Chapter Nine - A Night on the Town
Scully and Mulder's conversation about their plans for the evening was interrupted by a knock on the front door.
"Agnes" Mulder said. "Do you want me to answer it or you?"
"I will" Scully said walking slowly to the door wondering exactly what she would say to Agnes when she opened it.
Agnes was obviously surprised to see Scully open the door. Apparently she expected Mulder to do so in order to keep his request a secret.
Scully put on a sad/weary face and smiled weakly at Agnes. "Hello Agnes, I see you brought the tea that Richard spoke to you about."
Agnes saw the look on Scully's face and took her hand and pulled her outside in order to speak with her in private.
"My dear, I am so sorry that he is putting you through all this. Your job is causing you anxiety and yet he expects you to take him to your bed every night."
"And morning" Scully said actually enjoying the role she was playing.
"Goodness, that man is full of energy, isn't he? Are you sure you wouldn't want me to brew something up for him. To calm him down at bit?"
"No Agnes, I will try this. Hopefully this will make things better between us. And keep Richard from.." Scully stopped looking embarrassed.
"Keep Richard from what?" Agnes asked. Scully was pleased to see that she was lapping up her story the way a cat laps up milk.
"From cheating on me. He is a very attractive man you know. Woman just flock to him."
Agnes look went from concern to one of anger. "Well, we'll see to it that doesn't happen"
Scully nodded her thanks and said goodbye to Agnes. She walked back into the house and leaned against the door trying hard not to laugh.
"Nicely done Jodi" Mulder said.
"You heard it?"
"The whole thing. Glad to know you think I am attractive." He teased.
"I don't Jodi does" Scully retorted.
Scully and Mulder both went upstairs to prepare for their big evening out. They didn't say a word to each other as they quickly moved around the bedroom picking out the clothes they would wear.
Scully gathered together her stack of clothes and went into the bathroom to change while Mulder quickly changed in the bedroom. He stood in front of the mirror for awhile looking at himself - something he rarely did.
Smiling at his reflection, he had to admit to himself that he was actually nervous about spending the evening with Scully. He told himself not to be so stupid that the woman with whom he was spending the evening was just his partner, his best friend, his make-believe wife.
"Who I promised to kiss before the end of the evening." Mulder thought to himself groaning and sitting down on the bed.
"I must be an absolute nutcase" he thought "this case is going to put enough strain on our relationship without me having to play the romantic. What the hell was I thinking? What if that one simple little gesture ruins everything? What if."
Mulder was interrupted by the sound of Scully quietly clearing her throat. She stood over him as he sat on the bed with an amused smile on her face. She knew perfectly well that Mulder would start overanalyzing things and work himself into a tizzy.
"Is having a simple dinner with me that depressing to you?" she said, obviously teasing him.
Mulder looked up at her and all the thoughts he was just having left his head. Scully was wearing the little black top he had teased her about before they left DC and looked absolutely stunning.
No, not stunning - as sexy as hell and it scared Mulder even more.
"No, it's not you" Mulder lied knowing that Scully would know he was lying "I was just thinking about how to rationalize tonight's dinner on our expense report."
"Oh yeah" Scully said stepping back so Mulder could stand up. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see" Mulder said motioning for her to precede him out of the room. "Are you ready to go to dinner Jodi?"
"As ready as I will ever be Richard"
Before changing for dinner Mulder and Scully had decided that it would be safer, in more ways than one, if they portrayed themselves and Mr. and Mrs. Buckland for the evening. Not only would this help them from blowing their cover, but it also get them each a false identity to hide behind if things got out of hand between them.
The Minneapolis area of Minnesota is blessed with a wide variety of lakes and Mulder had picked a secluded restaurant located right on the shore of one of the larger ones.
Scully raised her eyebrows in appreciation as they walked into the restaurant. It was decorated in the kind of subdued elegance that made her think for a second that maybe Mulder was worried about this meal showing up on their expense account.
Their table by the window not only gave them the privacy they wanted but a spectacular view of the lake. The view was enhanced even more by the long shadows made by the sun slowly beginning to set.
"Mul.Richard, what a wonderful surprise." Scully said putting the napkin in her lap and then picking up her menu. "How did you find this place?"
"The Lone Gunman. I promised Frohike a picture of you in the black bathing suit if he could find me the perfect restaurant."
Scully gave him a feeble attempt at a glare and then just laughed. "If the food here tastes as good as I think it will, I may just pose for that picture."
Scully and Mulder then dropped into silence as they looked over the menu and ordered their food. Mulder opted for steak while Scully picked chicken.
Mulder then surprised her by ordering a very good, yet very expensive bottle of wine.
"Richard" she said trying to sound like the scolding wife but not succeeding too well "are you sure that wine is within our budget:?"
