right?" The kid was used to such questions, and since he'd seen this customer in here before, albeit infrequently, he figured he should try an answer. "Yah most Italian, especially with a red sauce." The customer smiled and handed over some bills, waving off the change. The guy left the store with a slight bounce to his step. The kid just shook his head. It was Saturday afternoon and he was stuck here. It looked like everyone in the world had a date tonight except him. * Fox Mulder shoved the bag into the passenger seat of his car and headed for the Pizza Parlor that featured the best deep dish in the area. Switching the bag from the previous store to the floor he set the pizza box on the seat in it's stead. He pulled onto the Beltway feeling pretty damn good. He managed to hold onto that feeling until he came up on the exit for I50. About the time he made the turn the first of the doubts hit him. Just What the HELL did he think he was doing? This was insane. He was driving out for a date with Scully. SCULLY! His partner. His friend. The woman who knew he had screamed at seeing a praying mantis when he was a kid. The one who had seen him laying in hospital beds more times then he wanted to think, with tubes coming out of the most embarrassing places. The one who he called at all hours when his nightmares got so bad he couldn't face being alone in the dark. That Scully. The one he had to face across his desk every day, and work with at all hours when in the field. He was about to break the one great and holy unwritten rule of the Bureau, Thou Shalt Not Date Your Partner. Why? Why was he driving out here prepared to throw away three years of the best partnership he'd ever had? >It's only pizza and a Nicks game on TV. You already DID the dinner and dancing shit. You've sat and watched games with her before. You've even brought the pizza before. So what makes this any different? One little word? The word date, as opposed to the words 'hanging out'?> Oh look, the voice of reason, he thought to himself. Then started promptly to tear all that down. As for the dinner and dancing you didn't KNOW it was a date until it was over. As for now, when you use the word date you expect a little more then just hanging out. You look at each other differently. >Excuse me? Earth to Fox Mulder... exactly how much differently are you going to look at her? The difference this time is that you don't have to cover it up when she catches you.> And if it doesn't work? How are you going to face her? Can you ever go back to two in the morning calls just to talk about nothing? To dealing with her as just your friend? To never feeling like you had when you kissed her? >Why are you assuming this isn't going to work? She's faced things with you no other human being would. She's backed you up and slapped you down when you needed it. And you know damn well you fell in love with her, you can even recall the first moment you realized you more then just liked and respected her. It was the moment she had defended you against Tom Colton.> He had just begun to wonder about this whole schizophrenic conversation when he found himself pulling up in front of Scully's apartment. * What the HELL did she think she was doing? She looked into the mirror. Not all that out of the ordinary. Jeans and her NAVY sweatshirt but, she was wearing makeup. Makeup, to sit around watching a basketball game with Mulder. Why HAD she asked him to kiss her last night? >Because you've wanted him to for three years. Because you know him better then you know any other human being, and you love him despite all his annoying habits. And there is the heart of the matter Dana Katharine Scully. You are in love with him and you finally decided you don't want to end up old and alone because you were too damn scared to do anything about it. Because last night that one little kiss had done more for you then a full night with some of your past dates.> Clyde was even looking at her strangely. The six pounds of fur was curled up on a chair watching her move from the bedroom into the living room looking for something, ANYTHING to keep her occupied until Mulder got here. She told herself to calm down. That this wasn't a date unless SHE said it was, and that she'd watched plenty of games with Mulder before. There was nothing different about this one. She jumped at the knock on her door. Great, he was here. Now what? >Now you let him in stupid.