Stepping into the outer office of Ad Skinner's domain, I smile over at Holly.
"Morning," she beams at me. "Good weekend?"
"Yeah, you?" I sit in the chair where I always wait for Skinner.
"Not too bad. Saw that new movie with Ben Affleck. What did you do?"
"Saw my mom for lunch yesterday."
"Mulder go with you?"
"Yes," I smile and draw out the word with joy.
"Are you guys living together?" She asks, almost bouncing on her seat.
"No. Not officially. Although we spend nearly every night together."
"Doesn't it interfere with work? I'm not asking to fish either, just curious," She quickly adds as she sees my concern spring on my face.
"No, so far all is good," I beam and turn my head to see Mulder stride in.
"Morning, Holly," He sits beside me, leaning back in the chair. God, he looks gorgeous as usual.
"How are you?" She reaches over to answer the phone, he just nods as she speaks to someone on the line.
"Agents," skinner opens his door and we stand to enter. "We've got a case for you two out in California." We take our usual seats and wait for the details. "It's a little delicate and I've been slightly unsure if I should give this case to you two. Considering..."
"Considering what, Sir?" Mulder asks and I feel dread pile in the pit of my stomach.
"We need you to go undercover. A married couple were murdered, well, they're missing. No trace on their credit cards, no personal affects taken. Just disappeared without a trace. No one seems to know anything and their neighbours claim to know nothing. Despite living in a gated community. We need a way in."
I glance at Mulder and see the shit eating grin I knew would be plastered on his face.
"Sir, am I to understand you want me and Agent Scully to go undercover as a married couple?" I could have hit him. He was enjoying this far too much.
"Yes, exactly. Find out as much as you can. And Mulder, this is still FBI business." I knew he was purportedly winding Skinner up.
"When do we leave?" I ask, professionally.
"February 24th," and my heart sinks. We were meant to be going away that weekend but I sigh resignedly but Mulder smiles over at Skinner.
"Sir, if we're to prepare for this assignment, could I request the week before as annual vacation?"
"Both of you?" He nods and Skinner smiles. "Of course. Put together a plan and background stories before you head off for annual leave and we'll ensure everything is signed off in time for your departure. That'll be all, Agents." We stand and leave together, not speaking until we reach our office.
"Well," Mulder sits behind his desk, cockiness clear in his tone. "The irony. If only other agents knew."
"This is serious, Mulder," I sit on the edge of his desk and glower at him sternly. "People could be dead."
"I'm sorry, it's just funny." I smile a little, knowing he's right.
"Yes, it is but it's still work and still serious," I open the case file which in all honesty has very little to go on. No bodies, no trace evidence.
"I'll work out the back story," Mulder pulls up a blank document and a knock comes at the door.
"Yeah," Mulder smiles up as Holly enters.
"Hi. Assistant director Skinner has asked me to give you guys a credit card for both pre arrangements for this case and also whilst you're undercover. He has asked all equipment you need be hired from the San Diego field office but furniture, clothes, etc should be preordered." She quirks an eyebrow, clearly not knowing the details. Neither of us enlighten her as I stand to take the card.
"Thanks, Holly," I smile gratefully at her and she leaves with a wink back to the hustle and bustle of the Hoover building.
"I'll call some furniture places in California," I take a seat in front of my own computer.
"Scully?" He sounds deadly serious now. "We're going to need wedding rings."
"Like I said, serious?" I stare over at him but realise he is being serious. "Mulder, we can worry about the small things once we have furniture and forensic equipment in place. The house purchase has already been done. I have the deeds in the file."
"Well, whilst you're taking care of that. I will go and do some background research. He stands and throws on his leather jacket.
"Mulder?" I look up at him, one hand on the door. "Why did you ask for annual leave?" I thought I knew but wanted to hear it from him.
"We had plans for your birthday and I didn't want those to be changed. We just have to bring them forward a little. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not. Thank you," I beam at him and he throws me a dazzling smile before leaving.
