Here's my latest one...thanks to all the comments I've received...yes, there is another St. George story coming down the pipeline in a bit...the woman just can't stay still... I'm still working on the text problem, so apologies and thanks to the help people have been offering...hope you enjoy this one! All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... Downtime by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com "Sir, I..." Mulder started. "Shut up!" Skinner paced around the two agents, his footsteps hard on the plush carpet. "Do you know how much flak I've received over this last case of yours?" "I think." He tried to speak. "Shut up!" Skinner roared. Standing behind Scully, he took a deep breath. She stood rock-still. It had been a long time since she had been chewed out like this. "Sir, Agent Mulder and I..." "Did you hear me?" He yelled into her face. "I should transfer you to the secretarial pool!" A muffled snicker came from Mulder. "And you." The Assistant Director took a step to the side, standing nose-to-nose with Mulder. "You should be washing cars in the agency garage for the next month!" Dana suppressed a smile. At least the tongue-lashing was being equally divided. Skinner took a step back, his face flushed. "Thanks to you two, I now have some major apologising to do. You're both suspended for the next week, without pay." He walked around his desk, sitting back down in his chair. "But sir.." Mulder tried again. "Agent Mulder." His eyes locked with Fox's. "If you are not out of my sight in five seconds I will transfer you both to the Public Relations Section where you can go to hundreds of schools and lecture youngsters on the aspects of being an FBI agent...once upon a time." Scully took the initiative, pushing him ahead of her out of the office. "I think he was a little annoyed." Fox deadpanned as they waited for the elevator. "What was your first clue?" ****************************************************** "Well, see you in a week." Scully nodded as Mulder pulled away from the curb. She began to plan her time as she walked into her apartment building, all those little projects she had been putting off... Dana lay in the hot bath water, up to her neck in sweet-smelling bubbles. She draped the pale pink washcloth over her eyes, sliding deeper into the foam. And it was only six o'clock, she thought, and I love it. The phone range. Reaching for it instinctively, she brought the receiver to her ear, not moving the washcloth or shifting in the tub. "Scully?" "It can't have been a week yet, Mulder." She murmured, stretching out a leg. "I just saw a news clip about a sighting in New Jersey." "We are off-duty. We are suspended." Dana lifted a handful of water, letting it trickle between her fingers by the cel phone. "We are in a bathtub filled with bubbles not thinking of work." "Would we like some company?" He asked softly. "Goodbye, Mulder. Call me in a week." Closing the phone up, she replaced it on the ground by the tub. Her mind wandered off as the steam drifted up from the water. What did he say? The phone rang again. "Mulder, I said..." "Dana?" "Oh, Melissa." She stretched out her other leg. "What's up?" "There's a psychic fair tomorrow, and I was wondering if you wanted to go after work." "Well, I can go anytime. I've been suspended." Melissa's voice lowered. "What happened?" "Oh, we just stepped on some toes again. Mulder just doesn't know when to stop." "He doesn't know when to start, in my opinion. I'll meet you at your place at ten tomorrow, then." "Sure. Sounds like a plan." Dana hung up, slipping down into the hot water. ***************************************************************************** The convention centre was filled with booths; all seeking to take money from the crowd wandering through the aisles. Wearing a white blouse, long vest and jeans, Dana followed behind Melissa, who was entranced by the sights. "Look, there's the newest books on tarot reading..." Like a kid in a candy store, she smiled. Melissa had always been open to this stuff...Dana paused by a table, reading the hand-lettered sign. "Good day." The young woman seated behind the table passed her a pamphlet. "Love potions. Guaranteed to work." Melissa appeared at her side. "Cool." "It's not real." Dana lifted one of the mickey-sized bottles, staring at the the blood-red liquid inside. "Probably just flavoured water." "Why don't you try it out?" Melissa prompted, a playful smile on her face. "A few drops in Fox's coffee?" "In my what?" Dana whirled around to find herself face-to-face with Mulder, dressed in a football jersey and jeans, wearing a sly grin. Replacing her bottle quickly on the table, she tried to sound calm. What are you doing her?" She politely asked. "I always drop by these things. You never know..." His eyes read the labels. "...what you're going to find. Or who." His eyes met hers, inquiring. "Melissa invited me." Dana hastily offered. Beside them, Melissa quietly paid the vendor, stroking her crystal necklace with a smile. "So, mind if I walk with you?" "No problem at all." Melissa answered, ignoring Dana's face. The three of them walked up and down the aisles, stopping at the odd booth. "Look at this." She held up a man's necklace for Dana and Fox to see. Hanging down from the slender chain was a rectangular piece of metal, slightly larger than the regular dog tag, a small figure engraved on the surface. "The Fool. My favourite Tarot card." Fox smiled at Melissa, making the hairs rise on the back of Dana's neck. She tugged at his sleeve, breaking his gaze. "We have to be leaving." She stared at Melissa. "I have things to do at home." "Just let me pick this up and I'll walk you to your car. " Pulling out his wallet, Mulder counted out the money. "Here you go." Melissa passed the paper bag to Dana. "Just in case." Dana looked inside, a smile appearing on her face. "You are persistent. No wonder Mom's got grey hair." She tucked the bag in her upper left vest pocket, the bulge barely noticeable thanks to the cut of the material. "Hey, I just got a feeling you'll need it soon. And that's definitely Fox's necklace. It had his aura all around it." Dana sighed. Sometimes Melissa's New Age beliefs tugged at her limits of tolerance, and those had expanded a lot lately... Mulder rejoined them, the necklace hanging down on his Washington Redskins jersey. "So, what do you think?" "I like it." Melissa chirped. "Skinner's going to love it. Now you're clearly labelled." "Well, I'm going to catch my bus from here. See you later." Melissa waved at the pair as she trotted off down the street. "Why do I feel like I've been set up?" Fox mulled out loud as he fell into step beside Dana. "Don't look at me. You decided to come to this thing." She protested. As they rounded the corner a sudden movement in the alleyway caught Mulder's eye. "Scully." They stopped. In the alley a tall rough-looking man was holding another man up against the brick wall, a pistol to his face. The mugger turned towards them, loosing his hold on his victim. Scully's hand flew to her holster, tucked discreetly under her long vest as Mulder reached for his own, taking a step forward. She moved up to stand beside him. "FBI! Hold it!" Fox yelled. The leather-jacketed man sneered, then pointed his revolver at Mulder and fired. Fox felt the impact; felt the blood begin to flow down his front as the world began to tilt and waver. Then her heard Dana yell, and he turned his head. She lay beside him, the dark stain spreading across her vest. he struggled to reach her as he saw the gunman and his intended victim dash in opposite directions. "Mulder." She sat up, putting a hand on his chest and taking a deep breath. "You've been shot." Her hands flew down to the gaping chest wound...that wasn't there. Instead a deep gouge on his chest lay open to the air, the metal square on his necklace dented and pressed into his skin. "What do you mean? You've been shot." Fox leaned over, pulling her vest open to stare at the bloody white blouse...that was' t ripped at all. Reaching into her vest pocket, he gingerly withdrew the glass shards of the potion bottle. A soft whistle escaped his lips as they stared at each other in disbelief. *************************************************************************** "...so the bullet must have been majorly under-powered to start with. Maybe a dud. Hey!" Mulder flinched as Scully dabbed at the cut with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. "That hurts." "It'd hurt more if you hadn't had that medallion stop it." She tossed the ball into the kitchen garbage pail. Fox shifted unhappily, perched atop her counter as she began to tape a gauze pad over it. "Keep an eye on it for a few days --probably it'll be alright. " Her fingers lightly skimmed his bare chest as she spoke. She stepped back, regaining her professional composure. "And your blouse and vest are ruined." He stared at the deep red stain over the left side of her blouse...longer than he should have. Blinking suddenly, he broke the spell. "Good thing that bottle took the force of the bullet. The liquid absorbed the last bits of acceleration. " He looked at the misshapen slug on the counter beside him. "We were very,very, lucky today." "Mulder, I don't believe in luck." Dana walked over to the other side of the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. "So what do you call it?" Tugging his jersey back over his head, Fox came up beside her. Receiving no answer, he grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Right." "You want some coffee?" "Sure." Walking