| Title: North By: DM Feedback: Oh, please do!! Any and all comments may be sent to [email protected] Rating: PG Category: S/R/A Key words: Mulder/Scully Romance, Post �The Truth� Spoiler: At this point� S1-9 Archive: I�ll say yes� but please ask first! Disclaimer: I do not claim to own any of the characters or the situations they find themselves in. (Except for �Rod�� he�s mine:) They belong to FOX and 1013 Productions, but most importantly to all of the actors who brought them to life� And, for the record, I don�t own anything else mentioned that might be owned by rich or famous people, this includes music, eating establishments, etc. Just in case y�all were wondering. Summary: �He didn't know how, or when, but as long as God gave him breath, he would fight Them and the men who still thought they could outwit the devil. He wouldn't walk away, licking his wounds like a cowered dog, accepting whatever life was left to them. He had to keep fighting, and he knew Scully would follow him wherever the next challenge awaited them. Long ago she had become a part of his quest, seeking the truth, setting aside the things and people who were important to her life....her family...her child. And as she reminded him once, just a few years ago� "If we quit now, they win." Notes: This is by far the most involved fan fiction I�ve ever written� or taken part in. My little stories usually take place in the space of a scene or two, so this is quite an accomplishment. I�d like to thank Carol A. for helping me through this, encouraging and inspiring me� I couldn�t ask for a better friend and beta! Love ya lots! All of my other stories may be found at my website: http://www.geocities.com/dmldr42 North By DM Roswell, New Mexico May 19, 2002 11:24 PM The pitter-patter of raindrops against the window brought him back to consciousness. He could smell her, a scent that was distinctly Scully. Every morning since the day he left he would wake to her fragrance. A smile would grace his lips until his eyes opened with a sad realization that she was only a memory� that she wasn�t really lying beside him. Some nights he wouldn�t even go to sleep when he knew waking up without her would be too much to bear. After a while, he became familiar with the routine, but it didn�t stop him from dreaming of her. This morning was different. The same fragrance he woke to for months was fresh and close, but something was drastically different from every other morning. This time something warm was pressed against his chest. His hand found its way to soft hair, longer than he remembered, but distinctly Scully. Even before he opened his eyes, he smiled, knowing they were finally back where they should be. Together. Her head lay gently on his chest and he bent down low enough to place a soft kiss on her forehead. He didn�t want to wake her. He tightened his hold around her waist and let his face rest against the cool pillow. He watched her breathe deeply, in and out� so peaceful, despite everything she�d been through in the past two years� past nine years. He felt an unrelenting surge of sorrow as he thought about the woman who had knocked on his office door so many years before. The woman lying beside him now couldn�t be more different, but he also couldn�t love her more. She wouldn�t be the woman she is today had it not been for everything she was made to endure. A part of him hated himself for doing that to her, for causing her pain. Directly or indirectly, it didn�t matter, but, another part of him, a more selfish part, was incredibly thankful that she remained with him� even when she should have left. Scully stirred in his embrace, ever sensitive to her partner. It amazed Mulder almost every day of his life, how someone could know him so completely. He wouldn�t be surprised if she knew him even better than he knew himself. �Mulder?� He rubbed her back gently, quietly urging her to go back to sleep. �Mmm, go to sleep, Scully�� He felt the warmth of her lips press against his chest in answer and a swell of affection filled him. He couldn�t remember a time when he didn�t feel the way he did about her. Even from the very beginning, she was special. Something about her intrigued him, something that simply made him happy whenever she was near, something he hadn�t felt since he was twelve years old. It felt like yesterday, yet a lifetime ago, that he sat at the end of a bed, in a motel room much like the one they were in now, telling Scully about his sister, trying to make her believe. Knowing what he knew now, he wondered if he�d do it differently, if he�d change anything. Looking down at the amazing woman beside him, he realized that, despite all the heartache and pain, he wouldn�t change a day� xXx Bellefleur, Oregon March 7, 1993 10:34 PM Mulder sat with her until her breathing slowed and color returned to her cheeks. She had been terrified of the marks on her back. She had every right to be. There was so much that she didn�t know, that she couldn�t possibly understand. He wanted to tell her, to trust her, but doing so came at a cost. He knew why she was assigned to the X-Files. Unwittingly, she was part of a larger conspiracy, one that would do anything to shut him down if given even the smallest opportunity. �I should go.� She began to rise from her seat, tightening her robe as she stood. �But we haven�t made popcorn or told ghost stories yet.