Mulder truly wanted to believe Haley would get better in time, but he highly doubted it. Even if she did, he thought to himself as he closed the file drawer, she would have nothing to come back to. She lost her job, her career and her life. Mulder knew this and somewhere deep down, Haley knew it, too. He sighed and a thought quickly passed through his mind. One he didn’t want to concentrate too much on. Another crazy ex-girlfriend Mulder, he said to himself and even though it had been six years ago when he was in the VCS, the thought more than frightened him, for a moment it sent a chill up his spine. He hated to think about Scully’s thoughts on the matter. She had been quiet about the situation since they returned to Washington. Although, Mulder knew she was concerned about much more than his ex-girlfriends. He looked at the clock and sat down. It was only 6:40. Another thirty or so minutes and Scully and him would finally get a chance, alone to talk. They needed this. I need this, he said out-loud although no one was in the office to hear him. He picked up his jacket and went out the door to change for tonight.

Dana Scully moved around her kitchen with swiftness trying to check everything on the stove, in the oven and on the nearby counter. She looked at the clock above her and realized she had better change if she was going to impress him. She had almost forgotten, considering the clothes she were wearing, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers had become her normal attire over the last few days. After returning to Washington from the Oregon case, she had requested for leave for a few weeks. Skinner had looked at her, strangely as she handed him the report on Jack the Ripper copycat murders. He knew it wasn’t like her to request leave unless she personally was ill, but Scully was bound and determined to show Mulder she had meant what she said to him on the plane.

"I think we need time away from the X Files," she had said. "We need to see how we do outside of a case." Scully smiled to herself, she had been right. The past few days, Mulder and her have been great, better than great. They’ve been talking for hours on the phone, not about cases, but about each other. Their lives, their hopes, whatever sparked a conversation. They had gone to the movies and stayed up all night visiting the monuments. They had grown more than close in the past year, starting and building this relationship into something. Something both of them had wanted…for a very long time.

So tonight was it. They would talk, they would see what was possible for them. What they both felt comfortable with. Scully had to admit she was impressed with Mulder in the past few days. He steered clear of the relationship subject and their feelings toward each other. He touched her more than normal, escorting her through doors and such, but overall he had been a perfect friend and gentleman. Scully laughed to herself as she placed the candlestick holders on the table and reached for the white candles lying next to them. She knew Mulder was losing his patience, though and she couldn’t really blame him. Five years is a long time to have feelings bottled up and closed off to your best friend. She knew how that felt all too well. She knew how difficult it was to sit with him all night and not kiss him or hold him or…she knew.

She placed the candles in the holders and laid out the plates. Just wait, Mulder, she thought to herself as she looked over the table settings. Nothing is going to ruin tonight. She checked over the food one more time, before going into the bedroom to change and maybe make a few minor adjustments to the room…for later.

Mulder stepped out of the elevator and right into Danny, an agent both Scully and himself, worked with frequently. Especially when they needed certain information off phone records or other ‘classified’ things, they weren’t supposed to know about on a case.

"Hey, Mulder, you want to slow down you could kill someone," he said, laughing a bit. Mulder stopped and looked at him.

"Sorry, Danny. I didn’t see you there." Mulder smiled at him and started to walk away. Danny went in front of him.

"So, off on another case? Remember, Mulder you still owe me those tickets at the fifty yard line for the Super Bowl this year? I don’t forget those things." He smiled at him.

"Sorry, Danny. They were stolen from me when I faked my death. It was probably one of our men who did it." Mulder said, seriously. Danny looked at him for a moment, then a smile broke out across his face. Mulder laughed. "Don’t worry, I have them. Just not with me. Look, I gotta go."

"Yea, yea. That’s what they all say. You have no idea how lucky you and Agent Scully are to have me around."

"I’ll make sure to let her know that. Really I gotta go." He took two more steps.

"What do you have…a date, Mulder?" Danny said. Mulder stopped and turned back to him. "It was just a question," he walked up a step to Mulder. "You must like this one," he said, smiling at him. He knew Mulder would never tell him about his personal life, but Danny knew all he needed to know. Mulder was as readable as any open book. Danny had figured him out a while ago. It was his partner that Danny had trouble reading. Sometimes, he thought he knew and then she went and did something completely different. He looked at Mulder and realized he should let the poor man go besides he had a pretty good idea where it was, Mulder was going.

"Have a good night, Danny." Mulder said, then headed off to his car.

Danny watched him a few seconds and finally yelled out to him.

"Hey, listen. Say hi to Agent Scully for me when you see her tonight."

Mulder slowed down his walk, but didn’t stop. He just waved with his back to Danny and said, "I will."

Danny knew he had been right. Who else could make Fox Mulder so nervous? Danny smiled and stepped into the elevator.

After dressing into simple, yet more appropriate attire, Scully was wearing slacks, but had put her hair up and chose a white lace blouse to complete the outfit. She went into the bathroom to retrieve some candles from under the sink. She placed the scented candles from the dresser to the nightstand. She wasn’t extremely fond of candles in her bedroom, but she loved the scent it filled the room with. Soft strawberries and bayberry. Her friend, Christine Diar, an old roommate from college had been giving her bath assortments each year for Christmas since they had graduated. Scully smiled to herself, it amazed her that Christine could still remember every year where she lived. Scully wasn’t particularly fond of bath crystals and scented soaps, other than adding a décor to the bathroom, she mostly kept the lotions under the bathroom sink. However, she always managed to put the decorative soaps and the baskets they came in, on display. She thought Christine deserved that much for remembering her each year and Scully couldn’t resist how good the bathroom looked and smelled. She did use the bath bubbles sometimes, when she needed to relax after debating with Mulder all day long.

She looked over her ‘set-up’ and laughed out loud. It looked like something Melissa would do. The atmosphere, the dinner, the wine….suddenly her smile faded as she realized she had forgotten to pick up wine while she was out. She looked at her watch: 7:23 pm. It was too late to call Mulder, he would have left by now.

She shrugged her shoulders and picked up her bedroom phone. She’ll try him at home, he could still be there. The phone continued to ring until she heard Mulder’s distinct answering machine voice pick up on the other end. She hung up the phone and figured he’ll survive. She knew she had some beer he had left over her place a few weeks ago. She ran into the kitchen to check. She seemed to remember drinking a few these past couple of days. There were five left. That’s enough, Scully thought. Then she laughed to herself again. All of the women’s lib and being treated equal and all that was useless in this situation, she told herself. You’re just like every other woman, Dana Scully. You want romance and passion and…knock, knock. Dana almost jumped and she blew out the match in her hand she had been lighting the candles with.

Scully walked over to the door, feeling incredibly nervous for a moment. She took a deep breath and let it out before opening the door for Mulder.

"Hi, I hope you needed some." Mulder said, smiling and holding up a bottle of wine. She smiled back at him, took the wine and kissed him. It started slow but built in passion. She could feel herself weaken as he kissed her deeper. She ended the kiss softly and stepped aside to let him into her apartment.

"If I had known about you and wine, I would have brought a bottle to the office every day," he said smiling as he passed her. He noticed the candles lit on the table and the table settings perfectly laid out for them. He stopped on the side of Scully as she closed the door, leaning and whispering in her ear, "Beautiful." She felt a chill as he placed a kiss on her neck. He looked at her deeply. She could read every expression on his face, but this one sent a warm sensation right through her. She was tempted to forget about dinner all together. He slowly started to smile then he broke the moment and walked into the kitchen.

"Something smells good," he said, moving to the oven. She quickly moved to the side of him, leaning against the counter as he opened the oven and looked inside. "And you can cook, Scully." He said, turning to her and smiling. She smiled back and handed him the wine.

"Make yourself useful," she teased, handing him a corkscrew from the drawer on the side of her. He closed the oven, took the bottle and set the counter next to her to open it. She watched him the entire time. He glanced over at her once and continued to concentrate on the wine.

She was not making this easy, Mulder thought. God, he wanted her.

He was not making this easy, Scully thought. God, she wanted him.

"Excuse me, Dana," he said reaching over her head to get the wine glasses in the cupboard. She could feel her knees weaken as the smell of his cologne surrounded her. She watched him again as he poured the wine and gave her a glass.

"Can I do anything?" Mulder said, taking a sip from his wine. He looked at her, waiting for an answer. She stood there for a moment longer staring at him before coming out of her thoughts. Mulder thought he saw her quiver slightly as she moved passed him to the refrigerator door. He smiled to himself.

"Everything’s all set. Have a seat." She said, trying to sound calm and nonchalant.

