Title : The Find Author : Shinkai E-mail Address: shinkai@mlode.com Rating : NC-17 for graphic sexual situations Classification - SRH Spoilers - None Keywords - Scully/Mulder romance , 3rd or 4th season Summary - Scully and Mulder each finds an article of clothing belonging to the other which they secretly keep, becoming the focal points for some serious UST. Preface : Fan-fiction fantasy based on the characters from FOX's X-Files. This started out as a short vignette but got way out of hand because I couldn't leave the characters hanging and unresolved. Disclaimer: The characters and situation depicted in this story are not the legal property of the author or her agents. This use is not intended to be an infringement on the rights of the legal owners. Use and distribution of this story is for entertainment purposes only. THE FIND A knock on door interrupted Dana Scully's thoughts as she finished packing her suit case. Another case, another crime solved with mysterious circumstances, another cheap motel, another late-nighter writing reports but the same Fox Mulder. "Scully, it's me." There was only one person who could get away with saying "it's me" as a greeting. She opened open door, half expecting some lame reason to continue this investigation but she was surprised when he actually made a sane suggestion. "We've got an hour before we have to be at the airport and I thought maybe we could get a real breakfast instead of eating airport food. My treat." He smiled that see-I'm-not-all-that-spooky smile. "You mean your expense account's treat." she mused as she joined him outside and headed for the coffee shop. The familiar gesture of his hand on the small of her back ushered her out the door. At breakfast Mulder was once again talking about unexplored aspects of the case. The crime was solved, but not the mystery. Just a few more tests. The Sheriff's Office could send the results to them via e-mail and they could analysis them at their leisure. she thought and he handed her his cell phone so she could call the coroner's office to run additional tests. "It's dead" she remarked. "Of course it's dead; it's at the coroner's office" "No, your phone - IT'S dead." "Where's your phone?" "Back in my room" , she said and then added for insult "in the charger." They both shot a glance to the pay phone occupied by a long distance trucker type with a stack of quarters. Mulder felt he had won a minor victory getting her to agree to have additional tests done but she looked like she was losing interest. He wasn't about to be thwarted by a lack of phone. He grabbed her room key off the table and said "Keep eating. I'll get your phone." Once in her room, Mulder saw the phone on the night stand and grabbed it but was strangely distracted by the rumpled bedding. He had a quick vision of Scully tossing and turning in her sleep dreaming about ... he thought. Just because he was obsessed with her , why should she dream of wild nights with him? She had never given any indication that she was interested in having sex with him. Friendship, trust, even intimacy, but not raw physical sex. Raw physical sex. The phrase stuck in his head as he suddenly wanted desperately to hold her and feel her sensuous energy. He picked up the pillow and inhaled deeply. The scent of a women, of his Scully. He pulled down the bedding and buried his face in the sheet, seeking that scent in greater intensity. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something red and black, mingled with the sheets. Slowly picking it out , he realized what it was and his heart jumped. Not to mention other parts of his anatomy. It was a pair of black lace panties with red trim and it carried that distinct scent, only stronger and musky. His unpartner-like thoughts were broken by the sound of clicking heels coming down the walk way. Without thinking he stuffed the panties in his jacket pocket and pulled the bedding back up. He turned towards the door which he had left open, just as Scully entered, carrying two styrofoam containers. He dumbly held the phone out to her. "The man on the pay phone hung up as soon as you left. I made the call and decided to bring breakfast back here in case you hadn't finished packing." She was used to him ignoring trivial matters like actually being ready to go on time. Then she noticed a rather odd look about him. Cute, but odd. He looked as if he had something important to say then suddenly forgot what it was. "Uh, are you finished packing? " he asked wondering if she would miss the panties , which felt like they were burning a hole in his pocket. He couldn't decide what would be worst - being caught in act of stealing her undergarment or having to give up his precious find. She walk right up to him and held a hand out. Panic filled him for an instant thinking she knew, but then she plucked the phone from his hand and dropped it in her purse. Then she took the charger from the nightstand and tossed it in her laptop computer case. "Now I'm finished" she announced. Mulder released a quiet sigh of relief, smiled and said "Good, you can help me pack."' She shook her head and followed him to his room, wondering how an Oxford educated genius could be such an idiot. ____________________________________________________________________________ __________ His motel room was as bad as she expected. "Mulder , we were only here for a week. How could make such a mess !" Paperwork was scattered on the table and clothes piled on the bed. "No" he protested. "I was packing" Scully stared back with "that look" of disbelief he'd seen so often. "Look, it's my system. If you want to help just listen." No comment. He continued " Clean clothes get folded and put on the bottom of the suitcase , dirty clothes all goes on top in a the laundry bag and I sort it out as soon as I get home. I hand carry all the files -Trust no one , especially airline luggage handlers." Scully looked at the pile of paperwork verses the pile of clothes and decided he'd better sort the paperwork since he knew which files might relate to previous X-files. She opened the suitcase . There were two flattened shirt in it already. "How long have they been there?" she wondered out loud. "I think I packed those when I joined the FBI Academy" he joked. She hoped he was joking. Mulder felt himself finally relax as they began their tasks at hand. The anxiety and excitement started when he found Scully's lace panties in her motel room. It escalated when she walked in on him and almost caught him in the act. It lingered as she eyed him like a hawk and his odd behavior. It resolved when he realized she thought he was feeling guilty about not packing ahead of time. As he sorted the papers he absent mindedly slipped his hand into his jacket pocket and fingered the silken panties. Realizing she might be watching him, he shot a glance towards her. She was looking at him but she was holding up one of his garments with a questioning look on her face. He saw her "look " side by side with his black silk boxers. He confessed as if interrogated by the FBI "Well , the cotton ones chafe my..." "Mulder, I'm don't care about your selection of clothes. Is it clean or ... Oh.." She paused slightly as if she noticed something and said "Never mind" and stuffed it in the laundry bag. Without much thought she continued sorting and folding. he thought. No reaction. Zero. There she was holding one of his most intimate articles of clothing, complete the evidence of his late night solitary "hobby" and she wasn't distracted, fazed or upset. He , however, felt even more guilty and embarrassed . For future reference, he noted, don't masturbate in your boxers then ask your partner to sort your laundry. He stuffed the papers in his brief case unsorted and headed for the door. "I'll bring the car around and get your luggage from your room" "Sure,fine, whatever" she answered. He really hated when she said that. Whenever she said that pharse, what Mulder heard was "Leave me alone and get our own life, Spooky." He looked selfconsciously at his feet and walked out slowly. "Will you be OK ?" he asked , not sure what he meant but needing her to listen and respond to HIM. "Yes Mulder, I think I'm safe with your luggage. If any one attacks me I'll just throw your dirty socks at them." she replied, annoyed by his question but relieved by the distraction. She saw an expression on his face she could only describe as a "kicked-puppy" and