Secret Santa 1/1 By: Jennifer Marie Brady December 21, 1998 Rated: R Spoilers: FTF/Season 6 Classify: Story; MSR Keywords: Christmas, MSR Archoive: Gossamer and ATXC Auto Archive OK Disclaimer: No copyright infringements is intended. The characters in this story, with the exception of the made up ones, belong to Fox, and 1013. The songs I used don't belong to me either. Summary: Frustrated and in need of a break, Scully fools Mulder into a search for Santa Claus. Will they find old St. Nick? Or will they discover something much more exciting? Jen's Notes: (Like Cliff's Notes, but not). This is yet another movie fic, but not one of those that assumes you have never seen the movie by repeating each scene. You will NOT find a redux of every unspoken sigh from the movie. This is a different kind of story, it uses a few songs, but is NOT songfic. JUST GO WITH IT, :) Scully POV ahead, as well as a 7-course shipper meal. Leave now if you're not hungry for that sort of thing. Thanks: To anyone who reads, and to Bidie. ^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ Romaunt: A romance; A romantic poem or tale. ^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ Secret Santa 1/1 Jennifer M Brady Prologue FBI Headquarters December 22, 1998 8:15 AM, EST The flowers were the first thing that I noticed. Brilliant colors of red and pink covered the area that is now my desk. I know what you're thinking, and you're right. Six years is a long time to wait for a desk. Well, let me tell you this: Six years is a long time to wait for anything. I walked over to my desk and sat down. I really wish he wouldn't do stuff like this. Who am I talking about? I think you know. Who else knows that my favorite flowers are carnations? Who else can read my mind across a crowded room? If you guessed Mulder, give yourself three points. I don't know why it is that he feels the need to do this. I mean, it's nice to get flowers from your best friend, it's just that once a week is a bit much. I can honestly say that not a week has gone by since our return from the great beyond, when I didn't have a similar bouquet on my desk. Funny thing is, no two arrangements have been the same. Mulder always seems to find some exotic flower to throw into the mix. He has never once acknowledged sending the flowers, but I know. I think he may be embarrassed, actually. Either that or too scared to admit it. It's so hard to tell with him. If I had a good handle on his emotions, I wouldn't be driving myself crazy trying to decipher them. You already know what happened between us a few months ago, so I won't rehash it..BUT, if I make Mulder a whole person, lately he has a hell of way showing it. Somehow, in his twisted mind, he feels that pushing me away will be easier on us. If I don't allow myself to get closer to him, the better off I'll be. Right. How much closer can I get? The only thing missing from our relationship is the physical expression of our bond to one another. That thought darkens my cheeks instantly. Making love to Mulder would be an all-consuming event. One that I hope I get a chance to experience. Not as much for the physical aspects, but for the emotional ones. Not that the thought of Mulder's body above me wouldn't be heaven, but I'd rather have a firm hold on his emotions for me first. We could get back to the thought of his body above me, later. Sigh. If we're going to fall in love, than so be it. What I can't take is this endless circle of fruitless flirtation and empty innuendo. When did I get so poetic? Blame it on, oh about, 14 dozen carnations. I really think Mulder is afraid of me. Not in the sense that I could kick his ass, but in the fact that I could break his heart. Why would I leave him now, after all this time? Doesn't he realize that I'm in this for the long haul? Sigh. I suppose not. Well, here's the plan: Mulder's about to get a crash course in Dana Scully. Whether he knows it or not. xmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmasxmas Secret Santa 1/1 Chapter One FBI Headquarters 8:45 AM, EST Finally Prince Charming arrives. I watch as he mumbles a "Morning, Scully," and folds himself into his chair. See, he's quite the charmer. I manage a wimpy wave of the hand and focus back to the task at hand. I really need a break. Not just *any* break, but a vacation. Call me crazy, but I want to see the snow. You would think that I've had enough snow to last me a few lifetimes, but I want more. Mulder walks over to the filing cabinet and leans over to pick up a pencil. Shit, I am now graced with a full view of Mulderbutt. I think I just melted into a pile of ScullyGoo. Damn, why does he do that? He's going to get himself into trouble. The worst kind, too. I think about the snow and I get this giddy little feeling in my stomach. Either that or it's the eggnog I had before work. Anyway, I need a plan, and not just any plan either. This has to work. Now, what will get Mulder to go away with me? Ok, well besides that? I got word from Kimberly, saint that she is, that both Skinner *and* Kersh are going away for the Holidays. That is definitely a good thing. Mom is going out to Bill Jr's, which is not where I want to spend another Christmas. So, that leaves Mulder and me. Hmm. Mulder is talking to me, I think. Shit. "Any holiday plans, Scully?" He asks, a little curiosity in his deep timbre. Well, actually. "Yes, in fact we have a case," Uh oh, where did *that* come from? Was that me? Mulder's face breaks into a grin, and he walks over to my desk, perching himself on a corner. "A case? I haven't heard anything," He says, his voice taking on a definite teasing tone. Time for all those improvisational classes I took in high school. "Well, not a case exactly," I pause, walking over to my briefcase. What am I looking for, I ask myself. I'm really going to blow this. Taking a deep breath, I find what I think is something my Mom slipped in there. It's a four page brochure advertising the *Canyon Creek Lodge* in Sedona, AZ. Where did she get this? Well, either way, it's perfect for the occasion. I hand him the brochure and sit down, trying to recall basic breathing skills. He smiles and examines the pamphlet, cocking his head to the side as he looks at me. "What's in Sedona?" He asks. Good question. Looking at the various newspaper clippings attached to the tiny bulletin board near his desk, and calling up holiday inspiration, I lie. "Santa Claus," I say, pausing for effect. I think Mulder is laughing at me. Really, really laughing at me. "Is that really you, Scully? I don't believe it," He says, staring at me. He has a point. We're not exactly investigating the X-Files anymore, so things like this haven't found their way to our office in a long time. The fact that I made up this case reflects that. "I don't know where the file came from, and Kersh is out of town-" I start, stopping as I hear him on the phone with the airlines. Wow, he fell for it. Heh heh heh. I really don't know what I'm getting myself into here. Agent Scully doesn't do stuff like this. Dana, on the other hand, does. Mulder never met Dana. The giddy, free-spirit that starred in the High School production of Grease. Dana took a long vacation. Too long, if you ask me. Now she wants out, and Mulder better look out. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapter Two Let it snow? 2:15 PM, MST Sky Harbor International Airport Phoenix, AZ December 23, 1998 Somehow I think that the temperatures up in Sedona are not near the 82 degrees here in Phoenix. Mulder is smiling like an idiot at the perky rental car girl. I think her name tag said "Cassidy" or something. Mulder is gleefully handing her his VISA and hopefully getting us a decent *non-Taurus* car. I've had enough of the Bureau to last me until next Christmas. The airport is crowded, people darting off in a million different directions. It's a beautiful airport, decorated tastefully for the impending holiday. Mulder retracts his plastic and we are on our way. He smiles at me and grabs my bags. Normally, I would feed him some line about being able to carry my own bags, but I think I over packed. Those bags are heavy. Carry away, Mulder. I have to squint as we step out into the sun. It's really beautiful down here in Phoenix. The desert landscape gives way to the majestic mountains around us. 'The Valley Of The Sun' the sign inside the airport boasts. I believe it. "So, how long of a ride is it, Scully?" Mulder asks me, breaking me from my reverie. I open the drivers side door and sit down. "The brochure says about an hour and a half to two, depending on traffic and weather conditions," I say, starting the ignition. Mulder rented us an SUV; A very nice, four-wheel-drive SUV. I'm impressed. He groans and flicks on the radio. An all Christmas station fills the car with carols. Mulder looks over at me and smiles. "Let it snow, Scully?" He teases, referring to the numerous palm trees we pass on the highway. "You'd be surprised, Mulder. There's about seven inches of snow up in Sedona right now," I say, smiling back at him. He laughs. "Yeah right. So were going to drive two hours away from eighty-five degrees, and be in snow?" He asks, shaking his head. Sigh. "You'll have to see it to believe it, Mulder." I say, turning up the radio as "Joy to the world" comes on. Mulder gives me a funny look and giggles as this particular version picks up the Three Dog Night chorus at the end. 'Joy to the world, all the boys and girls...' Yep, 'Joy to you and me', Mulder. *************************************************** Canyon Rock Lodge Sedona, AZ 5:30 PM, MST OK, maybe seven inches of snow was an error on my part. There's about twelve inches of powdery, bright white snow up here. Shit, what did I get myself into this time? Mulder is smirking at me, seemingly oblivious to my musings. Of course he is, the front desk guy just told him where the heated pool was. 'In case you felt like warming up with your wife', I think it was. Hmm, not a bad suggestion, Mulder. Too bad you won't ever ask me. What Mulder doesn't know, is that while I was at home packing, I canceled the other room I had been holding. See, what I didn't tell you is this. I have been planning this for a little longer than I let on. About two months, give or take. You didn't really think that I would just decide to do this out of nowhere, did you? I should really stop talking to you and pay attention. Mulder has been calling my name for a good five minutes now. He's holding a solitary room key in his greedy little hand. What a bad girl I am. Melissa would be *so* proud. "Ready Mrs. Hale?" He asks me, referring to the name I gave them when I made the reservation. There is no need for the Bureau to find out about this little trip. Especially since we are not on official business. Well, I'm on a mission, but you know. I smile at him, he looks absolutely giddy. This is a good sign. He places his hand on my back and nudges me to the elevators. Mmmmm, he is so warm. Did I mention that the temperature here is 31 degrees? The elevators in this place are even beautiful. They have little couches in them, along with a perky elevator attendant. Finally, the elevator opens to our floor. The attendant helps us out with our bags, where we are met by what can only be described as a bellhop. Mulder tips them both and we make our way towards the room. Mulder has yet to ask me about this whole Santa Claus thing. Maybe he's figured out that I'm full of shit. Well, I'll worry about that later, right now I want to get unpacked. "You're Ok with us sharing a room, right?" He asks. His voice is so innocent that it makes me feel bad. Oh hell. I smile at him. I don't think I've smiled so much in a while. "Yeah, you get frisky with me, I'll just shoot you again," I tease. The bellhop nearly falls over before dropping the bags and briskly walking away. Oops. Mulder slides the key into the lock and we walk in. The room is huge, to say the least. And it looks like we won't have a problem keeping our distance in the bed. Damn. It's a gigantic oak monster, with a canopy and everything. It's perfectly romantic. A large Christmas tree dominates the sitting room, dappling multi-colored light over us. I walk over to the window treatments and slowly pull them open. I am left breathless. We have been granted a majestic view of the snow covered mountains below us. I feel Mulder walk up behind me. "Looks like Santa was looking out for us," He whispers into my ear before walking away. If I'm not mistaken, I swear I saw some of the snow out there melt just now. (Secret Santa 2/5) Chapter 3 Hot Chocolate I am scared. And I'm not afraid to admit it. I am standing in the bathroom, blaring Christmas carols at an unhealthy volume, contemplating the planned seduction of my partner. Sure beats replacing the tiles in my bathroom at home. Which, I'm ashamed to admit, was what I had planned if I chickened out on this. I turn the volume button up somewhat as one of my favorite songs comes on. Signing to myself, I turn on the hot water. This is lovely..truly what the doctor ordered. Even if I