|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines Summary: Valentine's Day for our two favorite FBI agents and an old friend plays matchmaker... sorta. Author's Note: I'm BACK! Enjoy! Many thanks to Jeannine Ackerson for reading the then-incomplete version and giving comments... As for the movie mentioned at the end, I hit a blank trying to think of a more suitable one. It was Valentine's Day. One of the few dates Special Agent Fox Mulder dreaded, especially since he was alone this year, as was seemingly usual. He dreaded Valentine's Day the way he used to dread Thanksgiving and Christmas, though in the last few years, those two holidays were more enjoyable... thanks to a certain person in his life. But the fact remained, he was still alone. *This* February 14th, though, dawned with a vengeance. As if things weren't usually bad enough in Washington, D. C., traffic around the city was gridlocked due to a funeral for an ambassador. To make matters worse, he'd woken up feeling inadequate, lonely, depressed, and fearful if he didn't act soon, he'd lose the person most important to him. He realized he didn't treat her very well, especially recently, and had to find some way to make it up to her. 'Oh well... I guess I'll just have to be late', he thought, as traffic was still just barely crawling along. 'First time for everything. At least this gives me time to think...' Valentine's Day morning dawned no better for Special Agent Dana Scully. She awoke that morning in a mood which threatened to drag her under. Not only that, she'd dreamt about Ed Jerse and what had almost happened when he was under the influence of the hallucinogen. Things never seemed to go well for her in matters of the heart. And *Mulder* never made things any easier either. 'Wait... Mulder's not the reason I can't get a date. I knew what I was getting into when I joined the FBI,' she thought. She'd also woken up with bloody nose. With it also being that certain time of month, she felt doubly uncomfortable. Blood coming from two sources. She wasn't quite sure if that was good or bad. She got out of bed at dawn and watched the sunrise, deciding to go into work, make the best of it, and go out to dinner. After all, it was Valentine's Day. She was going to invite her best friend and, if turned down, she would go alone. Upon her arrival at the basement office, very recently finally acknowledged as hers as well, she noticed the door was still closed. Mulder, for once in his career, was late. With the fierceness of the traffic, though, she wasn't entirely surprised. Opening the door, she was surprised to see five roses on Mulder's desk. Two red, two white, and one which could only be termed 'sunset' sat in a simple, elegant crystal vase. A card in an envelope leaned against the vase. Though curious, Scully refrained from peeking. Turning around, she was surprised to see a vase and *nine* roses on her own desk. The same desk Mulder *finally* had brought down. It had taken some doing and a lot of moving, but they were now partners in the full sense of the term, work wise. Mulder had taken care of things with a guilty look, and apologized for not doing so sooner. Repeatedly. The roses on her desk were four each of red and white in a small circle, and then a sunset in the middle. Another card in an envelope was leaned against the identical crystal vase holding her roses. 'I hope they're not from Phoebe...' Scully thought, as she picked up the card, and sat down in front of her desk. Dear Dana, To one of my favorite Americans... Happy Valentine's Day. Remember to: Drag Mulder out to dinner, my treat... Don't either of you be alone ever again. Be happy! With Love, Scully smiled. She remembered the woman who had helped her through the initial shock of Mulder's disappearance in the desert of New Mexico almost two years ago. One of Mulder's oldest and best friends... fast becoming hers as well. "Secret admirer?" Mulder's voice as he walked in was gruff. Was it her imagination or was he bitter about something? "You're late..." she turned to look at him. Mulder was unshaven, his hair rumpled, and his clothing appeared slept in, though it was not the same suit, shirt, or unique tie he'd worn the previous day. The way he was wearing them, though, started alarm bells in her mind. "Mulder, what's wrong?" she asked, when he didn't reply with a witty comment, as was usual for him. "It's... nothing." he waved it off, sitting down. Looking at his appearance closely, Scully raised an eyebrow. He picked up the card and opened it, petulantly. 'The day just can't get *any* worse...' he thought. Hello old friend, it's been a while... As I know you don't like to be called 'Fox'... =) Cheer up, Mulder before you trip on your own lip. Both Dana and I care for you very much. Remember, you are not alone. Let Dana know how you feel... you know what I mean. Stop taking her for granted or you *will* lose her. Do take care. Cheers from London! He couldn't help himself. He grinned from ear to ear. Victoria *always* had a way of knowing... and generally cheering him up. "Mulder?" Scully noted his grin and smiled. She had only seen him smile like that two other times. Visiting in the hospital after her return, and in the hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania after she had vowed not to let the cancer defeat her. When he turned the full force of that smile to face her, Dana felt her heart soaring. He seemed even more happy to see her. She was curious as to the cause of her partner's sudden change in mood... as well as who the roses had been from. When he walked from behind his desk to kneel in front of her as she sat behind hers slightly, she raised an eyebrow. The smile on his face was still as bright as it had been moments before. "Scully..." he started, then paused, taking a deep breath. "May I call you 'Dana'?" "If you like..." she answered, returning his smile. "Dana, I... how do I say this... okay..." He took another deep breath and steeled himself. "I'm sorry. I've been acting like an overbearing, insensitive ass. I'm sorry for everything I've put you through recently, and in the past. I've been a jerk and I'm sorry. "You're more than just my partner. You're a good friend who has been so patient with me, I'm not certain I deserve it. I am more than grateful you have stuck around as long as you have. Especially since the X-Files have been my own personal crusade since I found them. As well as the on-going search for my sister. I don't know if I should have even gotten you involved in this." Scully smiled. "If it had been anyone else, Mulder, I think I might have left a long time ago. But you... despite everything... you're still the only one I trust. You're also a good friend to me." "Oh, Scully... what have I done to deserve you?" Mulder's comment came out with a half-sigh. She held out her hands and he took them. Dana smiled... the warm, friendly, exclusively for special occasions smile which lit her entire being. It warmed Mulder's heart and he smiled back. "Aside from that time in Comity, which I'm sure we'd *both* like to forget-" "True enough." "-You have always treated me with respect. Your wit and sarcasm took some getting used to, but that could be said about anyone." "Scully, are you coming on to me?" His tone was playful, teasing. She gave him her best Mulder-you-are-being-an-idiot look and they both grinned. "So... now that we've cheered each other up this fine morning, regardless of what the date is, what's on tap for today?" "Uh... paperwork, I think. We're a bit behind on that." Both agents groaned and got to work. A few hours later, they had put a considerable dent in the backlog. "Scully, I'm curious... who were your roses from?" Mulder asked, stretching his arms. "Oh... a friend." Scully was deliberately cryptic, gauging Mulder's reaction. "Why? Who were yours from? Phoebe?" Mulder blanched. "Roses are NOT Phoebe's style. They're from Victoria. It's her way of telling me I've got more than *one* friend in this world." 'Bingo!' Scully thought, remembering her guess of who had gifted Mulder with the roses. "You were upset this morning when you first saw them. Any reason?" "I thought you'd gotten more than the-" He stopped to count the roses on Scully's desk. "Wait. Yours are from Victoria too." "And how would you know?" Scully raised an eyebrow. "She likes to do almost everything in nines and/or fives... five for me, nine for you. Why those numbers, I don't know, but it's her style. The florist probably had a fit when she ordered them, though." Dana nodded, smiling. "I can only imagine." Then, she remembered. "Mulder, what are you doing this evening?" "I didn't have any definite plans. Why?" Before either could reply or react, there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" Mulder called. "No one in here but the FBI's most unwanted." Scully's eyes sparkled with held-back laughter. Skinner walked in, nodding to his two most troublesome agents... troublesome, but they *did* solve their cases ... more or less. There was a curious, bemused expression on his face, as well as a touch of a smile. "Victoria's been here as well." he said, noting the flowers. "'As well', sir?" Scully inquired. Skinner held up the card, also written in DCI Jensen's clear, distinct script. "She left the card and asked me to let the two of you off early, which I am going to do right now. "When you speak to her next, Mulder, tell her I appreciated the roses. She was right about them being Sharon's favorite color. I am spending the evening with Sharon, and leaving now. You two get out of here, and enjoy your evening." "Yes, sir." Mulder flashed a smile at the AD. Skinner nodded and then walked out, closing the door behind him. "Victoria Jensen strikes again..." Mulder grinned, reaching for the phone to call his old friend. "So... what are you doing for dinner, Mulder?" Dana asked after he finished the call to Victoria. "I've got nothing planned. Why?" "Go out to dinner with me." "Your date cancel at the last minute?" "My date just found out and has yet to answer." "Me?" Mulder was surprised. "Yes, Mulder. I wanted to know if you wanted to go out with me this evening. I made reservations at Ariel's for 7pm. It's Valentine's Day. I didn't want to stay home." "You won't have to go alone, Scully. I'd be glad to go with you. In fact, I thought you'd never ask." Dana smiled at her partner. "Let's get out of here. Pick me up at 6:30?" "I'll be there... with bells on." "Leave the bells at home, Mulder." Mulder arrived at Scully's a few minutes early. Despite the fact they had been partners and friends for several years, he was very nervous. It was not every day he had a date with a beautiful woman. Since the woman in question also happened to be Scully... his heart skipped a beat or two. He had been dreaming of this for a long time. Though he had arrived early, he rang the doorbell exactly on time. Dana answered the door in a white silk blouse and full length forest green velvet skirt. Her hair was pulled back in a soft french twist, and there were emerald earrings at her ears. Mulder had