It's such a strange position to be in, Skinner pretty much knowing but I know official channels have to be travelled still. He must trust us, I ponder, opening the filing cabinet for expense forms, to even press ahead with giving us this case.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As a psychologist, I know I use humour to cover up awkward situations, but also my own insecurities. I would marry Scully today if she expressed the desire. Not that I want to possess her or anything so misogynistic but to show her how much I value her as my equal. Being given this case is making me nervous because it's what I want. It is also what I didn't ever believe I would have… especially with her.
I had to get out of the office, because I knew my inability to express these feelings by hiding behind jokes and mislaid humour was only pissing her off.
Finding myself standing at the window of the jewellery store on Fifth street does not surprise me in the least. Humour was my way of protecting her to. I never wanted her to feel trapped by me or as though she had to reciprocate any notions of long term commitment I may have. Sighing, I smile at the window. There are so many beautiful rings. But I have to remember, I'm buying one for Laura petri, not Dana Scully.
Entering the store, I smile at the white haired man who clearly was the proprietor and lean against the glass cabinet.
"Hi," I point at a simple diamond engagement ring and very plain gold bands. He nods and I try one on. I had to guess with Scully but I had watched her delicate hands many times whilst doing autopsies so I had a pretty good idea.
"Congratulations," the man smiles at me. at my complicated glance he clears his throat.
"Sorry, work thing," I confess and the man nods, clearly not the first time that response has been used in his presence. But there were so many beautiful pieces that I was itching to pull out my personal card for. Glancing down, my eye catches something and I nod to myself, decision made.
Leaving the store, I browse a couple of clothes stores. What kind of clothes would Rob Petri wear. Scully was going to kill me for these names but the humour would break the ice. I knew she was feeling a little concerned about pretending to be married on assignment whilst having a personal relationship. Skinner had known it to… Hence his apprehension of giving us this case. Picking up a few rather ugly but off the rail sweaters, and trousers, I head back to the office.
Scully's jotting down some notes in her blue notebook and I lay the packages on the table.
"Just picked up some essentials for California," I nod to the fBi credit card. "How's the furniture acquisition going?"
"Fine," she smiles at me. "Our San Diego office have agreed to source some furniture and forensic equipment to arrive in a removal van on the day we arrive. They're billing the dC office. What did you figure for us?"
"I've got it all sorted. Will brief you once you've had some lunch."
"No, Mulder. That gleam in your eye tells me I need to know now. What did you buy anyway? Clothes?"
"Yeah, and the rings," I smile shyly at her and she glances away with a sigh. "What is it?"
"I don't know," She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms protectively across her chest. "I'm just worried."
"About the assignment?"
"Yeah. I don't want the lines to blur. We're working well right now. I don't want that to change," Her eyes are filled with worry. I lean on my desk and throw up my hands.
"I understand. But it will be fine! Remember, we keep talking," I throw her a reassuring smile, knowing she wouldn't welcome physical contact at the office.
"Yeah, you're right. So what's my name?"
"Laura," I wilfully hold back on the surname.
"Last name?" Her "don't fuck with me, Mulder" voice is in full effect. I stand, move around the desk and flop into my chair.
"Petri," I try for nonchalance but the eyebrow raise is so stern I squirm a little.
"Really?" She stares, those brilliant blue eyes sparking with distaste. "Really, Mulder?" She pauses, waiting for an answer I don't supply. "Fine. I'm going to shop." I chuckle nervously as she leaves and realise this assignment is going to be hard.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Before I know it, we are driving back to Shimmer Falls and the beautiful house, Mrs Cambridge and idyllic surroundings. The family had returned to England, and Mulder and I were readying ourselves for the Arcadia case. To say things had been a little tense in the office in recent days would be an understatement. He was joking a lot, and I knew it was a coping mechanism but it still irritated the crap out of me. I felt the pressure of our personal relationship meeting our work one full on and I did not like it. Granted, this was the first time we had had to go undercover in this sense, but still, it was too near the cuff.
