Hi, guys! This is just a quick one shot! No copy right intended. Set around seasons six, or whenever your prefer.
We have been in Colorado for a very boring case. It was day four, and Mulder had something on his mind. I had a pretty good idea what it was.
The local sheriff was our problem. He was a good looking guy, and he had been checking me out these past few days. So what? I thought it was flattering. Mulder thought it was rude.
Sheriff brown had a thing for looking me up an down, every time I entered the room. He also held eye contact longer than necessary for professionals. It was a bit obnoxious, but calling him out would have made a scene. Mulder would have thrown his weight around, defending my honor and what not. I thought it best just to let it go. But, Mulder just couldn't.
Our last encounter, Brown had almost asked me out, but Mulder had interrupted. Thank God.
So once Mulder and I sat down for lunch, I decided to feed into his ego. It was something I always did.
"Alright, Mulder. Why are you so bent out of shape lately?"
"Scully, you know exactly why. I don't like the way Sheriff Brown looks at you."
"What way? Mulder, you look at me the same way," I offered, innocently.
"That's my point," he says, dramatically.
"So he stares at me. I don't see your point," I shot back, pretending to read through the menu.
"My point is, that I know that look. I invented that look," he defends.
"Just drop it, Mulder. Clearly he is attracted to me. I don't know why you find that such a surprise. Nor do I understand what the deal is."
I really didn't see the big deal. Who cares if the guy was checking me out?
"It's the want in his eyes, Scully."
"The Want? So he wants me? And that bothers you?"
"Yes. He wants you," he says, evading my other question.
"Well, he hasn't done anything to provide your theory with any kind of credence, so I don't see the point of making it a big deal. We can debate about this again, when he asks me out on a date, assuming you are correct," my lips twitch with a smile.
"Well, what will you say when he asks you out," his voice a bit panicky.
"I don't know, Mulder." He looks over at me with surprised eyes. "I'll probably decline." I watch his shoulders relax.
"Why? He's a good looking dude?"
"I would hope for the same reason that you would decline a date offer," I pause before I finish my sentence, " it would be unprofessional to go out on a date will on duty," I say answer sarcastically. He has to know the real reason.
"You're right. You don't want to get mixed up with these local cops," he says happily.
"Of course I am right. I am always right," I smugly smile.
"Most of the time you are. Let's finish our meal and then go give the case file to your boyfriend, then we can head home. This place gives me the creeps."
We make it to the police station. The first thing we do is run into my admirer.
"Dana, it's good to see you again," he says, giving Mulder a head nod, nothing more.
"Oh, I left the file in the car. Let me go grab it for you," Mulder smiles over at me. Damn him. He meant to do that.
"So, you're leaving today," Sheriff Brown asks.
"Yes, later tonight."
"Well, seeing as you have plenty of free time, I was wondering if you would like to have a dinner date with me," he asks, giving me a smile.
This is awkward. Mulder is right. I hate when he is right.
I smile sweetly, "actually, I am afraid I have to say no. I am flattered but I can't."
"Is it because that partner of yours," he asks, clearly annoyed. " He seems a bit controlling."
"What? No. Mulder doesn't make my decisions for me."
"I disagree. He seems to have a hold over you," he pushes.
"It's not the kind of hold you are thinking of," I assure. Yes, he does have a hold. But it is more of a hold over my heart, not my independence.
"Dana, he has been giving me the stink eye this entire time. He doesn't want you to date anyone."
"Agent Scully, Sheriff Brown," I began, annoyed. We are not on a first name basis anymore. "I assure you that whatever Mulder did to you, he had the purest intentions."
"Whatever you say, Dana. I-"
"Alright, these are for you, Sheriff Brown. We appreciate your cooperation on this case. You have been a big help. But, it's time for us to head home," Mulder says, cutting Brown off, resting his hand on my lower back. I know what he is up to. And I know he heard our conversation.
"You're very welcome. We sure appreciate your help, as well," Sheriff Brown says, shaking off my rejection. He doesn't want Mulder to have any idea what we have been talking about. Personally, I think he fears Mulder.
"Yes, thank you, Sheriff Brown. It's been a pleasure," I chime in.
"The pleasure's all mine, Dana," he says, making me cringe.
"That's nice, but we must be going. Good bye, Sheriff Brown," Mulder says, throwing his weight around, finally.
Once we are at the car, I have an epiphany.
Mulder said he invented the look that Brown gives me. It's a 'want' look. Mulder wants me. Oh, my God.
"You want me," I say in the calmest tone.
"What," he squeaks.
"You and Brown share something. You both look at me the same way. You were becoming territorial, because someone else wanted me."
He doesn't answer me.
"Mulder, I saw what you did back there," I point out.
"What did I do back there, Scully. You mean when I rescued you," he tries joking.
"Thank you, Agent Mulder, but I assure you that I do not need rescuing. I was doing just fine on my own, as always," I glare at him.
"Scully, I didn't mean it like that," he assures.
"Mulder, you were very territorial. I'm surprised you didn't just pee on me to mark your territory."
"Well, yeah. Of course I was territorial. You may not recognize this, but you are territorial too."
"I am not!"
"Deny it all you want, Scully. We are both territorial."
"Why, Mulder. Why do you act like that," I raise my voice.
"Because, you aren't available, Scully. And yes, I do want you. But, not in the disturbing way that he wants you." he says without faltering.
"I didn't know you felt that way, Mulder," I start to calm down.
"Well, I do. And judging from your gentle rejection to Prince Charming, you feel the same way," he questions.
"You know I do, Mulder."
"Alright, look at us agreeing on something," he says, making my heart flutter.
"How about we go home now. This place gives me the creeps."
"Another thing we agree on, Scully. This is a very big day for us."
"Mulder, shut up," I play, lying my hand on his.
"Yes, ma'am."
This was a big day for us. We hadn't admitted we loved each other, but we admitted that we wanted one another. Not just in the sexual way, like Brown was thinking, but in the way where two people love each other. We admitted that we not only wanted, but also needed, each other. I'd say we just opened Pandora's Box.
THE END
Tell me what you think!
RED