DANA SCULLY'S APARTMENT
The next week had passed rather quickly, and the night for the Annual Holiday Ball was here. Since letting it slip that she was going, Scully agreed to let her mom come over and help her get ready. Maggie was more curious about the mysterious man who had her daughter so captivated, she figured this would be her best chance to finally meet him.
"So is Fox picking you up from here?" Maggie asked innocently.
"It's Mulder, and yes, he should be here soon actually, so we can eat and head over the stupid thing." Scully said with a heavy sigh.
"You can at least pretend like you're excited to go, Dana. I'm sure it will be a great time!"
"I'm actually looking forward to going with Mulder, I just-" She stopped, realizing her mother didn't know much about her previous relationships, and wasn't ready to divulge into that conversation. "There's some people who might be in attendance that I'm not really looking forward to seeing again." She finished in a small whisper.
"Are you going to tell me, or am I going to have to just give advice blindly here?" Her mother asked, as her eyebrow began to arch.
"I - When I went through the academy, I was in a brief relationship with one of the instructors. It ended, somewhat badly, and everyone knew about it. It was humiliating, but as the years passed, people seemed to just forget. I don't need to jog their memories by us being in the same room together. It's in the past, it's done. Happy?" She asked bitterly. She hadn't spoken about Jack to anyone since they split, and didn't want to have to deal with those old feelings now.
"Well, I don't know what happened, but obviously it affected you greatly. Maybe facing that tonight, with Fox by your side, is exactly what you need to truly move past it." Her mother said with a final nod before making her way out of the bedroom so Scully could finish changing.
"It's Mulder..." Scully said with a sigh. She was ready, she just needed to change into the dress that she had purchased for the evening. She spent most of last week in and out of stores, trying to find the perfect outfit. She never really took the opportunity to dress up, and wasn't going to skimp on this chance. She also wanted to blow Mulder's mind with seeing her in a different, sexier light. She finally found the impeccable dress she had been unknowingly searching for, and felt incredible.
As she finished adding the final touches to her ensemble, she could hear voices coming from the living room. She chuckled to herself at the not-so-subtle interrogation that she was positive Mulder was facing from her mother. She figured she should rescue him, but was going to have a little fun first.
She crept from her bedroom, with her shoes in her hand so that she could make her way silently. When she peered around the hallway wall, she could see Mulder's back facing her. Before her mother had the chance to welcome her into the room, Scully placed her finger to her lips, urging her to keep quiet. Her mother gave her a mischievous smirk, and continued with her conversation.
"Well it's definitely a pleasure to finally meet you, what are your plans for the evening?" Maggie asked innocently.
"I'm glad I was able to meet you tonight as well. I think just dinner, and then the ball." Mulder answered sheepishly. He was always nervous when meeting anyone's parents, considering he didn't have the best relationship with his own. In this moment, he felt like he was being interrogated by his prom date's mother.
"And after that?" Maggie asked as she crossed her arms, having to suppress the smirk growing on her face. She attempted to stifle the laugh building within her, but let out a small chuckle at the paled, wide-eyed expression on Mulder's face.
He began to panic at this line of questioning, and there was nowhere for him to escape. He began to stutter in response, not really forming words, until he heard a muffled giggle from behind him. He turned abruptly and narrowed his eyes at Scully, knowing now that this was a huge ploy. Before he could think of something witty to say in response, his mouth dropped open at the sight before him.
"Scully, you look-" He let out in a breathy whisper, not having the ability to form words. She was wearing a fitted, silky, deep red dress that hugged her in all the right places. The top was a sweetheart cut, just low enough to reveal a modest cleavage. She looked down as the blush tinged her cheeks, and smiled at his reaction.
"What good are you as an author if you don't know how to use your words, Mulder?" She composed herself enough to tease.
"Well, believe it or not, it's not every day that I'm lucky enough to have a date with a beautiful woman. You look incredible." He said as he stepped forward. They both smiled at each other, and were broken from their small moment by Maggie clearing her throat. They jumped and turned their attention back to her, almost forgetting anyone else was even there.
"You do look beautiful honey." Maggie said as she took in her daughter's appearance, she was speaking more to the smile on her face than the outfit. "You two should get going. I'll lock up on my way out." She said as she practically forced them out of the door. She kissed her daughter on the cheek, and made her parting pleasantries with Mulder. She wanted them to begin their evening together as soon as possible.
They had arrived at the restaurant and were seated right away. Mulder couldn't stop gazing in Scully's direction. This was definitely something he knew he could get used to. He loved seeing every side of her, and this might just be his favorite.
"You're staring." She said with an embarrassed smile on her face.
"I'm just trying to think of more events that would require you to wear dresses like that." He said with a flirtatious tone in his voice.
