Title:  All For You 
Author:  Cher
E-mail address: c715900@showme.missouri.edu
Rating: PG
Category: X-File, Romance
Spoilers: Pilot, Anasazi, Syzygy, Wetwired, Detour,
FTF, The
Unnatural
Keywords:  Lots of UST, Eventually RST Angst, Internal
Monologues/Comments
Disclaimer: Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen, etc.... all
own the
characters. It's a love of the show and characters
that make us do
this.
Archiving: Gossamer...anywhere else, just ask me and
keep my
name attached.
Thanks:  Obviously, I could not have done this without
Chris
Carter, Gillian Anderson, and David Duchovny. 
Together, they
have made the characters so lifelike that it is a
pleasure to write
with them as subjects.  Trisha, I could have never
finished this
without you! Thank you so much for editing, giving
input and
listening to me babble incessantly about my ideas! 
Summary:  When bodies turn up next to mounds of human
hair,
Mulder suspects werewolves.  Scully has her own
theories and
Mulder oozes with jealousy when she meets up with an
old
student.  





DeSoto, Pennsylvania
12:21a.m.

            Light from the full moon shone through the window of a small
suburban home, as a man tossed and turned in his bed. Twisting the cotton
sheets into a ball, he threw them to the floor in frustration and moved to
the window.  The moonlight illuminated his hands as he closed the curtains
and observed in disgust their covering of thick, coarse hair.  Grunting,
he headed to the small bathroom with pink linoleum, leaving the door
slightly ajar.  Fumbling in the darkness, he found the light switch and
then began what he had to do.  After a long series of guttural groans and
banal utterances, he looked down into the sink, his double-edged razor
falling onto a substantial mound of hair...He then glanced up into the
mirror, afraid to acknowledge what he might find.  Assistant Director
Skinner's Office Tuesday 8:57a.m. 

           "All three victims were found near massive piles of what
appears to be human hair, although we have as yet been unable to determine
the exact origin."  Skinner briefed his favorite agents as he dropped the
case file on the desk between them.  "You begin immediately...questions?" 
            Scully turned to Mulder only to find him flipping through the
file, enchanted and excited at the same time. *Like a boy on Christmas
morning, she thought to herself.  But Mulder's family never celebrated
Christmas...what a sad childhood!  She couldn't imagine spending Christmas
like any other day, without the tree, presents or food, and without the
company of a large warm family.  How lonely it must have been...*
Realizing that she was staring at his tanned face and squared jawline, she
began to blush under Skinner's knowing gaze.  Quickly directing her
attention back to the case, she inquired "Sir?  With all due
respect....the hair...human?  I mean, what exactly are you suggesting?" 
            Mulder stopped rifling through the papers and froze, staring
up at Skinner with sudden understanding.  "All the victims died during a
FULL MOON?!?"  Responding silently with a wise look, Skinner clenched his
jaw slightly and nodded. 
            "Mulder!  What does that have to do with anything?"  Always
the skeptic, she shot him her patented one-raised-eyebrow look.  He
remained quiet, waging the war with his deep hazel eyes.  "You're not
saying that..." 
            "Exactly!" 
            "Mulder," she countered, trying her hardest not to allow the
amused grin to surface on her face, "werewolves do not exist." 


Garfield Residence DeSoto Pennsylvania Wednesday 3:24p.m. 

            "Mulder, have you considered the idea that this man may have
simply had a lot of hair?  There are cases, although extremely rare, of
modern hypertrichosis...it's an X-linked dominant trait that is believed
to have arisen from a genetic reactivation mutation.  The body makes an
excess of body hair as it supposedly did when our ancestors were
apelike...cases have been reported for hundreds of years, Mulder.  'Wolf
men' were ostracized and often put to death.  Those that were able to
escape or hide passed on the trait to modern circus performers, 'wolf
boys,' living 'werewolves...'"  Following him up the sidewalk, Scully
noted that behind his inquisitive stare he seemed to be ignoring her
theory.  *Falling on deaf ears again.  He is so stubborn!* Shaking her
head a little, she averted her eyes to the door before them and knocked. 
            "Agents Mulder and Scully, FBI.  We'd like to speak with Mrs.
Garfield, please."  Mulder flashed his badge in his left palm as his right
nudged Scully slightly in the small of the back, a small protective
gesture he used subconsciously to let her know that he was there, in
control.  That he was ready to fall into their normal pattern of
investigation, with her initiating and him completing;  both of their
halves combining to make a whole, a finished product. 
            The small blond woman in the doorway cleared her throat and
answered, "I'm sorry, but she went back to Arizona yesterday.  I'm Faith
Garfield, Louis and Nola's daughter.  My parents have been separated for
six years...I was taking care of my father before..."  Her eyes teared as
she bit her bottom lip and stared at Scully with round, brimming blue
eyes.  "I'm sorry.  Please come in." 
            Following Faith into a quaint living room, they were seated on
a chintz sofa in front of a small fireplace. 
 Knowing that Mulder liked to observe and profile, Scully immediately took
the reins and began the questioning.  "You said you were taking care of
your father.  Was he ill?" 
            "He never fully recovered after the transplant.  He was weak
and..." 
            "Transplant?" Prodded Scully.  There had been no mention of a
transplant in the file or in Mr.  Garfield's autopsy report. 
            Looking somewhat surprised at their ignorance, Faith
clarified, "A heart transplant, last year in May..." 
            Mulder leaned forward, his curiosity peaked.  "Do you recall
the name of his transplant doctor?" 
            "Dr. Neil Flynn, at University Circle Hospital." 