� He moved from the chair to the bed, sitting on the floor, resting his back against the mattress. �Mulder-� �Look, do what you want, but it�s dark and you�ll be alone.� He knew he shouldn�t tease, but for the first time in a very long while, he was actually enjoying the company of another human being. There was something about her, something he trusted, and he didn�t trust anybody. She walked over to the edge of the bed and sat� moments later she curled up on her side, making herself more comfortable. She knew there were rules against Agents fraternizing in hotel rooms while on assignment, but he was right. It was dark. She would be alone in her room. And, without any power, she wouldn�t be able to work on her report. Besides that, she realized she simply didn�t want to leave just yet. �It�s cold,� she eased the silence. He turned his gaze towards her, noticing how relaxed she seemed to be with him. He smiled, surprised that she actually stayed. Not too many people would. He�d heard he had a notorious reputation for being somewhat �spooky.� �Here,� he reached for the extra blanket folded at the foot of the bed. She took it from him and covered her legs. �Seriously, Scully� who�d you tick off?� �Excuse me?� �Being stuck in the basement isn�t exactly a step in the right direction.� �I joined the FBI to make a difference, not for an office with a view.� �You think you can make a difference in the X-Files? Hunting down monsters and UFOs?� �You sound as though you believe your work doesn�t warrant serious investigation.� �No, it does. But if you�re looking for a serious reputation, you�re in the wrong department.� She looked down at her hands, picking at the corner of a nail. She wasn�t a psychologist, hadn�t studied behavioral science like the man sitting at her feet, but she sensed the walls he had erected were just waiting to crumble. She could see it in his eyes� all she had to do was ask. �What about you, Mulder? Why are you here?� xXx He could clearly remember the look in her eyes, even nine years later. She didn�t believe him when he told her about his sister, and his memory of her abduction. She didn�t believe a word of it but that didn�t matter. She believed in him� and that�s what made the difference. He loved her for it; he fell in love with her because of it. He grew restless, lying in one position for so long. Even though he had his entire world wrapped safely in his arms, it didn�t stop his need to relieve himself. Carefully he extracted himself from Scully�s arms, trying not to wake her. She�d been through so much in the past few days. He doubted she slept at all during the trial. After he finished, he made sure to turn the light off before opening the door. Blinded by the sudden darkness, he tried to feel his way back to the bed. �Watch out for the chair, Mulder.� Her voice was sleepy. �I woke you.� �I felt you get up.� She made space for him on the bed and he resumed his previous position. �You all right?� He couldn�t stop asking her. He was surprised she hadn�t punched him right in the nose for asking so much. �I will be.� Her voice was sad but controlled. He hated to bring him up, but he knew the pain wouldn�t go away if she hid behind it, if she continued to wear the Special Agent mask she had perfected over the past decade. �William?� She didn�t answer and it wasn�t until he felt warm tears through the fabric of his shirt that he realized she was crying. �Dana�� He pulled her tightly to his chest, his fingers moving slowly through her hair, trying as best he could to comfort her. �I know. I miss him too.� She took several moments to calm her tears before she spoke. �It was so hard, Mulder, those first few nights. I woke up to feed him, but he wasn�t�� She had to stop to take a deep breath. �He wasn�t there. But, I learned to deal with it. I turned my emotions off� But, now� with you here.� She pulled back far enough to look in his eyes, to gain the strength to continue. She always found courage in his eyes. �He *should* be here, Mulder. Our son should be with us.� His heart broke when he saw the desperation in her eyes. He knew how much the loss of his child tortured his already beaten heart, but he could only imagine the ache she had to bear. He felt guilty for not being there for her, but even more so knowing she wondered if he could ever forgive her for doing it. �Scully, you did what you had to. You made the best decision you could.� �Then why do I feel like I failed?� She bowed her head, and pulled quietly away from his embrace. �Failed? What, as a mother?� She didn�t answer. �I can�t think of a more precious gift a mother could give her child.� Confused, she glanced up. He had her attention, so he continued. �Scully, you gave William a safe and happy childhood, you gave him something you or I could never hope to provide for him, certainly not now.� Her eyes welled up with tears as her face crumpled in release. She couldn�t hold the anguish inside any longer. He reached for her and pulled her back to his chest. �If I could give you back the last nine years, I would. But, I know that�s not what you want, and I know for certain if it weren�t for you, I wouldn�t even be alive. Scully, you loved him. Loved him so much that you gave away your happiness to protect him. You didn�t fail. Never doubt that.