Ok, someone mentioned that Scully wasn't responding, so here is the gap. :) I'll try to remember to have Scully respond from now on. Or explain why she doesn't. Like this one will be. :)
To:
From:
Subject: Re: Hi sister! I need advice...
Is he cute? At least if he's cute it's not so bad he's invading your space. :) A tall, dark, handsome hunk could invade my space anytime.
(See previous chapter if you want to see the rest of the letter that bad. It wasn't even a whole letter.)...
As Scully read the inquisition from her big sister, she could see her face, and her own was turning red as though Melissa were in the room. Is he cute? Of course Missy would ask that. What does that matter? Is he cute? I mean, he is ok, but... Oh gosh, he is cute. Missy, I hate you.
How do I write her back about that? How do I answer her? I mean, he is smart. Scary smart. That was what I liked about him before we had ever even met. Aesthetically he isn't what I would normally consider attractive though. His nose is too big for his face for starters... Though he is tall, has dark hair, light eyes, and is tan... Well, tan compared to me. Though, Casper makes me look pale, so maybe that isn't the best guide...
As Scully meditated on all of this she had gotten up from her computer and wandered into the kitchen. It was almost dinner time for the hadn't-eaten-since-breakfast agent. I have to start remembering to eat. It was almost 9pm. A little late to be starting dinner. I don't feel like cooking anything. Maybe mac and cheese. From a box. That isn't that intricate... There's always take-out... Pizza or Chinese sound good...
As she pondered these deep thoughts, there was a knock at her door. She didn't hear it at first, but on the second round the knock became more urgent and broke through her dinner decision reverie. She made her way to the front door. Who on earth could that be?
As she peered through the peephole, she was suddenly glad she hadn't changed into her pajamas yet. The sweats she had worked out in weren't the most attractive thing ever, but it was better than receiving her new partner in her jim jams. "Hold on a minute!" she called as she suddenly remembered the open email on her computer. She ran over, minimized the window, shut off the monitor, and finger brushed her hair before returning to the door. "Hey Mulder, what are you doing here?"
"Can't a guy visit his partner on a dull Friday night?" He smiled, holding his hands behind his back.
"Well, he can, but usually he would call first. He also wouldn't need to act to suspicious." she said trying to get a look at what was behind his back and arching her eyebrow.
"Invite me in and maybe I'll lose the secrecy. It's a little late for the phone call, sorry." He put on his best puppy dog eyes and blinked down at her. He could see her crack, it was that obvious. She is perfect. No one has a right to look that good in Academy issue sweats.
"Sure, come on in." She grinned as she stepped to the side and let him in the door. He swept into her kitchen and began removing containers from his bag. She watched him in awe. Did he read my mind? Also, where did he find a bag that large? That is not a run-of-the-mill grocery bag, that is like a small suitcase.
"Well, we haven't known each other long, so I wasn't sure what all you would like, so I brought an assortment of Chinese food and sandwiches, I figured we could always order a pizza if you didn't like any of this, you seem to eat healthy though, so I got the sandwiches and ordered them without condiments, I figured you'd have any you would want, and I bought iced tea and root beer, and I also brought some new releases and a couple of my favorite classic movies for us to choose from, I was thinking dinner-and-a-movie-partner-bonding-time, unless you have other plans." he said in one long breath.
Scully just stared at him blankly. I didn't know a human being could say that much without breathing, must be all that swimming and jogging...
He took her silence as a rejection and started packing up the bag again. "I'm sorry Scully, I should have called first. I didn't think about the fact that normal people have plans on a Friday night... I'll just get this stuff off your table and..."
Scully cut him off, "Mulder, it's not that, I'm sorry. I was just in awe of your lung capacity. I've never heard anyone say that much in one breath before." She smiled at him, making sure to make some eye contact and let him see she meant it. I've been doing that a lot lately. I know he needs to see my sincerity at work, but about us having dinner and watching a movie? She shook her head at her own silly thoughts and headed over to the cupboards to get out plates. "For the record, Mulder, I do try to eat healthy. During the week. Friday night through Sunday night is free game though. I just make sure I work out a little extra, thus why you find me in this amazing attire." She smiled at him as she sat down dishes, cups, chop sticks, and forks she had acquired. "So, what movies did you bring?" she said looking up at him with a big smile.