"Great," he said, passing by her on the way to the table. "Really, Scully, everything looks great. I would have dressed up if I had known." He sat down, taking another sip from his glass. He was wearing his jeans and a dress shirt with a blazer. He hadn’t thought about dressing. They always seemed to dress casual lately for their ‘dates.’

Scully looked up from the refrigerator, holding a salad bowl in her hand. "You look great," she said quickly and proceeded to the other counter drawer to get the salad utensils. You have no idea, Mulder. How great you look, she thought as she brought the bowl to the table, placing it down in the center and sitting opposite him. She looked over at him again. He was smiling at her. No idea.

"So, Scully what are you doing all day now that you don’t have to deal with me?" He said, smiling at her and taking some salad.

"Thinking about you," she said looking directly up at him. He stopped in mid-motion of getting the salad dressing in front of him. "Seriously, Mulder. I’ve done a lot of thinking." He nodded and finished putting the dressing on the salad, waiting for her to continue. She talked as she prepared her salad. "I know things didn’t go well the first time around, but we’re entitled to a second chance, aren’t we? I mean, I know we want different things sometimes, but I think this might work." She finished and looked up at him. "Do you think so, too Mulder?"

Mulder looked at her. She was asking him if he thought they could work…be together. He didn’t just think it, he knew it deep down in his soul. "You know I believe it can. I just want you to be certain about this decision we’re making." He looked at her seriously for a moment, then broke into a smile. "You know I’m a pain in the ass to work with."

"Yea," she smiled, "I know. I’m willing to overlook that." He laughed genuinely.

"You better go get dinner, Scully before I do something you won’t like." Mulder said, giving her a sideways glance and flirting with her. She smiled.

"How do you know I won’t like it?" She said, flirting back. Before Scully knew what happened, he was on his feet and had her against the doorway to the kitchen. One arm was leaning on the doorway above her head and his other hand was resting on her hip. He leaned in, an inch closer to her face. He stared at her with an intense look that Scully felt through her entire body.

‘Ding!’ the alarm on the oven timer sounded.

"You better get dinner, Scully," Mulder said, still staring at her. Scully slowly slid away from the doorway. Saved by the bell, she thought to herself, shaking her head slightly trying to refocus on Mulder… no, Dana, on dinner.

Mulder sat back in his chair and took another sip of his wine. It was actually a lot more than a sip but he didn’t care, he needed to relax. No matter how calm he was acting, it really was just a good cover for the roller-coaster of emotions he was experiencing. He wanted her, but it wanted it to be perfect for her. She invited him, but he felt he had to say something, do something. You deserve so much more, Dana, he said to himself as he watched her hurry around the kitchen. He knew she was just as nervous and he thought the best thing he could do right now, was to get her to laugh, so they could both calm down a bit.

"Hey Scully, Danny says hi," Mulder said from the table. Scully turned around and shot him a look of surprise mixed with slight amusement. She wasn’t overly excited that Danny or anyone from the office knew about their ‘date’ tonight. But then again, Danny was Danny, she thought and he was what they considered a friend.

"How is he doing?" Scully said, deciding it was time to make conversation. She walked over the table, holding two bowls one with pasta and the other with sauce. She placed each of them down in the center area.

"Same as always," Mulder said, smiling and getting up to follow her back to the kitchen. "He wants Super Bowl tickets now. The nerve of some people," he smiled and reached next to her to retrieve the basket of bread teetering on the edge of the counter.

"Don’t you owe those to him from last year?" Scully asked, stopping a moment to look at him before taking the pasta fork and spoon back to the table with the parmesan cheese.

"Yea, we do." He said, following her with a basket of bread. She looked at him, he smiled.

"We?" Scully said, putting down the items in her hand and taking the basket from him.

He moved close to her. "Yea, Scully, we." He whispered the last part on her ear. She quivered for a moment, he took the bread back from her and smiled to himself. I’m definitely getting relaxed, he thought, as he passed her a piece of bread and sat down.

Aside from a few mentions of past cases, mainly Flukeman and Dr. Blockhead, the conversation was light, and perhaps just a little awkward, during dinner. Neither of them had quite felt this way since their first dates in high school. Yet both of them were thoroughly enjoying both the spoken and unspoken conversation.

After the dinner was cleared and Scully served the coffee, Mulder suggested they go for a walk. It was a nice night out, he commented. Scully agreed and added that she had eaten more than her share. A walk would do her some good.

"I think I better go get a sweater, Mulder. I’ll be right back," Scully said, exiting the dinning room area and going to her hallway which led to the bedroom. Mulder moved into the living room and stood by the window looking out at the star-filled sky. Something he grown accustomed to over the past years on the X Files. The stars always held a mystery to him, a sense of knowledge peeking through. Knowledge, Mulder was starting to believe was never going to be known by him. The thought would have depressed him if he was all alone, but hearing Scully softly moving about in the bedroom down the hall, brightened his outlook on the matter. She always brightened his thoughts, he said to himself. After a few more moments, Mulder turned back toward the living room and sat down on the couch.

"ring, ring…" Mulder looked over at the phone sitting next to him on the table.

"Let the machine get it," Scully called from the end of the hallway.

"ring, ring…ring, ring…ring, ring." The machine clicked on and Mulder stood up again walking back to the dining room to put on his jacket.

"Hi, this is Dana Scully. I’m not here right now, please leave a message." After a few seconds, the machine beeped and a voice, unfamiliar to Mulder, came through the answering machine speaker.

"Hi Dana, I know it’s probably late there or actually I don’t know the time difference from Paris…Oh, yea it’s been a while since I’ve talked to you, I forgot to tell you I’m in Paris…" Mulder heard Scully pick up the phone in the bedroom.

"Hi, Christine. It’s me." Dana said, excitedly. The machine was still playing which had the effect of broadcasting the conversation through the apartment.

"Oh, Dana, you’re there…

"Hold on, Chris…"

"Listen, I have got to tell you about this…I’m so excited…"

"Just a second, Chris…"

"I got…oh ok, why don’t you go turn off your machine."

Scully shook her head and turned toward the open bedroom door.

"Mulder, can you shut off the answering machine, please?" Scully called and waited to hear a beep.

"Dana, are you there?"

"Yeah, just a minute Chris," Scully said into the phone and stepped closer towards the hallway. "Mulder…"

"Got it," Mulder called from the living room and Scully heard the beep of the machine turning off.

"Dana?"

"Yeah, I’m here. Sorry about that."

"Listen, you have got to…oh, was I interrupting something? Oh, god, Dana I’m sorry. But listen," Christine continued. Dana was secretly wondering if Christine was even taking a breath between words. She was always a rather hyper personality, Dana thought. It was a language all its own, Dana had gotten used to in the four years they roomed together in college. But Dana never held it against her, she was one of the best friends Dana ever had. Christine was lively and exciting if not exhausting at times. "I’m in Paris…oh I said that…you know how I always wanted to do Phantom of the Opera?"

"The stage show?"

"Yea, you know the one with Michael Crawford…the one I saw on Broadway when it opened. I stood in line for hours on opening day…God, remember that guy I went with..I can’t remember his name now…"

"Yea, I remember." Dana said. One thing about Christine was she could remember details about everything. Lots of details. Dana figured it would be best to move the conversation along. It was nice to hear from her, but Mulder was waiting.

"Well, you are not going to believe this, Dana…" She paused for the first time since the conversation had started. "I got it…I got Christine Daae..the lead. I couldn’t believe it myself." She started to speed up her conversation again.

"That’s great, Chris, congratulations. When are you opening?" Dana asked, genuinely excited for her. Dana had tried over the years to attend a few of Christine’s productions. She had seen her over five times on Broadway, at dinner theaters and other places that she could get to. Lately, since she started with the X Files actually, she had lost a lot of contact with her past friends. Unfortunately, Christine was of them. Dana was glad she called her though. It was nice to hear from her again.

"That’s the greatest part, Dana. I’m opening in Paris….at the Paris Opera House…that’s where the show’s going up…the producers want to open at the Opera house…it’s been a dream of one of them since the production began in 1988….I’m so excited, Dana…and…and," she paused again and Dana felt like something was coming…something that she wasn’t ready for. "I want you to be here."

