************************************************************** Your like a plaintive melody that never let's me free, but I'm content the angels must have sent you and they meant you just for me ************************************************************** Journey from Midnight--Part 1 The Beginning He stands solitary, deep in thought the cold D.C. air whips around his person. One thought runs through his mind. Dana said yes. After six years, countless hospital trips and lies, near death experiences, six years of unspoken attraction, all he had to do was ask. It had been so simple. A flat monotone asking her "What are you doing Saturday evening?" Had led to this moment. Their first date. Well to Scully, just a night out with her best friend and partner, but for Mulder it was something more. With Spender dead and Agent Fowley exposed for the Smoky conspirator she was, nothing was in the way of Mulder finally understanding and acting on his burning desire for Scully. When Fowley came back, those old emotions for her returned, but when she was caught red handed, tampering with the evidence Mulder had accumulated about the faceless aliens, the syndicate, and the Smoking Man, he began to realize Scully was right and his feelings vanished. His heart took over and led him to what he already knew, he was in love with Dana Scully and had been for some time. He took a deep breath and straightened his tie. He hoped he was dressed appropriately, he rarely went to the theater, the legitimate stage. The only theater he knew showed 10 movies in air conditioned theaters with cupholders and high backed seats and it only cost $ 4.50 to see a "show", $ 3 if he went between 4-8 p.m. on sundays. His light gray suit was wrinkle free, and crisp thanks to the 2.99 cleaners, who said cheaper wasn't better. He dusted off the shiny black tie ups that he spent 3 hours buffing till he could literally see his face in them. He obsessed over the right shirt for his suit, a white one or the light blue one, maybe the cream one? Would it go with the tie, how about another suit? He had finally decided on the Gray suit with a light blue shirt. He had never done that for any of his dates. He just threw some thing on and went. Not with Scully, it was different. He wanted her to see him as a person. He wanted, he needed to impress her, look nice for her. He knew she would do the same. He wondered what she had on. Was it red to match her hair or black? She always looked good in black. Maybe something demure, feminine, tight? Light blue or lavender? His heart leaped with the thought of Scully in a real dress, not just one of her suits. Though she looked awesome in those too. Would she wear her hair up, would she curl it? He sighed. He loved her hair, its color, its texture, the smell. Sweet and light, Suave Herbal Care. Practical, that was Scully. The stabilizing force in his life. Why was he stalling, he couldn't wait to see what she looked like, how she smelled, her eyes, Sparkling Blue. With a deep breath, he climbed the stairs to his destiny. ************************************************************** ************************************************************** It felt like an eternity before she opened the door and left him breathless. Her hair was upswept, a few curled strands carefully draping her face, the blue dress she had on accentuated every curve and line in her body. It brought out the creamy smooth texture of her skin, made her hair appear a brighter red and her eyes, oh her eyes so soft and deep blue, worried? Was she wondering the same things, feeling the same things? Then she spoke with that throaty serious voice Mulder couldn't live without. "Well, you look nice, is it cold out?" She's asking you a question, answer her, Mulder's mind urged. His body was frozen by her sheer beauty, then he found his voice, "No, not really" he stared at her shoulders, her smooth, beautiful . . . Does she know I'm staring? Why did she wear a strapless dress? He thought. He hadn't anticipated that move. It took all his willpower to ask her out, did he have enough left to control himself? She grabbed her purse and keys from the table quickly closing and locking the door behind her. "Well Mulder, we are going to the theater and dinner, what are we seeing and where are we going to eat. I'm starved." Mulder laughed to himself. Same old Scully. He wished she'd call him Fox, to hear his name off her lips, with her voice . . . Then he realized she was waiting for an answer to her question, and he was acutely aware that he was looking at her like a stunned deer. "We're going to the Del Sol restaurant, then to a lovely evening with Shakespeare." Macbeth to be exact. Not the most romantic Shakespeare play but Scully's favorite, he got that info from Frohike. " Shakespeare, which play?" "Macbeth" Mulder said acting like he didn't know it was her favorite. Scully's eyes widened with glee and for a