had to *order* myself to do it. Christmas carols have always been a favorite of mine. I simply love the emotions they bring back: Singing "Jingle Bells" with Missy to our neighbors, the Nowinski's. Mrs. Nowinski would always reward us with a steamy cup of hot chocolate. Double marshmallow's were a must. I relax into the water, letting my self-induced trauma fade away into the bubble bath. Hell, I even bought scented bubble bath for this little trip. I can only hope that the sales clerk was right when she said that this would 'knock him on his ass'. It was either that or the way she fawned all over me when I proceeded to spend seventy-six dollars on scented bath bubbles and underwear. I can't be sure which, but I became convinced that I would get Mulder to open up about his feelings once we got here. Judging from the weird, nearly too-polite way Mulder has been acting, I am at a loss. So you see, nothing has changed. Plus, I still have this *Santa Claus* thing to deal with. What did I get myself into? Turning the water off with my toes, I try to think of a plan. What would convince Mulder that I didn't drag him up here to investigate an old fat guy with a beard? What would convince him that I *did* drag him here to investigate what color my new underwear is? I have become *so* bad in the past few months. Something inside of me is truly shocked, the other part is knocking the shocked part on her ass. You remember the cartoon with the main character having an angel on one shoulder, and a devil on the other? That's me, except without the angel. 'Angel' Scully is home polishing her gun. Dana Scully is here polishing her nails. Oh yeah, and an alarming shade of red, no less. I wait until the polish dries, then I prepare to make my exit. Now, I'm not about to ambush him. No, I have to take this slow. Adjusting my robe, I gently push the door open with my foot. The Christmas tree is the only thing illuminating the room, and I can see Mulder watching me from the bed. Wow, he looks heavenly. I have to refrain from smiling like a lovesick teenager. I shyly walk over to the vanity and shake my hair from the towel. I know he's still watching me, but what he's thinking, I'll never know. We have this wonderful communication thing, that usually makes wondering what he's thinking unnecessary. Unfortunately, when it comes to reading each other's emotions, the signals bounce and reflect faster than foil in a microwave. The silence is becoming a third member of the room, so I reach forward and click on the radio. As the first chords of *Jingle Bells* filters through the speakers, I have to smile. Mulder smiles back at my reflection. Whoo boy. "What are you smiling at?" He asks, sitting up. I finish running the brush through my hair and turn to face him. "My sister and I used to sing this for our neighbors every year. It was a little tradition we had." I explain, watching the snow continue to fall. I turn back and catch him smiling at me. "Samantha loved Jingle Bells, too. Damn near drove me nuts with her 45 on that little record player Mom got her that birthday," He said, his expression suddenly far away. Damn. I shouldn't have said anything. Then again, how did I know? "I'm sorry, Mulder." I offer, smiling sadly. He returns to the present, shaking his head. "No, it's my fault. You were reliving a nice memory and-" He starts, sitting up on the bed. I have to stop him. "Mulder, your memory was just as nice, you have a right to relive it as well," I pause, walking over to *my side of the bed*, such as it is. "If Samantha is really gone, I only hope she ran into Melissa. That way they can trade *Mulder and Scully* horror stories," I say, tightening the sash on my robe. He nods and reaches for my hand. Well, well, what is this? "Why don't you get dressed for dinner, they're having some shindig down there tonight," He says, rubbing the inside of my palm with his thumb. Oh boy...can we say sparks? I pause a moment to stare at our joined hands. His big, Mulder hand..and my small Scully hand. Much like Mulder and I, they compliment each other without loosing their individual beauty. "Feeling festive, Agent Mulder?" I say at last, as *Do you Hear What I Hear?* comes on. He sniggles and walks over to the bathroom. I miss his hand in mine already. "Who can refuse hot cocoa and cookies?" He says before closing the door behind him. Well, get dressed for dinner, indeed. I only hope Mulder likes the dress I brought with me. I'm so bad. ********************************************** Chapter 4 Feliz Navidad As I go about getting ready for this little *shindig*, as Mulder so eloquently put it, I can hear him mumbling in the bathroom. I guess Christmas carols only go so far, because he's mumbling the words to *I like the night life baby*. Unfortunately, my zipper is stuck. Of course, now, this feels like a bad movie. The damsel in distress needing the prince to unzip her dress. Wait, did I say *unzip*? Shit, I really do have it bad. So, I decide to zip the damn thing up myself. It's quite a sight, really. I am perched upon the vanity chair; one hand holding the zipper, the other clutching the table. This is too silly for words, but I finally get it. Just as Mulder walks out, too. He looks at me with that *now this is interesting* look on his face. That is until he looks at the dress itself. Then he melts into a little pile of MulderGoo. Not that he tunes me in to this fact, but I can tell. His breathing is noticeably quicker, and the vein in his neck is straining. It's good to be the doctor sometimes. "What were you just doing, Scully?" He asks, smirking. Oh, gee, let's see. I was planning on hanging myself from the light fixture. "My zipper was stuck, and I was *trying* to zip it," I explain, the words coming out in a rush. He considers this for a moment before speaking. "And you had to stand on the chair for that?" He asks, tilting his head to the side. Good question. "Well," I pause, looking down at the now zipped dress. "It worked." I say, twirling around for effect. Oh yeah, Agent Scully is now hiding in the basement. She's going to kill me when this is all over. Mulder smiles at me, taking it all in. "You could say that," He says softly, almost a whisper. I heard it. He is dressed impeccably, of course, and we are just too good looking for words right now. Just Kidding. Well, he is anyway. My hair is doing this funky little flip thing in the back. OK, I can do this. "Ready to deck them there halls, Miz Scully?" Mulder drawls, extending his arm towards me. He is looking especially handsome this evening, it's going to take everything I've got to not molest him before dinner. I don't even think he knows what he's doing to me. I smile in response, and we head out the door. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 8:27 PM Vista Del Mar Restaurant "So, Scully, are you going to fill me in on the whole Santa Claus thing, or do I have to beat it out of you?" Mulder jokes, between shoveling tortilla chips in his mouth. I guess he has to find out sooner than later. Right? Choosing my words carefully, I open my mouth to reply and find myself rudely interrupted by a waiter. Guess it will have to wait. The waiter places our dinner before us and scurries away. Must have been that predatory look I gave him. Looking down at my lime chicken and mango margarita, I realize how hungry I am. Last thing I remember eating was an english muffin at six this morning, and considering it's ten-thirty in DC right now. "Wow, this looks-" Mulder smiles at me. "This looks like exactly what we needed right now," He exclaims, spearing a piece of his steak pico. X As we finish our dinners, the waiter returns with the dessert cart. "Would you care for dessert, Ms?" He asks, waving an awfully huge slice of cheesecake under my nose. I shoot Mulder a glance and wonder if it's a crime to shove that cheesecake... "We'll take dessert to go, and two hot chocolates as well," Mulder says, avoiding my shocked expression. Well, he can order all he wants, I'm not eating it. Unless, of course, he's wearing it. Oh, I have to stop this. Don't I? The hot chocolate sounds good though. It is becoming *very* chilly in here. "Mulder, I won't be able to eat that." I stress, smiling slightly. He shrugs and places his Visa on top of the check. "I figured as much," He teases, looking over my shoulder. I turn to see what he's smiling at. The dance floor. Oh, no. And he has that silly look on his face that seems to say *You ARE dancing with me, woman*. This could be interesting. "Mulder," I say, trying to put him off. Doesn't even deter him the in the slightest. "Unh-uh, Scully. You drag me all the way to Arizona for Christmas, the least you can do is dance with me." He says, standing and reaching for my hand. That mango margarita must have had more Cuervo than I thought, because the tiny lights above me are starting to spin. Either that, or it's because I'm in Mulder's arms, dancing to "White Christmas". Mulder is holding me tightly, but not close enough to make things awkward. Unfortunately. I reach me left hand up and around his neck, and he shivers. "Cold?" I ask, knowing full well that he's not. I told you I can be bad. He smirks and pulls me closer. "You are making me more suspicious by the minute, you know. If I didn't know any better, I would say that you tricked me," Damn those profiling skills to all hell. "Tricked you? Mulder, what would give you that idea?" I say, feigning innocence. He thinks about it for a moment, and as the song stops, walks me off the dance floor. "Every time I mention the *case* you said we had, you conveniently change the subject," He says, pausing to reclaim his Visa. "It's not like you, Scully." He says, looking at me as if I have a third eye. And it's blinking. I can feel myself blushing, and I hope I can really go through with this. Only one way to find out. "I didn't lie to you, exactly," I say, suddenly finding my shoes very pretty. He grabs my arm, and we walk towards the elevators. "Exactly?" He prods, smiling. I swear he's enjoying making me sweat. Now *that* has possibilities. Dammit, there I go again. I have to remind myself of what I came here to accomplish. "The local authorities have been unable to explain it. It seems that a man dressed as Santa has been involved in three cases of home-invasion," I say, wondering why it's so easy to lie to him. White lies, a voice speaks out. Whatever they are, he seems to be buying it. He smiles and I continue. "Problem is, in all three cases, nothing was reported stolen. Gifts were actually *found* in the morning." "So what you're saying is, someone is pretending to be Santa Claus?" He asks, tilting his head to the side. Secret Santa 3/5 MSR Chapter 5 starring Scully! 10:45 PM The cheesecake is even better than it looked. Mulder and I are sitting, Indian style, on the bed stuffing our faces. "I thought you said you didn't want desert," He teases, popping the top off his hot chocolate and taking a sip. No, Scully didn't want any. Dana wants more. "It's Christmas, I'm allowed," I rationalize, reaching for my cocoa. Mulder finishes the rest of his cake and leans back. "My mom used to make cocoa for Samantha and me all the time. Extra marshmallows, even." He says, chewing on a marshmallow. Oh, Mulder. Bless your heart. "Our neighbors would always have some for me and Missy. But, we had to sing first. Like I told you earlier, remember?" He laughs at that and grabs my cocoa before I can get it. "So, let me here it. *Jingle Bells*, right?" No way am I singing. No way, no how. "Mulder, I was ten years old," I protest. He smiles and shakes his head. "Come on, Scully. You can do it," He insists. Oh, flipping hell. "Of course I can do it." I say, sitting up and taking a deep breath. Mulder laughs and turns off the radio. One thing I know, I am not about to back down to Mulder. Not know when he's smiling so smugly. I start out slowly, barely audible. "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.." Mulder is not smiling anymore. That can't be a good sign. Never the less, I continue. With more feeling, even. "Oh what fun it is to ride, in a one horse open sleigh, hey-" I stop as a very warm hand claims one of my own. I look up and meet Mulder's hazel orbs. "Sing something else," He whispers, after taking a sip of his cocoa. Well, Ok. The first thing that comes to mind happens to be, *Let It Snow*. "Oh, the weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place to go, let it snow, let in snow, let it snow," I sing, eye-balling my own cup of cocoa. Mulder smiles at me again. Hmm, just how many margarita's did *he* have? "Don't stop now," He says, handing me the cup. Smiling a thanks, I pop the top and take a long sip. So, I go on. Skipping the next verse of course. "When we finally say goodnight, how I'll hate going out in the storm. But you'll really hold me tight, all the way home I'll be warm," Take that, Mulder. His eyes narrow and he mouths a word. As I was sipping my cocoa, I didn't quite catch it. "What?" He says it again. "Kiss. When we finally KISS goodnight." Oh. Honest mistake. Right? Finally telling Agent Scully to take a few days off, I decide that this has gone on long enough. