TAKING CHANCES SERIES- PART 2 Spontaneous by Mulderslady DISCLAIMER: They don't belong to me, wish they did. Only David, Dr. Tate and Nickole belong to me RATING: P.G.-13, mild R (mild sexual situations, some slightly adult banter) CLASSIFICATION: S, Alternative Universe kinda, A KEYWORDS: MSR, SPOILERS: Chinga, Biogenesis URL: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/5160/chinga.txt FEEDBACK: Please!!! at damaciaj@home.com ARCHIVE: Oh yeah, anywhere!! SUMMARY: What if Scully had said Yes to Mulder's 'proposal' over the phone in Chinga? The second story in the Taking Chances series. " . . .Black Arts, any form of witch craft, wicca . ." " Scully." " Yes?" "Marry me." "Well Okay, when?" Mulder froze, Oh my god, did she just say what I think she just said? "What?!" "When do you want to get married? Set a date." " Um well I didn't really think about. It was kinda spur of the moment Scully and . . ." " We'll discuss it when I get back. Thanks for you help." Mulder hung up, a goofy grin spread across his face. He tucked his shirt back in his pants and punched out the porn tape he'd been watching. He had more important things to do, like plan his wedding. Monday Morning 9:30 am Scully walked in calmly and placed her briefcase on her desk going about her usual morning office ritual. Mulder who had been pacing the floor sweating blood and bullets since 7 am, watched her amazed. Did she not feel as anxious as I do? Was she serious in the first place? She looked up at him and smiled a thousand watt smile and asked, "So have you decided?" " No not really. I mean you're the one with family that would attend." " I can call my mom anytime. She'll drop anything to see me married. I hadn't planned on inviting Bill or Charlie there schedules are too hectic." " Well why not this afternoon then?" Mulder said sarcastically. " 1:30 be okay? I need to run a few errands this morning." Mulder blinked, was this really happening? " Your kidding, right?" " No, are you?" " Well no." " Do you love me Mulder?" "Yes, do you Scully?" "Yes, then that settles it. I'll be back by 11 am, we better stagger our time off for our honeymoon, so no one gets suspicious." She grabbed her jacket, kissed him on the cheek quickly and left. Mulder stood still dazed, grinning like a mad fool. By 1:30 p.m., I'm going to be married to Dana Scully. She'll be mine forever. Life is good. Mulder looked down at what he had on. Geez, isn't this what I wore this weekend? I can't get married in this! He grabbed his jacket and went home to change. 11:30 am Skinner's office " Well its about time you requested some time off I was thinking of taking it from you soon. Almost 2 years worth of leave. Sure you just want 3 weeks? Take the month off Agent Mulder, Agent Scully is." "Really?" " Yep 4 weeks starting Saturday. You know how much trouble you get into when she's gone." You have no idea, Mulder thought. " Ok sir thank you." " I don't want you here till well into next month have a good vacation." Mulder smiled imagining Scully in his arms, " Oh I will Sir." 12:30 am Mulder paced the office floor. One hour, 60 minutes, 1200 seconds till I'm a married man. Is this a good idea? How are we going to keep this a secret? Scully peeped her head in and watched him, smiling slightly. I thought the bride was supposed to be the nervous one? "Ready Mulder?" Mulder jumped " Geez um yeah." He turned to face her. He changed, nice suit. I love that one, it really brings out the golden flecks in his eyes. He even got a haircut, he went all out. She looked at her pale yellow dress and sandals combo, he's making me feel under dressed. " Come on lets go. Its about a 30 minute drive without lunch time traffic." 2:00 p.m. " Let me take you two to lunch. I need to get to know my new son in law better." Mulder beamed as he held Scully's hand, their wedding rings clinking together as they walked. Mulder's was on his right hand ring finger to throw people off. Mulder looked down at Scully and smiled, lunch sounded good, he had been too nervous to eat anything this morning. " Sure mom, Mulder looks hungry. I need time to plan everything, and he's more agreeable on a full stomach." Her mom smiled at him when Mulder's eyes widened. "You know each other too well, Chinese good?" China Panda While Scully ran through details like whose apartment to stay in, separate bank accounts and a pooled joint account, insurance, Mulder marveled at the many details that were involved in getting married. " Your bringing 2 separate lives together Mulder. There are a lot of details to get straight." Mulder nodded and ran his right hand through his hair, the cool metal of the thick silver band with stars engraved on it met with his scalp. He pulled his hand out of his hair and twirled the ring on his finger. " Where'd you get these from?" " Sears." Scully said without looking up then she stopped and grinned evilly. "Those are very expensive rings $ 15 for the pair." Mulder chuckled " I thought you'd want a more traditional ring." Her mom smiled as she eavesdropped on their conversation. She'd always liked Fox, she could see how much he loved her daughter, but this marriage was very unexpected. Dana usually did nothing rash like this. " Here Mulder, sign these and everything should be set. Are you sure you want to give up your apartment? It's . . ." " A rat trap, yes Scully. When can I move in?" He said signing document after document. " Fox, your aren't even bothering to read them." Mrs. Scully asked concerned. " I trust Scully." He said flashing both of them a smile and going back to signing. " Here put them in the envelopes Mulder. You want your usual?" Mulder nodded, what was I worried about, we behave like a pair of old married folks already what's a ring. After ordering, Scully turned back to Mulder, " You can move in when ever your packed." Mulder smiled and licked another envelope. " When you get back we'll have dinner at my place and get bill and Charlie down and introduce you as a couple. Bill will be upset, but I think he'll get over it eventually. When are you leaving for . . ." " Delaware, Friday after I get off work. We had to stagger our leave so no one was suspicious." " Will you have to keep this a secret long?" Mulder looked at Scully who threw him a complicated look of regret, anger, and understanding. " Yeah mom, A really long time. They may try and split us up or use one of us against the other if they knew." Mrs. Scully nodded understandingly as the food came 6 p.m. " When do you start your leave Mulder?" "Tomorrow. Skinner forced me to." Scully smiled and pulled next to his car. They sat for a second, What now? they both asked mentally as they looked at each other. Mulder smiled and leaned towards her for a kiss, but Scully pulled away "Not here" Mulder nodded and sighed heavily as he exited the car. " See you tomorrow when you get home." " Ok bye Mulder." Mulder looked at himself in his rearview mirror. He didn't looked different, but he sure felt different. Nothing was his own anymore, it was theirs, and ours. He smiled to himself as he started the car and pulled off. ******************************************************** ******************************************************** Tuesday 11 am Scully's Apartment Mulder unlocked Scully's apartment door and propped it open. Box after box he piled in her living room till he was completely moved in. He set up his fish tank and pulled out his new batch of fish. These wouldn't die as quick, especially with Scully here to feed them. He pulled out his favorite fish old Blue and plopped him in the tank. He was one of his original fish, he either was a bionic fish or a tough species to kill. Mulder walked into Scully's bedroom and found