Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie Mc Cucholl
Email: FoxLvDana@aol.com *And* AgentXDoll@aol.com


Rated:  R; For Adult Situations and language
Classify: Story; MSR/Angst; Mrs. Scully/Other Romance
Keywords: Journeys, MSR/A
Spoilers: Journeys of the Heart I (Duh!)
Archive:  Gossamer, ATXC, Ephemeral OK; others ask.

Disclaimer: Most of the characters mentioned in this story
belong to CC, Fox and Ten-Thirteen. Any other characters
belong to me...and may be used with permission. No copyright
infringement is intended. The songs "Walking After You" and
"Hero" belong to the Foo Fighters, and "I Don't Want To Wait"
belongs to Paula Cole. "Chapel Of Love" belongs to....somebody
besides me. "To Make You Feel My Love" is by Garth Brooks...
and is the sweetest M and S song there is...(sigh). Okay, I
know...too many songs. Oh well! :)

Summary: Mulder and Scully make a decision concerning their
relationship, and despite Scully's fears, manage to fall in
love.

Notes: Hello!! This is a continuation to "Journeys of the Heart I".
 You really should read that one first, but if you
decide to skip it, all you really need to know is that
Mulder and Scully have admitted their feelings to each other
and are trying to deal with it. :) Thanks to Bidie Mc Cucholl,
for co-writing this with me. It's been great working with her,
given her hidden talent for perfecting *Mulderisms*!

Thank You goes out to everyone that sent me feedback for Journeys
Part I...You have no idea how much that means to me! :) Anyhoo,
here is Part 2...I hope you like it! If you sent feedback,
THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES! :) Please feed my hungry,
hungry mailbox..it eats anything except liver!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author :   Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Call it a moment's work (and such it seems)
This tale's a fragment from the side of dreams;
But say that years matured from silent strife,
And 'tis a record from the dream of life.
___________________________________________________________________

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie Mc Cucholl
Chapter 1
-Mr Right-
 
 

June 26, 1999
Interstate 55, Westbound
Chicago, IL
6:21 pm

"Scully?," Fox Mulder asked, trying to avert her attention.
He had been trying to talk to her for the past 30 minutes..only
to be rewarded with an occasional glance.
"Hmm?" She responded, dreamily staring out the window.
She leaned back into the seat, stretching her arms out over her
head.
Mulder shifted nervously in his seat, trying to keep
his mind focused on the drive ahead. They were on their way out
to Orland Park, to have dinner with Maggie, Mike, Rebecca and Brian.
Mulder had agreed to drive on the way there...provided Scully drive them
home. So, not only was he at a total loss as to which direction
to go...Scully wasn't talking to him.

Well..she wasn't exactly *not* speaking to him..
She wasn't speaking *at all*

Pulling out the folded mini-map once again, he determined
which exit he needed to take. Fiddling with the radio stations,
he finally decided on an overtly loud tune from the Foo Fighters.
He cast a sideways glance at Scully before launching into an all
out air-drums performance. Nothing....not even a glance. Hmm..
This was a song he had hardly heard, so he did his best trying
to sing the words aloud.

"There goes my hero, watch him as he goes,"

Now, if there's one thing Fox Mulder knew in his life, he
knew this...He couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Nevermind
though, he thought. All he needed was for Scully to wake up
from that trance of hers and say something. *Anything*

After a few frantic minutes of near-perfection air drums,
Scully cracked. *Bingo* "Mulder, what *are* you doing?,"

He smiled lazily at her. Her voice was so soft. Since they
had admitted their feelings to each other, she was like
a different kind of Scully. Gentler, sweeter...a little
spacy at times even. She was perfect. "What Scully, don't
tell me you don't like the Foo Fighters,?" Mulder retorted,
knowing full well that Scully didn't give a rats-ass about
them. He was simply doing his best to irritate the woman
he loved.

Loved....wow, he really, truly *was* in love. Not the tortuous,
massochist love Phoebe preached...This was pure. Scully was
his angel, where Phoebe was the devil. She had swept into his
heart on gossamer wings, banishing anything, and anyone that
tried to cause him pain. She did a pretty good job too,
except for the rare times she had been the one with the
pitchfork. Yeah, that he could see...Scully, with angels
wings...and a pitchfork. He had to catch himself before
he laughed out loud. He became so caught up in his own
reverie, that he breezed right past the exit. *Great*

"Mulder, you missed the exit." Scully stated, almost
a whisper. She reached over and grabbed his hand. He turned
to face her and nearly drove off the highway. Her smile lit
up the dark interior, turning his insides to mush. He carefully
pulled over onto the shoulder and turned off the ignition.

"I know," He whispered, taking her hand. Scully smiled
and adjusted her seat belt strap."Why did you stop?"
She inquired, her smile fading at his expression.

Mulder took a deep breath and dove into the deep
end. He had to know what was going on in that
head of hers. "Why won't you talk to me?" He asked,
hoping to not upset her too much.

Scully tensed, turning her eyes up at him
and simling slightly. "Mulder...." She
warned, cocking her head to the side.

"Scully...." He responded, in the same teasing manner. He wasn't
the slighest bit angry with her, nor was she with him.

She leaned in and cupped his chin, "I'm sorry, I guess I have been kinda
out of it tonight," She confessed.

"That's ok, I forgive ya," Mulder said, kissing her softly on the lips.

Scully took in a deep breath and smiled, enojoying the wonder that
was kissing this man. It was all-consuming.....
Although she and Mulder *had* been kissing more often, each
kiss was still as new as the first. She wrapped her arms around
him and relaxed into his embrace. Mulder broke contact first,
taking a moment to wipe the berry lipstick from the sides of Scully's
face. She chuckled back at him.

"I never knew a man could look that good in lipstick,"
Scully joked, wiping the red lipstick from Mulder's face as well.

Mulder laughed, puckering up. "You really think it's my shade?,"
He teased, kissing her cheek, and smearing pink on her as
well.

Scully punched him. "Definitely...I think I'm jealous,"
She said, in mock seriousness.

Mulder laughed and pulled her close for a hug. "Ah, don't worry,
I'll never be as beautiful as you," He gushed, kissing
her again.

Scully smiled and looked out the window. It really was getting
dark, and her mother would be looking for them shortly, yet
she couldn't shake the desire to toss her beloved into the
back seat for some one-on-one. One thing stopped her.

They hadn't exactly crossed that line...yet...and she'd
be dammed if their first time was in the backseat of her Saturn.
She wasn't sure why they had not made love yet, it just never
happened. They had simply been caught up in the gentle
act of cuddling. She recalled the first night Mulder spent
at her apartment, It was the only night he slept on the sofa.
Since then, they had shared Scully's creeky bed. Often waking
up so tangled together, they found it difficult to move.

Mulder looked over at her as he started the ignition.
"You promise to start talking to me?," He asked,
wiping the lipstick from her face.

Scully sighed, promtly changing the radio station.
"You promise not sing and play the air drums?"
She teased, settling on a less outlandish
alternative station.

Mulder laughed at her choice. "Whatever you say,
Miss 'Jeremiah was a Bullfrog'," He quipped,
remembering her forest serenade.

She raised an eyebrow and feigned hurt. "Keep it up, Mulder,
and you'll end up on my sofa tonight," She warned.

Mulder found the exit and turned off onto a winding
road. "You're funny, Scully," He scoffed, smiling
at her.

He watched as her face lit up. "At least I can sing,
which is more than I can say for *your* little
performance," She shot back, raising her head.

He scrunched his face up. "You call that singing?" He
joked, ducking as a tiny fist flew past him.

Scully huffed. "*Your* the one who asked me to sing,
or should I say, begged?"

Mulder shook his head. "I was delusional," He defended.
Well, he wasn't doing that great, it wasn't a *total* lie.

The tiny road that Mulder had turned into loomed
before them. Random streetlamps dappled orange light,
casting an erie glow. Dense forest surrounded them,
and Scully was *sure* this was just Mulder's
kind of forest. "You *were* delusional?" She
teased, watching out the side window for
deer.

Mulder smiled a thousand watt smile her way. He had been worried that
their friendship would suffer, and *Mulder and Scully* would dissapear,
yet here they were...strong as ever. Things hadn't changed that much,
really. The sky didn't fall, oceans didn't rise...the world went on.
Albeit, it was a much happier place to be, but it still was the same.
 

Rebecca Mayo's House
Orland Park, IL
40 minutes later

"You do realize that we just broke nearly 5 different speed
limits?" Scully teased, closing the car door.

"What can I say, I like living dangerously," Mulder quipped,
reaching over and tapping Scully on her behind.

Scully squealed and punched him in the arm in retaliation.
"I'm warning you, Mulder, that couch of mine is starting to call
your name,"

"You know you want me in your bed, Scully, and no place else."
Mulder whispered, pulling her into his arms. "In fact, I know you
want me in your bed right now..." He said, kissing her neck slowly.

"You know nothing, Mulder." Scully purred, kissing him back.

"Oh yeah? You better check out those baby blues of yours
Miz Scully, 'cause they're telling me a helluva lot more than
you want me to know right now." Mulder whispered, kissing
the crook of her neck.

Scully shiviered. "You sure about that?" She managed to
whimper in response. Damn, if *somebody* doesn't stop
me...
 

"I'll bet the farm on it." Mulder whispered, kissing her
tenderly. Breaking free from the kiss, and trying to fight off
Mulder's roving hands, she rang the doorbell.

Rebecca Mayo answered the door with a cheery smile.
"Dana, Fox...I'm glad you could make it," She excliamed, stepping aside
to let them past. Scully quickly scanned the room for her mother,
while Mulder simply stood. The house certainly was impressive...
marble floors in the foyer, and a magnificent fireplace in the
family room.

"Wow," Mulder whispered, taking Scully's hand and leading
her into the room.
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking," Scully commented,
walking behind him. She smiled when she spotted her mother
sitting beside Mike on the couch. "Mom!"

Maggie beamed at the pair, smiling knowingly. "You two
get lost or, um, something?" She teased, enjoying
her daughters reaction.

Scully blushed at this. Even though she was becoming more
relaxed in her relationship with Mulder, she was still a bit
shy around her mother. "Mulder missed the exit." She mumbled,
taking a seat.

"Well, he must have had other things on his mind,"
Rebecca teased, winking at Mulder.

"Got that right," Mulder quipped, leaning in and giving
Scully a quick kiss, causing her to blush a bright shade of
crimson. Maggie threw a quick glance at Scully and laughed.

"Why, Dana, is that a blush I see?" Maggie teased,
taking a sip of her wine.

Scully's face flushed red. "Mom," She squealed,
throwing Mulder into hysterics.

"Ah, leave your mom alone, she's just stating the obvious."
Rebecca said, trying *hard* not to crack up at the expression on
Scully's face.
"Go on, keep it up Beck...Shall I tell Brian about
our days as a starlets?" Scully teased, recalling the
summer Rebecca, Meillisa and her spent when they were around 13.
Melissa was a few years older, but was faced with the same dilemma
as the Rebecca and herself; in one word...

Boredom....

Scully didn't actually think much of the tape, really...

Rebecca, however, was armed and ready. "Nice try Dana,
perhaps Fox would rather see the tape?" She said, walking
over to the entertainment center and producing a videotape.
Scully's mouth dropped. The contents of that tape were
highly embarrassing, at best. Rebecca, Meliisa and her had dressed up
and put on a little show for their parents. Their brothers had
helped....they strung sheets up and painted old boards for
scenery. Rebecca was the star, as always, and Scully and Melissa had played
her sidekicks. "I don't really think Mulder would be interested
in that..."

"Oh I think Mulder would...dearest..." Mulder quipped,
relishing the chance to see Dana Scully as a *starlet*.

"Then it's settled," Maggie said, smiling. She hadn't seen
this in over 20 years, herself.

Rebecca popped the tape in and pressed play. "I got the old
films converted to VHS a few years back. It's so much easier to
watch them this way."

"Great," Scully sighed, preparing herself for the worst.
As the picture came into focus, a familiar voice was heard in
the background....her father.

'Ladies and Gentlemen....I give you Rebecca, Dana, and Melissa:
*The Melodies*'

Scully smiled at the sound of her father's voice. She
hadn't heard it in so long. She fought back against the tears in
her eyes and squeezed Mulder's hand. Soon, three tiny voices could
be heard in the background.

 'Goin to the chapel
  and we're gonna get married
  Goin to the chapel
  and we're gonna get married
  Goin to the chapel
  and we're gonna get married
  Goin to the chapel of Love'

Mulder broke into a gigantic smile as he saw little
Dana Scully dressed in a pink dress, with pink flowers in her hair.
Her long hair was smooth and fell around her sunburned face. Melissa
was equally as angelic looking, but in a lilac dress.
"Why didn't I know any pretty girls like you when I was
younger?" he whispered, kissing her cheek.

"We were out there, Mulder...you were probably looking
in the wrong places,"

Mulder sighed. "Figures," He whispered into her ear, earning
him a smile.

Rebecca, on the other hand was wearing a white dress, with a small
veil pinned in her hair. Rebecca and her had saved their veils
from their First Holy Communion, and used them for dress up.
Scully remembered never wanting to be the one getting married,
she was always content with the bridesmaids role. Things hadn't
changed much, she mused. Here Rebecca was about to be married..
and she would finally get to be the bridesmaid. "You better not
be thinking of making me were pink, Beckey,"

"What other color is there?" Rebecca teased, winking at her.
Scully groaned. "You're *not* serious are you?"

Rebecca fell into a fit of giggles "Relax Dana, pink isn't
exactly my color..."

Scully studied herself on the screen. "Or mine, for that
matter."

"Seriously, Dana..the dress is powder blue...I need you
for fittings next week." Rebecca assured her, nodding
for emphasis.

"Hmm, looks like you guys had a lot of practice," Brian
said, kissing Rebecca on the cheek.

"Yeah, we had a thing for weddings...no matter what we
were doing, whatever game we were playing...it always had a
wedding" Rebecca commented, turning her attention back to
the screen.

Scully laughed as her brother, Charlie, pledged his
undying love to Rebecca. "My brother, the romantic," Scully said,
wiping away a tear. It hurt to see Melissa this way, in a way
that she would never get to experience.