"Jodi" he responded taking her hand and pressing his lips gently against it. "Nothing is too good for my wife."
He put her hand down and then as if just realizing what he had done, let go of it and stared out the window.
Scully felt just as awkward, even though she admitted to herself that she found the gesture very sweet. She was very happy when the wine arrived and there was an excuse to break the silence.
Mulder tasted the wine and finding it to his liking motioned for the wine steward to pour it out. Scully tasted it and was also impressed.
"Did Frohike tell you which wine to buy as well?"
Mulder looked a bit embarrassed. "He wasn't the one who taught me about wines."
Scully noticed that Mulder was hesitating and said "Then who did?"
"Phoebe" Mulder said suddenly becoming interested in a small piece of lint on the table. "She always liked surrounding herself with the best. She and I spent a week in France learning all we could about the stuff. Comes in handy every once in a while."
At the mention of Phoebe's name, Mulder noticed that Scully's eyes showed a small amount of emotion and then nothing has she once again raised up her defenses.
They sat in relative silence for awhile being somewhat at a loss at what to talk about. They couldn't talk about the FBI or their case and neither one was ready to talk about anything too personal - like their relationship. So they sipped their wine in silence both worrying and wondering about whether or not this was a good idea.
"Jodi" Mulder started not being able to take the uncomfortable mood any longer "are you sorry we went out tonight? We can eat quickly and go back to the house if you would like."
Scully smiled "What, and missed all those fabulous desserts? Not on your life. If I promise to be better company, can we stay? Please.please.please?"
"I love it when you beg" Mulder said good humor restored. "Let you tell me about the rest of my conversation with Frohike."
The rest of the meal went smoothly enough with Mulder entertaining Scully with stories of his antics (without Phoebe) while his was at Oxford and Langley's hidden desire to meet Leonard Nimoy in person."
Scully laughed at Mulder's stories and realized that this was probably the first time that they had ever spent time together not talking about a case or dealing with one or the other of them lying in a hospital.
It was fun. It was nice. Very nice.
Scully thought that she could get used it.
Mulder too enjoyed himself more than he thought and was sad to see the meal come to an end. Not only did they both enjoy their dinners and dessert but they managed to easily put away the entire bottle of wine.
Scully, whose glass Mulder had been continually topping off , found herself feeling just a bit wobbly.
Mulder seemed to notice too and gallantly offered her his arm. She shot him a bit of a dirty look but took the arm anyway and allowed him to lead her out of the restaurant.
Neither of them noticed the woman sitting in at the bar watching them very carefully. The woman smiled to herself, paid her tab and followed them out of the restaurant.
Instead of heading back to the car, Mulder and Scully began to stroll along the shore of the lake taking a path that appeared to go all around the lake.
Mulder removed Scully from his arm opting to take her hand instead. They walked in silence just enjoying the reflection of the full moon on the lake as it began to rise and being with each other.
After walking for about 10 minutes they reached a deserted stretch of beach. Not wanting to ruin her new sandals, Scully walked over to a good- sized rock that was perched on the beach and sat down to remove them.
Once off her feet, she took a moment to savor the wonderful feeling of the cooling sand between her toes. She stood up and walked over to the edge of the lake and stuck one toe in.
"Cold" she said to Mulder who had come up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She jerked ever so slightly at his actions but then allowed herself to sink into his warmth.
"Beautiful isn't it?" she said looking out at the still lake glowing in the moonlight.
"Even more beautiful in the moonlight" Mulder pulling her a bit closer and settling his chin on her head. Scully swallowed hard as she realized that Mulder wasn't talking about the lake.
Mulder couldn't help but think how wonderful Scully felt leaning up against him. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to kiss her right then and there and then throw her down on the sand and show her just how wonderful he felt.
But that wouldn't be right - Scully had set the rules and he had given his word.
"Hey" he said "do you think that Fox and Dana will ever get to the place where Jodi and Richard are?"
"I don't know." She replied sighing a bit before continuing "Fox and Dana seem to be in a whole different place with a whole different set of pressures on them. I don't know if they could ever take the time to just 'be' with each other."
"You may be right. But maybe when we get back to DC I will look Fox up and give him some pointers. Do you think it would do any good?"
Scully paused and thought before answering. It was clear that Mulder, whose insecurity was showing up big time, was trying to test the waters with her to see if maybe they could take their relationship to another level when the case was done.
"It might" she said finally "That Dana is a pretty sensible woman most of the time."
Scully felt Mulder relax a bit at her words and she closed her eyes and just enjoyed being with him.
The woman from the restaurant peered at them from her spot behind the trees. She thought to herself how cute they were standing along the edge of the lake. But even so, she couldn't help but feel that they were hiding something from either each other - or her.
End of Chapter Nine - next up the kiss.. Will it lead to more?????