showered, shaved, brushed his hair and changed clothing, looking much improved. Then again, almost anything was an improvement from the wreck he had been earlier. "These are for you." Mulder said, holding out the bouquet of roses and harebells. "I told you I'd be here with bells on." She grinned, laughing lightly. "They're beautiful. Thank you, Mulder. Come in. Let me put these in water." His smile was warm and genuine, as well as full of love. He walked in and closed the door behind him as she went into the kitchen. "You look beautiful, Dana..." Mulder smiled as she set the vase of flowers on the dining room table. "Thank you, Mulder. You clean up nicely too." When she smiled at him, he thought his heart would melt from the warmth of her smile. "Uh... for tonight, would you call me Fox?" "Only for tonight?" "Well... I want to see how comfortable I am with it." Dana nodded, understanding. He had recounted the events around visiting his mother in the hospital after her stroke, and how Cancerman had used his first name. It had been a shock to find out he had once been a close friend of the family. "Okay, Fox," she stopped to pick up a brown wool wrap draped on a chair. "Let's go." Ariel's was an upscale steakhouse. It was crowded, as was normal for Valentine's Day, but with Dana's foresight in making reservations, they were seated in a minimal amount of time. The table was a candlelit booth in a secluded corner. Dinner was prime rib for Mulder, and a thick trout filet for Scully. The conversation was light, and generally about Valentine's Days of years past. As it turned out, neither of them had had much luck in the past with dating. The people they went out with before always seemed to be out for only one thing. "I found it demeaning. Almost all of the men I've dated were either not my type, or wanted only to get me into bed." "I can relate. Women seem to throw themselves at me, but I want more than just someone to have sex with." Mulder stated. "Is that why you've never found anyone?" "Well..." he looked uncomfortable. "Part of it." "What's the other part, then?" Dana leaned closer, interested. "You. You mean more to me than anyone else... even that entomologist, or Detective White. I'm sorry about those cases and my behavior during them." Mulder's heart was racing by this point. It had taken a lot for him to admit this, especially to Scully. He was also embarrassed at his behavior in the past. He looked into her eyes. "You know I love you, don't you, Dana?" Before either of them could say anything, their server for the evening arrived with two generous slices of cheesecake with chocolate and strawberries set on them. "We didn't order this." Mulder said. "Compliments of the couple over there, sir." the server responded, gesturing over to the table a few yards away. Mulder and Scully saw Walter and Sharon Skinner smiling at them. Walter raised a glass to toast both them and Sharon. After Mulder and Scully both smiled and raised their glasses to the Skinners, Walter kissed Sharon and then turned his attention back to his wife exclusively. "That was nice of them." Mulder smiled. "Yes it was." "Now, where were we again?" He thought for a moment. "Oh, right. Dana, you know I love you, right?" He breathed, not knowing what her reaction would be. "Fox, I..." She stopped. She *did* know, and was glad he'd mentioned it. She smiled. "Yes. I do know. I love you too, Fox." "When you say that, it sounds so beautiful. I never though I'd like hearing someone use my first name. From you I love it, and I regret not letting you call me 'Fox' sooner." "I've gotten used to calling you 'Mulder'." She smiled. "I would like you to call me 'Fox', though... sometimes." He looked into her eyes, searching for the sincerity which had always been missing from his other attempted relationships. It had never been there while he had been seeing Phoebe at Oxford. He didn't have far to search in Dana's eyes. Finding it only made him smile brighter. "It's going to take some getting used to." Scully said. "Well, I have a suggestion. How about only using our first names off duty?" "Agent Mulder, Agent Scully, it is nice to see you again. Happy Valentine's Day." Sharon Skinner's voice interrupted them, and they looked up to see Walter and Sharon Skinner smiling at them. "Mrs. Skinner, Happy Valentine's Day to you as well." Dana smiled. "I'll trust the both of you to keep this discreet." Skinner stated, nodding at them. "Of course, sir," Mulder responded. "Good night." Fox and Dana watched as the Skinners left the restaurant, then looked back at one another. While they had been talking, they had also been taking bites of the dessert which had been ordered for them as a gift from the Assistant Director. They both giggled. "I thought I was going to be reprimanded for asking you out." Dana said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I would have defended you. Somehow, though, I think he approves, but we have to do what he says and be discreet." Fox answered. "Let's go home." The way the statement was phrased was *not* lost on Mulder. The drive home was quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts, but their hands were clasped together. Mulder was having to get used to driving one-handed, but he found it was worth it. "Won't you come in?" Scully asked, turning to look at him. "I would love to," he replied. She opened the door and they walked into her apartment. She dropped the wrap on the same chair she had picked it up from earlier. Mulder shut the door behind him and Scully turned to face him. "Fox... there is something I've been wanting to do for some time now... may I?" she walked closer to him, and Mulder caught a hint of roses. "Of course." Dana wrapped her arms around Mulder, pulling him closer to her and she kissed him, lightly, her lips only barely parted. The moment Dana's lips met his, Mulder thought he would faint. Once again, she was doing something he'd only *dreamed* of doing. He wrapped his arms around her and responded intently. After holding the kiss for a few moments, she drew away slightly and looked into his eyes. "Fox... I want to take things slowly... but would you be willing to just hold me tonight, all night?" she asked, almost as though she were afraid of his answer. "Of course." They settled on the living room sofa, Dana leaning against him, watching "Mr. Holland's Opus". The music lulled them both to sleep, and by the time the movie ended, both had fallen asleep, Dana in Mulder's arms, and Mulder holding tight to her. ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 2: More Wishes, More Roses Summary: Mulder and Scully get more flowers and 'discuss' their feelings. Note: I got a request to do a sequel to my original Valentine's Day story, so here it is. I've set it around the time of the Season 5 opener, meaning it's invalid as of then... oh well.Special Agent Fox William Mulder woke one early autumn morning and sighed. As he remembered where he was, he turned over and draped an arm over the body in bed next to him. It felt good not to wake up alone. Over the years, he'd been adept at waking up alone. Which was one of the reasons he didn't sleep much anymore. Until now. For once in a very long while, he'd managed to get to sleep at a reasonable hour and sleep all the way through the night, which, apparently, was exactly what his body had needed. Mulder had just been reinstated, as well as declared alive after faking a suicide. It had been a difficult summer, sometimes having been a matter of life and death, but now things were much better. He and Scully'd found the way to put her cancer into remission just in the nick of time. It had taken a lot of work, and the faking of his own death to do it, but in the end, things had come out all right. Now, the next step in fighting the cancer was to get rid of it. Completely and entirely. To do that, Scully needed to keep a positive outlook. "Fox...?" A sleepy, half-yawned inquiry. "Shhh, Dana... I'm right here." He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, pulling her closer to him. "Oh, good... I thought I'd been dreaming..." Dana Scully smiled as she turned over and snuggled in close to him. "And you're *much* better in person than in a dream." As she snuggled closer, her lips brushed his chin and her eyes opened just slightly so she could look at him. "*Much* better..." She smiled. "Is that a hint?" There was a light laugh from Scully. "No, Fox, it isn't... I just had a dream about you... well, about *us* actually..." She'd slipped a hand under his gray t-shirt, and it was resting warmly on his chest. Mulder brushed a hand along the sleeve of Dana's light blue colored flannel nightshirt she'd worn to bed the previous night. Then, he planted a kiss on top of her head. "Care to tell me what the dream was about, Scully?" "Well, okay, but I'd much rather show you at least part of what the dream was about..." Before Mulder could ask, he found Scully's lips against his own, and he reacted in kind, intensifying the kiss. When the doorbell rang, interrupting them, Scully groaned. "Don't... please?" Mulder mumbled against her mouth, and she nodded in agreement, staying locked in the kiss. Unfortunately, the person at the door was insistent. The doorbell rang again, this time accompanied by what sounded like a shoe kicking at the door and someone's muffled shouting. "I'll be right back, Mulder, don't go anywhere." Dana pulled away, though reluctantly. "Don't see any reason to. I like it where I am." He answered, and she smiled at him. "Hurry back, though." As Dana pulled on a bathrobe over her nightshirt, she shot Mulder a brilliant smile and then headed for the front door. "Who is it?" she asked, looking through the peephole. "Alexandria Florists," was the reply. Upon opening the door, she saw the florist delivery person standing there holding two vases in her hands. Both of them were filled with roses. In each vase, there were nine white roses, nine red roses, and one sunset colored. The pattern seemed familiar and Scully smiled, as she remembered her Valentine's Day surprise. "Are you Dana Scully?" The delivery person appeared to be a gawky teenager with more freckles than Scully could count. She gave Dana a slight smile which reminded her of members of her own family. "Yes." "These are for you... and this other one is for Fox Mulder. The person who ordered them said he'd be here. Can I leave them with you?" "Certainly." Scully took the vases and set them just inside the doorway. "Everything's been taken care of, ma'am. Have a nice day." With that, she was gone, and Scully closed the door. "What was that all about?" Mulder stood in the doorway to the hall, looking like a lost little boy, his hair sticking up at weird angles. Dana had to laugh. "I thought I told you to stay where you were." "Sorry, Dana... I got curious. Who was at the door? Flowers?" "I think Victoria sent these..." She indicated the two vases of roses. Mulder walked over to them, counted them, and chuckled. "You better believe she has... She also has this thing for the number nineteen, though I