"He had the biggest crush on you, Becca," Mike Mayo
quipped, taking a sip of his wine.

"He was a sweet kid..." She replied, smiling at the
memory.

Mulder watched in fascination as Dana caught the tiny
bouquet of daisy's Rebecca threw over her head. "So does that
make you the next married?" He asked, smiling.

"Just watch," Scully said, keeping her eyes on the screen.

Rebecca laughed as she saw her brother, Barry, walk
over to Dana and kneel down before her. He was a few years older
than her, and she had the *biggest* crush on him.

'Dana...will you...marry me?' Barry asked her, producing
a bent, gold band.

'I cannot marry just anyone, Barry....I'm waiting for
Mr Right' She replied, in her best *Scully* voice.

With that, the group dissolved into laughter. Maggie
laughed until she cried. "Dana, honey, you always were such
a snob,"

"I was *not* a snob, I was....selective," Scully stated
in her defense.

"*Mr. Right*, Scully?" Mulder teased, trying hard not
to laugh.

"Can it, Mulder," Scully laughed, puching him lightly
in the ribs.

He couldn't resist. "Does Mr. Right have a white
horse, Scully?" He whispered, knowing she was
about to kill him.

"Would you stop?" She sighed, causing him to chuckle.

He leaned in closer. "I suppose he wore full armor,
too?"

Scully turned to face him. "You're making fun of
me," She whimpered, smiling to herself. She
knew their *audience* was eating this up.

Mulder rolled his eyes. "I'm not making fun
of you, Scully. I'm just-"

Scully cut him off. "You were, admit it," She joked,
winking at him.

Mulder relaxed. She was just kidding with him. He
knew that..really he did. "I knew that," He whispered,
kissing her cheek.

Rebecca observed them and smiled, shaking her head.
What a pair they were, she mused. She took a sip
of her wine and leaned back into Brian's arms.
"So, Maggie, what time does your plane leave?"
She inquired. She didn't really want Maggie to
leave, her father seemed so happy when he
was with her.

Maggie sighed, she didn't really want to leave in the morning.
She had just gotten to, um, become reaquainted with Mike...
Dana and Fox had just, um, become a *lot* more acquainted.

"My plane leaves at 9:03 am," She said, her voice
not hiding the obvious displeasure.

"Are you taking her, Mike, or do you need Mulder
and I to?" Scully asked, hoping Mike could do it. Not
that she didn't want to do it, but she had a few things to
do in the morning.

"I thought you said you had to run to the office in the
morning, Dana?" Maggie asked, confued. Scully dropped
her head and cringed. Shit.

Mulder whipped his head around to face her "The office?"
He asked, his voice squeaking.

Scully sighed in defeat. *Way to go, mom* "Yes, the office. I have
a few things needing my attention," She confessed, giving her
Mom the evil eye.

Mulder smiled wickedly at that " *I* need your attention,"
He whispered, squeezing her hand and winking at her.

Scully laughed and shook her head. "Mulder, Mulder,"
 
Rebecca cleared her throat, "Maggie, would you help me get
things ready in the, um, kitchen," She said, hoping Maggie
would catch her hint.

Maggie shot up. "Sure," She paused, looking back
at Mike. "You coming, honey?" She asked, nodding
towards the kitchen.

Mike got up as well, leaving Mulder and Scully alone.
Not a good thing, considering.

Mulder released her hand and sighed. "Why didn't you
tell me you had to work?" He asked, in a little boys voice.

Scully leaned in and kissed him. "I'm sorry, I forgot
all about it. I guess I was a little distracted,"
She teased, reclaiming his hand.

"Don't try and sweet talk your way out of
this one, Dana Katherine," He ordered, releasing
her hand.

Scully giggled. "You sound like my third grade teacher,
Sister Mary Margaret, Mulder,"

"You had a teacher named Sister Mary Magaret Mulder?"
He asked, mocking her.

Oh, that was too funny, Mulder. "Seriously, Mulder,
we only have to be there a few hours, I promise,"
She pleaded, batting her eyelashes playfully.

Dammit, why does she do that? She can ask for
anything when she does that. "We? When did this
become we?" He asked, smiling at her.

Let's see, Mulder. About six years ago? "Come
on, partner, I promise I'll make it up to you,"
She whispered, kissing his cheek.

Mulder sighed, smiling. He knew he was defeated, he couldn't
argue with her when she was like this. I can't
argue with her at all, anymore, he mused. It
was a relief, actually. "Fine, but only
for a few hours," He told her, shaking
his head.

Scully's smile widened. "I swear, a few hours, Max,"
She agreed, hugging him tightly.

"Oh, so it's Max now?" Mulder quipped, causing Scully
to groan.

"Mulder, you are *such* a cornball," She sighed,
walking into the kitchen to join the others.
Mulder followed, throughly  enjoying himself.

**************************************************************
Chapter 2
-My Soul-
Scully's Apartment
3 Hours later

Mulder sat up against the headboard of Scully's bed,
listening to the muted sounds from the bathroom. He was at a loss,
Scully had struck something in him that evening. He never pictured
her as the type that searched for *Mr. Right*. Although...what person
didn't feel that way. He knew that Scully was right for him a long
time ago...and he was beginning to think she felt the same way.
Yet seeing her tonight on the screen, all prim and proper..it
made him a bit uneasy. What if she didn't really want to get married?
What if she said no to his proposal? Would he even have the guts now
to ask?

Yes, he told himself...yes he would. Not today, not tomorrow..
maybe the next day. Definitely before he left.

Looking out the window, he caught sight of a nasty
looking thunderhead situated over the lake and felt relieved
that they left when they did. Dinner was great, and Maggie had
succeeded in chosing the perfect wine for the occasion.
Yet, overall, he was happy to be here....alone with Scully.
The rain began to fall in big, fat drops against the window
as Scully stepped out from the bathroom. Mulder had to take in
a sharp breath at the sight. She stood before him in a long,
white silk nightgown, coupled nicely with a matching robe.

"Wow, you look....wow," He stammered, looking for the
right word, and coming up empty-handed.

Scully simply strolled over to the bed and slipped the
robe off before climbing into bed beside him. "You gonna sit there
all night with your mouth open, or are you going to kiss me?"

"You mean I can't do both?" Mulder whispered, pulling her close
as the storm neared. Scully melted into his embrace, reaching up and
pushing away that stubborn lock of his. "The storm's getting closer,
maybe we should shut the windows,"

"Don't move a muscle, I'll be right back." Mulder said,
before leaping up and walking the distance to the window. Scully,
in true form, was quickly behind him. She shivered as the wet droplets
fell upon the silk of her gown. Mulder stood in awe as fierce botls
of lightning branched out over the lake, illuminating the night sky.
Scully slowly entwined her arms with his, resting her head against
his chest.

She had a feeling that this was going to be the night.
The night she had waited 7 years for. The first time Mulder and
her would make love. Although she should have been terrified,
she wasn't. This was *Mulder*, the man she loved with every fiber
of her being. The man she was positive loved her back thousand
fold. They really should move away from the rain, she thought,
tugging a bit at Mulder's boxers to persuade him back to bed.

"Come on, we're going to get soaking wet over here," She whispered,
smiling at him. He pulled her back and opened the window a little
higher. She took in a deep breath as the cool lake wind blew through
her crimson hair, and tried to take a step back. Two strong hands
held steadfast around her waist, however. "I thought I told you
not to move a muscle," he teased her, kissing her before she could
reply.

Mulder too, knew that something had been brewing between
them all day. Every touch, every glance seemed to spark an
electrical undercurrent. He pulled her closer to him and watched
the rain fall relentlessly into the lake. He never knew it rained
so much in Chicago.

"When have I ever listened to a thing you've said, Mulder?"
Scully spoke, breaking him from his reverie.
"Come on, come back to bed" She purred, her voice raspy and deep.

"Whatever you say, my lady," Mulder responded, walking backwards
with her until they fell upon the bed. *So much for not rocking the boat*
he thought with a smile. He would have never taken Scully as the
assertive type in bed, but he wasn't complaining. His earlier image
of Scully as an angel...with her pitchfork...drifted to memory.
He leaned forward and kissed her gently, listening to the windchimes
tantric melody play for them.  The cool breeze from the storm blew
the billowy white scarves Scully had draped over the frame of her bed,
creating an almost halo-like white cloud around them.

Scully sighed. She turned her head slightly, to give Mulder a
better angle, and ended up bumping heads with him instead. "Ouch,"
She grumbled, rolling from his embrace. Mulder tried, he really did,
not to laugh, but the more he thought about it...the more he laughed.

"You have a hard head, Scully," he quipped, rubbing his hand
over his head. It didn't really hurt, he was just playing along.

Scully scowled and rested her head on his chest. "So do you,"
Mulder smiled, "Looks like the storm is here, I think
it's time to close that window,"

"No, don't. I like it." Scully whispered. Her wind was whirling.
Before she had unceremoniously bumped heads with Mulder, they had
been ready to...they were going to..make love. The thought of making
love to Mulder sent millions of tiny electronic pulses through her
veins. Mulder pulled the blanket from the foot of the bed up over
them and tightened his grip around her waist. They lay silent for a
moment, listening to the rain fall. Occasional bursts of soft white
light filled the room, picking up the sapphire in Scully's eyes.

"Scully?" he whispered, placing a small kiss near her
temple.

"Hmm,"

"You still looking for Mr. Right?"

Scully lifted her head and smiled. "Why, are you applying for the
position?"

"Depends on the position," he teased, brushing a stray strand of
hair from her eyes. The wind had really picked up, causing her to
shiver. "What am I going to do with you?" she asked, running her hand
lightly over his chest.

"If you keep doing that, you can do whatever you want,"

"Hmm, as tempting as that is, I feel kinda sleepy, Mulder,"

"I'm that exciting, huh?"

"Mmm, more than you'll ever know, but right now..."

"I hear ya, babe,"

"Babe?"

"Well I was gonna call you puddin'...."

"Mulder, your making me ill."

"My Scully, the romantic." he said, kissing her gently.

Scully moved in his embrace, her right hand rising to rifle through
his dark hair. "You got that right," She said, breaking the kiss.
Stifling a yawn, she cuddled closer to him as the storm raged
outside. Mulder drew lazy circles on her back, lulling her
to sleep. He knew it would be a while before he fell asleep himself.

That's what he thought, anyway. Fifteen minutes later, they were both
asleep. The first storm had passed over, and the skies were calm...

For Now....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 Hours 15 mintues Later

Mulder stirred slightly in his sleep. He had heard something,
a bang...a loud bang. Opening his eyes a bit, he saw that the rain poring
down. This storm, however, seemed much more powerful that the
first. He winced at the loud thunder that pierced the quiet in the
room. He recalled all the times when he was younger, when Samantha
would get afraid, and crawl into bed with him. Little did she
know that he was probably more scared than she was. Thunder and
lightning always scared him, which was pretty silly, really. Here
he was, 37 years old, and afraid of a strom. Well, at least he had
someone to *protect* him. He looked down at the sleeping figure
upon his chest.

Scully.....

He still couldn't believe it. If someone would have told
him that he would be lying in Dana Scully's bed - and not be in some
sort of trauma - he wouldn't have believed them, and he believed a
lot of stuff! He watched as the white silk flowed against her
skin, rising and falling with each breath. Her crimson hair spread
out across his chest. He didn't really want to wake her, she looked
so peaceful....and beautiful....but his left side was beginning
to go numb.

He nudged her briefly before she opened her eyes. "Hey there,"

"Hey yourself, handsome," Scully yawned, wiping her eyes.

"Scully, would you think less of me if I told you that
I'm afraid of storms?" Mulder asked, his voice low and quick.

Scully cocked her head to the side, puzzled. "Seriuously?"
She asked, running her hands through his hair.

Mulder lowered his head, a bit embarrassed. "Always have been,
since I was a kid," Just then a earth craking thunder bolt shook
the foundation, causing Mulder to jump.

"I'll protect you," She purred, kissing his neck.

Mulder tried his best to concentrate on the kissing...and forget
the thunder. It was working, until another one hit.

"Scully, make it stop," he whined like a child, pulling
her closer.

She smiled at him, and held him closer to her "What do you want
me to do, buy you ear plugs?"

Mulder smiled at this "Well, you could help me take my
mind off the storm...."

Scully giggled, "Oh, the big bad FBI agent, afraid of a little
thunder? Wait until I tell my mom....."

Mulder laughed, taking her hands in his "Let's just keep
this our little secret,"

Scully smiled, her arms going around his neck "Oh, I see..."
She purred "And what other - secrets are you hiding from me?"

"Well, if I told you, they wouldn't be secrets, now would they?"
Mulder whispered, running his hands over her gown.

"Hmm, I suppose not," She said, pausing only to kiss him "But I believe
we are best at revealing secrets *together*."

Mulder smiled, and reversed the situation swiftly, pinning
her underneath him. Scully let out a startled yelp, but the smile
never left her face. "Let's see now, what secrets of Dana Scully
can I expose?" Mulder whispered in her ear, as he slowly lowered
the satin straps on her nightgown.

"Mulder...." She gasped, "Those are on a need-to-know
basis only,"

"Oh, I need to know. I definitely need to know," Mulder
growled as he lowered the bodice of her nightgown so it barely
covered her breasts. "Oh" Scully exclaimed, smiling at him.
Mulder lowered his mouth slowly and placed tiny kisses against her
neck, eliciting small moans from Scully all the way down.

Scully ran her hands slowly along his back as he gently
brushed his lips across the tops of her breasts. "Mmmm, Your turn,"
She mumbled, rolling from under him as he attempted to pull her
gown off.

"You little tease..." he mumbled into the bedsheets,
trying to reach her with his hands. She quickly moved out of the
way and straddled his back, her hands gently touching his tense
muscles there. "That was cold, Scully,"

"Oh yeah?" She replied, her hands already starting to
massage him "You won't be cold for long." She whispered into
his ear, taking time to rest herself on his back. She continued
her ministrations, kneading at his hot flesh, and kissing her
way down his back, hearing him call her name.

Slowly her hands worked their way to his hips, his thighs,
resisting the front until the last possible moment. Reaching around
to the front, she shivered as Mulder called out her name in one
long breath.