Scully and Mulder's conversation about their plans for the evening was interrupted by a knock on the front door.
"Agnes" Mulder said. "Do you want me to answer it or you?"
"I will" Scully said walking slowly to the door wondering exactly what she would say to Agnes when she opened it.
Agnes was obviously surprised to see Scully open the door. Apparently she expected Mulder to do so in order to keep his request a secret.
Scully put on a sad/weary face and smiled weakly at Agnes. "Hello Agnes, I see you brought the tea that Richard spoke to you about."
Agnes saw the look on Scully's face and took her hand and pulled her outside in order to speak with her in private.
"My dear, I am so sorry that he is putting you through all this. Your job is causing you anxiety and yet he expects you to take him to your bed every night."
"And morning" Scully said actually enjoying the role she was playing.
"Goodness, that man is full of energy, isn't he? Are you sure you wouldn't want me to brew something up for him. To calm him down at bit?"
"No Agnes, I will try this. Hopefully this will make things better between us. And keep Richard from.." Scully stopped looking embarrassed.
"Keep Richard from what?" Agnes asked. Scully was pleased to see that she was lapping up her story the way a cat laps up milk.
"From cheating on me. He is a very attractive man you know. Woman just flock to him."
Agnes look went from concern to one of anger. "Well, we'll see to it that doesn't happen"
Scully nodded her thanks and said goodbye to Agnes. She walked back into the house and leaned against the door trying hard not to laugh.
"Nicely done Jodi" Mulder said.
"You heard it?"
"The whole thing. Glad to know you think I am attractive." He teased.
"I don't Jodi does" Scully retorted.
Scully and Mulder both went upstairs to prepare for their big evening out. They didn't say a word to each other as they quickly moved around the bedroom picking out the clothes they would wear.
Scully gathered together her stack of clothes and went into the bathroom to change while Mulder quickly changed in the bedroom. He stood in front of the mirror for awhile looking at himself - something he rarely did.
Smiling at his reflection, he had to admit to himself that he was actually nervous about spending the evening with Scully. He told himself not to be so stupid that the woman with whom he was spending the evening was just his partner, his best friend, his make-believe wife.
"Who I promised to kiss before the end of the evening." Mulder thought to himself groaning and sitting down on the bed.
"I must be an absolute nutcase" he thought "this case is going to put enough strain on our relationship without me having to play the romantic. What the hell was I thinking? What if that one simple little gesture ruins everything? What if."
Mulder was interrupted by the sound of Scully quietly clearing her throat. She stood over him as he sat on the bed with an amused smile on her face. She knew perfectly well that Mulder would start overanalyzing things and work himself into a tizzy.
"Is having a simple dinner with me that depressing to you?" she said, obviously teasing him.
Mulder looked up at her and all the thoughts he was just having left his head. Scully was wearing the little black top he had teased her about before they left DC and looked absolutely stunning.
No, not stunning - as sexy as hell and it scared Mulder even more.
"No, it's not you" Mulder lied knowing that Scully would know he was lying "I was just thinking about how to rationalize tonight's dinner on our expense report."
"Oh yeah" Scully said stepping back so Mulder could stand up. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see" Mulder said motioning for her to precede him out of the room. "Are you ready to go to dinner Jodi?"
"As ready as I will ever be Richard"
Before changing for dinner Mulder and Scully had decided that it would be safer, in more ways than one, if they portrayed themselves and Mr. and Mrs. Buckland for the evening. Not only would this help them from blowing their cover, but it also get them each a false identity to hide behind if things got out of hand between them.
The Minneapolis area of Minnesota is blessed with a wide variety of lakes and Mulder had picked a secluded restaurant located right on the shore of one of the larger ones.
Scully raised her eyebrows in appreciation as they walked into the restaurant. It was decorated in the kind of subdued elegance that made her think for a second that maybe Mulder was worried about this meal showing up on their expense account.
Their table by the window not only gave them the privacy they wanted but a spectacular view of the lake. The view was enhanced even more by the long shadows made by the sun slowly beginning to set.
"Mul.Richard, what a wonderful surprise." Scully said putting the napkin in her lap and then picking up her menu. "How did you find this place?"
"The Lone Gunman. I promised Frohike a picture of you in the black bathing suit if he could find me the perfect restaurant."
Scully gave him a feeble attempt at a glare and then just laughed. "If the food here tastes as good as I think it will, I may just pose for that picture."
Scully and Mulder then dropped into silence as they looked over the menu and ordered their food. Mulder opted for steak while Scully picked chicken.
Mulder then surprised her by ordering a very good, yet very expensive bottle of wine.
"Richard" she said trying to sound like the scolding wife but not succeeding too well "are you sure that wine is within our budget:?"