think the white, red, and single sunset rose really gave it away." Mulder grinned, pulling the two cards from the arrangements. He handed Scully the one with her name on it, and opened his own. "Mulder, Welcome back to the land of the living, old friend. It's about time... on both accounts. You know exactly what I mean... To quote Shakespeare: "Love is a giddy thing." I wish you all the best. Mulder grinned and showed Scully what Victoria had written. Scully was also smiling as she opened her own card. Mulder peeked over her shoulder at what was written. "Dana, I'm glad to know that your health is improving. Glad, also, to know you and Mulder getting along. Please take care of yourself, and him. I wish you joy and happiness, as well as a long, loving life. Till Later. "She always knows what to say, doesn't she, Mulder." "And her timing is generally flawless." "That I'll agree with. Let's put these on the table and then go back to bed." That last was spoken in a languid tone. "Better yet, forget putting the flowers on the table. Let's just go back to bed." Mulder suddenly looked concerned. "You're still tired, Dana? Have you had any nosebleeds?" Dana smiled at him. "Not to sleep, Fox... I think today calls for a lazy day. You and me in bed, all day. Who knows? Maybe we'll even get a chance to try some, ah, extracurricular activity. You know... try to resolve some of that 'unresolved sexual tension' I know we both feel between us." Her eyes sparkled. "Why, Agent Scully, may I remind you that those sorts of thoughts are decidedly unpartnerly." he teased. "You mean 'unprofessional'?" "Umm... yeah." "Mulder, that's never stopped me before." There was a gleam in her eye. Abruptly, Mulder gulped. "Are you sure? I mean... I don't want to rush you into anything." "Mulder... we've been avoiding this for years. This attraction between us has been there since day one, though we both admitted we love each other only a few months ago... I love you and I want to make love with you, if you want it as well. I really don't think I'm rushing into anything. After all, we've known each other for almost five years. I think the time is right, but if you don't want to, we can still just be together in other ways." "I... I'm a little nervous." "Why?" "I've... uh... I've... well, let's just say I've never actually made love with anyone." "You're a virgin?" Dana sounded surprised. "No... not so much that as just..." Mulder took a deep breath. "I've, quite literally, never made love with anyone. Before, it was just sex... E-even with Phoebe... I guess that's why I was so stuck on my porn stuff... I figured it was the only way I was going to get any, since no one else-" Before he could continue, Dana had pulled him to her and kissed him lovingly. "Enough said. I love you, Fox Mulder. Never forget that." She smiled at him. "I love you too, Dana Scully. I think... I think I always have. Even during that first case in Oregon. Only now I love you more than I did before." "Let's go back to bed." She smiled. "Yes, ma'am." he returned her smile, his eyes shining brightly. ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 3: A Rose by Any Other Name Summary: Mulder and Scully decide to do something about their relationship. Note: As I said in part 2, this was set at the beginning of Season 5, meaning that anything said here is invalid... then again, there's not much here about anything except, well... the elimination of the U from UST... =) "Let's go back to bed, Fox." "Yes, ma'am." Mulder's smile was bright enough to light up his entire being. He followed Scully back to her bedroom where they'd spent the previous night in the comfort of each other's arms. Mulder continued to mull over in his mind what he was planning to do or say to the woman he loved almost more than life itself. He realized he must have been staring when he felt Scully's hand against his cheek and her other one running through his hair. Her beautiful green-blue eyes were looking at him curiously. "Mulder, is something wrong?" she asked. "Scully..." Mulder's throat was tightening uncomfortably as he realized exactly what it was he felt for the woman standing in front of him. "I..." His voice failed him. "Fox William Mulder, I think this is the first time I've seen you at a loss for words. You usually have some sort of snappy comeback for every situation." She smiled gently. "The only thing I have to say right now is that I love you so much, Dana... I love you so so much that it hurts sometimes to think about." he managed to mumble out. "Oh, Mulder..." Dana smiled and cupped her palm to his cheek. He leaned closer and kissed her, softly. It was a kiss of the calibre they had shared repeatedly since Valentine's Day earlier in the year, when they'd first admitted that, yes, they were in love with each other. It spoke of trust, love and overwhelming passion as well as the bond that had been between them since the beginning, back when they didn't trust one another. "Dana, I love you." he whispered, eyes shining with the joy that was radiating from his soul. The smile on his lips lighting up his eyes, and his entire being like no other. As Dana looked into his eyes, there was a not-so-small part of her which was soaring, almost delirious with happiness because she knew that she was the reason he was smiling so brightly. As she looked into his eyes, she could see that the feeling and expression were reciprocated and that made things even better. "I love you, too, Fox. Now, are you going to take me to bed or aren't you?" "I... I don't want to rush you into anything." He looked uncertain, though she could also clearly see his desires in his eyes. He was broadcasting his feelings of love and desire. "Make love to me, Fox... please," she murmured. "Only if you're sure this is what you want..." he answered, and she realized that he was trying to protect both of them from hurting and being hurt. "I do want this, and I want you. Please. Make love with me." There was a flash of Mulder's cocky grin. "Thought you'd never ask." he murmured, his tone solemn, before sweeping her into his arms. Intimacy was not new to either of them. However, the level of nonverbal communication between them increased dramatically. It was as though they had each found the key to fit their own lock. The one which opened the connection between heart and mind. It was not as though they had been incomplete in the past. Being together had just made them both feel *more* whole. "Dana... I was wrong before... forget Melissa Ephesian, Bambi Berenbaum, Detective White, or the video collection soon to be Frohike's... even Phoebe Green. I found the woman of my heart. *You* are my soul mate. You and no one else." He smiled at her, his touch sending shivers through her body. "But I remember what Melissa Ephesian said..." There was still a hint of doubt in her eyes. "Souls mate eternal. Scully... it's you. It always has been, and I think it always will be." Mulder's voice held infinite tenderness. "And you are mine..." she whispered. "I certainly hope so... no one else would want me." "*I* want you, and I am a very jealous, selfish person, so I'm glad I have you all to myself." she teased. Fox Mulder had only one response. He kissed his partner, best friend, and soon-to-be lover with every ounce of passion he had. And said partner did her very best to reciprocate. When he finally entered her, it felt like a homecoming... almost as though he had been waiting his entire life for this one moment. "Oh, God, Mulder..." she gasped. "That... You... Feel... Wonderful." "So do you..." he breathed, his breath hot on her shoulder. "Oh, God, Dana... so do you..." Their lovemaking was, quite literally, soul-shaking. Although both of them had been involved in other relationships, the coming together of their souls as well as their bodies had never occured before. This time, however, was vastly different. With every touch, new emotions were being revealed and shared. As they lay together in the aftermath, Fox heard Dana sigh happily. "Is everything okay, Scully?" he asked. Dana smiled, biting back a laugh as she answered. "I'm fine, Mulder." Fox rolled his eyes and groaned softly. "What, again?!" SHe laughed. "No, seriously... this time, I really *am* fine... now that I have you right where I want you." He rolled them both over until he was on top of her. "Right where you want me, eh?" "Of course... I'm also right where *you* want me." she beamed. "You better believe it!" he grinned, leaning down to kiss her. Just as he touched her lips, he heard her laugh. He looked at her, inquiringly. "And just what, if I may ask, is so funny?" he sounded a touch offended, even as she tried to stifle her laughter, failing miserably. "I guess we should thank Victoria for the roses... without them, we wouldn't have finally admitted what I think we've both felt for a long time..." Mulder raised an eyebrow at her. "She's got good timing, I'll give her that. And from what she *hasn't* said, I think that was her way of nudging us to the truth. But I get the feeling that even if she hadn't sent those flowers on Valentine's Day, I still would have told you how I felt that night. After all, she didn't arrange dinner. *You* did." "That's right... I did, didn't I..." she shivered as he trailed kisses down her neck and shoulder. "Ayup... Right now, though... let's get back to what we were doing... I want to thank you for being the one person to finally make love to me the *right* way." "Oh, Mulder..." She pulled him close, and, for a while, neither of them spoke much. ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 4: The Year of the Rose Summary: It's Valentine's Day again... one year later Note: I wanted to do a 'one year later' story... though this might become an annual thing with me. We'll see how much feedback I even get. No response means the series dies here... don't say I didn't warn you. Also, there has been talk about how their entering into a relationship would ruin the show and ruin their professional demeanors. I'm going to prove them wrong, though Valentine's Day may *not* quite be the way to go about it. I hope you like it anyway. Wishes, Roses, and Valentines "Mulder walked into corridor outside the basement office with a grin on his face. It was the day before Valentine's Day. He had a dozen red roses in his hands and knew exactly what he was going to do with them. His best friend and partner had not arrived at the office yet, as was noted by the still closed and locked door. Unlocking the door, he went to set the roses on her desk when he noticed another bunch of roses already sitting in a crystal vase on one corner of her neat desk. "Secret admirer, Scully?" Mulder murmured, looking at the flowers. Nine roses: four red, four white, and a sunset, just like last year. Then, he realized who they were from, and heard laughter in his memory. "Oh... silly me. Victoria again." He grinned. He turned and walked over to his own desk and sat down, smiling. It was only then that he saw the two things on his desk that stuck out. First, the same arrangement Victoria had sent last year was once again there. Second, there was a small package and a note addressed to him in Scully's neat handwriting. He opened the package. Inside the box was a Knicks jersey, sunflower seeds, and a bottle of iced tea. The note just let him know that she was away at a meeting with Skinner and would be back as soon as possible. As Mulder pulled open a file that he'd been considering for a while, the door to the office opened and Scully walked in with a smile on her face and rushed over to Mulder. "Happy Valentine's Day." She smiled, giving him a light kiss on the lips. Though they were very happy together, they were also very much at work. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too. Liked your present." Mulder grinned. "Thanks. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect." "Aside from being a day early, everything is. Now that I have you. What was the meeting with Skinner about?" "Oh... nothing." Scully shrugged, indicating that, though it was not work related, it was something. "Dana..." "Apparently he's going to be a father soon, and he also wanted my advice on how to plan a surprise for his wife tonight." There was a sparkle in Dana's eyes. "And you're so *cute* when you're jealous, Mulder." she teased. "I'm *what*? You think I'm jealous?" "Aren't you?" Scully's eyebrow climbed into her hair. No way was he going to get out of this one. Her expression dared him to lie because she'd know it. "Uh... I guess maybe I am." he grinned sheepishly. "Thought so. Silly. He's happily married, remember? And *I* have *you*.. which is close enough." "That you do, sweets, that you do. Sharon Skinner is pregnant?" Mulder raised an eyebrow, mimicking the look Scully usually gave right after one of his wild theories. "That's what he just told me. As for this not being Valentine's Day yet, come over tonight, and I'll give you a Valentine's Day present you won't soon forget." Dana's eyes sparkled. "Promises, promises." She hushed him with a kiss. "That it is." "Dana, how about dinner before hand? My treat?" She smiled. "I'd love that. No fast food or cheap restaurants, though. We're not eating like we're on a case. This *is* Valentine's Day, after all." "I'd never do that to you. I made reservations at Ariel's." Mulder grinned. "Mulder, we were there last year." "So much the better, Scully. Remember? In a way, that is where we first met and fell in love." "Mulder, we've been *in* love longer than that." "Okay, so we just acknowledged it there. Still..." "Anniversary, hmmm?" Dana smiled. "Indulge me a little?" "A lot, Mulder, a lot." Dana's teasing smile caused Mulder to laugh. "So, what do you have planned for today..." "The usual..." "Paperwork again this time too?" "No. Skinner also asked me to do the briefing on this particular case, though he said it could wait until Monday. That way we can save on airfare. Seventy two hour advance purchase and all that." Scully waved the file she was holding, the noticable red and white striped cover reminding them that they were at work and needed to act like it. "It's nice to see Skinner so happy with us and with his home life." Mulder smiled. "Yes, it is. Now, would you like to hear about this?" "I'm all ears." "Now that's an interesting image..." They got to work. She was getting dressed for her night out and had decided on a silver gray silk dress held up with spaghetti straps. He was at her apartment door with another bouquet of roses in his hand. They were identical to the ones he'd given her last year for Valentine's Day. This time he wasn't as nervous as he remembered he was last year. Of course, knowing exactly what it was that she felt for him helped. And the fact that she knew what he felt for her helped as well. As did their knowing that the cancer which had come so close to taking her from him was now not as big a threat as it had been. She opened the door to him and grinned. Mulder was dressed as he had been last year, except for his tie. It was not as obnoxious as his usual neck-wear, but far too appropriate for the occasion. This year, his tie was only somewhat sedate. It looked to be a red, white, and blue stripe-patterned tie, until one looked closer and noticed that the stripes were all little hearts. Still, it was far *too* Mulder. She loved him for it. "Here with bells on again, Mulder?" she asked as he handed her the flowers. "Always with you, Scully." His bright smile got even brighter. "You look beautiful tonight." "Come in, then, Fox, and leave Mulder at the door." Dana said. "I'm almost ready. Make yourself at home. Please put the flowers in the vase in the kitchen." "I'll do that. Thank you, Dana." Fox Mulder smiled, walking into her apartment. It was a running joke between them that the dividing line between work and play was at her door. Once both of them crossed her threshold after work, they were both off duty and could resort to first names. He walked into the kitchen and noticed the empty vase sitting on the counter. It was the same vase the flowers from Victoria had come in a few months back, immediately before they had decided to finally consummate the relationship. Mulder put the roses into the vase, filled the vase with water and set them on the kitchen counter. Then, he looked at them, and his mind drifted to one year ago... with the events that went with it. Admissions of love, delicate kisses, being in ea ch other's arms... He loved her so much, it occasionally hurt when she wasn't around, even when they'd agreed to take weekends apart. He knew what they shared was special and never wanted to give that up. "Fox, what's taking you so long? I'm ready." Dana's voice drifted into the kitchen. Mulder walked out into the living room again and smiled as he saw her, wrapped now in her silver gray silk dress and the warm wool wrap that matched it. "Dana, you take my breath away..." he said, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. "Thank you. I was hoping for that effect." Dana's eyes met Fox's and for a moment they were lost in each other. "Always... and ever..." the words floated from his lips and she smiled warmly and lovingly. "Shall we go? The reservations won't wait. I remember what Ariel's is like." Mulder smiled, offered her his arm, which she took, and they floated out the door together. Dinner was a blur. Wine, appetizer, main course, bread, and dessert were then followed by the slow swaying of a dance. Each were so content in each others arms, they didn't notice that they were the only ones on the dance floor with everyone else in the restaurant watching them. "Fox... before we make *too* much more of a spectacle of ourselves... let's go home." Dana murmured, once she realized they were being admired by the entire restaurant. "Okay. Wherever you are... is home for me, Dana." Mulder smiled. "Likewise. Now... take me home, please. I want to be alone with you." Once they returned to her apartment, love, desire and passion took over. Clothing was draped and pooled on the floor and furniture. Kisses and caresses grew more and more heated until finally they joined together just as they'd always meant to be, their love flowing strongly between them. Unspoken but acknowledged. There. "Dana?" Mulder's voice was soft and sleepy as he enfolded her in his arms. "Yes, Fox-love, what is it?" hers answered, equally sleepy. "I love you." "I love you too." There was a deep, loving kiss exchanged as the energy fled them both, and they fell asleep that way, wrapped securely in each other's arms. ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 5: Every Rose Has its Thorns Summary: Valentine's Day... after they get the X-Files back Author's note: I'm back again. I guess I like doing this series after all. There are some plot twists and turns in this story. But I like it that way. "Geez, breathe!" Mulder's voice was somewhat distant, imploring her to breathe. She could sense the panic in his voice. Then, the feel of his large, warm hands on her chest, doing compressions. She felt herself drifting closer and closer to him. Dana Scully coughed and sputtered. The air getting into her lungs was a blessed relief after having not been able to breathe for a few minutes. She opened her eyes as best she could to see her partner hovering over her, the look on his face quite a familiar one. Something she remembered from a heated rooftop less than week earlier. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she laughed. "Mulder..." she whispered. He leaned in as close as he dared. "...had you big time..." she managed to whisper out. "...love you..." Mulder breathed. In the split second after the words left his lips, Scully realized exactly what it was that he said, and the weak grin on her face flashed into a smile, just as her partner pulled her to her feet and they continued to move on their escape route out of the ship they were in. She didn't know the origins of the ship, but at the moment, she really didn't care either way. Before she could figure out what was going on, he had pushed her into a vent and she thought he was following until it sounded as though he were in trouble. Soon enough, he had managed to climb into the vent. "Keep moving!" he shouted, and she turned to do so. Everything was going to hell around them and she knew they had to get out of there. They managed to climb their way out of the craft, whatever it was, that they were in. She felt Mulder pause as they were making their way on the ice floe when everything fell down into blackness. She was falling and was afraid she might never stop... --- Dana Scully jolted awake and couldn't quite remember where she was for a moment. "Scully?" A warm, familiar voice was calling her name, and she realized she had sat up and shoved away a comforting arm. Mulder's arm, in fact... still attached to the rest of him, which was seated beside her. They were sitting on her sofa, watching "Philadelphia", and apparently she had dozed off or something. The last thing she'd remembered seeing during the movie was when Tom Hanks' character met Denzel Washington's. What was currently on the screen was the party near the end, right before Hanks' character died. "Scully? Are you okay?" "I'm uh... " "Fine?" "Mulder... what are you doing here?" "We got the weekend off, starting this afternoon. Kind of an enforced vacation, though it's been slow lately. Skinner said he didn't want to see our trouble-making faces around the office until Tuesday morning, remember?" She blinked for a moment in confusion, then smiled as she remembered Skinner ordering both of them to take the weekend off even as he was smiling with the plans he and his wife and newborn child had for the weekend. Then, she remembered her own plans for the coming Sunday. "Oh... right. So, Mulder, want to go to Ariel's on Valentine's Day again?" "Yeah, but when I called, they said that they were already full on Valentine's Day. I called them this afternoon to make a reservation and couldn't." "I made the reservations a week ago. We should be fine." "I like this tradition, Scully." "Me too, Mulder." "Want me to be here with bells on again?" There