> Oh yah, right. She opened the door and Mulder swept into the apartment, balancing a pizza box on the fingertips of one hand with a paper bag rattling in the other. "Pizza, as ordered, madam. Mushrooms, no pepperoni or sausage or any of the other stuff that makes Pizza a carnivore's dream." Scully took the box and set it on the coffee table, peeking inside to see the tell tell signs of deep dish. "What's in the bag?" She looked suspiciously the the plain brown paper. "Now that would depend on if this is a date or not." He gave her that damned lopsided grin. The one that was so very distracting. "And if I said it was?" She raised an auburn eyebrow. "A bottle of Chianti." "If it isn't?" She challenged. "A six pack of Guiness." He didn't miss a beat. Scully hoped he didn't notice her hand shake slightly as she turned on the TV with the remote. The game didn't start for another ten minutes, but the pregame announcers were on making predictions and talking about past plays. "I'll get the glasses out of the cupboard." She moved to the kitchen. Mulder slowly released the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. >Ok, you survived the first two minutes, let's see if you can manage to get the knots out of your stomach by the second quarter.> He set the bag down and fished out the wine bottle. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW* THERE FOR YOU: CARPE DIEM (2/2) Date: 4 Mar 1996 23:43:48 -0500 Disclaimer attached to Part 1. This is the sequel to "THERE FOR YOU" THERE FOR YOU: CARPE DIEM by Rhondda Lake (Part 2/2) Scully came back into the room with two wine glasses and set them on the coffee table then handed Mulder a corkscrew. As he opened the bottle Scully flipped open the pizza box. "Wine me, dine me..." Scully flushed when she realized what she just said. "Aren't you going to finish that?" He asked as he passed her a wine glass with a grin. Leave it to Mulder not to let it go. She took the glass and gestured with it. "If I finished the bottle I'd be drunk, and I intend to remain in possession of all my faculties." She dodged neatly. Handing him a slice of pizza just as the game started. The Bulls scored first. By the second quarter they were both going insane. They sat on opposite ends of the sofa, occasionally commenting on good or bad plays. They were trying to second guess themselves and each other. >This isn't working. Here you are sitting an arms length away from him for fear of appearing too forward when all you want to do is sit next to him and lay your head on his shoulder just like you have other times. So why aren't you? Because you both are admitting an attraction so you are recognizing such simple contacts for what they are, the need to be closer. You want more at the same time you are afraid of going further.> Dana sipped at her wine and snuck another finger full of mozzarella to Clyde, who had taken up begging unashamedly. "This isn't working is it?" Mulder echoed her thoughts. "Not very well. I'm chalking it up to nerves." "This is stupid. We are allowing a single word to ruin what we have." Mulder set down his glass, ignoring the tv even though the Knicks had just gotten ahead. "What do we have?" "The closest friendship I've ever had in my life and the best partnership in the entire bureau. Why can't we just act like this was any other afternoon of sports and friendship? Just because you said the word date? If this is a date, then except for wine instead of beer we've been on scores of them without realizing it." Scully nodded, he had a disturbing point. "So you are saying that the reason we are uncomfortable now is... what? We know for a fact that we are attracted to one another?" "The last great mystery in our personal relationship disappears. No more, does he like me - does she like me, crap. It's all out on the table. That's what's uncomfortable. We know so much about each other that wondering if we were the only one feeling the way we were, we are, was almost a shield. Now the shield is gone and we are left vulnerable and on uncertain ground." Mulder gestured with his hands. "So we can either run back the way we came or go forward." Scully looked at her hands, folded in her lap. "Going back seems almost like a retreat to me." "Me too. It signifies a lack of progress. And I always hated not getting anywhere." "Ok so we go forward." Scully swallowed hard. "But that has it's pitfalls too. This isn't exactly by the book you know. There are hundreds of things that can go wrong. They can use this to break us up." "No, they can't. Officially they might be able to I'll grant you. But they day they do that is the day I hand in my resignation and refuse to take no for an answer. The X-Files is important. Our work is important. But you are just as important, even more so, to me. I'm not about to give up, and I have to at least try, if you are willing." Her eyes misted but she refused to allow the tears to fall. Mulder was not exactly the most romantic guy around, but his words were the most beautiful anyone had ever said to her. She was more important then the X-Files? The X-Files were his life. "I'm not about to let you show me up Mulder." She smiled slightly, "I can handle anything you can." "I never doubted that for a second. So come over here and sit by me. You wanna make a bet on the game?" Scully swallowed the last of her fear and scooted over, feeling his arm settle comfortably around her shoulder. "Nope, the Knicks will win this one and you never bet against them. I never bet against