around the kitchen, he lay his elbows on the table, facing her head-on. "And maybe a bath afterwards." "You, " She waved a spoon at him. "Are incorrigible." "And you." His eyes twinkled. "Are damn lucky. Must be the Irish in you." "And we are still suspended." Scully retorted. "So after tonight, I don't want to hear from you for another five days." "How about if I bring my own bubble bath?" He ducked the incoming dishcloth, chuckling mischievously. ******************************************************************* All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... If anyone's actually keeping track, it's now Wednesday... Curiosity/Downtime Day 3 -- In The Mall... by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com Fox Mulder stared at the milling crowds. "You do this for fun..." "No, not always." Dana Scully waved the videos at him. "Come on, these are late enough already." Obediently he trotted after her... until they passed the sports shop. "Mulder..." She frowned as she paid the clerk for the movies. "Mulder?" Looking around, she sighed. It was like having a kid -- like she would know. Browsing through the racks, she stopped to read the labels. Maybe tonight... "Red Shoe Diaries? Scully, if that's what you like I can do a lot better than that..." She replaced the box quickly, refusing to look at him. "I thought I'd lost you." Wishful thinking. "Nope." He grinned. "Just had to check out the newest batch of sport ties." "Sport. Ties." She sighed. "Have you ever heard of the Lost Boys?" "Yep. Great vampire movie." "I was referring to Peter Pan." "You want to play Wendy... Scully? Scully?" He ran after her, trying to catch up. "Hey, come on..." *************************** "How can you drink that?" Fox gestured at the cappuccino. "It'll keep you up all night." "Since we slept in until after two in the afternoon, I'm not that worried." She sipped the coffee. They had nabbed a nice seat in the indoor cafe, staring at the shoppers. Propping her head on her chin, she watched as a mother raced by, two toddlers in tow. "Wishing?" Dana snapped back into reality, turning to look at him. "No." She shook her head, the red hair catching the last beams of sunlight coming in from the skylight. "Actually, not at all. That sort of life seems so..." "Boring?" "Ordinary." Shrugging, she drained her mug. "Let's go." Suddenly a picture leapt into her mind, shocking in its clearness. Fox watched her grab the table, her knuckles white. Reaching over, he put his hand on hers, afraid to speak for a moment. "Scully?" Licking his lips, he leaned close to her unfocused eyes. "Dana?" She came back with a jolt, her eyes flashing around the mall. "Mulder..." Getting to her feet, she reached around to her pistol, hidden under the over-sized sweater. "Are you armed?" He leaned back, feeling the weapon at his back under the jean shirt. "Always." She glared at him. "Yes, but what..." She scanned the crowd, leading him into the crush. "Scully." He grabbed her arm, spinning her around to look at him "What's going on?" "Ah..." This would be interesting. "I think some one here is going to commit a robbery." "You think." A smile twitched on his face. "Like, a premonition?" "No." Yanking her arm free, she returned to her search. "Like a good guess." "Woman's intuition?" Stomping on his feet, she turned to the left to see more people. The young teenager looked around quickly, seeking a likely target. There. He wiped his nose, putting a hand on the snub-nosed revolver in his waistband under his jersey. Just be fast, just be quick. He followed the older man out to the bank machine, whistling softly. He tapped in his PIN number, oblivious to his watcher. Taking the wad of cash, the businessman tucked it into his wallet. Suddenly the painful pressure of a barrel being pressed into his spine made itself felt. "The money." The shaky voice demanded. Dana skidded around the corner, pulling her pistol free. "FBI! Freeze!" The kid stared for a second at her, mouth open. His victim dove to one side, keenly aware of his precarious position. "Drop it!" Fox suddenly appeared behind the youngster, barely winded from the sprint. The pistol clattered on the floor. **************** "But we..." She started. "Look, you saved my life." The businessman looked at Fox. "I have to give you something." Tucking his hand inside his dark blue suit, he dug in a pocket. "But we can't." Dana protested, watching her partner shrug. "Here. And if you don't take it, I'll call your office and complain." Shaking their hands, he walked away. She looked down at the crumpled bills in her hand. "A what?" "A thousand." Dana tried to keep the tremble out of her voice. "A thousand dollars." She swallowed. "I think I need a drink." "No, first we go shopping." Fox laughed. "Scully, you can get intuit anytime with me..." She decided to let him live, she was feeling so good... ************************ "We should have saved some." Dana balanced the boxes, trying to get the keys out. "For what?" "A rainy day." She fell through the door, dropping the new clothes in a heap on the couch. "Scully, it's always wet where we are." He chuckled, darting just out of reach. Sitting on the sofa, he flipped open a box, proudly displaying a tie to her. "What do you think?" "I think there must be aliens. And they all design your wardrobe." She pulled out a handful of CD's, adding them to her rack with glee. Fox unbuttoned his jean shirt, tossing it on the floor beside the sofa as he tugged on a new football jersey. "Pizza?" He reached for the phone. "Chinese. And order all the best stuff." ****************** Closing her eyes, Dana let the szechuan shrimp melt her mouth. The spread on her table would have fed her for a month, but with Mulder here, it might just be enough. Reaching out, she speared an eggroll. "Hey, that's mine." He protested, a smear of sauce already on his new shirt front. "My idea, my eggroll." Surrendering, Fox reached for the beer. "Another?" "I didn't think we'd be having a drink so soon again after last night." He shrugged, popping the top off a can and passing it to her. "That was last night. Come on, loosen up. We don't have to go in tomorrow; we don't have to go to bed early..." He choked on a noodle. "What movies did you get?" Duck and cover... "Ah... Roswell, Lawnmower Man, and Jurassic Park." "Why do I see a trend here..." ****************************** "Booga-booga." They watched the raptor tear into the room. "Scully, where are you going?" "To get changed." He grinned. "Shut up or I'll feed you to that dino." She returned in a few minutes, a thick terrycloth robe wrapped around her mens pyjamas. Sitting down on the floor, she wondered why he always got the couch. "So about this sight you have..." "It's nothing more than just good observation skills." She leaned back, resting her head on his lap. Deja vu. "Good skills." Fox smiled. "I love it when you try to justify everything with facts." He playfully patted her on the head. "You are such a cynic." "Live with it." She grabbed his hand, holding it tightly. Their eyes locked for a second, then he brought her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers lightly. "Oh, I am. I am." She paused, feeling her heart skip a beat. "Ah, you can have the couch. I'm not cruel enough to throw you out at this time of night." "Define cruel." He chuckled. "Good night, Scully." She got to her feet, leaving him lying on the sofa. "'Night Mulder." The bedroom door closed quietly behind her. She tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. Running a hand through her hair, Dana raised her head to fluff the pillow, turning to her left. She reached over, pulling the other pillow down beside her to hold it close. Curling around it, she faintly caught the musky smell of him, left over from last night. A soft smile came to her lips as she fell asleep. Fox twisted to his right, cursing under his breath. The afghan was warm and soft, everything was fine... his hand dropped down to the floor. His fingers wrapped itself around the jean shirt, pulling it up to his chest. Inhaling deeply, he could still smell her scent where she had laid against him earlier. Clutching it to his face, he drifted off. ****************************** (Yes, there's more to come...really...) All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... Music credits: "When We Dance" by Sting; "Stay" by Shakespears Sister... why do I feel like a video producer??? But they're such good songs... BTW, it's now Thursday... Downtime -- Day 4 -- The Visit by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com Dana Scully blinked, not sure where the music was coming from. Not her clock radio, she had turned that off just a few minutes ago. Rubbing her eyes, she pulled her robe on, not bothering to tie it up. She opened the bedroom door, hearing her new Sting CD going at full blast on the stereo. "When we dance..." Fox Mulder swirled around her small kitchen, carefully juggling three eggs as he sung softly along. Putting a hand to her mouth, she shook her head. Leaning on the doorframe, she watched him silently. "I'm going to love you night and day; I'm going to try in every way..." He turned to see her, the eggs in midair. Putting out a hand quickly, she caught the third egg barely in time. "Mulder..." She giggled. He shyly smiled, avoiding her eyes. "Ah... I assume you like French toast." He retreated back to the kitchen, busying himself at the stove. Turning down the volume, she chuckled to herself. The table had already been set, and he expertly flipped the bread in the frying pan as she watched. "So