The Ritter Files by Mulderslady File one: Flavor of love DISCLAIMER: They don't belong to me, wish they did. Only Nick, Skyler, Van and Colton James Ritter a.k.a. CJ do. RATING: Pg-13 to R CLASSIFICATION: S, A, M/O, UST, RST KEYWORDS: Mulder and CJ angst, M/O, UST, RST SPOILERS: None URL: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/5160/ritterfiles.html FEEDBACK: Please!!! at damacia@home.com ARCHIVE: Oh yeah, anywhere!! SUMMARY: CJ Ritter meets her match in the person she least expects it. Can she learn to love him or will social taboos ruin her perception? Author Notes: All song lyrics used in this story are from Lenny Kravitz 5 Cd. **********************%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% They say that our love is all wrong And that we should not carry on But I say they're wrong, I want you so bad It's Your Life by Lenny Kravitz ***********************%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Mulder, look what we got here. Real wild cat." Sgt. Reggie Perdue said as he drug a suspect in front of Mulder. "Let me go! What did I do? You can't hold me without just cause, damn it!" A young black woman said, trying to squirm out of the Sergeant's powerful grasp. "Let her go Reg." Mulder said, watching the woman with interest, stifling a laugh when she slapped Reggie several times in the face. The woman calmed down, fixing her hair and clothes, finally locking eyes with Mulder. She smiled at him and pushed an errant stand of her short hair behind her ear. He's cute, she thought as she appraised Mulder. Mystical hazel eyes, short spiky hair, strong features softened by a pouty mouth and a mole on his left cheek. His hands looked like they were sculpted from porcelain as they wrapped around his pen. He smiled at her, man she's cute, he thought as his eyes took in the chocolatey smooth skin, hair cut in a bob that angled high in the back and long in the front, accentuating her striking mint green eyes. "Name." He said refocusing on his work. His gravelly voice almost lulling the woman into staring. "CJ Ritter." Mulder gave her THE LOOK and said, "Full name." "Colton James Ritter." Mulder looked at her quizzically. "My parents thought I was going to be a boy till I popped out and proved them wrong." Mulder allowed a small smile. "Age." "25" "Occupation." "British Literature teacher at Mason Academy for the gifted and advanced." Mulder nodded impressed. "Ok Reggie, what's her charge?" "Shoplifting." Mulder raised an eyebrow in CJ's direction "I didn't do it!" "So how'd it get in your purse?" Reggie fired back "I don't know! I didn't do it! Check the security camera!" "Did you Reg?" Mulder asked softly "Did I what?" "Check the security cameras?" "Not yet." "Why don't you, then we'll know if she did it or not, and the department can save themselves embarrassment if she didn't." When Reggie left, Mulder turned his attention back to CJ "Alone at last." He said softly, making her smile. "You look kind of young to be a judge." "You look kind of young to be a teacher. Actually I'm just a magistrate. Got a husband?" "Do you see a ring on my finger?" CJ shot back sarcastically "No, but you could have lost it or something." "No, no husband." "Boyfriend?" "No." "Girlfriend?" "Don't make me slap you too." "Guess not. What are you doing tonight?" "Um, are you asking me out?" CJ asked confused. "You could say that." "Is that legal?" "Yeah as far as I know." "You're kidding me." "Nope, legal as can be." "No, you're joking about asking me out." "Nope. I think your beautiful and I just want to go out with you." CJ blushed "Not tonight, maybe another time." "K, you look embarrassed Reg. Could it be she was right?" "Your free to go ma'am, sorry about the misunderstanding . . ." "Sorry?! You bastard!" CJ said, slapping Reggie with her purse as she stormed away. "Bye CJ." Mulder said with a smile, "Man, she was cute." He said softly before calling for the next case. "The Pigs!" CJ's best friend Nick said as she grabbed another slice of pizza. "Yeah, but get this, the magistrate was so cute. When the cop left to check the tape, he asked me out." "You're kidding." "Nope and get this, he said he thought I was beautiful and just wanted to go out with me." "Wow, good line. So what you say?" "No way! I mean he was a cute little white boy, however, I'm still looking for my Denzel. There has to be another one somewhere on the planet." CJ said, taking a bite of pizza as Nick snort laughed. "Though if he doesn't appear soon, the magistrate would be a nice replacement." "God I could see your parents now. 