Her smile, and the way her eyes wrinkle... What are you doing, get ahold of yourself Mulder. "Well, I didn't know what genre you liked, so I brought Army of Darkness, Demolition Man, Fire in the Sky, The Firm, The Fugitive, Ghosts in the Machine, Godzilla vs. Mechgodzilla... 2, Hot Shots and Hot Shots Part Duex, Jurassic Park, Last Action Hero, Life with Mikey, Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Sleepless in Seattle, Swing Kids, The Three Musketeers, and the Vanishing. Those are the new releases..."
"Mulder?" she looked at him sweetly, "Did you rent the entire new release section?"
"No, but I probably came close." Is he blushing? Mulder blushes? He's so embarrassed I can see it through his tan... Stop it, Dana.
"Well, I'm in the mood for a comedy, I think. Or something where things blow up. Also, did you say Sleepless in Seattle was in there?"
"Yeah."
"Were you actually going to watch that if I picked it?"
"Yeah..."
"You're coming off as desperate for your new partner to like you Agent Mulder." She leaned down with her smirk still in place to look over the array of video tapes now strung out next to the food.
"Well, we wouldn't want that," he said smiling at her. She couldn't see it, but he knew she felt it. They just had an automatic unspoken language. I've never had that with a partner before... As that thought swirled through his brain, he began to snatch away the offending video.
"Hey! What are you doing?" She batted his hand away. "I didn't say I didn't want to keep it in the running. Or borrow it after this. I don't know that I feel like torturing you with rom com this evening." She looked up at him and smiled. He was centimeters from her face. This would be the personal space issue I was talking to Missy about. Do I really mind it though? I mean, I kind of started this, didn't I? I can't remember.
Mulder cleared his throat and backed up a little. "Sorry, I'm grateful though. You can definitely borrow it. I have them until Tuesday."
Scully picked up two tapes and ran for the living room. "I've made my decisions, now you have to promise not to peek and trust me. No offensive girly movies, I promise." She smiled at him from the TV as she turned around to insert her first choice.
"I don't know why I do, but I trust you completely, Agent Scully," he said as he rounded up the remaining tapes, not looking at the titles on the black cases as he returned them to the bag. "Ok, food time! What do you want?" he asked opening containers and grabbing up a dish.
"My, what great service!" her words dripped with sarcasm. "I don't know, what did you get?" She asked running over and sliding a little in her sock-clad feet on her hardwood floor. This is fun. We haven't even really started hanging out yet and I'm already reverting to childhood and having movie night with Charlie. Maybe this will be fine, just think of him as a brother, Dana. A really attractive, you-aren't-actually-related-to-him brother. The kind you are attracted to... Maybe more like a best friend. I could see him as a best friend, I mean, he's ridiculously loyal, sweet (to me anyway), we seem to communicate silently sometimes, his eyes suck you in like a tidal wave... Her thoughts kind of drifted off at that point, but she came back to reality abruptly when Mulder hit her nose with a pickle slice he was putting on his own plate.
"Did you hear any of the food I just listed off?"
"No, I'm sorry," she said as a pale blush snaked up her neck and into her face. "This is just reminding me of one of my brothers, and I'm sorry, I got lost in a memory for a minute." Not a complete lie I suppose.
"No problem, I said, we have beef with broccoli, orange chicken, turkey subs, and some kind of veggie sub. There's also noodle and steamed rice. And sweet buns. I love sweet buns..." Mulder said as he piled two of the six sweet buns on his plate.
"So do I," Scully said grabbing two and putting them on the plate he held up to fill for her. She really is adorable. Maybe I can think of her the way she's thinking of me, like a sister. She was saying this reminded her of her brother... I mean, I was never around Sam as we got older, but I could imagine what it would be like, it could be pretty similar to this. I mean, yeah she's beautiful and intelligent, and looks nothing like my sister would... Nope, that's not gonna work.
"Mulder, I filled up my plate. Can I have it now please?" She was staring at him with a half smile and her eyebrow arched again. Oh crap.
"Yeah, sorry. I got a little lost in thought myself. So, what movie is up first, Red?"