"Mulder..." She said with a click of her tongue as the color rose to her cheeks. She had never dated someone who paid her so many compliments on her appearance, and it made her giddy.
"You really do look amazing tonight."
"Thank you. I, uh, it'll be interesting for people at work to see me outside of my usual pantsuits, I'm sure."
"Well, I'm going to be the luckiest person there, with the hottest date on my arm." He said as he wagged his eyebrows at her. "Davis will be surprised, I can tell you that right now."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that."
"What do you mean?" He asked quizzically.
"Well-" She let out a sigh. "When you were in the hospital, he said some things that made me feel like he had already suspected that we were seeing each other."
"That sly son of a bitch." Mulder said as he let out a chuckle and shook his head in disbelief.
"What?"
"He's the one who originally told me about the ball. He had mentioned it the day I had lunch in your office last week. I thought it was an off-handed thought, but he played me."
"So you bumping the papers off my desk and happening to find the flyer that day..." She said with an accusatory tone.
"I, uh, needed an excuse to bring it up so that I was able to have the opportunity to bask in your beauty." He said smoothly.
"Nice save." She said as he narrowed her eyes at him. "I wonder why he wanted us to be there tonight."
"I'm sure for pure entertainment value. I met him a while back, he's a good friend of mine. I also haven't really dated anyone since, well, Valentina, really. I'm sure he's just amused to see me actually involved with someone."
"I know he sensed that I, uh, cared about you, too. With my reputation, I'm sure you're not the only one being used for entertainment purposes." She said as she sipped her water.
"You 'uh, care about me,' Scully?" He said mocking her words, with a grin touching his lips.
"I'm not telling you anything anymore." She answered with an amused smile.
They finished their meal, and made their way towards the hotel that the ball was being held at. Their car ride was rather silent, and Mulder could instantly feel the hesitation of tonight radiating from Scully. He was worried that he had pushed her too much into doing something she didn't want to, but didn't know what caused her apprehension.
"Scully, before we get there, I can tell something's bothering you. I just, I want to know why you didn't want to go to this tonight?" He asked sincerely. He knew he was taking a chance by asking, but he felt comfortable in their relationship to have this conversation.
"I told you, Mulder, it's just not my thing." She said quietly as she turned to face the window. He glanced over at her and could see the sadness written on her face. He gently reached his hand to cover hers, and settle on her lap. She smiled at the action, and sighed in resignation. She knew he wouldn't push her, and she felt ready to reveal her past to him. "I, uh, there might be some people there I'm not looking forward to see. I dated someone for a short length of time while I was in the academy. He was older, and well known. I was very focused on my career, I let the relationship take backseat. I also don't like to feel forced to do things I don't want to, and I wasn't ready to take our relationship further. He accused me of being cold and disconnected. Well, that rumor spread rather fast around the bureau, and Quantico. That's kind of how Dr. Dana 'Ice Queen' Scully came to be." She said in a small voice, evidently embarrassed and hurt by her spoken revelations.
Mulder could hear the sadness in her voice, and wanted to just pull over and engulf her into his arms. He had never thought of Scully as being cold, but then replayed the conversation he had with Davis about her on that first day in her class. He grasped onto her hand tighter, in a comforting gesture, and glanced over at her again.
"Scully, you are anything but cold. You are one of the most fascinating, beautiful, witty, brilliant, beautiful people that I've ever had the pleasure to even look my way. I don't know the guy, but I can already tell he's an idiot. If he is there tonight, want me to beat him up for you?" He said as he nudged her shoulder with his arm. She let out a tiny chuckle, and wiped away a stray tear that had escaped.
"You said beautiful twice. Running out of words there, mister author?" She bantered back.
"I just like to make sure to emphasize what I truly mean." He leered at her, and she gave him a small smile. He wasn't sure how tonight would turn out, but as long as he could keep a smile on her face, he would feel like he did something right.
ANNUAL FBI HOLIDAY BALL
They entered the hotel ballroom, arms linked, and glanced around at the marvelous decorations. They both made their way over to the bar, where they already ran into a familiar face.
"Mulder! You made it. I see you brought a date, it's nice to see you out of the office Dr. Scully. You look stunning." Davis said in greeting.
"Yeah, we already figured out your little ploy, Davis. Don't think you'll be getting off that easy." Mulder said with a teasing smirk on his face. In truth, without Davis' meddling, they might have not made it here tonight.
"I have no idea what you mean." He said, feigning innocence, but unable to hide the playful gleam in his eyes. "I'll catch up with you two later, have fun." He said in a teasing tone. Mulder just shook his head at his friend, letting out a chuckle.
They gathered their drinks, and settled their belongings at a nearby table. Almost every person that passed by did a double take at the familiar redhead. Mulder could instantly tell that no one expected her to be here tonight, especially looking as timeless as she did. He smiled at the thought that she was there with him.