"You okay?" He asks as we turn off of the interstate and head toward the road that will lead us to his house.
"Yeah, I'm fine," and the slight shrug of his broad shoulders tells me he doesn't believe a word.
"I think I just need some time," I say and he sighs deeply. "Not like that. Just time to adjust."
"I know it has been stressing you out," He briefly rests his hand on my knee and I feel the tears coming. Swallowing hard, I nod. "Let's just forget work this week and enjoy some downtime. Okay?"
"Yeah," I breathe out and I know he sees the tear sliding down my cheek.
Unpacking my small case, I organise my belongings. Mulder's stuff is still in his giant holdall as he lays on the bed, reading the paper.
"Are you unpacking or you not staying?" I laugh gently, feeling the irritation rising in me.
"Yeah, I'm on it," He flips a page and I go into the adjoining bathroom to set my toiletries on the shower and in the cupboard.
"Dana?" He calls from the doorway.
"What?" I sigh quietly, stepping toward him. "We're leaving work behind, right?"
"Yeah," I know I'm tense and he steps back to let me past. "I'm fine, Mulder."
"No, you're not. Let's get it out."
"Don't psychoanalyse me," I snap, more heat in my voice than I had intended.
"You think that's what I'm doing? I have known you've been upset since we left dc. You're irritated by the fact I haven't jumped onto my unpacking and every little thing is annoying you. I don't need to be a psychologist to know there is something wrong."
"I don't know," I feel the tears now and I swipe angrily at my eyes, dismayed at my emotions for betraying me.
"I thought we said we would keep talking," He rests a gentle hand on my shoulder but I shake it off.
"I can't do this," I run from the room and head toward the back stairs. He doesn't follow me and part of me is grateful, the other part is even more angry with him.
I find myself standing in the barn, Artemis's gentle nose, snuffling at my hair.
"Miss Dana," Kyle is holding a fork with one hand, wheeling a wheelbarrow with the other. "Are you okay?" He sees my red eyes and tear stained cheeks but I nod.
"How are you?" I offer weakly. He nods and points his head toward the tack room.
"She could do with a leg stretch. Your hat and boots are in there. Miss Bethany's old riding jacket to, that should fit you. It's mighty cold out there today."
"Thanks," I murmur and head straight for the tack room, grabbing brushes and changing into my boots that Mulder had bought on our trip over new year.
"Here we go, girl," I walk the pretty white horse to the mounting block and tighten the girth, step onto the top block and swing my leg over her rear. Settling gently in the saddle, the scent of woodsmoke on the air, the warm emanating from the horse's coat, I sigh deeply and checking the girth one last time, give her a gentle squeeze.
The clouds cast a dullness across the sky as we trot toward the lake. Despite the murk of the day, I'm starting to feel a little more grounded. None of this was Mulder's fault. I was just so worried. My fantasies of childhood, having what my parents had, settling with a man I loved and raising a family were painful desires now. Mulder would never want to commit to anyone full time. He was dedicated to his work and I had to respect that. But this assignment had brought up questions within me. Did I want to marry him? Did I want the family life with him? I know we'd said as much over Christmas, but it was just words. We'd been sleeping together, eating together, enjoying dating life, going on dates, but we weren't living together. Sharing responsibilities. We still had our separate lives. And of course we should. We'd been dating less than six months. But if he asked me to marry him today, I would. In a heartbeat.
Mulder, for all of his flaws, was my equal. He was the other half to me. We fit. In every possible way. At least, I thought we did. Was I wanting too much? Too soon? Yes, I was.
"What do I do?" I ask the horse as we walk under the bare trees nearing the meadows where we always have a good gallop. Her soft ears swivel back, as if to shrug a non response. How should she know? "I wish my life was as simple as yours." Breaking the treelike, I squeeze her into a canter and then a gallop. Cresting the small hill, my heart leaps into my throat as I see a tall figure on a black horse emerge from what seems to be no where.