� Tears ran freely down her cheeks as she listened, wanting to believe. �I know you made the right decision. I�ll miss him too.� His own eyes began to water when he remembered the tiny bundle he held in his arms less than a year ago. �I�ll miss him, but I�ll be all right because I have you. We have each other and as long as we do, there�s hope.� A sad smile emerged through her tears. He always had the ability to strengthen her faith through words of encouragement and love. And, somehow in the process was able to strengthen his own. �Thank you,� she whispered. Mulder gathered her tightly in his arms. Sleep eventually came for both as the rain poured down outside the widow. xXx The Next Morning� She woke to find Mulder watching her. Under normal circumstances she wouldn�t appreciate the gesture, but these weren�t normal circumstances. Her heart was filled with peace at the mere fact he was actually there to watch her. ��Morning, Mulder.� Snuggling up closer, he smiled and whispered into her hair. �Sleep okay?� �Yeah.� She buried her face into his neck and pressed her lips to his throat. �I thought of something last night.� He rubbed her arms through the fabric of her robe, urging her to continue. �What little we had is still sitting in the trunk of the car John and Monica took. I don�t even have a toothbrush.� He wrinkled his nose playfully. �I�ve noticed.� He chuckled when she shoved him gently away. �Seriously, Mulder.� She sat up, facing him. �Does Roswell have a Wal-Mart?� xXx Thirty minutes later they sat in a dusty Wal-Mart parking lot while they finished breakfast, which consisted of two egg McMuffins and one shared order of hash browns. Wiping his hands on his jeans, Mulder opened his door to allow a breeze to flow through the vehicle. The rain had disappeared along with the night and the sun was now shining brightly down upon them. �Ready, Scully?� She finished the last of her orange juice and opened her door to join him. Her black pants and long sleeved shirt were clinging to her in the heat. She was looking forward to finding more comfortable clothing. Hand in hand they walked towards the store. Once inside they separated, agreeing to meet back at the registers in a half hour. Scully made her way through the aisles quickly, grabbing various toiletries she knew they�d need. She made sure to pick up an extra toothbrush, knowing Mulder would most likely forget to pick up one for himself. As she browsed through the bottles of shampoo, her eyes caught sight of the hair dye on the shelves to her right. She hesitated a moment before she caught the ends of her hair in her fingers, looking at the color. She wasn�t quite sure if anyone would be looking for them. For all she knew, they were believed to be dead, having been inside the ruins during the explosion. But, she�d learned enough over her years at the Bureau that it never hurt to be cautions. In fact, sometimes being cautious wasn�t enough. At first she grabbed a box that would turn her hair a deep dark brown. She held it up to her face and peered into the mirror next to the display. She liked the color, but for a reason she couldn�t quite place, felt it wasn�t the right decision. She glanced through the various colors, letting her eyes rest briefly on the brand and shade she usually purchased, before reaching the blonder tones. One caught her attention and she picked it up and looked into the mirror once again. It wasn�t bad and from what she could remember was a bit lighter than her natural color. Realizing she would be fairly unrecognizable as a blonde, she tossed the box into her cart and made her way towards the clothing section. xXx Mulder was waiting for her when she reached the front of the store. She took a few moments to scan the items he�d placed in his cart, noticing two sleeping bags and some camping gear. With the need to conserve their resources, she knew that they wouldn�t be staying in many more hotels after today. �Good thinking,� she ran her fingers over the sleeping bags. He shrugged, �the tag says they�re made out of thermal something-or-other, so they should keep us warm.� As he began to place their purchases onto the counter, he noticed the hair dye. Seeing his hesitation, she briefly explained. �Can�t hurt to be careful, Mulder.� He nodded and smiled. �It�ll look good, Scully.� xXx Mulder parked the car in front of their room, but left the engine running. Scully looked at him curiously. �You�re not coming in?� �Why don�t you get ready� I have to go pick up some things.� �What things, Mulder?� Sensing her concern, he explained. �Before I left� I asked the guys to get things in order in case something like this happened. I kept the papers in a safety deposit box over the past year.� �I didn�t know that.� �I didn�t want to worry you.� He dropped his eyes from her gaze, feeling guilty knowing it was he who put them in the situation they now had to face. �I was hoping it wouldn�t come to this.� �Where are they?� She took his hand in hers, comforting him the way she always had. �About twenty miles south of here. Gibson and I are the only ones who have access to the account.� �Gibson?� �We wanted to make sure that if anything happened to�� He didn�t finish; he didn�t need to. He was safe, they were safe and that�s all that mattered. He reached across the seat to kiss and gently caress her cheek. �I�ll be back in about an hour.