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapter Six Closer "Sorry. When we finally kiss goodnight, how I'll hate going out-" I am stopped by a loud howl of the wind outside our window. There goes my moment. Mulder walks over and makes sure the windows are locked. Realizing that I am still in my dress, I decide to change. "I'm going to get out of this dress, Mulder," I say, grabbing some sleeping clothes and heading for the bathroom. Wanna watch, Mulder? I was really hoping for a kiss back there. It was so close. I would blame the wind, but it's always something. The wind, a bee, our own stupidity. Ok, not *stupidity* per se. How about, *refusal to admit one's own true feelings*? Sigh. According to the tiny travel clock in here, it's now officially Christmas Eve. Shit, that means I only have two days now. Two days in which to get Mulder to open his heart. Two days to get me to do the same. Think I can do it? The lights are once again limited to the tree when I return, and the wind is still rattling the windows. Some of the cold air must have blown in, because it's now freezing in here. Luckily, I have some body heat to use. Mulder is already under the covers, munching on a tin of cookies from the mini bar. "You better not get crumbs in the bed," I tease, taking an offered cookie. Yummy, chocolate-chocolate chip. I pull the covers back and situate myself at a safe distance. For now. "And," I add, downing the remainder of my cocoa. "You better not be a bed-hog," "Are you always this bossy in bed, Agent Scully?" Mulder quips, somehow daring me to answer. Two can play at this game. "Wouldn't you like to know, Agent Mulder?" I retort, snuggling under the heavy duvet. He laughs, a low rumble that makes it's way over to me. On an impulse, I reach over and take his hand. "Merry Christmas Eve, Mulder," I whisper, hearing him take in a sharp breath. He shocks us both, I think, when he moves closer and situates me on his chest. Oh, I can die a happy woman now. He is so warm and soft. So...so.. Mulder. Sigh. I am SUCH a sap when it comes to this man. It's taking all of poor Agent Scully to keep me in his arms. She must be getting tired, poor girl. He bestows a kiss on top of my head and tightens his hold. "Merry Christmas to you too, Scully." X 7:15 AM December 24, 1998 The room is now unbelievably warm. Oh wait, that's just Mulder. Mmm, nice and warm, indeed. I open my eyes and look around the room. The darkening drapes are drawn, and it still appears to be night. It's morning though, I can see a tiny sliver of light peeking through. Mulder is holding on to me for dear life, and it's the best feeling. Was this what I wanted, I ask myself? Waking up everyday in his arms, warm and safe? Having someone to cuddle with, and to laugh with? I would have never thought so, but it is. I want all these things. More, even. Mulder will be a bitch to live with, this I know. That is, of course, if we ever get any farther than this. While this is nice, it's just not... Mulder stirs and pulls me closer. I snuggle closer and, in light of my new bold-self, place a soft kiss on his lips. Well, if he was asleep, he isn't now. He's looking right at me. Secret Santa 4/5 MSR Chapter 7 Meltdown "What was that, Scully?" He asks, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. My voice, usually strong, comes out in a squeak. "A kiss?" Oh shit, this is bad. He smiles at me and sits up. I am now very cold without his heat. "Attacking me in my sleep now, Scully?" He teases, turning his head back to look at me. I try to shimmy out of the bed and head for the bathroom, but he grabs my ankle. "Mulder, I have to pee," I protest, and he aquises. I stand up, straightening my wrinkled clothes, and head for the aforementioned bathroom. Once there, I take a moment to look myself over. I am flushed, and my hair has seen better days. I look like I just woke up from a *morning after*. Well, in a way it was. Mulder and I have never done anything like that --like this-- before. I can smell him on me. My skin, my shirt, my hair. It's intoxicating. No, make that inFOXicating. Hardy har har. That was bad, I know. After taking care of business, I return to Mulder. He is on the phone ordering us breakfast. What a guy. I manage to make my way back into bed and reclaim the covers. The spot Mulder and I were lying in is still warm, so I decide to stay there. Mulder flops back into position, jolting me with his freezing cold size 11 feet. "Mul-der, your feet," I exclaim, curling my legs up. He chuckles and smiles at me. "You can kiss me when we're awake, you know," Really now, Mulder? I'm not giving in so easily. I can't have him thinking that I planned this now. "What makes you think I want to do that?" I retort, raising an eyebrow. He smiles and pulls the covers up over his head. "Then what was that? Were you checking to make sure I was still breathing?" He teases, poking his head out. His hair is mussed and sticking out in a million directions. He looks wonderful. What do I do now? Slowly, I lean over and kiss him. It's just a peck, no more than what we've already shared. It still sets me on fire. I can feel my blood warming my cold body. Mulder gives just enough pressure on his end, reaching for my hand as I break away. "I take that back, Scully," He whispers, smiling drunkenly. "You can kiss me whenever you want." A knock at the door postpones or fun for the moment. Must be breakfast, although what I have a taste for is right here. Mulder leaps from the bed and wheels the breakfast cart over beside the bed. Sitting up, I eagerly reach for whatever it was Mulder ordered me. Strawberry pancakes with whipped cream. SIGH. "This looks great," I say, lamely. Mulder smiles and opens his own tray. He has exactly the same thing. "I figured that you would order the standard bagel and cream cheese, and I wanted this to be special. It's Christmas, Scully," he explains, taking a huge chuck of pancake into his mouth. Oh, now he has strawberry syrup running down his chin. Poor guy. Now I have to help him remove it. Wow, this *is* as much fun as I thought it would be. I take my index finger and wipe up the offending syrup, offering my finger to Mulder when I'm through. He smiles at me and closes his lips around it. My breath catches and I swear the temperature jumped a few million degrees. "You had some syrup," I whisper, removing my finger. I watch in slow motion as he takes a blob of cream