was a warm, teasing smile on his lips. Dana settled back into Mulder's arms, wrapping her own arms around him. "Just be here..." She smiled, leaning in to kiss him. Dana arrived back at her apartment after her hair appointment and unlocked the door. As she stepped inside, she hurried to get ready for her evening with Mulder. They had already spent the weekend together, though he had gone home to get ready for this evening since she had said she wanted to get ready for their date without having him hanging around. Looking in the mirror after she walked into her bedroom, she smiled at her reflection. The stylist had suggested that she do something new and daring with her hair, and she had agreed. Her hair had been tightly curled and styled until it lay close to her head, giving her a touch of vintage air. Even though the style wasn't really new, it was new on her. She smiled. The hairstyle was perfect, especially considering her dress for the evening was from a vintage clothing store. It was simple and very elegant in style. Normally, red would not have suited her, but the burgundy color of the dress seemed to bring out something in her she hadn't noticed before and it was something she liked. Smiling to herself, she changed and hoped Mulder would like the dress. The doorbell rang and Dana walked to get it, her feet hardly making any noise at all as she traversed the floor of her apartment. "Who is it?" "Steven Spielberg." The reply was in a familiar voice, though with a more impish tone in it now than when she had first heard that same reply. Dana rolled her eyes. "Mulder..." she groaned softly, opening the door. He was wearing his best suit, a dark blue Armani number, with a pleasant blue silk tie. His hair was brushed and slightly spiky, but it made him look years younger than he usually did. He had a smirky smile on his lips and she was sure she had probably never seen him look happier. "Hey, Scully, I..." Mulder's voice trailed off and he dropped the bouquet of flowers he had in his hand. His jaw dropped in shock. "What's the matter, Mulder? You don't like the dress?" Dana raised an eyebrow even as she bent to pick up the flowers from where he had dropped them. Roses and harebells. It was getting to be a sweet tradition for them, his being here with 'bells' on. She would have smiled except she was starting to worry about his reaction to seeing her in the dress. True, she had hoped she'd get a reaction out of him, but what she was getting was not the reaction she had in mind. She sighed, walking to the dining room table, turning to face him. "Sit down before you fall down, Mulder." she said, finally, as she dropped the flowers into the vase on her dining table. As he sank down onto her sofa, Mulder opened his mouth several times to speak, but ended up closing his mouth again before he said anything. Dana was starting to wonder if perhaps things were going all that well between them, especially if he reacted that way to the way she was dressed. "Make yourself at home, Mulder... I'm almost ready. Just don't expect me to change what I'm wearing. I had been hoping you'd like the dress, but I guess you don't, judging by your reaction." Dana said, stepping into her shoes and pulling on the black wool coat, cut Navy style, that she wore on colder days. There was a hint of pain in her eyes. "I... I... Scully, that was the exact same dress you were wearing in 1938... right down to the hairstyle and the color!" Mulder spoke finally. "I'm sorry if I made you think I hated it." That gave Dana a shock of her own and she walked over and sat down beside Mulder, taking his hands in hers. "You're saying this is exactly how you saw me when you ended up in the Bermuda Triangle? Mulder, that's crazy!" "I know how it sounds, Scully... I also remember you didn't believe me when I said I ended up in 1938... then you answer the door wearing that dress... what was I supposed to think? You had me in shock! I thought either I was seeing things, you were a ghost, or that you finally believed me. It had me speechless. Although, I have to tell you, I DO like the dress. And I love you, Dana..." Dana smiled, glancing briefly at her watch. "I love you, too, Mulder. Come on, I remember it's usually crowded at Ariel's tonight." Scully was right. It was crowded. The restaurant seemed to go all out for Valentine's Day especially. It was crowded yet intimate, with a romantic ambiance which was only enhanced by the scent of roses and rose petals wafting through the air. Dinner was their special of fish and lobster tails. There was free-flowing sparking apple cider, and the delicious chocolate raspberry cheesecake for dessert. Everything was absolutely perfect. Until... "Uhoh..." Mulder murmured, looking down at his plate. "What's the matter, Mulder?" Dana asked, taking a sip of cider from the champange flute. "Phoebe just walked in... with Diana right behind her." Dana wrinkled her nose. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Phoebe Green and Diana Fowley were seated at a table... together. "They had reservations? Well what do you know. I guess there were a few things about both of them you didn't know after all, Mulder..." "And I would have been just fine not finding out either." Mulder sulked, even as his eyes were on his old flames, even as they talked and laughed with each other. He didn't seem jealous, just a touch... green. "God, that's a disgusting spectacle." "I don't know about you, Scully, but I think I just lost my appetite." She smiled. "That's okay, Mulder. We're just about done with dinner anyway." "That's good. Hey, Scully, wanna dance?" "Fox Mulder, just what do you have planned?" "You'll see." he smiled, one of those rare, warm smiles which he almost always saved for when they were alone. The fact that he had smiled like that in public meant, she felt, that he was up to something. This time, though, she went right along with it. Mulder took her into his arms as they headed out to Ariel's parquet dance floor, the one that always got used for slow-dances on Valentine's Day and all the other special occasions where dancing was hinted at. As they stepped onto the dance floor, "Lady in Red" by Chris DeBurgh began playing. Mulder smiled lovingly at her and they began to dance. As they danced, Scully could feel the piercing eyes of both Phoebe and Diana on them. If looks could kill, she was certain she'd be dead by now. 'Let them stare!' Mulder's eyes spoke for him and she smiled even brighter. Let them stare indeed. Mulder dipped her and then kissed her, and her smile only got brighter. Mulder smiled as well, lighting them both, as well as the entire room. The world could have ended right then and neither would have even noticed. They only had eyes for each other. When the song ended, the look they traded shared the same thought. 'Let's go home.' As they approached her apartment again, Mulder noticed two vases of roses sitting on her doorstep. One arrangement of five roses and one of nine: half red, half white, and one sunset. The partners immediately knew who they were from. "Mulder, I think Victoria's struck again..." Dana smiled, unlocking the door. "You're right, Dana... these do look to be her style. How about we get them and ourselves inside, go to bed, and thank her in the morning?" "I'd like that." She smiled. Dana stopped them as they were about to walk into her apartment. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned in to kiss him. "Thank you, Dana..." "For what, Fox?" "Loving me, I guess." "I couldn't love you any more than you love me." "We're partners, Scully... equals... I mean it." "I know." Dana smiled, opening the door. Once they were back inside Scully's apartment, clothes were carefully discarded as they made their way towards her bedroom. Kisses and caresses were quickly and heatedly exchanged, and they began to make love in earnest. As was generally the case between them, the act strengthened the already strong bond between them and the climax and aftermath left them sated and exhausted. "Scully?" Mulder asked, tiredly. "Hmmmm, yeah, Mulder?" Dana answered, curling up closer to him. "If this is turning into a tradition, I think I'm all for continuing it." There was a sleepy laugh from his partner. "Me too, Mulder, me too. I love you." she said, pulling him closer for a kiss. Mulder felt an ache in his heart that burst into happiness, even as he leaned in to kiss the woman he loved. "I love you, too, Scully. Get some sleep." Secure in each other's arms, the partners-in-everything-that-mattered slept, content. ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 6: Lovers Holiday Summary: It's another Valentine's Day. Time for a little holiday. Note: this story is another in a series of stories under the banner title of "Wishes, Roses, and Valentines" and all take place around the time of February 14 of consecutive years. However, this is a series that you don't need to have read the other stories to understand. And I am aware of being late with this story, but I've been under a lot of stress recently. And that translate into writers block!"Scully? What say we don't go out to dinner this year for Valentine's Day but take maybe the week off or something, and get away from it all. Just you and me. Now that I finally have closure on at least one subject." Mulder planted a kiss on top of Scully's head and held onto her tightly. They had been laying together in her bed, just luxuriating in each other being there and in the fact that they were together. Mulder was wearing an undershirt and pajama bottoms while Dana was wearing an oversized flannel shirt in dark red and dark green plaid. Scully raised her head from where it had been laying, against Mulder's shoulder, and raised an eyebrow, looking incredulously at her partner. "Who are you and what have you done with Fox Mulder?" "Come on, Scully, it's me Honestly. No VanBlundht substitute or clone. Just 100% Fox Mulder." "Is this the same partner who refused to go on vacation and was forced on it, and then kept harassing me from Graceland?" "I missed you! And I hate being forced to do anything. You know that." "Yes, I know you hate being forced to do anything. Forcing you to do anything is like forcing CGB Spender to stop smoking." "Not bloody likely?" Mulder looked into Scully's green eyes and returned her incredulous look with a mischievous one. "You bet your cute behind, Mulder." Scully's voice lowered and there was a sensual smile on her lips. "Ooh, Scully, you comin' onto me?" She didn't answer him verbally, instead planting a quick kiss on his lips before returning to snuggle against him. She heard him sigh contentedly and smiled, her decision made. "You are most certainly going to get lucky. You are going to get *very* lucky, but I think it would be better if we got away from it all, as you suggested. You tell Skinner, since this was your idea." "I thought I was going to make the arrangements?" "Mulder, from the way you've been acting, I'd say you already HAVE... haven't you?" Mulder smiled at her. "Actually... Yeah. I have. And Skinner knows. That's what I was