"Excuse me? Chris, you know if I could see you, I would, but you’re in Paris. I’m in Washington. Really I would love to come, but I can’t now. I have…"

"No excuses, Dana, I have it all arranged. You see, because we are performing in Paris, the producers felt we, Americans, would want to have our families or friends with us for opening night. So, get this, Dana, we have airline tickets, hotel reservations and tickets to the show for this coming weekend…so all you need to do is hop on a flight tomorrow, which has all ready been booked for you…get down here and see me on opening night…this Friday…two days from now. Your time….or my time. I don’t know I can’t figure this time difference out. Anyway Dana, you have to come…I"

"Wait a minute, Chris. I have a job here…" Scully started. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go to Paris or to see Christine, Scully did feel tempted. Mostly, her thoughts were focused on Mulder who had been patiently waiting in the dining room since this conversation started. As much as going to Paris and watching Christine open in a show at the Opera House is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, Dana felt the man waiting for her was her once-in-a-lifetime shot. So, she reluctantly had to tell Christine no.

"No excuses…I all ready called your mom…she told me you were on vacation for the next few weeks and you weren’t doing anything….so here’s the flight information. Flight number #913 leaving Washington National at 5:35 AM this morning. I know it’s short notice, but most great opportunities are…and I’ve arranged for you to stay at the best hotel in Paris…not to mention the best part…seeing me again. Oh, Dana it’ll be great and you can stay the entire week…and see the show as often as you want. Tell me you’re excited," Christine finished and Dana could hear the excitement in her voice. It was starting to hurt to tell her no again. She was so excited about the idea and it sounded great. Although, Dana had to personally kill Mom for the information provided to Christine.

"I really can’t. I would love to, I really would, Chris. It sounds great, but I all ready made other plans." Dana said, trying to put it delicately.

"Oh…I was interrupting something, wasn’t I? Who is he, Dana?" Christine paused.

"Wouldn’t your Mom and Dad like to come and see you?" Dana said, changing the subject quickly.

"Yea, but Mom hates to travel and you know how Dad feels about theater productions, even if I am in them. They said they will watch the videotape from it when I send it to them…I will miss them not being here…but I think you coming is great. Come on, Dana, we haven’t seen each other in…god, how long has it been now?"

"About three years." Dana answered.

"That’s right…I remember I met you in New York for the weekend. So how is that job of yours going? Has it gotten better?"

"Yes," Dana answered, smiling. "Much better."

"So…who is he, Dana?" Christine said, again. "Listen…bring him along, I have two tickets anyway…might as well not lose them…I’m sorry, I gotta go…rehearsal calls. Listen I can meet him for myself and then you can tell me all about it….I think I need to get off this phone and stop ruining your evening, I’ll see you at the airport. Bye." Christine said quickly.

"Christine…Chris," Dana said into the phone. "I’m going to kill her," she said quietly to herself and hung up the phone. Dana shook her head slightly and laughed to herself. She thought about calling her back, but then she realized that Christine didn’t leave a number, or a place or anyway to contact her. Perfect, Dana thought as she slowly made her way back to Mulder.

"Sorry," Dana started as she approached Mulder sitting back on the living room couch. He had taken off his jacket and laid it behind him. "That was an old friend of mine from college, Christine Diar. I haven’t heard from her for a while." Dana stood in front of him.

"Well, why don’t you tell me about it while we walk," Mulder said, getting up and taking her hand.

"Actually, Mulder I need to tell you about it now. It concerns tonight…and you." Dana said, looking at him. He let go of her hand and sat down. Dana sat next to him on the couch.

"Me?" Mulder asked, looking at her curiously now.

"Yes." She took a deep breath and started. Although she wasn’t exactly sure how to explain the situation to him, she knew she had to. "Christine is an actress. She went to one year of law school after college, but dropped out and moved to New York. Anyway," Scully almost laughed at herself, she was sounding like Christine now. Mulder knew Scully was nervous about something ever since she had come out of the bedroom. "Christine’s in Paris. She’s been chosen as the lead in The Phantom of the Opera," Scully said, matter-of-factly.

"Wow, she must be good." Mulder said, genuinely impressed.

"Yes and they are performing it in the Paris Opera House, I guess to add some excitement to the show," Scully said, shifting in her seat a bit.

"That’s great. She must be excited," Mulder said, smiling. "That’s a great story and performing it at the actual Opera House where the stories of the phantom originated isn’t bad either." Mulder was still smiling. Scully kept looking at him, watching his reactions. She thought he looked genuinely interested and impressed. That could work in her favor, she thought. Now, comes the real interesting part, Dana said to herself. She stood up and walked toward the dining room area, a few steps away from Mulder and the couch.

"It seems that Christine has invited me to attend the Opening Night production in Paris." Scully said, then turned back to face him, quickly, watching him.

"You two must have been great roommates. My former college roommate couldn’t wait to get rid of me." Mulder said, joking and walking up to her. "When do you leave?" He asked as he put his arms around her waist and pull her to him. He knew it was a bold move to make, but she couldn’t just stand there like that and not expect him to have the urge to hold her. She reacted slightly to his hold on her, but only let him pull her in and looked up at him.

"Tomorrow morning on a 5:35 flight out of Washington National," she said. Mulder looked at her then released his hold on her and started to walk away. "I know, Mulder," she said, moving up behind him and trying to get him to turn around. She expected he would be disappointed, but he actually looked mad for a moment.

"I think it’s a great chance to see France and your friend," he said, turning around and smiling at her. Scully could tell he was faking his reaction, but somehow she felt better that he wasn’t happy about this either. "Really, Scully, I think you should go. When are you ever going to get the chance to see the Paris Opera House again? You know they have these labyrinths below the stage of the Opera House. Supposedly that’s where the Phantom lived."

"You’ve been there?" She said, almost disappointed. Then she remembered he had gone to Oxford in England. It’s not all that surprising he may have traveled to France while he was there.

"No, I just always wanted to see the Paris Opera House, mostly because of the legend of the Phantom. I studied it while I was in Oxford. There was a lot of information about him in England." He smiled again and cocked his head to one side, looking at her. "I think you should go, Scully. I can drop you at the airport," he said as he moved closer to her again. This time, he reached out, held her around the waist and pulled her in with force. He leaned down to kiss her, "if you would like," he said in a low voice. He smiled at her once more before kissing her passionately. He didn’t let her respond to his request. If she had to leave for Paris, fine, but I intend on spending every minute with her until then, Mulder thought as he kissed her deeper adding intensity to it. She responded with an equally passionate kiss pushing her entire body against his. After a moment, she felt him lightly lift her off the ground a few inches. He was still kissing her when he laid her back on the couch. He gently slide in beside her, holding her close to him. She felt her heart pounding and watched him in awe as he gently touched her face, caressing it with a gentle intensity that was making her close her eyes and lose all thought of anything but how good Mulder’s touches felt.

"I want you…." She said, softly, catching her breath. Her eyes were closed so she didn’t see Mulder smile at her. He leaned close to her ear.

"I want you, too, Dana." He whispered gently and began to slowly kiss her neck.

"No," she said almost in a breathless whisper, "I want you to come with me….to Paris." She moaned slightly as he pulled away from her neck and sat up with his back to her now. Her eyes darted open and suddenly she felt guilty about telling him this way. She just didn’t want him to stop and she wanted Mulder to come with her. There was nothing wrong in that.

"I…Scully…" Mulder started. Scully slid up to a sitting position to look at him.

"I want you to come, really. Christine asked me to bring someone…if I wanted." She said, touching his back, which caused him to look at her. "I think you need a vacation. I think we need a vacation." Scully looked at him with wide eyes, waiting for his reaction.

"Are you sure, Scully?" He said, looking seriously at her.

"If you would like to. I understand if you want to stay here." Scully said, quickly. Mulder smiled, pushed her back on the couch and staring at her.

"I want to go, so don’t take away the invitation all right, Scully." He laughed, shaking his head. "I know you all too well. In another five seconds I would have lost the invitation." He smiled at her and then started to lean towards her again. Scully closed her eyes in anticipation of his kiss, but then she heard him move quickly away from her.

"I gotta go pack, Scully. What time is the flight?" He said, standing up. Scully opened her eyes and tried to think of the answer to his question.

"5:30. Mulder," Scully started. Mulder pulled the jacket from behind her on the couch and put it on.

"It’s almost ten-thirty, Scully. I got a lot to do." He walked toward the door. Scully stood up, quickly and ran towards the door blocking him.

"Mulder, where are you going?" She said, squinting her eyes to explain to him, she was not happy about the way he was leaving her.

"I have to go pack, Scully. We have to be at the airport in less than six hours." He said, looking at her seriously. She couldn’t tell if he was joking with her or not. She took a breath, looked down at his chest, thinking. "I’ll pick you up for the airport, ok?"

"No, Mulder, it is not ok." She said, seriously back to him. This time, she showed her complete annoyance with him. How could he leave her like…? How could he… She thought as she looked at him. He smiled at her, which only angered her more. Damn it, she thought, he not going to use that smile on me.