Her lips continued kissing him, wherever she could reach.
Tasting the saltiness of his sweat, her teeth tormenting him
with little nibbles. "Mulder...you feel so good...taste so good,"

Mulder let out a ragged sigh. "Scully..."

"Shhh," She whispered, her tongue gently outlining his ear,
making him coo like a baby.

"Scully, your driving me crazy," Mulder growled, turning
over so that she rested atop him. He drank in the sight of her.
The long, white gown, complementing the paleness of her skin.
Her hair, a red halo hiding her eyes. "God, you are beautiful,"

"Shh, I thought I told you to be quiet." She purred against
his chest as her hand ventured downward. Pulling at the elastic
of his boxers, she reached in and gently caressed him.

"Scully...need you...want you," Mulder managed.

"Looks like all your secrets are revealed, Mulder," Scully
purred, nibbling anxiously on his bottom lip.

Mulder smiled briefly, before using what strength he had left to
flip them both over. Quickly tugging at the cotton boxers he wore,
he flug them across the room, and turned his attentions to the woman
before him. "Not all my secrets, Scully," he growled in her ear
as he ripped the nightgown from her. "I believe I have a few
secrets left to be discovered."

Scully moaned as he kissed his way down her neck, and across
her breasts. The rain continued to fall around them, the windchimes
lying on the floor, a victim of the wind. As the final layers between
them were shed, Mulder moved back up and entered her slowly, as the
last angry thunderbolt roared through the night. Moving together
slowly at first, Scully felt tears in the corners of her eyes.

This was it, the real thing. She was finally making  love to
Fox Mulder. Her partner, her friend, her lover. They quickly rose higher
and higher, hands clutching. "Mulder...open your eyes," She whispered,
cupping his chin with her palm.

Staring down upon her, he smiled "Scullleee...you...I.."

"Shhh, Mulder...I know..."

They continued on their journey, rising higher with each breath,
until neither one could hold on any longer. The white scarves,
blew magically around them, as the slightly chilled breeze
sailed in.

"Sculllee...God...I love you....I...do," Mulder moaned,
his head resting in the crook of her shoulder, as he felt Scully
contracting around him.

"I....know...Mulder...Love you..too," She stammered,
her body shuddering around him, her hands grasping the sheets.
Mulder followed soon behind, his spent body coming to rest
atop hers. Scully giggled slightly as her creaky bed finally
lived up to it's amorous reputation. That should give the neighbors
something to talk about, she mused.

"Wow," Mulder managed, as soon as he was able to speak.
He ran his hands gently across Scully's face. "I do love you,
Scully...You know that,"

Scully smiled, wiping the sweat from his forehead,
"Yeah, well I guess I'll take your word for it...although..
I think I might need some more convincing,"

"Scully...I never knew you were such a sex-kitten," Mulder
teased, kissing her palm.

Scully sighed, rolling her eyes. "Sex-kitten, Mulder?
What's next...temptress?" She giggled, stretching languidly.

Mulder laughed, "Well, if the silk nightie fits....."
He watched her for a moment, shaking his head in wonder.
She was everything he wanted, everything he needed.
She just...was. To him, that was the greatest feeling
in the world. Well, maybe the *next* best feeling,
he mused. He loved her, this he knew. He wanted
her forever. Fighting back the first stirrings of
tears, he hugged her close to him. "I love you, Scully,"
He admitted, crushing her to him.

Scully felt her breath catch. The feeling of being
completely, and without a doubt, in love was more
than she ever imagined. This was what it felt like
to be cherished, she thought. This is what men
and women alike search for all their lives. Someone
to love, someone to love you in return.

A friend, and a lover.

Wiping away a crystalline tear, she smiled into
his embrace. "I know, Mulder. I love you too,"
She whispered.

Mulder rocked her gently until the tears let up,
kissing her occasionally. It was a release for the
both of them, something they dreamed of for a
long time. It was wonderful.

She sighed, the rain had slowed down a bit, creating a gentle
breeze that felt simply wonderful against her warm, sweaty skin.
Mulder moved from atop her and rolled over onto his side,
taking her with him so that she rested on his chest.

"I cannot believe we did that," She whispered, pulling
the sheet around her.

Mulder smiled, pulling half the sheet over himself.
"Any regrets?" He asked, lying back down.

Giving him the *are you nuts?* look he loved, she
shook her head and smiled. "Have you ever known me
to do something I didn't want to do, Mulder? Well,
aside from *most* of the times you've dragged me
to God knows where?" She teased, kissing his nose.

Mulder snorted, she had a point there. "Cute, Scully,
real cute. And I do hope you're serious about this,"
He said, motioning his hands at their twisted bodies.
"Because, I think I'm going to have to request
a repeat performance," He said, reaching his hands
down to her sides and tickling her mercilessly.

Yelping, she managed to wriggle free of his
tickle-attack long enough to pin him underneath
her still-sweaty body. "Never mess with a
sexually satisfied female, Mulder," She whispered,
kissing him lightly.

Mulder winked at her. "So, tell me more about
this *sexually satisfied* stuff, beautiful,"
He dralwed, capturing her lower lip between
his teeth.

She giggled. This really was more than she ever
expected. She was amazed at their ability to
share the most intimate of acts; and still be
able to laugh and joke together. It was priceless.
"Mmm, as tempting as that sounds, Mulder, we
need to get some sleep," She said, accentuating
with a jaw-splitting yawn.

Mulder smiled up at her. She *was* beautiful,
and he couldn't help *but* smile. He was one
lucky bastard. "Sounds good," He said,
groaning as her yawn became contagious.
He'd always hated that. He moved slightly,
allowing her to slide sideways onto the
bed. She rested her head over his heart
and let out a happy Scully-sigh. He
was lost.

"I love you, G-man," Scully mumbled,
falling away to dreamland.

Smiling, and pulling her closer,
he did the same. "And I love you,
G-woman,"
 

**********

Next Morning
Around 6:13 am

**********

 Scully awoke rested, and sore. Stretching languidly in bed,
she tried to untangle herself from Mulder's death-grip. She smiled
at him and allowed the memories of the night before light up her face.

 She hadn't expected it, God knows she wanted it...but it was
more than she had imagined. Sure, she didn't see rainbows, and
the earth didn't shatter into a million pieces...no, something
even more incredible happened.

She found her Mr. Right....
 

She found the other half of herself....in someone she would have
never imagined. Well, maybe imagined wasn't such a good word. She
*had* imagined it, but that was it. She never actually expected to
live out her dreams. Things like this don't happen to Dana Scully,
or Fox Mulder, for that matter.

 The previous nights storm had passed, and the sun was
bathing the city with it's life giving rays. Finally prying herself
from Mulder, she walked over to the still open window. With dismay,
she noticed the windchimes on the floor beside her feet. Taking great
care not to tangle the delicate threads, she hung them back on the
hook. The lake was alive, waves crashing into the tiny boats
scattered in the harbour. She momentarily thought of her mother,
who would be on her way home soon. Her mother loved the water...
 Lakes, oceans - ponds even, anything that reminded her

of Ahab. She suspected that was the main reason her mother was
still in Maryland, for it's proximity to the ocean. Glancing
back at Mulder, a wide smile filled her face. She was going to
have to tell *somebody* about this. Yet she wondered if her
mother cared to hear every detail of her sex life. She really
wanted to run up on the roof and tell *everyone*...but that wasn't
practical either. Sighing, she decided that she better wake
sleepy beauty up if she expected to get into the office that
day.
 "Mulder...time to wake up," She whispered, shaking him
slightly. She heard him mumble something *totally* incoherent and
roll over.

 *Perfect*

"Come on, Mulder, we have to get going," She announced
in his ear, none to quietly. This got his attention,
and she smiled at his befuddled expression.

 "Wha tme's it?" he mumbled into the pillow. Scully giggled slightly.

 "A little after 6, I want to get into the office so we
have the afternoon to ourselves, sound good?" Scully
prodded, trying to remove his sheet.

 "Aw, Scully, can't we just stay in bed all day?" Mulder
Mumbled, wrapping him self up even more.

Scully chuckled, "Actually that does sound tempting, but I need to
pick up a few things first...and your coming with me G-man,"

 "Fine, but in a little while...right now I believe you
owe me a good morning kiss," he said, pulling her down beside
him.
 "Oh, is that right?" she asked, pushing him down playfully.
She lowered her mouth to his, and kissed him...hard. "Good Morning,
Mulder...now get up! We have to shower," She said, walking into the
bathroom.
 Mulder quickly got up and followed her. Sure, they had to
shower....*Together* that is.

**********************************************************************
End of Chapter 2
Continued in Chapter 3 (I know...Duh!)
~Jen (FoxLvDana@aol.com) and Bidie (AgentXDoll@aol.com) :)
***********************************************************************

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie Mc Cucholl
FoxLvDana@aol.com AND AgentXDoll@aol.com

Summary: See First part
Disclaimer: See First Part

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3:Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie McCucholl
Chapter 3
-My Beliefs-
 
 

7:35 am
 

 Scully sighed and poured Mulder and herself a cup of
coffee. Their attempt at a shower had been almost enough to
persuade her to spend the rest of day in bed getting dirty again.
She glanced over at him. He was wearing a pair of beige colored
khakis and a loose white dress shirt. Giving herself the once
over...she decided they looked decent enough for the bureau.
They *were* on vacation, she reminded herself.

 "So, *Agent Scully*, what's on the agenda this morning?"
Mulder asked her, moving close behind and kissing the back
of her neck.

 "Mmmm, Mulder...I'm warning you..keep that up and
we might not  make it past the front door," She laughed,
baking up from out of his grasp.

 "Well, you can't kill a guy for trying," He teased,
running his finger slowly up her arm. He smiled from ear to
ear..he really couldn't believe the way things were going.
He flashed back to the night previous, the storm...Scully
in that white satin gown....Scully in absolutely nothing.
Taking a deep breath, he swallowed the rest of his coffee.

 "Ready to go?" She asked, grabbing her briefcase
from the table.

 "I'm always ready for you, Scully," he said, his voice
sending shivers through her. Damn, he's good at this, she mused.
She too thought of the night they shared...Mulder confiding
in her about his fear of storms...the look in his eyes
when they....

 "Scully...earth to Scully..." Mulder joked, waving
a hand in front of her face.
 "Huh, what?, oh...I'm sorry...my mind was on
something more...um...interesting," she said, a sly smile
playing on her lips.

 He took a few steps, once again closing the distance
between them. "Oh really...and what would those, um, thoughts
be..." He whispered, kissing her softly.

 "I'll make you a deal...do this for me, and we can
spend the rest of the day...investigating,"
 "I can live with that,"
 "Good, then we better get going..."
 "Lead the way...beautiful,"
     _____________________________________________________

8:27 am
FBI Field Office
Chicago, IL
 

 Scully walked slowly into the building, as if for
the first time. She had to admit, walking into any office
with Mulder...any office that wasn't *theirs* gave her an
uneasy feeling. Hoping to dodge the few jerks she always
seemed to attract...they made their way to her office.
She opened the door and laughed at the musty smell emenating
from it. She really hadn't been there to open the windows,
so the place was really stale.

 "Sorry for the dust...I've been kinda busy the past
week," She joked, running a small finger through the dust covering
the desk.

 "No need to apologize...Agent Scully," He commented,
noticing the name plate on her desk; Something he never got
the chance to give her. He had to admit, it was a pretty nice
office, dust and all. She had carefully arranged plants
in pretty painted pots throughout, and even had a picture
of him on the desk. Not that he was checking or anything.

 "Mulder, do me a favor and get me a cup of coffee?
There's a machine just down the hall," She said, pouting
a bit for effect and handing him a few dollars.

He had to laugh. "Yeah, *know* I see why you dragged
me here. I must say, I'm a bit shocked, Agent Scully,"
He teased, closing the door behind him. Now for the hard
part. Sure, he had his FBI badge in full view, but that did
nothing to dissuade the few people giving him the once-over.
Trying to keep his head down, he bumped right into a rather
tall man, who had been carrying an awfully large stack of files.

 "Hey, whatch where your going, buddy," The man
mumbled, picking up the various files and retreating down the
hall. Finally finding the coffee machine, he inserted the money
and waited as the machine spouted out the rather odd-looking
brown liquid. Hoping that Scully didn't drink this stuff too often,
he made the long trek back to her office, where he was
greeted --once again-- my ignorant-file-man.

Scully looked up when Mulder returned. Smiling,
she turned to him and winked. "Mulder, I want
you to meet Agent Jeremy Mahoney. He's been
hellping me out in the lab recently," She
explained.

Mulder took the outstrectched hand and
forced a smile. The thought of this
nimrod working closely with Scully made
his skin crawl. "Nice to meet you,"
He managed. "Agent Fox Mulder,"

Agent Mahoney looked confused for a moment,
so Scully explained. "Agent Mulder and
I were partners in DC,"

The light went off over Mahoney's head. "Oh,
so it was you two that worked on the
x-files. I'm afraid you're reputation
preceeds you, Agent Mulder," He gushed.
He *had* heard a lot abou Mulder.
Some of it was a little scary though.

Mulder silently groaned and shot Scully a
withering look. His expression said it all.
"Well, some of it scares even me, Agent
Mahoney," He quipped, managing a stale
smile.

 Scully slowly sipped her coffee, not oblivious to the
tension mounting between the two males in the room. Mulder,
the braver of the two, was clearly showing typical alpha
male characteristics....although she was sure Jeremy
wasn't going to put up much of a fight. Smart man, she
mused. After last night...she didn't think *any* other man
stood a chance to come within 2 feet of her. Sure, Mulder had
always been protective, not that she minded much, really.

 "So, what brings you to the windy city, Agent Mulder?"
Jeremy asked, getting right to the point.

 Mulder smiled slightly. *If he only knew*, he mused.
Not that he could expect this lab rat to understand.
"Actually, I'm on vacation," Mulder said, taking a long sip
of coffee.

 Scully smiled sweetly and booted up her computer.
"I'm just here catching up on some unfinished business.."
She said, chuckling at how it sounded.

 Jeremy seemed to take the not-so-obvious hint and
left the room. It was all Scully could do to keep from
laughing. "Relax, Mulder. He's harmless" She teased,
reaching out for his hand.

 "Ah, I'm not worried..." He said, confindently.
 "Is that so?" Scully asked, cocking her head to the side.