"Fuck!" I exclaim as I pull Artemis to a trot and then a walk. "You scared the shit out of me."
"Sorry," His eyes are filled with concern. "Kyle called the house, said he was a little worried about you."
"I'm fine," but he raises his hands from the reins. His steed standing stock still, so obedient and loyal.
"We both know that's a lie," He dismounts and hobbles Rayne at the fence where he happily begins munching grass. "Walk with me…. Please?" I nod and slide from Artemis's back and hobble her next to Rayne. He takes my hand and we walk to the edge of the lake which is as grey as the sky. "I know you're worried about how this case may affect our relationship."
"That's not it," I bravely correct him.
"Then what is it? Because, Dana, I'm at a loss. I thought we were good."
"We are," I hesitate and he turns to me and looks into my eyes earnestly.
"I love you. If I don't tell you enough, I'm sorry. I just don't want to smother you. You see how dedicated and passionate about my work I am…"
"I know, and I would never expect you to be any less," I try to soften the blow to my own heart.
"Will you listen?" He steps toward me and takes my hands, stares into my eyes and takes a deep breath. "I am in love with you. But I am terrified, that if I show you that same level of passion and dedication that I know irritates you in work, toward you, I will lose you. I'm all in, Dana. I just can't show you how much because I know it'd be too intense."
"No, it wouldn't. I need that from you! Every relationship I have ever had, I have been in control of my feelings. I have been able to walk away, even stop feeling when my will power has needed me to. But with you. From so early on in our working relationship, I couldn't hide how I felt about you. Even to myself. It scares me how much I need to know your dedication to me. I'm so scared because I'm in too deep, Fox. Sometimes, I wish I wasn't. Because it'd be easier to walk away when you realise you need someone more."
"Dana, Katherine, Scully, you have zero reason to feel insecure. Especially with me. No one could ever come close to you. I thought you knew this."
"I do. I do! I just, it's crazy! I'm crazy. We've only been dating six months, and we spend so much time together but sometimes, I just feel like it's not enough."
"So, what are you saying? You want more from what we're doing? I bring you here, we stay at each other's place nearly every night…"
"Yeah, we do. And I love it. But other than a bed, what do we share?" He nods and pulls me to him so tightly.
"I get it," He whispers into my hat. "I just did not want to rush you. We did the family meet over Christmas, I thought that would be more than enough to scare you off."
"Have you told your mom?" I ask, realising I didn't even know. He looks at me and smiles gently.
"No, I haven't. And that's not on you. She's been a little difficult since Christmas. But once she's speaking to me again, I will. Dana, we will move forward. And I'm glad we shared this conversation. But I am not going to do anything now because I know, because I would feel the same way, that you would question the validity of the gesture." I nod and hug him to me.
"Thank you, for understanding," I nuzzle his chest. "I'm going to head back. It's freezing." He laughs and gives me a boost back into the saddle.
We walk back chatting the whole way, feeling a little lighter for our conversation.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
She wants to be with me. She really wants to be with me! I don't know what I did to deserve it but although I was crapping myself on the ride out to the lake, I am glad I took the risk.
Watching her brush Artemis down, chatting about this horse she has come to love, I know here is home for both of us. We may work in the city, but here is where I hope we can create our sanctuary.
"Dana?" I ask, hanging Rayne's tack up as she walks to return the brushes to their drawer.
"Hmm?" Her smile is relaxed and I am glad to see it.
"How would you feel about staying here every other weekend when work permits? Start making this a home, for the future?" I'm hesitant and she beams at me.
"You want that?" Her ocean blue eyes are glittering and I'm afraid tears will come again.
"You're happy here. I'm happy here."
"What about Beth? Would she mind?"
"Beth would love it. And so would the staff. Honey, no big gestures…for now…but I feel this might help us both ease into the future together. What do you think?"
