******************************************************************************
In the morning when I rise, 
you bring a tear of joy to my eyes
and tell me every things, going to be all right 

******************************************************************************



Journey from Midnight   Part 3   Being together





 Mulder woke up and knew immediately that he was not at home.  Where was he?  Where
were you last night?  Oh yeah, I had a date with Scully, then a flash of red went by.  Was he at
Scully's house?  Where was he in her house?  He opened his eyes and saw the kitchen, a quick
look of disappointment went across his face as he realized he was on the couch.
     " Hey sleepy head it's 6:00 p.m. get up."
     " 6:00 p.m." he still had on his suit from last night.  Then he remembered her ankle.
     " How's the ankle?"
     "Fine" Scully said as she bounced on it a little to show him.  " Come on, I'll drive you
home."  She grabbed her keys and led him out the door.  

At his Apartment
Scully followed him upstairs and into his apartment.  He went into the bathroom and immediately
got in the shower.
     " Scully, grab a pair of Boxers out of my drawer for me, please."
     " Sure" Scully wandered towards his bedroom.  So he does have a bedroom, just no bed. 
She marveled at this fact for a while, as she rummaged through his drawers trying to find his
underwear.  When she found it, she was shocked, silk and satin boxers.  She thought of him more
as a cotton/flannel guy.  She pulled the black silk boxers off the top, and closed the drawer.  She
went towards the bathroom and handed him his boxers through the door.  Modest little bastard
she thought, well she all ready got a good look at him any way during that bout with his water
being poisoned.  She had undressed him so carefully.  Becoming acquainted with every part of his
body.  Well almost every part, she had to leave something to the imagination.  He came out of the
bathroom his lean, toned body still wet from the hot shower, his hair still beaded with moisture, a
toothbrush sticking out of the side of his mouth as he went to his room and pulled out a shirt and
jeans to put on.  Scully went and sat on his couch watching the parade.  He went back to the
bathroom.  Mulder came back and sat on the couch next to Scully who had found a football game. 
She's so perfect for me.  Tough, serious, and she loves football and basketball, who could ask for
anything more.  He didn't want to move too fast with Scully, but they had wasted enough time
already.  Make your move. He scooted behind her, fitting his legs around her, leaning her back
against his chest.  She was still facing the TV, but she was acutely aware of Mulder's embrace. 
His arms wrapped around her slowly as he nuzzled her hair with his face.  My hair is a big turn on
for him, he's always messing with it. Who said blonds have more fun?  Would a blond have
Mulder all hot and breathless after one touch of her hair?  I think not.  She smiled at her thoughts,
a soft whimper escaped Mulder's lips.  She turned suddenly and gazed at him with a quizzical
stare.  Why had he whimpered like that?  And before she could stop herself she had asked "
     
     "What's wrong?" while gently stroking his cheek smooth and soft from his shave.

     "I don't want you to leave.  I don't want to be alone anymore."
 His honesty shocked Scully.  How had he been keeping these feelings from her for so long?  She
reached over turning his head towards her and catching a glimpse of a forming tear in his eye. She
wipes it away as she moves back in his lap, her mouth covers his and for a moment hovers there,
teasing him before paralyzing Mulder with sheer pleasure.  Time flew as Scully kissed his lips,
cheeks, neck working her way down towards his chest.  Mulder grabbed her face in his hand and
pulled it back up to his, caressing it lightly with the tips of his fingers.  Scully pulled away,
chewing lightly on her lower lip, Do I really want to start this?  Do I really want to know Mulder
like this?  Do I want to be loved by Fox William Mulder fiercely, unconditionally?  He could see
her dilemma in her eyes. She needs time to adjust to the idea, I did tell her I loved her.  That's
hard to swallow coming from anybody, but your best friend?  They stared at each other for a
minute, then Scully got up, grabbed her jacket and turned to him,
      " It's better if you stay at my place, I have more than one place to sleep." then before
leaving "You better bring a couple of suits, and lots of Pepsi."  The sound of the door closing
almost made Mulder's heart explode, at least he was certain it had stopped.  He immediately
scrambled to pack, a night alone with Scully, a couple of nights alone with Scully, the possibilities
were endless.  Maybe by the time he leaves, he won't have to sleep on the couch.