'See see send her to that college and she gets ideas! Forgets her heritage.'" "I know, my parents are so liberal except when it comes to that." "There old school. We are of the new school of thought, but are still influenced by the old school. Like I could never see myself dating a guy that wasn't black, but I don't see anything wrong with it." "Yeah, I think that's the main reason I didn't say ok. Come on lets go out, I feel like dancing." The Fox's Den Night club "Nice club, plays a great dance mix, good bar." Nick said as she started towards the bar. "I've never been here before." CJ said, sitting on a bar stool. "Yeah, you like those little holes in the walls." "You go with me so you like them too." "What'll you have?" the bartender asked "Coors and a strawberry daiquiri." "K." CJ turned and looked at the Bartender and gasped. "Nick it's him, the magistrate." CJ whispered to Nick. They both gave him a quick once over. Form-fitting leather pants, tight black shirt that moved with his muscles effortlessly as he turned and smiled. "You're following me CJ. Just can't get enough of me, can you?" He said as he handed her the drinks. "You work here too? I think he's part Haitian." "I got three jobs!" he said in a mock accent that made CJ laugh, "Actually I own this place." "And you're a magistrate too, wow." CJ said in awe. "Thanks." "Oh that's my song, come on girl lets mingle." Nick said, grabbing her beer and heading towards the dance floor. "Bye." "See you around CJ." Mulder said, watching her leave with a sigh. "He remembered your name! CJ, you did not tell me that white boy looked THAT good! You may have to reconsider that Denzel rule. Did you see those pants he had on? Nice soft leather with a lace fly! Sexy, sexy." Nick said as they got on the dance floor. "Yeah he is." CJ said locking eyes with Mulder before refocusing on the music. Mulder's apartment "Cute doesn't cut it, I mean I was drooling Sky." Mulder said as he came through his apartment door. "I mean it she had on this . . . it was . . . you had to see her." "Maybe, but you looking all cute in those leather pants didn't turn her head?" His best friend Skyler said as he sat on the couch. "Nope." "Even the lace Fly?!" Skyler asked in amazement "Right." "It was giving me ideas." "Sky," Mulder said in a warning tone, "Can't make Van jealous." "He's already jealous." "Tell him he has nothing to fear, I am wonderfully straight and in love with someone who doesn't even know I exist." "Keep working that Mulder charm, she'll know." "I did succeed in making her smile and laugh." "That's a start. Now can you please switch to some less delectable attire before I'm forced to break you in?" "After all these years, you wouldn't dare." Mulder teased as he unlaced the front. "Try me, keep those pants on 2 more minutes and you are as good as raped." Mulder laughed as he shimmied out of the leather pants on his way to his bedroom. "OH you sexy thing! That girl is out of her mind to refuse you." 3 months later "I love career day, it's like a free day. Walk the kids in and drink coffee till three." Nick said as she handed CJ a cup of coffee. CJ smiled, chuckling slightly as she looked over the displays. "There are plenty of ops open for good bartenders, depending on the tips you can get upwards of 300-400 dollars a night." Skyler said to the wide-eyed kids at his display for the Fox's Den, "Though a drag queen makes upwards of 600-700 a night. Don't tell anyone I gave you that tidbit." Mulder shook his head "Stop recruiting Sky." Skyler blew him a kiss and handed out flyers. Mulder smiled, closing his eyes and leaning back in his chair. "Not the popular booth." "Government jobs never are." He heard HER say. Mulder opened his eyes and saw her, a gray power suit on, and a red mock turtleneck underneath. "Hello I love you tell me your name" he said under his breath as he ran a hand through his hair. "Who you getting all cute for?" Skyler said, noticing Mulder fixing himself up. "Her! CJ's here." "Which one?" Skyler said scanning the crowd. "Gray and red." Skyler appraised her and nodded with approval. "LOVE her shoes!" Mulder chuckled slightly "Oh boy CJ, guess who's here looking extra sexy in a suit and tie." Nick said pointing to Mulder "Here let me help, that girls FINE!" Skyler said, finger combing Mulder's hair, licking his thumb and wiping Mulder's face off. "Stop man, shoo!" Mulder said pushing him away playfully as CJ neared the booth "CJ Ritter, you really are following me. I think I should have you arrested on stalking charges." Mulder teased "Actually, you're where I work, so I think your following