realizing he may have been embarrassed by her discovery on his boxers. She broke into a softer smile, and said quietly, "It's OK , I'll be finished in 5 minutes. Just in time to get to the airport. Thanks." He smiled that sideways smile of his , apparently satisfied with the answer and headed out the door. Scully took a deep breath and relaxed. Finding those boxers did give her cause for thought. She knew about his videos and magazines but such personal evidence of his activity fueled a carefully contained fire - her burning desire to share sexual intimacy with Mulder. They had shared so much, thing more intimate than sex, why did it matter if they never went to that level. ? she chided herself. That is too extreme even if she believed in extreme possibilities, which she didn't. Well, sometimes she believed. When he needed her to. Him. Mulder. His need, his quest, his expense account, his luggage. His partner. It was always about him, even in her mind. She tried to convince herself that HE wasn't anything special. Mulder's just a man. A man with black silk boxers and auto-erotic fantasies. She was sure lots of men had both those things. As she stuffed his laundry into the suitcase and slammed it shut, she continued the train of thought. A man who can't pack for himself and doesn't really sort his laundry as soon as he gets home. She felt better, less frustrated about being so connected to Mulder yet so distant. She set the suitcase by the door waiting for him to return with car, then she notice something by the bed that had been covered by the suitcase. A tie. An ugly, garish tie. A Mulder tie. Suddenly, Scully felt flushed and passionate at the thought of her partner, wearing that damn tie. She handled it gently, caressing her cheek with it silken surface, aware of how it's touch reminded her of his touch. It bore the faint smell of his aftershave and sweat. Unlike the boxers, which could belong to any man, this tie was Mulder. It stood out, alone against a clashing world; it was strong enough to bind yet soft and gentle to the touch; it had its own beauty that few saw, that even fewer understood. And it was colorful. she laughingly thought to herself. The tie tickled lightly where it touched and she wanted it to touch everywhere. Without warning, she heard a car door slam. She barely had time to unwrap the tie from around her neck when the door flew open and Mulder stuck his head in. "Let's Go !" he called as he grabbed the suit case and threw it in the car. Scully walked towards the door, ready to hand Mulder the tie, when suddenly she stuffed it in her purse instead. "Got everything?' he asked, jumping into the driver's seat. "Yeah, Mulder. Got everything I need right here" patting her purse, conscious of her secret treasure. An oblivious Mulder nodded and drove off. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______ Aboard the plane, things went pretty much as usual with Scully and Mulder. She sat thumbing through the reports one last time. He sat with his eyes closed, mentally cataloging all the evidence gathered on the case which supported paranormal involvement. But unlike other trips, every now and then, one of the X Files special agents would secretly fondle the stolen article of clothing belonging to the other, Scully's lace panties in Mulder's jacket pocket and Mulder's silk tie in Scully's purse. Scully glanced at Mulder , wondering if he would miss the tie. If he ever mentioned it, she could magically make it appear in the office a week later. It's not like they hadn't lost things in there before. That office was their own private "Bermuda triangle". Since his eyes were closed, she took advantage of the opportunity to study his features, as she had many times before. As she slipped her hand into her purse, wrapping the tie end around her fingers, she imagined running her fingers in his hair and touching the smoothness of his face. Her breathing quickened as she felt the tie tighten around her hand. It wasn't enough. She wanted more and tighter contact. Mulder , as if alerted by a silent signal opened his eyes and stared straight into Scully's intense gaze. Without breaking eye contact she simply said "I need to go to the restroom" Mulder got up and let Scully get out into the aisle. He usually took the aisle seat, partial to stretch out his legs, mostly to prevent seedy conspiracy types from sitting next to him once in flight. He watched her walk down the aisle dodging other passengers the whole away. He reached into his pocket and imagined the garment in his hand on his partner's body. With his hand still on it. He slumped back in the seat taking deep calming breaths. But he kept his hand in his jacket pocket. He drew his hand out of the pocket with the best intentions of leaving these thoughts behind but the lace caught on his finger nail and out came the source of his distraction. He shot a look around. No one noticed it and no Scully in sight. He quickly pressed the material to his face, enjoying the sensation of texture, scent and lightness. Just as quickly, he stuffed it back into his pocket. He closed his eye and sighed to himself < OK just one little private fantasy. Fantasy, not a wish. Just a fantasy> He pictured Scully in those panties and a matching bra, standing in front of him. He was fully dressed, just like at the office, as a wanton lustful Scully teased him. She was pressing her ass into his crotch and his hands wandered over the lacy surfaces. One hand explored her breasts, stroking the nipples while the other hand searched into the warmth and wetness below. A quiet smile spread across his face as he felt a growing pressure in his groin. His fantasy Scully reacted to his touch with the same passion the real Scully reacted to his ideas. She even waited for his silent approval before she allowed herself to feel the pleasure. She was so much like the real Scully. Her scent, her touch, her voice. "Mulder... Mulder.... MULDER !" Suddenly reality hit back. Scully had returned and was trying to reach her seat. She tried stepping past him but that proved impossible. So she gently rested her hand on his chest and called his name. No response. Try again . A moan. Wrong response. She shook him and raised her voice. He jumped up nearly throwing her back into the aisle. He looked at the startled expression on her face, then looked down at himself to see if his fantasy took on a real life manifestation, then looked back at her to see if she noticed. Thankfully , she was focused on her seat and walked passed him to reach it. "Why is it you can't sleep soundly at home but it takes a small riot to wake you up in here?" He shrugged and answered wryly "No one's trying to kill me up here." "Did you eat the in-flight meal?" she retorted poking at his stomach. Unfortunately he started to stand and turn towards her when she stabbed her finger and hit him in an unintended target. "Oops. Sorry" No, she thought to herself , you're not sorry. You wanted to know if he had an erection while you watching him sitting there, so now you know. He mumbled "I, ah, have to..." and he scurried down the aisle to the restroom. crossed her mind but that was the only way she could describe his movement. She felt lightheaded and short of breath. He was most likely headed to the restroom to relieve that wonderful pressure. She found herself gasping at the thought of Mulder in orgasmic spasms. Then she realized the shortness of breath was being enhanced by the silk tie wrapped tightly around her abdomen. She smiled as she remembered stepping into the restroom , wonder where to put that tie. She didn't dare slide it between her legs, as much as the idea appealed to her. She was so wet from desire that the tie would be ruined if she did anything so direct. It had to be hidden from view so he wouldn't notice. She lifted her blouse and ran the tie around her waist. As it tugged at her back, she imagined his arm pulling her into him. Wrapping it around her waist and pulling it tighter, she remembered the times he held her tightly, for reassurance , support and ... love. Then the scene in her mind switched from compassion to passion. Her need for his non-platonic attention took over, as she secured the tie to maintain the pressure, just like bandaging an open wound. With each movement, each breath, she felt his grip holding her , nearly smothering her. Oh God, that was Mulder. Drawing her in so deeply that his need