******************************************************************************








******************************************************************************







7:30 p.m.
Mulder knocks on Scully's door at 7:30 p.m. the sound of the Houston Rockets game screams
through the door.  Scully opens the door and smiles, I definitely have him in check.  She walks
across the room casually grabbing his hand as she guided him to the guestroom.
     " Unlike you Mulder, I keep extra beds around just in case someone comes by."  Mulder
smiled, when was the last time he slept in a bed?  When was the last time he was in the hospital,
that was the last time he was in a bed.  As he hung up his suits in the closet, Scully dragged his
bag into the room,
     "What do you have in here, a refrigerator?"
     "Well I didn't want the Pepsi to get hot." Mulder quipped, smiling that lazy lopsided grin
Scully adored.  She wished he would smile more.  She had thought a lot about last night, she
knew he was serious about pursuing a relationship and the time was right for it. They no longer
where in fear of there lives from the syndicate, Kersh was off there back, Skinner was there Boss
again, the X-files were open again, the Bureau no longer saw them as a threat.  There were no
distractions, no Fowley, no aliens or Smoking man, just Mulder and me.  She turned and asked,
"You want some popcorn?  The game just started."  I want you Mulder thought, then he thought
that would sound really corny, well more than the usually corny Mulder reply, so he stuck with
something simple.
     "Sure, do you want a Pepsi?"  Mulder said reaching into his bag pulling out a 24 pack of
Pepsi.  Scully's eyes widened with shock
     "I thought you were kidding" she said as she walked over to grab the drinks from him. 
Mulder smiled again.
     "About the refrigerator, yes.  Not the Pepsi."Mulder continued to unpack.  He had
brought enough stuff for the week, he didn't know how long she would let him stay, but its better
to be prepared.  Scully came back and looked in on him.  He had bent over a little to long and had
a bad case of plumber's butt.  Scully admired the view, then snuck up behind him slapping his bare
rear and ran out laughing.  Mulder shocked at the un-Scully like display walked out and stared at
her.  She giggled hysterically on the couch as she poured the popcorn into a large bowl.  She is so
beautiful, especially when she laughs, those deep blue eyes sparkling like sapphires.  He wished
she laughed more.  He walked over to her still wearing an amused look.
     "I'm corrupting you already."  Mulder said sitting next to her on the couch.  His arm
draping the couch, his fingers grabbing and lightly tugging a lock of her fiery hair.
     " It was just so hard to resist.  Here, I left it in the can, I didn't know if you wanted ice or
not."  Mulder glanced at the table, the large popcorn bowl was flanked by the two drinks. He
committed to memory, glass no ice for Scully.  He locked eyes with her again and said, 
     "Thanks for everything" Scully threw him a puzzled glance
     "I mean having me stay over and all" Mulder clarified.
     "Oh no problem.  I didn't want to be alone anyway.  I need another dog, I think." 
You could put me on a leash anytime, Mulder thought.  He shifted laying his head on her chest,
making sure his whole weight wasn't on her and turned to watch the game.  Scully's fingers played
lightly along the soft hair  tracing his face.  Thrills spasmed up his spine, he could lay here
forever listening to her heartbeat, her chest rising and falling rocking him into a peaceful
lethargic state, then Charles Barkley dunked the ball at the half time buzzer putting his team
ahead.  Scully jumped up, startling Mulder
     "Yeah, take that, in your face. Whooo Hooo!!!"  Mulder was really seeing a new Scully today. 
Scully remembered Mulder was there, and quickly regained her composure.
     "Too late, I saw you."  Mulder teased as she climbed back on the couch.  Lifting his head
and placing it back on her chest.
     " I didn't know you were a Rockets fan?"  Mulder murmured as he got back into the
rhythms of her heart and breaths.
     " No, I'm a Charles Barkley fan."  Mulder laughed softly, Scully liked the sound.  
     It was 10 p.m. when Scully remembered she was on the couch the game over and the news
blaring.  Mulder was asleep on her chest.  She didn't want to move, but if she slept like this, she'd
definitely feel it tomorrow.  This presented another problem because, she did not want to wake
Mulder.   He slept so erratically, that any time he slept for more than an hour she liked not to
disturb him.  The big conspiracy maybe over, but not Mulder's personal demons.  They still haunt
him every time he closed his eyes.  So how was she going to get to her bed without waking him.
She shifted a little, Mulder shifted a little, still asleep. This is going to be a long night, Scully
thought.  She shifted down a little on the couch so her neck and back were not at such a bad
position then she turned, almost banging her head into Mulder's.  She tilted his head gently
towards her and cradled it between her shoulder and the couch.  There!!  Comfortable and he's
still asleep,  I'm Good, Scully marveled as she fell into a peaceful sleep.