me." "She's got you their bud." Skyler said, hitting him on the arm gently "Almost. She still doesn't know my name after all her stalking." Mulder said, throwing her a cocky smile "Sure I do your . . . Rumplestilskin." "AH! The devil told you, the devil told you AH!" CJ laughed and smiled at him. "You have a beautiful smile." He said in a soft serious tone, "I love how your eyes light up when you laugh." CJ gave him a shy look and blushed slightly "Alright, if you're not Rumplestilskin, who are you?" "Promise not to guffaw loudly?" "Sure." "Fox William Mulder." "Fox?" "Yeah Fox." "Like the animal?" CJ said with an amused smile. "Yeah." "So that's where the name the Fox's den came from." "Yep." "So what do you go by?" "Mulder usually, my family calls me Fox William, my buddy Skyler well . . ." "I call him Daddy's tiger or my Mr. Sexy man cause he is." Mulder blushed and gave him THE LOOK. "People who know me well call me Spooky or a variation of it, but you can call me yours. Or you could personalize it and call me CJ's personal love slave." CJ burst into a fit of giggling. "How about I call you Mulder." She said between giggles "Good enough, though CJ's personal love slave does have a nice ring to it." "So does Daddy's Tiger and Mr. Sexy man." "Mr. Super sexy man when he wears those leather pants with the lace fly." Mulder elbowed Skyler in the stomach. "Don't you have some place to be Sky?" "Sure thing boss, nice meeting you. Oh wait, we didn't meet. I'm Skyler Wilson. Sky only to my main man Mulder." "CJ Ritter, and my friend Nickole Buchanan or Nick to everyone." Skyler nodded and went back to his booth. "He's cute." Nick said wistfully. "He's SO gay." Mulder said, "so CJ now that you know my name, I hope you put it to good use." "What do you mean?" "You can let your fingers do the walking in your nearest white pages and give me a call." "I wouldn't want to make SKY jealous." CJ teased. "You wouldn't, it would be a relief to his boyfriend. So I can expect a call later?" CJ reached out and picked up one of his cards from the table. "Maybe, if I get THAT bored." "I'll be at the club tonight, just in case you decide you need a night out." Mulder hinted. CJ smiled, tapping his card on the table before putting it in her pocket and leaving. 7 p.m. "Think she'll come?" "Definitely Mulder. I loved that bit about her eyes." Skyler said, fixing the collar on Mulder's jacket. "Yeah so did she." Mulder said, sighing heavily as he scanned the crowd for her. "Don't worry man, she'll be here. She was seriously checking you out today." Skyler said, ruffling his hair playfully. "You are so optimistic it's annoying." "You want her? Be persistent." Mulder exhaled nervously and ran a hand through his hair. "Oh there she is, kiss for luck." Skyler said puckering up. "So Van can beat my face in?" Mulder said with a smile "He's not looking." Mulder rolled his eyes and kissed Skyler quickly on the lips. "Go get her Tiger, remember make her come to you." Mulder nodded and leaned against a pillar and watched the dancing crowd. A feather light touch came on his arm and he turned to look into her green eyes. "I knew you'd come." "Hard to resist a man that looks that good in a suit." Mulder reached out his hand for her and she took it gently. He led her to the owner's box over-looking the club. The room was alight with candles. "Nice." CJ said smiling at him, "How old are you Mulder?" "27" he said pulling out her chair for her, then sitting across from her. "How did you . . ." "My grandfather died and left me some money. I liked this building, it was abandoned so I got it cheap and fixed it up. Not quitting my day job though." "Do you like what you do?" "Yes, as boring as it can be. What would you like for dinner?" "Uh . . ." CJ started, when a waiter appeared with a steak, a fish, and a chicken dinner. "Oh wow, um the fish." The waiter placed it down in front of her, placing the steak in front of Mulder. "Wine?" Mulder asked quickly "Uh . . ." "Or champagne?" "A sweet wine." CJ said in shock as the waiter poured them both a glass of wine and left. CJ looked at Mulder as she ate, really looked at him. He's handsome, successful, he likes me A LOT, why not enjoy yourself? When was the last time some one took you to dinner, a romantic candlelit dinner, dressed up, showed such obvious affection and care? CJ chatted with him more, trying to find out everything about him. He's more interesting than I thought, she thought as dessert came and went. He reached his hand across the table and held her hand gently in his. "See CJ, I'm not that bad." "No, you're