moment she lost her usual cool as she did a little hop and clapped her hands with happiness. Mulder flashed her a quizzical look and smile while inside his heart skipped a beat. She was happy and he made her that way, maybe he's not such a screw up after all. " Macbeth is my favorite Mulder, gosh I thought it was sold out. This is going to be a good evening." Then the worried look came on her face again. " Mulder, where's your car?" Mulder smiled. He wanted a special evening, an evening she would remember, why not rent a limo? As the long sleek Black limo pulled up to the curb, Mulder smiled and said " Here it is" Scully's eyes widened, the shock overwhelming. He definitely went all out. She was glad. She had always hoped he would pay some attention to her, less than professional attention. He looked so good tonight, that gray suit brought out his soulful hazel eyes and he had shaved and combed his usually wayward hair. She had never seen him this nice before and he smelled so good. Was that the Nautica Cologne she gave him for his birthday last year? He held the door of the limo for her, waving her in as if he was the chauffeur. She smiled, tonight was definitely the night she was going to tell him how she felt about him. Now that Diana Fowley was out of his system, the road was clear for her to move in. Mulder hopped in next to her, he smiled. Tonight was definitely the night he was going to tell her how he felt about her. Now that he had his head on straight and the conspiracy somewhat at bay, he had time to make a relationship with Scully work. 6 p.m. at the Del Sol She was hungry, Mulder thought as he watched Scully carefully devour her dessert. He could barely eat he was so nervous. He was mesmerized by the swift, delicate movements as she polished off her chocolate mousse. He wondered what she would fell like in his arms. He wished 6:20 would come faster, that's when the Dance floor opened on the roof. They could dance while the sun went down around them, draping her with oranges, purples, and reds, adding to her lovely features. Time seemed to tick by so slowly. It had been 6:05 for 3 minutes already! Mulder began to fidget. When the waiter came to clear the table, Mulder turned his penetrating gaze toward Scully. She was looking at the mirror in her purse to make sure there were no embarrassing crumbs around her mouth, when she felt his gaze on her, intense, hot, electric, it compelled her to lookup. After a moment, Scully found the power to ask. "What time does Macbeth start?" After a moments hesitation Mulder answered, " Uh, 8 p.m., I was hoping you would like to dance, they open the dance floor at 6:20." Dance with Mulder? His strong arms draped around her waist. his gentle hands guiding her . . . . She shook the thoughts out of her head. "Sure, what time is it now?" Mulder looked at the clock behind her, finally it had moved. "6:10" "Well let's get a head start so we can get a good place on the dance floor." Scully got up grabbing her purse and his hand. She made a quick detour to the limo to drop off her purse then Mulder gently pulled her towards the elevator. He pressed the top floor and looked down at Scully. He was still holding her hand, but she didn't seem to notice. As the doors opened, they were hit with a blast of cool D.C. air. It sent a shiver down Scully's spine as she remembered debating about wearing a shawl or not. She should have grabbed it. It was 6:20, the orchestra had set up and was playing Bach, Mozart, and a few pop songs. As they glided on to the floor, she felt Mulder's arm slip around her waist. She reached up and put her hands on his shoulders. As they became lost in the music, she buried her cheek into his chest and listened to the gentle thud of his heart. Mulder's heart leaped, he hoped she hadn't heard it; He never dreamed they would ever be this close, his hands resting lightly along the small of her back, guiding her along with ease. She had never imagined Mulder was this graceful a dancer, he guided her with such ease across the floor. He looked down at her, it seemed so natural to hold her like this. As the sun went down, he felt a shiver run through her. "She's cold, she has a strapless dress on, didn't you think she'd get cold?" Mulder's brain scolded. "Scully, are you cold?" "I'm fine Mulder" Mulder smiled, he should have known what she was going to say. He released her reluctantly from his grasp and gingerly grabbed her hand, pulling her off the dance floor. He removed his coat in one quick motion and draped it around her small, svelte body. She reveled in the warmth of his jacket, the smell of Nautica and Mulder all in one. As she wrapped it around her, he lightly embraced her, placing his head gently on top of hers cradling her in his arms, "Look at the sunset, isn't it beautiful?" Mulder asked Scully who turned her head slightly to see. They stayed like this for several minutes watching the sun