******************************************************************************







******************************************************************************






7:30 a.m.   Monday





His watch beeped, better wake him, time for work. She got to her feet, pulled up his shirt and
tickled his belly playfully.  He woke up with a smile,
     " Hey Scully, what's up?"  Mulder said pulling her face to his for a kiss.
     " Time to go to work."  The luxury of scut work, you can arrive as late as you want just as
long as you get your work done.  Mulder slowly got up to take a shower, he smiled to himself as
he got in.  He had slept cradled in her arms all night.  He can't remember the last time he slept
through the night without the aid of being sick or unconscious.  When he came out his clothes
were laid out on his bed.  A cream shirt, dark blue pants, and a Spider man tie.  Spider man tie?  I
don't remember packing a Spider man tie, do I even own one?  He got dressed and came out to
the kitchen, the smell of coffee filling the air.  
     " Here" Scully said handing him a cup
     " Nice tie" Mulder said flipping it around to catch her attention.  
     " I'm glad you like it.  You needed something to jazz up that drab uniform you insist on
wearing."
     " Drab, my clothes separate me from the rest of the animals out there."  Mulder said feigning
hurt pride.  Scully laughed and took a sip of her coffee.  It looks better on him than she expected. 
She really needs to get him a new pair of shoes though less formal, less businessy, more Muldery. 
Muldery?   He has his own style category now,  Scully thought.  Those Skechers Boots with the
lug shoe she saw at the mall would do, maybe those low-cut ones she saw . . . 8:45, oops got to
go Scully thought as she looked at her watch.  She went to the bathroom to check herself out.
Mulder followed.  He gazed at her in the mirror, how had he resisted her so long.  Scully felt
Mulder looking at her, she looked at him in the mirror, he is so beautiful, how had she resisted
him so long.  He wrapped his long arms around her, giving her a little squeeze.  He nuzzled her
neck carefully placing kisses on it, She cherished the moment then pulled away.  We need to go, if
we get started we'll never get to work .  Scully turned and said,
     "Come on, we got to go to work."
     "Ugh."  Mulder sighed, "Do you think the warden will mind me being out of uniform, I think
Spider man will clash with the orange jumpsuit."
Scully laughed, when had she allowed herself to laugh at his jokes?  Probably when they were
removed from the X-Files.  His humor is the only thing that keeping her from going postal with
boredom.  As she closed and locked the door behind her, she felt Mulder reach for her hand.  He
missed.
     "Missed, try again."  Scully said playing a quick game of cat and mouse with him before letting
him hold her hand.  Mulder snuck a quick kiss from Scully as they walked down the hall. 
Not quick enough for the nosy eyes of Scully's gossipy neighbor Mrs. Jones, who gave Scully a
quick knowing glance as she hurried by.  Mrs. Jones was not the person Scully wanted to find out
about her and Mulder's relationship.  There relationship was treacherous enough where there jobs
were concerned.  There were already rumors that Spooky and the Ice Queen were involved. 
Spooky Mulder, Hmm she grinned at the name. Spooky, that's a nice pet name.  Ice Queen, her
grin faded.  Just because I'm tough, and have control over my emotions at all times I'm a . . . 
Mulder looked at her puzzled, wondering what she was thinking.  He didn't quite understand this
Scully, the Scully at play, but he couldn't wait to learn everything about her.  He aw too little of
her.  Mulder grinned as they walk out to the car.
     " You drive" Scully said, " I don't have any gas."  Why was he smiling like that she thought
as he opened the car door.
     "So how long will it take before all your neighbors know I spent the night?"  Scullythought for
a second, then answered
     " Less than an hour."  Mulder laughed as he put the car in reverse and sped to work.

