Title: You've Got a way 
Author: BellyUp 
Date: 11.24.03 
Rating: PG 
Classification: V/MSR/Songfic
Spoilers: Je Souhaite & references throughout Season 7
Archive: I'd be honored to be asked!  Just let me know. 
Feedback: bellyupinzona@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully and The X-Files belong to Chris Carter 
and Fox. I am making no money on this endeavor, which 
coincidentally does not differ from anything I do in real life. 
The song 'You've got a way' belongs to Shania Twain. While not 
included in the actual story itself, it was used shamelessly (and 
without permission) as a muse. Thank you, Shania!

Authors notes at end. 

Thanks to: Two of the most generous Havenites (and fabulous betas) 
I've met - Jenna a punctuation and grammar goddess(OMG she's 
good)if there are any remaining mistakes they belong to me. Ella 
who provided great insights, wonderful format (see I used it!) and 
priceless encouragement.  And to Folieadeux, KayVal, and Fat Cat 
for coming to my rescue with incredible advice.  Finally thanks to 
Jean Helms for a few words that really stuck!hopefully this isn't 
truly awful <g>.    


============
FBI
FRIDAY
5:06PM
============

Mulder moves through the halls of the Bureau, feeling lighter. As 
if by freeing the Jinniyah, he's managed to free himself. He walks 
single-mindedly towards the autopsy bay, more than sure that 
Scully has gone there before heading home. Sure enough he finds 
her sitting on a stool in the empty room. No white coat to be 
seen; she's still wearing her black suit jacket. She sits 
dejectedly in semi-darkness, similar to the way he found her when 
Anson Stokes' invisible body 'disappeared'. She is swallowing pixy 
dust in a record amount if the number of empty Pixy Stix on a 
nearby table is any indication. This does not surprise him; Scully 
has had a strange penchant for huge doses of sugar lately. He 
watches quietly as she tilts her head back and downs an entire 
grape-flavored Pixy in one go. The powder is most likely sliding 
down her throat in a single, tingling streak. The very idea of it 
causes an involuntary tightening in his groin. He waits for her to 
come up for air before he lets her name cross his lips slowly and 
softly.  

"Scully."

He does not want to startle her with his presence, but, she turns 
to him with a look of expectancy, as if she knew he would come. 

"How'd it go, Mulder?" 

She is curiously quiet, her tone a match for his.

"It went."

He is not yet ready to share the details with her.  She was 
obviously afraid for him, afraid of the damage this last wish 
would do.  Her worried look is becoming one of wonder as he stands 
there watching the transformation in her eyes.  Intent on catching 
her off guard and thus distracting her from this line of 
questioning, he asks the question he came to ask. 

"Hey Scully, would you like to join me for dinner and a movie 
tonight?" 

She is more than aware of his attempt to change the subject and 
will not let it slip so easily.

"Why? Did you wish for a theatrical experience and end up with two 
free movie passes?"

He takes in the raised eyebrow and the slight smirk that is 
currently residing on her face and decides to give in...a little.

"No, no I didn't, but if you meet me at my place tonight at let's 
say 7:00?....I'll tell you what I did wish for. I provide the 
rental and the takeout...you provide the Scully."

She stares at him as if sizing him up, the smirk changes course 
and blossoms into a smile. Her relief washes over her body 
relaxing her slight frame. He has succeeded in pleasing Scully. 
She knows that whatever became of the wish it will not dent their 
small world. This small world existing of just the two of them has 
finally found a clear path around the sun and cannot afford 
another orbital tragedy.  

He thinks that maybe she has lost track of the conversation, 
because although she has raised herself to her full height of 5'3, 
she has not managed to provide a response to his proposal. 

"So, is that a yes or a no?" 

"Yeah, Yes Mulder a definite yes...your place at 7:00." 

She has begun to move towards the light beckoning from the sterile 
Bureau hall beyond the door.  She makes no move to clean up the 
paper waste left by the Pixy Stix.

"Walk me to my car?" 

She tilts her head slightly and waits for his reply. 

He takes in all of her in a glance, appearing as if he sees her 
soul. In reality he's making an imprint; something to remember. 
Right now it's the way her hair creates a soft halo around her 
face. A stray tendril that curls 'just so' at the tip caresses her 
cheek as she awaits his answer. 

He smiles. They have not yet learned how to do this perfunctory 
dance.  Before it was always easier for one or the other to leave 
for home.  But, in the after, it has become difficult to know how 
to part. They are more than friends, but hasn't that always been 
so? He does not relish the idea of time away from Scully and never 
has. The difference is now he recognizes the same reluctance in 
her. Catching it in the cadence of her voice, the stillness, in 
the things she doesn't say. 

