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 - Language I think?
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: Sadly, I don't own these characters.

Today I received a review that asked me why I don't continue. I've been deathly ill (maybe I'm exaggerating) for the past few days, and planning my daughter's third birthday party. However, it is a rainy Canada day, and I promise to be less derelict in updating. I don't know how people write WIPs, because this is a complete story, and I can barely get it uploaded fast enough!

As always, thank you so very much for your reviews, and please do continue. I appreciate every word!

Chimera

"Hey Scully, what would you say to an all expenses paid getaway in an intimate little spot in the city?"

"Where in the city? And what do you mean by 'intimate little spot?'"

He should have known better than to think Scully would blindly swoon over the chance to be alone in a bedroom with him. Besides, she probably knew him too well.

"Okay, so it's more like a dump in a seedy part of town, but it does have a bed."

"God, Mulder, is this about that stupid ghost prostitute kidnapper?"

"Wait, Scully, I'm not the only one who is suspicious here. The PD has checked it out and they haven't been able to figure it out either. So, Skinner has approved the expense and we are all set for an old fashioned stakeout. Just you, me, and a fully furnished studio apartment."

Mulder was distracted about the prospect of solving a mystery that had been accepted by the local police. While they may not have bought his idea of something paranormal, they were stumped enough to go along with him, and the thrill of having proof for once was exhilarating.

The first night, he watched as Scully moped at the dining table, begrudgingly at once slice of greasy pizza, sat gingerly on the bed, trying to get some rest, then grumpily went down in the wee hours of the morning to find coffee. Somewhere in the back of his mind he thought he should take advantage of the time and privacy they had, but the telescope was too tempting, and he doubted Scully would get naked anywhere near those filthy sheets anyway.

To get back at her for being so crabby, he left without telling her who called. He really did consider it punishment, however, anytime he was separated from his partner.

Once upon a time, Mulder thought he wanted the perfect life. He married a big too young to a woman who was a bit too perfect. He thought maybe he could create the life he never had, but one he had seen countless times in television and played out for the public on Martha's Vineyard. Mom, Dad, and two beautiful children in tow. A wife who kept house impeccably, smiles and a delicious dinner when he got home, and a warm bed at night. He was disappointed when the dream faded and he woke to the harsh reality that more often than not, the image of a perfect family was all a façade, carefully constructed for the public. He didn't want to be the family who fought bitterly behind closed doors like his parents.

There was no perfect life, he realized. If life were perfect, his sister would never have left. His family would have never broken up. Scully would have never faced abduction or cancer or the loss of a child. Or, maybe he and Scully would have met under other circumstances. Maybe they could have gotten married, had a few kids, and could spend their nights arguing about aliens and making love.

But his sister was taken. Scully couldn't have children, and they never discussed marriage. He'd never even gotten her to bed.

"Hey, Scully, I think we should celebrate the fact that you solved the case in record time."

"I was highly motivated. You look particularly healthy, by the way. Glowing even."

"Yeah, well. It wasn't all great in the 'burbs."

"Oh yeah? I read your report. Sounds like you were doing alright. Isn't that every man's dream? A woman waiting on him hand and foot?"

"No, not ever man's dream. Hey, Scully, do you know how to cook a roast?"

"Sorry, Mulder. I don't think I'm cut out for the domestic life. If you want a full dinner spread you'll have to go to my mother's house."

"I love your mother, you know that, Scully."

"I'm sure."

"You know, uh, someone asked me if I had a significant other."

"Oh?"

"And, um, I was thinking, would you be my significant other?"

Scully giggled and he smiled wide.

"Are you asking me to go steady, Mulder?"

"I mean, I think it's time, don't you? Seven years is a good courtship period."

"Courtship?"

"I think it's time we moved it to the next level." He stood up, and moved very close to her. "Want to move to the next level, Scully?"

She did something very unexpected, and it quickly changed his teasing into something more… desirous. Her hand started flat low on his belly, right above his belt buckle and slowly slid up his torso until it came to a rest on his chest.

"Today's not a good day, Mulder. I've got, um, it's….."

He knew. He should have realized. He'd been with her long enough to recognize the signs, though he didn't understand why it happened, particularly when there was no chance of pregnancy.

"Oh. Well, let's get something to eat at least. Know anywhere we can get a real roast turkey with all the trimmings?"

"Trimmings?"

"You know, all the salads and the sauces and all those things."

"Um, I know where you can get a really great grilled salmon. Come on, Mulder. You owe me."

He wondered if he could wrangle them a vacation in a week or two. Work was seriously cutting into his personal life, and for once, he actually minded it.