why do you eat so much junk food if you can cook like this?" Sliding the two pieces onto her plate, he joined her at the table. "Who cooks for one? Besides..." He grabbed the syrup, pouring an outrageous amount on the toast. "You could use a few more pounds." "What!" She choked on the first piece. "What did you say?" "I think you're a bit too thin..." Fox suddenly stopped. "Am I in trouble?" "Possibly." She smiled. "I'll have to think it over." "So what's up for today?" She paused, looking down at the plate. "I'd like to go up and visit the grave." "No problem. I'll be out of the shower in fifteen..." "You want to come along?" Her hazel eyes met his, questioning. "Sure." He tossed the dishtowel at her. "You got kitchen duty, we'll swing by my place on the way out so I can get changed." He grinned. "Hey, it's either that or end up watching soap operas all day." "Alright." Dana took a deep breath. "I could use the company..." ****************************** The weather didn't help any, being cold and windy. Fox drove in silence, tugging at his tie every now and then. He had changed into one of his usual suits, more out of respect than routine. Beside him, Dana, dressed in a light grey jacket and skirt, stared out the window. He glanced over at her, biting his lip. Pulling over onto the gravel shoulder, he cut the engine. "Are you sure you're up to this?" He asked softly. "No." A thin whisper came from her. "But I have to go." Reaching over, he took her hand, covering it with his. "Just don't forget that I'm here, okay?" "Mulder, I couldn't forget you even if I tried." She weakly smiled. "Now just get this car back on the road." ************************** They stood at the headstone quietly. Fox took a few steps back, letting her stand there in privacy. Tucking his hands deep into his trench coat pockets, he stared up at the threatening dark sky, then back to the grave. The new growth had just started to cover it, and his eyes flicked up to where the space for the second headstone had stood -- Dana's own. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and prayed in thanks that he wasn't making this trip alone... She stared at the engraved stone, reading it over and over again, as if it would bring her father back to her. The tears wouldn't come; she just couldn't cry anymore. A bitter cutting wind swept through the yard, biting through her trench coat and onto her skin, raising goose bumps. Turning on her heel, she headed for the car. Turning the heat on full blast, she waited for Fox to join her. He got in, noting her silence. There was no expression at all on her face, nothing... Putting the car into drive, he headed back home. The entire way he kept looking at her, looking for signs that she was okay, one way or the other. But there wasn't anything... ************************* Mulder hung both coats up in the closet, watching her head for the kitchen. Dana hadn't said a thing the entire way back, not even a comment on his driving. Now she just stood there in the small excuse for a kitchen, making tea... the crash startled him. One hand flew to his holster in reflex. "What the..." He went over, staring at the broken mug on the floor. She stood there, staring down at it. Her hands were shaking. "I guess that's mine." Closing her eyes, Dana just stood there. A lone tear trickled down her face. "It's not fair..." She whispered. Nodding, he reached out, putting his hands on her shoulders. She punched him in the chest, screaming. "I'm a doctor! I should have been able to see the signs! I should have been able to save him!" The light punches fell on him, but he didn't retreat, just let her pummel him as she cried. Finally she broke down into a set of sobs, the sign for him to pull her close. She wrapped her arms around him, crying into his shirt. "Why?" Dana cried, child-like. "It's not fair that I miss him so much..." "Hush..." He murmured into her hair; one hand rubbing her back in rhythmic circles. "It's okay to be mad..." He felt her start to relax; to slump against him in exhaustion. "I wish I could take the pain away." Fox said, more to himself to her. "Look, you go get changed back into your pyjamas and I'll get something warm going for a late lunch... or an early dinner, depending on how you want to look at it." She raised a tear-streaked face, a soft grin trying to make its way up. "The way you eat, it could be both." He grinned back, gripping the back of her neck playfully. "No respect. I get no respect from women at all." Releasing her, he pushed her towards the bedroom. "See you in a while." Dana rubbed the last of the makeup from her face, frowning as she noted the mascara stains on her cream-coloured blouse. Wonderful. Well, she could always buy a new one... the pyjamas were warm and comforting, just loose enough for her to feel at ease. Tying the robe, she sighed. She was supposed to be the strong one in the family, the doctor who everyone else came to... The soup and sandwiches hit the spot, given that the heavens had just opened up and a torrential downpour was now drowning the city. Taking a chair, she sipped the tomato soup quietly. "Put milk in. Water makes it too thin." Fox smiled uncertainly. "You feeling better?" "Ah.... I think so." She began to blush, feeling the heat rise. "Thanks... I just..." He took a large bite of his sandwich, trying to ignore her discomfort. "Been there, done that, got the tshirt... so what do you want to do tonight?" "What time is it?" "It's already after six..." "What?" Her hazel eyes darted to the kitchen clock. "How did it get to be that late?" "Well, let's see..." Holding up a hand, Fox began to count off the items on his fingers. "We got up at ten, left at eleven-thirty, drove to my place, dropped off the movies, drove up there, drove back... that makes it six thirty-five..." He grinned. "Lose track of time when you don't have to account for it?" "And whose fault is it that we got suspended?" Her eyes laughed. "Who got Skinner very pissed off at us?" "Hey, I can always call Jackie and have her sweet-talk him into letting us come back early..." She laughed. "And what do you think she'd hold over you for that favour? Besides, it's already Thursday. No use in going in for only one day." Finishing her bowl, she shook her head. "I'll take all the downtime I can get, since when we get back there'll probably be ten folders on the desk with great stories about EBEs and UFOs..." "You think so?" The eagerness in his eyes made her choke. "Really?" "Shut up. Just shut up and put the dishes in the sink. I'll do them up later." Reaching for the tv control, she punched the on button. "Maybe there's a program here on dealing with obsessed FBI partners..." ******************************* Fox had changed back into his old jean shirt and sweatpants, taking his usual position on the couch. For a second he thought about actually taking over a shelf in the bathroom, then banished the idea to neither regions. Dana came over, pushing his feet off. "Hey!" "Don't hog the couch." Dropping down beside him, she stared at the television set. "What's on?" "Well, we have a NOVA special on crop circles, NBA game, a sitcom and a science show on giant snakes." He grinned. "I like it." "Right." She reached for the converter, firmly in his grasp. "My vote's for the sitcom..." "Wrong." He held it above his head, back over the edge of the couch. "I think the NBA game's of more intellectual value." "Oh, right..." Leaning forward, she began to stretch for the controller, uneasily balancing herself over his body. "Mulder, I hate basketball..." Suddenly her arm gave out, dropping her onto his chest with a huff as the air rushed out of him. Smiling, he wrapped his arms around her. "The sitcom it is then... only if you stay here." He looked down, a soft smile touching his lips. Dana felt her breath catch, blinking wildly as she fell into his eyes. "I... ah..." She turned her head away, resting it on his chest as she stared at the tv set. "I'm not sitting on the floor again." "Deal." He punched in the channel, placing the converter on the edge of the sofa. Sliding his feet up onto the cushions, he looked down at the tousled red mop resting on his chest. In other circumstances... he sighed, wishing for things to be different. But if they were, then she wouldn't even know him... she giggled at the joke, making him laugh as well. His eyes went to the set, enjoying the show. Well, he was taping the NBA game anyway... Her soft breathing told him she was sound asleep. A good thing too -- his neck was getting sore. And what she needed right now was a solid block of sleep. Fox rubbed his chin, noting the thin stubble. He had expected this at some point; expected her to break down in some part of the grief cycle. It wasn't that he thought she was weak... not Dana Scully... but it wasn't human not to be mad and feel helpless when these things happened. Hell, he was still dealing with Sam's disappearance. At least he had been around to help her, when he had had no one to lean on for comfort. Gently dislodging her from his chest, he picked her up in his arms. Carrying her quietly towards the bedroom, he lightly kissed her forehead. Grief can kill you faster than any bullet can... he sighed. Placing her down on the pillows, he turned and put on the clock radio. He knew that she liked to hear low music -- he had put her onto that to help with the nightmares. Turning away, he jumped when a hand caught onto the back of his shirt. "Mulder..." A sleepy voice murmured. "Can you stay for a little bit?" Smiling, he nodded. Climbing up beside her, he cradled her in his arms, feeling her snuggle into his chest, into the same spot she had vacated only a few minutes before. Reaching over to turn off the light, he listened to the song. "If this world is wearing thin, and you're thinking of escape. I'll go anywhere with you -- just wrap me up in chains..." He dropped a kiss into her red hair. "But if you try to go it alone, don't think I'll understand.." "Stay...stay with me." He felt her mumble into his shirt quietly, her fingers taking a firm grip on the denim. "Stay with me..." Fox listened to the words, feeling a shadow drift across them both. "You better hope and pray that you wake one day in your own world... 