"When did we get better at communication?" She laughs and changes out of her boots. I walk to her and rest my hands on her slight shoulders.
"I don't know," I kiss her slightly sweaty hair and grin down at her. "But I say we keep going."
Dinner is quiet but enjoyable. The skies are lightening every day as the sun extends its journey around the earth. But the air is still chilly and the fires are lit in the library as we sit down to enjoy some reading together.
"You know, I've seen such a change in you this past year, Mulder," she is snuggled beside me, legs curled up as she leans against the side of the couch we're sharing in front of the crackling fire In the library.
"Is that a good thing?" I ask, flipping the page of a crime thriller I'm reading.
"You've never switched off from work before. But here we are."
"I can't always promise not to be a single focussed idiot at times, but I am trying. I want a life, with you." I kiss her neck and she chuckles gently, grabbing my wrist in her delicate hand.
"Me, to," we share a slow kiss and return to our mutual reading.
An hour passes and I stand and stretch. She looks up, suddenly aware I've moved.
"Where are you going?" Her eyelashes flutter gently with a look of need in her aquamarine eyes.
"Shower," I yawn gently. "Want to join me?" I wink seductively and she casts her eyes down.
"I can't," and I realise the emotions, the slight jolt when she jumped from Artemis earlier, it was that time of the month.
"Dana, you need anything?" I kneel before her, and rest a hand gently on her abdomen.
"No, I might take a bath though. And maybe some chocolate?" I kiss her nose and she giggles girlishly as I stand and proclaim her every wish will be my command.
Running down the stairs, I head toward the kitchen. The house is quiet, no one around. This house deserved joy and laughter again. I may not have had it in my own childhood home, but it was always present here. I smile at the portrait of my grandmother as I pass her and wish she had met Dana. Opening the kitchen door, I head into the pantry and pull out the chocolate I know Beth has stored there. Grabbing some Tylenol from the first aid shelf, I return to the library where she's lying on the couch with her book.
"Here," I kiss her cheek. "I'll go grab that shower."
"Thanks," She smiles up at me and I head to our bedroom.
Standing under the hot spray, I wonder when I've started to think more of an us than just an individual. I like it and yet it terrifies me.
"Mulder," She's in the doorway, hair frizzing at the moisture in the air from my shower.
"Hmm?" I turn to her.
"Your aunt's on the phone," The expression on her face is warm. I take the cordless from her hand as I turn off the shower, gratefully take the towel she's holding for me.
"Hi," I smile gently. "Everything okay?"
"Hi, fox. Yes, everything is fine. I tried your home number and thought you might be there instead. Bethany said you may be at the falls this weekend. I was calling to see if you and Dana could make it to your uncle's seventieth birthday party in June. If so, I have the most beautiful cottage on Lady Rosemary's estate for you both."
"We'll have to check but if nothing's on, I'm sure we'd love to."
"One little issue," Aunt cecelia sounds like she urgently needs to get this off of her chest.
"Oh?" I inquire, feeling curiosity more than dread.
"Your uncle's invited Cameron Philips from Scotland Yard."
"Who?" I frown into the mirror, preparing my shaving tools to get the job started once I've finished on the phone.
"He's captain of Scotland Yard and he's engaged to Phoebe Green," She rushes out this last sentence. I wait for the sickening feeling to begin, the heart racing but nothing happens.
"So?" I surprise myself with the ease that word comes from my mouth. I glance over at the bed through the doorway to see the woman I know has eclipsed every woman I've had any relationship with and beam at her.
"I just didn't want it to be a surprise," She sounds relieved.
"Whatever I had with her has been long since done with," I feel relaxed and appreciate my aunt's care for my feelings.
"I just don't want her causing issues between you and dana. She's a keeper, Fox. I hope you know that."
"I do," my face stretches into the biggest smile I think I've seen there in a while. "I really do."
"Good, then I'll wait to hear from you," She sends her love and I turn to Dana who has brought the book and chocolate with her.
