DANA SCULLY'S APARTMENT
Mulder roused early the next morning, and immediately stiffened, not recognizing his surroundings. He relaxed when he remembered the course of events from the evening prior, and smiled to himself. He glanced around, and noticed that throughout the evening, Scully had cuddled herself into his side, and entangled their legs together. He smiled down at their comfortable position, and could feel her begin to wake.
When she fully came to attention from her sleep, she realized that she was sleeping in an unfamiliar position. She sobered instantly, and separated herself frantically.
"Well good morning to you, too, Scully." Mulder teased, watching her become aware to the instances of the moment.
"Mulder, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak out. I guess, I'm just not used to this." She smiled sheepishly. They both shared awkward smiles, and finally leaned forward to kiss her.
"Good morning." He whispered. She just smiled, and kissed him again.
They made their way into the kitchen, and she began to make coffee and breakfast for them both. Just as they were beginning to settle down at the table, they were interrupted by the incessant knocking at the door. Scully's face paled, and she winced upon hearing the voice through the door.
"Danes, open up, it's your favorite sister and mom said we have lots to talk about!" Scully's sister, Melissa, shouted through the door.
"Even if I ignore her, I'll never get rid of her. Trust me, I've tried." Scully said as she let out a heavy sigh. She made her way to the door with an apologetic look on her face. Mulder escaped quickly to the bedroom to put on his pants, since he was only in the comfort of his boxers and t-shirt. He wasn't sure what Scully expected in this moment.
When he emerged from the room, he could hear them talking, and crept around the corner quietly, allowing him to overhear some of the conversation.
"Melissa, what brings you back to town?" Scully asked distractedly, trying to figure out where Mulder ran off to.
"I'm just passing through, thought I'd visit my family. I surprised Mom last night, when she got back from leaving here. Apparently you had a hot date last night, and I-" She paused, as she began to take off her coat and glanced into the kitchen. "And apparently it's still going on." She said with a devious smirk on her face.
Scully winced, knowing she wouldn't be able to get her sister out quickly. Melissa was mouthing 'oh my god, where is he?' just as Scully was beginning to wonder the same thing.
"I, uh, I wasn't exactly expecting company. Um, we-" She kept stammering. Mulder felt it was time to put her out of her misery, and emerged from the hallway with a shy smile on his face. Melissa glanced in his direction, and gave Scully a nod of approval.
"You must be the hot, mystery man keeping my sister company, and apparently her bed." Melissa said slyly.
"Melissa!" Scully hissed, causing Mulder to chuckle. "Don't you dare even laugh." She said, pointing at him and trying to suppress her own grin.
Scully dished some food for Melissa, and invited her to join them for breakfast. They sat at the table, and her sister wasted no time beginning her interrogation.
"So, Mulder, tell me about yourself." She asked mischievously.
"Uh, there's not much to tell. I'm an author, which means I pretty much do nothing all day, except when inspiration strikes." He joked, as he winked at Scully. A tinge of color rose to her cheeks, and she just shook her head at him.
"Oh, anything I would know?"
"Uh, it depends on your taste in books, I suppose." Mulder said, avoiding the truth of his pseudonym.
"Well, what have you written?" Melissa asked, not caving in their stalemate of questioning. Mulder looked over at Scully for help, and she just gave him an amused look, and took a sip of her coffee. He narrowed his eyes at her, and let out a heavy sigh, knowing he could never truly win a Scully woman interrogation.
"I write in a pseudonym, so my name isn't exactly known. I, uh, my pen name is M.F. Luder." He answered quietly.
"Wait, you write all those science fiction novels? I've read a few, they were fascinating! Nice catch, Danes. Definitely not a pairing I would have ever imagined for you." She said, praising Mulder's work before turning her attention back to her sister.
"Uh, thanks, I think." Scully said, before realizing Mulder's shift in comfort. He seemed almost nervous, and rather fidgety with misplaced anxiety. "Melissa, we, uh, most people don't know who Mulder is, that's why he writes under a different name. It's probably assumed, but you can't really let that information slip." She said, noticing him take a deep breath. She reached over, and grabbed his hand for reassurance. He squeezed her hand back in thanks.