� xXx Back at the motel� She finished drying her hair and took a final look in the mirror before sighing and opening the bathroom door. She was pleased to see that Mulder had already returned. He looked up from the road map he had purchased earlier and couldn�t help but smile at the sight in front of him. �Don�t laugh, Mulder.� He was taken aback at the woman standing before him. She was most certainly Scully, but not the Scully he�d grown accustomed to over the past nine years. Her hair was a medium to light blonde, with a hint of red still shining through. She was dressed in blue jeans and white tank top, a far reach from the Agent she was less than 24 hours ago. �It�s cute, Scully,� he teased. �Besides, you know what blondes do to me.� She closed the distance and playfully slapped his arm. �Did you know that I�m a natural blonde, Mulder?� This was news to him. �Really?� �Not quite *this* blonde,� she grabbed the ends of her hair, �but yeah.� �I like it.� She smiled and ruffled his hair, still messy from the night before, despite their visit to Wal-Mart. �So, I better not be Mrs. Petrie this time around.� A mischievous grin lit his features. �Mulder�� He innocently looked down at his hands, one finger tracing the pattern on the bed spread. �Jonathan and Jennifer� Hart.� It took a moment before the names registered. �You�re not serious?� �Gotta give �em credit. We�re not a Nick at Nite special.� �Jonathan and Jennifer Hart?� She was not happy. �We�re not even a re-run anymore.� �Hart to Hart? Mulder�� �If Frohike could only see your face right now�� �I always knew you both had a warped sense of humor.� �It�s not *that* bad.� Her glare revealed far more than words could hope to express. Still, Mulder knew she was only trying to cover up her amusement. �Okay, fine,� with a faux innocence he added, �I�m just surprised you watched the show.� �Don�t start with me,� she warned. �Well, you know it well enough to remember the names�� �I was 15!� She shoved him softly in the arm and just as she was about to stand and walk away, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back to the mattress. She fell on her back and he quickly hovered his torso above her, arms on each side of her shoulders, making it impossible for her to escape. �It could be fun, Scully,� he trailed kisses all along her chin, then held his lips a breath away from hers. �We�re not all that different from them, you know.� �We aren�t?� The words escaped in barely a whisper. �Uh uh�� He continued to tease her, brushing his lips lightly against the corner of her mouth. �Think about it. They were a man and a woman�in love, seeking to solve mysteries, saving the world.� He brought his hand to her hair and ran his fingers gently through it. �Well, maybe not the world� but, three out of four �aint bad.� She allowed his lips to cover hers for a brief moment before she spoke. �You�re missing one minor detail, Mulder,� she smiled, dizzy from his closeness. �The Harts were married.� �So are we.� He kissed her sweetly before sitting up and pulling their �marriage certificate� from a folder. She took it from him and glanced over it briefly, surprised yet relieved when she read the names on it. Thank heavens. They weren�t going to be the Harts after all. �That wasn�t funny, Mulder.� �I had you big time.� Her eyebrow shot up in response as she laughed. It felt good to hear her laugh again. The sound of it filled his heart with warmth and strengthened the sense of hope he found with her the night before. She read the names aloud. �George and Katherine Hale. Much better, Mulder.� �I figured anything�s better than �Fox� and at least this way you�d get to keep part of your name. We�ll call you Kate or Katie. Your choice.� She smiled and he laid back down, leaving enough room for her to curl up against him, resting in comfortable silence for a few moments. Glancing at the roadmap he left sitting on the edge of the bed, she turned towards him. �Where to now?� �North� � xXx Near Mexican Hat, UT May 21, 2002 1:04 AM The car shook violently as it ran over yet another pothole in the uneven pavement. The sudden movement jerked Scully from a restless sleep. They had been traveling for 13 hours straight, stopping only to refuel, eat and use the restroom. Less than an hour ago, she tried to make herself more comfortable, resting her head on Mulder�s lap as they continued to climb upward towards Utah. Feeling her movement, Mulder glanced down and squeezed her fingers, which had been entwined with his since she laid down to rest. �We�re almost there, Scully.� �Almost where?� She rubbed her eyes, wiping the sleep away. �Valley of the Gods.� �Huh?� She yawned. �It�s about 17 miles of bumpy, deserted highway in southern Utah.� �Why?� Was all she could think of to ask. He let go of her hand to massage his aching temples. �Because I�m tired� and sick of driving and we both need to rest.� She sat up and turned to face him. �You should�ve let me drive five hours ago when I offered, Mulder.� Her voice was soft and concerned. He didn�t answer. Just smiled, and took her hand in his once more. Ten minutes later he pulled to the side of the road and turned the engine off. He unfastened his seat belt and leaned forward, resting his arms on the steering wheel, gazing out at the clear night sky. �They say this valley is one of the most beautiful sites in Utah, very scenic. Not much tourist attraction, though.