He leaned down and pulled her into him, kissing her passionately, she thought her knees would buckle, but she could feel his arms tighten around her, steadying her as he continued their kiss.

He ended the kiss, softly and let go his hold on her. "Really, Scully, I need to pack. I’ll see you in a few hours." He smiled, his usual Mulder-smile, the one that Dana loved, and opened the door behind her. She watched him as he said goodbye and walked out.

Dana was shocked, more than shocked, actually upset. How dare he? She keep thinking as she re-entered her bedroom and pulled out her suitcase. He can’t just walk away and expect I’m going to be fine. She stopped herself as she looked around the room slowly. Taking in the entire scene set-up so perfectly a few hours earlier. She shook her head and flopped down on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. Do we ever get a break, Mulder? She said to herself and closed her eyes, reliving his kiss in her memories.

Washington National Airport

Mulder had picked up Scully about an hour ago. He had been busy since he left her apartment last night. Mostly, trying to set-up everything in Paris, but the fact that he couldn’t find out any information about Christine Dair through normal channels other than what he all ready knew, he had to rely on ‘friends’. It was a risk calling them, but he had to admit Frohike was extremely helpful. He found out what hotel was booked by the Company and even the exact room, Christine had booked for Scully. That was an accomplishment in itself. Frohike asked Mulder what all this was about several times. After no answer the third time, he dropped it, figuring it had to do with a case. Although, why it was in France was beyond Frohike…for the moment.

After picking up Scully, they got some early breakfast at the Dunkin Donuts Express stand in the airport. Scully had changed back to slacks, sweater and comfortable shoes. Mulder had stayed in his jeans, shirt and blazer.

Scully had seemed overly evasive of Mulder’s touches since he had picked her up, but she was laughing at his jokes and seemed happy to be going on this trip. So Mulder didn’t pay attention to the other thing. He figured she was still mad at him for leaving her abruptly last night. He had to admit, he couldn’t blame her, it wasn’t exactly a nice thing to do. He would have been mad, too. But, he smiled to himself, it’ll be worth it, Scully, just wait.

"Flight 913 with destination to New York. Now boarding first class in Gate #3." The woman announcer said over the intercom.

"That’s us, Scully." Mulder said, getting up and offering his hand. She looked at him.

"Funny, Mulder." She said.

He shrugged his shoulders and sat back down, "ok, it’s not us," looking at her with a wry smile. "Here, hold these," handing her the tickets as he feigned looking through his carry-on bag for something.

Scully took the tickets and absently looked down at them. Matter-of-factly got up, picked up her bag and headed towards the gate. Mulder smiled, picked up his own bag and followed her.

"Hey, Scully," he said coming up behind her. She didn’t stop. "You know I think everything is going to work out. We’re starting off our vacation just like all the ‘normal’ couples do…fighting." Scully stopped at the entranceway to the plane, turned around to face Mulder. She handed him her bag, he took it and was thoroughly surprised by Scully’s next action. She grabbed Mulder by the shirt, bringing him to her level and kissed him. Then she smiled, turned around, and got on the plane. Mulder stood for a moment, half in shock. Scully was not one given to spontaneous public displays of affection, and so caught Mulder completely off-guard, and effectively aroused him enough to show that she could play the game, too. This could be one hell of an interesting week, Mulder thought as he followed Scully onto the plane.

Mulder and Scully looked like they had been traveling all day and night. Leaving from New York on a layover flight bound for Paris early this morning and then spending over seven hours and adding a time difference of six hours, had taken its toll on them.

Scully woke up first. She had been resting on Mulder’s shoulder for the better part of the flight. She looked at the window and realized that the plane had started its decent. She looked up at him, soundly sleeping and reached up, placing a kiss on his lips, gently. He stirred pulling his arm around her tighter. She smiled at him and gently tried to wake him.

"Mulder...Mulder," she said, softly in his ear. She pulled on his shirt a bit.

"Umm..." he said, still half-asleep. He slowly started to wake up. When he opened his eyes, Scully was looking at him, smiling.

"We’re landing," she said, looking out the window. He followed her stare and saw the plane come through the clouds to reveal the Paris countryside below it.

"What time is it?" Mulder asked her, not letting go of his hold around her waist. She started to glance at her watch, when the Captain’s voice came over the intercom.

"We are preparing for landing, ladies and gentleman. The flight attendants will be moving through the cabin. I have turned on the seatbelt sign and ask that all passengers return to their seats at this time." The intercom shut off and the flight attendant, Terry, who had been serving first class came up to Mulder and Scully.

"Is there anything I can get either of you?" she said, smiling.

"No, thank you," Scully answered as she and Mulder put their seats back in an upright position and gave her the two glasses sitting on the table in front of them. Terry smiled and moved on to the next passenger.

"You can’t beat this service, Scully," Mulder said, smiling at her. "I don’t know how we’re going to go back to coach after this." Scully smiled and nodded her head in agreement. The service had been great. Terry had fawned over their needs since they arrived and Scully had to admit the privacy was nice.

After about fifteen minutes, the plane landed on the runaway to the Charles De Gualle Airport in Paris. The Captain spoke again over the intercom.

"Welcome to the Charles De Gualle International Airport. Weather in Paris is about 39 degrees and clear. Time is approximately 11:16 PM. On behalf of the entire crew, it has been our pleasure to serve you today and we wish you a safe and pleasant stay in Paris or where ever your final destination may be. I have turned off the seatbelt sign, however please remain seated until the aircraft comes to a complete stop at the gate and thank you for choosing to fly with us today." The intercom switched off and the other passengers could be heard moving around and retrieving all their belongings.

Mulder and Scully had both changed their watches to reflect the new time zone and remained seated, mostly due to the fact, they were comfortable.

After a few more minutes, the plane pulled up to the gate and the engines stopped. Terry passed by to let them know they could proceed out to the terminal and thanking them for choosing the airline again and hoped they enjoyed Paris. Mulder smiled and nodded to her, Scully smiled and proceeded out of the plane.

"Hope you know French," Mulder said as they went up the walkway.

"I thought you did. You know everything else." She teased, looking back at him. He gave her a look of hurt and smiled.

"There are things you still don’t know about me," he said, seductively. Scully stopped a few steps from the gate and moved to the side to let the other passengers go by. She smiled up at him.

"Is that so, Agent Mulder?" She raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Do you know how cute you are when you do that?" Mulder asked, putting his arm around her and pulling her to him. "I just can’t resist you," he smiled, leaned down and kissed her. Scully let go of the bag she was holding and put her arms around his neck, pulling in closer to the kiss.

"Oh my god!" Mulder and Scully instantly stopped their kiss and looked toward the sound of the voice. "Dana Scully....I can’t believe it’s you...and you’re here." Christine started.

Scully let go of Mulder and picked up her bag. "Look at you....it’s been too long." Christine ran over to Dana and hugged her. "You have to tell me everything...." she whispered to her and then turned her attention on Mulder. "Especially about him." She looked up at him, smiling.

Dana looked at her and realized she hadn’t changed much since college. She was still pretty and petite, although she was about three inches taller than herself. Dana did notice her perfectly blond hair and decided she would leave it alone. It actually looked good on her. She had always been blond, but more towards the ‘dirty blond’ shade and not the stunning blond she had now and Dana had never seen her with curls. They were all over her head, tight permed curls which were swept up in the back with a few hanging down the side of her face. Everything else seemed the same to Dana, blue eyes, round petite face, and her outfit. It was a flowing black skirt which reached her feet and a tiny black sweater that just barely reached her waist. Dana had to admit she even looked like an actress.

"Fox Mulder," Mulder said extending his hand to her after noticing Dana still surprised at her interruption.

"Christine Dair," Christine shook his hand and then laughed suddenly. She reached up and hugged him.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Mulder, but I’m just so happy Dana finally found someone so..."

"Christine, where do we pick up our luggage?" Dana quickly said, cutting Christine off. Christine looked over at her and smiled.

"Right this way. Oh, you two are going to love Paris." She said, walking between them as they proceeded to the baggage claim. "It’s the city of love, you know." She looked over at Dana and winked. Dana shook her head and hid a smile. Christine would never change. She was always so....energetic, Dana thought.

As Mulder watched the baggage going around the conveyor belt, Christine dragged off Dana to the side to talk with her.

"Christine," Dana started as she was pulled by her a few steps away from Mulder.

"I’m sorry, but I figured we won’t have much time to talk. Oh, Dana, he’s gorgeous and...so polite." She said as she watched Mulder picking up one of bags off the belt. "Tell me everything...where? When did you two meet? How long?"

"It’s a long story, Christine." Dana said, glancing over at Mulder.