They danced together to several songs, and eventually made their way back to the table. Mulder had gone to get another round of drinks, and found Davis at the bar again.
"So are you enjoying your date." He said, emphasizing the word.
"Well from what we figured out, you already knew we were seeing each other." Mulder bit back playfully.
"I had my suspicions. You know, I've worked with her for almost 4 years now, and this is the most contented I've ever seen her. You must be doing something right."
"You're shocked, I'm sure. I still have a few tricks up these sleeves." He said, enjoying the conversation with his old friend. He turned to face their table, and immediately became uneasy about what he saw. Scully was standing there, with her arms crossed in front of her almost in defense, speaking to a man he was unfamiliar with. He could see the nervousness inside of her from where he stood. "Hey, Davis. Who's that guy?"
"Ah, that, would be Jack Willis. Hot shot Quantico instructor and agent. He's a smug son of a bitch who thinks way too highly of himself, but you didn't hear that from me. He's, uh, also Dr. Scully's ex. From what I know, it didn't end too well. I felt bad for her, really. He didn't make things exactly easy. You should probably get over there." Davis said as the concern filled his voice. He knew what ran around the rumor mill, and knew she was probably in the need for saving. Mulder just nodded at the suggestion, and absorbed the information as he grabbed their drinks and strolled back to the table.
"Your drink, m'lady." He said lightly, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. She jumped slightly, not realizing he had appeared at her side.
"Thanks. Uh, this is Jack Willis. Jack, this is Fox Mulder, my, uh, boyfriend." She stammered out. Mulder's head flew down at the word 'boyfriend' and a smile began to touch his lips. This was the first time she had given them any kind of title, or acknowledged their relationship straight on, in public. He knew it was more of a confidence booster for her in this situation, but he would take the small victory.
"It's nice to meet you, Jack." Mulder managed a tight-lipped smile, and shook the man's hand. He could tell he was looking him over, evaluating him. He already didn't like the guy, based on Scully and Davis' input, and didn't want to be judged by the bastard.
"So do you work at Quantico? I haven't seen you around." Jack said.
"No, I'm actually a writer. I met Scully doing research for my last novel." He said as he smiled down at her. She glanced up and returned the smile. Jack immediately felt jealousy cloud over him at the affection she was showing Mulder. She had always insisted that they try to keep the public displays to a minimum.
"That seems like an interesting career. Anything I would know?"
"Nothing worth mentioning at the moment. It was a different career path, but it just sort of worked out for me. I've met some amazing people along the way." He said as he placed his hands on Scully's arms. She reached up to rest her hand over his for the comfort.
"I see. Well it's definitely a surprising pairing for Scully here." He said emphasizing her name. He was trying to get a reaction from them both. Mulder could instantly feel her stiffen beneath his hands. He began to rub his hands up and down her arms in reassurance, and he felt her relax into him.
"It's definitely not anything I was expecting, but it's working out really well for us. It was nice meeting you." Mulder said, dismissing Jack from their conversation. Scully tried to suppress the grin forming on her face, noticing how angry Jack was getting. He scoffed and walked away from their table. She turned to face him, and he wrapped his arms around her.
"Boyfriend, huh?" He asked jokingly.
"Well, I figured it sounded better than hot, mystery man who I happen to be dating." She said, relaxing into his embrace, not caring who was around to notice.
"Oh, I do like the way that sounds. Not as much as I like boyfriend of Dana Scully, though." He said before leaning towards her. He knew she was still out of her element, and wanted to let her make that final step. She smiled to herself, and leaned up just enough to reach his lips. They shared a soft kiss, and both found more certainty in their relationship.
DANA SCULLY'S APARTMENT
After dancing late into the night, they made their way back to Scully's apartment, both completely exhausted. As he pulled onto her street, he hesitated on whether he should park the car. He didn't want to assume he was invited up, and didn't want to push her more out of her comfort zone than she already was today. He just glanced sideways at her as he pulled up to her building, and she took the indirect hint.
"Why don't you come up for some coffee? We can just relax for a little, I mean, if you want." She said in a whispered voice.
"Well with an invitation like that, who could refuse?" He teased as he parked on the curb. She rolled her eyes at him, and lead the way to her apartment.
She made her way into the kitchen, and nervously began to make the coffee. She still was coming off the built anxiety of the evening, and didn't know what Mulder was expecting in this moment. She had already made huge leaps out of her comfort zone tonight, she didn't know how much further she could push herself. While she became lost in her thoughts, he approached from behind her, and gently placed his hands on her hips.
"I can tell you're nervous, and I need you to know I'm not expecting anything tonight. Relax." He said as he leaned in to kiss her neck in the spot just below her ear. She let out a soft whimper at the contact, and licked her lips subconsciously.