'cause when you sleep at night they don't hear your cries in your own world... only time will tell if you can break the spell back in your own world..." She began to shake, urging him to pull her closer to him. Stroking her hair gently, he closed his eyes. Her breathing became regular and steady as they both drifted off... *************************** (more to come...) "You've become a world-class hopeless romantic." "Not hopeless... hopeful. A hopeful romantic." Joan Wilder -- Romancing The Stone All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... Downtime Day 5--The Talk (Friday) by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com Fox Mulder felt the light touches on his back, the gentle fingers tracing his spine. Slowly they drew lazy circles on his skin, just touching him - just enough to spark his skin with a totally enjoyable sensation. Sighing softly, he bit on his lower lip. This was so good... The soft touching went from the back of his neck down to his waist; swirling over his shoulder blades and darting to his ribs every now and then. The tickling feeling soon changed to a deeper, sensual urge up and down his skin as the fingers continued their tracings. He groaned, unable to open his eyes or to do anything but let it wash over him. Dana Scully watched his face, quietly enjoying his response. She had just woken up, finding him sprawled out beside her on his stomach -- and if he liked back rubs as much as she did... She saw him groan, his face contorted in pleasure she thought she'd never see on her partner. Her right hand continued its trip over his back, sliding easily under the jean shirt that now hung loosely on him. Propping her head up with her other hand, she smiled as she watched him chew on his lip, trying to deny himself the upcoming rush. Dana frowned, trying to remember what used to send her over the top... ah, right. He still couldn't move, frozen as the fingers travelled around his back, stopping every now and then to tease him. This was ridiculous, a part of him yelled, this is only a back rub. There is nothing erotic about... the thought was swept away in a sudden wave of pleasure that almost made him cry out. Hold it Fox -- this is Dana next to you. You know, Scully? His inner voice commented, enough to give him pause for a second. Then he felt the soft lips graze the back of his neck, setting him off like a rocket... She pulled back, smoothing the shirt down over his skin. Rolling away, she headed to the kitchen, grabbing her robe on the way out. "Scully..." Fox gasped, opening his eyes. God, that was almost as good as...Where was she? Rolling over onto his back, he listened to the noises coming from the kitchen. This was becoming very strange... She slammed the mugs down on the counter. What was she doing? Rubbing her forehead, Dana tried to sort out the different feeling rushing through her head. Having Mulder here was nice and comfortable; especially when she was in a bad state like last night -- but what was this leading to? "Scully?" He tentatively poked his head around the corner. "Hello?" God, she looked annoyed. What had he done already? "Ah... morning." She poured the coffee out into the mugs, avoiding his eyes. "Scully..." Fox took a step closer, putting a finger under her chin to pull her face up to his own. "You want to talk?" She turned away, fighting him. Stomping down the hall, she shut the bedroom door. "Dana?" He stood in the kitchen, feeling very awkward and very foolish. "Come on, I think we should talk..." "I think you should go home." Her muffled voice came through the wood. He turned to go, then caught himself. "No. I'm not going." Putting a hand on the doorknob, he swung the door open. Dana sat on the bed, wrapped up in the blankets they had so recently shed. "I thought I told you to go." She said icily. "No, no." He advanced on her. "You and I have to talk, and now is a good a time as any." Kneeling on the bed, Fox stared at her. "So talk to me." He spread his hands. "What's going on?" "I just..." She pulled the blankets tighter around her. "I just think it'd be better for both of us if you go now." "Both of us or just you?" Stretching out a hand, he lightly ran his fingers over her neck, resting his hand on her shoulder. "Are you annoyed at me being here?" "No, it's just that..." She turned away, uncertain what to say. He moved closer, slowly unwrapping the defences of blankets around her. "It was only a back rub, you know." He joked. "I liked it. A lot." He rubbed his nose, trying to think. "So what are you afraid of?" "Me. You. This." A hand waved over the bed. "Our friendship." Dana sighed. "I don't want to lose all that because we just get silly one night." "Ah... and you're assuming that I don't have any self-control?" She looked at him, trying to hold back a giggle. "I am so offended, Scully." Pulling her to him, Fox rolled onto his back, firmly anchoring Dana atop him in a pile of tangled blankets. Taken by surprise, she didn't resist. "Now, for example, I could give you a friendly back rub..." She felt his hand snake up through the blankets, under the robe, and under her pyjamas top. An involuntary gasp escaped her as he slowly began to slide his right hand up and down, deftly avoiding any other areas except her back and shoulders. "And it's nothing more than what you would give your best friend." She chuckled, looking up at his face. "Now who's trying to justify everything with facts?" He grinned back, continuing his gentle touching. "Seriously." Fox looked into her hazel eyes. "Don't you think that the X-Files are, at best, defined as extraordinary?" "At their best, worst and otherwise... yes." "And if we deal with those cases, then we ourselves can be classified as extraordinary?" "Among other things... okay." A shoulder muscle twitched under his fingers. He lowered his hand, resting it on her bare skin. "Then why can't we have an extraordinary relationship?" She looked at him, blinking rapidly. "Ah... define this for me." Dana shrugged, urging him to continue. "Much more than just working acquaintances, much more than just friends, but not that close." His fingers danced down her spine. "That sounds simpler than it is, Mulder." She closed her eyes, resting her face on his chest again. "Walking the thin edge." "Like this is something new for us?" He laughed. "Dana, I'd hate to lose your friendship over something like this. But you have to admit, it is nice." Running a single finger over her shoulder, he smiled as she sighed, arching back. "At this point, I'd agree to almost anything..." She murmured, feeling the tender caresses raising goose bumps on her skin. "Don't worry Scully, I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of you." Fox whispered into her ear. He quietly bent over, kissing the soft hairs at the base of her neck. Her shiver reverberated through his body, making him happy. He rocked her slowly inside the tangled blankets. "But when the time comes, I'll be waiting..." He said softly to himself, watching her slip back to sleep. Turning to look at the clock, he saw that it was only nine am -- plenty of time for a fast nap... This was not getting any better, Dana thought, catching herself nuzzling into his chest. For a friendship, this was very much getting stranger by the minute. Opening her eyes, she groaned, seeing that it was after eleven. How could they be sleeping so much with each other? And actually sleeping... But, she reminded herself, they always said that the best sex was in the mind. And to tell the truth, she would rather cuddle with someone she cared about and trusted rather than a fast one-night stand with a stranger. The phone rang. "Hello?" "Dana?" Jackie St. George put her feet up on the desk. "Did I wake you up?" "Not really." Fox murmured softly as he listened to them. "Is that Mulder?" She sighed, waiting for her to ask it. "Don't tell me he's there again..." "He never really left." "Say what?" Jackie yelped. "He's been there since Tuesday?" Her voice dropped. "So, like, is there something I should know?" "Nothing's going on." Dana smiled as his fingers slowly ran though her hair. "At least, not what you're thinking." "Hey, don't make me out to be the one with the handcuffs." A puzzled tone came into her voice. "So you two have spent three days and nights together and you're not..." "No." Jackie bashed the phone receiver against the desk three times, hard enough to shock Fox awake. "Hello? Hello? Are you nuts, woman?" "Tell me, would you? With Mulder?" Dana held the phone up so he could listen as well. She paused. "He's listening, isn't he?" "No." Fox grinned as she held a hand over his mouth. "Yah, right." Jackie waited. "He's still there?" "No, he's not." "I don't believe you." "Trust me. So would you?" "Only if you gave him a lobotomy -- then I'd roll him in a minute." She chuckled. "Talk to you two later." Giggling, Dana hung up. "Think she's serious?" "I never know with that