Mulder laughed. "Oh, yeah. You're mine Miss Scully,"
He teasedm kissing her.

Scully laughed, she was insanely happy. She couldn't ever remember
feeling like this.

This must be love, she mused, smiling back at him.

"Crazy, isn't it?" Mulder asked, bringing their joined hands
up and placing a soft kiss on them.

"Totally, absolutely, insanely crazy," She commented, squeezing
his hand a little tighter.

"Now, if you don't finish up that work of yours..we may never
get out of here...so hurry up, G Woman,"

"Impatience will get you nowhere, G Man," Scully warned,
shaking her finger at him.

"You know your beautiful?" He asked her, winking.

She giggled and shook her head at him "However, flattery will
get you everywhere"

They were interrupted as the door slowly opened and Jeremy
peeked his head in. "I apologize Agents, but I thought this
might be of interest to you," He explained, handing Scully
a memo before retreating again.

 Scully read the memo and smiled "Seems the bureau
is sponsoring a Night Under the Stars tomorrow night."

 "Night Under the Stars? What's that all about?"
Mulder inquired, genuinely curious.

 "A free concert on the Lakefront, with the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra," She explained. She was *defintely*
dragging him to this one, she thought.

 "The Symphony, Scully?" Mulder whined, pouting slightly.
Scully laughed..the expected this much. "Yes, Mulder, the Symphony,
and we're going,"

 Mulder walked over to her and reached for her hand. "Is that
a fact, Miz Scully?"

 "You got that right," She said, slapping his hand away playfully.
They both ignored the fact the the door had opened once again.

 "I hope I'm not interrupting anything, Agents," A loud booming
voice said, causing Mulder and Scully to scurry apart.

 Scully spoke first, "No, of course not, Sir," She paused,
quickly glancing at Mulder. "Sir, this is Agent Mulder, from DC,"

 Mulder eyed the man nervously. So, this is Scully's boss,
he thought. "Nice to meet you, Sir,"

 "Cheif Kowalcek," The man responded, shaking Mulder's
hand vigorously. "You hear on official business, Agent Mulder?"

 Mulder coughed slightly, he wasn't used to all these
introductions. "No, I'm here on vacation." he sat back down
beside Scully's desk.

 "Very well then, Agent Scully...I assumed you were on
vacation as well?" Kowalcek asked, examing the files
she had strewn about.

 Scully smiled, "Yes, Sir, I am. I just had a few things needing
my attention this morning," She explained.

 Cheif Kowalcek shook his head "No that is something I've
never seen," He said, smiling at the pair.

 Mulder had to stifle a laugh. He turned to Scully and
silently mouthed the words 'must be an x-file'.

Scully bit back a laugh and cleared her throat.
"We'll be out of here soon, Sir," She assured,
wondering how she was going to kill Mulder
without the whole building hearing it.

And with that, he was gone. Mulder couldn't hold back this time.
He walked over to the desk and laughed his ass off.
"That guy is seriously scary, Scully. I'd take
Skinner *any* day," He quipped, playing with a
crystal blue paperweight perched upon the desk.

Scully snorted. Yep, she agreed. Kowalcek was
true Chicago, born and bred. "He's not *that*
bad, Mulder," She retorted, smiling.

"Whatever you say, Scully," He said, shaking
his head. "Not to be a pest, but how much
longer *do* we have to stick around?" He
whined.

Scully sighed. She didn't really want to be here
herself, but wanted to finish up some lingering
paperwork. "You're a pain in the ass, Mulder,
you know that?"
 

XxX

11:45 am

XxX

 Scully put the finishing touches on her report, and flicked
off her computer. Mulder had run to get them some lunch, and she was
alone in her office. Something about the whole day, gave her a melancholy
feeling. Maybe it was the fact that Mulder had offered his help to
a few of her colleuges...and nearly broke the case for them. It almost
seemed like they were partners again. There was only one thing about
that situation that left her happy about the way things were now.

She was in love.....

For that matter, so was he.

 It was a totally uplifting feeling. She felt as if somehow
people could tell. Could they see how happy she was? She hoped so.
Especially her mother; she knew her mother had been worried about her
for months now, ever since Mulder and her had gone there separate
ways. Well, worry no more, mom....I'm happy.

 Mulder weaved his way back through the maze to Scully's
office, thankful that they gave him a cardboard box for the
numerous bags he had. Opening the door quietly, he noticed Scully
lying back in her chair, her eyes closed. He stopped for a moment
and watched her. She really was beautiful, he mused...and she was
his...heart and soul.

Tapping lightly on the desk, he set the bag down.
"Hey, beautiful, lunchtime," He said, excitedly.

Scully smiled before opening her eyes. She *really* was getting
used to hearing how beautiful Mulder thought she was. "So,
what did you bring me? I'm starving,"

"Only the best," Mulder said, emptying the contents
of the bags onto her desk. "Let's see...we have one grilled chicken
sandwich, an order of overy greasy fries, and one chocolate shake,
think that about covers it?"

 Scully shook her head in disbelief...she *was* kinda surprised
he had remembered that she always liked chocolate shakes. "Thank you,
Mulder," She said, grabbing a french fry and popping it in her mouth.

"Yeah well, I figured if I was going to get you out of here
soon, I'd stand a better chance if I bribed you with
chocolate first," He explained, matter of factly.

"Your a smart man, Mulder" Scully said, finishing
another fry.

"Think I can bribe you into cooking dinner later?" He asked,
smiling.

"We'll see...depends on what you buy me for dessert" She
said, leaning over and kissing him.

Mulder smiled and reached over to wipe the bit of ketchup
she had off her chin. "What do you suggest?"

 Scully leaned back into her chair and took a long
sip of her shake. Pulling the straw out, she ran her tongue
along the bottom of it, all the while keeping her eyes
glued on him. "Surprise me," She said, popping the lid of
the shake and dipping the straw back in.

 Mulder placed his hamburger down before he dropped it,
and did the same with his own shake. "Wanna trade?" he said,
offering his strawberry shake laden straw.

"You know I don't like strawberries, Mulder,"
She said, thinking a moment and then smiline. "But you
can have some of mine, if you want," She offered,
handing him the straw.

"Oh, I want," he joked, leaning over and kissing her
softly.

"You never stop, do you?" She joked, kissing him
quickly in return.

"Me? Your the one with the straw..." He argued, licking
at the bit of chocolate dangling from said straw.

"Just having a little fun with you," She explained,
raising her hands in surrender.

"Yeah, well...why don't I help you finish this mess,
so we can get outta here?" He asked, hopefully.

"Sounds like a plan," She agreed, liberating her
straw back and finishing the rest of her food.

________________________________________________________

6:03 pm
Scully's apartment
 
 

 Scully and Mulder sat together on her couch. She was
intending only to spend a few hours in the office...and managed
to spend nearly the whole day. "I'm sorry, Mulder, I feel like we
wasted a whole day in that office,"
 

"It's okay, not like we haven't done that before," He said,
kissing her cheek.

"You have a point there Agent Mulder," Scully said, stretching
her arms above her head. "So, what should we do about dinner?"

"Tell you what, you worked all day..let me do dinner," Mulder
offered, rising to his feet.

Scully chuckled, Mulder? Cooking? *This* she had to see. "Just
as long as it doesn't involve picking up the phone and calling the
nearest pizza joint,"

"Aw, come on...have a little faith, I'm sure there has
to be *something* I can cook," Mulder said, launching a search
of Scully's various cabinets.

 Scully sighed and pulled her legs up under her. This was nice..
it felt almost *too* nice..if that was possible. Looking at Mulder,
she couldn't help wonder what life would be like with him. Would
they spend their days the same way they spent this one? Together..
yet apart. She had to admit, it didn't sound that bad, but something
was still bothering her. Maybe it was the fact that he was returning
to DC next week. She honestly didn't know *how* she was going to
make it through the days ahead without him. Shaking her head,
she returned her glance back to Mulder who was in the process of
killing her kitchen.

"Need some help in there?" She asked, walking behind him and
wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Yeah, would you mind handing me the phone?" he joked,
leaning back into her embrace.

"Oh no, Mister..your not getting out of this one that
easy. Now come on, what are you trying to make anyway?"

Mulder took a look at the hideous mess before him and
had to laugh. "I honestly have no idea," He admitted.

Scully decided to take pity on him... "Tell you what,
Mulder, I'm going to take a nice long bath. In the meantime,
you know where the phone is, and the pizza menu's are right
in this drawer," She paused, taking in the smile he was giving
her.

 Mulder pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "You
are truly amazing, now go on...get outta here,"

 Scully smiled and walked into her bedroom. Sure, it wasn't
a gourmet dinner, but it was Mulder. She had to ask herself if
she would really be happy with *everything pefect*. She knew the
answer to that one.

Hell no
 

 Turning the water on, she poured a few capfulls of
her favorite peach bubble bath in. The scent soon flooded her
senses, beckoning her into the water. She slid into the tub,
relaxing into the warm bubbles. This was the life, a luxurious
bubble bath, a loving and devoted...hmmm. What exactly *was*
Mulder?

Her friend? Without a doubt
Her partner? Well, not really
Her lover? Most definitely

So that's what he is. Her lover..she liked the sound of it.
It made him sound mysterious. Laughing to herself, she thought
about what she just said. Hell, Mulder was the most mysterious
man she'd ever known. Yet, he acted almost as if he didn't
know how much of an enigma he was, which only made her *more*
crazy. She slid down into the tub, submerging her head in the
warm water.

 Meanwhile, Mulder busied himself with the task at hand.
He hadn't really had much time to himself today, and there were
a million things running through his mind. He thought back to the
concert Scully was dragging him to tomorrow night. It would be the
perfect place, but was it the perfect time? Would there be such
an animal? He didn't know. Yet, if there was anything he had
learned in his life, you get absolutely nowhere unless you
take a risk.

 However, this was more than that. This was everything.
He wanted to offer Scully his life, in exchange for hers. He couldn't
remember when he knew that he wanted her in his life forever, but
couldn't remember when he didn't either. Sitting down on the couch,
he decided.

Tomorrow night he was gonna do it...
He was gonna ask Dana Scully for forever.

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

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie McCuholl
Chapter 4
-My Doubts-
 

July 28, 1999
11:24 am

 Scully pushed a lazy strand of copper hair from her eyes,
and surveyed the task she had begun. House cleaning, oh goody.
Mulder was busy cleaning the bathroom for her, which in itself
was a modern miracle. It was all she could do to keep from
laughing when she saw him with those yellow rubber gloves
on, up to his ears in comet bathroom cleaner. Something was up,
she could feel it.

 Mulder seemed to be walking on eggshells all morning,
making her breakfast in bed...getting the newspaper for her.
At first, she chalked it up to him being simply..him; but
something just didn't click. And now this? Mulder, cleaning
her bathroom? Oh yeah, something was up. Starting the vacumn,
she decided to worry about it later.

 Meanwhile, in the bathroom, various cuss words were
making there way out of the tiny room. Mulder had no eartly
idea what he was doing cleaning Scully's bathtub, yet here he was.
He wasn't trying to suck up, really. Well, maybe just a little.
He just didn't know how to act now around her, and he really *really*
needed to talk to Maggie Scully. Finally finishing up, he grabbed the
one hundred and one assorted cleaners and joined Scully in the
living room. She was busy vacumning, and didn't hear him approach
from behind.

Placing his arms around her from behind, he laughed as she
nearly jumped from her skin.

She whirred around and turned the vacumn off. "Mulder, are you
*trying* to give me a heart attack?"

"I'm done with your royal throne, my lady," He joked,
peeling the dirty gloves from his hands.

"Ha ha, very funny. I'm almost done in here, why don't you go
pour us some tea?"

"Your wish is my command," Mulder said, bowing slightly
for effect.

"Your really asking for it today, you know that?" She
teased, throwing a rubber glove at him.

Mulder had to snicker at that, she really had *no* idea how true
that was. "You have a dust bunny in your hair," he whispered to
her before walking away. He couldn't help it, she looked so cute
with her hair all pulled back, and those little shorts she was
wearing.

 Scully started the vacumn up again, after removing the
offending *dust bunny*. Well, if she had any doubts...*now* she
just *knew* something was up. Mulder was acting as if he had
the biggest secret in the world.

XxX

5:17 pm

XxX

 Mulder finally got Scully out of the house long enough
so that he could attempt to call Maggie. Now, if he could only
find the number. "Shit" he exclaimed, bending down to pick up
the million tiny papers he dropped in his hasty search. Finally
coming across the number, he picked up the phone and hoped for
the best.

 "Hello?"

"Maggie? It's me, Mulder,"

"Oh, hello, Fox. Is something the matter?"

"No, I mean, well...not really. I just needed to talk to you
about something," Jeez, how was he going to ask Scully...if
he couldn't even bring himself to tell her mother.

 "What is it, Fox?" She asked, her voice gentle, as always.

Mulder sighed and took a seat on the couch.
"It's about Dana...I need your advice," he admitted, playing
with the throw pillows.

Maggie sighed on the other end. She knew where this was going.
Smiling to herself, she took a deep breath and granted Fox
his wish.
 "Ask her, Fox. Don't analyize it, don't try to rationalize
it, just ask her,"  She said, her words coming out with a smile.

Mulder sat in shock for a moment. "How did you know I was-"
He started, stopping mid-stream as Scully walked in.

Maggie heard her daughter in the background and smiled. She was
certain about this, more than she had been about anything before.
Those two were destined to be together, and she was relieved that
they had found each other, finally. "I'll let you go, Fox,
and trust me, this is the right thing. Let your
heart do all the work," She said before hanging up.
 

Mulder sat mute for a moment. He hung up the phone and
placed in beside him on the couch. Damn, that was *the* most strange
comversation he ever had with Mrs Scully. What, was she pyschic
or something? Judging by how well her daughter could read his mind,
he wasn't sure. Somehow, all though he wasn't sure how, he was
more confused than before.

Great

"Who was that?" Scully inquired, placing her dry cleaning bags down
on the kitchen table.

