From: Unnatural One Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 12:53:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Fanfics Source: direct Title: The Way You Look Tonight Author: Mer Rating: PG Classification: MSR, mild angst, fluff Spoilers: None Archive: Anywhere Summary: Mulder and Scully ring in the New Year "untraditionally," and Skinner makes a decision. Disclaimers: Mulder, Scully, Skinner, and TFO do NOT belong to me, unfortunately. Yay for CC and 10-13, blah, blah, blah. Author's Notes: This idea came to me after reading a spoiler about an upcoming S7 ep set on New Year's Eve in which M&S do something "traditional." Since traditional for most people is untraditional for M&S, this story was borne. It's complete fluff, and a bit of a song-fic. I hope you like! Feedback is ALWAYS welcome @ merst@yahoo.com. December 28, 1999 Hoover Building, FBI Mulder sauntered into the basement office after dropping off the case report to Skinner. She was exactly where he had left her, reading a medical journal in the chair in front of his desk. He stopped in the doorway and watched her for a moment. It was one of his favorite hobbies, one that he spent many hours at lately. He watched as she unconsciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then toyed with the cross she always wore around her neck. Her slender fingers moved gracefully, her head tilted, the light from above reflecting gold flecks in her red hair. She was the picture of beauty of intelligence, of perfection. Mulder leaned against the door frame as he gazed at his partner. Scully. His Scully. "It's not polite to stare," she said abruptly, not looking up from her journal. Mulder smiled at her natural ability to sense his presence. He knew because he shared the same ability. It was those mental connections that allowed them to work so well together, sometimes it was as if they were the same person. He stood up straight and remained silent, choosing not to acknowledge her remark. "You got any plans for New Year's, Scully?" he asked, perching on the edge of the desk, hands folded across his chest, one leg dangling just above the floor. Again without looking up, she answered, "Um, Mom invited me over to watch the ball drop, but I'm not sure yet. Why, what did you have in mind?" She posed this question as a dare, secretly hoping he would accept her challenge and ask her out. Ask me out? Jesus, Scully, when did you become such a lovesick teenager? she berated herself. Since you fell head over heels for your tall, handsome, witty, sexy--That inner voice was interrupted by another, the voice of that sexy, albeit a little strange, partner of hers. "I was thinking about the Bureau's party, the one they have every year. You wanna go?" This caused her to look up. "You're kidding, right?" He stared back at her blankly. "You're *not* kidding. What made you decide to go? You hate those kinds of things." What's going on here? IS he asking me out?!? Mulder shrugged. "It's the end of this millennium, Scully. Not technically, but who can argue with the public opinion? It's the last time to celebrate this century, time to do outrageous things. What's more outrageous for us than doing something traditional for once?" He looked at her questioningly. "Besides. When was the last time you got dressed up and went out?" he asked more gently. He did have a point there. She couldn't even remember the last time she wore something other than a suit. Besides, what was so bad about spending an evening with Mulder? On the one hand, all the other agents would be there with their husbands and wives and boyfriends, and they'd all think she and Mulder were "a couple." On the other hand, who didn't already think that? Besides, at least they would be suffering together. Talking, laughing, dancing...his strong arms around her, bodies pressed close together, swaying to the music...Scully expelled a large sigh of feigned resignation. "Well, everyone already whispers about us behind our backs, why not let them do it to our faces?" Mulder grinned. "Is that a yes?" She couldn't resist those sparkling hazel eyes and felt a smile creep across her face. "Yes. I will spend New Year's Eve with you." "Great." He jumped down from the desk and moved to the door, reaching for his coat as Scully stood. "We don't have to stay long, just a couple drinks, a few dances, ring in the new year, and go home." He handed Scully her coat from the rack and helped her put it on. "Party starts at 9, I'll pick you up at 9:30?" "Fashionably late?" "As usual." She decided to take a chance of her own. "Perfect. It's a date," she said cheerfully and headed for the elevator. Mulder just smiled at her retreating back and flicked off the light. It was going to be a great New Year. End Part 1/5 The Way You Look Tonight by Mer Part 2/5 Disclaimers: See part 1. Also, some of the appearing lines you may recognize from Pretty Woman. They seemed like typical M&S banter, so I used them. They're not mine. New Year's Eve, 9:38 PM, Scully's apartment Scully sat on the couch flipping channels on the TV, impatiently tapping her foot. She glanced at the clock again and watched it click. 9:39. Where IS he? It was just like Mulder to be late. And I was worried that I would keep him waiting, she thought angrily. 