"We've been invited to Uncle Bert's seventieth in June. But aunt Cecelia wanted to let me know that the one and only Phoebe green will be in attendance."
"Really?" Scully arcs an eyebrow and I laugh gently.
"She's engaged to the captain of Scotland Yard who is a good friend of my uncle's," I explain, sliding the razor across my jaw.
"I see," Her tone sounds hesitant and I glance in the mirror to where I could see her frowning slightly. "Does it bother you?"
"No," I return honestly. "I wasn't sure how I'd react but I can honestly say, it had no impact on me whatsoever. I can't wait to show you off, if you would like to join me."
"I would love to," She smiles, relief flooding her face. I knew, for both of us, it would take time before we both felt completely secure in our feelings and steadfast of this relationship between us.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cramps waken me in the predawn light. The room is cold and yet a warmth comforts me. His steady breathing a balm to my soul. Our legs are entwined beneath the covers and his arm is resting lightly across my waist. Slipping out from the comfort of him, I head to the bathroom to take care of the necessities. The blood on the tissue reminds me of my inability to give this man everything. How can I agree to start to build a life with him when it would be void of children? The tears fall and I feel wretched.
Standing and flushing the toilet, I move to the cabinet and take some more pain killers. My eyes are glazed with the emotions of the losses I feel so rawly.
Stepping into the bedroom, I watch him for a moment and take a deep breath. Grabbing the robe from the door, I wrap myself in it and head to the kitchen to make some tea.
The house is quiet and I can hear the wind moaning outside like a sorrow reflecting my soul.
The kitchen door is closed, so I push it open and am welcomed into the heat from the Aga and step inside gratefully.
The motions of putting on the kettle to boil and preparing some tea eases my sadness a little but as I sit, I feel my tears again. Swiping at them angrily, I try to pull myself together. But everything seems so close yet unattainable in this space.
Mrs Cambridge teaching a little boy with Mulder's hair and stature and a little girl with my eyes and his smile to bake cakes and prepare mother's day treats for me and father's day for Mulder. Kyle teaching them to ride and us taking picnics by the lake. Why was I continuing with this? Why was I going to punish him for my inabilities?
"Dana?" His voice is gentle but I still jump. "What are you doing up? It's five aM? You okay?" His face is filled with concern, his hazel eyes warm with affection.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I can do this," I blurt, not really wanting to say anything but my heart throwing itself open.
"Do what?" His nervous chuckle as he takes the stool next to me and pulls me to him.
"This, us." I cry now, giving over to my river of emotions.
"What are you talking about?"
"Us. I can't give you everything you deserve. You could fill this house with children and laughter, but not with me."
"You don't know that," His arms tighten, almost in fear of me pushing him away. His insecurities, different to my own but as real.
"I do. I am infertile," the tears are burning with their veracity now.
"No, you don't. Miracles can happen. There are many ways to have a child, dana. You know that. And there are ways to welcome children into our home even if the biology doesn't work. And even past all of that, you are all I want. I've never loved someone the way I love you. This is the most functional relationship I can ever remember having so please. Stop trying to put things in our path where the necessity is not warranted. I told you at Christmas, and I stand by that, when we are ready, we will find a way. That, I promise you, my love. I promise!" His kiss is gentle and I feel my heart explode.
"I'm sorry. It's just, my period reminded me again that it will never be straight forward for us."
"No, but nothing has ever been straight forward for us, Dana," He laughs derisively and I nod in agreement.
"Can we go back to bed now? I would love to snuggle up with the most beautiful woman I know and sleep some more." He kisses my eyes gently and I nod, the smile feeling natural again as he helps me from the stool and walks us to the back stairs.
"It's so fucking cold in this house," He laughs as we close the bedroom door behind us.
"Want me to throw some logs on?" I ask, glancing to the fire.
"I'll do that," He kisses my hand and leads me to the bed. "You settle down and I'll light the fire." The look he gives me makes me wish my body was done with shedding my useless reproductive tissue already this month.