go down. The couples around them stole glances at them, seeing the love emitting through their body language. Mulder caught a glimpse of an elderly couple staring at them, he smiled and the couple gave him the thumbs up, nodding with pleasure at the beautiful couple. Mulder smiled and let out a soft chuckle, then a flash disrupted the moment. The restaurant photographer had snapped a picture of the scene. "One more please, you're such a gorgeous couple" Scully blushed, Mulder looked down at her and smiled. Gorgeous couple, huh? We sure are. When they resumed their pose, the photographer smiled and snapped 3 more shots. Handing one to each of them as he left. Wow, we do make a gorgeous couple, Mulder and Scully thought in unison. Scully pulled up Mulder's sleeve and looked at his watch, 7:15 they should go. It will take 30 minutes to get to the Theater then to find their seats. Scully looked up at Mulder to find him staring down at her with a look she had never seen before in his eye. His mind tried to stop him but it was too late. Mulder's heart took over as he gently lifted Scully's chin upwards and moved in for a kiss. Mulder's eyes closed as their lips touched, light and magical. He pulled her closer to him as he deepened the kiss. His hands released her waist to cup her face. Scully's hands ruffled his soft brown hair, feeling each strand as it ran through her fingers. Then Mulder's brain finally regained control, scolding his actions and he released Scully from his embrace. Stunned and dazed for a moment the two looked at each other confused, then Scully smiled and stroked his hand as she said, " I should look at your watch more often. We need to go if we are going to make it on time." Mulder's body responded and he allowed himself to be lead through the crowd towards the elevator. In the limo Mulder and Scully sat next to each other trying to understand what had just happened on the roof. They had opened a new door in there relationship, where will it lead? Will they still be able to work together now or will they be separated again? Mulder opened his mouth in an attempt to say something, but froze. He didn't know what to say. He had no witty quip to offset the moment, explain what had happened. All that he knew was that things would never be the same again and he was secretly glad. He was tired of this just friends charade they continued to play. He was tired of hiding his feelings. He was always searching for the truth, but he could never admit the simple truth that he loved Dana Scully. No more. By the time the night was over, he had determined she would be his. ************************************************************** I can't see me loving no body but you for all my life, when your with me baby, the skies will be blue for all my life ************************************************************** Journey from Midnight Part 2 --The Theater After a silent contemplative limo ride, they arrived at the theater. The limo stopped and Mulder turned his gaze to Scully, she was peering at the magnificent Building in front of them. "Come on Scully" Mulder said tugging at her with the impatience of a child. Scully smiled. I wish he would call me Dana, she thought. Especially after what had just happened, why is he still being so formal. Well that's it, if he isn't going to break this, I am. " Sure Fox, where are we sitting?" Mulder froze. A thrill spasm ran up his back. She called me Fox. It sounded a little more tolerable off her lips, but he still didn't like it. Why oh why did his mother give him such a ridiculous name. As they climbed the steps to the theater Mulder said "Scully . . ." "Dana" Scully interrupted " Dana, um why don't you call me by my middle name, William. Fox sounds so, so ..." "Ridiculous?" Scully interjected reading his mind perfectly as usual. "Yeah" William, Scully thought, rolled it around in her mind so many people in her life were named William, her father, her brother, Mulder's father. It was a nice normal name, he preferred it, but it just didn't fit Mulder, but then again, it had felt so unnatural for her to call him Fox, it was more natural for her to call him Mulder, " Sure William" maybe if I use it more it will sound better to me. His hand slid along her shoulders and down to the small of her back as he guided her through the door. It stayed there as he flashed the tickets to the ticket taker at the door and as they climbed the stairs to their private balcony sets. A deep strong voice called their names as the climbed the stairs " Agent Mulder, Agent Scully, I didn't know you liked Shakespeare." Mulder turned to see A. D. Skinner grinning at them. Scully's eyes widened with the realization. Mulder's arm remained on the small of her back, and the spot became hot with apprehension. Would Skinner notice? Hopefully, he is not seated near us. "Surprised to see you here, sir. Mulder got tickets for me, the only condition