They finished their breakfast, making more casual pleasantries, and Melissa deemed it time to make her exit. She informed Scully she would be in town for the rest of the week, and they set up a lunch date. As she left, Mulder thought it should be time for him to go as well.
"Hey, sorry for the unexpected visit, she's my sister, and I love her, but she's exhausting sometimes." Scully said with a small smile.
"It's nice to meet more of your family, really paints a clearer picture into the world of Dana Scully." He said as began to button up his shirt.
"Were you, uh, leaving already?" She asked timidly.
"Well I like to think I've overstayed my welcome, not that I didn't enjoy our little sleep over." He leered at her, trying to mask his anxiety.
"Mulder, what's wrong? Did, uh, something happen?" She asked as she crossed her arms in front of her defensively.
"No, everything's great, Scully."
"Mulder..."
"Okay, I just-" He let out a heavy sigh and closed his eyes in resignation. "I've never dated anyone, during my career. I've never had to worry about having to tell people what I do, or disclose who I am. I guess, it's just going to take some time for me to adjust."
"Oh, Mulder. I'm so sorry, that didn't even occur to me. I don't know how reassuring my word is, but I know my family won't jeopardize anything for you." She answered in a small voice.
"Hey, your word is the most reassuring sentiment for me." He said as he engulfed her into his arms and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. "It's really just going to take some getting used to. You're worth it though, I think." He said teasing.
"Well, your confidence in our relationship is comforting." She said with a smirk on her face.
"What can I say? I've always been known for my sweet talking."
"Yeah, maybe you should just stick to words on paper..." She said as she patted his chest in mockery.
"You wound me, Scully!" He said, feigning hurt by her words. "I really should get going though, I have some deadlines I've already pretended to not remember." He said as he kissed her again and began to make his way to her door.
"Oh, of course. Hey, Mulder..." She said, finally turning to face him. "Last night, was incredible. I, uh, thank you, for everything. I wouldn't have been able to face that without you by my side. Um, our little sleep over wasn't so bad either." She said as she dipped her head to hopefully hide the blush reaching her cheeks. He smiled at the sight, and strode towards her, embracing her in one smooth movement.
He enclosed his lips on hers, and kissed her passionately. He wanted her to know how much he truly cared for her. She pulled the back of his head towards her, deepening the kiss. Their breathing became erratic, and she began to frantically pull at his shirt buttons, until she paused in her actions. She reluctantly broke their connection, and leaned her forehead against his. She whispered "soon" into his mouth, and he just smiled and nodded at her.
He separated from their entanglement, and made his exit. He leaned against her apartment door, and just smiled to himself. He mulled over the events that transpired just over night, and a new plan popped into his head. He wanted to do something that was truly special for her, to show that he was serious about their relationship, and erase any doubt that may be clouding her mind.
BIANCA'S OFFICE
Mulder had set up a meeting for early the following week with Bianca. He had the draft of his second book, after spending his weekend with Scully, he had hit the final inspirational note that he needed. He had amended the underlying meaning of the book, and was thrilled with the rewrite.
"Hey come on in, I'm just finishing up a call." Bianca said distractedly as she let him into her office. She was always rushing around, completely preoccupied, but always made time for him.
He listened to her praise his newest novel to whatever co-publisher she was speaking to, and just smiled to himself. When she finally ended her call, she just looked at him, lips pursed with a speculative look on her face.
"Who's the girl?" Bianca asked bluntly.
"The what...? What are you talking about?" Mulder responded, failing to hide the guilty smirk on his face.
"Your second book was amazing, we have a lot of offers from people who just want a piece of it. It's also one of the greatest love stories fit into a science fiction genre that I've ever read. So, who's the girl?" She asked again with a glare.
"I guess my inspiration just found me a little more in touch with my sensitive side."
"Don't bullshit me, Mulder. I've known you too long. Come on, spill."
"Fine. She's someone I've been dating recently, if you must know. She's, uh, actually the muse Daniela Skye is based on..." He said, pretending to become interested in the magazine that was sitting on the table beside his chair.