� �Who�s �they�?� He reached across her to the glove compartment and grabbed a booklet. �The Complete Tourist�s Guide to the Western United States,� he read off the cover. �I found it on special at Wal-Mart.� Nodding, she tried hard to suppress another yawn, but failed miserably. Mulder opened his door and stepped out of the car. �Let�s get some sleep.� He slid the back seat of the SUV forward, creating more space for them. He opened one of the sleeping bags and spread it out on the floor, then opened the other and placed it on top, zipping the two together to double the size. �Just another little thing I learned as an Indian Guide,� he quipped, earning himself a small chuckle from Scully. She climbed in first, then he followed, pulling the zipper up, enclosing both of them. Her head rested comfortably on his chest, but his was met with the hard floor of the vehicle. �Guess I forgot to buy pillows,� he muttered, rubbing the bottom of his head. �Here,� she sat and took off her sweatshirt, handing it to him. �Use this.� �You�ll be cold,� he protested. �No I won�t.� She curled back down at his side and snuggled up as close as she could. He smiled gratefully and placed the sweatshirt beneath his head. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and pressed his lips softly to her brow. She wouldn�t get cold, not if he could help it. xXx A chill ran through her body and she shivered, curling into a ball under the covers. A moment passed before she realized that Mulder was no longer sleeping beside her. She sat up quickly, fearing the worst. Her heartbeat returned to normal when she saw him just outside the car, sitting on a rock facing one of the most beautiful sunrises she had ever seen. The sky was painted in a mist of purple and pink. Outlined on the horizon were numerous rock formations delicately lit by the rising sun. It was breathtaking. Finding her sweatshirt neatly folded beside her, she slipped it over her head before opening the door to join her partner. Mulder wasn�t aware of her presence until he felt her arms encircle his shoulders. A soft, cool morning breeze gently blew through his hair. He inhaled deeply, feeling peaceful at her presence. �How long have you been up?� She breathed into his ear. �Half hour or so,� he pulled on her arm, tugging her around so he could see her. �C�mere.� She sat down on the rock, his legs on either side of her. She leaned back into his chest as his arms wrapped around her small frame. �Warm enough?� he asked. �Hmmm�� It was more of a sigh than an answer. She let her eyes roam the distance, enjoying the silent hum of the deserted valley. It felt as if she and Mulder were the only two in existence. Alone, but together. �Together,� the magic word. She was almost afraid to admit how comforting that thought was to her. Years ago, *people* were what made her happy, were what defined her as a human being. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend. Now, those relationships didn�t hold the same importance they once did. There was only one who made her whole� made her life worth living. As long as she had Mulder and they were together, she would possess all that she needed to survive. The Agent who was first assigned to the X-Files nine years ago, was most certainly not the same woman who now sat calmly in her partner�s arms. �I�ve changed so much�� She didn�t realize she was speaking until she heard her own voice. An affectionate huff escaped Mulder�s lips as he squeezed her tighter. He wondered if he had ever loved her as much as he did right now. �I�m not the same person who walked into your office nine years ago.� �No,� he reflected, thoughtfully. �No, you aren�t.� �I was so green. What you must have thought of me.� She turned slightly in his arms, looking up at him. He realized that her words were not a statement, but were offered as an opportunity for him to expound upon. They�d rarely discussed first impressions before, and those few times had been more in a passing tease. This was brand new territory for him, a place he hadn�t visited for many years. Somehow it didn�t frighten him� he wanted to tell her and couldn�t believe that he hadn�t done so before now. �Honestly?� �Of course.� �I thought you were innocent, naive. So �by the book� that you�d drive me insane before I could do it myself.� A bit taken aback, she tensed ever so slightly. �Okay� I�m trying not to be offended.� �You didn�t let me finish,� he turned her so that he could look into her eyes. �It was because of those things that I grew to trust you.� He pushed an errant strand of hair from her face, watching her features soften at his touch. �You made me work so hard for everything� and sure it got frustrating when you wouldn�t believe, but I�m a better person because of it.� She smiled up at him, her bruised ego dissolving with every word he uttered. �How long did it take?� �To trust you?� She nodded. He remembered it clearly. There wasn�t a doubt in his mind regarding the exact moment he realized her devotion to him and to his quest. To an outsider, it might seem trivial, considering all that they had been through, but to him it was the moment that hung most clearly in his mind. �Icy Cape. Do you remember?� She recalled almost every second of that case. �How could I not?� �We had only been working together for a couple of months�� �It took you that long?