She turned unexpectedly, and kissed him intensely, grasping at the back of his head. He held her tighter, and deepened the kiss. They both melted into the embrace, and he lifted her up onto the counter, hiking up her dress just enough to step between her legs. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and could feel his growing erection nudging at her core.
"Mulder...wait." She said in a breathy, hushed voice. She broke their kiss, leaning her forehead against his. "I want this, I do. I just don't know if, I just..." She said breathing into his mouth, never breaking their contact.
"I've told you from the beginning, this is all at your pace, Scully. I'm not going anywhere." He said placing a tender kiss to her forehead. She sighed, feeling comfortable in that small sentiment.
"I think my nerves got the best of me tonight. With everything that happened, I think I just need a little more time." She smiled at him sheepishly.
"I've got all the time in the world, Scully. I mean, unless you plan on shooting me again. I was touch and go there for a minute." He said, causing them both to share a chuckle, lightening the mood.
"I'm an excellent shot, Mulder. You shouldn't forget that." She said as a small smirk touched her lips. He laughed, and kissed her again, helping her off the counter.
"I've got a daily reminder in the form of a scar on my shoulder that'll make sure I never forget."
"It was a love tap, Mulder. You should really learn to toughen up." She teased, not paying attention to the words she was saying.
"A love tap, Scully?" He said, emphasizing the word. She froze, realizing what she said, and what he was asking. He laughed, and leaned down to place a kiss on the tip of her nose. "I'm messing with you. But that's enough fun for tonight, I should be heading home." He said, reluctantly stepping away from her.
"Mulder, I, uh-" She took a deep breath, gaining her courage. She knew that having to face her past tonight caused her to shield her feelings further. She was apprehensive, given what happened with Jack before, but knew that it wasn't fair to Mulder to assume he would react the same way. She wanted to do something for him, to let him know that she wanted this, she just wasn't ready for the ultimate act of intimacy. "Do - do you want to stay over?" She asked in a small whisper.
He froze at her question, not anticipating it. He didn't know if she was doing this more for him, or for herself, and he didn't want to refuse this to her after she gained her courage to ask. He knew he needed to approach as cautiously and delicately as possible.
"This is going to sound weird, I know, but I don't want this to come between us." He said, with the simple implication that by accepting, he didn't want to jeopardize this too soon.
"Yeah, no, I understand." She said, slightly bowing her head, assuming he was rejecting her proposal.
"Hey..." He said, lifting her chin with his fingers, meeting her lips with his own. "I would love to spend the night with you."
She just smiled up at him, eyes gleaming. She knew that even though she wasn't ready for more, this was a small step for both of them. She grabbed his hand, and led him to her bedroom. As they both approached, their nervousness began to build.
"I'm, uh, just going to change, make yourself comfortable." She said, making a quick escape to the bathroom. She needed a minute of solitude to compose herself. Her heart knew this was what she wanted, she just needed to reassure her nerves of that.
She got herself ready for bed, and returned into the room. A smile formed on her face, and she tried to stifle the laugh she could feel building from the sight before her. Mulder was sitting on the end of the bed, in his t-shirt, and dress pants. He was perfectly still, with his hands clasped in his lap, looking as nervous as she felt.
"Mulder, this might be your first sleep over, but usually you sleep inside the bed." She said, letting out a small chuckle.
"What can I say? My couch holds a special place in my heart, I forgot what a bed even looks like." He said, matching her laugh.
Mulder stood up, and remained at the end of the bed. "Do you, uh, have a side?"
"Oh, um, not really. I've been sleeping alone for so long, I kind of sleep in the middle. I guess I favor the left side, if I had to choose." She stammered out.
He nodded and moved to the right side of the bed, and helped her displace the extra pillows. They pulled down the comforter, and she settled herself under the blanket. She could see him mulling over thoughts in his head, and knew immediately what his apprehensions were.
"Mulder, you can make yourself a little more comfortable, to sleep." She said as she eyed his dress pants that he had yet to remove. She could tell he didn't want to assume anything in this situation, so she needed to give him some certainty. He just smiled with a sigh, and took her implication.
He slid in next to her, and they turned to face each other. They smiled at their awkward nervousness they both felt, but this was rather new territory for both of them. He gently caressed her face with his hand, and stroked her cheek with his thumb. He leaned forward slightly, and gave her a gentle kiss filled with promise.
"Good night, Scully."
"Good night, Mulder." She said in a breathy whisper, trying to mask her shaky voice.
They both made themselves more relaxed, staying close enough to feel the body heat of the other. They reveled in the this small moment of serenity between them. They didn't know what this meant for their relationship, but they knew it was a step in a positive direction. Nothing could break their new foundation, at least they had hoped.