"So, you broke our first rule? Not only did you break it, but you've got it bad." She said, flipping through his draft, shaking her head.
"Yes, okay. I broke my rule, but she's amazing. Every time our relationship progresses, I get this wave of inspiration that washes over me."
"As so very obvious by your love novel here. It was a great twist though, I don't know how you managed to keep the fluidity from the first book, and incorporate a love story. You amaze me, my friend." She said with a small smile on her face. "I've got another proposition for you."
"That's never a good thing." He said teasing.
"Yeah, and you probably won't like it. It's been suggested that you give an exclusive interview. A very behind the scenes look into the unknown author." She said timidly, but very matter of fact.
"Wouldn't that kind of completely go against the original plan here?"
"Yes, in a way. The interview would be like looking through your eyes. So, you would do the voiceover, read and answer the questions, and take us on a journey of your life. It would really only take you a day to film, and they want to premiere it next month with the preview of your newest book."
"Uh, yeah, I think I can make that work. This'll definitely be interesting." He said, stroking his chin in thought.
"It's probably best you don't include too many personal places, so it's easier to disguise who you are."
"I can probably shoot it at my parent's old house in the Vineyard. It's pretty secluded, and that would work well with my other plan." He said with a devious smirk.
"I don't even want to know, so I'm not asking. Have fun with it, let them get to know your dazzling personality." She said teasingly.
"It's almost as if you doubt me, I'm hurt, truly." He said teasing back. He enjoyed having a close friend in her.
"Whatever, they want it by next week, so you better get to it. Knowing you, there's going to be a lot of editing." She said with a grin, just before her phone line lit up again. He excused himself with a nod, and needed to put the next part of his plan in action.
QUANTICO, VA
DANA SCULLY'S LECTURE
Mulder made his way to surprise her at work. They hadn't really had a conversation about how to address their relationship since they had their first public date in front of her coworkers. He knew they made quite the statement, dancing close, and engaging in casual embraces throughout the evening. Though he still was unsure how she wanted to address them in her workplace, so he didn't want to overstep.
He quietly made his way down to the familiar lecture hall that will always hold a special place in his heart, and crept in through the back. He situated himself in the back row, slightly hidden, and was once again captivated by the passion she put behind her teachings. He watched her gracefully pace in the front of the room as she engaged with the class during a question and answer segment. She glanced towards his direction, and was caught off guard seeing Mulder sitting in the familiar spot. She tried to suppress the smirk forming on her face, and bit her lip to hide her smile.
Some of the students noticed the change in their professor, and subtly turned to see what had caused the shift in demeanor. One of the girls who walked in on them in her office noticed Mulder immediately and turned to get the attention of the other student present. They both giggled to themselves, and he just chuckled in amusement.
She had finally dismissed the class, and he stayed seated until the last student had made their exit. She pretended to be busy with the papers on her desk, waiting for him to make his move.
"Uh, hey, teacher, I have some questions about this assignment." He said as he glided towards her standing in the front of the room.
"And what assignment might that be that you need extra assistance with?" She said with a smirk on her face.
"I'm not understanding this anatomy homework, I'm more of a hands on learner." He said as he approached into her space and wrapped his arms around her waist. She rested her hands on his arms, and he let out his nervous breath, knowing she wasn't pulling away.
"Well, I suppose I could extend my office hours, to give you the extra needed attention." She said with a flirtatious gleam in her eyes.
"Remind me to give you a great course evaluation at the end of the year." He said as he leaned in to kiss her. She returned the kiss, and relaxed into his embrace.
"As much as I would love to stand here like this all day, I'm not really into public displays of affection. I have a reputation here, Scully." He said teasing her. She patted his arm playfully.
"Shut up, Mulder. What does bring you here this fine afternoon? How'd your meeting go with your publisher?" She inquired as she began to pack her belongings.
"It was great, she loves the second book, and apparently so do many other publishers. We have some high offers, so it's looking good." He said nonchalant.
"And you're still not going to let me read it?"
