Disclaimer etc. in Prologue... Ménage a trois By DanaK35 PART FIVE Fox Mulder stared at the phone in his hand and slammed down the receiver. He picked up the glass of whisky he had been nursing and took a long gulp. "Damn Skinner, damn Scully, damn them all!" He mumbled under his breath. He sank down on his couch and stared at the television unseeing. "ScullyScullyScully" he repeated her name like a mantra. The last months had been hell for him, he missed her and not a day went by, when he didn't think of that last conversation they'd had at their desk. He had been one sarcastic son-of-a- bitch and he knew it was only his fault that she had left. In fact he had behaved like a son-of-a-bitch for months. He had taken her for granted and she had left. She had left him. Mulder had never felt that bad in his life. It was as if someone had ripped his heart out. As if a part of him had left with her. Rachel could not fill the gap. She tried so hard and Mulder still enjoyed her company. She was funny; she was beautiful but she wasn't Scully. Scully with her blazing blue eyes and down-to-earth manner. Her quick mind, her wit, her...everything. Her warmth and her friendship. Mulder picked up the glass and took another sip. ************************* Boston, MA Saturday, 10:30 am Dana Scully woke with a major hangover. She and Phoebe had had the better part of 3 bottles of wine. She wasn't used to drinking that much. She snorted. She wasn't used to anything anymore. Had forgotten how to live. All the grief of the last years she had forgotten to be herself, to be a woman. What had Pheebs said last night? "Have some hormones!" It suddenly made sense. Being a woman a man's world she had had to fight constantly against prejudice and harassment. She had learned to hold back her wishes, suppress her feelings. Everything changed when she was assigned to the X-files. She and Mulder had lived in their own world. A strange and dangerous world. Trust no one. Their mantra. Their religion. They trusted each other, but they forgot how to trust in themselves. Scully knew now that she should have listened to her inner voice more. She should have taken matters in her own hand. She should not have waited for Mulder to come around. But that was too late now, too much stood between them, to many years of pain... maybe it had never been meant to be after all. She wouldn't make the same mistake again. "Carpe Diem!" Phoebe had told her when she called this morning. 'Live the day'. She would live the day. ************************** She picked up Skinner at the airport and took him to his hotel. He was in full Assistant Director mode again. "I think we should go to the office later, there have been some new developments in our case...I want you on the team." He said after he had picked up his key at the reception desk. "Why don't you come over to my place, we might as well go through the files there... ." 'Have I gone too far?' she wondered briefly. After all, she wasn't even sure of what he felt. Skinner considered the offer for a second. "Sure." "OK, I'll see you then." Scully left, leaving a slightly astonished Skinner behind. ******************************** An hour later, Skinner got out of a cab in front of Scully's apartment building. It always amazed him how her apartment had the distinctive character of its' owner. Scully had created a real home for herself and she looked like she belonged. She was stunning, still wearing her hair in that slightly shorter style and her jeans and simple white linen shirt made her look years younger. He tore his eyes from her and slipped out of his coat, setting down the heavy briefcase he'd been carrying beside the couch. "We've got tons of work, that drug case is taking on huge proportions." Scully went into the kitchen and picked up the coffee she had prepared. Skinner had made himself comfortable on the couch and was leafing through a couple of papers. She handed him a mug of black coffee and he looked up and gave her a shy smile. Sitting down beside him, she picked up a couple of files. "Let me fill you in..." Soon enough they were engrossed in discussing the case. Work was a safe area after all. *********************************** Fox Mulder stepped out of the shower and got dressed. He picked up the phone and dialed the number of the airline, booking a flight to Boston. After another sleepless night he had made his decision. He would fly to Boston to speak to Scully. If only to make amends with her. Being sober again, he'd realized that most of present state of mind came from the unresolved issues between them. Maybe if he just talked to her, apologized for being such a shit, they could both go on with their lives. The phone rang just as he was about to leave. "Yes?" "Hey, it's Rachel, where have you been?" He sighed. "I have been trying to reach you last night... ." She continued. He felt a pang of guilt. "Listen, Rachel, I am on my way out...a case", he felt even worse about lying to her, "I will call you when I get back. OK?" She hesitated. "OK, but don't forget." "Alright, bye!" He hung up and left the apartment. He had to get this solved once and for all. Rachel deserved his honesty and he had been less than honest the previous weeks. He was still bound to Scully. He needed some closure, one way or the other. ************************************ Scully set down her pen and legal pad and ran her hand through her hair. She and Skinner had been poring over the drug case for several hours and her head started to hurt. "So...what we know so far is that there is the connection to several banks in Boston, the Colombian mob down in Miami AND our Senators Adams and Barrows in Washington." She summarized. "We have the Boston connection and the involvement of the Senators proven, but we still need proof for this connection to the Colombians..." Skinner nodded and took off his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He looked as tired as she felt. "I will need to fly down to Miami...I would like you there, too." She nodded and got up; he followed her with his eyes. "Fine! You know what, we need to eat and I don't think I can see another case file tonight." "Do you want me to leave?" "No, I think we should go out, Skinner, have dinner, a drink, something, I just need a shower." With that she disappeared into the bedroom. Skinner got up and looked out the window. The street was quiet; he heard the shower in the next room and closed his eyes. He didn't know if it was a good idea to stay. The closeness to her had been too much all day. Sitting there on the couch, shoulder to shoulder he had been dizzied by the smell of her perfume, the scent of her soft hair. His heart had started beating wildly when she touched his arm, or moved on the couch so their legs touched. He had wanted her then and he still did. Now, as he heard the shower running he pictured her there, standing under the steamy water, her wet hair falling down her white neck, her hands