"Of course." 

She turns and pauses, waiting for that familiar touch. 

He does not disappoint, placing his palm against the small of her 
back. Together they walk slowly towards the parking garage, and 
speech is unnecessary. They reach her car and part, both with a 
simple look and a wry smile; looking forward to the evening when 
they will once again be in each other's company. 

============
Scully's Apt
FRIDAY
6:08PM
============

Scully opens the door to her apartment, mentally perusing her 
wardrobe attempting to decide what to wear. She is running 
slightly behind, having made a quick stop to collect her mother's 
birthday cake from a local bakery. Once inside she pauses in the 
kitchen on her way to the shower, just long enough to place the 
white frosted confection in the refrigerator. She ignores her 
strong desire to take a small taste of the sweet covering, forcing 
her thoughts back to her clothing options. This is not a date per 
se. That is not what they do. Spending time with Mulder is not 
nearly as complicated as that. 

He wants her, needs her, just as she is....nothing more or less. 
So she chooses comfort. A white, long-sleeved top and a clean pair 
of jeans.  She does not bother to pack an overnight bag, although 
she knows that she will not return tonight. Over the past year 
each partner's apartment has come to house each other's personal 
items. Her bathroom holds an extra toothbrush and her peach 
shampoo shares the shower with his 2 in 1. Her blouses cohabitate 
nicely with his dress shirts within the confines of her closet. 
She does not doubt that in the morning she will find his 
refrigerator holds a plentiful supply of her favorite yogurt, or 
that if she desires it, Mulder will rise early in order to acquire 
a cream-cheese bagel during his morning run. 

As she dresses, Scully ponders recent events.  She cringes as she 
recalls her giddy reaction during the whole invisible man 
scenario. She is slightly embarrassed by the incident.   Not 
because of her excitement, but instead the way she handled the 
loss of her proof. In hindsight she is aware that this is how 
Mulder has felt a multitude of times. Her insistence on keeping 
hold of her patent skepticism has actually gone so far that she 
effectively called herself delusional. 

She knows and admits to herself that the entire experience 
happened just as she remembers it. She suspects that the only 
reason she denied it is because that is her acknowledged role. She 
often wonders what would become of her and Mulder's dynamic if he 
were to discover just how little doubt she has left? She still 
tries to look for the scientific answer, that remains a part of 
her nature. Yet, these days she more readily accepts that there 
are things science cannot explain. It has taken seven years, but 
Dana Scully is a believer. 

She stands motionless in the bathroom mirror and lets the 
realization settle inside her. This new awareness saturates her 
pores like moisturizer providing nourishment in a profound way. 
She speculates on when it happened. If perhaps the new physical 
side of their relationship has allowed Mulder's convictions to 
soak into her very core? Or maybe time did that? If so, what part 
of her has penetrated his walls? Somewhere along the way there 
ceased to be a choice for either of them. She exhales, letting 
worry go. Mulder is safe. She is safe. They have time to build 
this new thing. To design it, organize it, catalogue and reference 
it. Tonight she just wants to enjoy it.

============
Mulder's Apt
FRIDAY
6:56PM
============

Mulder reaches inside the cabinet producing a box of microwave 
popcorn. Popcorn devoid of actual flavor, as that is Scully's 
choice. Although he teases her regularly about her food 
preferences he is comforted by the presence of those very items in 
his home. He places two bags in the microwave and wanders into the 
living room to place the orders for Chinese food. He 
simultaneously dials the phone and flips on a muted episode of 
'The Drew Carey' show. Drew and Mimi are tossing barbs back and 
forth over her Troll doll collection. He does not bother to take 
the mute off once he has completed his order. The flickering 
screen is enough company until Scully arrives. Sound would just be 
intrusive. 

He forces himself to relax against the sofa when every part of him 
wants to pace in front of the door. His entire body is 
anticipating Scully's knock. He feels like a teenager awaiting a 
make-out session. Scully has soothed his restless nature since the 
day she walked into his life. However, he has only just learned 
that she also makes an effective woobie, providing him with the 
best sleep he's ever had. 

The childhood term tickles his psyche - bringing back images of 
Samantha at five years old roaming the house clutching a worn, 
soft pink baby blanket. He used to tease her unmercifully about 
it. A fact that caused him pain in the early years of her 
disappearance. Now that same memory produces a gentle smile. He 
knows Sam is at peace, a discovery that has left him at peace. He 
is finally free. 

Scully's knock interrupts his thoughts. He opens the door to find 
her standing in the hallway smelling of vanilla and possibility. 

"Hey, Scully. Popcorn's in the microwave and dinner is on its way 
so have a seat."