a note for him on the bed. Mulder, You can put your stuff in the closet closest to the bathroom. You can have the two bottom drawers in my dresser. I'll be home by 4 today. Scully Mulder smiled, Scully. Maybe they should call each other by their first names, he thought as he dragged his clothes into her . . .there bedroom. She could call me William, no way she's going to call me Fox. Dana, Dana he rolled it around on his tongue, such a pretty name. Wonder why I've never used it? 2 p.m. Mulder got off the phone with the phone company. All his calls would be transferred to his cell phone number and his phone bill sent to his and Scully's phone bill. There, now it's official, he thought as he sat on the couch and flipped on the TV. Dang missed the Young and the Restless, he thought as he turned to Sci Fi to watch Dark Shadows. The phone rang, in the middle of his show, " Scully residence." " Uh . . .hi is Dana Scully there?" A confused male voice said "No she's at work, can I take a message?" " Yeah tell her David called and to call me at work before six, after that she can catch me at home." " She has your number?" " Yes thank you good bye." WHO WAS THAT? Mulder thought angrily, Why was he calling here looking for Scully? Mulder continued to fume, then he started laughing. God you two just got married yesterday. No one besides her mom knows, which reminds me I need to call my mom, Mulder thought as he dialed his mother's number " Mulder's" "Mom Hi it's Fox." "Hello Fox, how are you? Something wrong?" "No mom everything is right. I just got married yesterday and I wanted to tell you." There was a long pause " Mom?" "Married? You got married? To who?" "You remember my partner Scully . . ." " Oh yes nice woman. I'm very happy for you son." " I just wanted to give you my new number and address ok?" Mulder waited as she got some paper. He expected her to rail him out because she wasn't invited, but it just proves how little she really cares for me. " Thank you Fox. Congratulations and hope everything goes well for you two, bye." 4:15 p.m. Scully put the key in her lock and twisted, only to have the door jerked open and to be swooped up into Mulder's awaiting arms. Mulder kicked the door closed and hugged her tighter. " Hey, how was work?" Scully blinked, trying to get her bearings. She's at home, she's married, she's married to Mulder. " Fine, quiet without you pacing about, I got a lot done." He put her down and smiled at her. "I missed you today Scully." She smiled and blushed a little, then looked around her apartment, which had been Mulderized. " Well you wasted no time moving in. Surprised you brought the fish." "Old Blue there hasn't died yet, so I guess its an omen that I'm destined to have fish." " Well at least they'll get fed now." She said stripping off her jacket as she headed to her . . .their bedroom. Them, they, their, ours remember that your married now, Scully thought as she slipped out of her shoes. She was aware of Mulder's intense gaze following her every move. It was unnerving having him this close, even closer tonight. Her pulse quickened just imaging him in her arms, his hands everywhere, giving her pleasures she'd only imagined. " You've been home all day and there's nothing on the stove ready to eat?" Mulder chuckled. " Actually, I thought we could go out to dinner, you know some place nice." " No buffets Mulder." " No not tonight. I made a reservation at the Ruth Chris Steakhouse." Scully nodded her approval and pulled out a pair of khakis, a nice oxford shirt, and some lug soled American eagle loafers. Casual Scully, he had never seen it much, but he liked it almost more than work Scully. "When are the reservations?" " 5:30 I thought you'd be hungry by then." She smiled and sat on the bed, next to him. They smiled at each other. " Now what?" Mulder said, casually brushing an errant strand of her fiery mane away from her face. " Well I guess we have to start getting comfortable with each other in a more intimate way. We've never been ones to openly show our feelings." "How do we start?" " Dinner tonight was a good idea. I guess kind of like we're dating only not. Did that make sense?" Mulder nodded " God I feel like a scared, naive teenager Mulder." " I know what you mean. Can I . . . I've been thinking and I think maybe it's a good idea we call each other by our first names here at the house and . . ." " No what if something happens and one of us slips up. I don't think that's good." " What about pet names then?" Mulder desperately didn't want to call her Scully at home. Scully was work, Dana was home don't confuse the two. " Pet names like what?" " Honey, Sweetheart, Babe." Mulder said adding extra emphasis on babe. Scully giggled, it was magical to Mulder, wondrous, he wanted to hear it more often. " Okay, I need to get ready. We're going to the one in Arlington?" Mulder nodded and watched her walk to his closet and start picking out his clothes. Blue shirt, stone colored pants, Black Doc martens. He looked at her curiously " You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." " Rifle through my clothes?" " Dress you. You wear the same stuff over and over. Look at all these nice things you got." Mulder smiled and shook his head as he stripped off his T-shirt and reached for the blue one. Scully grabbed her clothes and changed in the bathroom. " Oh Scully, before I forget" Mulder said opening the bathroom door slowly, just in case she wasn't dressed. " A guy named David called, he said to call him before six at work or after six at home." " Okay thanks." "Scully who is this David?" " My boyfriend." " Your boyfriend?" "Yeah met him about 2 months ago, nice guy. You didn't think I was going to not date anyone because I was in love with you Mulder? It never stopped you." Scully said with a smile as she exited the bathroom. " Well you need to cut him loose don't you think?" " I will Mulder. I wasn't expecting to be married the next time he called. Calm down." Mulder exhaled heavily, Scully threw him an amused look and came over to him. She got on her tiptoes and kissed him quickly and gently on the lips. Wow! I want more of that, Mulder thought as he cupped her face gently and slanted his mouth over her's, enslaving it in a tender chaste kiss. They pulled away a little, Scully's hand tracing the muscles in her chest, then stopping in the middle. She looked up at him, then she walked towards the phone, " let me call David, then we can get going." Dinner Mulder reached for her hand and started to play with it. Massaging it gently in little circles on the back of her hands, then tickling the pads of her fingertips with his, then matching her hand against his. "Boy your small." " Thanks for the observation, Mr. Romance." Scully said sarcastically " No, I just hope when ever we get to the point where were comfortable with the more intimate aspects of our relationship, I just hope I don't hurt you." Scully smiled " Wordy, but your getting warmer." " How about this then." Mulder said pulling out a large velvet box. Scully opened it to reveal a very delicate looking opal pendant necklace. " Oh well now that's more like it. Thank you Sweetie." She said leaning quickly across the table and giving him a kiss on the cheek. " Where'd you meet David?" " Mulder." Scully said sternly " I just wanted to know." Mulder said flashing her his patented puppy dog eyes "I met him in my support group. He survived cancer 2 years ago. He asked me out and I said okay." " I think we need to talk." " That's what were doing." " No, about past stuff. I hardly know anything about this side of you Scully. It's something I need to know so I can be a better husband to you." Scully turned crimson "Now that was extremely