� �It took me that long to realize that *you* trusted me� especially when you had no reason to.� xXx Icy Cape, Alaska November 5, 1993 �Mulder?� When he hadn�t spoken for a few moments, she turned around, scared that he had found something on her neck. He smiled, reassuring her that she was all right. �Now what, Scully?� �It has to be one of them,� a shaky breath escaped her lips. �You all right?� He reached for her arm as though she were about ready to topple over. �I�m fine. It�s just-� �I know. It�s hard when there�s no one to trust.� He gently pulled her into an embrace, one meant to strengthen as well as comfort. She accepted the warmth of his arms, exhausted from the events of the past couple days. �But I did, Mulder� I knew I could trust you.� xXx �I know you were referring to the fact that I wasn�t infected, but something inside of me was convinced that you trusted me beyond that. That even though you didn�t always believe me, you had trust *in* me. At that moment I knew I had found something special, and I never wanted to lose that�� He cupped her cheek in his palm. �You won�t�� Tears were brimming at the corners of her eyes. He smiled gratefully, taking her fingers in his and bringing them to his lips. They sat in silence for a moment, watching the sun creep its way higher and higher into the morning sky. xXx US 163 May 21, 2002 8:13 AM �So, why Mexican Hat?� Behind the wheel, she attempted to take off her sweatshirt, the early morning sun already warm. He reached across the seat to help her. �Because I�m thinking we�ll have a much easier time getting rid of the car in a small community than we will anywhere else.� She nodded her head and relaxed as best she could behind the wheel. �Scully�� He hesitated a moment before continuing. �Yesterday, when I went to get our papers� I made arrangements to let your mother know you were safe.� He was afraid that by even mentioning Mrs. Scully she would begin to think again about what she had given up for him. He knew they would have to face it eventually, but it didn�t erase his fear. �You what? Mulder�what if They�re surveilling her, what if They find out?� �It�s all right. Gibson and I made arrangements, that if we had to disappear, I�d leave him all the necessary information inside the safety deposit box. If anyone can get the message safely to your mother, it�s Gibson.� She digested the information slowly, weighing the possibilities in her mind. She knew that there were risks, despite Mulder�s reassurance, but she also knew why he did it. And, she was grateful for his thoughtfulness. �Thank you, Mulder. I know that was an unnecessary risk� and I appreciate you taking it for me. For my mother.� �I felt I owed you that much, Scully� and your mom. I didn�t want her to worry�� �Somehow, I think she knew something like this might happen�� Without words he, picked up her free hand and gently played with her fingers. They sat in silence for a few more minutes before he resumed their conversation. �I didn�t tell Gibson where we were headed, but that we�d be in touch as soon as possible.� She nodded, and for the first time since they left she began to focus on just how dangerous this journey could prove to be for the both of them. xXx Tee Pee Rod�s Used Car Lot May 21, 2002 9:46 AM �What c�n I do ya fer, pretty lady? Name�s Rod, by the way. Nice to meet ya.� He shook Scully�s hand with a force that surprised her coming from the weasel of a man that introduced himself as �Rod.� His face was scruffy, in need of a good shave and he stank of sweat and alcohol. She painted a forced smile on her face. �My� husband and I are looking to trade our car for something of greater convenience.� She glanced back at Mulder, praying he�d hurry up and join her. �We need something smaller, with better gas mileage. Possibly a truck� we�re going to be doing a lot of camping.� �I think I c�n set y�all up� you lookin� to trade that there in?� He pointed towards their vehicle. Scully nodded, then called to Mulder. �Honey, the gentleman says he might have something.� �Be right there, sweet pea.� She could almost feel his smirk from where he stood behind their vehicle. He was going to pay for that later. �He�s coming,� she assured Rod and turned around to wait as she watched Mulder emerge from the SUV, his clothing changed from what he had been wearing earlier. �It�s hot,� he explained, indicating his shorts, as he joined Scully and put his arm around her.� Scully had seen her fair share of monsters and psychopaths, she was strong and independent, but she was a bit wary of Rod. Mulder�s presence beside her made all the difference. �I got me a nice Chevy in back� a camper shell too, if ya folks want it.� They followed him through the dusty lot and around a shack with a paint chipped sign that read, �office.� In the middle of an almost vacant field sat a dusty truck that looked like it was in need of a fervent prayer to even start. When they reached it, Rod patted its side, almost respectfully. �Yup, here she is� I�d take�er myself, but the missus�d have my hide if I did. She�s always sayin� we don�t go nowhere fancy, so what good�s a fancy job like that to folks like ourselves.� He leaned in close to Scully and elbowed her side rather roughly. In an almost conspiratorial whisper he breathed his next words right into her face. �My wife �aint as classy as you are, though, pretty lady� so maybe she�s right.