Mulder smiled and tried to think of a way to explain this one.
He wasn't really sure *if* she heard him talking to her mother,
but he silently prayed that was the case. All he needed was here
to hear about it this way. He tried the cowards approach.
"Oh, wrong number...some guy kept asking me if he could speak to the
hot little red head that lived here. I kindly informed
him that she was already, um, taken,"

Scully smiled and sat beside him on the couch. "Mulder, you
are so transparent," she said, pausing. She almost knew
that it had been her mother. Somehow over the past few years,
she knew her mother and Mulder had developed a bond. Not that
she minded, God knows Mrs Mulder was no June Cleaver. She just
found the fact that it made Mulder uncomfortable...funny.

"That obvious, huh?" He said, his head down in mock shame.
Okay, so the jig is up, no biggie. "Your mother's a smart
woman, Scully," He said, before getting up and retreating
to the bathroom, leaving Scully to ponder that last statement.

Shrugging, she collected her bags and headed for the bedroom.
She was glad that she remembered about the dress she dropped
off there last week..it would certainly come in handy later.
Unzipping the bag, she inspected the pale green slip dress with
a smile. She had bought the dress not too long after the move,
and only had one occasion to wear it, unfortunately. It was
perfect for tonight though, she thought. Hoping the weather
cooperated, she carefully chose her lingere and waited for
Mulder to finish his shower.

XxX

One Hour Later

XxX

 Scully stood before the mirror and reapplied her
lipstick. Mulder had mysteriously dissapeared, and she
was beginning to really wonder what he was up to. Grabbing
her purse, she decided to wait it out in the living room.
 

 Mulder walked hurriedly back to Scully's car. He couldn't
remember being this nervous before...*ever*. Well, big guy, it's
not everyday that you propose to Dana Scully, he thought as his
stomach flipped perfect 10's. He walked around the florists
for a good 15 mintues before finally deciding on the roses
beside him on the seat. He thought they were perfect. Twelve
perfect roses, peach colored...the color of her skin. He hastily
drove back to her apartment, praying to whomever listened, that
he was doing the right thing. After all, what did he know about
marriage. The supposed role models, his parents, made marriage
look like a cartoon. Totally phony. Scully was the one with all
the practice, but would she want to practice with him? Self
doubt plauged his mind.

What if she said no?
Oh. God.
What would happen then, they certainly couldn't ever go back
to what they had.
Why would she no, you ask?
Think about it, who would *willingly* agree to spend the rest
of their life with good 'ol spooky?
He mentally kicked his inner voice, hard.
Things would work out....

They had to...

Noticing that he was again back at Scully's he clutched the roses and
hoped for the best. This was all a little strange, it was the first
time he was actually taking her out on a *date*. The illusion was
intact, considering he intended to ring the bell like a gentlman,
istead of barging through the door as usual.

 Wiping his sweaty palms on his dark pants, he reached up
and rang the bell. Now, he would have knocked, but the bell was
a nice touch, he thought. Scully opened the door and all
consious thought left him. "Beautiful, as always," He whispered,
placing a soft kiss on her cheek and handing her the flowers.

 Scully smiled and smelled the fragrant roses. "Thank you,
handsome," She said, wrapping the chiffon scarf that accompanied
the dress, around her shoulders. Mulder really did look *good*.
She really didn't get a good look at him before he left, since
she was in the shower. He was wearing black pants, a white shirt,
and (as always) one of the *craziest* ties she had ever seen.
It was black, with little ufo's scattered about.

"Ready to go, red?" Mulder aksed, extending his arm out
to her.

 Scully reached into the flowers and picked one full
bloom, before placing the rest hastily into a vase. "Ready,
Spooky," She joked, kissing him softly.

 Mulder couldn't help it, he laughed. "So, does that
still make you Mrs. Spooky?"

 Scully smiled, "Of course, and I better not hear about
you offering the position to someone else." She joked, missing
the smug look on Mulder's face.

There was a God....
Maybe she would say yes...

  ______________________________________________________________
 

 They arrived at the lakefront and took their seats. Mulder
tried desperately to keep his nervousness at bay. It wasn't working
very well.

"Mulder, is there something wrong, you look like
youv'e seen a ghost" Scully asked, looking worried.

 Mulder relaxed a bit. If he was going to do this,
he needed to be relaxed. Oh hell, he would try anyway.
"Nope, everything's fine," He lied. Well, it would
be fine...he hoped.

Scully shook her head. Something wasn't right...and she had to figure out
what the *hell* it was. Either that, or she was going to break
Mulder's leg if he didn't stop jerking it. She really didn't have
much more time to think, before the musicians started tuning their
instruments. She was soon lost in the opening strings of her
favortite piece....

 Whatever it was that Mulder was sitting on could wait,
for now anyway. Right now, she was enjoying herself, immensely.

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

End of Chapter 4
Go on to chapter 5 :)
(duh!)

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie McCucholl

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Summary: See chapter 1

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

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
Chapter 5
-My Musings-

 Scully sat, transfixed as the music carried her away. Mulder
tried his best to *look* interested, he really did. Glancing
sideways, he noticed how truly beautiful she was. Her hair was
curled and hung loosely around her face, the crimson color complimenting
the pale green of the dress perfectly. Now, if they could just get
through this *symphony* business, he mused. Scully slid one tiny
hand across to his, and squeezed gently.

 "Smile, Mulder," She said, smiling warmly at him.

 "How can I resist that smile?" He asked, kissing her softly.
They both smiled and listened to the music unfold, upstaged only
by the gentle waves on the lake. Holding onto her hand, he imagined
that one day he would be able to call her his wife...if only....

__________________________________________________________________

One Hour Later

 Scully tugged at the hem of her dress. She was utterly,
and completely, bored. Not that the music wasn't beautiful,
it was, it just lacked something. Either that, or it was the way
Mulder kept looking at her all evening, as if he thought she'd
suddenly dissapear. She sat back and let her thoughts drift back
to a few nights past. Mulder had asked her if she was still looking
for *Mr Right*. Was she? She didn't know if she even believed in
such a thing. One thing she *did* know, was that she loved
Mulder with every fiber of her being. Things just happened so fast.
She could recall back to a mere week ago, she sat nervous and hot
in her kitchen, waiting for Mulder's plane to arrive.....

And also to two nights ago,
Lying hot and nervous in her bed.....
When Mulder and her made love for the very first time....

How did they get from a to b? Simple, they jumped, head first.

Okay, well if you really think about, she thought, they had
taken 6 years to get to this point. Yet, the feeling that
things were moving a *bit* too fast, had crossed her mind.
Something though, made her feel a little better. She could
remember her mother telling her to not be afraid of love.

Love.....
Such a simple word, for such a complex emotion.

Was she afraid? Definitely. Was Mulder afraid? Scared shitless.
She knew this for a fact. They were both new to this, in a way.
True, she had relationships before; and Mulder had *Phoebe*..
but this was different. This had the potential to last
her a lifetime. Maybe that was what she was afraid of.
She looked sideways at Mulder and sighed. Although she
never saw herself as the marrying type...she could
see herself married to Mulder.

Someday.

Noticing Mulder struggling to remain awake, she decided
to give him his *get out of jail free* card."Mulder, ready to go?" She
asked,
flashing him a million watt smile.

 Mulder looked as happy as can be. "I thought you would
never ask," He said, ushering her to feet.

 Taking a deep breath, he paced himself for the evening ahead.
"So, beautiful, where to?" He asked, walking with her out of the pavillion.

 Scully smiled at him, he could be such a gentleman, she thought.
"Surprise me, Mulder," She teased, stopping him briefly for a kiss.
____________________________________________________________________

25 minutes later

 Mulder walked quickly over to where the horse and carriage
rides were being given, and glanced around to make sure Scully
didn't see what he had planned. Hoping he wasn't going to have to
use his FBI credentials to rent a ride, he waited patiently in the
ever growing line. He thought he was going to have a heart-attack
right there, with all the nervous tension he was feeling. Thinking
back over Scully's smile, her hair, her dress...he...he..only became more
nervous.

 Finally it was his turn in line. He paid the driver the
required $75.00 for the hour, and told him to remain where he was
for a few moments. Walking over to where he told Scully to wait,
he toook a deep breath and hoped for the best.

"Scully?" He asked, peering around the corner.

Scully whipped her head around and smiled his way. "There you are,
what on earth were you doing?"

"That's for me to know, and you to find out," He teased,
grabbing for her hands, and pulling her close.

"I thought we went over this thing about exposing secrets,"
She whispered, running her manicured nails softly along his neck.

"Yeah, and if you keep doing that, you'll find all
your secrets revealed right here on Michigan Avenue," He
warned her, pulling her close.

Scully sniggled. "I love the way your mind works,
Agent Mulder,"

"I love the way your everything works, Scully," he replied,
nuzzling her hair and kissing her gently.

"Come on, I have a surprise for you," he said, turning the corner
and motioning the driver.

 Scully took in a sharp breath when she saw the carriage.
Turning to Mulder, she shook her head. "Only you, Mulder,"
She joked, taking the hand being offered and sitting beside
him.

"You expected less?" He whispered, taking her hand in
his and squeezing it gently. Leaning in for a quick kiss,
he chuckled.

She turned to face him, a slight smile on her lips.
"What are you laughing at, or do I even want to know?"

"I guess I'm still amazed," He admitted, picking a piece
of lint from his jacket.

 Scully laughed, the carriage had just begun it's journey
up Michigan avenue, and she paused a moment to look at the
scenery pass by. She noticed a woman watching her, with a
sad look on her face. She couldn't help smile at the woman.
It wasn't a smug smile, but a smile that could only say:
'Believe me, I know how you feel,' Smoothing out her dress,
she once again faced Mulder. "You continue to amaze me
everyday, Mulder,"

"I try," He teased, straightening his tie and
running a hand through his hair in mock bravado.

"You are such a goof," She deadpanned, shaking her head.

"You love me, Scully," He argued, folding his arms
defiantly.

"Hmm, don't remind me," She quipped.

Mulder laughed. "You think you're funny, don't you?" He
asked, taking her hand.

"No, I *know* I'm funny," Scully asserted, matter-of-factly.

He smiled at her. "Ha! If that's what you want to
believe,"

"Mulder?" Scully inquired, staring at him.

"Yeah?" He asked, eagerly.

"Shutup," Scully responded, then kissed him...just to
make sure. The kiss began that way anyway, then quickly
fell into the *ten things to not do in public* category.
Breaking contact, Scully paused to wipe a smudge of
rosy lipstick from Mulder's mouth. "What did I tell you
about wearing my lipstick?" She whispered, kissing
the offending spot.

 Mulder chuckled against her mouth, his voice deep.
"Not to wear it in public?"

 She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"So, where are we headed, exactly?" She asked, looking around.
The carriage was slow moving, but not in a bad way. She really
didn't want the night to end, as it was.
 

Mulder smiled. "That is for me to know,"

"Mul-der!" She whined, pouting again.

"You want some cheese with that whine?" He teased.

"You are not funny!" She said, swatting his shoulder.

"Okay, you really wanna know?" He asked, taking a
VERY deep breath.

Scully was *beyond* aggrivated at this point.
What was he doing? *Trying* to drive her insane?
Just give him a chance, she told herself.

Mulder smiled and said a silent prayer. This was it...no
turning back. No pain, no gain....kicking that voice
of his *again*, he took a deep breath. "We, my dear Scully,
are going down a never ventured road," He said, cryptically.

 Scully regarded him, and raised an eyebrow. What was
he up to *now*? She watched as he motioned the driver to stop,
and then turn to face her once again. Something in his eyes
told her that this *wasn't* what she had been expecting.

Oh. God.

 As if to confirm her suspicions, she watched as
he reached into his pocket and produce a tiny velvet
box.

Mulder...

 Mulder reached over and took her hand. She looked
up, finally meeting his eyes. They were a dark, stormy green.
Not unlike the deep blue she knew her eyes had become.
She felt every sensation from that point on. The warm
breeze carrying her hair, the dull noise of the traffic
passing by...the loud beating of her heart. Watching
as Mulder gather up his remaining courage, she took a
deep breath. What was she going to do?

Better yet, what was she going to *say*? She had little
time to think, before Mulder cleared his throat.

"Scully...I know what your thinking," he began,
noticing the look on her face.

Confusion.
Fear...
Trust....
and Love

"Mulder, I....I don't know what I'm thinking
right now," She stammered, trying to keep her voice calm.

"I know this is sudden, I know I should wait...
but I want you to do this for me," he whispered, opening
the box.

 Scully took in a sharp breath. The ring was
beautiful. Tiny sparkles bounced across the fabric of
her dress, creating miniature rainbows. She took the
box and looked up. A pair of questioning eyes awaited
her. "Mulder....?"

"Hear me out, Scully," He said, clasping his
hands over her own. "I know what your thinking, and
I agree,"" He paused.

Scully shook her head. "Mulder, what are
you trying to say?" She was desperately trying
to get her breathing back under control. It
wasn't working.

He let out a ragged breath. "Will you marry me,
Scully?" There...now it's done. So why did he
feel like he'd made the biggest mistake of
his life.

Shit.
 

Scully closed her eyes. Of all the many things
she expected this evening...this was *not* one of them.
Yes, she did want to marry him, no doubt about that...

Yet...she needed some time. Time for what, Dana? Her inner
voice screamed.

"Mulder, I don't know what to say," She admitted,
wiping away a stray tear.

"Hey," He said, lifting her chin and smiling.
"No tears, okay?"

"I'm sorry, Mulder," She said, closing the box.
"I need some time, I can't think right now,"

Mulder took the box back. Of all the things he
had expected, this was not one of them. He thought
about how he simply expected her to say *yes*.
Although, she didn't exactly say *no* either.

 Scully took a deep breath and wiped her face free
of tears. Her hands were shaking, and she felt absolutely
terrified. Yep, terrified was a good word for it. Taking
a moment to compose herself, she turned once more to
Mulder. "I know what your thinking," She whispered, meeting
his gaze.

"Then you know how miserable I feel?" He said,
instantly regretting the words.

Closing her eyes, she sank back into the safety of her seat.
Mulder reached over and grabbed her hands. "I'm sorry, I didn't
mean that...It's just..." He paused.

 Scully's intense glare forced him to continue. "Scully,
do this for me, ok?" He asked her, brushing a stray tear from
her eye with his thumb.

She leaned into his palm and sighed. "Mulder-" She started.

"Listen to me," He tried to interrupt. She raised a hand.