romantic Mulder. Okay what do you want to know?" Mulder opened his mouth to say something when " Dana? Hey thought that was you. So this is why you broke our date?" Scully's eyes widened " David um Hi um well . . ." " It's okay. You could have told me you were seeing someone else tonight. I know I don't have exclusive rights to you." " Well this just kind of popped up David. It's not what you think. This is my friend Mulder." Friend? Not what you think? Dang it. Mulder fumed. " Nice to meet you Mulder." "The pleasure is all mine." David turned his attention back to Scully. " So, what about tomorrow night?" " Church meeting." " Oh yeah forgot. Thursday then?" " I don't know. I have to check. I'll call you okay David?" David nodded " Till whenever. Bye Dana, Mulder." When David had gone, Mulder glared at Scully " Scully!" "What?" " Friend? What was that? I'm not your friend, I'm your hus . . ." " Yes I want to let him down easy. He deserves that much. Calm down Mulder." Mulder took a deep breath then released it. He was still upset, but he could control it for now. The night continued without incident and Mulder found out she was first kissed at 14, her favorite color was pale blue, periwinkle she called it, she would love to have another dog, her shoe size was 6 « . She loves to dance, her favorite movie is A Clockwork Orange, and she loves, and I mean loves Ralph Fiennes. Strange he never knew any of this, and he thought he knew everything about her. " Alright your turn Mulder." Scully marveled, Olive-gray is his favorite color? Your never too young, a Jerry Lewis movie his favorite? He was 17 before he was ever kissed? Size 11 « foot, got that one right. He likes Nicolas Cage. Well this may work out after all. " Now what else do you need to know Mulder?" " How do you like to be kissed?" Scully blushed, then the waiter came by with the dessert tray. "Death by chocolate" Scully said excitedly, ignoring Mulder's question as she dug into her dessert. 10:00 p.m. "Where you going?" Mulder asked engrossed in the story on Dateline. " To bed, I still have to work. Hey Mulder look on my desk and bring me that Delaware tour book." Mulder picked up the book, looking at the dog-eared pages. Delaware has beach area? " Here" he said handing her the book and almost dropping it on her when he saw her nightgown. A small satin nightgown with little spaghetti straps. " Mulder you okay?" " uh yeah I'm fine. I'm going to watch Dateline now." He practically ran out of the bedroom. Oh please Mulder, you've seen her in less, you've seen her naked dang it. Why is that turning you on? His mind scolded as he tried to concentrate on Dateline. 11:30 p.m. Mulder dared to enter the room. She was curled up on the right side of the bed, the tour book clenched in her hand, a crude itinerary penciled out on her night stand. Mulder climbed in next to her and reached over her turning out the lamp on her side of the bed, when she released the book and turned towards him. Surprised a little when she started snuggling into his chest, Mulder placed his arms tentatively around her and got comfortable. When was the last time I slept in a bed? Ok when was the last time I slept in a bed with a woman? Kristen? He shuddered mentally as he remembered the fated encounter. Scully sighed softly, burrowing deeper into his chest. " Night Mulder love you." Flustered Mulder said " Night love, Dana you too." Scully snickered " I mean well you know what I mean." " Sure Mulder, Night." ******************************************************** ******************************************************** 3 weeks later Mulder turned over and looked at the alarm clock, 9:30. He reached for Scully to give her a good morning kiss to find she was already up. Man, she can't even sleep in on her vacation. As if she heard him, Scully entered their bedroom. " Hey sleepyhead, finally awake?" " Yeah." Mulder said groggily, reaching for her sleepily. She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. They had gotten more comfortable with each other. Scully never realized how affectionate Mulder really was. She just hoped he could keep it in check when they went back to work next week. Especially his jealous streak, he was very territorial. " Want something for breakfast?" " Waffles?" Scully could make some mean Belgian waffles. They were so light and fluffy with a hint of buttermilk. His mouth started to water just thinking about them " Okay, you got it. Bacon or Sausage?" " Bacon" Mulder said as he wandered into the shower. Mulder exited the shower when he heard the phone ring. " David hey! Yeah I'm back. David gee stop it. Look how about lunch we need to talk okay. Yeah that'll be fine bye." Mulder bristled, she hadn't gotten him out of the way yet? Mulder dressed and came to the table , sitting down forcefully. " Something wrong?" " You bet your sweet bippy there is." Scully placed his breakfast in front of him and sat across from him. " David, you haven't broken up with him yet." " I am, that's why I scheduled lunch with him today." " I didn't know letting him down easy took so dang long." " Mulder please, your jealous about nothing." " Have you slept with him?" "Mulder! No I just met him. Unlike you, I like to know who it is I'm sleeping with." Mulder flinched and Scully immediately apologized. " I'm sorry Mulder, I didn't mean to bring that up." " It's alright, I deserved that. My anger was uncalled for. It's just I guess I'm well . . ." Mulder trailed off. " Your what?" Sully said handing him the syrup. He took a bite of his waffle, then continued " I guess I'm just a little sexually frustrated." He said turning cherry red and smiling through bites. " Well you may be that way for a while the way you've been behaving." Scully teased then added " I'm going to run some errands, then meet David then I got an appointment to get my hair and nails done, then I'm meeting Nick down at the spa . . ." " Nick?" Mulder said bristling again "Nickole, she's going to treat me to few hours of relaxation." " Who's she?" " An old med school buddy. She moved into town about 3 months ago. Says I'm a workaholic, go figure." Mulder chuckled and waved as she left. Mulder sighed and placed his dish in the dishwasher and looked at his palm pilot for his schedule, 11:30 general physical ugh!, hair cut 2:00. Good I should be back in enough time to surprise Scully with a candlelight dinner, and some romantic mood music. A little cuddling then maybe, maybe a little more. Mulder turned on the TV, "Boot camp teens!" he squealed excitedly as he nestled into the couch. 