******************************************************************************







******************************************************************************







     As they walked to the elevator, Mulder reached for her hand.  Scully hesitated at first then
relaxed, slowing her pace to make it seem as if he was leading her somewhere.  His hands are
always so soft and warm, I wonder how he keeps them that way.  As they reach the elevator,
Mulder stops,
     "Hold the elevator, I forgot my basketball."  Scully smiled as she pushed for the elevator. 
They were usually done by 2 or 3 in the afternoon, and Mulder would go shoot some hoops in the
gym. Scully usually watched.  Maybe she'll challenge him to a little game of horse, dash his ego a
bit. No, his ego gets dashed enough when he walks into that office.  I wonder when Skinner is
going to give us back the X-Files?  Mulder came running towards the elevator dribbling the ball. 
As he neared the elevator, he passed the ball to Scully.  Scully stunned for a microsecond reacted
quickly, catching the ball.  As Mulder boarded the elevator, Scully propped the ball on her finger
twirling it and balancing it, shifting the ball to each of her fingers, then from her pinky to her
thumb, where she bounced it back to a stunned Mulder.  
     "Wow, want to play later, you know we'll have time."  He tucked the ball under his arm and
draped his other across her shoulders, kneading the muscles in her neck.
     " I wouldn't want to beat you, and bruise that gentle ego.  I think it would be better if I just
watched."  Mulder smiled, he loved it when she watched him play, though, it distracted him from
the game frequently.  He quickly removed his hand as the elevator stopped.  They walked into
their office only to be confronted by the bulk of Skinner.
     " Well, it's about time you two showed up."
Mulder froze, Scully spoke up,
     "Sorry sir, we didn't know we were meeting with you today or we would have arrived earlier."
     "You weren't, I just wanted to discuss something with you sit down."  Could he know Mulder
spent the night at my place?  Did he know that we're involved?  Is he splitting us up?
     " Now that the X-Files are back online were ready to hand it back over to you two.  Pack up
your stuff and return to the office on the ground floor.  Here are new files to be investigated.  I
want weekly reports, and none of your actions, expenses, or resources used in your investigations
will be questioned."  This is a dream.  Full freedom to pursue the X-Files.
     " Thank you sir" Mulder stammered reeling from the shock.  As Skinner was about to leave he
turned to them ,
     " It would be wise for you not to be so open about your new relationship.  The FBI doesn't
look on partners who are involved romantically in a positive light.  But there is one thing I'd like
to say about it."
     " Sir?"  Scully asked tentatively
     "It's about time"


As they settled back in their old familiar haunt, Mulder watched scully as she hung up a brand new
I Want to Believe poster behind his desk.  He watched her smooth the edges of the poster as she
pinned them, does she know how beautiful, how sexy she is?  Just hanging up a poster makes me
want to jump up there and . . .  As she hopped down, Mulder placed his hand on her back to
balance her and pulled her into his arms.  I wish he would wear his glasses more often, they made
him even more handsome ( if that was even possible).  Bringing out the green highlights in his
hazel eyes, making him  look like the sexy criminal psychologist he was.  Then she realized they
were at work and pushed away from him.  This is why she never pursued a relationship with him. 
She knew it would be difficult to separate the two, but she didn't regret her decision.  She sat at
her desk, Mulder slapped one of the new files on her desk and said,
     " Well, lets get started, I have a basketball game at 3"

******************************************************************************







******************************************************************************





     At the car, he saw Scully waiting for him, her hair caught by the wind. He marveled at her
sheer beauty.  It took all his willpower to keep from running full speed and engaging her in a long
passionate kiss.  He popped the trunk and put his stuff in it.  Then looking around quickly, he
pulled Scully to him and kissed her.  It was a hard, deep, passionate kiss full of longing and desire. 
He wished he didn't have to wait this long to kiss her, but it was dangerous to kiss her in public, it
maybe too dangerous now, but he needed to kiss her.  He pulled away, she was a little dazed by
the rash show of affection .  As they got in the car and drove away, a dark-haired woman stepped
from the shadows, her heart full of hate and jealousy.  He will be mine.  He's too much like me not
to be mine.  I just have to get her out of the way, then he will belong to me.  He thinks he has
found his soulmate, ha, wait till he gets a load of me.  Then she stepped into her car and followed
Mulder.
******************************************************************************







******************************************************************************






Scully's apt.