University Circle Hospital 6:48p.m. 

            "We're lucky he's on night call this week," Scully said as
Mulder pressed the 'up' elevator button.  "Otherwise, we'd have to do
something relaxing tonight - like sleep - and get started in the morning." 
            He responded to her sarcastic remark with a quirky grin and
teased, "Oh, come on Scully.  You know it thrills you to be out all night
with a man...probably hasn't happened since Prom Night, huh?" 
            *Ouch.  That one hurt, Mulder.* Deciding not to allow him to
lure her into a game of Skeletons in the Closet, she simply raised one
eyebrow and gave him her iciest glare. *God, make these elevator doors
open...please!* As if on cue, they reached the desired floor and then
began to search for office 821. 
	
            "Dr. Flynn?" Knocking softly on the open door, Scully watched
as a middle-aged man spun around in the chair behind a cluttered desk that
was spilling paperwork all over the floor.  He was wearing a rumpled white
lab coat and had a pair of protective goggles around his neck, as well as
an additional forgotten pair pushed up onto his forehead.  *Ah, the
glamour of academia! How nostalgic.*
            Standing behind her in his favorite position, Mulder flashed
his badge and began, "FBI.  We have some questions regarding a former
patient." 
            "I'm sorry, but patient records are strictly confidential.  I
cannot give out any information without patient consent." Ignoring the
attractive agents lurking in his doorway, he began to shuffle through an
exceptionally large pile of paper next to his computer. 
            Giving Mulder an annoyed look, Scully pushed through the door
and cleared herself a spot on the couch as Mulder stood transfixed by the
computer screen.  Sitting on a heap of American Transplant Journals, she
looked down at the physician and interrupted, "Dr. Flynn, I am a medical
doctor and I'd like to ask you a few questions about a Mr. Louis Garfield.
Reportedly, you performed his heart transplant a year ago..." 
            "Agent...Scully" he noted, after looking at her ID badge.  "I
perform an average of three transplants a week." Smiling egotistically, he
paused for effect.  "After a while, the details simply run together.  A
heart is a heart, and I have seen and held over a thousand in my career." 
            Suddenly coming out of his daze, Mulder jumped in and stated,
"Mr. Garfield died three days ago." 
            "I'm sorry to hear that."  Feigning a disappointed frown, the
doctor added, "By the time many patients receive a transplant, their
bodies are far too destroyed to function properly."  Scully raised her
blue eyes to Mulder's hazel ones, communicating in their unspoken way that
this avenue of questioning was leading nowhere.  With a little sigh and
shoulders slightly slumped in defeat Mulder held out his arm to guide
Scully toward the door. 