1:30 p.m. He hated physicals, he hated the waiting, the cold rooms, the flimsy gowns. The doctor came back and smiled. " Well Mulder. Everything looks good for once. So what's up?" "Huh?" "Your never in this good a shape when I see you. Everything's perfect. Seems like you've been eating regularly, very regularly, no hidden injuries, blood pressure is normal, cholesterol is in check. Care to share your secret?" Mulder blushed, Scully was the secret there was no way he'd ever be in bad shape again with her around. Mulder ran his right hand through his hair and flashed his doctor a lopsided grin. The glint of metal caught his doctor's eye. "Nice ring, could I see it? My daughter's been looking for one just like it. Where'd you get it?" Mulder took the ring off and handed it to his doctor. It was the first time he's removed his wedding ring since Scully put it on him. It felt weird, his hand felt naked without it. The doctor turned it around and looked inside to see an inscription. "It's from Sears, there not expensive." "To my Fox, um do they all come like that?" Mulder looked at him quizzically as he retrieved his ring. Sure did say that, hadn't noticed, he thought then blushed again. " No not all of them." " Ah come on Mulder, I consider you a friend. I see you probably more than your partner." Not any more, Mulder thought "You can tell me. You got a girlfriend? That's why the big change?" " Well not exactly." " Not exactly?" " No I . . . I .. . kinda . . . got married." The doctor blinked, then blinked again. " Married?" Mulder nodded and flashed another grin " When? " About 3 « weeks ago." " Wow! She must be some woman to put 20 lbs on you and get you in shape in just 3 « weeks." " Well I think so." " Well that's great. I'm happy for you buddy. So this is your wedding ring?" " Well yeah." " Well it needs to be on your left hand buddy." " I know but its, . . .complicated. We can't let a lot of people know about it." " Oh got it. My lips are sealed bud. Congratulations. Well let me sign these and send you on you way. Go ahead and get dressed." Mulder hopped down gladly and changed clothes. When he came back out, the doctor had finished his paper work. " So Mulder, you got a picture of the little woman?" Mulder smiled and looked in his wallet an old pic of her from early last year. " It's an old one, we haven't gotten our wedding pictures and honeymoon pictures back yet." He had talked Scully into them getting a professional portrait done. He realized there were no pictures of him anywhere in her house. He felt a need, oh okay jealous pride, for her to have a picture of him, of them together. "Nice red head. Always thought you were the leggy brunette type. Well see you next time and congrats again." Mulder stepped outside and breathed easy. That was the first painless physical I've ever had. Maybe this marriage this is going to be good for me. 5 p.m. There was a knock on the door. Great Mulder thought as he placed the chicken in the oven and padded over to the door. " Yes?" Mulder said bluntly as he quickly wrenched the door open. " Hi . . . is Dana here?" David asked surprised by this man's blunt manner and dress, or rather lack of it. He seems extremely comfortable here in Dana's apartment with only a pair of shorts on, a pair of very short cut off shorts on. "No" Mulder said. Who is this guy? What does he want with Scully? Why is he here with two dozen fresh roses? Wait a minute, He looks familiar "David right?" "Yes, I wanted to talk with her and drop these by. Can I come in and wait?" Persistent little bastard too, Mulder thought as he stepped out of the door way. " Here I'll put those in water for you." Mulder said snatching the flowers from his hand and placing them in a vase next to some that he'd just bought her. David watched Mulder move around the kitchen, amazed at how well he knew his way around. Who was this guy? David stood up and got a good look at him. " Hey, your that Mulder guy, from the restaurant. Like the beard." Mulder smiled and ran his fingers over his newly developed facial hair. Scully really liked it and it beat shaving everyday, though he may need to shave it when he started back to work. " Thanks you can watch TV or something if you want. I'm just making dinner." David nodded and took the hint. Ok if he's not going to tell me, better start looking for clues. He went and looked at the pictures on the mantle. Her family, then a new looking picture of her and that Mulder fellow, outside somewhere. Very nice picture, she's in that pretty yellow dress I like, he's in an Olive gray suit. He moved back to the couch and eyed a package of pictures on the coffee table. He looked through them quickly, his eyes lingering on one where Dana and his Mulder guy were kissing. If I didn't know any better, I'd say these were wedding pictures. He picked up the next batch and looked at them. Her Delaware trip, wait a sec, he went with her? David put the pictures down disgusted, so that's why she broke up with me. 6pm Scully put her key in the door and took a step back. The door flew open, Mulder reached and pulled her in the house, kissing her soundly on the lips. " Hey, missed you." He said as he released her. "Missed you too. Smells good in here, what is it?" David watched the interaction between the two, very familiar. She's not even surprised by his manner of dress either. " Scully, you got a visitor." Mulder said pointing to a confused looking David. Scully did a double take, oh my. " David, what are you doing here?" " I brought you some flowers, I hoped we could talk. I really don't want to end this between us. I don't mind if you want to see other people just . . ." " David, I meant what I said. I still want to be friends, but nothing more." " Why? Cause of him?" "Well yes in a way. David I don't need to explain this to you again, Ok? Now thank you for the flowers, but please just friends." " Fine, but I'm not giving up." He said storming out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. " Hmmp, he seemed upset." " Just a tad sorry about that Mulder. So what did you cook?" " Lemon pepper chicken, glazed carrots and corn. Hope you like it, oh wait I need to set up the appropriate atmosphere." Mulder said lighting the candle on the table, turning off the lights, and quickly switching on the "Mood Music" he had programed in the stereo. Scully smiled as he grabbed his shirt off the back of the couch and put it on. " Ok, Like it?" " Yes its nice Mulder." Mulder placed the food on the table and they started eating " Pretty good Mulder. Never knew you were such an accomplished cook." Mulder smiled " I passed my physical today flying colors. You know what Doc Tate asked me?" " What?" " He wanted to know what was wrong. He's not used to me being in good repair." Scully giggled " What you say?" "Cause I got married." Scully stopped giggling when she heard the tender timbre of his voice and smiled reaching across the table and squeezed his hand. Next Week 7 am Mulder slapped the alarm off and turned to see if it had awakened Scully. She was still curled in little ball on her side of the bed. She must really be tired. She was out till 3 am with her friend Nick, who I'm going to have to look into, and some other friends. Mulder rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom to shower. He dried his hair as he came back out of the bathroom and smiled. His suit was already picked out and matched with a shirt, tie, even down to his socks and shoes. He quickly looked back at the bed where Scully was now on his vacated side snuggled into his pillow. Mulder finished drying his hair and dressed. Giving Scully quick peck on her neck, his heart leapt when she sighed contentedly when his lips touched that porcelain wonder. " I'll call you later. Bye Dana." " Have a good day Mulder." Scully murmured into his pillow as she squeezed it tighter. He sighed and left dropping by Einstein's Bagels for breakfast. J Edgar Hoover Building Mulder went to drop off his physical to Skinner, when he noticed he was garnering stares and gasps of awe. What? He thought and scratched his beard. Oh he thought, he forgot to shave, plus the fact he matched for once and looked totally GQ didn't help or hurt matters. " Agent Mulder to see the AD." Mulder said to Skinner's secretary Kim. She looked up and did a double take, when she saw him. " Well, You obviously had a good vacation. You should take them more often, Agent Mulder." She rang into Skinner's office then eyed Mulder's ring. " Nice where'd you get that?" Don't say Sears Mulder thought. " Hawaii." "So that's where the tan came from." Actually that's from the white cliffs of Dover. " The AD will see you now." Mulder smiled and went into the AD's office. The AD looked up and did a double take, then smiled "Well I hate to say I told you so but, I knew a vacation was what you needed." " Thank