became hers. Their need to consummate their partnership, to share body and mind. Pressing her fingers into her clitoris and swollen vaginal lips, she imagined his harden cock pressing tightly into her. A powerful orgasm began to build as each imagined thrust pulled in deeper, tighter, and stronger. The binding tie forced her to draw out the climax to a series of climbing and falling sighs. She never had an orgasm like it before. She usually need much more direct physical stimulation. Why did that tie force such emotion from her? The analytical part of her brain, "DR SCULLY" , flipped through the medical books and informed her she was suffer from a form of sexual perversion known as "fetishism" , deriving sexual pleasure from a non-sexual object or stimulus. The emotional part of her brain took "Dr. Scully" and locked her into a mental closet, and proceeded to project images of Mulder. Scully felt a sudden rush of erotic energy as she released the tie from her waist. Once she regained some composure, she secured the tie around her waist again, a bit looser this time, almost as if to tease herself with its demanding grip. Later on in the same airplane restroom.... Mulder slammed the door shut and threw the bolt to the "Occupied" position. His deep breathes did nothing to calm his sexual urges and growing erection. Since he couldn't calm down he'd have to take matters into his own hands, so to speak. He felt that familiar pang of guilt as he withdrew his swollen cock and began pumping with a frustrated fury. The guilt, the frustration and the shame of having to seek refuge from the stare of his oh-so-proper partner made him even more aroused, as his shaft became unbearable harden at the thought. Why does he get off on this guilt stuff , he wondered. The Ph.D. living in his psyche informed him that as a child, his moments of sexual pleasure could only be experienced by lying and hiding, therefore creating an association between extreme betrayal and extreme pleasure. The lustful Animal that lived in Mulder's psyche promptly tore the Ph.D. in half and told him to shut up. Unencumbered by intellect, Mulder withdrew the panties and held it tightly to his face, intensifying the effect. He was so near the brink but couldn't quite get the final push. Then he heard the announcement "We are making the final approach into National Airport. Please return to your seats..." Desperate to reach orgasm, he wrapped the panties around his cock , and thrusted into the soft feminine fabric. The image and feel of Scully flooded his brain with each stroke into her lingerie. He stifled his cry of her name as his explosive orgasm released him. He managed to avoid spilling semen on the panties and place them back in his pocket. He tried his best to look normal again and splashed cold water on his flushed face. While Mulder had been in the restroom, Scully's thoughts were not so proper. She had slid the tip of the tie wrapped around her waist into her panties so that it just barely touched her clitoris. If she rocked her hips, it would flick with a tantalizing touch. She mentally transformed the tip of Mulder's tie into the tip of Mulder's tongue and immediately heard an erotic moan escape her lips. She was totally lost in her sexual sensations as she rocked harder and faster. The length of the tie pressed against her stomach and back, urging her on. Like the light touch he placed on her back as they moved together, it guided her movements, waiting for a response. Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to pull a blanket over herself before starting this particular display of partner lust. "We are making the final approach..." she heard on the overhead speaker breaking the spell of the sensuous tie as it was bringing her to her own "final approach". Disappointed but settling down, she slowed her hips and lowered the blanket. No public orgasms today. She did, however, realize her face bore the unmistakable flush of sex. Turning up the air flow and fanning her face, she cursed that throwback to the primitive times when physical signs of sexual attraction and readiness were the only necessary agreement between prospective mates. She was looking in a small mirror from her purse, checking for the tell-tale signs on her face and neck when Mulder returned to his seat. "Sorry I was gone so long. I think you were right about the in-flight meal. There was a quite a last minute rush." he said as he buckled his seat belt and thought Scully was satisfied her color change wasn't noticeable but then realized that HIS was. His eyes were dilated, the skin of his face, neck and upper chest were flushed, and the palms of his hands were moist. All the classic signs of androgenic flush, sex hormones in overdrive. She wondered if he'd been doing this during all their out of town trips and she'd just been too preoccupied to notice, or if he was reacting to her. Or worst yet, maybe he was reacting to someone else, someone he was waiting to see once they got back. she said to herself. Both agents settled into normal behaviors as they waited to de-plane. Once in the jetway, a tall man with curly hair in his late 30 carrying a bag marked "10-13 Productions" , pushed roughly past them mumbling to himself . "....damn sexually frustrated partners.... hogging up the restroom..." as he made a dash for the nearest Men's room. They each resolved to get rid of the clandestine objects they carried to avoid any further public scenes. ____________________________________________________________________________ ______ It was mid afternoon so the X-File agents went straight from the airport to FBI headquarters. They arranged a meeting with Skinner to debrief him about this case in hopes of getting home before the Friday rush hour traffic. Although Mulder was still waiting for the final test results, criminal aspects of the case were resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Skinner reviewed the case report, occasionally glancing at the agents waiting in his office. His look was the same look teachers gave students when they said "the dog ate my home work". He finish and tossed the report toward them, "Case closed as far as I can tell. So Agent Mulder, can you explain to me why you want to keep this open as an X File?" "Sir I think it's obvious that the actual mechanism of attack still remains unexplained, despite claims of opportunistic coincidence. Yes, the testimony and physical evidence indicate that the suspect set up traps for each of his victims but for any of those traps to work the victim has to engage in unusual or unlikely behavior..." Mulder rattled on. Skinner slowly grinded his teeth. He held up this hand to silence Mulder, looked to Scully and said "Can you give me a GOOD reason to continue this investigation?" "Well sir the evidence does suggest possible involvement of another party , to create the behaviors Agent Mulder referred to, although the deceased suspect claimed it was all his doing. Granted, this person or persons may have unknowing participated in these murders but I think in the interest of justice we should do our best to remove any reasonable doubt that he committed these act without accomplices." She paused then looked at her partner who appeared slightly wounded by her disregard for his theory. Then she added "And any forensic data collected may help complete the profile necessary to ascertain the validity of paranormal phenomena or other alternatives if it is deduced that he did indeed work alone." Mulder winked at her, knowing they had Skinner. Skinner's teeth stopped grinding. "Can I quote you on that ?" he said as he smiled slightly at her, admiring the way she could take Mulder's ranting and convert it to bureaucratic babble. "File this case as 'Closed but active for research purposes' and stick it somewhere I don't have to see it again. Dismissed. " The agents left his office quickly before he changed his mind. Skinner wonded how Mulder ever survived without her. Then he wondered if Scully would have defended anyone else but Mulder so fiercely and loyally. Finally he wondered the great question on the minds of everyone at the Bureau -"Are they 'doing it' ?" As they approached the basement office, Mulder nudged Scully and said "Thanks for mentioning the possibility of paranormal events in this case." She rarely gave in to officially saying paranormal events existed. "Well, I thought I'd give it chance today. I was