            As Mulder led her though the hospital lobby with his hand on
her back, Scully flipped through the case file for what seemed like the
hundredth time.  "Nothing here seems to connect the hair with his death,
Mulder.  Now that we know he had a transplant, we can probably pin down
the cause of death as heart attack.  The coroner may have missed the
obvious signs such as..." 
            "But Scully, the hair has been found at all the crime scenes. 
And what about your previous theory?" 
            "Hypertrichosis?  Well, Mulder, the condition would hardly
have killed him.  And besides, I ruled it out after meeting with Mr.
Louis' daughter.  You see, it is an X-linked dominant trait, so she would
have been affected.  Unless she was adopted or has one hell of a morning
shaving regimen, it looks like hypertrichosis isn't an issue." 
            "But how do you explain the..." 
            "Hair?  I have yet to explain that, Mulder, but I'm sure there
is a plausible scientific...HEY!"  She scolded, as an attractive young man
in a white lab coat whirled around the corner and bumped into her right
shoulder, nearly sending her flying backward. 
            "I'm so sorry...I wasn't looking and I was in a hurry...Agent
Scully?!"  Offering his hand, he shook hers enthusiastically.  "Ralph
Darcy.  The Academy?  I took your Forensic Pathology class." 
            "Oh yes!  I remember."  Recognition flooded Scully's face
along with a slight smile as she looked him up and down and remarked, "You
have certainly grown up.  You look great!" 
            "So do you," he replied with a broad grin. 
 "So how did your project on Gypsy Maggots and Their Timely Invasion of
Human Cadavers ever turn out?" 
             Mulder's eyes widened and he crinkled up his nose in disgust
as she answered.  "It got canceled.  The facility was too backed up with
pending projects, so they felt no need to spend more money on..." 
Noticing Mulder's queasy appearance, she continued, "I went through
re-assignment." 
            "I'm sorry." 
            "No, it all worked out," she smiled her enigmatic Dr.  Scully
smile.  "This is my new partner, Agent Mulder.  Mulder, this is Dr.
Darcy."  They shook hands coldly and professionally, Mulder slipping his
arm from her back to her waist in another protective gesture.  *Why does
he touch me like that in public? Doesn't he know what it does to me?  Her
scientific side piped up: Alpha male syndrome...he's only defending his
territory and displaying his power...Oh, Mulder, don't you know that I
would never leave you?*
            "So," Scully asked, "what are you doing now?" 
            "Research.  What else is there?"  As they laughed, Mulder
rolled his eyes and began to search the hall for a quick exit.  "In fact,
maybe you'd like to hear about it some time." Fishing in his coat pocket,
he produced a business card and handed it to Scully. "Give me a call and
we can get together to talk about my project in detail." 
            Quickly producing her own card (*when did she have those made?
Mulder wondered...*), she gave it to Darcy and smiled.  "Likewise." 
            *Likewise?  What kind of project could make Scully smile so
much?  And why did Darcy's hand linger on hers like that?* Pulling on her
wrist like a small child, Mulder said, "Hate to bust up the reunion, kids,
but we've got work to do." Giving Darcy a superior stare, he tugged on
Scully's arm, leading her away. 
            Turning over her shoulder as she left, Scully shot an
apologetic look and offered, "It was nice to see you!" 
            "Likewise." 


Artesian Motel 9:34p.m. 

            Getting out of their car in the parking lot, Scully argued
"All I'm saying is that you could have been a little more cordial." 
            Laughing and snorting a little, he replied, "Are you kidding?
'Research.  What else is there?' Come on, Scully, admit it.  He's a dork." 
Walking her to her door like he always did, he waited for the usual
sarcastic remark, sigh, and 'goodnight.'
            "Mulder, just because he wears that lab coat and likes to
participate in cutting edge research, doesn't mean he's a..."  A dark blue
car came lurching though the parking lot, careening dangerously close. 
Screeching to a halt, a spotlight began to scan the area. 
            "Scully, get your key!" 
            Clutching her purse in a panic, she fumbled with the closure. 
Finally getting it open, she thrust her hand inside and struggled to find
the key...as her fingers wrapped around it's unfamiliar shape, the light
hit them.  Mulder looked at her urgently, scrutinized her wide eyes for a
split second, and then grabbed her squarely by the shoulders and kissed
her in order to hide their identities.  The light lingered for what seemed
like an eternity, so the kiss went on.  Surprised at first, Scully quickly
found that she liked Mulder's kisses and the way they made her melt in his
arms.  She found herself softening and relaxing under his grip and she
began to kiss him back.  Letting the key slip from between her fingers,
she moved her hands up behind his neck, exploring his muscled neck and his
thick brown hair... 
 