you sir, here's my physical." Skinner looked at it, his eyes widening at the weight gain and the other normal results. " My goodness Agent Mulder, what happened? I knew you looked a little fuller, but I didn't suspect it was 20 pounds of extra weight. You must have really been underweight agent, the doctor made a note another 10 lbs would put you in the correct weight for you size." Skinner put down the report and looked at Mulder hard. " Now Agent I know its your first day back, but you know the full beard will have to go. You may however, thin it out a little or maybe a goatee would be acceptable." " Thank you sir." " So where'd you go?" " Hawaii real nice." "Obviously, it put 20 pounds on you." " I took a cruise, then hung out at Honolulu." " Nice, well glad to have you back Agent Mulder. Agent Scully will be back the beginning of next week. Don't get into too much trouble till she gets back." " No problem sir." Mulder walked to his office and closed the door and checked his and Scully's in box. Nothing. He sighed and checked his watch, 10:30 she has to be up now. Scully picked up the phone on the first ring. " Scully" " Hey sweetie its me." " Oh Mulder hey. What's wrong bored?" " Very. You should have told me you finished everything." " Well I told you I got a lot done." Mulder chuckled " So whatcha doing?" " Rearranging furniture and stuff, hanging pictures, cleaning. Why?" " No reason. I'm just bored and I miss you." Skinner stopped at the door when he heard that. He'd come down to deliver a few new X-files that had crossed his desk, but couldn't help over hearing Mulder's phone conversation. His warm tone, he couldn't believe his ears. Was this the cocky, so sure of himself, arrogant prick he knew? So open with his feelings for another person? Was she or he, he was open minded, the reason for the dramatic physical change in Mulder? " Skinner says I'm going to have to shave off my beard. He said I could thin it out or shave it into a goatee. Which one do you want me to do? I know how much you like it. " " Thin it out. When you coming home?" "I don't know, if nothing pops up, I may break early, 2 or 3. Is there a movie or something playing you want to see this afternoon or do you want to . . ." " I want to sit next to you nestled up on the couch with a huge bowl of Popcorn and . . ." A smile spread on Mulder's face as Scully told him all the things she wanted to do with and to him on the couch. " Oh Wow, gee Babe, I mean it I'm at work. You can't say stuff like that to me, getting me all hot and bothered. I may have to come home on my lunch break and take care . . ." Skinner had heard enough and made his presence known " of a few things. I have to call you back sweetie, Skinner's here ok bye." Skinner looked at him amused "Girlfriend?" " Kinda" Skinner didn't press it. It may not be a girl and Skinner didn't feel comfortable discussing that with Mulder. " Sorry to ruin you plans, but got 2 new case files for you that require your immediate attention. Send me a report by the end of the week." Before he left, Skinner turned and said " She must be some girl." " Oh she is sir, she is." 8 p.m. Scully snuggled into Mulder a little more as the movie continued. The English Patient, long enough for a good cuddling session on the couch, interesting enough to keep Mulder's attention, and it had Ralph Fiennes. It didn't get any better than this. Mulder's fingers traced small circles on her back and arm. Four weeks, we've come so far, from hardly ever touching to constant invasion of personal space. To near kisses in hallways to long passionate tongue jousts. Mulder looked down at Scully who's attention was intently focused on Ralph Fiennes at the moment. We need to discuss it, I'm ready. I think we're ready for the next step. " Scully?" " Sh! Ralph's speaking." " But Scully?" " After the movie." Mulder sighed disappointed and pulled her tighter against his chest. This dang movie's almost 3 hours long! She can't expect me to wait that long. " Can we talk for a few minutes please?" Mulder said pausing the movie. Scully looked at him slightly annoyed and leaned her head on his shoulder and asked, " Ok What do you want to talk about?" "I want to take . . . I want to be . . I want to become intimate with you." " English?" "I would like to make love to you tonight Scully." " This couldn't wait till after the movie?" " No! I've been thinking about this all week. I think its time. I'm comfortable, and your comfortable and I thought . . .Hey what are you doing?" Mulder said when she caressed his inner thigh close to his groin. " Your comfortable?" " Ok well what do you suggest?" " I think it will happen when it happens Mulder. Don't rush it okay?" Mulder nodded " Ralph?" Scully said pointing at the TV as she resumed her position curled up against Mulder and he unpaused the tape. 8:30 am Mulder's cellphone rang and Mulder groaned and picked it up. " Mulder" " Mulder? Where are you? Did you forget about the briefing with VCS at 8:45?" " Briefing? Oh shoot! I'll be right there, I guess I overslept." " She kept you up late huh?" " Well kinda." That was an understatement, it was long Ralph Fiennes movie night. The English patient, Schindler's List, and Oscar and Lucinda. I feel asleep halfway through Oscar and Lucinda, not on purpose it was a good movie. I just couldn't stay awake, which was strange for a former insomniac. I say former because I've been sleeping through the night for oh 4 weeks now. Scully is the perfect drug, the cure for everything that ailed me. If I could bottle her and sell her like Prozac, I'd make millions. " See you soon Sir sorry." Mulder hung up and climbed out of bed and ran to take a shower. He came out his clothes were picked out and Scully was snuggled on his side of the bed. How does she do that so quick? He thought as he dressed " Don't forget to shave, I got you a present in the 2n drawer to the right." Scully murmured burrowing deeper into his pillow. Mulder looked and found a beard and mustache trimmer. What would I do without her? Mulder thought "Thanks Dana." " Scully, and flip on the coffeepot when you leave Okay?" " okay bye, Love you Scully." Scully hummed her response and smiled as Mulder placed a kiss on her neck and cheek before leaving. 11:30 am "That was the simplest profile I have ever done." Mulder murmured to himself as he sat heavily in his chair. " Fastest too 1 hour and 30 minutes." Mulder sighed and looked at the files Skinner had dropped by yesterday. One he solved yesterday at his desk. The second could wait till Scully came back next week. He looked over at her empty deck and sighed again. He picked up the phone and dialed home. " Scully" " Hey Babe." " Bored again?" " yeah." " Well I'm on my way out." " where?" " Shopping with Nick. Then we're going to lunch and shop some more so its hunt for yourself for dinner tonight." " Where are you going, maybe I could meet . . ." " Just us girls Mulder. Sorry Cutie." " Cutie? Well leave that Oscar and Lucinda movie so I can finish it okay?" " okay anything else?" " No love you . . ." Mulder looked around quickly then said " Dana." " Bye Mulder see you about 6 or 7." 1:30 p.m. David set up all his surveillance equipment in her house and ran back to his car. It had been so easy to find the surveillance stuff and Dana had predictably had an extra key hidden on her back porch. Now all he had to do was wait for one of them to return. 