"I think that all I can do right now, Mulder, is think. It's
been a crazy week, I just need a little time," She explained,
looking away for a moment.

 Mulder looked at her, the pain still evident in his
hazel eyes. Reaching for her hand, he placed a kiss on top.

"Come on, I'll take you home," Mulder said, motioning for
the driver. Once the carriage started heading back, Scully saw
a single tear make it's way down Mulder's cheek. Wiping away a
tear of her own, she held onto his hand as they rode the
rest of the way in silence.

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

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
Chapter 6
-My Fast Hard Screw On The Main Deck-
 

 Scully sat on her bed in total disbelief. Mulder had made
sure she made her way back to the apartment, and then he left.
Maybe it was for the best, she thought with a sad smile. They both
needed some time apart. She knew, personally, that she needed
the time; What Mulder needed right now, she could not say. One thing
she did know, was that Mulder was probably out wandering the streets...
wallowing in his own copyrighted self-depreciation. Taking a clean
washrag from the cabinet, she made her way into the bathroom. She
was greeted by the strangely familiar sights of *Mulder*: his razor,
a bar of *manly soap*, and his toothbrush. Smiling despite herself,
she thought about how good it felt to see them. Would things
be that different if the got married? Would...no make that *could*
Mulder and her get any closer?

 Walking back into her room, she looked at the big lonely
bed awaiting her. She hadn't slept in it *alone* in quite a while.
Well, as long as a week and a half can actually be. The once
warm left side of the bed would remain cold tonight...along with
part of her heart. This was all too much, she thought with a
long sigh. She didn't want to change the way things were now...

Yet, she didn't think...scratch that...she *knew* she couldn't
let things digress back to what they were. Thinking back to
the video tape from a few nights back, she began to really
wonder what it would be like to be the bride for once. Would
they have a big, old fashioned wedding? Would they exchange
vows in front of a hidieous Elvis impersonator in Vegas?
Too many questions...only one answer.

Yes...she was going to say yes. She began to wonder why she
didn't say yes right away. She bet Mulder was having one
of the worst nights of recent history. For a fleeting moment,
she considered getting dressed and scouring the city for him,
but decided that would have to wait until the morning.
She wanted to tell her mother anyway. She would most certainly
be happy. To say the *very* least. Right now, all she could do was
hold Mulder's pillow close to her heart and pray that he was okay.

                               *

Gilhouley's Pub
3:15 am

 The bartender watched as the haggard-looking Mulder
took a seat at her bar and sighed wearily. Another mental case,
she thought. Another rejected beau, a jilted lover, a sad and
desperate man turning to alcohol to numb the pain.

 She could tell them all apart, from the way they walked, the
way that they looked. How they spoke when they ordered their
cocktail of choice, their elixir of forgetfulness. The prescription
for all that ails. And she was the good doctor.

 But this one...this one seemed beyond the comfort of even
her medicine. Clad in a wrinlked dress shirt, a shapeless, *tasteless*,
tie, and a look of total defeat. The telltale stubble on his jawline,
and the haphazzard locks of chestnut colored hair jetting in every
direction, confirmed her suspiscion that he hadn't slept. The glassy
eyes of golden green staring blankly at her as he opened his mouth,
signaled to her that his mind was somewhere else, although his body
was sitting here at the bar. Not only somewhere else, but on *someone*
else....the likely cause of his sleepless symptoms.

 She wondered who this one was..what this woman could have
done to put him in such a state. She didn't know Mulder. She was going
to try and heal the wounds...

It was time for the examination.
But she dreaded the length of the procedure.
Maybe she should have taken that break.

No, she shouldn't have. This was what she was best at...pouring her
elixirs and curing them of what ailed, if only for a brief instant
in time. It was her specitaly. Slowly she approached the patient
and addressed him with a smile on her tired face. "What'll it be, sir?"
she said, her voice light.

Mulder slowly opened his mouth, his full lips trembling
slightly as he remained distant in thought. "Red," he mumbled,
almost a whisper, his eyes far away. "Something red."

"I beg your pardon?" She asked, wiping the bar clean.

"Something...something red. Anything, doesn't matter. Hell,
rocket fuel'll do if it's got a kick" Mulder said, sadly.

She looked sympathetically at him, producing a glass.
"That bad, huh?"

Mulder nodded, his eyes focused on the dark wood of the bar.

"Lady troubles?" She asked, already knowing the answer.

Mulder looked up, surprised. "How did you know? Is it that obvious?"
He asked.

 She smiled. "Anyone who asks for something red ususally
has a nice broken heart.

"Im impressed." Mulder said drily, tracing a circle on
the table.

She smiled ingenuously at him.

"What's your name, by the way?" Mulder wanted to know. "If
I'm gonna sit here for a while, at least let me know who I'm talkin'
to,"

Leaning over the table, she gave Mulder a slight grin.
"Names are extra," She said, matching Mulder's dry comment.

Mulder smiled, chuckling softly. "Will you marry me?"
He returned the retort.

She gave him a sassy knowing look. "Well, why don't you have
a couple drinks and then we'll see if you still want to buy the ring,"
She said, wiping off the table.

"I already have," he replied softly, a slight tear welling
in his hazel eyes.

The bartender momentarily forgot her duties, touching Mulder's
hand. "She needed time to think, didn't she?" Mulder nodded in agreement.

"Man, that's the worst." She said, squeezing his hand in sympathy.
She watched as Mulder reached into his pocket and showed her the ring.
"Damn, what a rock," She said. "May I?" She asked him.

"Sure," he said, handing her the box. She held the ring
up in the light, attempting to put it on. A strong hand stopped her.
"No," he said "That ring is intended for one person only."

"This ring's worth a small fortune," she said softly. "Your
lady must be worth it,"

Mulder smiled. "She is, she definitely is" he muttered,
his eyes downcast.

"So what are you going to do about it?" She asked, handing
him the ring.

Mulder had to laugh. "Nothing," he said "I mean, the
ball's in her court now, so to speak."

"You don't think there's a chance she'll say yes?"
Mulder shook his head. "When Dana Scully has to think about
something, that usually means trouble."

"Dana, is that her name?" she asked, growing more interested.

"Yeah...Dana" Mulder whispered, realizing how strange the
name sounded on his tongue.

"Pretty name," she said, smiling at him.

Mulder released a long sigh in reply.

"My name's Nancy," She said, hoping that letting him know her identity
would help matters some. "Nancy Drew,"

Mulder looked up with a sarcastic sniggle, "Lemme guess,
bartender by day, mystery sleuth by night?" He teased.

 Nancy laughed. "Well, not exactly, although I do try to solve
the problems of the world from behind this counter," She filled a glass
tumbler with water and handed it to him. "Now what was it you said
you wanted?"

Mulder frowned. "Like I said, something red. Anything red..
whatever you got,"

"Honey," Nancy said, "I got a lot of things that are red
back here. You'll have to be more specific,"

"Then you choose. I don't care." Mulder stared at her
shoulder-length titian hair. "Just promise me you won't leave
in the middle of my booze binge."

Nancy titled her head, smiling. "I don't think I'd let
you walk away from this bar in the condition you're in now,
let alone when your three sheets to the wind." She patted his
hand reassuringly.

Suddenly Mulder's eyes widened. "Ship," he said. "A ship."

"What?" Nancy asked. "What are you talking about?"

"A ship," Mulder repeated. "Something about a ship."

Nancy frowned. "You gotta speak up if you want me to hear your
rambling," She said.

Mulder nodded. "We had a drink once..somewhere on assignment..something
about a damn ship."

Nancy continued to stare blankly at her customer.
A slight smile penetrated Mulder's mouth as he recalled the events
of that night. He began talking to himself out loud, remembering the
pleasant memories of an evening with Scully so long ago.
"We'd ordered drinks that night at the bar in the hotel we were staying
in..just for the hell of it..nothing else to do but watch TV, and we
watched enough of that already."

Nancy listened intently, her curiousity piqued.

"So Scully starts complaining about how weak her drink is and how
she needs a little something extra in it. She looks over at my
drink and just picks it up without asking. She took three long swigs,
one after the other, just to piss me off. And she knows I hate
pansy-ass drinks like strawberry margarita's," He admitted out loud,
as Nancy took a seat on her bar stool.

"Anyway, so here I am, with half a drink left, after she's finished with
it, and she says she has an idea. Some brilliant plan she'd just
concocted." Mulder chuckled. "She decides to make up a drink, just for
the hell of it, and she decides to use the rest of my drink."
"She just takes it again, without asking, and pours it into her
margarita. The whole glass...before I can say anything. By that point
I was pretty pissed she decided to play bartender with my hard
earned money."

Nancy supressed a giggle at Mulder's remark, "That little thief,"
She said, enjoying the story.

"Then she takes her straw and mixes it all together. It doesn't look
too different, at least from the looks of it. But when she made me take
a sip, I thought I was going to need a paramedic."

Nancy giggled.

"That was some seriously nasty shit," Mulder commented. "The kind
that'll pick you up by the waistband of your pants and give you
an automatic wedgie. And She loved it," He said, smiling.
"She had this little look on her face, like a proud little
kid who'd just made her first pitcher of kool-aid,"

Nancy nodded in understanding as Mulder rambled on.

"She was all high-and-mighty about it too, all night," he said.
"So proud that she ordered two more drinks and requested the
bartender mix them up in this bladder-buster-sized glass."
He chuckled again. "No matter that the bartender thought she
was crazy. She was determined to have this drink. Once the bartender
gave it to her, Scully just looked at me and said 'Now that we've
made this new drink, we need to come up with a name for it.' I thought
she'd lost it. I thought that I'd personally cut her off right
then."

"So what did you name it?" Nancy wanted to know.
Mulder finally looked at her and smiled. "*I* didn't name it,"
he said. "She did. It just rolled off her tongue like some
wonderful inspiration from the gods or something."

Nancy leaned in closer. "Well.....?"
Mulder grinned. "She called it a 'Fast Hard Screw on the Main Deck."

Nancy laughed so loudly that the other patrons began to take
notice of their conversation. Shaking her head, she continued to giggle.
"She was coming on to you," She said, smiling.

Mulder shared her moment of humor. "Yeah, I guess she was," he said.
"I could kick myself for not catching it then."

"So what did you do after that?" She asked.
Mulder continued to smile as he recounted the evening. "We shared the
damn drink, both of us. And as much as I hated the taste, I couldn't
refuse Scully. She was so different that night, so young, so alive..
so *Dana*. I would've had five Fast Hard Screws on the Main Deck
just to see that smile for another hour."

Nancy laughed. "Well, that's it," She said.
"Thats's what?" Mulder wanted to know.
"You are certifiably, undeniably, one whipped puppy dog when it comes
to this girl," She said.
"Mulder nodded in response. "I know."

"So, what happened after that?" She asked.

Mulder continued. "Well, the music was playing and Scully asked me
to dance. I'm  a lousy dancer, always have been, and I was already
buzzed from that damn drink she'd made. Yet, try as I might, she
would not be deterred. She got me on that dance floor and before I
knew it, I was holding her close and slow dancing to Marvin Gaye.
That's when i realized that I couldn't live without her, even if she
fed me a nasty Fast Hard Screw on the Main Deck."

Nancy sighed. "So did you do anything about it?" she asked, curious.
Mulder shook his head. "Nope. A couple more dances...a couple more
of those drinks, and Scully was blitzed. She was laughing so hard
she couldn't stand straight. I helped her out of the bar and up
to her room, but when she fell down in the doorway, I had to carry
her the rest of the way. As soon as I'd put her on the bed, she gave
me this little kiss on the cheek, and said she'd had a good time.
Then she passed out."

"Aw." Nancy said, clearly dissapointed with the turn of events Mulder
had described.

"I didn't want to leave her there; I was afraid she'd get sick and
hurt herself trying to make it to the bathroom. So I stayed with
her the whole night, lying beside her in the bed, holding her in
my arms." He said, sighing sadly before continuing.

"I don't know, call me crazy, call me sick, call me anything you want,
but after that evening, I was addicted. Addicted to Dana Scully like a
drug, I wanted to lay beside her every night, stroke her hair, take
care of the one woman in the world who thinks she doesn't need to be
protected. That's when I vowed to myself that one day, when the time
was right, I would go to her with ring in hand and ask her to marry
me. And so I did. And here I am, with the ring still in my hand."

Nancy covered his hand with hers in an attempt to console him.
"Sounds like you need that drink, pal," She said, procuring a glass
from behind the counter. "What's in this Fast Hard Screw on the Main
Deck?"

Mulder mumbled a reply. "I don't know, but it's a mix of strawberry
margarita and a really strong Seabreeze."

Nancy's face contorted in disgust. "Ok, buddy," She said. "Whatever
you want." She began to prepare the drink.

Mulder sighed, his eyes staring sadly at the diamond solitare. "Can
I ask you something, Nancy?"

"Shoot," She said, shaking the mixture of liquids.

"If you were Scully, and you'd admitted you loved someone like
me, yet you needed some time to think about the proposal, what would
you be thinking?"

Nancy shook her head. "I don't know what she'd be thinking, honey,
but I can tell you this: If she hasn't turned you down, there's
still hope. There's always hope."

"Hope?," Mulder repeated, his dreary eyes suddenly growing brighter.
"Yeah, hope." Nancy placed the drink on the counter in front of Mulder.
"Besides, if she's thinking, that means she loves you too much to turn
you down. And if she loves you that much, then I think it's only a
matter of time before you'll have that ring on her finger."

Mulder smiled. "I hope you're right," he said, taking a sip from the
glass and wincing at the acrid mix of sweet and sour. At least
he had Scully in a glass, if nothing else at the moment.
Suddenly filled with newfound vitality, Mulder quickly downed the
drink and produced a wad of dollar bills from his pocket.
"What's the damage?" he asked Nancy.

She smiled. "Nothing," She said. "The story and the new drink
are payment enough. I'll be sure to add it to my list of
specialties." She winked at him. "Just make sure you invite
me to the wedding. I wanna see who this Scully is for myself."

"You got a deal," Mulder said, rising from the stool. "Thanks
for the advice."

"No problem," She replied. "Mr...Mr.."
"Mulder," he said "Fox Mulder."
"Take care, Mr Mulder," She said, as he walked out of the bar.
Pausing to pick up the glass, she noticed something strange in
the bottom.