"All in good time, Scully. Anyway, she wants me to give an exclusive interview, like a 'through my eyes' kind of video. I was planning to film it up at my parent's old house in Martha's Vineyard, and was wondering if you'd like to accompany me this weekend." He said with his hands in his pockets, not meeting her eyes. He knew they had taken another step in their relationship, but he was fearful of her rejection of spending a weekend away together.
"I don't know, I'm extremely busy finding reasons to get out of my family interrogation dinner, although, that might just be the excuse I need." She said with a smirk on his face. He shot his head up, and smiled at her.
"Really?" He said in disbelief.
"It'll be fun. I can get someone to cover my Friday class, if you wanted to leave earlier." She said in a shy whisper.
"Sure, that sounds perfect. You'll love it up there." He said, stepping forward to kiss her again. Neither noticed that Davis had made his way into the room.
"You know, I'm almost hurt that I've known you for 6 years, and I've never been invited to more than a cheap dive bar." He said, causing them to step apart in surprise.
"Well, maybe if you were cuter, I'd buy you more than just what's on tap." Mulder said, composing himself.
"Always the cheap date." Davis teased back. "Dr. Scully, I was coming to ask if Friday would be a good day for a guest speaker, but now I know that it would be the perfect day for it. I assume your assistant can handle an introduction." He said, not even attempting to hide the amusement on his voice.
"Uh, yeah, that would work great. I think I'm going to be sick that day...Sir" She said as color rose to her cheeks.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll forward you the information so you can set the lesson plan for that day, you know, if you're not too sick." He said teasing. "I'll catch you both later. Have fun." He said with a smirk.
Scully looked at Mulder after Davis made his exit, and just let out a nervous breath. "I think he's just jealous." Mulder said, trying to calm her anxiety he could see building in her.
"I think he's more amused to see me so, different." She said with a chuckle.
"It's a good look on you. Although, I love to watch Dr. Scully teach, she's kinda hot." He said wagging his eyebrows at her.
"That's enough lessons for you today, I'll see you later?"
"Wouldn't miss it." He said as he kissed the tip of her nose and grabbed his jacket off her desk. Just as he was out of the door, he heard her small voice stop him.
"Uh, Mulder...you could, um, bring some stuff, to stay the night...if you want." She said sheepishly. He smiled and winked at her before making his final exit. He knew everything about his plan was working perfectly.
MARTHA'S VINEYARD
The week had passed quickly, and Mulder had spent a few more nights staying at Scully's apartment. She couldn't fully avoid an questioned filled lunch with her mother and sister, and just said she would be gone for the weekend without disclosing too much information. They wanted to pry, but knew she would just shut them out completely.
Mulder had picked her up early that morning, and they made their journey to the Vineyard. She was nervous about spending the weekend away with him, but her excitement shadowed any doubts that clouded her mind. He was excited to bring her here, and continue to put his plan into action.
"Mulder, it's absolutely stunning here." Scully said as she basked in the view. She explored the house, and stopped at the backdoor that lead out to the water. She took in the view, and smiled in the moment. He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame.
"Do you like it?" He said in a small whisper.
"It's gorgeous, I can't believe you grew up here."
"Yeah, this house definitely has some memories, I'm always open to making more, though." He leered at her. He felt her chuckle in response.
"I'm starting to think there were some ulterior motives to this weekend away." She teased back.
"Well I never, the audacity that you would even doubt my intentions." He feigned being hurt by her words.
"Mhm, save it. This was a great idea, thank you for bringing me here." She said as she turned to kiss him. She lingered in front of his face, and a sly grin spread over her face. "So where are those childhood photos?" She whispered into his mouth before escaping to find the hidden gems.
"Scully..." He pleaded. "Let's just remember turnabout is fair play, and your mom really likes me." He said, teasing her.
"I'll take my chances." She said as she situated herself with a photo album she found in the living room.
They spent the next few hours reliving the memories of Mulder's childhood, and she loved this small insight into his life. Eventually, they made their way to dinner, and strolled along the water afterward. Scully knew that this weekend would be special for them, but was nervous by what that actually meant. She felt her anxiety build as they made their way back to the house, but didn't want to ruin the mood of the weekend.