feeling generous. Besides I was on a roll. I could have said anything at that point and Skinner would have agreed." She was rather pleased with herself but she was really more amazed at Mulder. He rarely ever said thanks for anything she did on his behalf. As Mulder fumbled slightly with the keys to the office, both agents realized they were staring at one another. Actually they were staring INTO one another, each wondering why the other was suddenly more sensitive to his/her feelings. Could this be a turning point in their partnership ? Had they final reached a point of mutual respect and understanding that they could express out loud, without fear of betrayal and misunderstanding? Maybe. More likely they were just feeling guilty because they were each still carrying the other stolen garments. Scully took the key from Mulder's hand and deftly opened the door. Mulder placed his hand on the small of her back to guide her in as he always did, but this time he felt something. It felt like a bandage or cloth wrapped around her. He hadn't touched her since before they arrived in DC so he figured she must have put it there just before or during the flight. Maybe a back brace for the flight, he thought. Scully was just starting to enjoy the prolonged contact of Mulder's hand when she realized it was resting on the tie wrapped around her midsection. Two emotions and two options flashed in her head - 1. Panic/Run away 2. Lust/grab his hand and put it somewhere useful. The signals canceled each other out , as she moved slowly forward just like always, not giving him any clues there something was different. She turned nervously to look into his eyes, unsure of her own feelings, trying to judge his. In the hazel mist of his eyes, she saw a very small question mark surrounded by a sea of caring and compassion. She wanted to tell him how she found his tie, then wrapped it around her to feel his presence surround her but she lacked any words to start. Instead she reach out and grabbed the end of the tie he was wearing and gentle tugged on it to pull him into the office. Her smile was playful, but not seductive, just to let him know everything was all right. She watched the question mark disappear from his eyes, replaced by a small flame. she ordered herself. She stopped short of pulling him close to her body and then released the tie and proceeded to files papers in the cabinet. Mulder had no idea what just happened. He had been concerned, thinking his partner suffered from low back pain then suddenly she was teasing him. Maybe she knew he had her underwear in his pocket, he thought. < Maybe she WANTS me to have it.> His eyes focused sharply on her small figure as she bent down to open a lower drawer of the filing cabinet. The form of her firm bottom became more apparent, flooding his mind with images from his earlier fantasy. Moving silently , out of her line of sight, he positioned himself behind her. As she stood he drew even closer, causing her to gasp in the startled realization of his nearness. He slowly raised one arm, lightly brushing against her hip and she froze in place. For a brief instant they both pictured that hand wrapping around her waist and drawing her into his world. Instead the hand veered off and reached for the file cabinet drawer handle. Mulder returned the playful smile as Scully stepped to the side to allow him to open the drawer. They went about their business silently, tantalizingly moving through each others personal space but deliberately avoiding contact. They exchanged stares and gentle smiles, neither one willing to break the mood of the moment. This teasing game of UST tag finally got to Mulder. His hand remained in his jacket pocket in constant contact with the delicate lace, rolling it between his fingers imagining Scully's delicate parts yielding to his touch. He finally had to plant himself behind his desk to hide the unmistakable bulge in his pants. To distract himself from the feeling of his own hand pressing against the bulge, he switched on his computer and checked his e-mail. The message was discouraging enough to cause him to wrinkle his brow and chew at his lower lip, deep in thought Scully became fascinated by his lip, as it became wet and swollen from his gentle abuse. She circled his desk in a manner reminiscent of a predator stalking its prey. The tie binding her abdomen contracted then relaxed with each step, intensifying each movement and each breath. She was poised to strike him from the side, aware of his preoccupation with the computer screen and aware of his hand absent-mindedly rubbing against his confined but demanding organ. Then the strangest thing happened - They both started acting like FBI agents instead of animals in heat. Scully read the message on the screen, made a quick summary of the data and said "Mulder, everything looks like its within normal limits." She was only inches away from the lips that seemed so attractive a minute ago yet now she only cared if they responded to her statement. Mulder , still unaware that he was fondling himself, lifted his hand to point at the screen and observed "There are none of the electrolyte imbalances associated with telekinesis or astral-projection. Neuro-transmitter levels are normal too. No vascular changes to the brain... No physical evidence of any kind to support my theory." He knew something had influenced the victims' action and there was no evidence that a second party was involved despite Scully eloquent argument of a conspiracy. Scully felt his disappointment but tried to stay objective until she noticed some of the reports requested were missing. "Check my e-mail" she instructed. Mulder wasn't sure what she was looking for but did as she requested. She moved in closer to take control of the keyboard, entering in her password and scrolling through the messages. She found what she was looking for from the Sheriff Office. "I guess they were afraid if they sent it to you, you'd come back to continue the investigation." "You think they wanted YOU to come back?" he joked. "Well, that one deputy did seem to be checking you out ." "And didn't you notice the way the Coroner looked at you?" was the comeback. "He's not my type. Now that switchboard operator with the red-hair, she...." "Mulder, look ! This scan indicates that most of the neurons were in a depolarized state at the time of death, and therefore the neuro-transmitters should have been depleted. But since the values were normal ..." "... the level must have been abnormally high at a resting state, consistent with telepathic ability." he finish. "There something else here" she added. "My God , Mulder ! It's a confession from the suspect, sent to my e-mail the night before he died." She continued to read the message. "But he confessed to us in person before killing himself" "It appears he left something out" She gestured for him to read the message. Mulder read the confession. Detail by detail the killer described how he had set each trap but had been unable to get the victim to "take the bait". Then it happened. "Object possession ?" Mulder hesitantly concluded. "He thought he could project his will on to a personal item then when the victim made contact with that item, it would impress his will upon them. The behavior was unusual but not alarming enough to raise suspicion. All this according to a dead murderer." Mulder shook his head in doubt. "Object possession is very rare. Even reports of inanimate object acting as conduits to mind control are uncommon. There is hardly any reliable data on either phenomena." Scully reflected for a moment "Inanimate object are often used as a focal point for hypnotic episodes...Maybe that's how these object triggered specific behaviors.." "But what evidence do we have that ANY object can trigger abnormal behavior from anyone." he replied. Something very strange indeed was happening. She was defending some spooky theory and he was searching for hard evidence. Then they both realized they had the evidence they needed, and they were both equally afraid to confess. As Scully breathed hard against the hidden tie, her mind raced. Mulder's thoughs were just as far out there. A long heavy silence set upon the office, broken suddenly by Skinner thumping on the door. "I thought you two were leaving early today ?" "Just following up on that last case, Sir" Scully responded, sounding breathy and excited. Skinner notice Scully was almost