Title: Things That Make Mulder Wonder or The Enigma That Is Dana Scully
Category: X-Files (MSR)
Summary: A whole pile of post-eps for episodes in season 6 and 7 (not necessarily every episode), revolving around Mulder's thoughts, particularly about Scully.
Rating: PG (some sexual situations) - this might change per chapter
Spoilers: Spoilers up to seasons 6 and 7. You'll know if you read the title of each chapter which episode it pertains to.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Sometimes I wish I did, sometimes I think it's better I don't. They'd be having too much sex.

A/N: I am so very sorry for the delay in updating. When real life wants to get in the way, it *really* gets in the way!

For anyone who didn't particularly like the Emily section of the last story: I feel like the show kind of swept Emily under the table after a while. I mean, Scully really, truly believed that Emily was her daughter. She loved her. This wasn't just some kid she was trying to help. Therefore, I can't imagine that she wouldn't want to visit her every single chance she got. Despite the (very, very stupid and very, very annoying) sometimes fandom belief that Scully is an "Ice Queen," I strongly disagree. I think she feels very deeply. She is also very insecure in her private life, or just an extremely private person, and doesn't share her feelings as openly as others might. Put her next to Mulder who wears his heart on his sleeve and constantly speaks his mind, and the effect is even more exaggerated.

Anyway, sorry for that digression. I just wanted to clear that up. And also clear up that no where ever in the X-Files was Scully ever called the Ice Queen, nor does she ever deserve that title.

On with the show! Oh, and thank you so very, very much for feedback. I love it. I crave it. So if you have something to say, please do. It's the only payment I need :)


Signs and Wonders

Very shortly after returning from their previous case, Mulder found something he found intriguing, particularly since he recently had a conversation about religion with Scully. He hoped she didn't feel truly insulted; he wasn't trying to be facetious, but he just couldn't understand really why one interpretation of a religious book was better than another. It was similar to how some people who looked to the stars for life were considered scientists, and some were considered nut jobs.

He wondered if Scully noticed he'd been looking at her differently, because he was looking at her differently. He couldn't shake the amazement that he'd kissed her so easily, almost naturally, and so many times now. He also wondered if this meant they were in a relationship. He wondered if they were exclusive, because he didn't want Scully interested in any more psychos.

"I hate snakes, Mulder."

"I hate them too, Scully. You know, it's a fear that many people share, despite the fact that not too many have seen a snake in the wild, particularly a poisonous snake. It could be a biological throwback to the days when our ancestors lived out in the open and had to be cautious of these things slithering around."

"Thanks for the anthropology lesson, Mulder."

"Anytime. Oh, hey, freshly made ice cream." Mulder pulled off the side of the road, recalling the last time they had fun with an ice cream cone of sorts.

"Mulder…."

"Come on, Scully. It's a nice day. Live a little."

"Where have I heard that before?" he heard her grumbled. He loved a grumpy Scully. It gave him ample opportunity to cheer her up.

"Hi," Mulder said to the man behind the stall. It consisted of buckets of ice cream in a cooler powered by a gas generator. The smell of diesel was strong. "Do you have any toffuti rice dreamcicles?"

"Mulder," Scully chided, hitting his arm and trying not to smile.

"Uh, no, actually I'll have a scoop of vanilla. Scully?"

"I'll have vanilla, too. A small scoop."

After he paid, they got back into the car and onto the road. "Creamy, huh?" he said, licking the rapidly melting cone. "Fuck."

"What? Oh, Mulder."

"Pass me some tissues, Scully," wiping at the spilled ice cream.

"No amount of tissues is going to fix that. Pull over, Mulder. Change your shirt."

He did as he was told, pulling over and shaking the ice cream off of his tie. He rifled through his bag in the trunk and pulled out a dark shirt, taking his off, and putting it on.

"No tie?" she asked as he sat down.

"I'm not putting it on now."

Out of the corner of his eye he caught her looking at him. "What?" he said. "What? Do I have ice cream somewhere else?"

"That's a nice look for you, Mulder. Office casual. You look less federal agent and more… computer salesman."

He laughed. "Computer salesman? Think I could pass for a backwoods bible thumper?"

"No, Mulder. Maybe a backwoods computer salesman."

"Should I get a tie?"

"No. I like it." She reached out and touched his collar, right where his top button was undone. He felt her fingers graze his neck. He took her hand and kissed it.

"Let's go, Scully. We've got some snakes to charm."

Mulder was so interested in impressing Scully he didn't wear a tie during the entire case. When she sat on his hospital bed, he wondered if he could manage to convince her to partake in one of his long-standing fantasies.

He took her hand. "So, Scully, you know, the doctor gave me the all clear."

"I know. I spoke to him outside."

"This bed lies flat, too."

He pulled her body against his and pressed a button on the bed.

"Mulder," she giggled, as the bed lowered with the both of them. He loved the sound.

"Seriously, Scully. A clean bill of health. My heart is pumping healthy blood. No venom in me. I'm ready for some strenuous activity."

She gave him a look that made his insides flutter. He wondered when he started having that reaction to her. It seemed to happen quite a lot lately. "Maybe when you get out of here, okay?" She kissed his lips. "Those snake bites were very dangerous, Mulder. You could have been in very serious condition if they hadn't had the right anti-venom here."

"You said it. I'm alive."

"Yes, you are. Stay like that a little longer and you'll probably get lucky very soon, too. For now: sleep. The doctor will probably discharge you tomorrow so I'll be by to pick you up and we can finally head back home." She kissed him once more. "Goodnight, Mulder."

He sighed and watched her leave. He wondered how much longer he would have to wait, if fate would continue to step in the way. He wondered if he'd have any more near death experiences, or, god forbid, Scully had any.

More importantly, he wondered how soon was 'soon to get lucky.'