4:30 p.m. Mulder stepped into the living room and plopped down his Arby's rotisserie Chicken dinner on the coffee table and put Oscar and Lucinda in the tape rewinder. I need to start from the beginning so I remember what's going on, he thought. He changed into a ragged pair of sweats and his old reliable gray T-shirt. He plopped down on the couch again and pushed play when something caught his eye and he stopped the tape. She had rearranged the pictures on the mantle. A wedding picture was in the middle flanked by just a picture of him. He smiled and looked around the rest of the apartment. Mulder hadn't noticed the changes she'd made yesterday. The extra bedroom had been turned into the study. Mulder wandered around the study. The wedding picture when he'd snuck a kiss on her cheek and another pic of him and a pic of her where on the big oak desk. Sharing a desk, we need a bigger place. He looked on the desk to see an apartment/townhouse magazine. One for Arlington, Alexandria and Georgetown. Mulder went back to the couch and started the movie. David followed his every move. The pictures were the key to figuring out there relationship. From the looks of things, he's her boyfriend. David looked up Mulder on the web. Fox William Mulder came back almost instantly with Pictures and Flags. Wow it's the same guy, wouldn't think he was Dana's type. Believes in paranormal Phenomenon, abused child, believes his sister was kidnaped by aliens and that aliens plan to colonize the planet. Crazy! He scrolled down some more, work supported by partner forensic pathologist Dana Scully. AH ha! That's the connection. Isn't there being involved against protocol? David looked up the FBI web site. Rules and Regulations hmm nope nothing. Why hasn't she mentioned him in therapy? Especially if he meant this much to her? He looked in on him again, contentedly watching Oscar and Lucinda. Good movie, sad but good. David glanced at his watch 5:30, where is Dana? The phone rang, Mulder answered it " Scully residence." " hey Fox its Mom." Mulder stayed silent. " Dana's mom?" Mulder exhaled " Sorry, I haven't gotten used to that yet Mrs. Scully." " Mom" " Mom" " That's better, Dana home?" "No she's out shopping with Nick. Want me to have her call you back?" " Please I'm trying to set up this dinner with the boys and you two. Oh well I'll let you go darling, be good ." " I'll try Mom, bye." Mulder hung up and unpaused the movie smiling to himself. Mom, I have a real mom now. Needed her 37 years ago. 37? Wow I'm going to be 37 in a few days. Scully's what 32, 33? Does she want to be married to an old man? I'm almost 40 Geez. Oh well wonder what she'll get me this year, loved that beige sweater she got me last year. 7:30 p.m. Scully came loudly through the door with Nick " God did you see that though, that would look good on him." " No, I have the perfect gift right here." Scully said walking back to the bedroom to lay her stuff down. She came back and planted a kiss on Mulder's forehead only to be grabbed back down for a kiss on the lips. Scully pulled away and smiled " Mulder, this is Nick. Nick, Mulder." Mulder rose to shake her hand only to be pulled into a viselike embrace. " OH so good to meet you." " Thanks. Same here." Mulder said as he was released from her grasp. " Oh he's so cute." Mulder blushed surprised " Me and Dana were going to go join in the softball game at the park. You going to come? It's a women's only game, but you could watch like all the other good little husbands." Mulder smiled " Sure, okay." " Did you finish Oscar and Lucinda?" " Yeah." " We need to take it back on the way home, and change into a pair of jeans too." Mulder looked down at himself and nodded. He came back out a few minutes later, jeans and work boot clad, grabbing his leather jacket out of the hall closet. " Really cute. Come on." Nick said. Mulder grabbed Oscar and Lucinda and followed them out the door. David loosely tailed them to the ball field trying to shake what Dana's friend had said out of his mind. "Like all the other good little husbands." Could they have gotten married? Why had she dated him? How long have they been married? Why don't they wear rings? David blended into the crowd in a place where he could see Mulder and the game. " Don't scream or anything till I actually hit the ball. I'll get self conscious and miss." "Ok sweetie" Mulder said giving her a quick kiss on the lips before she left. Scully was ninth in the line up. The pitcher and the team moved up seeing her diminutive size assuming she wouldn't be able to hit it far. Bad Move Mulder wanted to shout when Scully belted the ball far out into the outfield. David watched as she rounded the Bases, she's so beautiful, she should be mine. 10:00 p.m. As soon as they came through the door, they were all over each other. Hands everywhere, mouths devouring each other at a frenzy. Then Mulder pulled away reluctantly, " I forgot to tell you your mom called. She wants you to call her back." Scully sighed in frustration and nodded picking up the phone to call her mom, while Mulder went to take a shower. 30 minutes later Scully walked, rightfully exhausted into the bathroom where Mulder was waiting clad only in his black silk boxers next to a steaming hot bubble bath. " Boy you're really getting into this romantic stuff." Mulder smiled and reached up to unbutton her shorts and she stopped him. His eyes locked with hers, and she released his hands letting him continue. He undid her shorts and slid them down her slowly, caressing her thighs and legs with his fingertips. He raised an eyebrow at her purple panties then lifted her shirt over her head, revealing more creamy smooth skin and a matching purple bra. " Wow!" Mulder said truly amazed at the color coordinated underwear and Scully's captive breasts. Scully giggled "Oh please you've seen better, I'm sure of it." Mulder shrugged " What ever." He unclasped her bra and marveled at her bare breasts. So cliche that he should be mesmerized by them, but they were beautiful. He touched them lightly and carefully then kissed the crevasse between her breasts. She pushed him back slightly and covered her eyes with one hand and pulled off her last remaining article of clothing and hopped in the tub. David watched her with awe. He had to have her. Mulder could smell her arousal and slowly built it to a fever pitch as he cleaned her up and washed her hair. He lifted her still wet out of the tub and claimed her mouth with his as he carried her to the bed. His hands covered every inch of her body, learning her, pleasing her till she stripped off his boxers. He entered her hesitantly testing for resistance. He stopped when he was buried inside her, amazed by the intimacy of it. Then he thrust into her slowly at first building it to a feverish intensity. David's anger grew that should be me not him in there, enjoying her warmth, her love. As Mulder brought her to release, David knew what he needed to do. Scully ran her fingers through Mulder's chestnut locks. " Wimp." She said teasingly, Mulder smiled weakly. Sleep had overtaken him as soon as they finished. He kissed her forehead and slid down, resting his head on her chest. " I love you Scully. I'm sorry, I'm so tired. It's been awhile since I've well . . ." " What about that Det. White or that Corravubbias woman?" " No never got them. Blonds aren't my style." Scully giggled and caressed his hair and traced it down to his beard. " I Love you Mulder. Have I ever told you that?" "Once or twice." " Hmmp sorry. I'll try better." " when do you come back to work?" "Monday." Mulder sighed " Maybe I'll take the rest of the week off and . . ." " No, I have to plan for you B-day on Friday." " Friday the 13th. Great, I'll get all the Spooky's B-day is on Friday the 13th jokes." " Were you born on a Friday?" " Yep. Another reason I'm spooky. Do you think I'm spooky?" " Very, but a good spooky, my spooky." She said kissing him deeply and nestling into her pillow for the