discussing with him in that meeting he and I had a few days ago. He thought it was such a good idea, he and his wife are going away too, though to somewhere different. I guess he's getting tired of you and me hanging around him or something." Scully reached over and grasped a pillow before hitting him squarely on the head with it. "Ufft! What was that for?" "Making me anxious. You had me seriously worried for a moment there." "Only a moment?" "Mulder... do you want to give me an ulcer or something?" "No. You all packed, or would you rather we didn't bring anything and spend all weekend naked in bed?" "Mulder, you're a letch." She wrinkled her nose at him. "Yes, my love, but I only have eyes for you." "I'm not sure that makes it much better." The smile he got was an amused one. "Hey, at least I asked." "That you did. But I don't think I want to be naked all weekend." "Well, if we're going to go away for a weekend, you might want to get packing." "Aren't you going to bring anything?" "Sure. But all my stuff is in my trunk already. I figured I'd whisk you away on a romantic weekend before I came over, remember?" "Give me an hour and we'll be ready." The smile Mulder gave her was one she knew she saw far too rarely. She had just made him a very happy man, and vowed to make him smile at her like that far more often. The car ride was done in darkness and silence, but it was also fairly late in the evening, and Scully was dozing against Mulder's shoulder. Mulder was driving largely because he was the only one who knew where they were going. Finally, nearing midnight, they arrived at their destination in rural Massachusetts. Mulder woke Scully before they walked into the lobby of the hotel where they were retreating for the weekend. When the door to the room Mulder had reserved was finally unlocked, and they were both inside, Scully turned on the first light in the room and gasped. It was a large, comfortable room with cr=E8me carpeting, similar colored bedspread/comforter, and dark wood furniture. There was a tastefully old-fashioned air about the room, though it had all the modern conveniences, including a very modern stereo system. The room was large enough for a huge picture window with a good view and a oak table large enough for romantic dinners and other things. After putting the bag she had packed in a corner, she looked around the room and was amazed. Mulder, apparently, spared no expense for this weekend. "Mulder! You outdid yourself!" "Not enough?" "No. This is perfect! It's lovely! I love it! And I love you. But when did you get time to get roses put in the room?" "Uh... they're not from me, Scully." Mulder answered, though he looked happy instead of remotely jealous or concerned. Scully looked at the roses sitting on either side of the large, four-poster bed and then smiled, going over to the side of the bed she always used. Mulder did the same and picked out the card from the front of the flowers - nine white roses, nine red roses, and one sunset rose. Mulder,I'm glad you have some closure in your mind. But remember, your quest is about more than Samantha. Remember who loves you. At the same time Mulder was looking at his card with a fond smile, Dana also picked up the card out of the arrangement of flowers - four red roses, four white roses, and one sunset rose. Dana This is going to be good for both of you. He's been worried about it for weeks that you would turn him down. Make him a very happy man. Although I suspect I don't need to tell you to do so. "Mulder..." He looked up to see her walking up to him with an expression on her face and in her eyes. An expression he recognized from their time together in the last few years. It could mean only one thing. "You're mine." Mulder found himself pushed onto the bed, and then found that his partner was straddling him. It was going to be a very interesting weekend. ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 7: A Time to Heal Summary: Mulder and Scully's first Valentine's Day after his return and THEIR creation. It was the dampness on her chest which caused her to become awake, although only slowly. Her present condition was taking a toll on her energy level, and she found that she needed rest more and more often than not. "Scully..." a soft, male voice asked. "Mmmmph... Mulder, what time is it?" "I don't know. I... I'm sorry." "For what?" "Lot of stuff." A warm droplet splashed onto her chest, just inside the flannel pajama top she had worn to sleep. She opened her eyes. The touch-lamp she had gotten because she liked its styling was on the middle of three settings. The man in her life had his head resting on her chest and she could feel his arms holding her very tightly. "Mulder, are you crying?" she asked, softly. He said nothing, but nodded. "Would you care to enlighten me as to why that is the case?" "Just... glad to be here with you, that's all." He sounded very afraid, and very sad. "Why wouldn't you be here? Unless you're referring to the time you've been gone." He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. She could see so much pain in his eyes that it hurt her to see it. "Sometimes, I wonder why you even let me into your life, Scully. I seem to cause you nothing but trouble." "Yes, but we both know where you get that from." She grinned at him, teasing. "Victoria you mean?" "Well, of course. She's known you longer than I have, after all." "Scully... Dana..." It seemed as though it was difficult for him to speak at all. "Mulder, we both know what you've been through will take a long time to heal from. After all, it took me a long time to get through my experience, and sometimes I wonder if I'm even through it now. But, I want you to know that you have helped me a lot. In more ways that you probably even know." "But..." "Mulder, I stayed with the X-Files because I wanted to. At least, that's how it was at the beginning. Now, it's because it's OURS." Besides, regular cases are rather dull, don't you think?" She smiled at him. "I remember what you used to be like when you got assigned to surveillance duty. I could feel the boredom come off you in waves." He almost smiled, but apparently thought of something that made him sad all over again. "But, if you hadn't stayed-" "Mulder, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to send me away. And you know how well that will work." "It won't?" "Damn right, it won't. I'm not a quitter, Mulder." "I'm afraid of what will happen to you if you stay and at the same time, I'm afraid of losing you." Another tear dropped from Mulder's chin onto Scully's cheek. She smiled, pulling him closer to her, running fingers through his hair, even taking one of his hands and twining her fingers around his and setting their joined hands on her now-noticeably swollen midsection. At the same time, she checked the clock sitting on the night table. "Go to sleep, Mulder. We have a long day tomorrow." She reached over and turned out the light with two touches to the base of the lamp before curling the arm around Mulder again. "Love you, Scully." She heard him breathe and sigh contentedly. "Love you, Mulder." "I'm asking you again. Who the HELL are you and how the HELL did you get into this office?!" Agent John Doggett's voice carried out into the hallway as the pair of agents exited the elevator towards the ever more crowded office in the basement. "And I told *you*, Agent Doggett, that I am an old friend of Mulder's." The other voice answered, and there was a noticeable accent. "How the hell do you know who I am?" Doggett sounded more exasperated than before. "You mean aside from the fact that you are wearing your regulation FBI badge on the lapel of your suit jacket?" Victoria's tone was wry. "I knew it! Causing trouble again, are you, Victoria?" Dana Scully grinned as she was the first to the door. "Hello, Dana. Looking wonderful for someone in your condition." Victoria teased. "I'm pregnant not dying of cancer, Victoria." Scully was mock offended. "So THAT'S the secret to a glowing woman!" Victoria beamed. "You know this person, Agent Scully?" Doggett turned to face his supervisor. "Better her than Phoebe Green, Agent Doggett." Scully smiled wryly. "Eeeeew. Why did you have to go and ruin a lovely day like today by bringing HER up, Scully?" Mulder asked, walking into the office a few minutes behind his partner. He had gone to fetch her herbal tea and his hot cocoa. Since being 'returned', he had favored hot cocoa to his formerly usual morning cup of coffee. Then again, it WAS making him less jittery, so it did help. "Good Morning, Mulder. Phoebe Green?" Doggett asked, not sure of what to make of Mulder's tone of voice. "The less you know the better, Agent Doggett." Mulder grinned. "And, good morning to you too. Victoria, what have I told you about breaking and entering?" "Breaking and entering would be illegal. And, besides, I didn't have to even consider it. Walter let me in after I went to see him first." Victoria grinned. "Hah! Likely story!" "Believe what you like. After all, aren't you the one who's so fond of finding The Truth?!" "Ouch. I could hear the capitals in that, VC." Mulder grinned. "That was the whole idea, Foxy boy." Victoria smirked at him. "Who is this person anyway?" Doggett looked a little nonplussed. "DCI Victoria Jensen, Agent John Doggett. Victoria's a very old friend of Mulder's. And, Victoria-" "John Doggett. Former NYPD, US Marines, and currently the next to newest addition to this department." Victoria smiled. "Victoria, have you been snooping again?" "No, Mulder. Dana has kept me very up to date on what has been going on around here." "So what ARE you doing here, Victoria?" "Flower delivery. In person." Victoria grinned. On Mulder's desk, there was a double vase with nine white and nine red roses in the outside portion and four white and four red on the inside with three sunset roses mixed with the eight roses in the inner vase. Mulder thought for a moment, then it dawned on him. Victoria's annual Valentine's day gift to both Scully and himself was an odd assortment of roses. The very assortment sitting on the desk Scully and he were currently sharing. "Oh god. TODAY?!" "Why do you think I went to see Walter first?" "What do you mean 'next to newest'?" Doggett inquired. "Ummm, Agent Doggett, before she answers, let me warn you that she sometimes knows things before they happen and she never has a good reason for them." "Mulder, be a good friend and do me a favor, please?" "What's that?" "Shut up." Victoria grinned sweetly. "She can get away with that?!" Doggett looked shocked. "I think she's one of the few who can." Walter Skinner's voice startled everyone in the office, except for Victoria. She had been the only one facing the door. "Do we have to worry about someone ELSE wanting office space down here? Because I have to tell you, there isn't enough here for the three of us NOW." Mulder stated. "That's why Agent Doggett and his new partner are getting offices up on the third floor." "New partner?" "Certainly. I thought that the X-Files could do with a little expanding. After all, with Agent Scully in her condition, and Agent Mulder more than likely just wanting to get reacquainted with the files, I decided it might well be a wise idea to give Agent Doggett a new partner." "Walter, I never knew you had it in you." Victoria quipped. "Very funny, Victoria. And as for the rest of you, there is nothing I need from any of you so I've decided to be generous and give all three of you the day off." With that important announcement, Skinner walked out of the office. "Agent Doggett, why don't you go on home now, then." Mulder said. "Agent Scully and I will finish up anything we need to do here and get on home as well." "If you're sure, Agent Mulder." "I'm sure." "Okay, then. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Jensen. Good night, Agents." After picking up a few things he had brought down into the basement for the day, Doggett headed home. Seeing the coast was clear, Mulder wrapped his arms around Scully's shoulders, leaning in to kiss the top of her head for a moment. "Mulder, instead of our 'usual' Valentine's Day celebration, why don't we just go home and order delivery? I think maybe Ariel's delivers." Mulder smiled. "You're probably right. I think they do deliver. Victoria, are you doing anything tonight? Would you like to spend it with us and the baby?" Victoria smiled at them. "Valentine's Day is a day for lovers and those in love. You don't need me as a third wheel. Besides, I'm not entirely certain when you will get a Valentine's Day alone again in the next little while. We can do lunch tomorrow just as easily." "I don't object to your spending the evening with us." Scully added. "Mulder wouldn't have asked if I did." "I know, Dana. You may not object, but I do. There has been too much time lost between you already. You don't need me hanging around tonight. Tonight's a night for you together, alone. I'm here until the end of the week, anyway." "Where are you staying?" Mulder asked. "Usual place." "Victoria, are you getting predictable in your old age?" Mulder teased. She grinned back at him. "No. Accumulating more frequent flyer miles. Never can tell when they'll come in handy so as I can go on holiday after saving your sorry arse one too many times." Mulder chuckled. "My guardian angel." "No, that would be Dana's job. I think I may well be in charge of looking after BOTH of you. Either that or I kill you for your stupidity, but I don't think Dana would appreciate my killing her spouse." "Uh... Victoria..." "Regardless of what your legal standing is with regards to one another, you do behave as though the vows and the rings have been accompanied by that one piece of paper." "How the hell did you know?" Mulder asked. She smiled at him, knowingly. "Mulder, how many times have you asked that question?" "And how many times have you not answered it?" "Mulder, let's just say 'I just know' and leave it at that. Since I doubt you would believe my explanation beyond that anyway." She hugged both Mulder and Scully together. "Drop by for lunch tomorrow. See if you can freak out the new agents a little. Love the job you did on Doggett, though." Mulder grinned. "You do it very well." Scully added. "Have a lovely evening. I'll see you both tomorrow." With that, she was gone. Scully wrapped her arms around her partner, moving one pair of their joined hands to her midriff again, as she had just that morning. "I think she's right, Scully. We need this time together." "Let's go home." ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 8: Sanctuary Summary: A Valentine comes seeking sanctuary. Author's note: First off, I apologize for being late on this. It was supposed to have been posted 2 weeks ago (give or take), but it hadn't even been written on Valentine's Day. This is this year's installment of this series. The previous installments of this series can be found at the above web page. As always, simply because this is the latest installment doesn't mean anyone HAS to know what was in the previous installments, although it would be nice. =)It had been one of those days. The only thing good, at least in Dana Scully's mind, was the fact that it was over and done with. Never mind the fact that it was Valentine's Day. No, actually, that only made things WORSE. Her colleagues were all buzzing over their dates for the night and every last one of them HAD a date, and romantic plans for the evening. Except her. As she let herself back into her apartment, the only thought on her mind was spending the night with her son, talking to him about his father. Making certain William knew that he was equally loved by both of his parents, even though one of them was currently in the role of absentee parent. When she finally got the door open, however, those thoughts were totally chased from her mind. Her apartment was illuminated by what appeared to be hundreds of candles, each well placed and secure in such a way so the wax would not drip and make a mess. Add to that the smell of something delicious cooking and her curiosity was piqued, as well as a tinge of paranoia. "Mom?" she called out. "Hello? Who's in here?" "Hey Scully." A familiar voice called out from the direction of the bedroom. "Just you and me here tonight." "Mulder! What are you doing here? What is going on? What is all of this? Where are my mother and William?" Mulder grinned at her. "In order of questions asked - I wanted to see you, I made dinner, it's Valentine's Day so I thought I'd be romantic, and your mother and our son are at your mother's being watched over by security guards and a few guardian angels. They're going to spend the night together. I spent all afternoon with them. As for William, I think he was very happy to see me." "Isn't it dangerous-" "Hold that thought. I think I smell dinner, and if I'm not careful, it's going to burn. There are some things charcoal and carbon do NOT enhance." He smiled, left a kiss on her lips, and ran into the kitchen, looking a little like the cat that ate the canary. Scully took the opportunity to study how Mulder had set up the decor in the room. Candles were everywhere, as she had previously noticed. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that they were equally spread out such that the whole room looked well lit, even as the level of light wasn't very high. And there was no real fire danger either, as each candle was set in such a way so that it would burn itself out when it got low enough in the bowl of water. "Don't we always go to Ariel's for Valentine's Day dinner?" Scully asked, as Mulder brought in a tray with covered dishes and began to place them carefully on the table. "That's true. Fortunately, they offer a few dishes that a person can prepare on their own." Mulder grinned. "I got your mother to go do the shopping for me while I got reacquainted with William. It's amazing how big he's gotten already." "And how big I still am." He looked at her carefully, and she could feel the tingle start to spread all over her body when she saw the love and caring in his eyes. "You're not big. Beautiful and sensual, definitely. Big? No. I don't think so." Mulder leaned ever closer and Scully felt a shiver through her body as he had spoken the last words very softly, yet very close to her ear. "You know, Mulder, when you look at me like that, I can almost believe it." "Believe it, Scully. I would never lie to you about this sort of thing." They kissed, and it was then that Scully realized she was still in her work clothes. Her currently very uncomfortable work clothes. Including her shoes. The very same three-inch ones she had gone back to only recently. And it was the 'recently' which her feet and calves were strenuously objecting to. "Let me go slip into something more comfortable." She said, pulling away from the kiss and licking her lips. "Comfortable is good." Mulder smiled, eyes flashing in the candlelight. "You... hold that thought." She smiled at him, walking toward her bedroom. Mulder watched as she disappeared into the bedroom before he continued setting up the table. He had started planning this night with the woman he loved almost as soon as he had gone underground. When it became more than apparent that he would be spending much more time away from her than he would have either wanted to or liked. The dinner were favorite foods, all made practically from scratch. He had also used a few of Mrs. Scully's recipes, and she had helped him with a few of the dishes. She had been very helpful ever since he had contacted her with the idea in mind around Christmas. He finished setting up the table, and surveyed the results. It looked to be the perfect dinner for two. A date at home, as it turned out. He also thought back to the afternoon he spent with William and Scully's mom. Little William was getting so big, it was occasionally hard to remember that he was less than a year old. He moved the flowers sitting in the centre of the table off to one side of the table and looked at the flowers more specifically. They were roses - Victoria's annual Valentine's Day gift to them for several years running. Only this year, there had been an addition. The vase was clear glass edged in red and made up of 3 tiers. The bottom tier held alternating red and white roses, 9 each. The middle tier held alternating red and white roses of 4 each. The top tier was of 5 roses. One red, one white, and 3 sunset/peach colored roses. Mulder smiled. It was a typical Victoria touch to include their latest addition to the family. Then again, she'd known for a while about William. And Mulder knew that, if nothing else, she was delighted that he and Scully were now truly a family in society's eyes. Not that they cared the slightest what "society" thought. 'Happy Valentine's Day to all three of you. All my love, Victoria Jensen.' Her message had been penned on a simple card clipped to the bouquet. It was most definitely in the hand of his oldest friend from Oxford, and was just something he knew she would do. The arrangement had been delivered only an hour ago by Victoria herself, who was on a much-needed break from her job. He removed the chef's apron and tossed it onto an empty chair. He'd worn the apron to protect the gray-blue button-down shirt he was wearing, as well as the slightly faded grayish denim jeans. Dinner was set on the table. And now all he needed was the woman he loved. Who seemed to be taking her time getting into something more comfortable. He grinned to himself. "Just so you know, the guys swept the place for any type of surveillance this afternoon while I was cooking." Mulder called out. "This is in addition to the weekly bug-checks I have them do?" There was a smile in Scully's voice, and she sounded closer than in the bedroom. "Ooh, Mulder, that smells DELICIOUS!" He heard her soft footsteps come up behind him and her arms wrap around his waist. "I missed you so much." He felt and heard her say, as she planted a kiss on his back. He took hold of both of her hands and led her around him until they were facing each other. Scully had changed from the navy blue pant-suit and white shirt into a charcoal gray t-shirt with a painting of Stonehenge in the light of the full moon on it - a souvenir from his very short trip to England to cut any last ties with Phoebe Green - and black leggings. The dark blue of the night sky on the shirt brought out her eyes. She was, of course, barefoot. As was he. "I don't know about you, but I'm starved." Mulder murmured, as he pulled her to him to hold her awhile. "Then, I suggest we eat. And then spend the evening cuddling, or... " Scully smiled. "Oooh, Scully, I like the way your mind works." He grinned impishly. She smiled back at him. "Then, let's eat." ---The End--- |