woman." He sighed. "I guess we should get up and make something of the day." "It's a thought. Did we end up resolving anything?" She started to untangle them both from the blankets. "I think we decided that we like being with each other." Leaning forward, Fox grabbed her around the waist, tossing her back onto the bed. "And I get the bathroom first." Jumping free, he left her behind, shaking her head. ********************** Scully had made up some omelets this time, opting to pretend it was still morning. Mulder put the phone down, his face grim as he sat at the table. He had put his football jersey back on, rubbing at the stain with a washcloth earlier. "What's wrong?" "My father called." He drained the glass of orange juice. "Wants me to go see my mother." "We can go tomorrow." Fox stared at her. "You serious? Scully, you don't know my father." "I know what he thought you did, trading Samantha for me." She reached over, taking his hand. "Did you ever explain it to him?" "No." He pulled away, retreating. "He just knows I gave away my sister for my partner." "And your mother?" "She knows only what he told her." Closing his eyes, he leaned back in the chair. "I didn't know what to say." "We'll go up tomorrow." Getting up from her seat, she moved to stand behind him, leaning over to hug him. "It'll be alright." "I don't know anymore, Scully... I just don't know..." He sighed, the sound coming from the bottom of his soul. "I don't know..." Pulling him up from the chair, she held him tightly, feeling the tension in his arms. Fox wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. "Tomorrow. But let's do something else today." Dana said softly. "How about a trip to the museum?" "Yah..." He cleared his throat. "That sounds good." ************** Mulder stood in front of the T-Rex skeleton. "I remember it being taller." Scully chuckled, pulling him along. "Hey, I wanted to see it move..." They wandered through the exhibits; stopping to wonder at some displays, to laugh at some other, to argue over the space program and to stare in silence at the historical recreations. Finally they made their way back to the mall, stopping again at the video store. "J.F.K., Buckaroo Banzai, Max Headroom..." "The Client, Forrest Gump, The Lion King..." "How about all six?" He laughed, seeing the dismay in her face. **************** Dana yawned, lifting her head to look at Fox. They had again ended atop each other on the sofa -- she made a mental note to buy a longer couch if this went on much longer. His hand rested comfortably on his hip; holding her close. She felt his heart beating against her chest, the rhythmic sound lulling her to sleep. This was so odd... but it felt right, and if she ever had to explain it, she probably couldn't. "Orson Welles was brainwashed." "Mulder, even you can't believe that." "Hey, it's as good as any other theory." Rolling out from under her, he went into the kitchen. "Want some cocoa?" "Oh, that sounds great." She yawned again. "Just bring it to my room -- I'm calling it a night." "And at the best part... when he breaks into the alien plant." "I'll somehow survive." She headed for the bedroom, tossing her robe on the floor by the couch. Crawling under the comforter, Dana picked up a medical journal, flipping through to the newest AIDS research. She just had to catch up on her reading. Fox came through, balancing two steaming mugs. Placing one on the table beside her, he went around to the other side of the bed. "Excuse me, but what are you doing?" He froze. "Ah... getting into bed?" "Did I invite you? I don't remember part of our agreement being automatic consent to have you this close..." She tried not to smile. "So how do I get an invitation?" Fox had nightmares of trying to fit himself on that couch again... "You ask me." "Hmm... let's see... Agent Scully, I would like to request the honour of your company in my general area for an unspecified amount of time, for purely friendly reasons." "And the paperwork?" "I'll do that tomorrow... come on, your couch isn't that comfortable." He looked at her with large, pleading eyes. Laughing, she nodded. Fox curled up on the left side, facing away from her as he sipped the hot drink and started in on a thick psychology book he had brought over. Tossing the magazine aside a half-hour later, Dana turned out the light. Turning to her left, she hit Fox, who was turning to his right. "Hey!" He rubbed his cheek. "No punching!" "Then keep out of my way." "Oh yeah?" He grabbed her wrists. "You forget who's stronger here..." "I think you have." Swiftly she pinned him, his wrists down at his sides in an iron grip. "No, I haven't." Laughing, he pulled his head up, licking her nose. "No fair." She let go, only to be caught in his arms again. Rolling to his right, Fox closed his eyes, keeping a tight hold on her. "Tomorrow, we go see your father." She reminded him. "Right." He sighed. "Thanks. Good night, Scully." "Good night, Mulder." ************************************* "You've become a world-class hopeless romantic." "Not hopeless... hopeful. A world-class hopeful romantic." Joan Wilder -- Romancing The Stone All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel... only one this time, really... Downtime Day 6-- The Visit V.2 (Saturday) by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com She was just barely conscious, enough to feel his heartbeat under her head and to feel his arms twitch around her as he mumbled. Dana Scully opened her eyes suddenly, hearing the soft sob. Fox Mulder was crying, the tears running down his face as he slept. One hand tightened around her pyjamas top, clutching it in his fist as he whimpered. Reaching up, Dana lightly touched his face. "Mulder..." His eyes shot open, scared and unfocused. His body jerked as he came back to himself, staring down at her. "Mulder." Her fingers traced the teardrops down his face, wiping them away. Moving closer, she gently kissed his cheek, pulling him to her. Holding him tightly, Dana moved up closer, putting her mouth near his ear as she ran her hand through his hair. "It's alright. It was only a dream." She whispered. "Yah... I guess..." His voice was cracked and weak, child-like in its pain. "Shush." She murmured, feeling his body start to relax. "It's alright..." His breathing became slow and steady as he drifted back to sleep, the spell broken. Slowly rocking him back and forth, Dana dreaded the day they had to face in a few hours. Lifting her head, she stared at his face. His lips were slightly parted, giving him a helpless look that she knew drove half the women in the Bureau crazy. And which half did she fall into... Turning away, she felt him curl around her, gripping her protectively in his arms. The soft breathing on the back of her neck sent a shiver down her spine, compounded by the light kiss he placed there as she went back to sleep. Fox lay there, quietly listening to the soft music playing on the radio. She was still asleep, tucked inside his space. Bending down, he rested his face in her auburn hair, enjoying the soft strands as they ran over his lips and chin. She sighed, shifting beside him. A hand reached over, pulling his left hand to her face where she pressed it to her cheek, nuzzling it slowly. He chuckled. When she wasn't trying to argue her way out of it, Dana Scully was just a regular woman... Tucking his hand under her face, he looked over at the clock. Time to get up. "Scully?" He said softly, trying not to shock her awake. Rolling onto her back, she stretched, cat-like, then curled up back into his chest. "Scully?" "Hmm?" The muffled sound came from under him. "Mulder... it can't be time to get up yet." "Ah... it is." Slipping a hand under her top, he started to rub her back the same way she had rubbed his the day before... a grin spread across his face at the memory. "Don't..." Her voice trailed off as his gentle fingers travelled up and down her spine. Dana's right hand slowly crawled up under his own jean shirt, running along his shoulder blades. He shuddered at her touch. Dammit, she was much better than he was at this... Lifting his head, he looked at the clock again. It was getting late... "Scully? I don't like the idea of rubbus interruptus, but if we don't get going..." She looked at him, a trace of a smile on her face. "If you ever use that word again I will report you to Oxford for destroying the English language." Sighing, she pulled away, getting to her feet. "And for that, you get to make breakfast..." ************************ They ate in silence, each thinking of the trip that lay ahead. Scully had put on the grey jacket and skirt she had worn earlier to visit her father's grave; Mulder the same suit, given that he had come back to her apartment straight from the graveyard. He sat there quietly, playing with a piece of toast. "So who do we go see first?" She asked. "We go see my mother. Every Sunday Dad comes over to check on the house; see if there's any repairs that need to be done." Glancing at his watch, he sighed. "Better go now. We'll have time to talk before he gets there." Getting to his feet, he put his hands on the polished wood, bracing himself against the table. His eyes closed as his head fell onto his chest. Dana came up beside him, watching. His arms trembled as he leaned on the table, pushing himself to stay standing. A few seconds later his eyes snapped open as he stood up straight. "Let's go." **************************** They climbed the stone steps to the house slowly, Fox hesitating every now and then. Dana tucked her arm inside his, trying to give her strength to him. Getting to the front door, he rapped loudly at the wooden frame. The screen door opened, showing his mother. A hand flew to her mouth in surprise and shock. "Fox!" Throwing it open, she embraced him warmly. He leaned into her arms, and for a second Dana saw a lost child returning home to be admonished for staying out late again. "Is Dad..." He whispered softly. "No, not today." She pulled away, staring at him. "He decided not to come." Suddenly she realised that there was another person there. "Oh, I'm sorry." "Mom, this is Dana Scully." He paused. "She's my partner." Dana tentatively extended her hand. Mrs. Mulder shook it lightly, then motioned them both inside. Her eyes never left Dana as they walked through the house to the kitchen. "Oh, I'll just get some tea going..." "Mom, I'll do it. You just sit down for once." Fox dropped his coat on the back of the chair. She sat down across the table from Dana, her fingers twisting a dishtowel into knots. "Here we go." He placed a tray with three mugs, the teapot, milk and sugar in front of them. Seating himself, he looked down at the table. "Mom. I came to talk about Samantha..." Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "I thought you might be here for that." She looked at Dana. "I assume you're the partner he saved..." "Mrs. Mulder, you have to understand that if I had known that it was supposedly his sister..." She flinched under her stern gaze. "Supposedly? Fox..." Her eyes whipped back to him. "Explain this to me." "It wasn't her. It was a... someone who had been changed to look like her, to sound like her. They wanted to get to me through her." "How can you say that? She knew so much, all the things Sam would know..." Her voice trailed off to a whisper. "Did you know she wasn't Sam when you did this?" He couldn't look at her. "No." "You didn't know -- and you traded your sister for this woman? When you thought she still was your sister?" "Yes." The words hit Dana's ears like a bullet. The pain in her heart almost made her cry out. "After all these years... you never thought of asking us if you should have done this." Her growl filled the air. "You never thought about us. How selfish a thing to do..." Reaching over, she slapped Fox across the face. Dana gripped the edge of the table, watching. He licked his lips, tasting the blood. Getting to his feet, he took the coat from the chair and laid it across his arm. "Goodbye, Mom. I just wanted to explain..." Turning away, he left. Dana stared at her for a minute, then left as well in silence. He was leaning on the car, sobbing into his hands as she approached. Pulling his hands away, she saw that the lip had swollen up; the blood smeared over his cheeks from the crying. "I tried... I really wanted to try..." He said softly. She nodded, pulling him down to her shoulder. He rested there for a minute, his face pressed to hers as the tears came. "Let's get going. I'll drive." Fox nodded, looking at her. Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket, he shyly dabbed at the bloodstains on her cheek, a sad smile playing on his lips. Taking his hand, she held it tightly. *************************** Dana put the drink on the table in front of him, alongside the ice bag for his lip. "Scully, I don't want..." "Shut up. That lip's not going to go down any faster if you ignore it." She watched his tongue race over it, the pain obvious to them both. "And don't play with it, either." Bringing her own drink to her mouth, she took a sip of the Scotch, letting it play over her throat. "Mulder, did they ever..." "I don't want to talk about it." He took a mouthful of Scotch, letting it burn the open wound. The ice pack lay on the table, melting. "Look..." She leaned over. "I'm a doctor, remember? I know what abuse looks like, mental or physical. And you've been beating yourself senseless for years over this... and I just want to know if that abuse extended to the physical..." "Please don't ask..." He pleaded. "Not now..." Closing his eyes, he sat back in the chair. The thin trickle of water from the ice became a puddle atop the wood as she watched him. She wanted to ask him the other question; the one that had haunted her ever since the trade, but she couldn't. Because he just might give her the answer she wanted to hear... He got to his feet, draining the glass. Undoing his tie, he tossed it over the chair, making his way to the couch. Collapsing on the cushions, he closed his eyes. Dana wiped up the water, tossing the dishrag into the sink. Finishing her own drink, she poured out two more shots, placing the glass on the coffee table within his reach. Sitting down on the chair beside him, she let her own tears flow in silence, clenching her eyes tightly against the scenes that replayed themselves in her mind over and over. "Dana..." She opened her eyes suddenly. Fox stared into her face, pained. "Dana, I never wanted to hurt you..." He choked out, the tears running down his face. "You didn't." She pulled him close, feeling the fear in his touch. "Mulder, I know you would never hurt me. I just wish I could protect you from all the others..." "That makes two of us." He murmured. Pulling back, he licked the cut, now closed. "I want to go to bed. I want to just be quiet and hold you close and not think about this anymore. I don't want to talk, I don't want to think, I just want to be with you and safe." He looked at her, the apprehension obvious in his face. "May I?" He whispered. She nodded, letting him pull her to her feet. ******************************** Disentangling herself from his arms, Scully tucked the blanket around him, sliding off the bed. Heading for the main room, she tugged at her sweatshirt, noticing the dried blood where his lip had opened up again as he held her. Taking down the package of noodles, she went about making lasagna. A fast glimpse at the clock told her it was already six thirty; plenty of time to cook up dinner. Her drink lay atop the coffee table, untouched. She picked it up, taking a sip as she cooked. "How could she..." Dana spoke out loud. To hit her own son like that; to... but a small voice reminded her of the chasm they both faced when dealing with their families; of the things they could never share. And would her own mother be so forgiving if she had done the same thing? Sighing, she reached for the Scotch. ******************** "Mulder..." She brushed away the hair from his face. "Dinner's ready... you really should eat." On her fourth drink, so should she; her conscience commented. Dana stared at the lip. The swelling had gone down enough for it to almost look normal again -- no thanks to his refusal to put the ice on it. Putting a finger out, she lightly traced the lines of his mouth, running over the wound. His hand shot up, grabbing her own. Fox's eyes slowly opened, focusing in on her face. Putting her hand to his mouth, he slowly kissed her palm, never looking away from her eyes. His other hand went around the back of her neck, pulling her down to him. She looked into his hazel eyes, torn between what she wanted to do and what she needed to do. And the Scotch did not help any... Smiling, he made the decision for her. Tenderly kissing her cheek, he pulled her back atop him, holding her tightly. "Walking a thin line, Mulder." Dana said thickly, her face pressed into his shoulder. "We're walking a thin line..." "Hey, I have self-control..." Her eyes blazed at this. "Oh, and I don't?" Sitting up, she saw him laughing. "Well, Scully, if you weren't such a nymphomaniac..." She belted him with the pillow, pushing him down into the mattress. "That's it. You die now..." Her hands swiftly flew to his sides, tickling him. "Oh, no... no, Scully, don't..." Fox tried to roll away, pinned by Dana straddling him as she continued. His own hands went to her waist, retaliating. They wrestled for a few minutes, each tossing the other down on the bed as they jockeyed for an advantage. His white shirttail flopped around his waist, having worked free from his pants during the nap, giving her something to grab onto to help her toss him around. In contrast, he could easily get a fistful of the loose sweatsuit she was wearing, giving him ample leverage as he rolled back and forth. "Uncle! Uncle!" She gasped, throwing her hands up in surrender. He grinned, sitting atop her back as he pressed her into the bed. "Alright, you win." Sliding down, he caught his breath, his hands still wrapped around her waist. They both laid there, breathless. Fox put his mouth to her ear, hearing his heart pounding in his chest. "Next time I won't let go that easily." He threatened. She laughed, tossing her hair back over his face. "Next time I'll..." She didn't finish the thought. "Dinner is still waiting. And it's probably cold." ******************************** "You know, they do love me." Fox said softly, looking down at his plate. Dana nodded. "It's just that sometimes..." He shrugged. "It doesn't matter now." "It does. It does matter." She took his empty plate away, placing it in the sink. The near-empty bottle of Scotch sat on the counter. He nodded at her gesture, moving his glass closer for a refill. "I was a difficult kid to start with. And after Sam..." He paced the room, glass in hand. "I just didn't know when to stop asking questions." "And this is supposed to be something new?" Dana joked. She went to the stereo, turning the radio on. "Mulder, nothing you do or ever did would ever warrant that type of abuse. Trust me on this." He stopped by the window, looking out onto the street. "Don't you think I know that? Hell, I read all the books at