a sure thing." "Neither do I, Scully." Mulder looked down to meet his partner's eyes, turned grey in the soft light. At that moment, with her in his arms he was completely sure of himself, of them. "Neither do I." Their second kiss was as gentle and undemanding as the first had been the previous night. A soft brush of warmth, lingering sweetly before ceasing. They pulled back to search each other's eyes. Each seeking permission and affirmation and receiving it. Scully reached up to touch his face as Mulder used the arm around her shoulders to pull her closer. He drew her soft, full bottom lip into his mouth, savoring the texture of the supple morsel, running the tip of his tongue over the curve of it. A knot coiled in her chest, and a liquid heat slowly flowed through her veins. She graced his top lip to the same treatment. Nothing demanding or forceful. The very slow, easy nature of the kiss seeming to add to it rather then subtract. When the small, teasing kisses deepened at last, to an almost accidental meeting of tongues, Dana Scully found herself quickly loosing control. She'd wanted this, and more, for so long now. And here he was. The warmth of him pressed against her, the smell of his cologne, and the taste of him flavored by the wine was incredibly potent. Not that Fox Mulder was any better off. She was so soft and yielding in his arms. Everything he could ever hope for and dream about was right before him, and just kissing her, tasting her was getting him dangerously aroused. He broke the kiss, smiling at her flushed face and pleased to note her breathing was as ragged as his own. "But I think they'll win by fifteen points." He gave her his best cocky grin. Her eyes questioned his. His eyes silently made a vow. No regrets. To forge ahead there had to be no regrets. That meant taking time. He was more certain of this then he was of anything in his life. In that certainty he found patience. When he finally did make love to Scully in all the ways he had dreamed of, nothing would be held back. But for that to happen she had to be a sure as he was. It wouldn't be long now, that he knew. But he could wait. He thought it ironic that he wouldn't be here, making these decisions if SHE hadn't made the first move. "Closer to ten." Her answering smile was her agreement. She knew what he was doing, and her heart ached with loving him for it. She was still a little worried and he sensed it. It was a big step for a woman to take, especially a woman in the Bureau. He acknowledged it and was not pushing. "What're you willing to bet me?" His tone was teasing, but his eyes held no pressure. "Dinner tomorrow night at the winner's favorite restaurant." She snuggled closer, curling up against his side and once again noticing the game on the set. "You have a deal." He rested his chin against the top of her bright head and they both fell into comfortable silence. At ease again with each other. End. ********************************************** So... do you want another? If so who do you think should win the bet? Please send comments and threats to my person to: Rhoni@microserve.com I LOVE e-mail. Please write to me and make my pitiful existance worthwhile. I'll answer mail to this address as long as I have it. But I'm slowly switching over. From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW* THERE FOR YOU: FOOD FOR THOUGHT 1/2 Date: 5 Mar 1996 22:12:15 -0500 Disclaimers: Chris Carter owns 'em. I borrowed 'em. I didn't get permission , he doesn't seem to want to answer my phone calls. I'm just writing for fun, not profit. Don't sue me. Please. I only own my dog and this old computer. I'm sure you have better computers and my dog is old and going blind, she'd miss me. Not many dogs can claim to have a seeing eye person... WARNING! M&S Romance ahead! If you are not a relationshipper and you peek you get forty lashes with a wet noodle! I'd give this one an R rating. Caution, Seduction ahead... THERE FOR YOU: FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Rhondda Lake (Part 1/?) The Knicks had won over the Bulls by eight points and she had won the little wager she'd made with Mulder. They were going to the Middleton Tavern for dinner tonight. She just loved the decor, not to mention the food there. For the second time in three days Dana Scully was agonizing over what to wear. She looked over her closet carefully. She wanted just the right look. >And what look is that? How far do you want this evening to go?> She considered the question. There was a certain appeal to teasing flirtation, but she want to stop there, going no further then they had yesterday? >It's time to shut down those barriers. You want him, more then you've wanted any other man. You've dreamed about him for years. Now you know he feels the same way. He's not about to hurt you.> A warmth grew in the pit of her stomach at that. >He'd never hurt you. He's put you in control of this whole situation.