More To Life Than Aliens
He walks with purpose towards Scully's apartment, key already in hand. His heart is pounding in his chest and he is aware of every inch of skin covering his body, every cell, and the gentle buzz of his blood flowing through his veins.
His mind is alive with the possibilities.
He slides the key in the lock and turns it, not bothering to knock. The door opens without a sound.
"Scully?"
He flicks on a light as he enters and pushes the door closed behind him, slipping the key into his pocket.
Silence.
He tries again. "Scully? Are you there?"
Nothing.
He walks further inside, scanning everything in sight with hopeful eyes.
No Scully.
He frowns and then goes about checking the rest of her apartment, one room at a time.
Still, his partner's whereabouts remain a mystery.
He reaches into the pocket of his jacket and retrieves his cell phone. His fingers are hitting the keys before he can even see them and it's ringing by the time he's put it up to his ear.
She answers on the second ring. "Scully."
A small smile makes its way onto his face. Her voice is his salvation, his hope. Every time he hears her speak, he is reminded that he is not alone. It reminds him that there is more to life than aliens and conspiracies and the paranormal. It grounds him.
"Scully," he says back. "Where are you? I just got to your apartment and..."
"Oh, Mulder! I'm sorry. I'm going to be a little late."
A car horn sounds in the background and he realises she must still be driving.
"Stuck in traffic?" he asks. With his free hand, he scratches the back of his neck.
"The worst," Scully confirms. "I'm not going to be there in time for our dinner reservation."
He sucks his bottom lip into his mouth and chews it thoughtfully. Frowns. "Do you want me to order in instead? Thai food in front of the TV, maybe? I think there's a sci-fi marathon on tonight. Stargate SG-1. You know, there are some uncanny similiarities between some of the guest stars on that show and some of the people we know. I think it may be an X file in itself."
A pause.
"Sure, Mulder," Scully finally says. "That sounds great. I"ll see you soon."
Mulder smiles and walks towards the table where there are a stack of take-out menus. He picks up the Thai one as he says goodbye to Scully. "I'll see you soon," he agrees. "Love you."
He waits until she says, "love you, too", before he hangs up and dials to order their dinner.
fin.