As he walked through the door, Mulder was livid.  
     " You were flirting with him in front of me!!"
     "Well you didn't get a ticket did you?"
Scully smiled and put a finger to his lips, he calmed instantly.  She liked it when Mulder was
jealous, it happened so little.  She reached up to give him a kiss but he pulled away, removing his
tie and heading to his bedroom.  Scully followed and sat on his bed as he undressed.  She watched
him take off his shirt, revealing his taunt muscular torso.  As he removed his pants, Scully started
to whistle and clap.  He gave her his most seductive look and kicked them aside.   He climbed on
the bed and tugged lightly on her jacket, she removed it.  He fiddled with the buttons on her shirt,
opening it slowly to reveal creamy smooth skin and a purple bra?
     "Purple?" 
     " My favorite color besides black."  Mulder put that info in his Scully file and  gently hooked
her shirt with his fingers, sliding it off her as she leaned back.  He climbed over top of her and
bent to kiss her when the phone rang, scaring Mulder to death causing him to almost jump off the
bed.  With a frustrated sigh, Scully answered the phone.
     " Scully"
     "Hi Dana, it mom.  Look baby, I was trying to reach Fox.  He's not answering his phone and
I'm worried."  That's my mom, everybody's mother.
     "Don't worry mom, he's been over here for a few days . . . his apartment's being painted." 
Scully lied.  The silence on the other end meant that Mrs. Scully knew she was lying, so Scully
fessed up.
     " Ok, Mulder's here cause he didn't want to be alone. I was trying to spare him the em . . "
Mulder mortified, snatched the phone from Scully,
     " Hello, Mrs. Scully"
     "So, you're afraid of being alone, Fox?"
     " No, no, well no, um Scully, AB conversation, C" Scully left the room, giving Mulder an
eyeful of Scully in underwear.  Sighing, he continued his conversation with Mrs. Scully.
     " Sure, I would like to come, no problem semi formal dress, ok sure, here's Dana." 
Mulder said handing the phone to Scully as he wondered into the kitchen for a snack.
     "When did he start calling you Dana?"
     " Mom, " Scully started blushing then threw an evil glare at Mulder, " uh sure, I'd love to. You
know I love the New Years parties you guys throw.  Is Bill going to be there? He is, how about
Charlie?  No problem, how is the dress? Ok good, I got a new dress your going to love, see you
Thursday.  Most likely afternoon. Ok bye, love you too, bye."  Scully hung up the phone, Mulder
still in his black silk boxers tried to scoot behind her for his favorite hold Scully position when she
stopped him.  She was wearing his shirt, she looked good in it.  It was way too big, but it was so
perfect on her, like it belonged on her.  Mulder sat at Scully's feet and draped her legs over his
shoulders, he rested his head on her thigh, as he ran his fingers lightly along her smooth legs.  He's
so fragile, yet so strong, Scully thought as she looked down on him.
     " Well I can't wait till Thursday, I'll walk in there with my dress and the most handsome guy in
the room and be the envy of the Catholic Women's Society" Scully said with an evil glint in her
eye as she bent down and kissed Mulder's nose.  Scully sighed,
     " I love you Mulder" instantly shocked by what she just said.  Did I really say that?  Oh, I did
look at his face.  Mulder whipped around quickly staring at her with amazement.  Did she just say
what I think she said?  Mulder grinned that lazy lopsided grin of his, and lifted Scully to her feet. 
He embraced her with a fierce hug as the tears came like a flash flood.  His body racked with
sobs, as the tears poured down his face.  Scully's shoulder and neck were wet from his tears. 
Scully comforted Mulder, it wasn't the first time Mulder had broken down, but she felt directly
responsible.  Mulder pulled away embarrassed and went to the bathroom to calm down.  Scully
was tempted to follow but knew that would be a mistake.  When he reappeared, he was in a
somber mood.  He returned to his position at her feet and she replaced her legs around his neck
and he returned his head to her thigh.
     " Sorry, I reacted like that."
     " It's ok Mulder, I understand."
     "I know you do, but I know I freaked you out.  I mean for years I haven't had anyone I could
love or trust; then you . . .  You changed my life.  I've done things for you and trust you like I
never dreamed I would with anybody."
     " Same here"
" But it's different.  You were fulfilled, you life, already whole.  I had nothing.  A mother who
hates me, betrayal, so many personal demons."  Mulder looked up at her with his lost little boy
and I need a hug look .  Scully lightly ran the tips of her fingers down his face, caressing every
feature, then she rose entwining her hand in his, as she lead him to her bedroom and closed the
door.  


The next morning she awoke acutely aware that she was not alone in her bed.  She did a
quick clothes check to see that she still had her clothes on.  She sighed a breath of relief and
disappointment.  She remembered last night, when she was aroused to the point of giving him
every thing, he stopped and pulled away.  Strange.  She knew it wasn't his first time, oh she
definitely knew that, but she didn't understand why he stopped them.  He wouldn't tell her and she
didn't ask. The look of pain on his face was enough to know that would be a mistake.  She turned
to face him, his arm was draped around her in a possessive embrace.  He didn't look as peaceful
this time, the pained look still encompassed his face.  He looked tense but beautiful.  She slowly
outlined the hair along his temple down along his growing stubble.  His eyes fluttered open and he
gazed at the beautiful visage before him.  What did he do to deserve this woman, her love, trust,
admiration?  He knew he had disappointed her last night but he couldn't do it.  He wouldn't be
good enough for her, even though she feels he is.   In his own eyes, he would never be worthy
enough to love Dana Scully.