school. But it's different when it's your own family..." Putting the glass down on the table, he went to her. "Let's dance." "What?" She took a step back. "Dance. You and I." He smiled uncertainly. "I promise I won't step on your feet. I just feel like it." "Mulder, everytime you feel like something I end up getting in trouble or danger." She giggled. "So try it again." He stepped up, wrapping his arms around her waist as they listened to the radio. "Live dangerously, Scully." "...love, I don't like to see so much pain... so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away... I get so tired of working so hard for our survival... I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive..." The music swirled around them. Dana closed her eyes, letting him guide her around the floor, her head resting on his shoulder. "...in your eyes... the light the heat... in your eyes... I am complete..." He pulled her face up, staring into her hazel eyes as they slowly moved in time with the music. "...in your eyes... the resolution of all the fruitless searches..." Kissing her forehead, he hugged her tightly. "I think there's an NBA game on tonight." "I think you're pushing your luck, Mulder." ************************* "You've become a world-class hopeless romantic." "Not hopeless... hopeful. A world-class hopeful romantic." Joan Wilder -- Romancing The Stone All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... Downtime Day 7 -- Last Chance (Sunday) by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com He was leaning over her, the sick leer on his face ripping into her heart as she strained at the cold steel. Pfaster smiled, his eyes telling her what was going to happen... then he changed -- Duane Barry screamed at her, his mind racing as he spoke about what was going to happen... Dana Scully fought her way awake, fists flailing in the darkness. Gasping for air, she realised that she was being held down by someone... "Scully? Hey, Scully..." Fox Mulder whispered into her ear, his cheek throbbing where her punch had landed. Holding her wrists tightly, he met her face, sweaty and wet from the nightmare. "Scully... wake up, please." "God... Mulder..." He let her go; her hands flying to her face to wipe it clean. "Ah... did I hit you?" In the dim moonlight she could see that his lip had opened up again. He nodded, a soft smile in the darkness. "Not exactly the way I like to be woken up by you. The backrub's better." He pulled her close, settling her face into his chest as she slowly relaxed. "Want to talk about it?" "Barry, Pfaster... they were all there. They were coming for me..." She swallowed, feeling the last twinges of fear. "And no one was going to save me." Closing her eyes, she clenched her teeth. "They always leave me... all the men I love, they always leave me..." Licking his lips, Fox buried his face in her hair. "Who left you?" "Jack... my dad... you..." She choked on the last word. "Mulder, I didn't mean..." "Yes, you did." He felt her shake. "You still hold me responsible for your abduction." "No, I don't." Pushing away, she sat up. "You had nothing to do with that. I got into that situation on my own. We are partners, and that responsibility is mine. We take the same risks every day in the department..." Tucking a pillow under his shoulders, he shook his head. "You can rationalise that out, but you just said that we all deserted you. Your father died... and I wasn't there to save you." Fox leaned forward. "Dana, it's not a sin to acknowledge that you're upset with some people. It's not." She turned away, tucking her arms around herself as she knelt on the bed. "You still blame your father for dying. And I wish... I wish I had been there for you. I would have been if I had been able to. Do you still trust me?" She turned back, looking down at the blankets. "I do. I really do. Otherwise, I wouldn't still be in the section. It was just a dream..." Lying back down, she curled up away from him. "Nice try..." He turned her over, staring at her. "I'm not going to analyse you to death, but you've got a hole in your soul. Men you care about let you get hurt, and whether or not you consciously believe they did it purposely or not, your heart still aches. It's not so bad... if you realise it you can work through it." Fox's voice dropped to a whisper. "I've tried to reason it out myself... and I still can't think of how I could have gotten here any faster to stop him. But the feelings are still there... and right or wrong we still have them." "Mulder, I trust you more than any man I've ever known. But it just gets so hard sometimes to believe..." "In me?" "In myself." She whispered, feeling the fear dig at her. "To believe in Dana Scully." Fox reached over, embracing her as the shakes hit. She lay there, letting his warmth surround her, banishing the trembles. Why did he have to be so right? Why... but then, this was Fox Mulder... she commented to herself. Chewing on her cheek, she ventured to ask the question that had cropped up in her mind earlier that day. "Mulder?" "Hmm?" His tongue played with the cut lip, sponging away the blood. "Why haven't you... ah... I mean." Taking a deep breath, she plunged ahead. "Why haven't you made a real pass at me? I can tell you're ... interested." Her hand traced his hip. "And I've been drunk, sober, upset and just regular for the past week. So what..." Dana cut herself off, cursing silently. "The frailty of man..." He chuckled. "I was kinda hoping you wouldn't notice. Much." His hand went to her face, turning it up towards him. "We agreed to run with this extra closeness because it felt right... I like it like this." His palm rested against her cheek, holding it tenderly. "Scully, I don't want to have a wild fling with you then have us both reasoning it away as being drunk, carried away, anything else than what it is." He swallowed. "When we finally climb into this bed seriously I want you to have no regrets; no fears. I want you to be certain this is what you want; that you want me... no guilt, no fear, no apprehension. I don't know if I'm ready myself. But someday..." She reached up, putting her fingers on his lips. "Someday, Mulder." Lifting herself up on her elbows, she stared at his face. "That lip looks sore." "Coming from a professional, I bow to your superior judgment." He chuckled. "It hurts..." Her lips grazed his forehead; his eyelids; his cheek, lightly caressing his skin. He sighed, feeling her soft breath on his face. Resting her head on her hand, Dana smiled. "Maybe someday it won't hurt." "Someday, Scully. Someday..." His arms snaked around her, his face digging into her hair as he closed his eyes. Smiling, she drifted back to sleep. ************************ The clock read 11:21... a.m. She looked at it, sighing as she realised that it was their last morning. Tomorrow they had to go back to work, back to the uncertainly and adventure... Turning back over, she looked at his sleeping face. It had that boyish look -- so free of the fear and pain she had watched him go through. This week had been so nice... a smile crept across her face. Time for a bit of deja vu, Fox Mulder. He mumbled into the pillow, feeling her light touch as her fingers ran over his back again, sending electric shocks through his nerve endings. Fox went to turn over, suddenly finding that he couldn't... Opening his eyes, he saw with dismay the handcuffs he had left in his trench coat pocket -- anchoring his left wrist to the bedpost. "Scully?" He turned his head to look at her beside him, her fiery hair resting on his outstretched arm. "What... ah... this isn't..." "Shush." She sat up. "I don't want to hear a word from you." Her authoritative tone made him chuckle. Obediently he lay there, his hazel eyes trying to see her as she moved out of range. He noticed his jean shirt had been tossed onto the floor, leaving him naked from the waist up. Scully, Scully, Scully... She straddled his waist, running both hands over his shoulders. Pulling his right hand up, Dana lay it on the bed beside his head. Stretching out, she traced each finger slowly with her own, doing both hands at the same time, her hair falling onto the back of his neck. Gently she drew circles on the inside of his palms, travelling to the soft inner skin of his forearms as she headed for his bare back. Fox gasped, trembling under her touch. Closing his eyes tightly, he felt the whispery fingertips run under his arms, slipping occasionally to his ribs then back up to his shoulder blades. The waves started, travelling up and down his spine as she moved to his back with agonising slowness. Pressing his face into the pillow, he bit his tongue as she continued. Right... now to even the score up... Throwing himself up on his knees, he tossed her off to one side. Quickly he rolled atop her, laughing as his wrist pulled at the bedpost. Dana giggled as he yanked at the cuffs, firmly holding her beneath him. "The key, please." He demanded. "No." "Scully... I need both my hands." She stopped, falling into his eyes. One hand went under the pillow, withdrawing with the key. Unlocking his wrist, she smiled and looked up at him. "What now?" "Now I get to play with you..." Deftly he snapped the cuff around her right wrist, displaying it proudly to her face. "Equal disability." Rolling to the side, he placed his free hand on her back, inching his way under her top. "I bet I can get you going faster than you can me..." "I think not." Laughing, she resumed her caressing of his back. "I gave you a head-start." "I'm not going to touch that line for my own safety..." He chuckled, letting