� He coughed and winked, sending sour breath in Scully�s face and a chill down her spine. Mulder was quick to step in, pulling her back to him and wrapping both arms around her shoulders. He was being protective and for once Scully wasn�t about to complain. �What year, Mr�?� �Rod, name�s Rod.� �What year, Rod.� �1993, but she�s good as new� fixed �er up myself.� Scully looked up at Mulder, hoping he was still an expert at reading her thoughts. She wanted to get as far away from this place and this man as possible. �Mind starting her up for us, Rod?� She supposed he was just out of practice on his thought reading capabilities. �Sure! Of course� might wanta cover �er ears, though,� he pointed to their SUV. �Don�t want �er to get jealous or nothin�.� Barely able to tolerate the man either, Mulder smiled as best he could as Rod trotted back to the �office� to get the keys.� Scully turned around in Mulder�s embrace. �Can we just leave, Mulder?� I�m sure there�s something else�� �Anywhere else might be far too reputable. We don�t have any papers on the car� We need to use discretion and something tells me we�ll get much further with Rod here than we will at some place in Moab or Salt Lake.� He kissed her nose lightly, knowing his assurance would soften her resistance. She tilted her face upwards to taste his lips with hers. Just as their mouths met, Rod reappeared at their side. �Here ya go!� He dangled the keys next to Mulder�s ear. Holding Scully�s gaze, he whispered, �later�� then turned to Rod and took the keys, making his way to the truck. �Yeah, it�s a real beaut! Purrs like a lil baby kitten too. Like I was sayin�, I�d love to git my paws on �er.� The engine turned over a couple of times before roaring to life, and to his surprise he was pleased with how well it actually ran. He checked quickly under the hood, but after noticing his amused partner, shut it realizing he had no idea what he was looking at. He never had. �Looks good, Rod� you�ll throw in the camper shell too?� �Well, I dunno� I need to take a looksee at what you�ve got to offer. Ya need to be fair in these matters, ya know.� �It�s a brand new Expedition, Rod.� Mulder reasoned. �Camper shell�s included or we�re walking.� There was no way Rod was going to let the two of them walk. He already had plans for the SUV. Nobody in all of Mexican Hat would have a finer ride than that� nobody. �Okay, okay� hold yer horses! Boy, you drive a hard bargain, Mister�� Rod thought for a moment, looked at his truck and then the Expedition. �Is that a dent�� �Rod�� Mulder warned. �Fine. Deal. Why don�t�cha�ll follow me to the office�� xXx �I can�t believe he bought it, Mulder� even for you, that was bad.� They pulled out of the lot and onto US Highway 163. �It worked, didn�t it?� �The dog urinated on, then shred to pieces every bit of paperwork we had?� �I could have told him that we stole the thing, Scully and he still would have made the deal. Do you really think there�s an honest bone in that man�s body?� �Still, Mulder� that was pretty pathetic.� �Pathetic or no, it worked.� He patted the steering wheel. �A real beaut, �aint she?� Mulder quipped in the same trashy drawl the salesman had used. �Do that again, Mulder, and you�re walking.� xXx Manti, UT Route 89 7:02 PM Scully�s stomach growled and she glanced at Mulder, wondering if he�d heard. He didn�t appear to notice and reached for the radio tuner, searching for something other than the static that had phased over Elvis. �When are we stopping, Mulder?� �I was hoping we�d make it to Salt Lake by tonight. According to the map it�s only about four and a half more hours.� He turned to look at her, �We can stop and take a breather if you want�� �It would be nice to get out and stretch,� she yawned, trying her best to stifle it before it escaped. She sat back and rested her head on the seat back while Mulder continued to fuss with the radio until he landed on a station that actually came through. The song went to break and the host came on announcing herself as Delilah. �I didn�t know she was National,� he sounded pleased. �The Queen of sappy love songs, Mulder?� Scully was amused. He ignored her and turned the radio up as it began to play a song that was familiar to both of them. �Remember this?� He glanced at her, a soft smile on his lips. She thoughtfully slid her body closer to Mulder, resting her head on his shoulder. Mark Cohen�s version of �Walking in Memphis� played quietly in the background. �Hmmm,� she sighed. �It�s the song we danced to� right before the first time you kissed me.� �*I* kissed you?� He laughed. �In your dreams�� xXx Memphis, TN November 30, 1997 8:29 PM The curtains closed as Cher bowed gracefully, thanking the crowd for their enthusiasm. Even after the music had ended, Mulder�s arm remained around Scully�s waist and his hand entwined in hers. His eyes moved from the empty stage to Scully, only to find her watching him. It took her a moment to realize he�d seen her before she adverted her gaze and began to pull away from her partner. To her surprise, he wouldn�t let go. The dim light cast a blue glow on the couple, who stood without words, enjoying the closeness of one another. Without conscious thought or effort, Mulder�s hand left hers and traveled to her face, gently cupping her cheek, the fingers of his other hand resting lightly in her hair. Embarrassed, Scully looked down, away from him. �Thank you,� she whispered, then let go. Respecting her space, he watched as she turned to the Great Mutato. Clearing her throat, she continued, �the police are waiting, Mulder.