"We have a week. Besides, I want to know the highlights, right now." She said, excitedly.

Dana smiled at her. She was so sincere and it was nice to be talking with Chris again, she thought to herself.

"We met at the Bureau seven years ago."

"Oh my god! Seven years?"

"We haven’t been together that long," Dana said, smiling. "Just within the last few months." She figured that was a good answer. "But we’ve been friends for a long time." She added. Christine smiled at her.

"So do you work together?" Christine asked.

"Listen, enough about me. I want to hear all about you and the show. I’m so proud of you, Chris. It is such an honor." Dana tried to change the subject, but she almost forgot about Chris’s determination.

"So, is Fox short for something?" She asked quickly.

"Just call him Mulder. He hates his name." Dana answered.

"I think it’s different." Christine said, looking over at him again.

"Really, Chris. Just Mulder. Please."

"All right. But I do expect to hear more about this before you leave." Christine said, moving with Dana back to Mulder and their luggage. "Do you have everything?" Christine asked looking at the two suitcases in front of them.

"Yes," Scully answered. "We thought we would rent a car."

"Oh god, no. Dana they can charge you a fortune, especially to Americans. I brought a car from the company. I’ll bring you to the hotel and you can get settled in." Christine said, picking up one of Dana’s bags and walking toward the exit. "If you want to go sight-seeing I know some good tour buses. Just let me know." Christine added as she went outside.

"She’s nice. I didn’t know you had friends in high places, Scully." Mulder said as they followed behind her.

"Christine’s always been a bit high strung." Dana answered. "But she is nice."

They both stopped outside the exit doors as they watched Christine waving next to, what looked like, an incredibly expense Towne Car.

"Come on," Christine called to them. They walked over to her and started to walk to the trunk to put their luggage in when a man from the other side of the car approached. He was wearing a Chauffeur’s suit and hat. He smiled and took the bags from each of them, placing them in the trunk.

Christine got inside the passenger door. The man quickly opened the back door for Mulder and Scully escorting them to the car. He shut the door after them and went to the driver’s seat.

"You have no idea how happy I am she agreed to come to Paris, Mulder." Christine started as they pulled away from the curb and out of the airport. She was careful to use his last name as Dana had instructed, she wanted this man to like her. If this was someone Dana cared about, and she truly believed Dana cared a lot about him, after seeing them at the airport and the way they kept glancing at each other, she wanted him and Dana to know she was happy for them. "Dana, is entirely too much into her work...sometimes....I mean it’s taken her three years to come and see me again...everytime I’ve tried to visit her she’s been on a case." Christine had turned in her seat to look at him while she talked. "You probably have the same problem, huh?" She smiled.

Mulder glanced over at Scully, she was giving him a ‘watch yourself’ look. He smiled back to Christine. "I’ve been lucky. She’s always seemed to be showing up in the same places I was." Mulder answered, smiling at Scully.

Scully was feeling a little out of place. She never enjoyed discussing her relationships, even with a friend. It wasn’t that she didn’t want Christine to know she was happy and the reason for that was because of Mulder, but she always felt embarrassed with public displays of her feelings. Of course, that hadn’t stopped her in the past few days with the plane and the airport just a few minutes ago and now she hadn’t even realized Mulder had taken her hand and was holding it. It just felt natural with him, something Dana hadn’t experienced before in any relationship.

"So what do you do at the FBI, Mulder?" Christine asked, turning a bit more to face him.

"I work in a small division. Mostly dealing with Violent and unexplainable crimes," he said, looking over at Scully. "Sometimes, Dana helps out with autopsies or behavioral profiles on the killer." Mulder smiled at Scully. She smiled back, slightly. He was making her nervous now, he was being too polite. She figured she had better get Christine on another subject quick.

"So, Chris, what’s Paris like?" Scully said, looking over at her.

"Oh, Dana, it’s beautiful. I mean look at all the lights....it truly never sleeps." She looked at the windows. Mulder and Scully stared at theirs along with her. "Isn’t it romantic?"

Scully watched streets as millions, it seemed, bright lights passed by them. People were filling the streets. Lovers walking hand and hand, children stopping to stare at some of the displays along the walkways. It was pretty, not gaudy or too illuminated, just an elegance Scully had never seen before.

Mulder was watching a young couple walking swiftly down the street. They stopped outside a archway. The man stopped the woman and kissed her, before they went under. Paris was definitely the city of love, he thought and smiled to himself.

"Here we are," Christine said, breaking all of them out of their thoughts. They got out, assisted by the Chauffeur, of course and all of them stopped to take in the gorgeous sight in front of them.

"L’Hotel Royale," Christine said in a semi- French accent. "Ce magnific!"

"Is this where the whole company stays?" Scully asked, amazed at the pure size of the entranceway.

Christine laughed, "no we stay right next to the opera house about two streets away from here. This is for our guests," she smiled. "Shall we?" She put her arms out to let them go through the doors and followed behind. A bellhop came out to get the luggage from the chauffeur and followed behind the trio.

Mulder and Scully stepped into the lobby and looked around at the beautiful set-up before them. It was very Parisian and elegant, with a bar to the far side of the room, tables, chairs and a beautiful chandelier in the center. Scully thought about the WhiteChapel Hotel in Oregon they had investigated. It was beautiful, but this place had a charm that far surpassed the thirties style of the WhiteChapel. She was thoroughly impressed.

Mulder went towards the reservations desk which seemed to fill one entire wall to their right. Christine ran up to him and put an arm through his, leading him toward the elevators.

"I took care of checking you both in. Let’s go up. I’m dying to see the suite." She said, smiling and walking with Mulder to the elevator. She let go of his arm as the man with their luggage pushed the button and escorted them inside. Mulder took Scully’s hand pulling her away from the lobby.

"Room please, Madam," the bellhop said in a French accent, much better than Christine’s.

"Suite #1101, ce vou ple." Christine answered. The man nodded and hit the button for the 11^th floor. Scully was looking at the buttons which had both English and French translations.

The elevator opened onto a gorgeous floor, complete with oil paintings of French Impressionist art with some contemporary landscapes of the surrounding monuments. Christine, Mulder and Scully followed the man down the hallway which led only to two separate suites. At the far end, he stopped before two huge doors and punched in a code which unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding the door for the guests.

Christine went in and waited for Mulder and Scully who were in awe of the whole experience. It wasn’t that either of them hadn’t seen luxorious hotels before, it was mostly that this was to be their room and it was bigger than Mulder’s apartment. A thought suddenly jumped into Scully’s head as the bellhop began walking around the room and giving them a tour. This was to be their room, she said to herself. It hadn’t occurred to her, they would be sharing a room. She was so accustomed to them each having their own room. She forgot the original reservations was made for Christine’s parents. Scully looked over at Mulder who was walking behind Christine and the bellhop.

As they entered into the bedroom section, Mulder stayed behind looking over at Scully. She was still standing in the center of the room, transfixed on the desk, table and chairs off to the left. He walked over to her.

"I like your friend." Mulder said, lowering his voice so they could have a private conversation. The sudden noise broke Scully out of her thinking and sent a tiny chill up her spine, she turned to face him.

"Mulder, I didn’t even think about the arrange...." she started to say apologetically. Mulder understood what was coming next and frankly, she wasn’t starting off their vacation like this.

"I like the arrangements, don’t you?" He said, staring at her. "You said we needed a vacation. We needed to see how we did outside of a case." His voice was soft and Scully felt her face get flushed. He smiled slowly and took her hand to led her to the others. "Come on, Agent Scully, let’s check out the rest of this place."

After a few more minutes, the bellhop handed Mulder the key code to the door and the key to the minibar located in the main room. Mulder tipped him and then realized he hadn’t exchanged any of his money. The man laughed and made a comment in French before he left the room.

"He says he loves Americans," Mulder looked at Christine for more of an explanation. "You gave him a twenty dollar tip."

"What’s the exchange rate here?" Scully asked.

"About five francs for every dollar," Christine answered, then laughed. "You’ll get used to it. There’s a bank in the hotel lobby that can change your money. But tonight, I’m taking you both to dinner. You must be starving...I have to go pick up a friend...the one who owns the car...anyway and then we’ll have dinner...I’ll meet you in the lobby in about an hour. That will give you some time to clean up...or whatever," she added, before smiling and walking towards the door. She turned back to face them as she held the door open. "It’s great to have you both here. I can’t wait for you to see the show tomorrow night."

Dana walked up to her. "Christine thank you for inviting us." She said, giving her a quick hug.