As they settled in for the evening, Mulder seemed relaxed and it eased Scully's apprehensions. When it was time to get ready for bed, her nervous energy was radiating enough for him to sense it.
"There's the bathroom right over there, I can get ready in the bathroom across the hall. Let me know if you need anything else." He said as he smiled and made his way. He spent enough time stalling, giving her space to calm down and get situated. When he made his way back into the room, she was sitting in the bed, waiting.
"I, uh, just took my normal side of the bed." She smiled sheepishly.
"Sure, no problem, Scully." He said as he slid in next to her. He kissed her and got himself comfortable in the bed. She let out a shaky breath, relieved that he meant it when he said he wasn't going to push her. She smiled to herself, knowing their time was coming soon, when she was ready. She cuddled into his side, and drifted off to sleep.
They spent the weekend galavanting around the Vineyard, and Mulder filmed some things along the way. He had set questions to ask and answer out loud while filming, and was told it was to be less than 20 minutes total. They had a fun and relaxed few days away from the hectic life in DC, and it was their last night. They agreed to head back early Monday morning, so Scully was back for her afternoon class.
She had intentions to make this weekend memorable for them, and their relationship, and had been nervous about it all weekend. Mulder had been more than understanding, but she wanted to give him this. She wasn't sure what was exactly holding her back, but knew she needed to surpass her fears, not that he was pressuring her in any way.
He had snuck away for a quick shower, and before she lost her nerve, she made her way upstairs to join him. She snuck in quietly, and shed her clothes, stepping into the water.
"Scully! Wha - what are you doing?" He asked, wide-eyed at her surprising actions.
"I - Mulder, I want this. I needed to do this, before I lost my courage. I don't know what's holding me back, but I'm not scared anymore." She said in a small voice.
"I meant what I said, everything is at your own pace. I didn't want you to think this weekend was about anything more." He said, rubbing her arms for reassurance. He slowly realized that wasn't the best idea, considering their current state of undress.
"I want this, I really do. I - I'm ready." She said as she stepped forward, leaning her naked body on his. She felt his erection grow against her, and a smirk appeared on her face. "And apparently so are you."
"You play a dirty game, but this is the last time I'm giving you an out. I'm losing my will power here by the minute." He said, glancing down at her body. She leaned up, and placed a chaste kiss on his lips, sealing her implication.
He immediately engulfed her into his arms, and held her against the shower wall. Their breathing became frantic, and their lips were melded together, their bodies becoming one. He managed to reach between them, and felt the slickness of her core. He knew she was ready, physically, but was still questioning the immediacy of her actions.
He reluctantly broke their kiss, and rested his forehead on her own. "Scully..." He whispered into her mouth, with a hint of question in his voice.
"Mulder...I want you...inside me..." She said in a breathy whisper. He nodded against her head, and lifted her into an easier position, causing her to wrap her legs around his hips. He teased his tip at her entrance, and she whimpered at the contact. "Mulder...please..."
He didn't need anymore reassurance, he entered her slowly, and heard her gasp in response. He gave her a minute to adjust, and they found their rhythm. They were both lost in the blissful sensation of their intimate entanglement, and he could feel her begin to tighten around him. He thrusted harder, and she moaned into his mouth. He reveled in watching her ride out her orgasm, just before he followed, emptying himself inside of her.
They both held onto each other, trying to compose themselves and their breathing, and she just smiled into his lingering mouth. She kissed him again, as she slid her wet body to a standing position.
"Definitely my new favorite memory in this house." He said in a breathy voice.
"Glad I could be of assistance. Mulder, that was..." She said, still trying to compose her breathing.
"Yeah...it was." He said with a grin on his face, before planting a kiss to her forehead. He knew he was captivated by this woman before, but now he was permanently hooked.
When it was time to leave early the next morning, they were both in a new peace with their relationship. Scully had found some sense of solace in her ability to push past her worries and take this step for the both of them.