night. ******************************************************** ******************************************************** 5 months later " Scully, here." Mulder said picking up her gun she had left on her desk. " No keep it. I can't take it with me into therapy." Mulder nodded and put it in his briefcase. Mulder looked around the basement before giving her a quick kiss. " See you when you get home Scully. Going to get Strange Days from the video store." " Oh yeah, and get some of that Blast 'o Butter microwave popcorn too." " You got it princess." Scully waved and mouthed I love you. Everything was going great. The X-files, life in general. He and Scully had just celebrated there 6 month wedding anniversary. She had gotten him a dog, a beautiful German Shepard that he named Kaja, and he got her a nice 3 bedroom ranch style house in Georgetown, and a dog, which she named Fox Jr. There solve rate was the highest ever, hovering around 89%. Even Skinner noticed the increased efficiency and increased the X-files budget. He smiled and opened his wallet to gaze at his newest picture of Scully. She wasn't aware he'd taken it till it was too late. All day Mulder had a strange feeling of foreboding like something was going to happen he couldn't shake it. He sighed and put his wallet back in his pocket and tried to concentrate on the paperwork on his desk. 5:30 p.m. Mulder was closing his briefcase when Skinner ran into his office looking frustrated and worried. " Yes sir?" " Agent Mulder there's a situation, a hostage situation at Georgetown U medical center. During one of the therapy sessions a man pulled a gun and is holding his therapy class hostage. He wants to speak to you and only you. He says he has something that belongs to you?" Mulder thought for a second, therapy, GUMC, Oh god! " Scully! Scully's in that therapy class tonight shoot! Ok where are the negotiations?" " I'll take you we're set up on campus." 6:00 p.m. " Now remember by the book." " I'll try." Mulder took a deep breath as they rang into the room. " Agent Mulder?" " yes this is Agent Mulder who am I speaking to?" " The guy who's in control, the guy who has what you want at gunpoint right now." " And that is what?" " You tell me. I'll give you 3 guesses." "Scully?" " Bingo. Definitely not your sister, she's long gone." " Can I ask your name?" " What you don't now my voice? Here let me try this. Hi is Dana home?" " David? Been awhile." " Not for me." " What do you mean? Last time I saw you was about 5 months ago." " Well the last time I saw you was last night. You two were watching Your never too young, then Red Rock West. You were eating that Jiffy Pop Blast 'o butter popcorn she likes." Mulder closed his eyes, oh god. He's wired the apartment, he know, he knows about us. I've got to play it cool. I have to play it like we're not married, but I'm making it seem that way to appease him. " So David, what do you want? Why are you holding everyone hostage?" " I want what's mine. What you took form me." " What's that?" " Dana" " Well you have her there right now. Why do you need the other people?" " Because I want to play with you head first. Make you suffer like I did when you took her from me." Skinner and the other agents looked at Mulder quizzically. Mulder shrugged and made the universal crazy sign. He covered the mouthpiece and said " I'm going to play along till some one can get a clean shot or Scully can snatch his gun away. He's way off kilter." The other gents nodded accepting his explanation " How did you suffer David?" " My heart broke. My soul tore in half. I've never hurt like that before and it was because of you. Dana wouldn't hurt me like that." " How do you know that David?" " Because I know her. She's here every week. I've known her since her cancer remissed." " What makes you think I want to hurt you?" " Cause you hurt everybody. You got her sister killed, you're the reason she got cancer in the first place, you're the reason your sister's missing, the reason your mom and dad split, the reason he beat you senseless every night. You ruin every ones life and now you've ruined mine. But I have the upper hand. I know what no one else knows about you two." " And what's that?" " Don't play dumb with me Mulder." "Ok what do you know that no one else knows?" " What did I just say Mulder? Don't play Dumb with me. Tell me the truth, tell everyone the truth. She's not just your partner and friend, is she? No she's your honey, baby, sweetie pie, your one and only." " Yes Agent Scully means a lot to me David." " Oh cut the crap Mulder! Tell everyone now, how long have you two been married?" Gasps came from the agents around Mulder, Busted he thought. Mulder covered the mouthpiece and asked " How much longer before some one can get it position?" " 10, 15 minutes." " Ok I'll have to think of something, I know Scully's spitting bullets." Now what am I going to say? The truth would work, its kinda far fetched and unbelievable. " Agent Mulder, I'm waiting and so is Dana. How long?" " Six months." " Really? Just 6 months? Newlyweds, no wonder you came running when you heard. Save your wife ah how sweet. Guess your expecting something in return when you get home? Hmm? " Uh well kinda, yeah." " She's great in bed isn't she?" "Well . . ." " Oh come on don't you want the guys to know your wife is one of the best screws of your life. She has you screaming her name in seven different languages in minutes." Mulder turned deep red, his sex life was not what he wanted everyone in the FBI to know about, even if they thought it was made up. Mulder took a sip of coffee to steady himself. " Well I guess if you put it that way, she is pretty awesome." " Tell me how does it feel knowing that's all yours?" " Proud" " Proud. You should be, she's a rare woman. How do you feel, what do you feel when you see her lying next to you in your bed snuggled into your chest?" " Like the luckiest man in the world." He looked back, the other agents gave him a thumbs up and whispered " Keep it up 7 more minutes." Mulder turned back and continued " Like I've died and gone to heaven. Like I'm dreaming cause that's the only way she'd be here lying next to me." " Hmm nice. You do have a way with words, don't you? Did you feel that way when you first met her?" " No, I respected her on sight, her knowledge and strength. Then it turned into quiet adoration." " Then?" "Love and Trust" " What do you like best about her?" " Her strength." " No what's your favorite feature. You know eye, nose, chest?" David said a leer in his voice. Mulder bit his lower lip, dang I love all of her. " All of her." "Oh come on." "Ok, her eyes." "Really?" " There gorgeous sapphires, so expressive." " Do you love her?" " Yes" " How much?" " More than myself." " How'd you mean?" " I'd die for her." " Would you now. Have you ever gotten the chance?" " Not yet." " But she has for you. Many times hasn't she?" " Yes." Mulder said softly the man's words hitting a sore spot in his heart. " What was that Agent Mulder?" " Yes she has." " So why never you? Heard you 'killed' yourself about 8 months ago. If you weren't trying to catch some one by doing that would you have really pulled that trigger that night?" "Yes" Mulder said his voice cracking slightly. " Something wrong? Are you upset?" David said catching the emotional slip up. " Yes I am. Let her go you sick bastard now!!" Mulder said turning red from anger and frustration, " Dang it, I'm tired of this! Let her go you sick Freak!" "Ah there he is. There's the enraged husband I want to talk to. Tell me if you were married 6 months ago, what was that thing her mom threw for you two last week?" " The reception." " Oh really? That was nice even your mother made it, which surprised you. You even wore that nice