Chapter Four - Off To The Big City
Mulder walked to his office early Monday morning eager to put the weekend behind him and to start the week. With the exception of Scully's unexpected visit late Friday night, the weekend had been relatively uneventful.
He had begun to pick up the phone and to call her at least a dozen times but then thought better of it. He had stated his case to her and now the ball was in her court.
She could come to him.
But what if she didn't?
Mulder put the thought out of his head when he heard the sound of her heels coming down the hall. Glancing at his watch he noticed that she too was running a bit early - at least she wasn't avoiding him.
"Good morning Mulder" Scully said brightly presenting him with a huge cup of coffee and a small paper bag. "Happy Monday"
Mulder frowned when he took the coffee from her and quickly peeked inside the bag where he discovered not one but two of his favorite donuts. "What's up with all of this Scully? Are you trying to soften me up?"
"Come on Mulder, is it really that unusual for me to do something nice for you?"
"Recently, it has been. You have been avoiding me like the plague."
"Well, maybe I feel bad about that and want to make it up to you."
Mulder thought a second and then took a large bite out of the first donut. He chewed and swallowed but paused to speak before taking another bite. "You know you have been pretty crappy for a couple of weeks now but I think another few days of this kind of service will more than make up for it."
At that comment Scully calmly walked over and gave Mulder a small smack on the side of the head.
Scully made no comment on the conversations that had taken place over the weekend, but Mulder could tell immediately that she was much more at ease around him. He decided, however, not to broach the subject of them dating again quite yet.
The rest of the week passed in much the same fashion. Every morning Scully brought Mulder coffee and donuts and every morning Mulder teased her about how much longer it would be until he found a way to forgive her.
It wasn't until Thursday, though, that Mulder felt confident enough to mention getting together over the upcoming weekend.
"Hey Scully" he said as he piled Chinese takeout into his mouth "Got any plans for the weekend?"
Scully swallowed her bite of chicken before replying. "No, I don't think so, why?"
"Well, a couple of my buddies from Oxford are in New York hosting a philosophy seminar and I thought I would go up and visit them." He took a drink of soda and continued "and I was wondering if you would like to come with me?"
Scully stopped mid-chew and looked at him not saying anything.
Mulder took this to be a negative reaction and muttered practically under his breath "I thought it would be nice if they could meet you."
Scully continued her chewing, took a long drink of diet soda. "Would I be traveling as your partner?" she said glancing over at him.
"No, I thought it would be kind of fun to just act like a regular couple for a change."
Scully nodded contemplating whether or not to take another bite. "A couple huh?". She saw his face fall as he anticipated her rejection and plopped another piece of chicken into her mouth. "Are we driving" she said as she chewed "or flying?"
Mulder perked up immediately "I thought it would be more romantic to take the train. Give us a change to unwind a bit and..you know. talk."
Scully was still chewing but nodded. "Do I get my own room?" she asked.
"Scully, you can have whatever you want?" Mulder said trying to hide his enthusiasm.
"Does that include a visit to Saks Fifth Avenue and the chocolate shop in Rockefeller Center?"
Mulder laughed. "Only if you let me pick out something frilly for you to wear."
It was settled. They would leave on the 2pm train Friday afternoon getting into the City in time to settle into their hotel rooms and enjoy a late dinner. They would hook up with Mulder's friends on Saturday morning.
Mulder managed to even talk Skinner into giving them Monday off because of the overtime they had put in during their stay in Minnesota.
Amtrak lobby
Scully arrived first pulling her suitcase behind her wondering again exactly why she had agreed to this weekend away with Mulder.
Hadn't she spent the entire previous weekend convincing herself to proceed very slowly and very cautiously with him.
All that good planning had gone out the window when she saw the look of defeat in his eyes.
She looked around the waiting area but there was no sign of Mulder. She glanced at her watch - she was a bit early, even for her.
She pulled her bag slowly behind her as she began to peer into the windows of the many small shops that lined the waiting area. She was looking at a very skimpy nightdress in one window when she felt someone coming up behind her.
"I will be happy to buy that for you Scully?" Mulder said looking over her head into the shop window.