|
Title: Wishes, Roses, and Valentines 9: Lovers Incognito Summary: Valentine's Day. As usual. Ariel's Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, was as busy as usual for the Valentine's Day dinner crowd. Actually, it was projected to be even more crowded than usual, but that was due to the fact that the Lover's Holiday had fallen on a Friday, and it was also the Friday before a long weekend. However, as the hour was still early, and most people were still just getting off work, the restaurant was merely pleasantly full, rather than overwhelmingly overcrowded. The door to the restaurant opened to admit a couple, both dressed in dark overcoats, brushing snow from their coats onto the rubber mat right at the door. After checking their coats, the man curled his arm and the woman took it. Then, they walked toward the podium where the maitre'd stood. "May I help you, sir?" The maitre'd at the restaurant was polite, as usual. "We have a reservation for two under the name 'Ford-Anderson'." The gentleman in the dark suit, white shirt, and dark necktie answered. "Ah, yes. Mr. Ford-Anderson. We have been expecting you." The maitre'd replied. "One moment, and I'll check if your table's ready." He looked slightly nervous, and kept running his fingers through his dark blond hair, which appeared to be free of any styling products, aside from a damp dusting of snow. "Kyle, relax, will you?" His companion grasped his hand and kissed the back of it, leaving a light smudge of lipstick. "You keep doing that, Scully, and we might not get through dinner." Kyle leaned in and murmured into her ear. His companion gave him a slow smile, and, for a moment, Kyle had to struggle visibly for control. His companion took that opportunity to kiss him on the cheek. "Margaret, could you please stop that. We agreed that we'd get through dinner first, right?" Margaret smiled at him again, this time following it with a wink. "As Austin Powers frequently says, 'Oh, behave!'" "And as Felicity Shagwell said in the second movie, 'Not if I can help it!'" The soft clearing of a throat brought both of them back to reality. For a moment, both were slightly embarrassed at the scene they had caused. "Your table is ready. If you will follow me." The maitre'd said. The couple blushed, and followed the maitre'd to their table. The table was a small, secluded booth in a dark corner of the restaurant, lit more by candlelight. Kyle had requested the private corner so he and Margaret could have dinner without interruptions from the "outside" world. It seemed Kyle and Margaret were distracted with each other because it had taken the server three attempts before he was finally able to take their order. He hadn't minded, though. They were a very splendid-looking couple, and seemed to suit one another perfectly. Margaret's hair was dark brown and curling, though there were very obvious red highlights in her hair. Her eyes were a green and blue mix that would shift towards one or the other depending on her moods. She wore a dark red satin dress that had some purple undertones, with sheer sleeves and satin cuffs. The dress was closefitting and clung to her curves, but not overly so. It was an elegant dress that went down to nearly her ankles. She was wearing a pair of black Mary Janes but that was due to the slick conditions outside. Had there been clearer weather, she would have worn impossibly high stacked heels that would have also matched her dress. There was a large diamond ring on her left hand ring finger, with a smaller gold band underneath it. On her right wrist, she wore a small bracelet in the design of a claddagh ring. The flash of gold visible through the scarf at her throat was a tiny gold cross on a delicate gold chain. Kyle wore a dark, nearly black, suit with a white button-down shirt. His tie was a simple one, matching the color of his suit, though there were several rows of tiny red hearts diagonally across it. It was one of his tamer choices in ties. But, then, he'd always had a reputation for not caring what most people thought about his clothing choices. He also wore a pair of black oxfords that looked like they were practically brand new. He, like Margaret, wore a simple gold band on his left ring finger, though he also wore a ring on his middle finger bearing the inscription "DKS&FWM-The Truth" on the outside. The inscription was subtle enough so that you had to be looking closely at it to notice that it was even there. On his right wrist, he also wore a bracelet in the design of a claddagh ring. His hair was a dark blond color with darker undertones and roots. Hazel eyes usually sparkled mischievously, and there were subtler looks directed at the woman at his side. And although both had just ordered dinner, they were both thinking that dinner could not be over soon enough so that they could go home and curl up with one another and just *be* for a while. Although both admittedly knew it was nice to be out for a night on the date set for lavish expressions of love, though it was possible to go overboard with it. While they were talking and trying to wait patiently until the server returned with their food, a couple both Kyle and Margaret recognized were seated fairly near by. The just-seated couple were former co-workers and were still friendly with both Kyle and Margaret, even though the employment situation was now a lot sketchier. They were quietly greeted, and some information exchanged, before both couples returned to their respective tables. Dinner was just on the verge of being served, and they both ate heartily. There were a few things that remained the same from when they ate at Ariel's, such as the barbeque ribs just falling off the bone, and the sparkling apple cider they drank in lieu of champagne or sparkling wine. But they had also ordered the raspberry cheesecake that had been their shared dessert since their first date here several years earlier. Finally, they returned to their hotel room in the Hilton. Once inside the room, Kyle pulled Margaret close to him, and kissed her lovingly. "You know, Scully, this was a good idea. But it was awful trying to pretend to be other people and keep our eyes open in case someone tries to kill us." The tie with the hearts on it was pulled off smoothly. "That's true enough, Mulder. Although we might need to change aliases soon, considering we've been using this one for quite a while now." Scully answered, pulling the scarf off her neck so she could toy with her cross. "Since when have we consistently used this one?" Before too much could be done, there was a knock at the door. Fortunately, there was a peephole in the door of the hotel room, and the person standing on the other side was certainly familiar. "Who is it?" Mulder asked, just so he could ask. "Special delivery for Mr. Kyle Ford." A British accented female voice was heard through the door. "And could you please hurry? This bloody thing is heavy!" Mulder grinned. He opened the door and allowed the woman who was delivering a large vase of red and white roses into the room. The vase was two tiered with 9 red and 9 white on the lower, and 4 red and 4 white on the upper half. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Victoria." Mulder grinned after the flowers had been set on the dresser, and he was pulling his old friend into his arms for a hug. "And thanks for the flowers. Again. As usual." "I'm glad to know for certain that you are well, Mulder. Both you and Dana have been on my mind a lot lately." Victoria answered. DCI Victoria Jensen was an old friend of Mulder's from his days at Oxford. She had eventually become friends with Scully as well. "How did you find us?" Victoria gave Mulder a look that told him he was being stupid again and he well knew it. "Walter gave me some information on the situation. He says he wants you both to stay out of sight as much as possible. Director Kersh concurs." "Victoria, I thought you said not to trust Kersh?" "I don't. But since I went to see Walter *first* and then Kersh stopped me to talk to me about you, I thought it would be best to warn you. However, Director Kersh does not know what Walter told me, though Walter was there when Kersh warned both of us." "So you came here to see us to give us the information?" Scully asked. "Well, that and to wish you a happy Valentine's Day, and deliver the roses as well. And one more thing." "What?" "Have someone you know and trust find and keep an eye on William. I know you may not know where he is, but he needs to be watched." "If this is a joke, Victoria, I don't appreciate it." Mulder said. "It's no joke." Victoria's expression was dead serious. "Whatever it is that Jeffrey Spender did to him is temporary. And he is wrong about what the aliens need him for. They don't need him alive. They want him dead because of what you and Dana both have in your blood. Beyond that, I can't tell anything more because I don't know more. At least, not as of right this moment. But I want you to be careful." Mulder and Scully looked at each other, then back at Victoria and nodded. Victoria handed each of them a card with her initials and a telephone number on it. "Call me if have any trouble. We'll have lunch tomorrow. By the Air and Space Museum. Play tourist. You know. What you are supposed to do on holiday." Victoria said, grinning at her friends. "I've done my intruding on tonight enough already. Good night. Both of you." Before either Mulder or Scully could say anything else, Victoria had opened the door of the hotel room and walked out, pulling the door closed behind her. Mulder and Scully traded looks and then began to laugh. Finally, the hilarity of the situation began to lighten, and the couple made their way over to the bed, where they sat on the edge. "Come on, Scully. Let's curl up. I hear there are some good movies on HBO tonight." As they settled on the bed and Scully reached for the remote, Mulder leaned closer and kissed her. "Happy Valentine's Day, Scully." "Happy Valentine's Day, Mulder." ---The End--- Author's note: Sorry it's late, but I was busy when this story was due. Am I forgiven now that it's posted? =) The Truth is Out There. Trust No One. Deny Everything - The X-Files "McDonalds wants to open a restaurant in India. When informed their beef burgers could not contain beef, a spokesman was quoted as saying, 'That's not a problem.'"-Colonel Stacy-17 Nov 2000-"Chicken Cannon News"-Royal Canadian Air Farce CSULA BSEE program-Winter 2003-EE 336,EE 432,EE 314,Art 240,Philosophy 321
|