9:40. Maybe he's not coming. That's ridiculous, it's only been ten minutes, and this whole thing was his brilliant idea. He probably forgot to take his suit to the cleaners. Oh God, if he shows up in jeans I'm gonna kill him! Scully was wearing a brand new dress and heels. She had realized on the drive home that night that she probably had nothing to wear. As soon as she got home she had attacked her closet and sure enough, nothing but suits and slacks. Her next course of action was to pick up the phone and call her mother. How about lunch and a little shopping, Mom? Needless to say, Margaret Scully was surprised and intrigued that her daughter was going out, not only to a party, but with Mulder nonetheless! She didn't say anything, but Scully caught the look of satisfaction on her face. Click. 9:41. What would her mother think about this? She would sure give him a piece of her mind if-- Knock knock. Finally! Scully clicked off the television and turned on the lamp for when she came home. She strolled slowly to the door, determined to make Mulder wait this time. She pulled open the door, fully prepared to tease him for making her wait. All her resolve melted when she saw him, dressed in a new black suit, crisp white shirt, and solid red tie, a single red rose in his hand. He looked gorgeous. "Hi," she managed to say breathlessly. Mulder just stood there, blown away by the breathtaking sight in front of him. Scully wore a simple dress in the deepest red he had ever seen. It was almost off-the-shoulder, with a high neck that swept just below her collarbone and three-quarter length sleeves. The fabric flowed gently over her hips and stopped just below the knee. It was simple, not too formal, yet elegant; very Scully. Her hair fell around her face in gentle curls and her eyes shone a bright, crystal blue. He was officially rendered speechless. Scully took note of his momentary shock and immediately knew she had the upper hand. Or so she thought... She looked up at him with a sly look. "You're late." Let's see you talk your way out of this one! "You're stunning," he blurted out. Damn. She couldn't help but smile. "You're forgiven." Mulder smiled back at her and handed her the rose. "I'll just...get my coat." Mulder followed her inside and helped her into her coat. His hands brushed her bare neck, sending shivers up her spine at their touch. She grabbed her purse and turned to him, rose in hand. He stood there with his arm outstretched for her to take. "Shall we?" He could sure be a gentleman when he wanted to be, she thought. Who could resist his boyish charm? Her knees felt like mush as she hooked her arm through his, their hands clasping naturally together, and he escorted her out the door. As they waited for the elevator, Scully again wondered exactly what Mulder had up his sleeve for the evening. She made it her mission for the night to find out. "So, remind me again why we're going to this party. I thought you hated these things, Mulder?" "I do." Ding. Another brick wall. The elevator doors swished shut leaving them in silence once again. As Scully stared at the glowing numbers, she felt Mulder's eyes on her. She glanced over at him, an almost dazed look on his face. "It's not polite to stare," she said lightly. He looked her straight in the eyes, his face remaining serious. "You look very beautiful, Scully." The truth was, he was mesmerized by his petite partner. He just couldn't keep his eyes off of her. "What, don't I usually?" she joked. "Always," he said softly. Ding. Their gazes remained locked for a moment before they acknowledged that the elevator doors were open. Mulder squeezed her hand and led her off the elevator. He wasn't through yet, in fact, the night was just beginning. He swung open the door and let her through, gently grasping her elbow. He didn't want to miss her reaction to his next surprise. Perfect, he thought, as Scully stopped short. She turned to him, mouth open in surprise and delight. "You did this?" "Yours truly. Only the best for you, Scully." He pulled her gently towards the awaiting limousine and opened the door for her. She shook her head in amazement as she climbed in. "You surprise me more every day, Mulder." "I figured since it's New Year's Eve and all, we'll be drinking, and I really didn't think a cab would be appropriate," he said once he had climbed in beside her and shut the door. "Besides," he added, reaching around her for two glasses and the bottle of wine from the bar. "I thought we might want a little something to relax us before entering the lion's den." She laughed at his appropriate analogy and simply held the glasses while he poured. "You know, Scully, you really should smile like that more often. You look even more beautiful." She felt her face grow warm from the tenderness of his words. If he doesn't stop complimenting me, I'm going to have a permanent flush on my cheeks all night! He put the bottle down and leaned back, stretching one arm across the back of the seat. He looked incredibly sexy and it was distracting her from thinking clearly. "So, what are we drinking to?" she asked, trying to divert the subject away from herself. "Your smile. Here's to many more this evening." Clink. Damn him, she thought, taking a sip. She glanced over at Mulder, looking so relaxed, confident. He was watching her again, a half-smile of contentment on his face. She held his gaze for a moment, then looked away. She toyed with the rose in her lap for a few minutes, enjoying the comfortable silence