******************************************************************************







******************************************************************************






Thursday Night New years Eve






The Catholic women's society Mulder thought, he expected old ladies but there were 20 and 30
somethings rushing into the hall.  Scully straightened her form fitting light green dress, and
messed with her perfectly coiffed hair.  Mulder looked down at her and smiled as he reached for
her hand.  She admired the outfit she picked for him.  A stonish beige, three piece cotton
ensemble with the lug sole light brown shoes she had bought him yesterday perfect.  We look
perfect, so why am I so nervous?  Mulder squeezed her hand with reassurance as they walked
through the door.  A young woman about Scully's age greeted them.
     " Hello wel . . .. Dana is that you, it's been so long."  Mulder flashed a quizzical look as Scully
hugged the other woman.
     " Mandy, it's been years."  Then to Mulder " Tell you later" then Mandy looked at Mulder
     " Hello, you must be Dana's boyfriend Jack."  Jack? Who's Jack?  Mulder thought shooting a
jealous look at Scully.
     " No, um Jack died about 2 years ago, heart attack."
     "Oh, I'm so sorry Dana, then who is this?"
     " Fox Mulder, we work together."
Oh really, on what? Mandy thought, her thoughts transparent on her face.  Scully rolled her eyes
great, this is all I need, Mandy spreading rumors.  As they walked away, another young woman
asked
     " Who was that with Dana, He's gorgeous."
     " Her new boyfriend, his name is Fox."
     " Well, He definitely is."
It was 8:45 when they wandered onto the dance floor.  Scully felt Mulder's arm slink around her
waist and she followed his lead onto the floor.  She felt everyone's eyes on them as they danced
but she didn't care, she didn't care about anything when she was in his arms.  Bill jr. watched from
the side of the hall.  She seemed happy, Fox made her happy.   Why don't I like him?  Mrs. Scully
came up behind her son and said
     " Come on  Bill, dance with your mother."
Bill looked at her, took another drink and walked away.  Well if he won't, I know Fox will, she
thought as she headed across the floor to him.  Mulder spotted her,
     " Torpedo at 3'o clock" Scully smiled tilting back her head slightly, laughing.  Mulder grinned
back, he liked to hear her lilting laughter.
     " May I cut in?"  Mulder looked at Scully who thought for a moment, then released him to her
mother.
     " Now that I have you to myself, you can tell me.  It's all over the party that your Dana's new
boyfriend Fox, are you?"  Mulder looked back at Scully she hadn't noticed his distress call.  She
had her own trouble because Bill jr. had just heard the same rumor.  Well, better come clean,
Mulder thought.  As Bill jr stormed off, his wife following quickly behind Mulder told Mrs.
Scully, 
     " I love Dana very much,  I have never loved, trusted, or respected anyone the way I do her. 
She's my equal.  I'm not complete without her."
Mrs. Scully just smiled and said
     " Fox, it's about time."  Mulder smiled, shook his head and locked eyes with Scully.  She
looked pissed.  He flashed her a grin and watched her melt.  Scully walked back over and tapped
her mother on her shoulder.
     " May I cut in?"  Mrs. Scully released Mulder to her, stood back and smiled.  Perfect, she
thought.  






1:30 am






Mulder and Scully left the hall and headed back to the house.  The Dark haired woman watched
them drive by, Mulder smiling and laughing.  Enjoy it, Fox Mulder.  Enjoy it while you still can,
cause you won't, have her very much longer, she thought as she pulled away.





******************************************************************************
Your in my heart, your in my soul
you'll be my rest when I grow old
you are my lover, you're my best friend
Your in my soul
******************************************************************************







Journey From Midnight---Part 4--- Enter Midnight





Six months later






Scully turned the key to her apartment, she knew what to expect when she went in.  He would be
sitting on her couch remote in hand, he would be clothed in either an undershirt and jeans, just
jeans or just boxers.  She loved the just boxer combo.  His lean torso slightly tanned from
extended jaunts to the pool, those well-toned swimmers legs, and his hair playfully tousled and
spiky.  She was disappointed when she opened the door and saw him in front of the TV, a nice
black suit and tie on.
     " Hey Dana, can you believe parents have survived without Breakfast mates?"  Dana, uh oh,
what happened, Scully thought.  She placed the groceries on the table and went and sat on the
couch next to him.  She ran her hand up and down his arm, he turned and smiled at her.  Boy was
she going to be surprised when I tell her.
     " Why you all dressed up, where you going?"
     "We" Mulder corrected "We are going to look at a house."Scully didn't get it.
     " Oh we're going undercover again? Where this time?"
     "No, it's not undercover.  It's for us"
     " For us?"  Scully said she stopped stroking his arm and looked at him warily.  Mulder turned
and looked at her.  Do it,  Do it now, his mind screamed.
     " Scully?"
     " Yes, Mulder?"
     "Marry me." Scully smiled for a minute, then looked at him, he's dead serious.  His intense
hazel eyes so vulnerable, pleading, hoping she'll say the magic word that would make him whole
again.
     "Yes" She said flinging her arms around him rewarding him with a  kiss, then she pulled away.
     " Uh Mulder, where's my ring?"  Mulder's eyes widened.  You idiot, you forgot to get her an
engagement ring.
     " I forgot to pick it up from the shop" he lied," We'll get it after we check out the house."
Mulder sighed with relief when Scully smiled and went to get her coat.