"You ready?" I call into the bedroom as I grab my jacket from the dressing room.
"Almost," She's sitting in front of the dressing table, hair just past her shoulders in a delicate curl, robe covering the dress she will not let me see just yet, applying light make-up. She's always subtle with her application and I appreciate the natural look.
"I'll get the car," I pull on my tie and grab my shoes.
"Wait," She turns to look at me, her cheeks slightly blushed, her mascara lengthening her eyelashes only slightly and the slight glitter of eye shadow changing her day make-up to a nighttime affair. The deep red lipstick only makes her hair glow more and she looks exquisite, even in the robe. "I know you won't tell me where we are going, but would it be okay to where the sapphire necklace?"
"Dana, it's yours. And it would be perfect," I grin at her, stepping to the safe and pulling the glittering blue necklace from the shelf. I spotted a pair of cufflinks which had the matching stone which must have been Grandpa's and withdrew them alongside the necklace.
"Want me to do the honours?" I ask, stepping toward her. She nods, blending her foundation and I lower the necklace I had seen my grandmother wear for special occasions around her delicate throat and clasped it shut. Attaching the cufflinks to my shirt, I head to the stairs and grab my keys and cellphone.
The car is warm by the time she exits the front door, I open the drivers door, seeing she's wearing a long black coat, still covering her outfit and open the passenger door as I head to the house to lock up.
The porch light flickers quietly as I step from the front steps and get behind the wheel.
"Can you tell me yet?" She smiles as I head to the lane and the road beyond.
"No," I smirk at her and she laughs gently. "You won't show me your outfit, so secrets and surprises will have to wait until we arrive, I'm guessing."
"When is Beth home?" She asks after we turn onto the interstate.
"Day after we leave for California," I hit the driving speed for the road and smile as the lights begin to flash by. "I'm just sorry we have to travel on your birthday."
"It is what it is," She replies softly. "I'm glad you persuaded skinner to give us this time though."
"Me, to," I declare and soon, I'm pulling into the harbour in Tindsville, the nearest coastal town to the house I was starting to think of as home.
"Sir," The valet smiled as he opened the door for Dana and she looked at me in shock. Glancing around, I can see the astonishment and awe on her face.
"Wow," she allows me to guide her toward the restaurant that had been converted from the old bank which its tall windows showing the diners in fine dress and candlelight within. The sing above the door read,
"Home and Harbour," with two stars adorned on its door to certify its nature.
"Mulder," I give the young waiter, dressed in crisp white shirt and pressed black trousers as we stepped through the door.
"Mr Mulder, I have your table ready. Please step this way," He collected two menus and I take Scully's hand and follow him to the upper floor where in the centre was a quaint dance floor, with a pianist and violinist setting up and small secluded tables cloaked in what had once been sales of all colours and designs. The waiter lead us to a table by the window that looked out over the harbour, starfish and dolphins decorating the blue, white and green canvas, curtaining our table from the rest of the restaurant. Putting the menus down, the waiter introduced himself as Michael, and our server, Dante would be over shortly to take our food order but could he get us some champaign?
"That would be lovely," I smile and Scully stares at me as the man bows politely and leaves. The moon was full and the lights dotted around the harbour gave out th most beautiful sight. The velvet covered seats were luxurious and I knew this was the perfect place to celebrate her birthday.
"Mulder, this place," Her face is a picture of awe as we settle across from each other.
"It's nice, huh? I remember Aunt Cecelia having her twenty fifth wedding anniversary here when I was a teen. Beth, Amelia and I got to invite friends and we spent the whole night on the terrace at the back, eating and drinking. Amelia threw up from too much cake, Beth and I from too much alcohol."
"How old were you?" Her face relaxes as she momentarily forgets her discomfort at the cost of this trip to celebrate her. She'd not wanted for much as a kid, but she hadn't grown up with the privilege I had. But the money wasn't going to make her feel awkward. I just wanted her to be spoilt. And Home and Harbour did do the best steaks around.