between them. Finally she spoke. "You know, Mulder, if I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight." "Me too," he replied just as softly. She smiled shyly and lowered her head, then leaned back, inching closer to Mulder. She rested her head on his shoulder as his arm moved down across hers, holding her gently. She relaxed instantly and closed her eyes, sipping her wine slowly as she simply enjoyed being next to him for the rest of the ride into DC. Mulder rested his head against hers and stared out the window, thinking how lucky he was that this night was going so well. How lucky he was to have this wonderful, amazing woman by his side every day. They rode the rest of the way in silence, each thinking thoughts of the other. When they finally reached the hotel where the party was being held, they both sighed, sad that the time had come to an end. The limo rolled to a stop at the door and the two separated. "Ready?" Mulder asked. "As ready as I'll ever be." Scully laid her rose across the seat as Mulder reached for the door. He held out a hand to help her from the car, admiring her slender form, then tipped the driver. He offered his arm again, and they walked inside. End Part 2/5 The Way You Look Tonight by Mer Part 3/5 Disclaimers: See part 1. Note: This part kinda changes the overall mood of the fic, but I HAD to put our "favorite" (not) villain in here, didn't I? *bg* New Year's Eve, Some hotel in DC The first person they saw on their way into the ballroom was A.D. Skinner. He was coming toward them, glasses of champagne in hand. A look of shock at seeing the two agents crossed his face momentarily, but he covered it quickly and walked over to them. "Agents Mulder, Scully. Good to see you. Scully, you look especially nice this evening." Scully could feel another blush creep across her face. "Thank you, sir." "Skinner. We're not in the office." He smiled and gestured at a table not far away. "Would you like to join Kimberly and I?" "Sure," Mulder agreed. Scully raised her eyebrows at him as they followed the assistant director to his table. Kimberly? Reading her mind, Mulder just shrugged. When they reached the table, Mulder pulled out Scully's chair for her, causing the other two pairs of eyebrows to raise across the table. "You want something to drink, Scully?" he asked. "Sure," she replied. "You know what I like." He nodded and moved off towards the far side of the room. Again, a look was shared across the table. Scully took advantage of the awkward moment to take in the room. A band was playing soft rock music in one corner, some couples were dancing in an open area that was donned the dance floor. Round tables were set up in a sort of half-circle and at each end of the room were longer rectangular tables that held food and drinks, as well as a bar in the corner opposite the band. A set of glass double doors led to another ballroom where she could see more tables and heard muffled strains of another band, this one playing country and rock. Scully could not wait for Mulder to return as she exchanged small talk with Skinner and Kimberly. She felt out of place with all the other agents here. She and Mulder didn't socialize much with their co-workers, so any contact with them outside of work just felt strange. At least with him by her side, they were out of place together. There, she spotted him coming across the room with two glasses of wine in his hand. As he neared the table, she noticed he was talking with someone else, someone with dark brown hair... "Look who I found," he said, handing Scully her glass. Scully smiled at the woman. "Hi Holly." Holly introduced her date as one of the guys from the forensics lab and they sat down. Scully took a sip of her wine. Mmm. Raspberry Merlot, my favorite. She threw a glance at Mulder and nodded her approval. He flashed a smile back at her. Suddenly, Scully choked on her drink, almost spitting it back into the glass. Mulder looked up to see what had caused her distress and immediately felt his face grow warm. Striding towards the table was Diana Fowley. Scully wiped her mouth, trying to hide the grimace on her lips. Mulder's hand quickly covered hers and squeezed it lightly to assure her. "A.D. Skinner, ladies," she nodded to Holly and Kimberly in mild acknowledgment, then turned to descend on her prey. "Fox. Agent Scully. She said these last two words a bit colder than the others. Scully just smiled sweetly at her. "Hello, Agent Fowley," she tossed back. Thank goodness there's no more room at this table! She heard Skinner clear his throat across the table, obviously sensing the tension in the air. Kimberly, Holly, and her date all looked uncomfortable as well. Rumors had been flying around the Bureau the past few weeks about the three agents now facing off in the crowded ballroom. Fowley quickly got to her point. "Care to dance, Fox?" she asked, obviously trying to make Scully as uncomfortable as possible. The opening strains of 'Lady in Red' began to float over the sounds of talking in the room. Mulder squeezed Scully's hand again in reassurance. "Actually, I was just about to ask Agent Scully to dance." He looked over. "Scully?" "I'd love to," she replied, her mouth curved upward in a smile meant only for Mulder and the benefit of their small audience. He stood and pulled out her chair, helping her up. "Excuse us," she said, brushing past Diana on their