> She pulled out a red, knit sun dress. She hadn't worn it since Melissa had convinced her to buy it a year ago. The memory only brought the smallest ache, but mostly it was a good one. She smiled as she pulled the dress from the hanger, remembering. * "And just where would I wear something like that Mel? I don't have that much free time anymore, and it certainly isn't something I'd wear to work." Melissa held the dress up to her sister. "But it's so flattering. It deepens your hair color, and not many women with skin that pale can pull off this color. It looks like it will cling to all the right places." "Just what I need." Dana rolled her eyes. "I need something PRACTICAL Mel." "Dana everything you own is practical. You NEED something impractical. It's on sale, buy it. You could always use it to seduce Fox." She hated the fact that her complexion couldn't hide a blush. "God, you have such a warped mind. He's the last guy on earth I'd want to seduce." She lied outright as she snatched the dress from Melissa's hands. As she paid for it she had been trying to envision the look on Mulder's face if he ever saw her in it. * She stood in front of the mirror, examining her appearance critically. The dress' spaghetti straps only accentuated her shoulders, and it did make her hair appear a deeper auburn where it brushed them. The top half did cling unforgivingly. She was glad she'd managed to keep in shape. The skirt fell to her knees, and the full cut while clinging to her hips, swayed around her legs with every movement. The dress itself made her feel more feminine then she had in a ling time. It was enough, but she hadn't stopped there. She figured if she were going to wear the dress she would pull out all the stops. What she wore underneath had been a birthday present from Mel as well. "Well, do you think I've made my point clear?" Scully looked down at the fluffball at her feet. Clyde actually tilted his head and appeared to look at her reflection before giving a little "Yip." Scully laughed. "Jeez, go pull Timmy out of a well or something." She was doing this. No turning back. She was surprised to note that there wasn't the smallest voice of protest within her. * He was looking at the painted door again.>Nice shade of white.> His mind had been working furiously at all the possible destinations this path could take them since yesterday. First and foremost was the need for discretion. They would have to divide their lives into professional and private. This was going to work. This had to work. There was no going back, and there was no living without her. He'd managed for three months. Just long enough to know he couldn't do it for much longer then that. He was empty without her. With her he was more then he had been. He knocked softly on the door, and heard the sound of frantic yapping. When the door opened he suddenly couldn't breathe. For the second time in three days Dana Scully had managed to snatch away his ability to speak without saying a single word herself. She stood in the door, a living red flame, radiating her own heat. He was as inexorably drawn as any helpless moth. The tiny smile toying at the corners of her moth told him she had noted his reaction and was enjoying it. She left no doubt as to where this evening was going. Somehow he managed to find his voice. "I didn't know ownership of a fire extinguisher was going to be prerequisite to taking you to dinner." "You plan on putting me out, Mulder?" She stood with one hand on her hip, both challanging and inviting. "I wouldn't dream of it. And you know how I feel about fire." He offered her his arm, and she took it, looking up at him arounf the curtain of her hair. "Don't worry, I won't burn you." He smiled slightly. "I know you won't." * The restaurant was decorated in an old nautical theme. Most of the decor was from old sailing vessels, and the second story dining room offered a wonderful view of the harbor during daylight. The were seated near the windows, and they could see the harbor lights and the bobbing beams shining off the boats. Moonlight played on the water. Against this backdrop Scully was in her element. they placed their orders without much discussion. She dipped her forefinger into her water glass and proceeded to circle the rim with her glistening finger. "Are we nervous tonight Mulder?" Scully met the eyes of her partner and swallowed hard at the heat in their hazel depths. Damn straight she was nervous. But she wasn't going to be bested by him. "Yah, a safe kinda nervous. Facing the unknown, yet knowing it isn't going to hurt you." The waiter brought them their wine. "To the unknown. We seem to excel at it." She raised her glass and He touched his to the rim producing a single perfect note. "To dispelling the mystery of the unknown." He added. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW* THERE FOR YOU: FOOD FOR THOUGHT 2/2 Date: 5 Mar 1996 22:14:51 -0500 Disclaimers attached to part 1. THERE FOR YOU: FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Rhondda Lake (Part 2/2) "Do you plan on dispelling my mystery?" She took a mouthful of wine and his eyes fell on small movement of her throat as she swallowed. "It would take me a long time to unlock all of your mysteries. There are parts of you I'm just learning about. You never cease to amaze me." His long fingers stroked idly up and down his wine glass. She felt the soft warmth spread from her belly, that had little to do with the mouthful of wine she'd just swallowed. He'd managed to neatly turn the tables on her. Mulder reached for a fresh dinner roll from the basket provided. Gently parting the soft bread he exposed the tender center. Smoothing butter over it with slow, sure strokes he looked up to meet her eyes. Raising his finger to his lips, he gently sucked away the trace of butter there. Her eyes were rivited on his lips, still touched by a soft sheen of lingering butter. She tore her eyes away and took another swallow of wine before trusting her voice. "And I know everything I need to about you. Oh, there's still a little here and there I haven't glimpsed. The occasional suprise, but I enjoy those suprises." "Know me that well huh? What do you think you see?" She was rescued for a few seconds with the arrival of their salads. "I see a man who is passionate about everything he does. You go after what you want with fierce determination, and if anyone throws a block in your way you are prepared to take it out with dynomite. You hide behind a facade of cool indifference to the world, wearing it as armor, not because you are an unfeeling bastard, but because you feel too much. Once you set yourself to something you are in it one hunderd percent, giving your all. You never half do anything, except maybe housecleaning." She smiled slightly. "When you're hurt you tend to hide your pain behind your sense of humor. But you also use your humor as a weapon. To disarm the opposition." He hadn't quite expected such a frank, and entirely too well aimed response. She raised an eyebrow and speared a cherry tomato with her fork. It glistened with the sheen of her salad dressing. She wrapped her lips around precisely half of it before biting down slowly, pulling all the raltracent juices into her mouth. She she chewed slowly, watching his eyes on her lips with s small surge of triumph. Swallowing she licked her lips just the tiniest bit. He looked decidedly uncomfortable in his seat. Good. Tit for tat. "I guess you know me pretty well then." He caressed his wine glass again before raising it to his mouth, sipping the dark liquid delicately to savor the taste. He saw her watching his swallow and decided to up the ante. He picked up a slice of cucumber with his fingers. Keeping hold of the edge he sucked the dressing from it as he pulled it slowly from his lips. He felt her catch his wrist, and didn't try to pull away as she pulled the slice still in his fingers to her own mouth. She bit it in half. Chewing and swallowing before taking the second half. Her lips just brushing his fingertips enough for him to feel the gentle suction there before she released him. Toying with Dana Scully was exactly like playing with fire. The temperature in the restaurant shot up twenty degrees, and he wasn't sure he could survive through desert. The entrees were served by a waiter who was all but ignored as he placed the plates in front of them. Scully looked down at her shrimp sampler and smiled. Mulder swallowed hard. He was definitely not going to make it through desert. He took hold of the first length of snow crab leg on his plate and expertly cracked it near the joint. His fingers slid along the shell as he eased the tender meat out. Freed, he pulled it away from the joint and dipped it carefully in the melted butter. He bit into it carefully, yet some melted butter managed to smear his chin. He slowly chewed and swallowed before his tongue darted out to lick each of his fingertips. Scully had bit down on her lip through that performance. Looking at her own meal she ignored her fork in favor of her fingers. Shrimp in a cream sauce, should be fun. Pinching the tail of the first shrimp she opened her mouth to lay it gently in the cradle of her tongue, closing her teeth on the succulent meat she pulled the tail away, placing it neatly at the side of her plate. She began to reach for another then he caught HER wrist. Pulling her small hand to his lips he enveloped her forefinger in his mouth, up to the knuckle. She felt his tongue swirl around the tip of her finger as he nursed the last bit of sauce from that digit before moving on to the next. The warmth in her belly fanned to a full blaze as his mouth seduced each of her fingers. Damn him, he was winning, and he knew it. So why didn't she mind? Mulder knew he had her, mostly because that dangerously enticing dress of hers managed to give her away more then her shallow breathing. The clinging knit fabric perfectly outlined her hardened