"Red?"
"Yeah, I was trying it out. I don't like it."
"Me neither," she said as she scrunched her face up at him. "I grabbed one from your classics pile, it is a rom com, but it's also a mystery, so one I think you can handle. We'll watch it second though, just in case. Though the classics seemed to be ones you owned..." she smirked at him.
"Yeah, they are, and they are all ones I wouldn't mind watching over and over, so I'm sure you are right." I swear she can see right through me. No one has ever seen past my humor and fought back with it before...
"Well then, first up: Army of Darkness. I love the Evil Dead series." she smiled.
"You do?"
"Yeah. Why?" she looked semi-offended.
"Oh, I didn't mean it as an insult. I'm sorry, I'm just surprised that you would like something so... blatantly un-scientific." he teased.
"Oh, I see, because it's about demons and the paranormal I can't enjoy it because my mind is too strict and rigid?" she said at an increasing volume.
He sprang up, set down his dish, and moved over to her side all at once, trying to get close so she'd know... He wasn't sure what he wanted her to know, other than that he was, "Sorry."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you or anything," he said as he moved in closer and seemed to be deciding whether or not it was ok to touch her. "It's not a bad thing, I'm just surprised you would like something like Evil Dead and Army of Darkness, that's all. I'm happily surprised... Explains a lot about work..."
With that statement she couldn't hold it in anymore. She started laughing hysterically at him. "Oh gosh, Mulder, I was kidding. I'm sorry, I thought you'd know I was joking." She could barely breathe between the laughing and the talking. She was doubled over, one hand stretched out next to her, grabbing his arm. I don't think I've ever had butterflies in my stomach from someone laughing at me before. Then again, I've never had Dana Scully laugh at me before. Hey brain, while I'm at it, why am I upset that she is laughing at me?
"Oh. Ok. I tend to offend people on accident. I thought I'd just done it again." he said as he began to move back to the couch. He had a look like someone had brutally slaughtered his puppy in front of him. Or taken his sister. Again. Crap. I hurt his feelings. How to fix it...
Scully got her laughter under control and sat next to him on the couch. "I'm sorry, Mulder. I know you are just trying to connect, get to know each other. I mean, we have to rely on each other in the field, so it makes sense. Keep in mind, I grew up with four siblings. On Navy bases. I'm pretty sarcastic, I'll try to turn off the sarcasm for the night though. You have to promise to not take everything seriously for the night though." she said as she held up her pinky.
"What is that?" he asked pointing at her itty bitty pinky finger.
"We are going to pinky promise. You are in my house. This is how Charlie and I used to settle disagreements like this. Seemed fitting," she said smiling.
Great, brother reference again. Wait, isn't that a good thing? She's like a sister Mulder, she's like a sister... "Oh, ok." he said wrapping his pinky with hers.
"So, now that that is settled, eat your dinner." she grinned as she picked up her own plate and pressed play.
Half way through Army of Darkness, both of them had their fill of food and were propping their feet up on the coffee table. They finished out the film in companionable silence and laughter. Scully got up to put in the next film, and asked, "Do you want snacks for the next one? I know I could stand some licorice. I saw you had it in the bag when I snagged the classic of the evening," she said, then bit her lower lip while smiling and widening her eyes.
"I do indeed, you little snoop."
"Well, I did have three siblings. You learn to snoop." she smiled back at him. "So, what about it, wanna break out those red vines?"
"Indeed. I think I want some root beer too. You?"
"That would be lovely, thank you." She turned back to the VCR and started changing out the tape.
Mulder gathered up the dishes from the coffee table and took them with him to the kitchen. He cleaned off the dishes, washed them and put them in the rack. He grabbed two cans of soda from the fridge, and the red vines out of his bag. He had bought one of those giant tubs. As he came back into the living room, Scully was pretending to sleep on the couch, complete with fake snoring. He set one of the cold sodas on her exposed neck and she shot up. "Not nice Agent Mulder!" she mock scowled at him while collecting and opening her soda. "I'll get you for that."
"I don't doubt you will. I couldn't help it though, you looked so peaceful." He sat the red vines on the coffee table between them as he propped his feet up next to where hers were now situated.