" 'kay." 

She moves past him into the room, removing her light jacket and 
sliding down easily on the sofa. He closes the door and ambles 
into the kitchen, returning quickly with two bottles of beer. He 
hands Scully an unopened bottle and places the other on the coffee 
table in front of her. He retraces his steps to retrieve the 
popcorn from the kitchen. Scully has not provided any conversation 
and it does not occur to him to attempt to change that. There has 
not been any awkwardness in their silences in awhile. They speak 
when they desire it.  

When Mulder returns to the living room, Scully has relaxed into 
the cushions. She watches his movements as he crosses in front of 
her to pop the tape into the VCR. He breaks the silence with an 
expected wise crack. 

"I can't believe you don't want butter on your popcorn. Ughhh. 
It's Un-American." 

She barely responds to his remark choosing instead to peruse the 
video's cover. 

"Caddy Shack, Mulder??" said in the same manner as "Aww mom, do I 
hafta?"

"It's a classic American Movie."  

She relaxes back against the sofa and opens her beer. 

"That's what every guy says. It's a guy movie." 

"Okay, when you invite me over to your place we can watch Steel 
Magnolias." 

She doesn't bother replying to the comment, at least not aloud.  
He reads the sarcasm in her body language. To compensate for the 
lack of a quick reply, she tosses her beer cap across the room 
landing a perfect dunk in the trashcan. Mulder attempts to do the 
same and misses...causing her to giggle into her bottleneck. She 
picks the moment to begin her interrogation. 

"So, uh... What's the occasion?"

"I don't know. Just felt like the thing to do. Cheers." 

He taps her bottle for emphasis. 

"Cheers." 

She considers his answer, while he ponders her carefree mood. 

"I don't know if you noticed but, um, I never made the world a 
happier place." 

"Well, I'm fairly happy. That's something." 

They share a simultaneous smile...Mulder is proud of his ability 
to effect her in such a way. Scully is proud that she has found 
her voice. That she can finally say these things freely.
 
Purposely ignoring the announcement for the feature presentation 
on screen Scully, returns to her earlier interrogation. 

"So what was your final wish, anyway?" 

Mulder looks at her, letting his eyes traverse her small frame. 
He's aware that the question has been on her mind ever since they 
left the office today. It makes him smile. He takes in another 
draught of his beer and chooses not to answer. Yet. The theme 
music for CaddyShack starts to play and he takes it in; its true 
he is alright.  

Scully, warmed by the humor in Mulder's eyes and the secret look 
he gives her,  presses him for an answer. 

"Really Mulder, what was your final wish from Jinn?" 

"Simple, I wished that she could have my wish.  I imagine she's 
somewhere finally living her life.  She's free."
 
He starts to raise his beer for another swig but is stopped by the 
look in her eyes. 

"What?"

Slowly she smiles a full, bright smile. One of many that he's had 
the pleasure of witnessing lately. He'd conquer the world for one 
of Scully's smiles and when she does smile, he feels like he has.

"Nothing Mulder...nothing at all."

She suddenly scoots closer and drops her head to his shoulder. 
Turning her eyes to the screen but continuing to wear that silly, 
soft Scully-smile. 

Now it's his turn to stare and smile. Scully showing such obvious 
affection when he's not bleeding profusely or seconds from 
unconsciousness is a wonder in itself. Maybe it's a sign that 
they've finally arrived. He feels like he's finally found the 
answer to Scully. But for the life of him, he still has no idea 
what that is. He just knows that over this past year their self-
imposed exile from each other has crumbled to dust. He needs her. 
She needs him. The miracle is that it has become welcome and 
understood that love, romance whatever you call it won't change 
that. 

In the midst of his musing, Scully glances up aware of the 
unlikelihood of Mulder sitting through Caddyshack quietly. She 
catches him in mid-gaze. In the past she might have turned away, 
blushed slightly and allowed her powers of pretense to take over, 
deluding herself that theirs was only a deep friendship, nothing 
more. Now she simply holds his gaze, before letting her eyes 
travel over his face. The slightly bronzed skin that time has 
roughened. The slight lines around his mouth and eyes that were 
more likely drawn by pain than laughter. The full lower lip that 
after seven years still provokes a soul deep reaction within her. 
She admits to herself, as she peruses his cherished features, that 
there is nothing she wouldn't do for him, give to him. That same 
truth lays bare in his eyes when she returns her gaze to his.
 