nipples. Her challenging seduction was arousing enough on it's own, but seeing her reaction to him, that she wanted him as much as he wanted her he knew the game was getting out of control. "If we don't stop here we'll end up giving our fellow patrons quite a floor show." He managed to say in a fairly casual voice. "So let's have this wrapped and get the hell out of here." Mulder couldn't signal the waiter fast enough. End. ************************************************************** Yes, there is a part 4. Watch for THERE FOR YOU: ALWAYS Coming soon to a server near you. Oh and I suppose you want THAT one to be NC-17 don't you? Please send me e-mail. I just love to get it. All comments, good and bad are welcome. You can reach me at this address for a short time more. But I am also available, and indefinitely at that, at: rhoni@microserve.com From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW* THERE FOR YOU: ALWAYS 1/2 (NC-17) Date: 6 Mar 1996 21:40:59 -0500 Disclaimers: If you don't know it be now you haven't been paying attention. CC, FOX and 10/13 owns em all. I'm just playing with them for a little while. I'll put them right back where I found them. Honest. This is the last part of a series. In order the series is: There For You There For You : Carpe Diem There For You : Food For Thought and this one - There For You : Always They make no sense read in any other order as they all blend into one story. WARNING! WARNING! M&S Romance ahead. This one has little in the way of plot and is basically just the stuff we claim we never really read. (Yah, right) NC-17 material here, so if you're under age... does your mother know you are trying to read this? Shame on you. I believe the phrase is "This contains sex written in loving detail" so ya'll have been warned. Proceed at your own discression. THERE FOR YOU: ALWAYS by Rhondda Lake (Part 1/2) On the drive to her place Mulder twined his fingers with hers. Noting the size difference of their joined hands, marveling at the soft warmth of that simple touch. "Are you certain about this?" He divided his attention between the road before them and the remarkable woman sitting beside him. "Would I be wearing this dress if I weren't? We've been heading in this direction for a long time now Mulder. I guess part of me always knew that. Right now I want nothing in this life so much as to be alone with you. To dispel that last great mystery." He could only see intermittent flashes of her face, lit by passing cars or infrequent street lights. Her eyes were earnest. He parked the car outside of her apartment. As they exited the car a curious mix of excitement and nerves knotted both of their stomachs. The hand he pressed to the small of her back as they climbed the stairs was infinitely familiar and, as always, she thrilled at the contact. This time, however, she knew the contact would not end there and it sent a shiver through her. She managed not to fumble with the lock even though her hands were shaking. Once they were inside the safety of her apartment, closed off from the world around them Mulder placed his warm, dry hands on the curve of her bare shoulders. From behind her he leaned forward rubbing his cheek against the softness of her hair, inhaling the scent of strawberries. "This doesn't have to go any further then you want it to Scully." His hands slid down her arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. She turned and reached up to twine her arms around his neck, standing on tip toe to do it. "For God's sake Mulder, shut up and kiss me already. Before I'm forced to hurt you." The brief flash of his smile made her heart skip just before he did as instructed, and other parts of her body took over. He lightly kissed the corner of her mouth along her bottom lip, then along the top. She moaned softly as waves of pleasure washed over her. Her own heart hammered in her ears and she shook with the intensity of what she felt. The warmth of his mouth was a drug driving her to distraction. That low moan almost broke him. He struggled for some semblance of control. He was NOT going to let this become a frenzy of lust meant to relieve the needs of the body. No, she deserved more then that. He was going to show her with maddening care how he adored her. Scully caught his face in her hands. Breathing deeply she slid her fingers through his hair. Settling her lips more firmly on his she tentatively opened them to receive his tongue. Guided by her he opened his mouth. She touched the tip of her tongue to his and he trembled as the simple pleasure of it rocked him to his core. It suddenly struck her, the power she held over this man. He was shaking, just slightly, but she had done that, elicited this response from him. It made her feel completely female, and completely aroused. She drew back, breaking the kiss. Seeing the heat of desire in his eyes she took his hands in hers and drew him slightly down the hall to her bedroom. She reached up to loosen