way to the dance floor. Mulder just ignored her, too occupied by the beautiful woman leading him away to notice the scowl that crossed Agent Fowley's face. Diana stood there for a moment before sulking away to seek refuge in the bathroom. Those left seated at the table exchanged wide-eyed looks of befuddlement. What just happened here? End Part 3/5 The Way You Look Tonight by Mer Part 4/5 Disclaimers: See part 1. Also, the lyrics appearing in this part do not belong to me, they belong to Bernie Taupin and Elton John, and some other guy whose name I don't remember. Ballroom, Some Hotel in DC Out on the dance floor, Mulder pulled Scully into his arms. She giggled for a minute, then smiled up at him. "Thank you." He grinned back. "Don't mention it. Besides," he added, pulling her closer and leaning in to whisper in her ear, "I *wanted* to dance with you." He pulled back a little to gaze into her eyes and he felt a shiver travel up her spine as he spoke. God, how she loved this man. Just one look from him set her soul on fire and stirred something deep inside her that she thought she had lost years ago. Whenever she was in trouble, she found herself in his eyes, as much a part of him as he was part of her. Finally tearing herself away from the depths of his eyes, she rested her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and relished in the feel of his body so close to hers. Lady in red Is dancing with me Cheek to cheek There's nobody here It's just you and me It's where I wanna be And I hardly know This beauty by my side I'll never forget The way you look tonight Mulder wrapped his arms tighter around Scully and pressed his cheek against her hair. He closed his eyes and listened to the words of the song, listened as they rang true. He wanted to be nowhere else but here with the woman he loved. It was strange how different she seemed tonight. She was full of light and life, something he had rarely seen in the past few months, not since their night under the stars. He liked it. He liked it a lot. He also liked to think that he was the cause of this difference. He enjoyed seeing the different sides to her, especially when she opened up to him. He sensed tonight that she was finally opening her heart to him completely. He noticed it in small things, the way she leaned against him in the limo, the way her face seemed to light up every time she looked at him. And now, as they slowly swayed to the music, he felt it. He felt it with every inch of his body and vowed to let her know his true feelings before the new year. It's just you and me It's where I wanna be And I hardly know This beauty by my side I never will forget The way you look tonight The song drew to an end, and another ballad began to drift across the ballroom. Mulder and Scully continued to dance, unaware that there was anyone else in the room. Little did they know that hundreds of pairs of eyes were watching them closely from the sidelines, some nodding their heads at one another as if to say, 'I told you so!' One of those pairs of eyes belonged to Assistant Director Skinner. His face was unreadable to the casual observer; however, his insides were a jumble of emotions. He was angry at them for violating the unwritten FBI protocol. but at the same time, he was rejoicing. It's about time they got their heads screwed on straight, he thought. And they hadn't technically violated protocol *yet,* although he knew that by the end of the evening they would come pretty close. He could tell from the start that they had feelings for one another. How could they not after all they had been through? And Scully had stuck by him for *some* reason. What else could have that power but love? Skinner faced a difficult decision. He could warn the agents of the consequences of romantic involvement, but they already knew them and obviously they did not pay much attention to Bureau rules. Or he could just let it go. Everyone already thought they were involved anyway, what was the harm? As he watched them dance, he knew what he had to do. End Part 4/5 The Way You Look Tonight by Mer Part 5/5 Disclaimers: See parts 1 and 4. Warning: Major cheese and sap coming up!! BEWARE!! Ballroom, Some hotel in DC, 11:40 PM "Dana, would you like to dance?" Mulder and Scully had finally torn themselves away from the floor and returned to the table. Mulder was refilling Scully's glass, so she accepted Skinner's offer. "Are you enjoying yourself, Dana?" Skinner asked, as they moved across the floor. "Surprisingly, yes," she replied. "I wasn't sure about the whole thing when Mulder suggested it, but it hasn't been too bad." "I'm glad to hear it. You two need a break these days. I understand this time of the year is particularly hard on you," he commented gently. Scully nodded. Ever since the death of Emily, the Christmas season seemed even lonelier for her and her family. Without Melissa and her father things just weren't the same. "It's been rough, but I have my mother. And I have Mulder." Skinner nodded. "You love him, don't you?" This took Scully by great surprise and she blushed. She stared at the A.D. and saw that his jaw was set tightly, a no-nonsense expression on his face. He was determined to get the truth, and his eyes told her that he already knew. He simply wanted confirmation from her. She looked away, searching for Mulder. She spotted him across the room near the band. Then she