            And the light moved on.  *Damn.* Standing back, she continued
the facade of searching for the key and held it up a moment later, unable
to look him in the eye, afraid that the kiss had meant nothing to him. 
Unlocking the door swiftly, he began to motion her inside as the light
swung back to view them. Incapable of movement, she stood there stunned as
he swept her into his arms and carried her inside, tossing her onto the
flowery bedspread. Standing at the foot of the bed, he threw his jacket to
the floor and loosened his tie before he kicked the door shut with his
foot.  Then he smiled seductively and turned off the lamp, plopping down
into the nearest chair.  *How long have I wanted to do that?  To just grab
her and kiss her as hard as I could? God, it felt good.  But she had been
completely stunned, in shock.  No kidding, Mulder...you've worked with her
for six years and she's never taken any advances.  What makes you think
she would want you?*
            Peeking out between the miniblinds, he said, "That was close." 
If he had turned around to look at her, he would have found Scully staring
at him in disbelief, her mouth open slightly and her eyebrows raised. 
Instead, he was plugging in her laptop. "I think I can get into the good
doctor's filing system.  His computer was linked to a major network..." 
            Hearing only silence, he turned to her.  She had rolled onto
her side on the king-sized bed with her back facing him.  "Scully?"  No
answer.  *What's wrong with her?  Was she mad that I kissed her?  I had
to...surely she knows that.*
 Shrugging slightly, he began to work as she fumed.  After a while, he
leaned forward and intently studied the screen, highlighting the names of
Louis Garfield, Laura Brooks, and Joseph Hawkins. Sitting back and smiling
grimly, he closed the computer and peeked through the blinds again. 
Looking at the clock (10:08), he said softly, "Scully, I may have to crash
here tonight.  It looks like our friend isn't leaving."  Thinking that she
was asleep, he stood up and stretched his long legs. 
            She turned over and stared at the ceiling, saying "You can
sleep in the tub." 
            Mulder laughed and sat on the edge of the bed, taking off his
shoes and dropping them to the floor.  "Come on.  Where's your slumber
party spirit?  Let's order a pizza and a movie.  Then we can stay up all
night and tell ghost stories." 
            Shifting her eyes to him, she glared coldly and he saw what he
thought were tiny tear tracks on her face. "You can even have my blanket." 
Getting to her knees, she balled it up and hurled it toward his face. 
Then she rolled over again and pretended to sleep. 
            *Oh God, what did I do?* "Scully, what?" 
            *Dumbfounded.  As Usual.*


En Route to La Bonnehuer Hospital Thursday 2:04p.m. 

            "Why didn't you tell me Mulder?" 
            "You were 'sleeping,' remember?"  He chided, producing a hurt
facial expression and pretending to stab himself in the chest with an
imaginary dagger.  "Without me." 
            *Damn it, Mulder, don't mess with my emotions right now.  I
can't take it anymore.* "Mulder, you made an important breakthrough in the
case.  If you had told me that all three victims were heart transplant
recipients - and most significantly, that the donor organs all came from
the same hospital - I would have done research throughout the night.  We
could be looking at a hospital that lacks sterile procedure or
black-markets older, damaged organs.  There are so many possibilities.  If
I had been informed, I would have been more prepared for today." 
            "Don't worry.  All you have to do is shake your red hair and
smile at the surgeons...then they will tell us everything we need to
know."  He smiled broadly at her, loving the way that his apparent
indifference released her fury.  Piercing him with her eyes, she exhaled
slowly and then turned to look out the window at the passing landscape, a
thick, syrupy tension hanging in the air. 
            "You know, Scully, they say that an organ is capable of
carrying the characteristics of its original owner. Especially the heart. 
Folklore throughout the ages has associated it with..." 
            "Who are 'they,' Mulder?  And where did 'they' get their
medical degree?"  Beginning to fall into the rhythms of their intellectual
quarreling, she realized that it was similar to the stimulating argument
which they had both engaged in within the tiny basement office during her
first day on the X-Files. Numerous disputes had ensued over the years, but
no one ever claimed victory; neither wanted the other to lose. Mulder was
rambling on while she watched intently, only partially listening, mentally
preparing for her next onslaught of sarcastic or skeptical words. 
            Just then, her cell phone jumped to life starling them both
out of their ritualistic distraction.  Sliding it out of her coat pocket,
she punched its button and answered "Scully,"  before the second ring,
half expecting to hear Mulder on the other end. *When was the last time I
talked to anyone but Mulder on this phone?  Can't remember...* At the
sound of the voice, her eyes widened and Mulder leaned toward her with a
questioning look. 
            "Yes.  Well, I was just a little surprised that you'd be
calling so soon.  Yes, I'm still interested in hearing about your project. 
Tonight?  Ummm..." Glancing at Mulder, she saw that he was resolutely
staring at the road.  *He's listening, that much is obvious...but is he
jealous?  God, Mulder, it's just a business date.* "Okay.  What time are
you done at the lab? How's seven? I'll see you then." 
             As she turned off her phone, Mulder secured a parking place
near the front entrance of the hospital and pushed hard on the brakes,
causing the tires to squeal while sending Scully lurching forward. 
Slamming his door behind him, he tossed "you coming?" over his shoulder
and proceeded to make his way up the sidewalk.  Practically jogging to
keep up with his fast pace, Scully smiled behind his back.  *Very
jealous.*
            Mulder had already found an elevator by the time she caught
up.  "Did I say floor four or five?"  He looked at her with forced apathy. 
            "Five." 
            Stepping into the elevator that resembled so many others they
had ridden in, they each subconsciously held their breath, the silence
comforting, yet tense; challenging someone to break it. 
            "Mulder.  It's just a business dinner..."  She averted her
eyes to the floor and, out of habit, stuck the tip of her tongue in the
left corner of her mouth. 
            "What dinner?"  *Scully, I'm not about to let you think I'm
envious.* Trying his hardest to act completely normal, Mulder furnished a
puzzled face and raised his eyebrows.  His performance was admirable, even
though he had hung on every word that Scully had uttered during the two
minute and forty-one second phone call.  *Okay, so I timed it...sue me.*
            Sighing heavily, Scully exited on the fifth floor and quickly
found the nameplate belonging to the surgeon Mulder had mentioned during
the car ride.  Stopping before Dr.  Sampson's door, she tilted her head
toward it and then let Mulder take the lead. 
            "Dr. Sampson?  I'm Agent Mulder and this is my partner, Agent
Scully.  We'd like to ask you a few questions."  They flashed their badges
simultaneously, without even giving thought to the way in which they had
synchronized their movements over time.  A petite, dark-haired woman
stared up at them through wire-rimmed reading glasses and then smiled
broadly. 
            "Ah!  After our e-mail conversation this morning, I was
expecting to see you...and here you are."  Placing her eye wear on top of
an open file, she stood up and shook hands with the agents and then
offered them a seat. 
            "In your message, you mentioned some donor organs that were
transplanted at a local hospital... is that correct, Agent Mulder?" 
            "Yes.  We have reason to believe that these organs may have
been linked to the death of three recipients." 
            "I assure you, Agent Mulder, that the organs we offer for
transplantation all meet the quality standards of UNOS and are distributed
according to their guidelines.  We are nothing more than a 'middle man.'" 
Putting up her guard, the doctor seemed genuinely outraged at the
insinuation of malpractice.