her rest her head inside the curve of his neck. His fingers felt the goose bumps rising on her skin; the slight flush on her face encouraging him on. Dana growled, feeling her skin tingle at his touch. No way she was going to let him win this time... The thin hairs running down his spine responded to her touch, standing straight up as she teased them unmercifully. She heard him sigh into her hair. His trapped hand reached for her own, cuffed between them. Entwining his fingers with hers, he squeezed her hand. Nuzzling against his neck, she felt her own skin beginning to twitch. If she didn't hurry up, he was going to win... He was torn between his own pleasure and the challenge of staying focused on this bet... and it looked like it was going to be pretty close. Right -- time for that neck thing. Twisting around, he placed his lips to the base of her neck, feeling the shivering in her body. Pressing his mouth to the sensitive skin, he flinched as the cut lip opened again, then lightly caressed her neck with his tongue. Suddenly he felt it; the soft kiss against his earlobe. His hand flew up, grabbing a handful of her auburn hair as he moaned, feeling her gasp in response. Minutes passed; their hearts racing as they tried to catch their breath. Fox lifted his head, looking into her eyes. They lay there for a while, staring silently at each other. Bringing their chained hands up, he unravelled their fingers, surprised at the intensity of their hold on each other. "I think we just redefined safe sex." His serious tone made her laugh as she reached for the key. "I think it's my turn to make breakfast..." She said softly. "And then we better get ready for work tomorrow." **************************** Mulder wandered around the apartment, picking up his books and notes that had somehow managed to travel into every room and every shelf. Stopping to shove the jean shirt into a shopping bag he was using for laundry, he looked up at the bed. Someday... Turning back to the living room, he grinned at Scully, working on the small roast she was preparing for dinner. "Now if you lived with me, I'd be well-fed every day..." The dishtowel hit him in the face. "If you lived with me you'd learn how to pick up after yourself." She put the pan into the oven. Leaning back against the counter, she tugged at her t-shirt. "So what do we do?" "Eat dinner when it's ready? Watch the football game until then?" "You know what I'm saying..." Nodding, he went to her, taking her hands in his. "Did we cross that thin edge? Do we?" "I don't know. I can't say that I didn't enjoy it, and I know you did. But I would like more -- someday. And I really liked this week. It was nice to just be with you as Dana Scully, not as the FBI agent I keep having to get out of trouble." "Oh, really?" A smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head. "And when I save your butt, what's that?" "Preserving a superior species." "Mulder, your DNA is in no danger of becoming a valuable commodity." Her voice changed from joking to serious. "Can we go back?" "Do you want to?" He softly said. "No." She shook her head. "For all the pain and annoyance, I think it was worth it. Just don't think you can drop by any night and stay over whenever you want to." He frowned. "Mulder, I don't want to become your escape from reality. I will invite you... I really will. But let's keep this from becoming a routine. It would lose its..." "Fun?" He laughed. "Scully, you're too neat for me. I need my own mess." Embracing her, Fox felt her relax against him, savouring the sound and feel of her again. "The Redskins will take it by ten points." ************************* They lay on the sofa after dinner, watching the last of the football game. She felt his breathing against her hair; a part of her wishing he would stay; a larger part arguing against it. The temptation was always there -- let's not encourage it, hmm? Dropping a kiss into her red hair, he got to his feet. "I should go now. I've got to get ready for work." Making his way to the door, he picked up the bags. "You going to be alright?" "Mulder, I'll be fine. A night without you is not going to kill me." Dana laughed. "Besides, I'm only a phone call away. And are you going to be alright?" "I'm better than I was a week ago." Fox held her close, tightly hugging her body. "Much better. Sweet dreams." She nodded, closing the door behind him. ************************ The tub water was hot; the bubbles high and overflowing onto the floor. Dana lay there, the washcloth over her eyes as the steam filled the room. The phone rang. Reaching down, she put the receiver to her ear, not bothering to move the cloth off. "Hello?" "I just thought I'd call to see what you're doing..." "I'm in the bathtub taking a hot bubble bath." His chuckle echoed through the phone line. "You know, that's probably the one thing I missed this week..." "Dream on, Mulder." The comfortable silence sat in the air. "I miss you already, you know." "Well, I'm not surprised. Who else makes you watch basketball?" She laughed. He smiled as he listened to her. "I'll see you in Skinner's office at eight. He'll probably just yell at us again and send us off to some distant town to make you happy." "You make me happy." Her breath caught in her throat as she heard him. "Good night, Mulder. Sweet dreams." "You too, Scully." Placing the phone down, he looked at the desk. "Someday..." She stared at the ceiling, putting the phone on the floor. "Someday, Fox Mulder. Someday..." ************************ Yes, there is one more part... the back to work... "You've become a world-class hopeless romantic." "Not hopeless... hopeful. A world-class hopeful romantic." Joan Wilder -- Romancing The Stone All Characters copyright of TenThirteen Productions and Chris Carter. No infringement intended on any part...I like being poor, really... And so it ends... Downtime Day 8 -- Back To Work (Monday) by Sheryl Martin sheryl_martin@daystorm.com "And I hope you've learnt a thing or two from this!" Skinner roared, standing behind the two agents. Fox Mulder tried to look out of the corner of his eye at his partner, who had skidded in seconds before Skinner had exploded. Stifling a smile, he listened to him continue. "I refuse to have you two make my life more miserable than it needs to be! Next time I'll put you both into dry dock for two weeks!" A thick cough came from Dana Scully as she bit her lip to keep the laugh back. "Get the hell out of here." They went to leave. "Mulder! One minute..." ****************** Scully made it back to the office first, finding Jackie St. George waiting for her. Pulling off her headphones, the woman moved out from behind Dana's desk, moving to sit atop Mulder's. Dana sat down, pulling her glasses on as she picked up the first folder. Jackie waited a minute, then came over, leaning her elbows on the desk. "So?" "So what?" Dana looked up. "So what happened?" She tossed back her ponytail. "Last time we spoke you were with him... and I'm pretty sure it was in bed. So?" "What are you asking me?" She tried to keep from laughing, looking at St. George's face. "Dana, I want information." Jackie whispered. "You know, times, dates... what he sounds like..." "We didn't do anything." Dana felt the heat rising in her face as she remembered how much they didn't do... "You liar." She snorted. "Look, Fox Mulder has half the women at my embassy having hot flashes every time he comes to visit. Hell, I've practically had to tie Rosie down to her desk to avoid her giving him free run of my office, not to say of the entire building. And you're telling me nothing happened? You two did nothing?" Her eyebrows arched upwards. "Back rubs." "Back rubs." Jackie sighed. "That's all? Did you kiss him?" "Jackie!" "Come on, Dana. I'm curious." A smirk crossed her face. "You're the one who asked me if I wanted to sleep with him... now you tell the truth." "You weren't telling the truth." "How do you know that?" "Mulder said... ah..." "He was there. You'll pay for that at the poker game on Saturday." She leaned forward. "Dana, I was... so tell me..." "No. We never kissed." She looked back down at the papers. "Cross my heart, hope to die." "And the handcuffs?" St. George grinned mischievously. "Did you use them?" A strong arm wrapped around her waist suddenly, pulling the Canadian away. Fox waved his finger at her, feeling very selfconscious for the first time around her. "Don't you have a Spanish trawler to go hunt somewhere?" He smiled at Dana, seeing the relief in her face at this rescue. "Alright, alright... I'm going." She paused at the door. "Just don't you ever call me weird." Jackie laughed. "You two give new meanings to the phrases 'deny everything' and 'the truth is out there'..." She shut the door behind her, her laughter echoing down the hall. "You know she's going to be insufferable until she gets the answers." Mulder said. "And who did she learn that from?" "Hey, not me. She arrived here that way." Going to his desk, he smiled at her. "Sleep well?" "Alright." Dana shrugged. "You?" "No nightmares." They looked at each other for a minute, then she passed him the folder. "This one's kind of strange..." "Then I'll like it." Opening his desk drawer, he withdrew a set of handcuffs from his pocket, dropping them in and closing it softly. Their eyes met for a second, then he chuckled. "Let's get back to work, Scully." "Lead on, Mulder... Damn!" She giggled, holding up her broken pencil. "I don't even want to ask..." ********************* That's it. There ain't no more. Not until they get suspended again... maybe this summer.