sitting in Mulder's lap and that neither one of his hands were visible on the desk or keyboard. "I REALLY don't want to hear any more about it. Good Night !" He headed down the corridor. A man was talking with him. A man that looked a lot like the man from the airplane who complained about the agents spending too much time in the restroom. Waving his arms as he spoke, the man's voice drifted down the stairs ".. No,no, not like "Moonlighting".... or "Remington Steel"....In the movie?... OK, but..." Mulder pushed himself away from the desk and from Scully's panting breath, trying to regain some control. "Skinner's right. Let's get out of here. I'll do more research on object possession this weekend." "Good idea. Since we missed lunch, I think I'll catch an early dinner." she sighed seeing an easy escape route. "Mind if I join you? My treat, really. I won't ditch you like I did this morning" Mulder asked, hoping to regain the teasing mood that they played with earlier. "In fact since your luggage is still in my car from the airport, I'll even drive you home so you don't have to fight the traffic. I'll stop by later tomorrow and we can come back to office to finish off this case and pick up your car." He smiled openly, wondering if a pair of lace panties could turn you brain into mush. "Sure, fine..." Mulder felt the sharp kick of rejection "...sounds like a good idea" she ended, wearing that same playful smile. The kick turned into a jump for joy as he quickly planned his next move. "Do you want to change into something more comfort..., ah, more causal ?" he asked, picturing her first in the panties but quickly switching to jeans and a sweatshirt. "I don't have anything else but sleepware and more suits I my luggage. It was a business trip." "I have a sweatshirt you can borrow" "Knicks or Yankee's ?" "Quantico, actually, from the Academy" "Well at least it's appropriate. OK, I would like to get out of this outfit and relax." "I'll be right back." He brought her the sweatshirt which she took into the Ladies Room. She remove her blazer then her blouse and finally unwrapped the tie from around her. She took a very deep breath and let it out with sigh. Over the course of one day her perception of Mulder shifted from the dominate possessive partner to the caring and generous friend.. She studied the clean soft sweatshirt enjoying the texture of the fleece against her skin. she though. Removing her bra then slipping on sweatshirt, she felt the gentle fabric brush her bare nipples with every move. The sensation was more relaxing than sensual. She wasn't sure if he knew about the tie, which was now stuffed in a bag with her discarded clothing ,but at this point in time she really didn't care. He was just being thoughtful and she could wear his sweatshirt, without feeling guilty. He had changed into a black turtleneck and dark jeans he always packed in case some "funky poaching" was required during a case. The panties remained in his jacket pocket. He took one last look and the scent of Scully mixed with his own orgasm nearly drove him over the edge. Upset by his lack of control, he tossed the jacket back into the depth of his suitcase. He told himself to relax, that this was only dinner and a drive. That there was no demon underwear controlling his actions. That Scully was his partner and friend. Then she returned to the office. His mind was now telling him that under his sweatshirt, his partner and friend had no bra on. He swallowed hard knowing that any arousal would be impossible to hide in his jeans. "Ready ?" he said, the tightness in his voice far too obvious. "Wait a minute" she responded and she reached for his neck. He became transfixed on her lips when he realized she was just straightening his collar. He let loose a big grin and a sigh thinking He relaxed as she said with satisfaction "There. Now your perfect." "I always thought so" he replied with mock pride, guiding her out the door with his familiar gesture. ____________________________________________________________________ Mulder and Scully walked down the street to the pub where many Federal employee hung out after hours. The food was good, relatively cheap, and people didn't seem to mind if you carried a concealed weapon, provided you were a federal agent. Anyone seeing this couple would assume it was just another couple out on a date , maybe on their way to a movie or a night of bowling. Their causal dress, their comfortable smiling conversation, the gentlemanly way he escorted her all signaled to other people that they were just another couple out on a Friday night. Except to those who knew Agents Mulder and Scully; to them the signal was more like a 4 alarm fire at a toxic waste factory. Off duty agents and office workers bunched up together, whispering to one another. A public display of mutual affection -NEVER. Where were the suits, the arguments, the arms folded in frustration, the accusing stares? Maybe they were undercover? Maybe Spooky was right all along and some alien stole their brains? Maybe they had been "doing it" for months and decide to stop hiding it? Maybe they heard about the office betting pool on how long they would be together and they want to throw off the odds? Who was going to find out what was going on? Some of the top investigative agents in the country pondered this question. As a group, they all chose the person best suited to head up this inquiry - the bartender. Mulder approached the bar to order and the bartender asked slyly "So what's up with you two tonight?" "We're hungry" was his nonchalant reply. The bartender turned to the throng awaiting his report and shrugged his shoulders. He then signaled them to wait until the next round. Mulder and Scully ate and talked in the same comfortable way they did during the down time on their out of town cases. Shop talk dominated the subjects but some personal reflections sneaked in now and then. Mulder described the perfect mid-court 1-on-1 jump shot. Scully revealed the secret to trimming the sails of a schooner. They gradually realized how close they really were in spite of the distance they deliberately set between them. Scully needed a break from this epiphany. She offered to buy Mulder another beer, then she insisted and left the table to approach the bar. Agents from around the room eyed her closely. "So are you two enjoying yourselves tonight?" the bar tender asked, winking at her. She nodded absently. "Any special occasion?" he continued. She disapproved of his inquires and his manner so she decided to shut him for a bit "Well, he is taking me home tonight." When he reported his findings to the group, no one believed it and thought she was just teasing the bartender. But everyone moved just a bit closer and some guys started an odds board on the back table. The sexual tension generated by the secret possession of each other articles of clothing underscored the evening, breaking through as an off-color remark or innuendo. Each touch was innocent enough - a hand on a shoulder, a brush of the arm, a grip on a elbow. But as each moment passed, they touched more frequently and each touch lingered a but longer. They didn't even realize it when his hand parked on top of hers and remained there as they talked. This fact did not escape the attention of the growing crowd of anxious Bureau professionals, several of which had placed bets that they would kiss in public before the evening was over. If they could read each others mind, the X-File team would realize just how close they were. They both shared the same vision of how the rest of the evening might progress.... ____________________________________________________________________________ __ ENTERING FANTASY MODE..... The drive home was more of the same as at dinner, more touching and more smiles. When they arrived at her place, he even walked her to the door, carrying her luggage. She looked at him as never before. There stood a man she truly wanted to be with, not for some cause or some mission, but just to be with. A man with a hold on her she couldn't explain yet whose hold didn't demand obedience, just love and respect. Scully decided a tie was a poor substitute for the man who wore it. "Would you like to come in for some coffee?" "Yeah, that would be nice" he answered with yet another smile. He was glad the evening could continue just a bit longer. She seemed to be even more of a woman than ever. She was a woman with