The House

 Stonehenge, hmm nice neighborhood, would Mulder fit in her?  Heck, would I fit in here, Scully
thought.  The neighborhood was known for its affluence, and was rate in the top ten best housing
developments in the country.  She couldn't wait to tell her mother about this.  As they drove up to
the house, Scully fell in love with it.  A sprawling ranch style house, brick with a front porch and
lots of land.  She hopped out of the car as Mulder pulled in the drive way.  The realtor opened the
door and greeted them
     " Mr. and Mrs. Mulder, hello."  Scully winced.  She's keeping her name no matter what.
     " Scully, I kept my name."  Mulder looked hurt.  Sorry Mulder, Dana Mulder is not going
to cut it.  As they walked in, she confirmed in her mind this was the place for her.  Huge family
room and formal Dining room, both with fireplaces, Big eat-in kitchen, obscenely large master
bedroom with 2 walk in closets, a huge his and hers bathroom with Jacuzzi, 6 other bedrooms,
one that was made into an office, another a rec room. Then she walked out on the huge deck that
connected to the kitchen, and looked out along the expanse of the yard, a 6 foot high fence
encompassed it, ending on either side of the house.  A little gazebo which housed a hottub sat
next to a large pool in the shape of a frog?  Perfect, too perfect we could never afford this.
     She turned to Mulder, who had come out on the deck.
     " I love it, but how are we ever going to afford it."
     "It's already paid for, I just wanted you to see it before we finalize the sale "
     "You paid for this?"
     " NO, gift from mother, when I told her I was going to propose, she insisted that I get a house,
she insisted I get it here, and she insisted she buy it.  The least she could do for all the years of
neglect.  I think she just wants me to bring the grandkids around more than once a millennium." 
Grand kids, Kids.  I hate to disappoint you Mulder, but that won't happen unless we adopt.  She
sighed and leaned against him, No little boy with his father's good looks and my common sense. 
She smiled, that maybe a good thing, the girls would be breaking down the door when he got to
be sixteen.
     " So when can we move in?"  Mulder smiled how about right now
     " Whenever we get married."  Mulder said cockily.
     " How about Friday?"  Mulder almost choked.  FRIDAY?!?  Scully grabbed his hand
     " Come on I got lots of stuff to do before Friday."



Scully turned the key to her apartment, she knew what to expect when she went in.  He would be
sitting on her couch remote in hand, her fiancee, her partner.  She was disappointed when she
didn't see him there.  He must be at his apartment packing, she thought as she picked up the
phone and called him.
     Mulder was packing up his place, he needed to be gone by Thursday.  He didn't realize he
had so much stuff.  The phone rang, but by the time he got to it, the answering machine had
picked up.  He let it record, just in case it was a salesperson.
" Hey Mulder, it's me.   I was wondering if you could . . . ooh" A cry of pain followed by the
sounds of a scuffle issued from the phone.  Scully screamed, " Mulder, I need your Help!
Mullllddderrr!!"
Oh god, not again, Mulder thought as he grabbed his gun and keys and ran out the door.  His
cellphone was in the car, and as he sped off he dialed for Back up.  He hoped he wasn't too late. 
Minutes later, he pulled up parked and hopped out of his car.  As he ran towards Scully's
apartment, a shadowy figure emerged with a flash of red tucked under his arm.  Scully!!!

"Stop Federal Agent"

The figure quickly fired two shots at Mulder and ran off, dragging a thrashing Scully with him. 
Mulder ran after him.  As the figure burst through the emergency exit, Mulder was on his heels. 
He reached for Scully, their hands touched then it went black.  
     The dark haired woman stepped from the shadows, a golden 9mm in her hand.  The escaping
figure stopped.  Scully stared at her, she had seen her before, where?  The woman came up to
Scully, ripped her necklace off her neck and threw it at Mulder, who had begun to stir.  
     "Say goodbye Dana, you'll never see him again."  She maced Scully and turned her gun and
fired, putting 2 slugs into Mulder's back.  Scully screamed and the woman whipped her pistol
across her face, silencing her.  The woman had her accomplice throw Scully in the trunk of her
car, then she looked towards Mulder.  Good-bye Agent Mulder, she thought as she drove away.