Scully blushed and quickly changed the subject. "Do you have our tickets Mulder?"
Mulder patted his jacket. "Right here. But the train hasn't arrived yet. Why don't we sit down and make ourselves comfortable while we wait."
They sat and Mulder told her about his two friends Charlie and Randy. They had been friends since his second year at Oxford. They had studied psychology and philosophy and were not only published authors, but were on the lecture circuit as well.
Charlie and Randy would be in New York for several months while they toured the East Coast before returning to London.
Their train was announced and Scully and Mulder boarded it. Surprisingly it was relatively empty and they managed to find a pair of double seats facing across from each other.
As soon as the train began moving and their tickets collected, Scully kicked off her practical black pumps and started to rub her tired feet.
"Allow me" Mulder said patting his lap
Scully gave him a quizzical look then put her feet up in his lap. He took the first one between his two hands and began to massage it deeply.
Scully's eyes practically rolled to the back of her head it felt so good. "Mulder, how come I never knew about this" she said blissfully barely able to keep her eyes open.
"Because until now you have only dealt with Fox Mulder Special Agent extraordinaire" This comment elicited a snort from Scully.
"But now you are being treated to Fox Mulder kind and attentive potential boyfriend." He tried to say this as lightly as he could. His head was down so he could see what he was doing but he managed a peek at Scully.
She sat the same with her head back looking actually quite relaxed. "If you like this Scully, you should experience one of my back rubs."
Scully slowly opened her eyes and looked at him. They were several shades darker than normal and bore right through him.
"Mulder, shame on you for keeping such things from me." She smiled wickedly at him and closed her eyes again.
Mulder finished off the foot rub and Scully regretfully curled her legs up under her in an attempt to get warm. The air conditioning was running full blast and even with her light sweater she was getting chilled.
Mulder saw her feeble attempts at warming herself up and finally motioned to the seat next to him. "Come here Scully" he said "let me warm you up a bit."
Scully said nothing seeming to weigh her options but the thought of being warm won out. She plopped herself down next to Mulder surprised to find him so warm.
"You're hot" she said stating the obvious.
"Why thank you Scully, I think you're hot too." He joked wrapping an arm around her.
Scully gave him a playful slap before snuggling in a bit closer. They sat there in silence and within a few minutes Mulder noticed that Scully had fallen asleep against him.
He smiled down at her sleeping form and gave her a chaste kiss on the top of the head. "So much for talking" he said to himself as he contented himself to look out the window instead.
They arrived at Penn Station at the height of rush hour. Scully wanted to take the subway up to Central Park and their hotel, but Mulder wouldn't hear of it.
"We are on vacation Scully" he scolded her "taxis all the way."
Scully rolled her eyes at him but gave in. "Okay Mulder, but you have to let me start paying for something."
They were walking down the middle of the street and Mulder abruptly stopped and turned to her. "You are not paying for a thing Scully."
She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. "I invited you up here so that makes you my guest. I am paying for everything, is that clear?"
It wasn't at all, but Scully was smart enough not to argue the point on 34th Street with hundreds of people rushing past her. She would correct the situation once they got to the hotel.
She couldn't keep totally quiet though as she rushed to keep up with him as he strode down the street. He stopped to hail a taxi and she rushed up next to him.
"But Mulder, New York is so expensive. I can't let you pay for everything."
Mulder opened the door to the taxi that had just stopped and allowed her to enter first. He supervised the placement of their luggage in the truck and then joined her.
He smiled at her. "Unknown Fox Mulder fact number two" he began after giving the driver their hotel name. "My mother comes from money. Lots of it."
Scully didn't appear to understand what this meant so he continued. "I am loaded Scully."
"Oh" she said.
He laughed at her shocked expression. "Who knows what else you will find out this weekend Scully."
They arrived at their hotel and it took all of Scully's willpower not to stare at it like some tourist in the big city for the first time. After spending more nights than she cared to remember in flea-bitten motels with her partner, she assumed they would be staying at one of the less expensive hotel chains.