A twenty dollar bill,
What a big heart that man had.

She hoped this *Scully* person believed enough to give that
man the chance he so depserately wanted. Wishing them both luck,
she decided to give the new *house special* a try....

End Chapter 6
************************************************************************

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
By: Jennifer Brady with Bidie Mc Cucholl

See Disclaimer and Summary in part chapter 1

Now on with the story......

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

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
Chapter 7
-Our beginning-
 

Somewhere along the lakefront
6:37 am

 Mulder sat, or rather, slumped into a worn
painted bench. He had been wandering around the city
for the past hour-and-a-half, since leaving the bar.
He felt like shit, and he knew for certain that Scully
would be worried about him. Thinking back, he wondered
why he left her in the first place. Then he remembered.

The ring...

Scully needed time to think. Rubbing his now fully
stubbled chin, he thought of Nancy. He hoped she
was right about Scully needing time because she
loved him. It hurt to much to think that she would
actually say no. He wanted desperately to walk back
to Scully's apartment and crawl beside her in that
wonderfully creeky bed of hers, wrap his arms around
her and never let go. He hoped she would give him the
chance to do so. Looking at his watch, he realized
that even if he didn't go back right away, he owed
her a phone call. Producing his cell phone from
the now wrinkled jacket, he punched in her number.
She answered on the first ring...

So much for his hope that she was asleep.

"Mulder?" Scully's frantic voice called out,
hoping it was indeed him.

"None other," Mulder said, his voice now showing
the obvious fatigue. He listened as Scully went
through a few range of emotions.

Relief
Slight anger,
and then....
Fear.

"Mulder, I could kill you sometimes, you know that?"
She asked him. She had managed to sleep, about 3 hours,
but it *was* sleep. The rest of the night she had spent
weighing the pros and cons of their present situation.

"I'm sorry, Scully. But I thought we needed some
time apart, I hoped it might make things, um, easier
on us," He admitted, shyly.

Scully smiled into the phone. " Where are you,?"

Mulder took a good look at his surroundings, and smiled.
"I have'nt a clue, but judging from the bum sleeping
next to the tree over there, I'm assuming it's not
a nice neighborhood," He commented, getting up and
walking back in the general direction of Scully's.

Scully let out an exasperated sigh. "Listen
Mulder, we need to talk. Not now, but later.
Right now, you need some sleep, so get your
ass over here," She playfully ordered him.

Mulder chuckled at her nonstop rambling. "I'll be there
in a few...sir"

"Mulder?" Scully asked, her voice quivering.

"Yeah?" Mulder asked, simply happy to hear her.

"I love you," She stated. Smiling into the phone,
and wiping away a tear.

Mulder smiled at this. "I know, Scully, I love you too."

Placing the cell phone back into his jacket, he made his
way back to the apartment.

                         *

 Scully, in the meantime, pondered the previous nights events
over a mug of cinnammon apple tea. Thinking over her decision to say
*yes*, she again thought of Mulder. What would happen to them now?
Would she stay here? Would he move here to be with her? The realization
that he would be leaving in a few days was now heavy in her mind.
Although, when she thought about it, she really wouldn't mind moving
back to DC; as long as Mulder and her were together. She was certain
that her mother would approve. Speaking of Maggie, Scully reached for
the phone. She had a little while before Mulder was due back, and
really needed to speak to her.

"Hello," Maggie said, bringing a smile to Scully's face.

"It's me, mom," Scully sighed, stirring her tea absently.

"Well, hello, me," Maggie joked, putting Scully at ease. "So,
how are you, Dana?"

 Scully sighed in response. How was she going to explain
this to someone else, when she didn't understand it herself.
"Mom, Mulder asked me to marry him," She blurted out in one long
rush.

Maggie laughed into the phone. "And,"

"And, I told him I had to think about it," She admitted, shyly.

Maggie let out a long breath. "Dana, do you know how that
man agonized over asking you?"

Scully shook her head in confusion. "I..I don't understand,"

"Oh dear, well, let me try to explain," Maggie said,
taking a deep breath.

Scully walked over to the couch and sat down. The early morning sunshine
played with the window glass, creating a tiny prism on the back of
the couch; reminding Scully of the ring....

The ring....Mulder...

"Go ahead, mom," She prodded, hoping to get a better idea
of what was going on in Mulder's head. *If that's possible*, she thought,
with a luagh.

"Okay, well where do I begin. A few months back, Fox and I
had lunch. We spent the majority of this lunch talking about you,"
She paused, waiting for a reply.

"Nice to know," Scully teased, trying to picture her mother
and Mulder chatting over Ceasar Salad.

"Anyway, he showed me the ring, and asked for some advice,"
Maggie continued, causing Scully to nearly drop her mug.

"He actually *asked* for advice, about *me*?" Scully repeated,
incredulous.

"He cares for you a great deal, Dana," Maggie stated,
reminding Scully of the obvious.

"And I love him, but why didn't he ever tell me?" Scully wanted to
know. She took a sip of her tea and tried to calm her
heartrate. She was *really* going to have a talk with
Mulder.

"Fear, mostly. I tend to think he was afraid that you would
say no," Maggie explained.

Scully shook her head. At least, thank *God* at least,
she hadn't said no. "I didn't," She said
reassuring both her mother and herself.

"What are *you* so afraid of Dana?" Her mother
asked, knowing all to well Dana's fears.

Scully wiped a tear away, "I don't know, mom. Nothing...everything,"

"I told you before; You have to be willing to take a chance
on this. You can't try and justify it, you can't rationalize it,"
She said, hoping Scully was getting the real message.

"So this is love...this intoxicating feeling of Christmas
morning, and your birthday all in one,?" Scully chuckled,
realizing how good it felt to talk to somebody about this.

"Now your getting it. Your father and I went through some
tough times together...most of them after we were married. Fox and
you have survived far more already. Think about it, honey."
She reassured her, taking time to think about her
departed husband's memory.

Scully smiled. "Yeah, I suppose things can't get much different,
we act like some old married couple as it is,"

"What are you going to do,?" She asked, really hoping
things would work out for them. They deserved it.

Scully giggled. "You mean besides say yes?" She
asked, wiping her face with a kleenex.

"If you already had your mind made up, why did you call me?"
Maggie joked, realizing that she had been expecting *this* call last night.

"Because, Iknew that if I was making the wrong decision, you'd talk
me out of it." Scully said, repeating the words Mulder had spoken
to her once.

"I knew I raised your right," Maggie exclaimed, causing
Scully to break into giggles.

"Well, I have quite a day ahead of me," Scully began,
thinking that she should get of the phone before Mulder arrived.

"Okay, honey. You tell me what happens. Either way." Maggie
said, knowing that her daughter was going to be a
very happy woman soon.

"I love you, mom" Scully said, smiling more than before.

"I love you too, Dana. Take care." Maggie said,
hanging up.

Scully placed the phone on the table and walked over to the sink.
She heard the key turn and took a deep breath. Mulder and her
had been apart all night, and even after their conversation
that morning, she was still nervous. Turning around to say hi,
she bumped right into him. She watched as Mulder enveloped her in
the sweetest hug she'd had in a while.

"Hello to you, too" She whispered, kissing him softly
on the cheek.

"I missed you terribly," Mulder admitted, taking time
to squeeze her a little tighter before letting go.

Scully winced inwardly at the tension mounting in the
room. Breaking contact with Mulder, she moved hastily over to
get him a cup of coffee. "Mind if I ask where you spent
the last, oh, 5 hours?" She asked, handing him the mug.

Mulder accepted the coffee, and sat down beside her
on the couch. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," he
asmitted, his head down.

"Try me," Scully said. At least he could tell her this much,
she thought.

Mulder sighed. "I spent the first 3 hours pouring my heart
out to a random bartender. The remainder of the time, I spent
walking along the lakefront."

Scully took a sip from her mug. This much she expected;
it was so *Mulder* to entertain the public with his tales of woe.
When he didn't continue, she frantically searched for a safe topic.
Glancing over at Mulder, she determined that the only place Mulder
needed to be right now was asleep. "Mulder, you need to sleep.
I have a few errands to run with Rebecca,"

Mulder ran a tired hand through his disheveled hair.
"Sure you don't wanna stay and keep me warm?" He asked,
walking over towards the bedroom.

Scully smiled and followed him. Lying beside him for
a moment, she fought the urge to just tell him what she'd decided.
But no, he needed sleep, she needed to have the moment just right.

It could wait.

For a few hours, at least.

"Scully,?" Mulder whispered, sitting up and removing
his shoes.
"Mmmhhmm," Scully mumbled, realizing that she too, had
very little sleep.

"Promise me that we'll have that talk later," Mulder said,
leaning over and kissing her forehead.

Scully popped up at that. "Mulder, I'd give anything
to have that talk *right now*, but you need some rest. Promise
*me* that you won't leave, or do something equally *Mulder-like*
before I get back," She teased him, pulling the covers up under his chin.

"*Mulder-like*, Scully?" He joked, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't start. Now I'll be home around six thirty, seven, think
you can handle that?" She chided him, pulling on a
denim shirt.

"Yes, ma'am" Mulder quipped, feeling the fatigue finally take
over him.

Scully smiled, "Sweet dreams," She whispered, before
kissing him softly and leaving the room. Closing the door
behind her, she took a deep breath. This was going to be one
hell of a day.

                           *

6:15 pm
Marshall Field's Department Store

Scully stood, staring into a full length mirror. She was
covered head to toe in light blue *puffy* satin, and it was doing *nothing*
for her petite figure.

"So, what do you think,?" Rebecca asked, smiling a rediculous
smile to Scully's relfection.

Scully took a deep breath before answering. Truth...the truth
was out there..

And it *hated* this dress.

"Well, Beck...it's, um, it's a nice color," She replied,
with as much honest tact that she could manage without hurting
Rebecca's feelings.

Rebecca looked misserable. "You hate it...don't lie to me,"

Scully laughed. "Ok,ok, It's not exactly *me*"

"We will just pick out something else then," Rebecca
said, motioning the sales clerk.

Scully sighed, checking her watch. Almost 6:30...she had to
get going soon. She had spent the afternoon following Rebecca through
store after store as Rebecca checked on the most obscure wedding
details. Something about that made Scully more receptive to the
whole marriage thing. She couldn't help look at Beckey's wedding
gown, and long for her own pretty white dress. Silly as it was,
she had been secretly filing away all the little things she
picked up on that afternoon. Yet the more she thought about
Mulder and her married, the more she thought they must be
crazy.

Must be an X-File.

When the ever anxious clerk returned, arms laden with
dresses, Scully sighed inwardly and put on a *happy* face.
Once the dress parade was over, and they finally found
something less, um, puffy, Rebecca and Scully made their
way to the nearest Starbuck's. Sitting  down over a vanilla
cream latte, Scully decided to let Rebecca in on her dilemma.

"So," Rebecca said, sipping her latte and smiling.
"What's up with you and Mulder?" She asked, her voice a
little more teasing than usual.

Scully took a deep breath before beginning. "I was wondering
when you were going to get to that," She said, relaxing into the
chair.

"You know me, always the gossip," Rebecca replied,
placing a freidnly hand over Scully's. "I was hoping for some
*good* gossip for once,"

Scully let out a long sigh. "I suppose I should tell you,"
She began, wanting to let her friend in on the recent turn of events.
"Lastnight, Mulder asked me to marry him,"

"What?" Rebecca exclaimed, nearly choking on her latte.
"Youv'e only been together for what, a week?"

Scully smiled and corrected her. "We've been 'together',
together for over a week, but Mulder and I have been together
for over 7 years,"

Rebecca chukcled, "I stand corrected Dana. I just hope
you two know what your getting into,"

Scully sighed in response. "I don't know what to do,
Beck. I love Mulder with all my heart, but I guess I'm just
scared,"

"Perfectly understandable. I myself felt that same fear
with Brian," Rebecca explained, trying to ease some of Scully's
fears.

"I'm not good at this. I mean, you and Melissa were always
the 'brides'. That was a role I never saw myself playing," Scully
said, staring out the window.

"Well, put it this way, can you honsetly see yourself
*without* Mulder everyday? Can you picture *not* waking up in
his arms?"

Scully smiled at this, "No, I can't say I can,"

"There ya go, Dana, now your getting somewhere," Rebecca
said, nodding in response.

"Have you been talking to my mother?" Scully inquired,
with a teasing tone.

"Ha ha, seriously Dana, you can't throw away a perfectly
good proposal because your afraid. Think of how afraid Mulder
must have been when he finally asked you,"

Scully groaned and downed the rest from her cup. "What
am I going to do?" She asked, for the umpteenth time that day.

"Listen to your heart, Dana," Rebecca said, and laughed
at Scully's reaction. "I know, pretty cheesy advice...but it
was handed down to me by a very smart man,"

Scully instantly thought of her own father, "Yeah,
father knows best," She said, trying to picture Rebecca
and Mike having a conversation similair to this.

"Come on, it's getting late, and you my dear have
a very big night ahead of you," Rebecca explained, placing
a ten on the table and escorting Scully toward's the door.

"Now I *really* think you've been talking to my
mother," Scully joked, slapping Rebecca lightly
on the arm.

                             *

6:54 pm
Scully's apartment

 Mulder paced nervously around the apartment, like a caged
animal. He had managed to sleep for a solid 5 hours, and spent
the remaining time preparing himself for the inevitable. Tonight,
he was going to know, either way, if Scully was going to be his
wife. His stomach turned knots that he didn't beleive possible.

 He had run to the store to pick up a few things
for their dinner. Nothing extravagant, but enough to make
an impression. A few lit candles accentuated the apartment,
casting a surreal glow. He even made sure to clean up
a bit. After all, neither Scully or himself had been
to occupied with tidyness the past few days. Now that everything
was set, he tried to make himself calm down.

 The phone ringing made him leap fifty feet, and after
a few quick words, he was out the door, extinguishing the
candles on the way out.

                            *

10 minutes earlier
 

Scully nervously drove the short distance to her apartment.
Flipping on the radio, she took a few deep breaths and wondered
exactly *how* the rest of the evening was going to go. Pressing
the scan button once more, she smiled at the song. It was perfect.