his tie, freeing the knot she pulled one end, listening to the soft whisper of the cloth as it slid along his collar before falling free. He shrugged off his suit jacket and tossed it in the direction of the corner. He leaned in yet again, nuzzling his jaw along her temple. He backed her up, step by slow step till the back of her legs touched the bed. His hands slid along her back, one long, possessive stroking motion to cup her buttocks and lift her up. Taking his signal she moved to kneel on the bed, putting them at a more equal standing. His lips touched just below her ear. He pressed light kisses along the line of her neck. His fingers found the thin strips of cloth that held the dress to her shoulders and slid them gently away, his lips gliding over the flesh his fingers had awakened less then a heartbeat before. Her breath was shaky when he ceased the light caress. He straightened to look into her eyes. He saw his own love and desire mirrored there. There was a depth of passion in her eyes that he had every intention of exploring to it's fullest extent. She undid the buttons of his shirt, one by one. Her fingers swift and sure. Tugging the tails from his pants she freed him of that particular hindrance. He didn't move, allowing her hands to touch, to explore. His eyes never leaving her face as her fingers traced the line of lean muscle under flesh. The sensation of her touch sent tiny shivers through him, and he had to bite down on the inside of his cheek for control. It was only when her hands brushed through the sparse hair on his chest, for her fingertips to tease his nipples that he stopped her. His fingertips traced the back of her calves, and he noticed for the first time that she wasn't wearing any form of stockings. The light touch sent tiny electrical jolts along her nerve endings. The caress ended when he grasped the edge of her dress on either side. In one swift move he drew it up and over her head. She smiled in triumph when the dress slid from his suddenly nerveless fingers. She knelt before him dressed in a red satin brocade, strapless, bustier and matching g-string. Placing her hands on his shoulders she leaned in, her breath hot on his ear as she whispered, "You like?" "Oh yeh, I like." His hands rested lightly on her hips. His lips sought and found hers. This time their tongues twined and caressed with heated urgency. ===================================================================== ====== From: rhonddal@aol.com (RhonddaL) Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative Subject: NEW* THERE FOR YOU: ALWAYS 2/2 (NC-17) Date: 6 Mar 1996 21:48:24 -0500 Disclaimers attached to part 1. WARNING! The following is a M&S Romance. More it is rated NC-17 for sexual content. As they say, "this contains sex written in loving detail" and I must admit, it doesn't contain much else. It is the last story in a series, and may not make much sense without reading the preceeding stories. You can find the story list for this series in part one as well. (How is that for a shameless plug? Hey! if I'm writing this stuff you have to admit I am pretty shameless.) THERE FOR YOU: ALWAYS by Rhondda Lake (Part 2/2) Mulder had thought he couldn't possibly want her more then he had already. Yet here she had pulled one more of the small surprises she sometimes delighted him with. Teasing peeks at a much freer spirit then the one those fools who didn't know her called The Ice Queen. They couldn't be more wrong. She was fire. A bright and burning flame that threatened to sear him with her heat. His hands fell to the bottom of the front opening, the long line of little hooks and eyes. Deft fingers unhooked each tiny fastening with a tiny popping sound in the silence of the room, barely heard over their shallow breathing. At the top hook he laced his finger beneath the fastening. His touch teasing in it's proximity to her breasts. With that particular lazy smile that always let her know he was up to something, he moved his finger up and down, not undoing the last hook, the gentle glide of his finger against her skin taking on the slow stokes of what lay ahead. She closed her eyes, he was driving her mad with desire. After what seemed an eternity he undid the last hook, the corset fell away, revealing her to him. He let out a shaky breath as he took in the graceful curves, the porcelain lines. He bent to take one already pebble hard nipple into his mouth, nursing it gently. Scully arched her back as desire wound it's way to her core. The need he had engendered in her had moved from a sweet ache to a yearning close to pain. His lips caressed her heated flesh as he moved to her other breast. His tongue laved the bud there, circling it before he finally took it into the moist heat of his mouth. Her hips began to rock in an unconscious rhythm, his thrusting slightly in time to her movements. "I need you. Please Mulder." "Fox." He moved away from the temptation of her breasts to meet her eyes