"Oh, uh, I forgot to grab something, I'll meet you in the car." Mulder said, escaping back into the house cryptically. He went back inside, knowing where to find exactly what he was looking for. He unlocked the hidden safe, and smiled as he pulled out the small object. He buried it inside his jacket pocket, and made his way back outside.
"What did you need to get? You still came back empty handed." She asked suspiciously.
"I wouldn't say I'm coming back completely empty handed." He said smoothly, wagging his eyebrows at her, and avoiding the line of questioning. She just chuckled and shook her head, forgetting their initial conversation.
He smiled to himself, knowing the rest of his plan was working perfectly. He didn't expect Scully's shower surprise, that was just an added bonus. They made their journey home, and he relished in their newest development. He only had one final thing to film for his video interview, and knew it was the final step in moving his plan forward full force.
BOOK PREVIEW
It had been a month since their retreat to Martha's Vineyard, and they've progressed their relationship monumentally. He spent more nights staying over at her apartment, and their physical relationship only grew with desire. They both were completely lost in their emotions, and knew this was where they wanted to be.
Mulder's publisher had finalized everything for the second book preview and interview screening. They had another contest that allowed fans an inside look into the mysterious author.
"So how did the video turn out? Since you won't show me, or let me read any of your second book. I'm really starting to question your devotion." Scully said, feigning distress.
"You know, Scully, you're kinda cute when you try to play the guilt card." He said teasing back as they made their way into the crowd. She immediately recognized some of the faces, and was instantly confused.
"Mom, Tara, what are you guys doing here?" She asked in disbelief.
"Fox invited us, and offered to fly Tara out for the weekend. This is a great turn out, I'm excited to see the interview." Maggie responded with a gleam in her eyes.
"I'm excited for the preview of the second book! You know, if you ever feel the need to keep up the tradition of the first one, I'd be happy to take another advanced copy." Tara teased. He chuckled in response and kissed Scully's forehead before venturing off to find his team.
"So, did I behave enough for the video?" He asked as he approached.
"It definitely goes with the underlying theme of your book. You sure about this? Once it's airing, there's no turning back." Bianca said with amusement on her face.
"I'm sure. I just wanted to make sure everything was still going smoothly." He answered sheepishly.
"Boy, you are nervous. This is so entertaining. Remind me to get a great seat for the moment of the reveal." Bianca said teasing back. He just scoffed with a small laugh, and made his way back to Scully and her family.
"We should get seated, they're going to start the screening soon. Uh, I hope you don't mind if we sit in the back." He said timidly.
"I wouldn't expect you to sit anywhere else." She teased, unsure about his nervousness. "Hey, you okay?" She said as they sat down.
"Uh, I will be, hopefully. I'm, uh, just anxious I think." He said evasively. She was still skeptical, but let it slide as the video began to play.
The interview was an instant hit with the audience, and he smiled as he watched people react to his humor and life insight. It was the first time he had really had any kind of direct feedback to his work, considering his fans didn't know who he was. As the video was coming to its end, his anxiety began to build, waiting for his final scene. Scully could instantly feel him stiffen, and just grasped onto his hand for comfort. She wasn't sure what changed, but when she looked at him, she could see him swallow a large lump in his throat.
Before she could ask what was wrong, his voice filled the room again, and his words caused her to freeze.
There's a lot that contributes to my writing, depending on the vision I'm currently lost in, but the most important piece is my inspiration. I've had many muses that motivated my stories, but the one that captivates my very soul is the one that is my incentive for life. I only hope that she returns the sentiments. Perhaps that will be my next journey in this twisted, spooky world.
The video ended with an image of his hand fondling a small, velvet box that held a large, vintage ring. The audience expressed their sentiments at the gesture implied, and applauded as the screen went black.
Her mother and Tara were glancing her way, with a gleam in their eyes, fighting back emotions. Scully sat, shock still at the declaration, and didn't know how to respond in the moment. She just tightened the grip on his hand, and stared, wide-eyed, straight ahead. He became nervous at her silence, and tried to control his quickened heart beat.
"Scully...?"