� Twenty minutes later Mulder patted the back door of the car as the police pulled away with the prisoner. �It doesn�t seem fair�� He turned to Scully after the car had driven out of sight. Sympathetically she squeezed his forearm, offering as much comfort as she could. �Let�s go home, Mulder.� In silent agreement he nodded and they began the short trek back to their car, which was parked behind the club. Most of the cars had already left, leaving them alone, moonlight offering a generous but hazy light. Reaching the driver�s side, Scully turned to Mulder, �want me to dri-� Surprising her, Mulder took the opportunity to gather her in his arms, holding her as if they were about to dance once again. �We didn�t get to finish.� A bit flustered at his sudden behavior, she laughed nervously and tried to pull away. �Mulder�� He held her tighter. �This time I want to finish, Scully.� �Finish what?� Her stomach fluttered in nervous anticipation, fearing yet hoping for the words she wouldn�t admit she wanted to hear. �You know what,� he breathed, drawing his face nearer and nearer to hers, until he felt her breath on his lips. He held her there for a moment, searching her eyes for any indication that he had over stepped his boundary. He found none. �Finish it, Scully.� Of their own accord, her hands slid their way around his neck, her fingers moving into his hair, enjoying the softness with her fingertips. His own hands mimicked hers, as their lips drew closer. Scully�s eyes grew heavy as she felt the electricity between them spark. �Mulder�� her voice was barely a whisper. �We can�t�� Her lips brushed his as she uttered the last words, and once the connection was made, neither could pull away. The kiss was gentle, chaste� and when it ended, neither had the desire to move. Instead, they pulled into an embrace, each relishing the moment they both knew should never be repeated. Silently, they separated. Mulder gazed down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. With a sad smile, he let her go and turned to unlock her door. After opening it for her, he handed her the keys and made his way around to the passenger seat. xXx �You initiated it, Mulder,� she gently slapped his knee. �I didn�t hear you complaining.� He smiled and signaled, directing them off the freeway. She stretched up to kiss the corner of his mouth, letting her lips linger there for a moment. �What woman would?� Mulder pulled the truck into a Chevron station and killed the engine. �Care to finish what you�ve started, Agent Scully?� �Not now, Mulder� I�m hungry.� xXx 23 miles north of Salt Lake City May 21, 2002 11:58 PM They passed Salt Lake twenty minutes ago, traveling as far a distance as they could bear. Mulder pulled off the road and into a vacant lot, a construction site just ahead of them. �Let�s sleep for a few hours, rest up and hit the road again. We�re less than twenty-four hours away.� He turned to her, noticing her eyes were closed and she was resting peacefully. He moved from the cab around to the back of the camper and began to fix a place for them to rest in the bed of the camper shell. He zipped the sleeping bags together as he did the night before. Once he had finished, he moved to her door and opened it quietly, trying his best not to disturb her. He unfastened her seatbelt and pulled her to his chest, gently lifting her out of the truck. She stirred slightly and opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. �Where are we?� �Just north of Salt Lake.� He helped her into the camper and followed her inside. They laid down together, Scully fitting perfectly in Mulder�s arms. �Okay?� He kissed her forehead, tightening his hold on her. �Hmm,� she was still sleepy, on the verge of unconsciousness. �What now, Mulder?� It was such an honest question, one he�d been asking himself ever since they left the ruins just a few days ago. He didn't know how, or when, but as long as God gave him breath, he would fight Them and the men who still thought they could outwit the devil. He wouldn't walk away, licking his wounds like a cowered dog, accepting whatever life was left to them. He had to keep fighting, and he knew Scully would follow him wherever the next challenge awaited them. Long ago she had become a part of his quest, seeking the truth, setting aside the things and people who were important to her life....her family...her child. And as she reminded him once, just a few years ago� "If we quit now, they win." He wouldn�t quit, couldn�t quit� and the mere fact he had actually considered it filled him with shame, that he could actually do such a thing after all they had lost, after everything Scully was made to bear. As long as there was a fight to fight, he wouldn�t give Them the satisfaction of watching him crumble in defeat. Cancer man was wrong. He�d always been wrong. He�d misjudged Mulder one more time� for the last time. Mulder knew it wasn�t going to be easy, but he also knew he wasn�t �broken.� He pushed her hair away from her neck and pressed his lips to the soft flesh just below her jaw. �Sleep, Scully� we�ve got a long journey ahead of us.� xXx End. |