not." "Why have you been avoiding me like the plague then?" "I wasn't avoiding you, I was rebuffing your advances." "Why?" "Well, I don't know, I wasn't interested." "Now you are?" "Yes, cause I know you. I thought you were just one of the minions wanting to get into my pants." Mulder smiled "I can wait on that, I want to get in your head first. I need to get back to work. Can I . . . can I kiss you goodbye?" "Sure." CJ said as he came behind her and pulled out her chair for her. He touched his lips to hers, light and magical, then he pulled away and vanished into the night. CJ laid in her bed trying to sleep. All I can think of are his eyes, his soft voice, how my hands felt in his, the feel of his lips on mine, how he smelled, sweet and spicy very male. This is not happening, one date and I'm falling in love?! 'I'm not so bad' 'I want to get in your head.' God he's pitched a tent in there. I can't think of anything else. I have to see him again, kiss him again, touch him, feel his hands on me, listen to his beautiful voice and gaze into his mystical . . . CJ shook her head hard and got up splashing her face with cold water trying to calm herself. 8 weeks later " I think your persistence and good old Mulder charm has after many weeks, captured another victim." Skyler said as he watched CJ enter the club, looking around. "Told you I'm irresistible." Mulder said, starting to get up and go to her. "Where you think your going? Let her come to you. If you go, she'll think your jocking her." Mulder nodded and concentrated on the crowd. Mulder smiled to himself and took out his walkie-talkie to the DJ. "Dave?" "Yeah boss?" "I'm going to need a slower song next." "Gotcha." "Here Sky." Mulder said, handing him the walkie-talkie, "I'm gonna make my move tonight." "K, good luck." A feather light touch caught his arm and he turned and smiled at CJ "Hey." "Hi." She said softly. The want hung between them as they gazed at each other in silence. "Come on." He said grabbing her hand, linking his fingers with hers as he walked onto the dance floor. 'I belong to you' started up as Mulder's hands traveled slowly to her waist. 'You are the flame in my heart, you light my way in the dark, You are the ultimate star.' His eyes never leaving hers, she placed one arm lazily across his shoulder and the other on his chest as they moved in time with the music. ' You lift me from up above, your unconditional love takes me to paradise' "You actually have rhythm, surprising." CJ teased "Learned not natural." "It's a skill many never acquire." He pulled her closer, his fingertips teasing a path down her thighs and back up 'I belong to you and you, you belong to me too. You make my life complete you make me feel so sweet.' He leaned into her and placed a gentle kiss on her neck. He looked up to see the effect he was having on her and continued to kiss and nip at her neck. 'You make me feel so divine, your soul and mind are entwined. Before you I was blind. But since I opened my eyes and with you there's no disguise, so I could open up my mind.' CJ's hands caressed his face, running through his soft hair making him look at her again. 'I always loved you from the start, but I could not figure out that I had to do it everyday. So I put away the fight, now I'm gonna live my life, giving you the most in every way.' He claimed her lips with his hungrily. He inserted his tongue, tasting her, groaning softly at her sweet taste. He pulled away and looked deep into her soul and linked his fingers with hers as they walked off the dance floor. 'I belong to you and you, you belong to me too. You make my life complete, you make me feel so sweet.' He buzzed with sexual energy as they walked the two blocks to his apartment. As they took the elevator to the loft, he twitched nervously. This is happening, this is going to happen he thought as he stepped out of the elevator and he opened up his apartment. He took off his jacket as they stepped in "CJ I . . ." he started only to have his lips claimed with hers as she tugged his shirt out of his pants. He pulled from her and smiled "Sometimes words aren't necessary." She said as she started to unbutton his shirt. She let her fingers tease his smooth bare skin and wander to his neck and lips, caressing them lightly. He kissed her fingers and took her hand in his, leading her to his bedroom. 