needs he never gave much notice of before. Her need for approval, for purpose, for intimate quiet moments and others. Needs he wanted to fill. Not just for her sake but for his as well. To serves the needs of someone he loved deeply. Scully went into the kitchen to make the coffee and he sat awkwardly on the couch, unable to sit still. He nervously looked around the room for some clue of how to proceed. This wasn't some seedy seduction or tearful confession. He needed to tell her of his deep desire to be her partner in body, mind and soul. His desire to be her lover. She returned with 2 cups coffee and sat beside him. As he shifted to face her, he bumped into her hand , spilling the coffee onto the sweatshirt, wetting it down so it clung to her breasts. All his noble thoughts clouded over as he watched her fidget and pull at the her breast, reacting to the hot liquid. "S-sorry." he stammered, afraid to say anything more, embarrassed by how it aroused him. She set down the remaining coffee and said "At least it was your shirt. Let me go change.." as she headed for her bedroom. Picking up the full cup of coffee, he called back to her "Need any help ?" , half as a joke and half as a hope. "Only if you think you can handle it" she said flatly. Mulder was sure she was kidding until he turned to deliver another clever remark and saw her facing him, her midriff exposed as she pulled up the sweatshirt. He totally lost his grip on reality at that moment. Unfortunately he also lost his grip on the coffee cup and the dark hot fluid spilled onto his lap. Scully tried to hold back her laughter, knowing how painful it felt, especially in his "excited" state. She failed miserably and let loose a healthy chuckle. She shook her head , and sighed " Well I guess that means you CAN'T handle it." Mulder's grand plan of revealing the depth of his desire and respect for Scully went right out the window, which was just as well since he didn't actually have a working plan. Instead, this caring and sensitive man lunged at his laughing partner and shouted playfully "I'll show you what I can handle." He caught her around the arms and pulled her on top of him as he fell back onto the couch. With her arms pinned to her sides, she struggled to free herself, still laughing. Her nearness overwhelmed his senses and her movement was almost unbearable against his anxious erection. The raging sexual animal in Mulder took control of his body as he began to grind his hips into Scully body, as if the movement alone could tear away the layers of clothing that separated his excited flesh from her abdomen. A deep moan escaped his lips. Scully sudden froze, realizing that they were no long playing the teasing game. She knew she was just as aroused as he was but she also knew that they couldn't allow themselves to go any further without seriously discussing the ramifications of their actions. What little self-controlled Mulder had left, stilled his body for a moment and allowed him to bring his lips against Scully's ear. In a deep, heavy voice he whispered "Believe in us, believe in extreme possibilities." His let his lips trace across her cheek then stopped and hover before her lips, anticipating a response. She heard the words and felt the warm lips, waiting for an answer. She felt him trembling beneath her, trying to control the passion they shared. His right hand slid down her back until it found its place once again in the small of her back, this time pulling tighter as he slowly pressed his body to her. Everything felt right, as if this was how it was meant to be. The sound floated up through her throat and her lips formed the words, "I want to believe." , then her lips plunged into the waiting pair. So much for serious discussion. After a short eternity, their kiss ended, leaving both breathless with excitement and oxygen deprivation. Mulder drew back to take in the view of his partner, flushed with excitement, eager for the next phase. She stayed with him after all the pain they had shared. Now they would share pleasure as well. A wicked smile crossed his face, as he pulled at the sweatshirt. "I was suppose to help you with this, wasn't I ?" She nodded with false modesty and innocence. Off it came with one movement Just was swiftly came his mouth and hands upon her breasts. The taste of coffee and Scully filled his senses. His hips started to grind again but this time she was answering his movements with her own. His long tapered fingers caressed her breasts while his tongue tickled each harden nipple in turn. He was entranced by the smooth soft texture of her skin. His wild animal urges continued to drive his lower body, while his love-struck heart directed his hands and mouth. The contrast of intensity drove Scully crazy. His touch sent electric tingles down her nerves like tiny bolts of lightning. But the insistent thrusts demanded her response. Shifting her body to straddle his hips, she positioned her hot center directly over his ready-and -willing cock. He gasped as he felt the warm folds settle upon him. Only clothing damp with sweat, coffee, and her desire separated them. Desperate to feel her against him, he reached down to undo his pants but was frustrated by his inability to master basic motor skills, a victim of sensory overload. She needed to regain some control of her self and of the situation, since it was obvious Mulder had totally lost himself in the moment. The sound of his voice sobbing in frustration and desire was silenced as she said calmly in a breathy tone, "Let me help you with that" She pushed his useless hands aside then slowly undid his belt and top button of his jeans. He swallowed hard then took a breath as if to speak but she place one finger on her lips to shush him. "I'll a doctor, remember" she purred softly " I can handle this 'operation'. Just sit back and relax." He sat back but relaxing wasn't an option. As she slid the fly open , she slid her body down his, kneeling on the floor, with her face just inches from his crotch. She gently pulled down his briefs then slowly wrapped her fingers around his throbbing cock , pulling it free from its confinement. He started to thrust into her hand, losing control to his desires once again. "Not yet." she said softly her face drawing closer, her lips parting. Once he realized what was coming (as it were) he stilled his hips and watched in total amazement as her tongue extended outward to stroke the length of his shaft. Her lips engulfed the head and his hands gripped the edge of the couch to prevent them from pulling her head down on himself. His breathing went from rapid panting to deep moans, moans that tried to say her name. Scully was more nervous than he realized. The slow movements weren't intended to be seductive, although they seems to have that effect. She hadn't done anything like this in a long time and it was both frightening and thrilling. Her years of training helped to maintain the cool facade even though her heart was pounding and her crotch was soaking wet, anticipating a friendly visitor. Her anxiety vanished as her tongue tasted a salty, coffee favored, Mulder. The intimacy of his sex enclosed in her mouth, sent shock waves through her body. She was close to orgasm just from his presence. His very personal presence. Yes, this definitely better than just a tie. She hesitated slightly realizing she would have to tell him about the tie thing. His hips thrusted instinctively when she paused so she resumed her duties with a passion. Once he was sure his brain wasn't going to explode, he watched her with fascination. One hand finally ventured forward to gently stroke her hair as her head rose and fell with each cycle. She stopped for an instant and gazed into his eyes. He hoped she could see beyond the lust and see the love and devotion he had for her. She must have seen something she liked because she quicken the pace, adding gentle pressure to his testicles with each downstroke of her hand. He couldn't remember a blow job every feeling this good. He raised his hips and push down his jeans and briefs. Scully used her free hand and finished pulling them down to the floor. He was totally exposed and vulnerable. She literally had him by the balls. Yet she demanded nothing except his own pleasure. He closed his eyes as he felt the strokes intensify. Restrain gave way, as he greedily pumped his cock into his partner's inviting mouth, pulling her head lightly down on it. She reacted in convulsive orgasm without ever losing pace with his thrust. Her mouth stayed clamped around him but her nostrils flared as she tried to catch her breath. Mulder gasped in astonishment "My God, Scully... How can you...." then he lost his voice to the wonderful sensations surrounding him. Opening his eyes he realized she had managed to shed her shoes, pants and panties, wearing nothing but sheer white thigh length stocking. Her free hand had busied itself attending to her pleasure center. The sight excited him but also worried him. Insecurity crept over him, doubtful of who trigger her orgasm. His pace slowed. She pulled her head back to speak "Please don't stop now." she panted. His flush and excitement was overshadowed by uncertainty " What... what if I can't satisfy you ?" She lightly kissed the tip to his penis. "You already have. Trust me." He smiled understanding her meaning. "But if I come now I might not...." "Not fast enough on the reload" she teased. Her playfulness dissipated any doubt < If I can get off fondling her panties, I think the original will keep me going all night.