            "Is it possible that the organs may have been switched with
other hearts?" 
            Her brown eyes beginning to flame with anger, Mulder knew that
he had not exactly worded the last question euphemistically.  Biting his
full bottom lip and looking to Scully apprehensively, he found her
engrossed in a medical journal. 
            "Mulder, I think I may have found that scientific explanation. 
This article links the use of Cyclosporine, a post-transplant
anti-rejection medication, to the growth of excess hair."  Turning toward
the confused doctor, Scully raised her eyebrows in a questioning look. 
            "Copy room is the third door down on the left.  Make
yourselves at home."  Nodding in appreciation, Scully grabbed Mulder's
wrist and led him out of the office. 
            Ducking into the copy room and switching on the lights, she
scolded "Mulder, the medical community does not appreciate law enforcement
agents who come into their establishments and accuse them of..." 
            "Sorry, Scully...but I have a feeling that something went very
wrong with those organs."  He gave her his most intense stare, telling her
that he was serious without verbalizing a thing. "What if the hearts
weren't human?  If wolf hearts were substituted, could it not be logically
deduced that the tissue carrying the animal genetic code could then
transmit signals characteristic of the original host?" 
            The eyebrow quirked into its high arch faster than Mulder
believed possible.  "Mulder!  You're crazy!  That's physiologically
impossible.  Xenotransplants are still in the experimental stages...but
they cannot do what you are suggesting! The entire body will not undergo
such drastic physical change because of the introduction of foreign
tissue, from another species or their own.  The extreme is rejection, and
although it can cause a total system breakdown, it cannot create a new
being or cause a mutation of the recipient's existing genotype.  Really,
Mulder!" 
            "And what do you propose, Dr. Scully?"  His sarcastic tone cut
at her already frayed nerves.  *One of these days I'm just going to snap
on you, Mulder.*
            "After transplantation, an extensive drug regime is begun
immediately to force the body's immune system to weaken, thereby warding
off rejection.  It can take several years for specialists to balance these
drugs within a person, since each case is unique.  Mulder, according to
this report, several of these drugs are types of steroids, like
Cyclosporine.  They are known to cause excessive hair growth, aggressive
behavior, and even insomnia...which may explain your 'werewolves.' When
combined with other drugs, whose doses are constantly being altered, heart
attack or kidney failure seem a highly likely cause of death."  *So what
do you think of THAT hypothesis?* Her competitive edge eager for attack,
she stood poised on her haunches, ready for his comeback. 
            He just exhaled slowly and observed her.  "C'mon Scully, let's
get out of here.  It's almost five and you've got a date at seven." 
            Surprise flooding her face, she attempted to hide it but was
unsuccessful.  Mulder cleared his throat and nervously shifted his weight
from one foot to the other before adding, "Or was it seven-thirty?" 
	