3 a.m. Van and Skyler came in the door "Oh god harder!" Came from Mulder's room and Skyler smiled "Oh Score!" he said peeking into Mulder's bedroom. Mulder had CJ pinned against the headboard, attacking her neck with violent kisses as he slammed into her from behind. Skyler closed the door back and headed over to Van "See told you Van, nothing to worry about, he's as hetero as they come. Come on lets see if we can catch up." 7 a.m. The phone rang and CJ reached to answer it. When she didn't feel it on the nightstand she opened her eyes. This doesn't look like my bedroom she thought as she felt a warm arm around her waist and something equally warm along her back. She turned and looked at the sleeping face of Mulder and gasped. Mulder opened his eyes slowly and smiled at CJ. "Hey baby." He said, moving in for a kiss. She bolted away, sitting up quickly, covering herself with the sheets. "What's wrong?" "We slept together?!" "Yeah." Mulder said confused slightly. "Really?" "Yeah." He sat up in bed, moving closer to her, the covers barely covering his nakedness. "Some of the best sex I've ever had." He said, moving to kiss her again. "Oh God I'm sorry!" CJ said moving from him "Sorry? Don't be." "That shouldn't have happened Mulder." She said reaching for her strewn underwear. "What do you mean shouldn't have happened? Last night was great!" "Mulder I . . . no." "Can I see you again?" "Mulder . . ." "I'll be at the club tonight, or how about I drop by for lunch?" "Mulder no. I'm sorry if I flirted and lead you on. This . . . this shouldn't have happened." "CJ . . . what . . .no . . . I love you." He said moving in for a kiss. She stood up gathered her clothes and locked herself in the bathroom. Mulder slammed his fist into the wall. "Shit! Fuck!" he screamed in frustration. "Whoa, what was that? Oh you two decent?" Skyler said with a smile, his smile slipping when he saw Mulder's stricken face. He went to him quickly. "Mulder what's wrong?" Just then CJ came out of the bathroom. "Mulder I'm . . . I'm sorry bye." She said as she rushed out of the apartment. "Oh jeez Mulder, what . . ." "I don't know, look I just need to be alone for a while ok?" "Sure man, sure." Skyler said shutting the door as Mulder burst into tears. "You slept with him? COOL, I like Mulder." Nick said as CJ came into the house and ran into the shower. "I can't let it continue." CJ said as she scrubbed her skin vigorously, trying to get his smell off her. "Why not?! He's gorgeous, got money, a job . . ." "He's white! My family would disown me if I ever brought him home." "Was he good in bed?" "Nick!" CJ said pulling back the shower curtain and giving her THE LOOK. "Was he?" CJ let out a disgusted sigh and closed the curtain back. "Extremely." She eventually answered "White or not, he looks good, he's got a job, he's good in bed, and he loves you. It's time to think about yourself CJ and get with him. Your parents will come around eventually." "I'll think about it Nick, hand me my towel." Two days later "Where you going Tiger?" Skyler asked as Mulder got off the couch quickly and put on his jacket. "I've tasted what I want and I will not stop till I have it." "That's my boy, go get her." 2 weeks later 8 p.m. "Thanks for coming with me CJ." "Your welcome Bryan, it was my pleasure. I've been wanting to get to know you better." As the night wore on, CJ wished she had never said that. A nice looking black man like this, and he's the most boring person I've met in years! she thought. She was about to escape to the ladies room when she smelled a familiar scent and felt a light touch on her shoulder. She turned and looked into Mulder's hazel eyes. "Mulder!" "Hey, we need to talk." "I'm with some one . . ." "Won't take long," he said helping her up, "I'll bring her back bud." Mulder said as he led her to the waiting area. "Mulder, why are you constantly following me! Two weeks, you've done nothing but dog me. What do you . . ." "I want a relationship with you CJ. I won't stop till I get it." "Mulder . . . " CJ said crossing her arms, getting in a defensive posture. "Look, is it the race thing? Is that it? I don't care what anyone thinks or says. I love you CJ and nothing else should matter." CJ sat stunned a second. God how do I respond to that? She took a deep breath and started "Look Mulder, I'm sorry I hurt you, but . . ." "Don't you dare lie to me and say you aren't attracted to me." CJ sighed heavily and smiled at him defeated. "Ditch him and come with me, please CJ?" CJ rolled her eyes and looked away. An older couple that was watching them caught her eye, they smiled at her and gave her the thumbs up. God is it written on my face that we slept together? She thought with a smile as she turned back to Mulder's pleading eyes. "Mulder I can't just ditch him, no matter how boring he is." "Then call me when you get