"No problem. I told you, no excuses. Go get settled. I’ll see you later." Christine said, then called to Mulder. "It was nice to have met you, Mulder. I’m very glad you came. Now maybe Dana can learn to have some fun." Christine smiled at Dana and left, closing the door behind her.

"What could we possibly do with a whole hour to ourselves, Miss Dana Katherine Scully?" Mulder said, smiling coyly. Dana smiled back and walked up to him.

"Take a shower," she said, passing by him and into the bedroom.

"That’s a good start," Mulder answered, following her.

"Here," she said, throwing him a towel and pointing him towards the second bath to the right of the bedroom door. "Enjoy yourself."

He looked at her for a moment, then pulled her in quickly. "I’ll let you get away with it this time, but make no doubt about my intentions, Miss Scully," he said kissing her passionately.

When he let go, Dana thought she was going to crumble right there or follow him into the bathroom, but he smiled at her and went into his bathroom closing the door.

Dana closed the bedroom door and proceeded to the other bathroom, smiling.

12:34 am

Mulder and Scully had showered and changed into more formal attire. Mulder wore one of his suits, while Scully dressed in a floor length black dress, which Mulder thought clung to her quite nicely.

They had somehow managed to keep themselves occupied during the past hour. Mostly with unpacking and exploring parts of the huge suite. Both were almost pleased when it was time to meet Christine. They weren’t sure how long they could be together and not...

"Bonjour, Madam and Monsieur." Christine called from the center of the lobby as Mulder and Scully walked out of the elevator. She had changed since she had last saw them. This time, she wore her hair down, which reached the middle of her back, and changed from black to white. The dress was mid-length and covered most of her body, although the top of it was cut low. She did wear a small white jacket over the ensemble, which made the whole outfit look very twenties, but classy. Standing next to Christine was a distinguished looking gentleman in a well-tailored black suit and a perfect haircut. He wore a black full-length overcoat with a white scarf around its collar.

"I guess we know who the car belongs to," Scully said quietly to Mulder as they walked up to them.

"You both look great!" Christine exclaimed with excitement. Obviously, she liked the nightlife in Paris, Scully thought. "This is Andrew DeWinter, owner of the Opera House."

"Christine, please your introduction are overwhelming to these poor chaps," he said, speaking in a perfect English accent.

"Well, you know..." Christine started. Andrew shook his head at her, smiling.

"So you must be Christine’s dear friend, Dana Scully. It is a pleasure to finally meet you," he said, shaking Scully’s hand. "Christine does go on about her college days and all. And this would be, Fox Mulder. Pleased to meet you as well, sir." He shook Mulder’s hand. "I am very glad you could both come and see our little Christine." He said, smiling at her again. "She has taken the opera house by storm, I can assure you. However, we must be nice to her. She is now a star." He looked back to Mulder and Scully. "And believe me, she is learning to have the temperament of one as well."

"Andrew is always jesting," Christine said, imitating his accent.

"Thank you for the accommodations and the trip, Mr. DeWinter. Everything has been wonderful," Scully said, smiling. "We are both looking forward to opening night."

"You are quite welcome and please do enjoy yourself while you are in Paris. It is a lovely city," he continued, taking Christine’s arm and pulling it through his outstretched arm. Mulder held his arm out to Scully, she smiled and accepted his offer, sliding her arm through his. "Although, it can be a bit exhausting." Mulder and Scully followed them out of the hotel and onto the Paris streets.

"Pardon me, Andrew my dear, but might I have a word with Dana," Christine said as they headed up the street. Andrew smiled and released her hand. Mulder kissed Scully’s hand lightly as he walked up next to Andrew.

"We are going to a little Parisian restaurant. It’s the most wonderful place, Dana...you’re going to love it. By the way, what do you think of Andrew," Christina looked at her, wide-eyed.

"I think he is very nice, Chris...and very wealthy." Dana said, smiling at her. "How long has he owned the opera house?"

"Almost five years now. Andrew and his partner, Frederick Poole bought the opera house for a steal. They cleared the old owner out of debt. It’s just interesting....anyway he loves Paris," Christine continued. "He loves the customs and parties...and staying up all night...oh Dana he’s wonderful and...he is so protected of me. Not like American men at all."

"That’s wonderful, Chris. I’m very happy for you." Dana said, almost laughing at the way she was talking. She secretly thought if only Christine really knew about American men, or at least, Mulder and how protect he could be.

"I know," she said, looking at Dana, "I sound like a school girl, but I think....I might be in love." Dana shot her look that stopped Christine for a moment. "What is it, Dana?" She said, touching her arm.

"Nothing, Chris." Dana put her hand over Christine’s and smiled. "I’m just surprised to hear you say that."

"I know. I was always the fickle one. Never settle down, right?" Christine laughed. "Love can change that in a person."

"You’re a talented, beautiful actress starring in a show at the Paris Opera House, Christine. Who wouldn’t love you?" Dana asked, smiling. It wasn’t that Dana didn’t want Christine to find someone or to fall in love, it was just Christine was always a bit fantastical when it came to matters of the heart.

"He’s different, Dana, truly. You’ll see." Christine said, then smiled at her friend.

"You’ve never been to Paris?" Andrew started. "It’s quite a change from Washington, I’m sure."

"Yes. I always wanted to come here while I was in England, but things got in the way." Mulder said, watching a little boy ahead of them. He was distracted by lights and sounds and had to run to keep up with her parents.

"Ah, when were you in England, Mr. Mulder?" Andrew said, looking at him as they walked.

"Oxford."

"Wonderful university, I have three cousins who attended and a brother," Andrew continued. "and now you work for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Christine tells me," Mulder nodded. "I am fascinated with law enforcement. I almost became a detective myself, but I found it too time consuming, no time to enjoy life." Andrew turned down another street and Mulder had to tear his eyes away from the little boy, who was still lagging behind. He almost didn’t want to, but then he saw his mother turn and take the boy’s hand. Somehow that made Mulder feel better. "I take it that you like your work, Mr. Mulder?"

"Yes," Mulder answered. "I believe in it."

"And Miss Scully she is also an agent?" Mulder nodded again at his question. "How fascinating? She looks too beautiful to be running after criminals and such." Andrew stole a glance back at the women as he talked.

"Dana is one of the best agents the bureau has," Mulder said, matter-of-factly. This caused Andrew to look at him.

"You must admire her a lot."

"Yes, she’s gotten me out of more than one problem over the time we’ve been....since I’ve known her." Mulder said, smiling at Andrew now. "And believe me, Mr. DeWinter, that is not an easy task."

Andrew laughed now. "Please call me Andrew, Mr. Mulder. I despise formality among friends."

Dinner was wonderful and Andrew had insisted it was his treat for them lifting Christine’s spirits. Mulder and Scully had eaten more than they could remember, which included specialty dishes, Christine had chosen and a dessert that was so rich, Scully thought she was going to have to be carried back to the hotel. After dinner, Andrew and Christine returned to the opera house while they pointed Mulder and Scully in the right direction towards the hotel.

Morning dawn was approaching fast as they walked back to the hotel. Small slivers of light were making its way onto the city streets.

"Come here," Mulder said as they stood in the elevator waiting for it to reach their floor. Scully looked up at him and he greeted her with a kiss. He wanted to show her his appreciation for inviting him and how much he enjoyed being with her. Scully, on the other hand, took the kiss as an invitation.

She didn’t let him go and kept kissing him as the elevator doors opened and they stepped outside. He stopped her a brief moment as they reached the door and he fumbled with the code key.

"Agent Scully have you had too much wine, tonight," he said looking down at her. She didn’t respond except to reaching up and kissing him again. This time he opened the door, returned the kiss and picked her up slightly as they entered the room. He had to maneuver around her kisses to close the door behind him. She had slipped off his jacket all ready and was working on his tie, when she stopped suddenly and caught a glimpse of the room. She took a step back from him and turned toward the sitting room.

"Oh my god," she said, looking around.

The room was almost filled with flowers with a dozen or two red roses on the center table and a bottle of champagne chilling, two glasses and an arrangement of petit de fors around it.

She walked over to the table slowly. "Mulder, I...I don’t know what to say."

"Who did it?" Mulder said looking around the room, surprised. Scully looked at him, strangely.

"You didn’t do this?"

"No, sorry Scully." Mulder said, walking up behind her.

"Maybe they’re from Christine or the Opera House," Scully said, searching for a card. She found one lying next to the vase of flowers on the table. "I guess we’ll find out." Mulder leaned over her shoulder as she opened it. The card read:

"Mulder..." Dana said, turning around to him. "Tell me you did this."

"All right, but I didn’t. Sorry, I wish I had." Mulder said, looking at the card as if inspecting it.