Artesian Motel 6:42p.m. 

            Leaning against the headboard of Scully's bed, Mulder was
enjoying a snack.  He had already shed his suit jacket and dress shirt,
and was clothed only in his pants and tee-shirt, making himself
comfortable as he typed furiously on her laptop.  She had been flying
around the room looking for her sea-scented perfume, those extra
pantyhose, and that small black satin purse that she always brought along
in her suitcase just in case the need arose... 
            Tilting her head toward the computer she asked, "So you are
going to work in here all night?" 
            "Yes...Work.  'What else is there?'"  He sighed like a
dejected man and put on his saddest puppy-dog face. Actually, he would be
spending the evening doing an extensive background check on one Dr. Ralph
Darcy.  *She'll never have to know.* Leaning in closer to look at the
screen, Scully saw that he was logged into a chat room.  She giggled
quietly under her breath and nudged him in the ribs. 
            "As long as you promise not to watch any videos in here...this
is still MY bed."  He feigned a disappointed look and groaned. 
            "Yes, mom..."  Then he turned back to the laptop and smiled as
she headed into the bathroom to change, adding just loud enough for her to
hear, "Are you planning on making use of this bed later?"  Lifting her
brows in retaliation, Scully bit her tongue and continued into the
bathroom, pretending not to hear that last remark. 
            While taking a drink of his Lipton's peach-flavored iced tea,
Mulder's grip slipped slightly on the condensation that coated the bottle. 
It tumbled into his lap, spilling all over his pants and even on Scully's
bedspread.  *She's gonna love that.* He jumped up and brushed himself off,
but it was too late - he was soaked.  Hesitating for a minute, he decided
that he didn't even want to chance her happening upon him in his current
predicament.  It would only give her more ammunition to use in future
battles.  Quickly removing his pants, he tossed them over the wet spot on
the bed and then sprawled out on his stomach, letting his feet dangle off
the edge.
            
            *Make use of the bed?  Why won't he go make use of his own bed
and stop lying in mine, half clothed, throwing little teasing sexual
innuendoes in my face?  He's been teasing me all weekend, with that damn
kiss, and then the Prom Night comment about being out all night with a
man.  I'll show him what I do when I go out with a man, a man who takes me
to nice restaurants instead of fast-food joints...* Dana Katherine Scully
threw her black lace bra out the bathroom door and onto the bedroom floor. 
            Then the devastatingly beautiful, drop-dead gorgeous agent
sauntered out to face Mulder.  He let out a long, involuntary whistle as
his eyes devoured her tiny frame, clothed in a shimmery black dress that
clung to her curves, complete with matching purse.  Her fiery auburn hair
was piled on top of her head and tiny ringlets of natural curls fell like
whispers down her neck.  Mulder realized that he'd never seen her hair
fixed up before, unless you counted ponytails, and those were usually
reserved for autopsies. 
            "Do you always bring this ensemble into the field with you?" 
            "You never know when a special occasion will arise..."  She
allowed her eyes to roam freely over his well-muscled shoulders and biceps
that were only accented by the thin white tee-shirt he was wearing.  Her
eyes wandered further down and she almost laughed out loud when they
processed his unpredictable glow-in-the-dark alien face boxers.  *What the
hell was he thinking?* She wondered if he had bought them to annoy her, as
he had with his flashy neckties.  If so, how long had they lain unused in
his drawer before he worked up the nerve to model them?
            "Scully?" 
            "Huh?"  Her guilty eyes flew up to his face as she was jolted
from her daydream. 
            "Did you need something, Scully?" 
            "Oh...yeah.  Could you zip up my dress?" 
            Turning around, she revealed a flawless ivory back with the
gaping dress hanging off each side.  Sliding his right index finger along
her spine, Mulder heard her inhale sharply and felt her tense against him. 
Smiling, he found the zipper and began to pull it slowly up her delicate
back, his fingers brushing her electric skin all the time.  *Scully!  No
bra?  Hmmmm...*
            "Scully, this is more than a business dinner, isn't it?  It's
a date."  Suddenly serious, he propped himself up on his elbows and
stopped typing, scrutinizing her reaction instead. 
 The reaction was one of complete amazement.  She stood at the foot of the
bed in stockinged feet and a sleek black suit dress, one of her chunky
pumps dangling from the fingers of her right hand; her face ashen and her
ruby lips slightly parted to form a small 'O' as her jaw dropped. 
            "It's a business dinner, nothing more." 
            Chuckling softly to himself, Mulder popped a sunflower seed
into his mouth and chided, "So, Agent Scully, do you go through this much
trouble every time I bring files and a pizza over to your house?"  It
seemed that she had ignored his last comment, but as she turned away to
head to the bathroom, Mulder saw the crimson fingers of a blush crawling
up her Irish neck to settle in porcelain cheeks.  *Really?  For me?*
            *All for you.*


Cousin Robert's Bistro 7:38 p.m. 