The hotel in front of which she was standing was huge, ornate and judging by the multiple doormen out front very expensive.
She thought for a moment that maybe she would let Mulder pay for at least the hotel. "A couple nights here will equal my monthly rent" she thought to herself as she followed Mulder into the lobby.
"My family always stayed here when we came to town" he explained as he walked over to the receptionist and checked in. "It was my mother's favorite."
"Really?" Scully said as she looked around the room taking in the lavish furnishing and huge crystal chandelier. "It's certainly is beautiful."
"I'm glad you think so Scully" he said softly as he signed his name and took their two room keys. "I managed to get us side by side rooms with an adjoining balcony. I hope that is okay."
"Sounds perfect" Scully said following him to the elevator.
Mulder handed Scully her room key and went into his own room leaving her to get situated. She slid the plastic key card through the lock and opened the door.
Her jaw almost hit the floor. The room was absolutely gorgeous.
The room featured a small sitting area (with fireplace), French doors out to the balcony, and a bathroom complete with whirlpool. The highlight, however, was the four poster king size bed.
It was lavishly covered and was adorned with a least a dozen pillows of different sizes and textures.
"So this is how the wealthy live. Who knew?" she said to herself.
Scully was about to unpack when she caught a glimpse of the view through the French doors. She stepped out onto the balcony and first the second time within five minutes her jaw dropped open.
The view was spectacular. The balcony overlooked Central Park and its surrounding buildings which were just beginning to be illuminated.
Scully still was one hundred percent sure that coming here with Mulder had been a good idea, but she had to give the man credit. He definitely knew how make a good impression.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a discreet knock on the door followed by Mulder letting himself in. He joined Scully on the balcony leaning over the railing like a kid trying to get the best view possible.
"It's beautiful Mulder" Scully said when he straightened himself back up. "Thank you."
Mulder smiled at her enjoying the somewhat dazzled look she still had on her face. It was rare that he talked about the family fortune and even rarer that he actually tapped into it.
He was glad he splurged for this weekend. Scully was definitely worth it.
"Are you hungry?" Mulder said trying to speak over the growling sound coming from his own stomach.
"Starving." Scully replied tactfully ignoring the sound.
"Great - I know this great place where they serve Middle Eastern food where you sit on the floor and eat with your fingers." He said leading her towards the door.
"You aren't going to try and get me to eat bugs again are you?" Scully said giving him a skeptical look.
"No, I am not and besides bugs are better testing than you would think."
Dinner was superb. They were seated in a dark corner of the restaurant and were serenaded by local music as they fed each other with their fingers and laughed at the mess they made of themselves.
Despite her reservations about making the trip, Scully was thoroughly enjoying herself. Although she enjoyed Mulder's company most of the time, the relaxed Mulder sitting across from her was even more charming that the one with whom she shared an office.
He was the perfect gentleman throughout the meal even though Scully could feel the small sparks of electricity every time they touched or fed each other. Even when he escorted her back to their hotel, he did little more than guide her through the doorways in his normal manner.
They stood at their respective doors saying good night when Scully decided to ask Mulder a question. "Mulder, why all this?" she said waving her hand around to indicate she was speaking of the hotel "All now?"
"I don't understand what you're asking Scully" Mulder said enjoying the fact that he had his partner relatively confused.
"You know the trip to New York, the glamorous hotel, the romantic dinner. I just want to know why?"
Mulder just smiled at her. "Why do you think Scully?"
"The only possible reason I could think of is to get me in bed?" she said a bit sheepishly.
At that comment Mulder walked over to her and lifted her chin with his fingers looking directly into her eyes. "Come on Scully" he said a bit huskily "I think we both know if I just wanted to bed you I would have been able to accomplish that without leaving DC."
Scully wanted to protest this theory but since his close presence was sending shockwaves through her, decided to keep quiet. She knew he was right.
"Then why?" she demanded.
Mulder's look softened then and he gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead.
"Maybe I am just trying to get you to fall in love with me Scully - ever think about that?"
With that comment he went into his room leaving Scully standing in the hallway opening and closing her mouth like a beached fish.
+++++++++++++++++++ End chapter four - comments???