> "Is that a challenge? " he asked lifting an eye brow. "If you can handle it" she responded then took him forcefully into her mouth again. He groaned loudly and grunted "I love a challenge." He unleashed that wild animal again and it made a direct attack on his sex drive. Scully must have unleash her beast as well . She withdrew her hand from the wetness within her and pushed it towards Mulder's buttocks, sliding between them, teasing his rectum. He first yelped in surprise at the touch, then he growled in satisfaction. She pushed her finger up to massage his prostate and he roared in a dramatic orgasm that she could barely contain in her mouth He watched her swallow wildly, semen trickling down her lips, as she came again. As they regained their breath, she gently licked him clean, making a soft purring sound. He could swear he heard his brain explode. She stood up and regarded this man in her living room. Naked except his shoes, socks, and his pants pulled down to his ankles. His red, wet, limp penis, laid on its side. His eyes opened but completely glazed over with satisfaction. Not a pretty sight to most. To her , it was the most breathtaking scene she could imagine. Except, perhaps, for the next scene that was about to take place. Scully sat on the floor next to the couch and removed her partner's shoes and socks, then finished pulling off his pants. Mulder watched her loving care and caressed any part of her body he could reach. Their intense round of oral sex left him exhausted. He wasn't sure he could handle round 2, despite Scully's challenge for a "fast reload." Her gorgeous body, clothed only with stockings, pressed down on top of him. Still, he saw her beauty deep within her eyes. He kissed her deeply, tasting his semen on her tongue, smelling his scent on her lips. He felt the arousal pass through his body, shaking his spent erection. He sat back into the couch once again with her straddling his hips. This time her moist swollen vaginal opening rest directly on his reawaken hard-on. "You are a fast reloader" she quipped. "I keep a spare clip in my pocket" he answer, playing her game. "Oh , that's what that is, and I though you were just happy to see me." She rock her hips slowly, sliding her wetness along his cock. "Would you like to feel what I have I my pocket? He loved it when women talked dirty. Especially when it was to him. Especially when it was from Scully. Especially when she did "that". Suddenly she stopped and said seriously "Mulder, there's something I need to tell you." A hundred images flashed by in Mulder's head during the next second. She's seeing someone else, this should never happen again, she's leaving the X-files because she can't work with you anymore, she's a lesbian, she's in love with Skinner, she's in love with Krycek, she's acting under the orders of Cancer Man, she's Frohike in disguise, she's an alien bounty hunter about to kill you, she's a clone trying to create a new hybrid, she's Ed Van Blundht exploring his feminine side, she's under the influence of an implant, she's under the influence of secret TV transmissions, she's under the influence of cheap beer, she wants to eat your liver, she want to drink you blood, she wants to cut off your fingers and hair, she thinks your breath stinks, she's really in love with you....Too many extreme possibilities. Oddly enough only 2 things really frighten him - the thought of her leaving and the though of her being in love with him. "Mulder, I stole your tie" she confessed He breathed a sigh of relief then wrinkled his forehead, unsure of the meaning "My tie?" "I found one of your ties after packing this morning and kept it. I wrapped it around myself during the flight. That's what you felt under my blouse in the office." "Why?" 'Because it reminded me of you. Because I wanted to feel it all around me. Because I wanted to feel YOU near me." "You had erotic fantasies ....about my tie?" "About you, Mulder." The full impact of her confession hit him. His cock became steel and tried to bury itself deep into its new home. Scully was shocked by the sudden movement between her legs. He hadn't quite been able to penetrate her but the intention was clear. "Locked and loaded, I see" referring to her earlier metaphor. "But you , ah, left the safety off" noting the lack of standard safe sex practices. "Do you trust me?" he asked with an intensity she never heard before. She looked deeply onto his eyes. She saw the flame of passion, the sea of caring and concern, but this time she saw something else - she saw herself, protected and illuminated by flame, floating careless along the sea. "Yes" she answered without a second though. She wasn't sure exactly what he meant but she knew no harm would come to her, no unwanted illness, no unwanted pregnancies, no unwanted guilt. Only Mulder deep within her and totally a part of her. She lifted slightly until she felt the tip of his erection pressing against her. She slowly lower herself, bringing them together for the first time. They both made sounds distinct to the moment. Call it a moan or groan or sigh or gasp, it was the sound of slow intense sexual pleasure. Mulder fought back the urge to buck his hips and concentrated on the hot, wet, tightness of his partner as he slipped deeper and deeper within her. Once fully impaled on him, she raised up slowly and repeated the process, over and over. Each time allowing him to touch her very center of energy, and to hear and feel the response it brought forth. This slow pace made him ache but he felt so far from an orgasm it surprised him. He needed a distraction. Something to stimulate that animal inside him. He sat up and pulled her close. The change of angle took him deeper inside her. She threw back her head at the sensation and quicken the pace and intensity. Now he could thrust and keep pace with her. He held back but was desperate to come inside her. His mind flashed to the experience of jerking off in her lace panties. Without thinking, he whisper in her ear, "When do you wear them? The black lace panties." Shocked but not enough to stop her movements, she replied "How do you know..." "I found them this morning. Like you found my tie" He pulled back and grinned at her, knowing she couldn't get mad at him now. "I had they with me on the plane, when I went to the restroom, when I..." "Oh God" she screamed throwing herself into high gear. Sheer excitement shot through her blood, picturing Mulder masturbating into her panties. Seeing the positive effect this image had on his partner, Mulder whisper again "When do you wear them?" Breathless and almost out of control, throwing herself on the so-near-the-edge rod, she screamed "When I want to feel sexy, when I want to be with you, when I fantasize about you..." "Scully" his hot breath pressed into her ear "This is no fantasy." He rocked hard into her. Their frantic pace was soon rewarded by a powerful eruptive simultaneous orgasm that everyone in the building heard. Someone may have even measured it on the Ritcher scale. What do expect after 4 years of foreplay? The two partners laid there, joined at last. Smiling peacefully at one another. Still friends, very special friends. Willing to die for one another now willing to live for one another. Together, in a relationship consummated by passion, preserved