again. "Here, like this, I want to hear you say my name." Taking his head in her hands she kissed his forehead. "Fox." His cheek, "Fox," his jaw, "Fox," his lips "Fox." She tasted the name as she tasted him, becoming aquainted with it. "Dana. I want you too, Dana." One of her hands moved from his face to blaze a trail of heat down his chest, moving lower to cup him through his pants. He thrust against her hand and her slow smile was as seductive as any he had seen. "Well let's see what we can do about that shall we?" She undid his belt then the button and fly of his pants. He kicked off his shoes and sat beside her to remove his trousers and shorts. Before tossing them aside he took a small package from his wallet. When he was naked before her she reached out to caress him, from root to tip, taking in size and length, the smooth, ridged hardness. He had closed his eyes and arched his head back at her touch, and a fine sweat had broke across his brow as he fought for control. She chuckled at the feeling of power she had and she nuzzled that long arch of neck. Licking at the salty sweat at the hollow of his throat he groaned, the sound vibrating against her lips. She took the package from his fingers and opening it, put it on him. Taking her shoulders he rolled her so that she was beneath him. One hand stroked from her shoulder down over her breast, across the flat plain of her belly to disappear under the band of her red g-string. His fingers slid deeper, finding the hot, moist center of her. He watched as her gasped from the sensation, arching her back off the bed, rising to meet his questing, teasing fingers rubbing her breasts into his chest. The soft rasp of his chest hair against the supersensitized tips sending jolts through her. She wrapped her arms around him, her fingers digging into his back his sides, his shoulders. He removed his fingers and she whimpered a small protest before he removed the last impediment, her tempting undergarment. "Fox..." It was both plea and warning. He moved over her, lowering his weight. Taking his weight on one arm his other hand continued to stroke and tease, to fan the fire already close to exploding out of control even as he eased himself into her waiting depths. He felt the tightness and drew a shaky breath. "What is it?" Her fingers digging into his shoulders, her nails biting his skin. "Nothing. God, you are so beautiful. I've wanted this for so long." He murmured in her ear. He was surrounded by her hot moistness, pulsing around him. Holding back became increasingly painful. He thrust forward, pushing further into her, stretching her to fullness. He claimed her mouth in a kiss both hot and hungry, devouring and claiming. She was his now, and he was hers, and nothing, no one could take that away from them. The thrust of his tongue matched the pace he set. At first slow and sure, but growing faster, more urgent. She clung to him, moving her hips so that he was forced to move faster, deeper. Sensation built to the point where Scully was certain she would shatter, unable to contain it any more. She gasped for breath and her heart seemed to stop beating. Tearing her lips from his she arched her neck and cried out as her body convulsed, swept away in wave after wave of unbearable pleasure. He buried his face against her shoulder as the explosion came, he felt himself draining into her. He was lost, part of her, and he did not want to ever be found. They lay there, regaining their breath, the will to move limbs gone languid and heavy. She twined her fingers in his hair where his head was pillowed against her breasts. "Well it was worth it." She looked down as she felt him chuckle, his body, still on top of her, shaking with that welcome, and so rarely heard sound. "Every bit." He agreed, rolling to his side, still holding her so they did not separate. "This may prove harder then I thought." He whispered into her hair. "How is that?" In the circle of his arms she felt safe and secure for the first time in ages. "Pretending when we are at work. Acting like I don't want to sweep you onto our desk and make love to you until you beg for mercy. Did I ever say how much I love you?" He brushed the edge of her ear with his lips. She felt her eyes grow moist with unshed tears. "Every day, in certain looks, certain ways you act. But it's nice to hear the words. And you know that I love you. But speaking it aloud feels so good. We don't ever have to be alone again. We'll be there for each other personally as well as professionally." She wound her fingers with his. "Always, Scully. Always." He kissed her again, sealing the vow, and their future. End. ************************************************************ OK there you have it. I'm not sure I'll ever do any more of these. Not unless I feel the overwhelming urge to write more 'mind candy'. Please tell me what you think. Write me here or at: rhoni@microserve.com I just adore e-mail, even the flames. Keeps me humble.