Mulder walked to his office early Monday morning eager to put the weekend behind him and to start the week. With the exception of Scully's unexpected visit late Friday night, the weekend had been relatively uneventful.
He had begun to pick up the phone and to call her at least a dozen times but then thought better of it. He had stated his case to her and now the ball was in her court.
She could come to him.
But what if she didn't?
Mulder put the thought out of his head when he heard the sound of her heels coming down the hall. Glancing at his watch he noticed that she too was running a bit early - at least she wasn't avoiding him.
"Good morning Mulder" Scully said brightly presenting him with a huge cup of coffee and a small paper bag. "Happy Monday"
Mulder frowned when he took the coffee from her and quickly peeked inside the bag where he discovered not one but two of his favorite donuts. "What's up with all of this Scully? Are you trying to soften me up?"
"Come on Mulder, is it really that unusual for me to do something nice for you?"
"Recently, it has been. You have been avoiding me like the plague."
"Well, maybe I feel bad about that and want to make it up to you."
Mulder thought a second and then took a large bite out of the first donut. He chewed and swallowed but paused to speak before taking another bite. "You know you have been pretty crappy for a couple of weeks now but I think another few days of this kind of service will more than make up for it."
At that comment Scully calmly walked over and gave Mulder a small smack on the side of the head.
Scully made no comment on the conversations that had taken place over the weekend, but Mulder could tell immediately that she was much more at ease around him. He decided, however, not to broach the subject of them dating again quite yet.
The rest of the week passed in much the same fashion. Every morning Scully brought Mulder coffee and donuts and every morning Mulder teased her about how much longer it would be until he found a way to forgive her.
It wasn't until Thursday, though, that Mulder felt confident enough to mention getting together over the upcoming weekend.
"Hey Scully" he said as he piled Chinese takeout into his mouth "Got any plans for the weekend?"
Scully swallowed her bite of chicken before replying. "No, I don't think so, why?"
"Well, a couple of my buddies from Oxford are in New York hosting a philosophy seminar and I thought I would go up and visit them." He took a drink of soda and continued "and I was wondering if you would like to come with me?"
Scully stopped mid-chew and looked at him not saying anything.
Mulder took this to be a negative reaction and muttered practically under his breath "I thought it would be nice if they could meet you."
Scully continued her chewing, took a long drink of diet soda. "Would I be traveling as your partner?" she said glancing over at him.
"No, I thought it would be kind of fun to just act like a regular couple for a change."
Scully nodded contemplating whether or not to take another bite. "A couple huh?". She saw his face fall as he anticipated her rejection and plopped another piece of chicken into her mouth. "Are we driving" she said as she chewed "or flying?"
Mulder perked up immediately "I thought it would be more romantic to take the train. Give us a change to unwind a bit and..you know. talk."
Scully was still chewing but nodded. "Do I get my own room?" she asked.
"Scully, you can have whatever you want?" Mulder said trying to hide his enthusiasm.
"Does that include a visit to Saks Fifth Avenue and the chocolate shop in Rockefeller Center?"
Mulder laughed. "Only if you let me pick out something frilly for you to wear."
It was settled. They would leave on the 2pm train Friday afternoon getting into the City in time to settle into their hotel rooms and enjoy a late dinner. They would hook up with Mulder's friends on Saturday morning.
Mulder managed to even talk Skinner into giving them Monday off because of the overtime they had put in during their stay in Minnesota.
Amtrak lobby
Scully arrived first pulling her suitcase behind her wondering again exactly why she had agreed to this weekend away with Mulder.
Hadn't she spent the entire previous weekend convincing herself to proceed very slowly and very cautiously with him.
All that good planning had gone out the window when she saw the look of defeat in his eyes.
She looked around the waiting area but there was no sign of Mulder. She glanced at her watch - she was a bit early, even for her.
She pulled her bag slowly behind her as she began to peer into the windows of the many small shops that lined the waiting area. She was looking at a very skimpy nightdress in one window when she felt someone coming up behind her.
"I will be happy to buy that for you Scully?" Mulder said looking over her head into the shop window.