Dana stared up at him carefully. It didn’t make sense if Christine left them she would have signed her name and if it was from the opera house wouldn’t they have signed it? Dana’s mind was working quickly. No one else knew they were here and whose initials are those?

"That doesn’t make any sense," Dana started. She looked at Mulder, he shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe you have an admirer," Mulder said. "I’m sure Christine will know. We can ask her tomorrow." He looked at his watch, "today."

"You’re right, I’m sure it’s something she did," Scully said and moved toward the bedroom, taking Mulder’s hand. "Come here," she said leading him into the bedroom.

"I love forceful women," Mulder answered as she turned and shut the door.

"I know," Scully kissed him passionately. He pulled her tighter to him and returned her kisses intensely. He started to move down her neck when she pulled away gently. "I need to change. This dress is starting to feel uncomfortable." She said, smiling. Mulder had a few thoughts on how to take care of that, but decided he would play it her way. Although most of his body was telling him, he couldn’t take much more delay. She smiled, kissed him quickly and went into the bathroom.

Mulder smiled and moved to the bed. He took off his tie, his shirt and his shoes before laying down and waiting.

After several minutes, Scully emerged in one of the hotel’s bathrobes and looked around for Mulder. She saw him sleeping soundly on the bed. She sighed, then decided he probably had a good idea, she was exhausted. They had been so busy since they had gotten to Paris neither one of them realized how tiring all of it was. She pulled down the comforter from the end of the bed and laid it over him. Then she slipped in beside him, turned off the lights and curled up next to him, laying her head on his chest. She felt his arm move and go around her, bringing her closer. Scully smiled and placed a small kiss on his chest, before closing her eyes and falling into a much needed sleep.

Mulder stirred and went to move when he realized Dana was lying on his chest, asleep. He hadn’t remembered her actually laying down last night. But somewhere, in his dreams, he remembered feeling her close. He closed his eyes again taking in the moment. She started to stir, he opened his eyes, looking at her.

"Good morning," Mulder said. She turned her head to look up at him and smiled.

"Good morning."

"Sorry about falling asleep last night," Mulder said, kissing the top of her head.

"We were both tired." Scully answered and snuggled a little against his chest.

"So what’s the plan for today?" Mulder said, closing his eyes again.

"I don’t know, I hadn’t thought that far ahead," she started to place some kisses on his chest. She moved slowly up and down his chest, ending up at his neck. She heard him moan slightly and then felt his arm tighten around her. He brought his mouth down on hers and pulled her up to him. He put his other arm around her as the kisses became more passionate.

In a moment, they were all of over each other, a built-up passion was inside them. Dana felt breathless as he slowed down the pace, kissing her neck. He softly whispered her name, she closed her eyes and let his soft caresses fill every sense of her.

Moment by moment, the passion built to an unbearable level for Mulder, he listened to her soft moans under him and as hard as it was to keep his own senses, he wanted to give her everything. It wanted to show her in this moment, how much she meant to him. How much he needed her...how much he loved her.

Think of me...think of me fondly when we said goodbye," Christine sang. He rang through the opera house. "Remember me...once in a while...please promise me you’ll try." Christine looked down for a moment.

"It sounds beautiful, Mademoiselle," Maestro Egans said in a French accent as he approached Christine. "You have the purest voice. It rings through the theater like an angel."

"You are too kind, Maestro. I have a good voice, yes, but an angel I am not." Christine laughed slightly and continued with the song.

"Could it be...could it be...Christine! Bravo!" Richard Fuller sang from the back of the theater as he walked in. He was another American who had been chosen as the co-lead of Raoul in the production, Christine Daae’s friend and lover. He had a rich tenor voice, which Chris loved to hear.

"Good morning, Richard," Christine said, smiling. "Do you have to do that every time?"

"I love to surprise you, besides this is the last chance we get to play around in here before opening night tonight." Richard jumped up on the stage and gave Christine a quick kiss on the cheek. "You will be magnific tonight," he said trying to imitate the French word. He was worse than Christine when it came to French, but no one cared in the company. Richard was one of the nicest and talented men she had ever met and for a time, she did like him, but that was before Andrew. Richard was a true angel, helpful, enjoyable to be around and overall charming, Christine thought.

"Don’t mention tonight, Richard. My stomach can’t take it," Christine tried to smile, but she was so nervous. Last night was a good distraction and she had a good time, but this morning as she woke up the idea of opening night hit her like a freight train. She had all ready thrown up twice and forced herself to eat some breakfast.

"Are you nervous? You?" Richard looked at her, disapproving. "The lead cannot be nervous."

"Well maybe not a Parisian but as an American, I am beyond nervous. Andrew told me the house was sold out for the entire first week."

"That’s great! Christine you will be wonderful and if you faint, I will endeavor to catch you," he said, leaning close to her. "But you will not faint, I know. By the way," Richard said, moving a few steps to the other side of the stage, "did your friends come in last night?"

"Yes, I am glad Dana will be here tonight. Somehow her being here is comforting." Christine smiled. "And I like her friend. He’s very intriguing."

Richard laughed, "everyone to you, Christine, is intriguing. But I am glad I will finally meet this friend of yours. The suspense over the past few days has been unbearable."

"Is Isabel coming?" Christine asked carefully. She knew all too well about Isabel. They had met over two years ago and Richard has tried to keep a distance from her, but she seems to constantly entice him at his weak moments. It’s really a shame, Christine thought, Richard is so nice, he deserves someone much better.

"She called last night and said she might be free," Richard answered, casually. "I do not understand that woman. I told her we have nothing in common. She is a business woman running her own company. I am an actor, jumping from place to place. I don’t even know what she sees in this relationship...or in me."

Christine walked up to him, "it is the same thing every woman sees in you, Richard, my dear. You are handsome, kind, generous, helpful, funny, extremely talented...and you’re rich. What more is there?" She laughed slightly, kissed him on the cheek and went backstage to do her morning warm-ups with the musical director.

"Is that, my dear Richard, I’m hearing," A woman’s voice hollered from backstage. She spoke in a sickening sweet, French accent.

"Ah, so it is the fair Carlotta that does find me," Richard said as he started towards the other side of the stage. Isabel was one thing. He liked her, well at least could put up with her, but Charlotte VanDear was a whole other story. She was chosen as Carlotta, the leading diva who falls prey to the Phantom’s tricks, in the production and Richard believed her to be the best chosen for the role, if not entirely annoying. She seemed to take quite a liking to him and most of the eligible men, but Richard was not taken with her. In fact, he often found ways to avoid her at all costs.

"My dear, we must rehearse that scene again today. I have gathered the others in the rehearsal room. We are waiting for you." She said coming up to him and giving him a kiss. She was wearing a typical theater make-up robe which fell to the floor and made her look like a bigger women then she actually was. She wasn’t fat, more big-boned. Her structure was highly offset by her being extremely well endowed. This made her look out of proportion in a way. Although, she did have a fair french face with stunning emerald eyes. "Shall we go, my dear."

"Of course, madam." Richard said being courteous towards her. After all this was opening night, he could show some respect for his fellow co-stars and Charlotte was more bark than bite, he figured.

Mulder and Scully had finished taking a shower and we’re ready to see ‘Gay Paree’ . Scully wanted to call Christine about the flowers, but she had forgotten to ask Christine her phone number last night and she didn’t seem to have energy left to track her down right now. Besides Mulder kept distracting her from the duty with wonderful ideas, which included making love several times this morning and finally, taking a shower together. An idea that seemed like heaven to Dana. She was beyond moved by the experience of it all. Even in her dreams, of which she had many, never did it feel as wonderful or exciting as the last few hours had been. He was gentle and soft, but passionate and intense. He almost knew everywhere to touch her and exactly how. She was thoroughly amazed and sweetly surprised at his lovemaking. It had been hard to get up from the bed to take the shower, but not harder than now as she stood watching him from the bathroom door.

He was standing at the foot of the bed, buttoning his jeans he had just put on. He grabbed the towel next to him and ran it quickly over his hair, drying it. When he was done, his hair looked tousled and still a little wet. Scully thought he looked years younger as he turned to face her. He threw down the towel and walked up to her.

"Enjoying the show, Scully," he said, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her to him. He smiled, mischievously and Scully looked at him strangely. She knew he was thinking about something. "Your turn," he said and pulled on the bathrobe around her. Scully struggled for a minute against him and then gave up all together. He pulled the tie with one movement and slowly began to kiss her neck, shoulders, arm. She thought she would die from this torture. He began to peel off the robe slowly, kissing her as he pulled the robe off.