            "I'd like another gin and tonic.  And for you?"  Darcy
motioned to Scully across their small table in the back of the restaurant. 
            Shaking her head, she held up her palm and answered, "I'm
fine."  Her fingers absently traveled along the rim of her glass, tracing
small invisible circles before they wrapped around the stem and brought
the sweet Chardonnay to her lips. 

"So...what's the big secret?" 
            "What do you mean?  Besides the fact that you're the most
beautiful woman I've ever met and that I've had a crush on you since I was
your student at the academy?"  He leaned forward, the last words in his
sentence dropping like silent music from his tongue. 
            A deep scarlet blush rose up in her cheeks as Scully laughed
apprehensively and stared at the swirling red nectar in her glass.  *Why
does it remind me of blood?* Raising her eyes cautiously, she found him
staring intently at her.  "I meant...what is your study about?  It must be
big if you feel confident in presenting it to an ex-tutor..." 
            "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable."  He smiled at
her broadly.  "I just had to get that out of the way before I got too
nervous...I'm doing a study on Cardiac Xenotransplantation." 


Artesian Motel 7:40 p.m. 

            Mulder felt guilty for investigating Scully's date.  But after
finding that Ralph Darcy was the registered owner of a navy blue 1989
Cutlass, he felt justified in his efforts. When his photographic memory
mentally conjured up the image of the dark car from the previous night, he
almost fell off the bed as he bolted up to grab his shoes. 
            "Yeah, I need you to run a number for me...Pittsburg area
code."  His cell phone was cradled in its usual position between his
strong shoulder and listening ear.  "Okay.  555-0928.  Yeah, I need a
street address...all I have is a post office box." 
            Scrawling the information onto the back of a napkin with the
first available writing utensil - Scully's lipliner - he shoved it into
his pocket and said a rushed "thanks." 
            Ending the conversation, he holstered his Sig Sauer and
grabbed his badge and flashlight before dashing out the door.  852 Pratt
Place 7:57 p.m. 

            Picking the lock on Darcy's apartment had been easy, and now
Mulder braced himself to enter.  Hoping that there would be no surprise
pets or roommates, he drew his weapon and silently swung the door open
with his toe. 
            His shoulders and back tensed with every step he took into
this dark unknown.  Weaving his way through what appeared to be a normal
living room, kitchen, and bathroom, Mulder stubbed his toe on the footed
bathtub and cursed before heading toward the bedroom. 
            As he turned on his flashlight, wolves stared at him from
every direction.  Pictures of wolves.  The walls, ceiling, and even closet
doors were covered with posters, pictures, and paintings of wolves.  In
the center of the room, an autopsy table stood in place of a bed.  Various
scalpels, saws and sutures were laid out, but Mulder could only guess at
their respective uses. *Scully would know.*
            Mustering enough courage to open the closet, Mulder found a
refrigeration unit.  Inside, were several jars with hearts suspended in
clear fluid.  Mulder's own heart was beating rapidly and he knew that
Scully was in danger... 


Cousin Robert's Bistro 8:02 p.m. 