Scully blushed and quickly changed the subject. "Do you have our tickets Mulder?"
Mulder patted his jacket. "Right here. But the train hasn't arrived yet. Why don't we sit down and make ourselves comfortable while we wait."
They sat and Mulder told her about his two friends Charlie and Randy. They had been friends since his second year at Oxford. They had studied psychology and philosophy and were not only published authors, but were on the lecture circuit as well.
Charlie and Randy would be in New York for several months while they toured the East Coast before returning to London.
Their train was announced and Scully and Mulder boarded it. Surprisingly it was relatively empty and they managed to find a pair of double seats facing across from each other.
As soon as the train began moving and their tickets collected, Scully kicked off her practical black pumps and started to rub her tired feet.
"Allow me" Mulder said patting his lap
Scully gave him a quizzical look then put her feet up in his lap. He took the first one between his two hands and began to massage it deeply.
Scully's eyes practically rolled to the back of her head it felt so good. "Mulder, how come I never knew about this" she said blissfully barely able to keep her eyes open.
"Because until now you have only dealt with Fox Mulder Special Agent extraordinaire" This comment elicited a snort from Scully.
"But now you are being treated to Fox Mulder kind and attentive potential boyfriend." He tried to say this as lightly as he could. His head was down so he could see what he was doing but he managed a peek at Scully.
She sat the same with her head back looking actually quite relaxed. "If you like this Scully, you should experience one of my back rubs."
Scully slowly opened her eyes and looked at him. They were several shades darker than normal and bore right through him.
"Mulder, shame on you for keeping such things from me." She smiled wickedly at him and closed her eyes again.
Mulder finished off the foot rub and Scully regretfully curled her legs up under her in an attempt to get warm. The air conditioning was running full blast and even with her light sweater she was getting chilled.
Mulder saw her feeble attempts at warming herself up and finally motioned to the seat next to him. "Come here Scully" he said "let me warm you up a bit."
Scully said nothing seeming to weigh her options but the thought of being warm won out. She plopped herself down next to Mulder surprised to find him so warm.
"You're hot" she said stating the obvious.
"Why thank you Scully, I think you're hot too." He joked wrapping an arm around her.
Scully gave him a playful slap before snuggling in a bit closer. They sat there in silence and within a few minutes Mulder noticed that Scully had fallen asleep against him.
He smiled down at her sleeping form and gave her a chaste kiss on the top of the head. "So much for talking" he said to himself as he contented himself to look out the window instead.
They arrived at Penn Station at the height of rush hour. Scully wanted to take the subway up to Central Park and their hotel, but Mulder wouldn't hear of it.
"We are on vacation Scully" he scolded her "taxis all the way."
Scully rolled her eyes at him but gave in. "Okay Mulder, but you have to let me start paying for something."
They were walking down the middle of the street and Mulder abruptly stopped and turned to her. "You are not paying for a thing Scully."
She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. "I invited you up here so that makes you my guest. I am paying for everything, is that clear?"
It wasn't at all, but Scully was smart enough not to argue the point on 34th Street with hundreds of people rushing past her. She would correct the situation once they got to the hotel.
She couldn't keep totally quiet though as she rushed to keep up with him as he strode down the street. He stopped to hail a taxi and she rushed up next to him.
"But Mulder, New York is so expensive. I can't let you pay for everything."
Mulder opened the door to the taxi that had just stopped and allowed her to enter first. He supervised the placement of their luggage in the truck and then joined her.
He smiled at her. "Unknown Fox Mulder fact number two" he began after giving the driver their hotel name. "My mother comes from money. Lots of it."
Scully didn't appear to understand what this meant so he continued. "I am loaded Scully."
"Oh" she said.
He laughed at her shocked expression. "Who knows what else you will find out this weekend Scully."
They arrived at their hotel and it took all of Scully's willpower not to stare at it like some tourist in the big city for the first time. After spending more nights than she cared to remember in flea-bitten motels with her partner, she assumed they would be staying at one of the less expensive hotel chains.
The hotel in front of which she was standing was huge, ornate and judging by the multiple doormen out front very expensive.