was I had to take him." Scully said trying to make it seem less than it was. " I'm here with my wife, she just loves Macbeth." It must be a girl thing, Mulder thought. " Where are you sitting" Skinner asked. " Uh, 35 A & B" Mulder said uncomfortably. Would he know it was a private Box? Skinner's eyes widened, "Really were sitting in 36 A & B," then turning to Scully "I'll make sure he stays awake." Mulder's eyes tried unsuccessfully to hide the shock and disappointment he felt. They were in the box next to them. The way the auditorium was they would be able to see them at all times. Well, there goes the intimate atmosphere, Mulder thought. As Skinner waited for his wife, Mulder and Scully continued up the stairs. Mulder's hand moved from her back, Scully slid her hand in his giving it a light squeeze. There goes the intimate atmosphere, Scully thought. Skinner looked back after his agents and noticed them holding hands. They always did, it was like an expression of trust but this time, it must have been something in their body language, caught Skinner's eye and made him wonder if there was another reason they were here together. When they arrived at their seats, Scully looked around. This is a perfect view, not too close, but not too far away either. She looked to her right, Skinner and his wife were just getting situated. Well, who cares, tonight I feel reckless. Mulder glanced over and unintentionally made eye contact with Skinner. He smiled and waved. He rolled his eyes and looked at Scully, she was mesmerized by the view. The light bathed her, making her look like a goddess. "What's wrong? You thought I had nose bleed seats?" Scully looked back at him with a devilish look, " Yes" " I'm shocked, do you have absolutely no faith in me?" Mulder rose draping himself around her. They both leaned over the rail to get a good look at the theater. Scully leaned back and whispered to Mulder, "I've had a wonderful time and if this play is half as good as I think it will be, I may let you take me out again." Skinner glanced over and took a double take at the scene before him. When did that happen? There were a thousand and one rumors that they were involved romantically, but they never let on. He smiled and thought, well good, it's about time. Mulder took a deep breath of Scully's hair and gently nuzzled it with his face, it felt like silk. The lights dimmed and Mulder moved back to his seat. During the play, Scully leaned into Mulder resting her head against his chest. Mulder reached his arm around her, pulling her towards him. Her arms were cold to his touch and he removed his arm, took off his jacket and draped it around her, replacing his arm around her, cradling her. He wanted to pick her up and place her in his lap, cradle her in his arms like a child, stroking her hair and talking softly . He was excited by the thought, and by the thought that if he played his cards right, maybe he would. The lights came up followed by thunderous applause. Mulder looked at Scully, her eyes gleaming. As they exited their booth, they ran into the Skinners again. Please don't ask us to go with you two somewhere, they begged in unison. Skinner introduced them to his wife and left. As they exited, they ran into the Skinners yet a gain, they were in front of Mulder and Scully's limo admiring it. "Who do you think arrived in this?" Skinner said aloud. "We did" Mulder said as the chauffeur opened the door for Mulder and Scully, with a Welcome back sir and ma'am. The look on Skinners face was priceless. Skinner's wife said, "Walter, there just partners and he got a limo. We've been married 20 yrs and I've never ridden in a limo." Oh great not this again, thanks a lot Mulder, Skinner thought as he continued to listen to his wife complain. In the limo, the driver turned around and asked "Where to?" Mulder glanced at his watch 11:30 p.m., hmm, maybe I should call it a night while I'm still ahead. Then Scully touched his arm. "Can we go somewhere and talk, maybe get some coffee." Talk? Mulder felt a goofy grin come on his face. The limo driver turned back to find out where to go. "Uh, the Georgetown diner" At the diner, A waitress in her late 50's came by, she recognized them and said "My, you too look nice tonight, what's the occasion FBI Ball or something?" Scully blushed. " No, we just came back from seeing Macbeth at the . . ." Mulder started the waitress interrupted, " At the New Flex Theater! Oh my, was it nice? I hope so." " Yes, it was gorgeous." Scully said " You weren't cheap and got nosebleed seats did you? Get her all dressed up and take her to the rafters." " No, No, I even got private Balcony seats for us." Mulder said proudly. " And a limo." Scully chimed in. "Well my, my," then to Scully "I think he's trying to tell you something, scoop him up or I will." Scully blushed again. Mulder looked at her quizzically and mouthed "What she say?"Scully mouthed back " later" as the waitress asked " So what can I get ya'll today?" She grinned, an engagement ring she thought. "2 coffees please" He looked back at Scully to notice she was looking back at him in a way she never had before. Then she spoke, "Um, William," it felt so unnatural to call him that and she was not going to continue to either, "I prefer to call you Mulder". Mulder was slightly taken a back " Really?" " Yes, it fits you better than William and I wouldn't dare call you Fox." Mulder snort laughed recalling the first time she had called him Fox, over six years ago. "Sure, Dana, call me whatever you want." Just call me yours, he thought. " Mulder," that's better, " I feel like I'm seeing another side of you tonight." "This morning" Mulder corrected showing her his watch 12:05, yes that's morning. " Whatever, I just hope I can see it again." Mulder smiled, oh you'll see it alright. " Well I hope so, you see Scully, I have looked for the truth for 10 yrs and I have never admitted one simple truth to myself . . ." " What is it Mulder?" He reached over and grabbed Scully's hands and was about to say something, when the coffee arrived. The waitress lingered close by, she wanted to find out what you were discussing, it looked intense. She was rewarded. " Mulder?" Scully said. Someone started up the jukebox with a David Cassidy song. The words swelled around them as Mulder continued I think I love you So what am I so afraid of I'm Afraid that I'm not sure of A love there is no cure for "Never admitted how much I need you in my life, you make me feel like a whole person, like the void in my life has been filled. I thought finding my sister would fill it, but it's you Scully" Scully remembered the words, the same as he had said in the hallway before they almost kissed, if only that bee had stung her 2 minutes later. " Scully, Dana I . . . I love you." Scully sat stunned and confused. The timeliness of the background music and Mulder's confession were impeccable. "Uh wow, um Mulder, I don't . . . . I never thought" Scully lied. She had known for a while, since the Antarctica experience that he loved her. It just stunned her that he admitted it. Could I love him back? I like him more than a friend, but love him? Mulder read the look in her eyes and said, "I know it's kind of unexpected, and if you don't feel the same right now, I understand. I just wanted to tell you, I needed to get that burden off my chest." Mulder clasped her hands between his and kissed them. Ten cups of coffee and 5 hours later, they left hand in hand. " Lets walk the rest of the way Mulder, it's just a couple of blocks to my place." " Sure, let me pay the limo." After the limo was paid for, Mulder quickly got back beside Scully. She had feelings for him, that's all he needed to know. Now if he planned it right those feelings could blossom into love. The sun started to come up as they climbed the stairs, then all of a sudden Scully missed a step, twisting her ankle. Mulder bent down to survey the damage. It would hurt for a while but a little ice and rest would make it as good as new, but she definitely shouldn't try to walk on it. Before Scully could object, Mulder scooped her up in his arms. She was so light. Instead of protesting, Scully wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. A silly grin encompassed his face and he hoped no one came by and saw him. They would know exactly what was on his mind. He carried her to her apartment and after she unlocked the door, he carried her to the couch. "Well thank you Mulder, I never knew you were such a gentleman." Scully said smiling at him. She never knew, he knew his way around her apartment so well either. He grabbed a pillow from her closet, got ice out of the fridge. He looked at home here. If they ever got married, they would definitely live here. His apartment was way too tiny and he didn't even own a bed. Scully laughed at the thought of her and Mulder sharing his couch, then thought again, well maybe it wouldn't be too bad. Mulder looked tired as he sat next to heron the couch, placing her head in his lap. He stroked her hair, twirling it between his fingers, silently indulging in her contented sighs. When he stopped, Scully threw an angry glance in his direction only for it to soften when she found him asleep, his hands tangled in her hair. What a party animal, she thought as she unwound herself from his grasp and hobbled to her closet to get him a blanket. She draped it over him in a quick motion and placed the pillow that he had propped her leg up with, behind his head. She looked at him and smiled, he was so handsome. He looked so peaceful for once, without any internal conflict. He shifted in his sleep grabbing the pillow and moving to fill the couch. That reminded her, she hadn't slept for almost 24 hours. She hobbled into her bedroom undressed and climbed into bed and settled into a peaceful Mulder dream filled state.