            "I've been looking for an intelligent contemporary to aid with
the research.  When I saw you yesterday I knew that our paths had crossed
for a reason."  Darcy stopped momentarily to take another sip of his
drink, his emerald eyes searching Scully's with anticipation. 
            "Xenotransplantation?  So you are transplanting hearts from
mice to rats?"  No answer.  "From rats to pigs?"  Still no answer.  He
just raised his eyebrows and sighed while she continued with excitement. 
"From pigs to primates? That is an innovative procedure which has yet to
be perfected!  It's rarely successful...how are you doing it?" 
            Darcy leaned closer, taking both of Scully's hands into his
and confessed "Primate to primate."  He watched in amusement as her eyes
widened in shock, then squinted in disbelief and finally enlarged with
recognition and horror.  Her jaw was slack and she looked as if she may
faint. 
            *Oh God!  It's him!  I've got to get out of here...*
            Forcibly regaining her composure, Scully sat up straight and
cleared her throat.  "I'm extremely busy with my current assignment, as
well as devoted to my partner...I cannot simply request reassignment from
OPC.  Besides, it seems as if you are doing quite well by
yourself...another scientific mind could get in your way..." 
            "OPC?!"  He laughed heartily at her innocence and added, "Do
you think they 'assigned' me to my current position?  I turned in my
letter of resignation to the Bureau when I learned that you had been
assigned to the X-Files.  For the past six years, I have tried to come to
terms with the fact that we would never be together, but kept apart like
star-crossed lovers." 
            Glancing around furtively, Scully searched the restaurant for
an easy exit.  She felt a wave of panic rise up in her as she noticed that
the entire place was empty and lit only by candles. Startled, she began to
make excuses for leaving. 
            "You know, Mulder is probably wondering where I am...and I
told him I'd go over a case file with him tonight...and..." 
            Disregarding her pleas, Darcy clenched his fists even tighter
around her small hands and continued, "Now you have stumbled back into my
life and with a little favor from my cousin Robert, fate can finally take
her course." 
            Tears mounting in her throat, she exhaled very slowly and
concentrated on breathing.  *Why am I so sleepy?* Looking down at the
table, her thick wine swirled in the glass before her eyes.  *Drugged.*
            His fists seemed to be closing tighter by the second, and she
knew that she would have to wait for a prime moment to make her
escape...If only she could stay conscious that long. *I've got to do
something NOW...*
            Slipping her right foot out of its black satin pump, she
caught his eyes and raised an eyebrow suggestively as she situated it in
his crotch, wriggling her toes.  Surprised, Darcy smiled and relaxed his
grip just enough for Scully to break free. 
 Spinning out of her chair, she began to run in only one shoe, but
darkness swept over her as she fell to the ground... 

            "Get away from her!  Put your arms in the air!"  Mulder had
burst through the door with two agents behind him, just in time to find
Darcy leaning over Scully, his left hand hidden under the edge of her
calf-length dress.  "I said get AWAY from her!" 
            The agents quickly tackled Darcy and pinned him to the ground,
cuffing him as they read him the Miranda rights.  Mulder rushed to Scully
and kneeled beside her limp body, sprawled out on the floor.  His face
crumpled with absolute devastation when it dawned on him that he may have
lost her.  *And I never told her how I felt.*
            Reaching out for what seemed like an eternity, his right hand
bridged the vast distance that separated them. The backs of his fingers
lightly brushed along her cheek and her eyes fluttered, struggling to
open.  Thank you...I couldn't live without her. 
            "Scully?" Mulder placed his palm against her flushed cheek and
cradled her head in his lap, smoothing a stray lock of her flaming hair
behind her ear. 
            "Mulder," she mumbled.  "Do your boxers really glow in the
dark?"  Her piercing blue eyes were clouded with confusion as she slowly
became oriented. 
            "Hmmmmm?"  Where did that come from?  So she liked the boxers,
huh? 
            "Scully, are you all right?" 
            Her mind clearing, Scully suddenly comprehended the fatal
danger from which she had so narrowly escaped.  Clinging to Mulder's
forearm, her tears began to flow silently down her face to pool against
his palm.
           "I'm fine, Mulder.  But when are we going to finish that kiss?" 
            
            Lying down beside her with a faint smile playing across his
lips, Mulder reached up and caressed her face with both hands, brushing
away her teardrops with his thumbs. She wrapped her arms around his waist
and snuggled her body closer to his protective embrace, sighing as he
kissed her forehead. Then he tilted her chin upward and she began to drown
in his fervent hazel eyes.  *Eyes as bottomless as the deepest ocean.  I
could stare into them for infinity.*
            His lips finally descended to hers as they both gave in to
their mutual love.  A love that they ultimately shared on every level; a
love that was undeniable, unable to be cast into words. They were friends,
lovers, soulmates, and so much more... 
            Memories of the last six years flashed across his mind.  That
night in the rain in Oregon; the bullet she had lodged in his shoulder;
the quarrels in Comity; the night at the hospital in Allentown; her
holding him at gunpoint in her mother's home; her lullaby in a Florida
forest; her resigning from the Bureau; his hands on her hips as he taught
her to play baseball.  But he had almost let it all slip away. 
            *Good and bad, I don't regret a single moment.  I'd do it all
again, Scully. 
            All for you.* 

The End!  Hope you all liked it...it was my
first attempt at fanfiction.  Give me some feedback! :)  -Cher