She thought for a moment that maybe she would let Mulder pay for at least the hotel. "A couple nights here will equal my monthly rent" she thought to herself as she followed Mulder into the lobby.
"My family always stayed here when we came to town" he explained as he walked over to the receptionist and checked in. "It was my mother's favorite."
"Really?" Scully said as she looked around the room taking in the lavish furnishing and huge crystal chandelier. "It's certainly is beautiful."
"I'm glad you think so Scully" he said softly as he signed his name and took their two room keys. "I managed to get us side by side rooms with an adjoining balcony. I hope that is okay."
"Sounds perfect" Scully said following him to the elevator.
Mulder handed Scully her room key and went into his own room leaving her to get situated. She slid the plastic key card through the lock and opened the door.
Her jaw almost hit the floor. The room was absolutely gorgeous.
The room featured a small sitting area (with fireplace), French doors out to the balcony, and a bathroom complete with whirlpool. The highlight, however, was the four poster king size bed.
It was lavishly covered and was adorned with a least a dozen pillows of different sizes and textures.
"So this is how the wealthy live. Who knew?" she said to herself.
Scully was about to unpack when she caught a glimpse of the view through the French doors. She stepped out onto the balcony and first the second time within five minutes her jaw dropped open.
The view was spectacular. The balcony overlooked Central Park and its surrounding buildings which were just beginning to be illuminated.
Scully still was one hundred percent sure that coming here with Mulder had been a good idea, but she had to give the man credit. He definitely knew how make a good impression.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a discreet knock on the door followed by Mulder letting himself in. He joined Scully on the balcony leaning over the railing like a kid trying to get the best view possible.
"It's beautiful Mulder" Scully said when he straightened himself back up. "Thank you."
Mulder smiled at her enjoying the somewhat dazzled look she still had on her face. It was rare that he talked about the family fortune and even rarer that he actually tapped into it.
He was glad he splurged for this weekend. Scully was definitely worth it.
"Are you hungry?" Mulder said trying to speak over the growling sound coming from his own stomach.
"Starving." Scully replied tactfully ignoring the sound.
"Great - I know this great place where they serve Middle Eastern food where you sit on the floor and eat with your fingers." He said leading her towards the door.
"You aren't going to try and get me to eat bugs again are you?" Scully said giving him a skeptical look.
"No, I am not and besides bugs are better testing than you would think."
Dinner was superb. They were seated in a dark corner of the restaurant and were serenaded by local music as they fed each other with their fingers and laughed at the mess they made of themselves.
Despite her reservations about making the trip, Scully was thoroughly enjoying herself. Although she enjoyed Mulder's company most of the time, the relaxed Mulder sitting across from her was even more charming that the one with whom she shared an office.
He was the perfect gentleman throughout the meal even though Scully could feel the small sparks of electricity every time they touched or fed each other. Even when he escorted her back to their hotel, he did little more than guide her through the doorways in his normal manner.
They stood at their respective doors saying good night when Scully decided to ask Mulder a question. "Mulder, why all this?" she said waving her hand around to indicate she was speaking of the hotel "All now?"
"I don't understand what you're asking Scully" Mulder said enjoying the fact that he had his partner relatively confused.
"You know the trip to New York, the glamorous hotel, the romantic dinner. I just want to know why?"
Mulder just smiled at her. "Why do you think Scully?"
"The only possible reason I could think of is to get me in bed?" she said a bit sheepishly.
At that comment Mulder walked over to her and lifted her chin with his fingers looking directly into her eyes. "Come on Scully" he said a bit huskily "I think we both know if I just wanted to bed you I would have been able to accomplish that without leaving DC."
Scully wanted to protest this theory but since his close presence was sending shockwaves through her, decided to keep quiet. She knew he was right.
"Then why?" she demanded.
Mulder's look softened then and he gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead.
"Maybe I am just trying to get you to fall in love with me Scully - ever think about that?"
With that comment he went into his room leaving Scully standing in the hallway opening and closing her mouth like a beached fish.
+++++++++++++++++++ End chapter four - comments???