 "I don't wanna wait,
for our lives to be over.
I want to know right now
what will it be"

Well, if that didn't sum it up for her, what would? Finding a
sudden burst of inspiration, she reached for her cell phone
and called for Mulder. He would really think she was crazy,
but this was something she needed to do. Instructing Mulder
to meet her at the designated spot, she drove the rest of the
way with a smile. Mulder would have to walk to meet her, but
it wasn't that far, really.

                           *

25 minutes later

Pulling into a free spot, she noticed he was already
waiting for her, smiling a little *too* smugly. Smart ass.
The sun was putting up a brave front, lighting the sky in
flashes of violet and pink as it descended into the western
horizon, surrendering to the moon. Scully exited the car and
walked slowly over to Mulder, the only sounds coming from the
waves below. Mulder pulled her into his arms and they stood
that way for a long time. Scully was the first to back away,
making sure she gave Mulder a kiss first.

"I guess you're wondering why I brought you here?"
Scully asked, her back now to Mulder as she looked out over
the Lake. Mulder walked behind her and entwined his arms
with hers.

"I think I have a pretty good idea," Mulder said,
nuzzling her neck gently. Actually, Mulder thought, he
knew *exaclty* why she had brought him here.

Scully turned in his embrace, "Oh, is that a fact,
Agent Mulder?" She asked, rasing an inqusitive smile.

Mulder spun her around once again towards the water.
"One word Scully: Ahab," he paused, catching the small smile
that played upon her face. "You're closer to your father
here,"

Scully smiled at his intuitive ability to read her mind.
"You never seem to amaze me, Mulder. Whenever I think I've stumped
you-"

"How easily you forget Scully, I *am* still a profiler
at heart. You didn't think that I don't have a pretty acurate
profile of you lying around" Mulder joked, kissing her and walking
closer to the water's edge.

"Okay, Dr Mulder, let's see how *good* you really are,"
She challanged, sitting down on the rocks and removing her shoes.
She walked into the cool water, letting it foam around her legs.
Mulder simply stared at her, she was so beautiful this way; free
of the worries she carried around everyday. Worries that were not
hers to carry in the first place. In simple khaki shorts and
a sleeveless denim shirt, she looked years younger than usual.
Watching her move in the water his mind wrapped around the real,
*true* reason they were here. She was asking for a blessing.

Her father's blessing.
 

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

End chapter 7
**************************************************************

Journeys Of The Heart II 1/3: Beginnings
Chapter 8
-Heart's Entwined-

"So, do you think he'd approve of me?" Mulder asked,
joining her in the water.

Scully took in a deep breath of fresh air, "Yes,
I think he would. Although, he may have been a little more
protective than even you,"

"Ah, a man after my own heart," Mulder sighed, enjoying
the cool water against his skin.

"Seriously, Mulder, growing up with two brothers
and an overprotective father was not easy. I guess that's
why-" She started.

"Why you throw a fit whenever *I* try to protect you?"
He interrupted, splashing her playfully.

"You could say that," She commented, splashing him
back. And wading further into the water. "However, I also
understand your fierce need to protect me. God knows you
certainly have had reason to do so,"

"Let's not think about that, I think we have more
*important* things to discuss," He reminded her.

"Yes...yes we do," Scully admitted shyly, her head
bowed as she walked back over to the car.

Mulder grabbed his shoes and joined her. The once calm
waves were now beginning to roar full force, mirroring the
intense emotions they both felt. The sun was now a mere memory
and they were bathed in moonlight. Scully smiled to herself
before sitting on the hood of her car. They were relatively
alone on the deserted stretch of beach, other than an elderly
man and his great dane. She was secretly thankful for that,
because if she had things her way....

"Scully, I know your scared," Mulder whispered, standing
between her legs. "Hell, I can't remember when I've been this
scared before. But when I think of living a day, just one day
without you, the thought of that is more terrifying than I
can imagine,"

Scully placed her head against his chest, wrapping an
arm around his waist. "How is it that you always know the right
thing to say?"

"Years of talking to myself?" Mulder quipped, kissing
her on the nose.

"Yes, Mulder, I am scared. I will admit that much," She
admitted, frowning slightly.

"But?" He asked, smiling sadly.

"But nothing, scared doesn't even come close to the
feelings I have. And as much as I'd like to say otherwise,
you're right,"

"What's that, Scully?"  He asked, incredulous. Did
she just say I was right? He wondered.

"You heard me, I said you're right. A day without
you in it is a day not worth considering," Scully was a little
overwhelmed by the sight of a lonely tear falling from the
hazel eyes before her. "It's just that, this has been
one of the most amazing weeks of my life, and
I don't regret a second. I just think we have a lot to discuss
 before we do this, Mulder,"

Wiping away the tear, "You, Scully, you hear me,
*you* are the most important person in this so called existance
of mine. Whatever we face, whatever anyone tries to throw
at us, we will make it. I know this,"

Scully pushed back a strand of hair that the wind
had begun to assail, in earnest. The moon cast an erie glow
over the lake, gently illuminating the silver-gray of her
car. She was caught up in the most fascinating, aggrivating,
and exhilirating moment of her life. Knowing the question
he had been dying to ask, hung a breath away, she concentrated
on the faint music coming from her car radio. Mulder tightened
his arms around her waist, enjoying the closeness, as they
let the world pass them by for a while.

Pushing back slightly, Mulder drew her into a
slow dance, letting the soft music express what he was
trying to say.

> "When the rain is blowing in your face,
   and the whole world is on your case,
   I would offer you a warm embrace,
   to make you feel my love"

  "When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
   and there is no one to dry your tears,
   I could hold you for a million years,
   to make you feel my love"

  "I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
   but I would never do you wrong,
   I've known it from the moment that we met,
   there's no doubt in my mind where you belong"

 Scully smiled at the words, they seemed to come right from
Mulder's heart. She understood, better than most, what
loving someone meant to him. Loving, to Mulder, was a great
risk. It meant putting enough faith in himself, as well
as her, to be able to trust love. As a child, everything
about love, equalled pain. He had loved Samantha,
and she was gone. He had loved his parents, only
to be shut out. Scully found it truly amazing that he actually
was capable of trusting her with his heart. "I love you,
Mulder," She said, smiling at him happily.

Mulder looked down into her eyes, an expression of true wonderment
on his face. "I love *you*, and...I have a surprise for you,"
He said, pulling a piece of wrinkled white paper from his
pocket. He tried his best to unfold it, but soon gave up and
simply handed it to her. Smiling broadly, she cleared her
throat and began to read the words aloud.

"Scully, this is the best way I can begin to express the way I
feel.

"Your heart is a haven,
a shelter for my soul;
A part of me always,
a miracle to behold.

Your words speak volumes,
of treasures untold;
Your arms capture me,
with love that unfolds.

Without you there is no rain,
nor sun, nor moon, nor star;
Without us there is nothing,
please never venture far.

Close to you I remain,
beside you every day;
Close to me you hover,
your love lights the way.

My heart is a haven,
A shelter for your soul;
A part of me always,
Your a miracle to behold.

I  will love you, always,
Your love to me is true;
Now here is another surprise,
I Still Want to Marry You,

Will You be my wife?

Please, I can't imagine this life without you beside me.

Love,
Mulder"

By the time she reached the bottom, the words melted together in a
mass of tears. "Did...did you write this?" She whispered,
trying to collect her thoughts.

Mulder wiped away her tears and placed the now damp
poem into his pocket. "Funny what you can write at 4 am by
the light of a streetlamp,"

His attempt at humor had the desired effect. Scully chuckled
softly. "So *that's* what you were doing all night,"

Mulder placed her back onto the hood of the car, "It's
all true, every word," He stressed, holding onto
her hands.

"I know," She whispered, nodding.

"Will you, Scully? Will you be my bride? Will you promise
to love and honor me all the rest of your days, make sure to give
me hell about all the normal *husband* type things?"

Scully giggled, "You? Normal?, ha!"

"I'm as normal as you, which in itself, isn't saying
much..." He stated, wagging his finger at her playfully.

She giggled at that. He truly had taked her by surprise
with the poem. Had he always been such a romantic?
"Yes, Mulder. I *will* be your bride, I *will* honor and
keep you, I *will* love you for all the rest of our days,"

Mulder's smile rivaled the glow from the moon. Making
Scully feel like the happiest woman in the world, which at the moment,
would have described her perfectly. "I can't believe it, you actually
said yes,"
 

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't?" She wanted to know.
Somehow, she knew that he really *did* think that.

"Well, who would willingly commit their life to a man
like me?" He quipped, sadly. Well, at least that's
what he thought, anyway.

Scully nearly smacked him, "Mulder, listen to me. You are
the most amazing, smartest, and dare I day, sexiest man I know.
Don't let me catch you saying otherwise, got it?"

He stood straight and saluted her. "Yes, Mam,"

She punkched him in the chest. "That's more like
it, soldier,"

Mulder pulled her close and they shared their first real embrace
as a newly engaged couple. He turned her around towards the water
again and smiled. "Notice how every important occasion in our
relationship has happened either in the water, near the water...
or because of it?" Mulder asked, suddenly finding this fact extremely
humourous.

Scully snorted, "Yeah, I guess I never really thought about it.
That's just like you, Mulder. Always finding the link,"

"You wait, Scully, your gonna see a *whole* different Mulder,"
"And this is a *good* thing?"
"Not sure, I've never been a husband before."
"Yeah, well," She paused, pushing a stray lock out of
his eyes, "I've never been a wife before, so we're even."

"So, you think we should take out a billboard at the
Hooever building, *Mr and Mrs Spooky make it official*?"

"You know, Mulder, for once I don't give a damn what they
think. If *anyone* deserves happiness, it's us,"

Mulder slid her from the car and back into their previous embrace.
"From your lips..." He whispered, moving in tune to the soft
music once again filtering from the radio.
 

> Tonight I'm tangled in my
blanket of cloud,
dreaming aloud..

Things just wont do without you,
matter of fact,
oh, oh, ohhh, oh
I'm on your back

If you'd accept surrender,
give up somemore,
weren't you adored? <

Scully wiped away the tears that were now freely flowing. Walking
towards the water one last time, she made a wish on the same star
she wished on as a child. As the wind carried her hair into a
brilliant red halo, she mouthed a silent thank you and returned
to Mulder. She may not have had her father here with her, but
somehow she knew he approved of Mulder. Now, if she could only
get him to believe this fact.

"You ok, beautiful?" Mulder asked, noticing the tears.
"Yeah, I would say I'm better than ok Mr Mulder,"
"Hmm, it's sure gonna be fun to call you Mrs Mulder, you know,"
"Only if I can call you Mr Scully," She teased, pulling
him closer.

"You can call me whatever you want, one exception, of course."
"Awww, and I so much wanted to call you *pookie*,"
"Whatever you say, *puddin'*"

Mulder laughed and in a sudden burst of energy, picked Scully up
and into his arms. Scully let out a startled yelp, and twined
her arms around his neck. Spinning around slowly, he proceeded
to inform the other occupants of the beach what had just transpired.

 "She said yes!" He exclaimed, walking near the car and
placing her down.

 Scully bent her head down, a bit embarrased by the announcement.
It was so unlike Mulder, well the Mulder she *knew* anyhow. This
man before her was more and more like *Fox* than he liked to admit.
This was the real man that had begun to allow himself to enjoy
the simple things in life. Love being one.

 "You ready to head home?" he asked, remembering the
dinner he never got a chance to prepare.

 "I thought you'd never ask," She commented, opening
the door and sitting inside.
 

Two hours later

 Scully poured herself a glass of water and walked over
the the answering machine. The angry little light had been alerting
her to calls all evening, and had she not been caught up in more,
um, interesting activities...

 Pressing the play button, she sat down on the couch and
wrapped a blanket around herself. First message was her mom,
no doubt wondering how the day went. Rubbing her cheek, she
smiled at the slight puffiness lingering from Mulder's stubble.
Day went just great, mom, she thought with a chuckle. Next,
as if scripted, was Rebecca. Same question. Yawn. She really was
getting tired, she hoped Mulder hadn't fallen asleep with all
the pillows *again*. Slowly drifting into the couch, she was
awakened by a voice she hadn't heard in years...

 "Dana, it's Charlie. Mom said you wouldn't be home.
         I just wanted you to know that I'm going to be
  staying here with her for a while. I have some news,
  give me a call when you get this."

She was immediately on her feet. Why did he sound so urgent,
what could have happened. She didn't want to think about it
right now, not when she'd had such a wonderful day. It was too
late to call now, anyway. Walking back into the bedroom,
she joined Mulder bed once more, snuggling up to this
giant form.

"Hey you, why did you leave?" Mulder mumbled against
her chest.

"Just needed to check my messages," She responded,
noy wanting to go into detail right then.

"Get some sleep, I have big plans for tomorrow." Mulder
informed her, proping himself up on one elbow.

"Is that so, Agent Mulder?" She asked, her head
tossed to the side.

"Well, if you don't go to sleep, how will you ever know?"
"You're no fun," She teased, punching him lightly.

"Oh, that's not what you were saying an hour ago,"
Mulder said, smiling mischieviously.

"Hmm, I think I might need you to refresh my memory,"
Scully whispered, kissing down his collarbone.

"My pleasure." Mulder growled, pulling her back
under the covers with him.

Scully sighed, this was the life. Lying in bed with her *fiance*,
making love until dawn, acting like *real* people for once. She
knew things were changing around them. Some things would come to
an end. While other, much more important things were just beginning.

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

End of Part 1/3
End of chapter 8

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

WOW! Okay, that's it...now please proceed in an orderly fashion
over to your email program. Ha ha!

So, do we have you inrigued? What kind of trouble is Charlie in?
How will Mulder and Scully get back to DC? How does Charlie
figure into the plot???

Well, there's only one way to find out, right?
Yes, we know we're evil....but....this part took forever to write,
so keep looking for more chapters real soon.

Same bat time, same bat channel..!

Please tell us what you thought: FoxLvDana@aol.com (Jennifer)
<mailto:FoxLvDana@aol.com,AgentXDoll@aol.com>
and AgentXDoll@aol.com (Bidie)
<mailto:FoxLvDana@aol.com,AgentXDoll@aol.com>

Thanks for reading! :)