turned her attention back to the matter at hand. "Is it that obvious, sir?" "To me, yes. I've always known that you two shared something special. And I must say I'm not surprised. I've seen the way you depend on each other, need each other." She felt a little awkward hearing this from her boss. Heck, she felt awkward discussing this with her mother! But she knew the time had to come when their actions would be evaluated by their superiors, and action taken. "And although I don't necessarily condone it, I'm not angry either. Sometimes feelings cannot be controlled, and it's not my place to tell you two how to live your lives." Scully tilted her head a little at his admission. Where exactly was he going with this? Where did he stand? "Officially, I have to warn you about the consequences of becoming romantically involved, and let you choose your path after that. Understand?" She nodded. "Unofficially, may I say it's about damn time! I sincerely wish you the best in whatever decision you make." It felt as if a large weight was lifted from her shoulders. One of the reasons Scully had been hesitant to admit her feelings was how it would look to those above her. Now that she had official word, she was not afraid. She knew that she and Mulder would not have to sneak around, hiding their love. They could finally stop the rumors and make a move towards the future, instead of the past. "Thank you, Skinner," she said gratefully as the song ended. They walked back to the table together, having met an understanding that both could live with. Skinner asked Kimberly to dance so that Mulder and Scully could be alone. The new year was drawing nearer. "Did you have a nice time with Skinner?" Mulder asked as she sat down. "Yes, in fact--" "Agent Scully? Would you care to dance?" Both Mulder and Scully looked up to see one of the agents from VCS standing beside their table. Scully glanced at Mulder for approval as the band began to make an announcement. "It's getting close to the end of the century, are you excited?" He was met by applause and cheers from all around. People were beginning to get antsy and drunk. "That's good to hear. Well, we have a few minutes before the countdown, how about one more song? This one is a special song, for it is dedicated to someone very special. To Dana, thanks for six wonderful years." The band struck into the first notes of the song as Scully looked at Mulder in shock. He stared back at her, eyes sparkling with mischief. She couldn't believe he would do something like this, something so cheesy and sentimental. It was so unlike him. She loved it. "Agent Scully?" She had forgotten that he was there. She looked at him apologetically. "Thanks, but I'm afraid this dance is already promised to Agent Mulder." She looked back at Mulder, tears forming in her eyes. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor, where he held her close as they swayed to the music. There was a time I was everything and nothing all in one When you found me I was feeling like a cloud across the sun I need to tell you How you light up every second of the day But in the moonlight You just shine like a beacon on the bay And I can't explain But there's something about the way you look tonight Takes my breath away It's that feeling I get about you deep inside And I can't describe But there's something about the way you look tonight Takes my breath away The way you look tonight Scully listened to the lyrics, every word touching her very soul. She knew Mulder was not very good at expressing his feelings out loud and that this was his way of telling her what she meant to him. It seemed like that moment in his hallway had happened years ago. A few tears escaped her eyes, dampening Mulder's suit, but he didn't seem to mind. He simply brushed the tears from her cheek with his thumb. With that smile You pull the deepest secrets from my heart In all honesty I'm speechless and I don't know where to start And I can't explain But there's something about the way you look tonight Takes my breath away It's that feeling I get about you deep inside And I can't describe But there's something about the way you look tonight Takes my breath away The way you look tonight The music started to fade as the countdown began. "10...9...8!" Mulder and Scully remained silent, their eyes communicating waves of emotion that words could never express. They were the only two people in the room... "3...2...1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" The band broke into "Auld Lang Sine" as people cheered and applauded. Mulder reached up and brushed the last tear from Scully's cheek, stroking her soft skin. "Happy New Year, Scully," he said, leaning in to kiss her softly. His lips and hers were warm and tender, the kiss sealing six years of sorrow, laughter, and love. So this is what coming home feels like, they both thought. They pulled apart and gazed into each other's eyes. Thunderous applause met their ears, and they couldn't tell if it was for them or just New Year's excitement. Someone was just made a very rich man, Skinner thought to himself as he watched the two agents. "Happy New Year, Mulder," she replied. A pause. "I love you." He grinned down at the beautiful redhead in his arms and silently thanked her God for delivering her to him. Before their lips met again, he murmured, "I love you, too." End Part 5/5 FEEDBACK PLEASE at merst@yahoo.com