Mulder blinks and soundlessly removes Scully's bottle from her 
hands and leans forward to place both his and hers on the coffee 
table.  He does not return to his previous position, instead 
choosing to lean across Scully's prone form. His palm extends past 
her cheek to press into the back of the sofa, holding his weight 
just above her. He's looking into her eyes when their lips touch, 
but, upon full contact both of them automatically let their lids 
slide close; the better to experience the exploratory kiss. Their 
kisses have been rare, but something in this one promises a 
change. 

Since the failure of the IVF treatments and Scully's final 
understanding of her chosen path, they have spent four nights 
together.  They have just begun to learn the taste and feel of 
each other. Running hands over naked skin in the dark, marking 
territory and drawing imaginary maps for further exploration. This 
kiss is a celebration of sorts, a branding of lovers. To Scully it 
feels both old and new; like driving down a familiar street in the 
dark. You know you're in the right place, heading in the right 
direction but you can't see the signs. To Mulder it just feels 
like Scully, like climbing inside of her...inside her where he 
feels her heart beat, and knows it beats for him. 

The kiss ends with Mulder coming up for air. Between short gasps 
he presses his forehead against hers and she runs her fingers 
against the pulse at his throat. Enthralled by the evidence of his 
reaction to her, she teasingly mumbles, "We're missing the 
American Classic". 

He grins and she feels the warmth of it against her skin and her 
lips turn up in immediate response. Mulder kisses her forehead and 
glances down to ask if she plans to spend the night. 

Her simple yes pleases him and he waggles his eyebrows and yells 
'sleep-over'! She throws her head back in a full-throated laugh, 
letting the moment return to its earlier levity. She understands 
just as he does that they have all night. They're learning the 
rules of this relationship...the freedom it provides. The freedom 
to enjoy each other. They'll spend the evening in companionship 
and conversation. Then spend the rest of the night in each other's 
arms. They are finally getting out of the car and doing some sight 
seeing. 

"So, Mulder why did you choose this movie again?"

"Scully, stop being so picky it was either this or 'Singles'; 
somehow I didn't think a movie with the tagline: 'Love is a game. 
Easy to start, Hard to finish'...was even remotely suitable for 
us." 

She scrunched up her face, recalling the movie centered around 20-
something singles. She recognized the truth in what he said, there 
was nothing of them in that film. She'd waved goodbye to her 
twenties sometime ago and dating was the last thing on her mind 
over these past few years. Those kid's lives were worlds apart 
from her own. But mainly, love was not a game for the two of them 
and she'd never count it 'easy' in any context.   

But, come on...Caddy Shack? She didn't have a thing in common with 
Bill Murray and a groundhog either. If he was going to go that 
route he'd have been better off choosing 'Groundhog day'.  

"What video store do you frequent Mulder, the quick and the dead? 
How could there not be any other choices?" 

"Beats me, its Friday night..there was a rush on the new 
releases." 

He's hiding behind his bottleneck as he says this. She recognizes 
the gleam in his eye. He knew she'd hate his choice but he never 
really planned on watching the movie did he? Oh well, who was she 
to complain? She graces him with another one of her smiles, this 
one slightly naughty. 

"Fox" she whispers... "My parents won't be home for hours."

He laughs out loud and with a lecherous grin plays along.

"Well, Dana whatever can we do with all that time?"


============ 
End 
============

Author's notes:
This is my first 'completed' fic! it is in response to the Haven's 
November Guilty Pleasures Challenge (2003). The elements of which 
are:
-Write a story that revolves around your favorite guilty pleasure 
ex: stuck!fic., Onebed!fic., etc. Well mine was much more tame. My 
gp is SongFic. yeah, not at all naughty, but often embarrassing to 
admit. (This fic is a combination of Songfic and after the 
fact.... I love the episode Je Souhaite. It remains one of my 
favorite episodes of all nine seasons. Hopefully this first effort 
will pay homage to that ep.)
remaining elements: 
* a blankie or woobie (whatever you call a child's security 
blanket) 
* 2 free movie passes (please forgive the cheap way I slipped that 
in.) 
* Pixy Stix 
* The movie 'Singles'. 
* Troll dolls (another skate...lol) 
* A cake


Lyrics for Shania Twain's You've got a way (Notting Hill Remix):

You've got a way with me 
Somehow you got me to believe 
in everything that I could be 
I gotta say 
you really got a way 
hmmmm 
You've got a way it seems 
you gave me faith to find my dreams 
You'll never know just what that means 
Can't you see you've got a way with me?
Chorus: 
It's in the way you want me 
It's in the way you hold me 
The way you show me just  
what love is made of 
It's in the way we make love
You've got a way with words 
You've kept me smiling even 
when it hurts 
there's no way to measure  
what you're worth 
I can't believe the way you 
get through to me
repeat chorus
Oh how I adore you 
like no one before you 
I love you just the way you are
repeat chorus