‘Knock..knock. Hello?" A women’s voice said outside the door. "It is the maid service?"

"You are lucky, Scully," Mulder said smiling at her and giving her one more kiss. "Now, get dressed. You bum...sleep forever, if I let you." He smiled again and walked out of the bedroom, picking up his shirt lying on the chair as he passed. Scully stared after him for a second and smiled, closing the bathroom door.

Mulder quickly put on his shirt. "Come on in, we’re on our way out," Mulder said as he opened the door to the maid.

"I can come back, Monsieur," she said quickly.

"It’s no problem. My..." he stopped himself and thought for a second. What do I call Scully now, he said to himself. "My...she’s almost ready." He said, smiling. "And, by the way, please tell your manager Thank you."

"For what, Monsieur?" The maid questioned.

"He’ll know. Just let him know Fox Mulder says thank you from Suite 1101." Mulder smiled at the woman and stepped away from the door to let her come in.

"Wee, Monsieur, I shall let him know."

"Thanks." Mulder started to walk back to the bedroom when Scully emerged, dressed in casual clothes also. She had figured they were probably going to be walking quite a bit.

The maid started about her duties, while Mulder and Scully picked up some jackets, his wallet and some id, she put in her pocket of her pants.

"You ready?" Mulder said, watching her looking around at the room.

"Yea," Scully answered. "We should probably put the champagne in the mini bar’s refrigerator," she added.

"I’ll take care of it, Madam," the maid said, smiling at her. "I’ll take care of the room."

"Thank you," Scully said, smiling back at her. Mulder held open the door for her as they went out.

"I really like the service here," he said to Scully as they were going down the hall to the elevator. "It’s so friendly."

"And expensive," Scully added, smiling back at him.

"Get in there," He said, pushing her, gently into the elevator as it opened. She looked back at him, surprised. He turned her to face him, hit the button for the lobby and leaned down to her. "You are one hell of a woman to try to satisfy. Do you know that, Dana Scully?"

"You did fine," she said smiling at him. He smiled back and kissed her. She pulled him closer and kissed him back with more intensity. He pulled her arms off his neck and held them as the elevator sounded for the lobby. He turned around and shook his head.

"That’s great, Scully. First I can’t get you to attack me for six years and now, you can’t keep your hands off me." He smiled. Dana released her hands from his grasp and hit him lightly on the shoulder. He quickly pushed her back against the wall holding her hands and kissed her. "You’re going to make me take you back upstairs." The elevator doors opened and a couple stood there, looking at them. Mulder turned around and took Scully’s hand as they walked out of the elevator. The couple smiled and stepped in.

"You are determined to embarrass me, aren’t you?" She said, looking at him as they passed the front desk reception area.

"No," he said, stopping at the front doors and pulling her in, kissing her again. "Just determined to get as many kisses I can in before you change your mind." He smiled and walked out the door, You have no idea, Mulder, she thought as she followed him out, I have no intention of changing my mind about you.

They spent the better part of the afternoon, eating at the local Boulagerie or bakeries, which could be found literally on every street corner. Scully suggested they visit a few of the galleries that weren’t too far away. They also stopped at the Arc de Tromiphe and saw some minor attractions in the area, but mostly they watched the street performers and drank coffee at a small French Cafe before they returned to the hotel to change for that night.

Mulder had to stop by a tuxedo rental place the attendant had suggested when they returned to the hotel.

"I’ll be back," Mulder said as he kissed Scully, handed her the code key to the room, and went back out of the hotel.

"Is there anything we can get for you, Madamosielle?" the bellhop asked as he passed.

"No, thank you," Scully answered and went toward the elevators.

She went to the room, showered, pick out her outfit, put it on the bed, dried her hair, and was still waiting for Mulder to return when the phone rang in the room.

"Hello?" Scully said into the phone as she pulled the robe around her tighter, tying it.

"Dana, I’m glad you’re there. I forgot to tell you about the reception tonight right before the show," Christine said, quickly. "You need to be here by 6:00 tonight, all right?"

Dana looked at the clock next to the phone and sighed. It was 5:35 and Mulder still hadn’t returned. "We’ll try, Chris. I promise."

"Well, you have to. Andrew’s sending the car over at 6:00. See you there," Christine said and Dana heard her the click and dialtone.

"Thanks, Chris," she said outloud, walking back to the bathroom. Then she remembered she forgot to ask Christine about the flowers and gifts left last night. She shrugged her shoulders and decided to talk to her later. After all, the show was going up at 8:00 tonight and she figured Christine was probably nervous. No need to bother her with that, right now. She tried to keep herself busy, doing her hair. She had decided to put it up, but she left some strands on either side of her face, which she curled with the curler the hotel provided.

After she had dressed, she began to get nervous, Mulder had been gone for over an hour and half now. Where is he? She said to herself. I’m gonna kill him. She looked over at the clock again: 5:52 PM it read. She thought briefly about having a drink, somehow she was getting nervous. She checked herself again in the mirror and decided she hadn’t done so bad. She liked the reflection. She just hoped he did, too.

"Scully," Mulder called from the other side of the door. He knocked again. He heard movement in the room. "Scully, are you there?"

Scully opened the door and her look expressed her complete annoyance with him. "Nice of you to show up, Mulder," she said, going back the table and picking up her purse, looking through it for something.

Mulder wasn’t surprised by her reaction, he expected it. But it didn’t really matter. You’ll get over it, Scully, he thought as he walked up behind her. He leaned down and kissed her neck, gently. She started to pull away and then smiled to herself.

"Sorry I was so late," he said in her ear. "Did you miss me?"

He was holding his tuxedo in one hand and a bag from some shop in the other.

Damn you, Mulder, she thought to herself. Everything he did was affecting her. She turned to face him.

"You look beautiful, Dana. I love that dress." He said, admiring her. She had chosen a light purple full-length dress, she had worn to one of her brother’s weddings. It had been an evening wedding, so the dress was formal and Scully was actually glad she had brought it and got the chance to wear it again. She had to admit she liked the way it looked on her and from Mulder’s reaction he must have thought so, too.

"Thank you. I hate to inform you, Mulder, but we were supposed to meet Christine at the theater five minutes ago. Mr. DeWinter sent over the car for us." Scully said, patting his chest as she passed by.

"I thought the show didn’t go up until 7:30," he said following her into the bedroom.

"Christine called and said there is a reception starting at 6:00. I told her we might be a little late. I just feel bad they sent over the car." Scully said, looking at him.

"I’ll be changed and ready in five minutes. Call downstairs and tell them to tell the Chauffeur," Mulder said as he quickly went into the bathroom. Scully heard the shower start, she shook her head and called the front desk. They told her they would take care of it.

Scully had moved into the living room area and ate one of the petit de fors while she waited. She had heard the shower shut off and Mulder moving around in the bedroom. A few minutes later, he came out. Showered and dressed. She was throughly amazed at his speed, especially with a tux.

"I’m impressed, Mulder." Scully said, standing up. He smiled at her.

"You’ve been on enough cases with me," he said. "Besides, I’ve seen you change faster on a case than me."

"That was just to prove all you men wrong about how long it takes a woman in the bathroom," Scully said, smiling back.

"Ah, listen Scully, before we go," Mulder said, standing next to her. "There’s something I got for you." Scully watched him take a long black box out of his jacket pocket and hand it to her. She looked up at him, a little unsure how to react to the gift.

"Mulder, I..." Scully started.

"Just open it, Scully."

Scully looked down at the box and opened the lid. There was a beautiful gold necklace lying inside with a diamond-cut amethyst hanging from the center. She was truly amazed at the gift.

"Mulder, you...I mean.." Scully said, looking down. She didn’t know how to respond to this.

"Do you like it?" Mulder finally asked. "I wanted to tell you thank you...for everything. For the past six years, for putting up with me...for inviting me here," Mulder touched her face and lifted her chin to meet his eyes, "for caring about me when no one else did. Dana, don’t you know how much I care about you?"

"Mulder, I....thank you. It’s beautiful. I love amethyst stones." She said, smiling at him and reaching up to kiss him. He leaned down and kissed her.

"Come on, we’re all ready late," Mulder said, quickly, smiling at her.

"I want to wear it...tonight." Scully said, taking the necklace out of the box and handing it to Mulder. "Could you please?"

He took the necklace, smiled at her and placed it around her neck, clasping it and gently kissed the place on the back of her neck. She jumped slightly.

"Thank you, Mulder...for everything." She said, softly. It was barely a whisper, but Mulder heard it. He wanted to tell her right then, how much he loved her, how much he needed her. How much he couldn’t live without her, but he only smiled at her and opened the door to leave.