"What took so long? You were gone forever," she exaggerated as she leaned forward for some licorice and the remote.
"Well, given the state of your domicile, I thought I'd wash off the dishes when I took them out there. You seem to be very... neat," he said then gave her a forced smile.
"Gee, thanks for the backhanded compliment. Also for doing the dishes. You didn't have to. A) You are a guest, and B) you brought dinner. One of these would make you exempt, but you had a one-two punch of exemption. Since you did it anyway, maybe I'll forgive the soda thing. You'll get a free pass. This time..."
"Did you annoy your brothers this much, or am I getting special treatment? Now, Skulls*, what are we watching?"
"Just a night for trying the nicknames isn't it?"
"Yeah, I didn't like that one either. I was thinking because you're a medical examiner, and... It was a bad life decision… anyway, movie?"
"The feeling's mutual. Well, the next movie is one of my favorite films of all time."
"Really? I own one of your favorite films of all time?" he feigned shock.
"Hey! If I had to turn off the sarcasm, so do you." See, she sees right though you. In an instant. Unlike you, who sulk like a wounded puppy when she's joking. Pathetic. After all, since when do you care what people think... Respond Mulder, pause has been too long!
"Yeah, you're right, sorry." He smiled sheepishly at her. "So, what is the favorite movie ever?"
"I didn't say favorite, I said one of my favorites, and you'll have to wait for the opening credits. Punishment for the sarcasm."
"Oh, the torture. Don't know if I can take it."
"I'm sorry, was that sarcasm?"
"Oops." He gave her one of his sideways smiles. Why do I suddenly feel like a puddle of goo? He's like a brother Dana. He's like a brother...
"Just watch the movie."
"Yes ma'am." he turned back to the TV and smiled, taking a bite from his first piece of licorice. As the music swelled and the credits began to roll, he turned to Scully. "The Thin Man? Agent Scully, this may be love. Partner love."
"Again with the sarcasm. We are starting a sarcasm jar, $1/comment. Watch the movie," she said as she pushed his face back toward the TV. "So, you're a Powell/Loy fan?"
"Yes, they are only one of the greatest comedy teams ever. And the Thin Man series is the height of their greatness. Everyone knows this."
"Dollar." she said holding out her hand. Mulder looked at her hand and slapped it with his own. She rolled her eyes at him, "Your love of the franchise does explain a lot about your sense of humor though. I prefer Return of the Thin Man personally, but I have to respect this as the film that made the franchise."
"You've seen the series?" he asked, a little in shock.
"Close your mouth, you're going to catch something you don't want in there if you keep it open like that... And yes, I actually own them. This is my copy, not yours."
You are full of surprises Agent Scully.
"I see. I think this partnership is going to work out after all."
"You mean, you don't still think I'm out to get you?" she said as she turned to him looking innocent.
"No, I don't, though the jury may still be out. And now we are even, I think that comment warrants a dollar." he said matter-of-factly, never taking his eyes off the television.
"You sir, are no fun."
"And you ma'am, are getting sleepy. Fun facts about Scully: silly when sleepy."
"Who says I'm sleepy?" she yawned out the question. "Never mind, I withdraw the question." she smiled out as she turned back to the TV.
Within half an hour, Scully had fallen asleep with her neck at a strange and uncomfortable looking angle. Mulder got up, rearranged the pillows on the couch, and laid her down. I didn't think it was possible, but she is even more beautiful when she sleeps. Man, you have to stop this. This is going to be unrequited, and she will break your heart like everyone else you have cared about. He looked around the room, taking in her perfectly decorated apartment. His eyes stopped on the computer by the window. I forgot to check my email before I left the office. I wonder if she would care if I used her computer really quick... I don't want to wake her up though. I'll just hop on and off really quick.
He switched on the screen and double clicked the internet explorer icon. A window came up that had been minimized. Ok, I need to open a new window then... wait, does that ask if someone is cute? This is her private email, minimize it and open a new window. "Cute" is not a word I would imagine Dana Scully ever using to describe anyone. "Aesthetically pleasing" or some other gigantic word that essentially means "hot," yes, but cute... Ok, I have to read this, but only this, then shrink and new window. He was about three words into the email when he heard her stir. He snapped his head towards her, saw that she was just repositioning, then went back to his snooping. She snooped on me, right? She'd do the same thing. Probably. She's gonna kill me. He couldn't figure out who it was talking about, but saw that it was a reply so kept scrolling down the page to the original email. Me? Her sister is asking about me? He immediately clicked over to the sent mail folder and saw there had been no reply. He put the window back as he had found it, then minimized it and turned the monitor back off. He moved back to the couch, lifted her legs and scooted under them.