and dabs it on the corner of my mouth. OK, I would have to be stupid to not know what's coming next. He leans forward and licks me clean with that tongue of his. Hoo Boy. Yes, Santa, Mulder has been a very good boy this year. "You had some cream," He says, watching as the tray on my lap tips, spilling red syrup all over me. Uh-oh. I watch, fascinated, as the sticky, red goo soaks the material of my t-shirt. Should have known not to juggle a lap of pancakes with Mulder licking me. Wow, that sounded... "Now look what you did," Mulder teases, waving a finger at me. He looks positively aroused. No doubt about it. Raising an eyebrow, I contemplate this in my head. What do I do? Toss the offending shirt on the floor and continue as if nothings happened? Hmm. Or, flee to the bathroom and change into a clean shirt. Oh, I can see Agent Scully screaming out for the latter. I guess that answers my question now, doesn't it? Making sure to not spill syrup on the *entire* bed, I place the plate back on the tray. Then, with absolute precision, I lift the shirt up and over my head, tossing it across the room. "It was getting kind of warm in here, anyway." I rationalize, trying to sound calm. The thin fabric of my, thirty-dollar bra is not doing a good job of hiding my sudden chill. It is, however, living up to it's reputation as a *wonderbra*. It's making me wonder how long Mulder is going to stare at me with his mouth open. He unconsciously leans closer to me, attracted to the heat I am radiating. I can almost hear the thoughts spinning in his head. The whole image I gave you before, about Mulder's body above me, flashes in my mind. Taking a deep breath, I notice Mulder shiver. I then grab my plate and take a huge bite of strawberry. "You're food's getting cold, Mulder," I state, between bites. He looks positively...OK, he's horny. There's no way to, um, hide it, either. He tilts his head to the side, as if considering my words. "You..you want to eat?" He stammers, running a hand through the spikes atop his head. I could actually care two-shits about the food, but it's become a fun way to make him sweat this out. "Why? Did you have something else in mind?" I whisper, licking some syrup off my lips. He takes my plate and places it once again on the cart. He has this drunken, adorable look on his face. I mentally give myself a high five and go with it. This is what I came here to do, right? "You know, I'm beginning to think there's something to this Santa Claus thing, Scully." He says, taking my hands in his. Really now, Mulder? "What do you mean?" I ask, wanting to know just what he's talking about. He laughs and looks up at the ceiling for a moment. "Well, I asked Santa to bring me a cute little redhead this year...." OK, now I think I can refrain from jumping up and down like a teenager in love. Maybe. He can't be serious, can he? He must be, because Mulder wouldn't joke about something like this. Well, I can respond to that one. "Funny, I asked Santa for a paranoid, UFO chasing tall dark and handsome-" I am interrupted by a warm, full set of lips. Oh, Merry Christmas, indeed! Out of a need to be as close as possible, I pull Mulder down on top of me. We collapse back into the bed. I feel him run a hand cautiously across the nape of my neck, tickling the fine hairs there. We both break from the kiss for a moment. I know I must look as goofy-happy as he does. "Did Santa bring you what you wanted, Mulder?" I ask, a shit-eating grin on my face. Poor Agent Scully has now decided to shoot me the next time we meet. Mulder hugs me closer to him, showering my face with soft baby kisses. "Oh yeah." He whispers into my hair. "I just have one question," Shifting so that he rests half on me, half on the bed, I smile at him. "Ok, but you only get one." He regards me for a moment, shaking his head. "Is this why you led me here on a case you knew was bogus from the start?" He asks, his eyes never loosing their fire. See, I *knew* I hated those profiling skills. "I guess I wasn't that good at hiding it, huh?" My cheeks are reddening, I can feel it. He laughs again at this. "I had you figured out before we left, but I didn't want to ruin what you obviously worked so hard on," He admits, his voice low and almost apologetic. What a fool I have been making of myself, let me tell you. I'm not really mad at him, he does know me better than anyone else. "Why didn't you say anything? You let me go on and on-" He stops me with another kiss. Mmm, what was I saying? "I told you. I knew that for you to go out of your way and pull all this off, it had to be something very important. I wasn't patronizing you, if that's what you think," Only for a second. "I know, it's just. I feel so foolish." I admit, hiding behind a pillow. He removes it and smiles. "You and that smile, Mulder. You know how many times I wanted to kill you for smiling at me like that?" "You know how many times I wanted to kiss you?" He says, doing just that. His kisses are unlike anything I've ever had. Gentle, and undemanding, soft and sweet. I would have expected rough and hard, actually. Mulder is such a passionate person, though. His life has been fueled by passion, and now he wants to share it with me. I'm going to make myself cry soon. I shake it off and smile once again. I've been sad for too long. "I've been waiting for these kisses since last summer. I guess I was afraid you-" He places a finger over my lips this time. "You were afraid that I was trying to guilt you into staying with me, right? I know it was a pretty shitty time to finally open up to you. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that," He pauses, brushing a stray piece of hair from my eyes. "I guess I just needed you to know that no matter what happens, I need you *with* me. Whether or not we continue as we are right now, or if we go back to before. You are too important to me, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't know what to do if you left." He admits, a bright smile on his face. Oh, I am going to cry now. Pass the kleenex, please. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Secret Santa 5/5 MSR Chapter 9 Love for dummies How in the world did I think I would have the nerve to do this? Take a few deep breaths, my mind says. I, Dana Scully, am completely in love with my partner. This is no surprise to you, I'm sure. I bet that even my dry-cleaner knew Mulder and I were in love. Everyone knew. Everyone except us, of course. "That was sweet, Mulder. I suppose a part of me was afraid that you were pulling out all the stops and trying to keep me with you," I say, pulling the blanket up around me. "I have a confession, actually. I wanted to stay. I was planning on leaving the bureau, yes. You, never." Mulder sighs and pulls me close. "I couldn't stand the bureau without you, Scully. Can you imagine Spooky wandering the halls by himself?" He laughs, his breath warm on my neck. "So, you're not mad I dragged you here on false pretenses?" I tease, wiping a small smudge of syrup from his face. He looks down at me, his face blank. He's such a jerk when he wants to see my squirm. "You wanted to investigate Santa Claus...and that's just what we're going to do, Scully. First, we need to get out of this bed." Wonderful. Just what I wanted to do today. Search for a fat guy with a bag of toys. "Mulder-" I start, rolling my eyes. He senses the warning in my voice and smiles. "Come on, Scully," He prods, bouncing on the bed like a child. A child that never really got a chance to be a child, that is. A child forced into manhood by the same evil that lingers even today. Yikes, I need some more Christmas cheer. He continues. "You had to have believed in Santa Claus." He says, shaking his head. I did believe, until that one Christmas Santa didn't come through. "Yes. Yes, Mulder I did believe. Until the night I saw my Mom and Ahab arranging presents under the tree. That was the end of Santa Claus. Of course, they tried to tell me that Santa had already been there, and they were simply rearranging the gifts. It was very traumatic for a nine year old." And it really was. I cried myself back to sleep under the tree. Mulder's eyes are now filled with a mix of sorrow and love. "Yeah, I suppose 1973 wasn't a good year for believing in much. Funny how we both lost our faith the same Christmas," He says, kissing the top of my head. Wow, how weird can you get? "That is truly an x-file, Mulder. I should have guessed something like that would happen to us." I admit, totally amazed. He sighs and changes the subject somewhat. "Did you ever ask Santa for something that you didn't receive?" I have to think about that one. I asked for all lot of things that I didn't get. One thing stands out in my mind. "A BB Gun," I whisper, recalling the Christmas of 1975. Mulder's eyes widen with a look of shock. "A *BB Gun*, Scully?" He asks, reaching for his orange juice on the cart. "Yeah. Bill Jr. and Charlie both got them, and I got a chemistry set. Which, by the way, was *not* what I was interested in at eleven years old. Of course, by then the illusion of Santa was already tarnished, so I had no other choice but to blame my parents. They matter-of-factly informed me that little girls didn't play with guns." I reminisce, recalling the pain I felt. Mulder laughs again. It's wonderful to hear it. His voice has a jovial quality to it, reminding me that he was once a happy person. "So, what did you do? Blow them up in retaliation?" I smile and confiscate his juice. "Nope. I became one of the best shots in the bureau. Serves them right to tell me not to play with guns because I was a girl. So, what about you?" He peers down at me and gets a far away look in his eyes. "A magic kit. I was convinced I could make myself disappear if I had the special cape and top hat." He said, smiling sadly. Yeah, Mulder was definitely a sad little boy. "We are truly sad, Mulder. We can't even be happy on Christmas Eve. Everyone is happy on Christmas Eve. Speaking of which, I need to call my mother," He sighs again and moves over to my side, still holding my hand. I reach for the bedside phone and dial my brother's number. Wait until Bill hears who's lying next to me. Tara picks up on the second ring. "Hello?" I smile, she's always so damn chipper. "Tara? it's Dana. Is my Mom there?" She laughs into the phone. "Dana! Merry Christmas! She's in the kitchen, let me go get her," Please do. Now, as much as I like Tara..she grates on my nerves. I hear my mother's excited voice approaching the phone. "Hello? Dana?" Beside me, Mulder kisses the back of my hand. He really needs to stop that. "Mom, Merry Christmas!" I exclaim, struggling to keep my voice at a normal timbre. "Same to you, honey. Where are you? I left a message on your machine last night." Always the worrier, my Mom. Taking a deep breath, I decide to explain. "I'm in Arizona on a case. Looks like we're going to be stuck here for a few days until the snow lets up." There, not a lie..but not the truth. My Mom's MulderRadar kicks in then. "Fox is with you?" She asks, not bothering to hide the amusement in her voice. I laugh slightly. "Yeah, he's around somewhere," I mumble, shooting Mulder a stern glare. He ignores me and leans closer to the phone. "Hi Mrs. Scully," He exclaims, lying practically on top of me. Not that I'm complaining. She laughs, and it makes me smile even though I could kill Mulder right now. "Hello, Fox. You two doing OK out there?" She asks him, a knowing quality in her voice. He smiles down at me, completely amused. "Yeah, we'll manage. Your daughter even managed to find us a decent place to stay." My Mom sighs and makes a tsking noise at us. Well, jeez, Mulder. Why didn't you just tell her that you're lying all over me like a cheap suit. "Mom, tell Bill and Tara I said Happy Holidays, OK?" I say, trying to end this before it get's *any* further. Mulder continues on, however. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Scully." He says, his voice strained due to the fact that he's stretching to get closer to the phone. "Happy Holidays to the both of you, as well. Be careful up there." She says, at last. Mulder smiles at me, and I have to laugh. As we hang up, Mulder kisses me softly. This looks like it could be the merriest Christmas I've had in a long time. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapter 10 Merry Christmas December 25, 1998 1:52 AM, MST *And so I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two, although it's been said, many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you* I snuggle closer to Mulder as the cheerful sounds of the holiday float out from the radio. He stirs and circles a long arm around my naked waist. Yep, you heard me right. I said naked. After spending all day playing in the snow, stopping only to buy each other small gifts, we ended up back here. It was as amazing as I imagined it would be. The hotel management had hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies for us, when we got back. It was so nice to be with Mulder. We tried building a snowman, but it came out looking more like a snow-woman due to Mulder's insistence we make it anatomically correct. He's such a pervert sometimes. Mulder is a gentle lover. This I had suspected, but I was thrilled none the less. Although, somehow I imagine we will get wild and nasty now and then. So, I have to pat myself on the back. I actually accomplished this. The thought that I planned this bothers me though. I know that if Mulder had plotted something like this, I would be a bit taken back. I guess the stereotype that men are only interested in sex rears it's ugly head. If I wanted Mulder for his body, I could have had that a long time ago. I wanted -I want- his heart...his soul. Everything he is. Now we move forward, together. It's not going to be easy...but what good in your life is ever easy? You come to appreciate the things you worked the hardest for, because deep down you know that *you* made it happen. I'm not too worried though. Mulder and me have always been tougher than we appear. But, you knew that anyway, didn't you? This bed is SO nice to sleep in. The tiny little christmas lights create a rainbow against the canopy above us. It's beautiful. I can see the snow silently falling outside the window...I just can't describe this feeling to you. I wipe away a happy tear and snuggle closer to my love, letting sleep carry me away to dreams. x 8:54 AM I am awakened by an excited Mulder. "Scully, wake up. You've gotta see this." He whispers, pulling me from my warm covers. Where have I heard that line before? I shiver as the cold morning air hits my bare flesh. Brrrr. I do notice that Mulder is standing beside the tree, at full mast, no less. Hmmm..come back to bed, Mulder. I curl my lips into a small smile. "I can see that better if it's over here," I drawl, blissfully happy that I can now share these feelings with him. "Cute, Scully. That's not what I was talking about," He says, pulling me up. I walk over to the tree and nearly fall over in shock. About 10, brightly wrapped packages peek out beneath the immense tree. Now, I *know* that Mulder and me bought each other exactly ONE gift apiece. Where the rest of these came from AND HOW THEY GOT HERE, I just don't know. "Mulder?" I ask, looking up at him. He shrugs and sits closer to the tree, handing me a package. I turn and grab Mulder's dress shirt, pulling it over my head. The package is marked "To: Dana, From: Santa" Of course it is. He grabs one addressed to him and we stare at them for a moment. "Think Santa decided to pay us a visit?" He asks, plucking the big red bow from his package and placing it upon my head. I shake my head and decide to open the box. It *does* have my name on it. "I don't know, Mulder. Maybe he figured we had a bad enough year and decided to treat us?" I add, smiling. Mulder knows I'm just kidding with him. These can't *really* be from Santa. Can they? Nah. Mulder rips the paper away and is struck speechless. He's just unwrapped a *Mr. Magician Magic Kit* OK, can we say goosebumps? This can only mean that this long box I'm holding contains....a BB Gun. Which, upon opening it, DOES. Shit, this is... "Read the card," Mulder suggests, motioning to the red and green embossed card hanging from the box. It reads: "Dana, Don't ever stop believing." I examine the words for a moment before relaying them to Mulder. He smiles and hands me his card. "Fox, I better not hear you're still trying to disappear." Wow, I don't think I ever had such a giddy feeling like this. Santa Claus? A real Santa? It's impossible..isn't it? "Mulder, do you know what this means?" I ask, reaching for another box. He shakes his head and pulls green paper from a tiny box. "It means we we've been good all year," He jokes, showing me the new compass he's just unwrapped. My next gift turned out to be a compass as well. "Same as mine," I say, turning it over in my hand. It's engraved with a short message. "DKS Christmas 1998" Mulder's is the same, "FWM Christmas 1998". xxxxx 11:15 AM December 25, 1998 After packing up all of our stuff, we decided to have some breakfast. Neither of us has spoken any more about the whole Santa thing. I'm not sure what happened while we were sleeping, but Mulder looks as happy as a clam. I would do whatever needed to be done to keep him this way. We decided to head back home today. Give ourselves some time to adjust to life back in DC. We still have over a week to ourselves, so I am looking forward to having Mulder in my bed. Oh, yeah. That image is a very welcoming thought. We are now on our way back into Phoenix to catch a 2:45 PM flight into DC. Mulder is driving this time, and he keeps smiling and winking at me. He's turned into such a cornball! "Are you sad to be going home?" He asks, turning on the radio. "In a way, because so much has happened here. I'm just afraid it will disappear when we get on that plane." I say, studying my new compass. Mulder's hand reaches over and claims my own. "No more disappearing acts, remember?" He teases, referring to the note *Santa* left him. I giggle and turn up the radio. "Joy to the World" is on. The same one that was playing on our way up here. I can't help myself...I have to sing. "Joy to the world, all the boys and girls, Joy to the people everywhere you see, Joy to you an me" Ok, so the lyrics are a little different, it IS a Christmas song, you know. Mulder smiles and joins in. After all that's happened this Christmas, I have to say Mulder was the best part. We have overcome our own fears, had a visit from SANTA, and we fell in love. What more can I ask for? We now have the rest of our lives to celebrate what came to be this Holiday. "I love you, Scully," Mulder says, in between verses. As I wipe away another tear, I squeeze his hand. "I love you too, Mulder," He smiles and I swear I see him tearing up. Merry Christmas, Mulder... Joy to you and me, indeed. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx THE END! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! That particular version of "Joy To The World" is by Mariah Carey. It's a nice little song that makes me happy when I hear it. For obvious reasons!! HEE HEE!! I hope you all liked it! And Happy Holidays to EVERYONE! Feedback is umwrapped at FoxLvDana@aol.com The Gossamer Project Author - Title - Date - Spoilers - Crossovers - X-Files - Adventures - Stories - Vignettes Other stories by Brady, Jennifer / Please let us know if the site is not working properly. Do not archive stories elsewhere without permission from the author(s). See the Gossamer policies for more information. /