home." "Ok bye." Mulder kissed her tenderly on the lips and tore away with a sigh as he left. Next morning CJ answered the phone quickly "CJ Ritter, what's up?" "You didn't call me last night." "Mulder?" "I love you." Oh boy he's getting freaky now, she thought as she asked "How did you get my number?" "Let my fingers do the walking." "I have to go to work." "Lunch?" "Mulder . . ." "I'll meet you for lunch, bye." CJ sighed, smiling as she hung up. "Mulder again?" Nick asked "Yeah, what do you think Nick?" "I already told you what I think CJ." "Really? You think?" "Yes go for it. He would treat you like a queen." "I'll see what he does at lunch, I'm supposed to be having lunch with David." 1:30 p.m. CJ walking into her classroom after lunch and saw her class whispering and chatting excitedly. "CJ some one loves you." A student said pointing to her desk. CJ looked at her desk and gasped when she saw 5 dozen roses covering it. "Oh wow!" "Who are they from?" CJ went and opened the card, flushing madly as she read it. 'You make me feel so divine, your soul and mind are entwined, before you I was blind. CJ's personal love slave.' She put the card in her pocket quickly "So who they from?" "A guy who likes me, that's all I'm at liberty to say. Today we're going to start Shakespeare. Othello, Hamlet and Macbeth are the plays we'll study." The intercom came on and 'You're my flavor' started to play. CJ smiled to herself, he's a determined little bastard. He looked pissed when he saw me with David at lunch. "Well lets get started with Othello. A black king, his white wife, even interracial relationships were something of controversy in Shakespeare's day. Let's do a quick in class poll. How many of you would date outside of your race?" Most of the class raised their hands. "Why?" Yeah come on gifted and advanced kids; give me some insight, she thought as she called on a student. "Your race shouldn't matter if you really love a person. You should love the person for them, not cause they are black or white." "Yeah the person who makes you happy and challenges you should be the person you fall in love with." CJ nodded, god these kids are better than a therapist. Mulder looked in door after door till he found her. He watched her reading to her class from Othello, how fitting, he thought as his eyes wandered over her body. Her beautiful body clad in a dark brown jumper, a striped shirt under it, platform boots on. She tucked her ever-present cowlick behind her ear and looked up. She was having lunch with some boring reject from the mod squad, but he was black, Mulder thought as he twisted the knob and walked in. He smoothed his shirt and ran a hand through his hair as he walked over to her quietly 'I got this Jones deep inside me, and you are what I wanna do. You give me this feeling you always make me feel brand new, cause you're my flavor of love, you're my flavor I'm dreaming of.' Came over the intercom as CJ turned and smiled at him. Black pants, fitting heather gray turtleneck, black jacket on, he came to her side, his heat radiating over her as he leaned into her kissing her gently on the cheek. "Hey CJ." He growled softly in her ear. "Hello Mulder." "OOOO are you the guy who gave her the flowers?" a student asked "Yep, did she like them?" "Oh yeah." the class said unanimously "Did she now." Mulder said with a sly smile. "Mulder, I'm in the middle of a class." "You didn't meet me for lunch. That's okay, I saw you were busy being bored to death." "Do I sense a hint of jealousy in your voice?" CJ teased, brushing her hip against him, blushing when she felt his body respond to her immediately. "I'll be at the club later, we still need to talk." He said kissing her on he neck and leaving. "WOW! Othello with a twist. He was cute CJ." "Very." CJ said, trying to cool down. "Boyfriend?" "Maybe, I haven't decided yet. I'm having an Othello like crisis." 11 p.m. "So your kamikaze plan working?" Skyler asked, rubbing Mulder's shoulder's gently as they watched over the club from the owner's box. "I think so. You should have seen her when I came to her class. I tell you I would take a beating half my life for a woman like her." "HA! You probably will when you meet her parents." Mulder smiled and looked over the crowd. "Still don't see her, think I scared her off Sky? No, a little higher, Sky? What do you think?" "Well I'm not sure what SKY thinks, but I'd say your persistence has paid off." CJ said as she gave his shoulders a final squeeze. Mulder whirled around and stared at her in shock. "I'm going to kill him." "Later, we have some talking to do."