by love. Knowing that dark forces would try to keep them apart but knowing their souls merged eternal. Finally she rose and took his hand , leading him to her bedroom. The two partners, pressing close together, walked into the light. _______________________________________________________________ THAT'S WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED; WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPEND WAS...... The two agent sat silently at the table, his hand rest atop hers. They had run out of words yet they weren't ready to end the moment. Each mind played out a fantastic dream of what could be when their thoughts were interrupted by loud couple in the next booth. A man's voice shouted " Look, just tell me the truth. Don't you think I can handle the truth." The answer was woman's voice, just as strong but not as loud "I can't give you the truth. Only the facts. And the fact is you don't trust me." "How can I trust you if you won't tell me what's happening?" "How can I tell you if you go storming off, ready to pick a fight?' "It's MY fight !" "Wrong ! It's OUR fight. Everything that happened to you, happens to me." His voice softened "I don't want you to get hurt." "Too late. I already have the biggest pain in the ass anyone could get -YOU." They both laughed. They continued more quietly. Mulder looked with a smile to his partner. "Is that what we sound like? Jeez, no wonder people at always staring at us." "Actually Mulder they're staring at you . Those ties..." He leaned over as if to whisper "I'm not wearing a tie now but their still staring." She looked at his hand which had unconsciously started to stroke hers. "Mulder I thinks it because...." The other couple was leaving, putting on their coats. He said "Look, just tell me you love me and all is forgiven." "Funny, I was just about to say the same thing" "OK, OK No-fault clause in affect. Just tell me, DO YOU LOVE ME ?" "Always, my friend" and they kissed passionately as they walked out the door. Mulder had been watching the couple and mused "NO, that is NOT what we sound like..." "Ah, Mulder , about those stares...."Scully gestured to his hand which was now curled around hers, fingers lightly rubbing the palm. He pulled back his hand as if someone told him it was on fire. His face changed 5 shades of red before settling on a nice umber tone. "S-sorry, I don't know how that happen." "Don't panic" she reassured him "It's been a very stressful day." Mulder sighed and thought Scully regarded Mulder as he sulked. "Mulder I've been thinking about that case. You said object possession was rare, and I see no evidence whatsoever to support such a claim. There is evidence of "possible" psychic ability but more importantly there was no evidence of a specific time frame." Mulder perked up." That's right. How could I have missed that. He set those traps all at the same time but the deaths occurred at irregular interval. They were just unlucky enough to get caught in them." "Well, he may have influence their behavior..." "... with subtle suggestion or out right requests. They had no reason to suspect he had anything to do with the deaths, therefore no reason not to do some small favor he asked, involvinmg some personal item." "Mulder, you profiled him. How come he sent me that e-mail with that crazy possession story?" "He sent it to you after meeting us once. His experience with women led him to believe you would be more sympathetic to his plight. He sure didn't do his homework. Anyway, he picked up the object possession story so he could distance himself from the murders. He knew he was still guilty but by claiming the object "pulled the trigger" he felt less responsible for the deaths. I think he actually believed this possession story but when faced by our questioning he realized that if we didn't buy it maybe it was all bunk...." Scully picked up the story from there" Forced to face the full weight of his guilt, he confessed sans object possession, then killed himself." Mulder did a mock applause "Bravo, Dr. Scully. Your Ph.D. in psychology is in the mail." "Is that you needed to do get that sheepskin?" she joked. "Well , that and send in 10 box tops" Both agents smiled and sat back in their seats. Mulder thought < OK there is no demon underwear after all. Just a horny guy and some sexy panties. And a partner who has no idea what she does to men. No, she's not stupid. Why do you think she dresses the way she does. It because she DOES know what she does to guys. She know something, all right. Why did she bring these panties on a business trip , when she didn't even bring along a pair of jeans? The enigmatic Dr. Scully. Maybe someday she'll be less of a mystery. I'm still busy trying to get into her head, forget trying to get into her pants, or her heart. Actually I do have a place in her heart. She's always here for me and she even recognizes when I'm joking. She given up so much for my sake yet she claims it as her own. Maybe someday she'll claim my heart as her own. Maybe not. Today I have her friendship and her loyalty, which is all I need - today. Of course I also have her panties which I don't need but I'm keeping them anyway. They sure felt good against my... don't start that again. I'll wash out her scent and cut off the trim so it's just a piece of soft lacy fabric. Maybe I buy her a new one as a birthday present. Anonymously, of course.> "Scully, I was thinking...." Once again she picked up the thought. ".... since we're not going to do any more work on this case, we can just transfer my luggage out of your car into mine and head our separate ways." Mulder thought Mulder said "Yeah." She added "I'll bring the sweatshirt back on Monday. Washed, of course." "Why don't you keep it? I hardly ever wear it. Why do you think it was clean?" She smirked at his joke. Then he added "Besides, it's a little tight on me. It looks better on you." She blushed slightly "You're sure ?" He nodded. "Thanks" she said softly. She liked the though of being given just a small piece of Mulder. Given willingly , not stolen in stealth. She liked the though very much. Mulder paid the tag with the bar tender who asked for the third and final time "Really, what is going on between you two? You're usually all business like or arguing or both. Tonight you two look like you're on a date or something. She even said something about you taking her home." He was trying the very direct approach. Mulder shook his head and laughed. Scully would go to great lengths to get guys off her back. Mulder looked at Scully, gathering her things at the table. The two partners stood across the room, separate but together in spirit. Smiling mischievously at one another. Mulder turned to the bartender and said "No matter what you hear, we're still just friends." He started to walk away then turned back, winked and added "Very special friends." Off duty personnel scattered like roaches in the light- All bets were off, everything back to square one, fire the bartender. Mulder and Scully, willing to fight for each other, willing to laugh for one another. Together in a relationship consummated in suffering , preserved by trust and caring. Knowing that many powers, including themselves, kept them apart but knowing their shared experiences formed a special bond, allowing them to seek different paths to the same goal. She rose and he placed his hand on her back as always, guiding her towards the door. Mulder suddenly felt something on his back, then realized Scully was returning the gesture. He gave her a concerned look. Did he miss a cue ? Did she want him to take her home? Did he totally blow it tonight? She looked him squarely in the eye "Just tell me. DO YOU TRUST ME?" He smiled back, all concern washed away. "Always, my friend." The two partners, pressing close together, walked into the night. END _______________________________________ The story was intended to depict a "it-could-have-happened-situation" between our intrepid heroes since it does not significantly change their relationship as we see. I needed a serious sex scene but didn't feel right about actually letting it happen in the story. I'll leave the match making to Chris and company. (Notice his cameo in the story.) The babble about electrolytes and neuro-transmitters has not been documented and is a by-product of too many hours of biochemistry in my jaded past. Comments, good and bad, can be forwarded to shinkai@mlode.com