"Mmm..." she murmured as she repositioned yet again. I wonder what she'll say. Why did I read that? I shouldn't have. I should have kept my nose out of her business. Now I know she thinks I invade her space and make her uncomfortable. Great. I'm going to be awkward now. "Mulder?" he barely heard her say as she woke up.
"Yeah, Scully, you dozed off and looked uncomfortable. Sorry, I moved you."
"No, it's fine, thank you. How much did I miss?" Oh if you only knew...
"Not much. You were only out like ten minutes."
"Mmm... Okay. Thanks for moving me, I tend to fall asleep anywhere. I blame my residency in med school," she said, smiling at him through half-awake eyes. "Everything okay? You seem... tense."
"Oh, no, I'm fine. Sorry. I just thought you might be upset I moved you."
"Well, I'm not, so calm down partner," she said as she tapped his shoulder with a mock punch.
"Alrighty, partner." he said as he smiled at her. They finished up The Thin Man, and started cleaning up their mess.
"I told you, Mulder, you don't need to clean, you are a guest."
"I know. I don't want to leave your immaculate apartment a mess though. What kind of gentleman would I be?"
"The kind who didn't anger the lady of the house." She jokingly scowled at him.
"Okay, okay. I'll just gather my stuff and go then."
"Yeah. Except the red vines. Those are payment for the no phone call first." He looked over at her and saw her beaming smile. Wow. She is... perfect.
"Deal." he said gathering everything except the licorice. As he turned he grabbed a few pieces of it though.
"Hey! That is stealing from a federal agent!"
"Is it really stealing if I paid for all of them?" He put on that same puppy dog face again. His eyes... brother, brother, brother...
"Point taken." She smiled back. "This was fun, Mulder. Thanks for coming over."
"No problem. Anytime you want a repeat, let me know. It's not like I have a social life..." Way to make it awkward, buddy. Why do you keep talking? Just smile and nod when she speaks.
"Well, can I actually borrow Sleepless in Seattle? I was serious about not making you suffer through it, but since you rented it and all..." She turned on her own best charming smile.
"Yeah, you can. If you wanted company though, I wouldn't be opposed to an encore tomorrow night. We could even have round two at my place, you know, so you aren't put out again."
"Mulder, you brought dinner and entertainment, snacks, cleaned... How exactly did you put me out?" she giggled. She should always giggle. Why don't I ever see this side of her at work? Right, boys club, tiny woman, not the best place to be anything less than professional... "That aside, I wouldn't mind seeing your place. I am curious about where you live."
"Ok then. I will take it with me so you aren't tempted to watch it before, and we will have movie night round two at my place tomorrow night. Wanna say eight? Nine was kind of a late start."
"Indeed, it was. Eight sounds good." Mulder had just finished gathering up his stuff and made his way to her door. "See you tomorrow then!"
"Yes, I have to go clean until 8pm tomorrow now," he said laughing. "See you tomorrow." He spun around, out the door and down the hallway.
Oh, Missy. Is he cute? Cute is so not the word for it. Scully sat back down at her computer, turned on the monitor, and brought up her email.
To:
From:
Subject: Re:Re: Hi sister! I need advice...
Cute isn't really how I would describe Agent Mulder. I mean, yes he is tall, tan, brown hair, light eyes... He's very aesthetically pleasing, but...
Scully proceeded to tell her sister how it was against Bureau policy, that she didn't even want to let herself think in that vein, because nothing could ever come of it.
As Melissa read the reply all she could think was, Oh baby sister. You've got it bad. Whatever "it" was...
*Thanks to my beta, ya-fic, for this nickname. I had Shorty in there. This is so much better. :)
OMGosh. So long. This was not intended to be nearly this size, but meh. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think by hitting that lovely little review link you see below. ;)