olive gray sweater she bought you for your birthday." " Yes I did." " So I guess you can tell me what was that song you two danced to? It was nice I haven't been able to find it anywhere." The other agents looked at each other stumped. How was he supposed to know that? " It was by Jude. It's called I know. It's on the city of angels soundtrack." " Yeah that's it, you sang it to her softly as she held you tight. You're a lot better on the dance floor than I thought you would be." " Thank you David. Now what . . ." " Easy Mulder, why don't you sing it for us, like you did for Dana." " Uh . ." Mulder looked back and mouthed how much longer? "3 minutes" Mulder closed his eyes and took a deep breath and looked over at Skinner. The other agents were buying this as old Spooky up to his tricks, but what about Skinner? Did he believe the lie? Skinner motioned for him to continue " Agent Mulder we're waiting." David said. Mulder hesitated till he heard a gun cock and started softly " You've got such a pretty smile, It's a shame the things you hide behind it." Mulder was beet red from embarrassment and fear. That song had so much meaning for them, it felt like it was written for them, about them. He couldn't sing it, if he did it would betray his emotions, everyone would know that it wasn't made up, that Scully and he were really married. That everything that mad man said is true. " Agent Mulder I'm waiting. Next verse." Mulder gulped and pleaded " Please let her . . ." " Mulder continue." " let 'em go give it up for awhile, let 'em free and we will both go find it. I know there's no where you can hide it, I know the feeling of alone, I know that you do not feel invited, But come back, come back in from the cold." "Nice, now sing it like you mean it. Like you did to her." "Step away then from the years, Your best friend in life is not your mirror, Back away, come back away, come back away, come back away, I am here and I will be forever and ever" " That song's perfect for you two, you know? Continue." "And I know there's no where you can hide it, I know the feeling of alone, Trust me and don't keep that on the inside, Soon you'll be locked out on your own." "That's right, keep going." " No! Not until you put her on the phone and I know she's alright!" Mulder said forcefully, shocking the other agents. " Mulder play along, we need 30 more seconds." " How dare you? How dare you try and take her from me David. She doesn't love you David. She never did. You were never nothing more than a friend to her. You'll never mean the same to her as I do!" " Calm down Mulder we need 15 more seconds." " What do you mean?" David stuttered out " She promised to love and cherish me forever, till death do us part. I am not going to let her die, I am not . . I won't let you." Mulder said his voice choked with tears. "5 seconds Mulder" " Why? Why not Agent Mulder, say it! Why not?" "Cause I love her." Mulder said quietly, which was immediately followed by a rifle shot and a thud. " Suspect taken down. Area clear." Mulder sighed heavily and took off the headset as agents crowded around him patting him on the back and congratulating him. It's over, Skinner knows. The consortium will find out. It's only a matter of time before it's used against us, before one of us is taken from the other and used as a pawn in there game of power. Skinner came up to him and smiled! Actually smiled! " Mulder some of that stuff you thought of was classic. I would never have been able to pull it off, though your singing could use some work." Mulder smiled secretly, we were still safe. 1 « years later Mulder paced his padded cell in pain as more voices came to his head. Doctor Tate's voice came into his mind the loudest. His wife? Where is she, she needs to be here. Maybe she could calm him enough so we can run some tests? Maybe that Skinner guy will know where she is, his doctor thought as he watched Mulder in his cell. Mulder froze. Oh no don't! He ran to the door and looked his doctor in his eyes. He saw the fear there and knew it was too late. The doctor walked quickly over to Skinner and asked " Do you know how to reach Agent Mulder's wife? Skinner double blinked " Agent Mulder's who?" " His wife. I think she could at least calm him enough so we could run some tests on him." " Agent Mulder's married?" " Yes, for about 2 years now." Doctor Tate said matter of factly. Skinner was silent while he absorbed the information. No wonder he was so calm, so under control, less cocky and annoying. But who was he married to? Why didn't he tell anyone? Seeing skinner's confusion the doctor clarified " You know her. You've seen her, she's the red head, petite, her." He said pointing to Scully who was walking towards them quickly. " Hello Dr. Tate how are you? Is he any better?" " No I was asking Mr. Skinner where you were. I need you to help calm him. He's in a frenzy as you can no doubt hear." He said as Mulder's piercing screams grew louder. Scully nodded and walked over to the door and Mulder ran to it. " Scully! Scully!" he screamed banging on the door and glass. He started throwing himself against the door in an attempt to remove the barrier between them. " Open the door now before he hurts himself." The doctor hesitated, then unlocked it. Scully opened it quickly and stepped inside. Mulder flew to her hugging her fiercely then enslaving her lips with his. Skinner double blinked. Why hadn't he thought about that before? He was suspicious after that David/hostage thing but they never let on. Why hadn't they trusted him enough to tell him about there marriage? Would they have ever told him? Mulder released Scully and clutched her to his chest. "He knows, Skinner knows about us." "I know Dr Tate told him." " What's going to happen now?" " We'll worry about that later, right now we need to find out what's wrong with you and fix it ok sweetie? They're going to come run some tests ok? Please calm down." Mulder nodded and sat heavily on the floor. Scully turned and nodded for the doctor to come in. Scully walked out and stood with a still dazed Skinner. " So during that David/hostage thing, it was all true? Everything he said it wasn't made up on the spur of the moment." " Yes sir, it was true." " Why keep it a secret?" " If they found out, they would use it against us. If the bureau found out, they'd finally have a reason to split us up." " But there's no rule . . ." " They'd make an exception for us." Skinner exhaled beaten. He knew what she said was true. The doctor came back out and smiled "If these lab results come back the way I think, we'll need to do immediate surgery for a sub-dural abscess." " But how?" " Don't know. I hope maybe you could give me some background." Dr. Tate started as he touched her arm lightly, urging her with him. " Has he been in an accident where he's hit his head . . ." the doctor started as they disappeared into the lab. 4 weeks later Mulder ran his right hand through his extremely short hair. Scully loved it, Mulder was getting used to it. It felt weird not feeling the cool silver of his wedding ring in his hair. He thought things would change for the worse when Skinner found out about them, but nothing happened. Skinner didn't say a word to any one else. Although, the voices in Mulder's head said not to trust Skinner, Mulder knew he wouldn't betray them on this. Scully smiled at Mulder and held his hand gently. Mulder missed hearing the familiar click of their wedding rings as they walked. He had to get used to wearing it on his left hand. It felt weird, but strangely natural. As they emerged through the hospital doors, he smiled. He felt free, they didn't have to hide any more, he thought as he bent to kiss Scully soundly on the lips.