At the hospital Friday



Mulder awoke with a start, he was acutely aware of a sharp pain in his back which radiated
throughout his limbs.
     " Ah, " he cried in pain
" He's coming too." Mulder opened his eyes, it was blurry at first then he recognized a few faces,
Skinner, his mom, Mrs. Scully, Bill jr.?  Where's Scully?
     " Where's Scully?"  He moved, only to stopped by pain.
     " She wasn't at the scene, we found this though."  Skinner held up her necklace.  A distressed
look crossed Mulder's face as he touched it.  When he tried to move again Skinner's
strong hand held him back
     " Where do you think your going?"
     " I got to find her."
     " Whoa, the doctor just pulled two 9mm slugs out of you, an inch to either the left
or right and you wouldn't be here."
     " But I know who took her, I need to know why, I need to get her back."  Skinner held
him back again.
     " Calm down Fox, you'll rip out your IV."  His mom chimed in.  Why this week?, Mulder
thought  Why not next week?  He'd have to cancel their reservations in the Poconos for the
weekend.   He's supposed to be on a plane with his new wife, for a delectable honeymoon
weekend.  He could taste her, her lips against his, his . . .   Mulder fell unconscious again.
     " Well, at least he came to for a while."  His mother said sadly.  Skinner nodded and Mrs.
Scully touched his arm.
     " He said he knew who took her."
     "I know, when he is calm and stable, I'll ask him again."  Bill jr put his arm around his mother,
she brushed it away.  She wanted Fox to wake up again and tell her where her baby was.
     " Come on mom, you need to eat something."  Bill said concerned.
     "I'm fine Bill, I'll stay with Fox.  He needs someone here with him."
     " His mother's here, come on mom."
     " I said no Bill, please leave me alone."  She pulled up a chair grabbed Mulder's hand and
squeezed it.  She and his mother said in unison " I'm here Fox".  They regarded each other briefly
they had never met each other, but they both thought they appeared to be very nice.  Bill jr looked
at the scene.  His mother was acting if this Mulder guy was her son.  Bill smoldered.  I wish it had
been an inch to the left, then he would be out of my hair.
     " Sorry about the wedding."  Mulder's mom said, " It was going to be beautiful."
WEDDING????  What wedding?  Bill thought shocked his mouth dropped open with realization 
he stepped towards his mother
     " Dana and him? Getting married?"
     " Yes Bill, they were supposed to be married this morning, but well . . ." Mrs. Scully said
looking sadly at Mulder.  Dana was going to marry him?  He stormed out of the room confused,
angry, grief stricken.  Mrs. Mulder thought for a second, then pulled out pictures of Mulder and
Scully's new house from her purse.
     " Here, this is the House I bought for them."  Mrs. Scully reached for the pictures.  The tears
finally came rolling down her cheeks, Dana would have loved this house it was perfect.  Oh Fox,
find her, please.



Two weeks later



Mrs. Scully wheeled Mulder in the front door of his house.  There had been no clues to Scully's
whereabouts.  Mulder knew it was the Cigarette Smoking Man who did this, all the evidence
pointed to it.  Now it was a matter of finding Scully.  Then the pictures came, delivered to
Skinner, of Scully tied up, a knife coming towards her.  She looked tired, beat up and scared. 
When Mrs. Scully wheeled him into the kitchen, Mulder stood up racked with pain as he walked
out on the deck and sat down in one of his new deck chairs.  Skinner, the Lone Gunmen and
surprisingly Bill jr had moved their stuff in while he was in the hospital.  His mom filled in the rest
of the furniture they didn't have.  It was hot, Mulder didn't care, he took out his wallet and
fingered the picture of Scully and him at the New Years party.  How had things turned out so
wrong?  Why did things like this always happen to them?  Why won't they allow him to be happy? 
He thought about the day she was taken, trying to see the shadowy figure's face.  All he could see
was Scully's frightened eyes, the fear in her face, the feel of her outstretched hand as she slipped
away.  I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Scully. I couldn't save you, I tried.  The tears flooded his eyes. 
Uncontrolled rivers drenched his face.  Breath, Deep Breaths, you need to stay calm, focused, you
need to find her this isn't helping you find her.  Another week of recouping and then back to the
office.  Mulder needed to work.  He fingered Scully's necklace which hung around his neck. 
Don't worry Scully, I'll find you.