"Seventeen," I laugh gently and she grins at me. "Beth's then boyfriend brought this really strong vodka, I've never touched the stuff since. My parents had divorced by then and dad hadn't wanted to come but it was during the summer and when I had been staying with my grandparents. I don't think mom ever knew but dad really laid into me about it when I next saw him."
"I'm sorry," her eyes cast down and I reach over the table, careful to not knock the candle.
"For what? It wasn't that unusual for him to take his anger out on others. I had some of the best times with my grandparents, aunt and cousins. And being back here has reminded me so much of the good times. I've spent so much time feeling haunted by the nightmares, but coming back, sharing it with you, has reminded me so much of happier things. You helped me rediscover the horses and the joy of being outdoors. Dana, I will always love you for that. Now come on, it's a happy occasion, lets find something to eat and get on with celebrating you." Her smile is dazzling and she meets my eyes with affection filled globes and grins.
"I guess I should give you my surprise now." She stands, removes her long black coat to reveal a knee length silver dress with a low neckline and sleeves that reach her mid forearm. The dress is clinging to her perfectly shaped body and my mouth falls open. The sapphires set off the dress perfectly.
"Wow, Dana, you look beautiful!" I admire her from head to foot. "But you looked incredible in the robe to earlier." She laughs and retakes her seat.
"I love you," Her smile is bright and I bring her hand to my lips.
"And I love you," placing another kiss to her wrist, scenting the perfume I adored on her, I lean back and pick up my menu. "Now, woman, quit distracting me with your effervescent beauty and let me choose some sustenance."
"You better, Fox Mulder," Her look is smouldering and I glance up at her questioningly. "Yeah, it's over. So I think I should be allowed early birthday sex. Considering we can't in California."
My eyebrows almost reach my hairline and she giggles adoringly.
"Are you coming onto me, Agent Scully?" I mock scorn her and she only laughs even more, glancing down at her menu.
"Maybe. But seriously, Mulder, you sure about this?"
"Hush," I flick my menu over, knowing what I want already. "Stop trying to starve me."
"It's just," she starts but I smile as the Italian looking server pushes back the canvas to place a champaign bucket by the table. "Are you ready to order, sir, Mam?"
"I am, Dana?" I ask and she nods, placing down her menu.
"Very good, any starters for you both?"
"I'm okay,," I look across and she shakes her head to. I know we'll end up sharing a dessert later, it has become our thing when eating out.
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"Dinner was delicious," I'm leaning into his strong chest as a piano and violinist accompany the dancing. His scent is head spinning and the feeling of his strong arms around my waist make me feel like I'm a high school girl in love again.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," He dances so beautifully. My awkward partner glides across a dance floor as though he was born to it.
"This is just perfect, Mulder," I turn my face up to his and stare into those soulful hazel eyes. The bashful, proud smile creeps across his lips and we meet for a kiss.
"Ready for home?" He asks in that sultry tone that sends butterflies shooting around my stomach.
"Absolutely," I step back and he takes my arm into the soft, cotton shirt covered arm and head toward the table we had shared to retrieve our coats and my purse. Mulder fills a check in and signs with a flourish as I'm putting my long, black coat on.
"Ready?" He wraps an arm around my waist and we smile at the waiters who had taken care of us and head for the car.
"Thank you," I beam as we are tucked into the warmth of his car and are heading back to the house.
"My pleasure," He smiles, turns onto the freeway and I lull into a semi conscious state as the lights fly past and I'm blissfully happy, returning to the cacun of his house and what I am starting to feel like is kind of our home.
"Dana?" His tone is quiet, in case I am sleeping.
"Hmm?" I open my eyes and turn my head to him. "I wish we could stay here always," his tone is almost sad but I sit up and stare at him.
"No more aliens?" I almost smirk but he shakes his head, disappointment flashing across his features.
"One day," He promises and I feel hopeful for our future.