"Jodi" he responded taking her hand and pressing his lips gently against it. "Nothing is too good for my wife."
He put her hand down and then as if just realizing what he had done, let go of it and stared out the window.
Scully felt just as awkward, even though she admitted to herself that she found the gesture very sweet. She was very happy when the wine arrived and there was an excuse to break the silence.
Mulder tasted the wine and finding it to his liking motioned for the wine steward to pour it out. Scully tasted it and was also impressed.
"Did Frohike tell you which wine to buy as well?"
Mulder looked a bit embarrassed. "He wasn't the one who taught me about wines."
Scully noticed that Mulder was hesitating and said "Then who did?"
"Phoebe" Mulder said suddenly becoming interested in a small piece of lint on the table. "She always liked surrounding herself with the best. She and I spent a week in France learning all we could about the stuff. Comes in handy every once in a while."
At the mention of Phoebe's name, Mulder noticed that Scully's eyes showed a small amount of emotion and then nothing has she once again raised up her defenses.
They sat in relative silence for awhile being somewhat at a loss at what to talk about. They couldn't talk about the FBI or their case and neither one was ready to talk about anything too personal - like their relationship. So they sipped their wine in silence both worrying and wondering about whether or not this was a good idea.
"Jodi" Mulder started not being able to take the uncomfortable mood any longer "are you sorry we went out tonight? We can eat quickly and go back to the house if you would like."
Scully smiled "What, and missed all those fabulous desserts? Not on your life. If I promise to be better company, can we stay? Please.please.please?"
"I love it when you beg" Mulder said good humor restored. "Let you tell me about the rest of my conversation with Frohike."
The rest of the meal went smoothly enough with Mulder entertaining Scully with stories of his antics (without Phoebe) while his was at Oxford and Langley's hidden desire to meet Leonard Nimoy in person."
Scully laughed at Mulder's stories and realized that this was probably the first time that they had ever spent time together not talking about a case or dealing with one or the other of them lying in a hospital.
It was fun. It was nice. Very nice.
Scully thought that she could get used it.
Mulder too enjoyed himself more than he thought and was sad to see the meal come to an end. Not only did they both enjoy their dinners and dessert but they managed to easily put away the entire bottle of wine.
Scully, whose glass Mulder had been continually topping off , found herself feeling just a bit wobbly.
Mulder seemed to notice too and gallantly offered her his arm. She shot him a bit of a dirty look but took the arm anyway and allowed him to lead her out of the restaurant.
Neither of them noticed the woman sitting in at the bar watching them very carefully. The woman smiled to herself, paid her tab and followed them out of the restaurant.
Instead of heading back to the car, Mulder and Scully began to stroll along the shore of the lake taking a path that appeared to go all around the lake.
Mulder removed Scully from his arm opting to take her hand instead. They walked in silence just enjoying the reflection of the full moon on the lake as it began to rise and being with each other.
After walking for about 10 minutes they reached a deserted stretch of beach. Not wanting to ruin her new sandals, Scully walked over to a good- sized rock that was perched on the beach and sat down to remove them.
Once off her feet, she took a moment to savor the wonderful feeling of the cooling sand between her toes. She stood up and walked over to the edge of the lake and stuck one toe in.
"Cold" she said to Mulder who had come up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She jerked ever so slightly at his actions but then allowed herself to sink into his warmth.
"Beautiful isn't it?" she said looking out at the still lake glowing in the moonlight.
"Even more beautiful in the moonlight" Mulder pulling her a bit closer and settling his chin on her head. Scully swallowed hard as she realized that Mulder wasn't talking about the lake.
Mulder couldn't help but think how wonderful Scully felt leaning up against him. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to kiss her right then and there and then throw her down on the sand and show her just how wonderful he felt.
But that wouldn't be right - Scully had set the rules and he had given his word.
"Hey" he said "do you think that Fox and Dana will ever get to the place where Jodi and Richard are?"
"I don't know." She replied sighing a bit before continuing "Fox and Dana seem to be in a whole different place with a whole different set of pressures on them. I don't know if they could ever take the time to just 'be' with each other."
"You may be right. But maybe when we get back to DC I will look Fox up and give him some pointers. Do you think it would do any good?"
Scully paused and thought before answering. It was clear that Mulder, whose insecurity was showing up big time, was trying to test the waters with her to see if maybe they could take their relationship to another level when the case was done.
"It might" she said finally "That Dana is a pretty sensible woman most of the time."
Scully felt Mulder relax a bit at her words and she closed her eyes and just enjoyed being with him.
The woman from the restaurant peered at them from her spot behind the trees. She thought to herself how cute they were standing along the edge of the lake. But even so, she couldn't help but feel that they were hiding something from either each other - or her.
End of Chapter Nine - next up the kiss.. Will it lead to more?????