moving down her alabaster body, circling her breasts, moving down further..."STOP IT!" he muttered. Turning from the window he stacked up the papers and gathered them in their folders. He had to leave; he could not face the whole evening with Dana Scully, craving her like he did right now. His own feelings scared and confused him. "Scully!" "Just a second I'll be right out..." "I've got to go." He picked up his coat. "What, why?" She was standing in the doorway to her bedroom dressed in a silk robe. "Why do you want to leave now?" She placed her hands on her hips. Skinner turned from the door and looked at her. Her face was scrubbed clean of make-up and her wet hair was slicked back from her forehead. He could make out the soft swell of her breasts, where the robe opened slightly. With two steps he crossed the room, sweeping her into his arms. He pressed her hard against his chest and to his surprise she wrapped her arms tightly around him, her heart beating just as rapidly. He lifted her chin and whispered coarsely: "Because...I want you ...!" He took her face in his hands and searched for a reaction. A tiny smile played around her lips. Her hand came up and she touched his rough, firm jaw, tracing the line back to his ear. He closed his eyes, savoring her touch. "And what do you intend to do about it?" Her voice sounded equally as hoarse. She stood on tiptoe and touched his lips softly with her own. His eyes fluttered open. He felt the length of her petite body pressed against his, felt her warm skin beneath the thin fabric of her robe and answered her kiss hungrily, wrapping his arms around her even tighter. Scully's world was spinning. She felt dizzy, swept off her feet. His kiss was hard but tender, demanding but gentle. His body was like steel, just as she had expected, his hands large, but soft. She felt his arousal and desire stirred deep within her. His hands wandered down her back, resting briefly on her buttocks before finding the belt of her robe and tugging at the knot. Her own hands found her way under his shirt and she ran her fingers teasingly over his firm stomach. Her touch made his flesh ripple and he groaned slightly. Then her robe fell apart, revealing creamy white skin and rose colored, erect nipples. His mouth traced a fiery line down her neck and shoulders and a small moan escaped her. She tucked at his shirt, when the shrill ring of a cell phone interrupted them. "Don't get it..." she mumbled. He shook his head and lifted her up; she wrapped her legs around his hips, when he carried her to he couch. The phone kept ringing. Skinner let go of her. "I am sorry..." he whispered and picked up the phone. "What the FUCK is going on?" he bellowed, then his face turned solemn. "Oh...no, Sir, yes, I was in the middle of something, no, no, yes...I understand, my team and I will fly down tomorrow, ok, good-night!" Skinner switched off the phone and leaned back on the couch. Next to him, Scully tied her robe. She was sitting sideways on the couch, one leg drawn up under her, one arm resting on the back. Her hand rested close to his neck without touching him. The moment was gone. Skinner closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I am sorry, Scully." "It's okay." She answered, still trembling from the intensity of their touch. He cleared his throat. "That was the director... Senator Barrows has been killed; now the pressure is on us to solve the case. They have taken Adams into custody..." "So we will go to Miami tomorrow?" He nodded and looked down at his hands. He felt embarrassed for pouncing on her like that and didn't know if he could look her into the eyes again anytime soon. "Skinner..." He looked up, his chocolate brown eyes full of regret. "What do you think... should we go have some dinner, now?" He smiled and started buttoning his shirt. "Good idea!" She got up and to his utter astonishment placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I'll be right back..." She went back into the bedroom but didn't close the door behind her. Skinner got up and opened the window letting the night air cool his cheeks. He took a deep breath and relaxed. His emotions were still in a turmoil, he still felt her in his arms and he briefly wondered what would have happened if that damned phone hadn't rung. He smelled her perfume even before she wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Ready?" "Yeah!" It was as easy as that. Across the street, Fox Mulder watched them leave. He had sat there for the better part of an hour. He had seen Scully move around and had tried to build up the courage to go up to her door, ring the bell... talk to her. But then he had seen a man coming to the window. Skinner! Mulder didn't want to believe his eyes. Skinner! In Scully's apartment, here in Boston. He had sunk back in his seat, but something had driven him to look back up. Skinner had been gone. Mulder wondered just what was going on behind these walls; jealousy gripped him...and sadness. She had moved on... just as he had. He shouldn't complain really, after all he had started his affair with Rachel. And that had prompted Scully to leave. He was sure of that now. She was entitled to a life on her own, but Skinner? He'd never even realized Scully felt this way about him, maybe she didn't, maybe they were just working on a case together. He knew that Skinner was involved in some case up here in Boston. But then Skinner came back to the window, opening it wide, inhaling the fresh night air. And Scully, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Soon they exited the building together. He had his arms around her, his huge frame almost hiding her from Mulder's view. Laughing, happy. He turned away and started the car. Tears were streaking his face as he turned onto Storrow Drive, but at the same time an odd peacefulness overcame his tired senses. ***************************** The popular bar was full of people. South American music was playing loudly from the speakers. Scully and Skinner were crammed in a corner booth, facing the bar and the dance floor behind. They were snacking on finger food and nursing glasses of red wine. Scully was chatting about the bar, how she had been there for the first time with Phoebe. Her eyes were sparkling and she seemed relaxed. Skinner was still on the edge, unsure of how to handle what had happened between them. His brooding was interrupted by a friendly "Hey, Dana!" and he looked up right into the green eyes of one of the skinniest women he had ever seen. She seemed elf-like with her shiny white skin, round eyes and blond curls. She sat down beside Skinner, her partner, a good-looking African-American beside Scully, who smiled when Phoebe gave her a wink. "Hey, I'm Phoebe and that's Robert, pleased to meet you!" Skinner introduced himself. "Walter Skinner, pleasure is all mine!" Phoebe ordered some sangria and turned back to Skinner "Walter sounds so formal, do they call you anything else, ever?" Scully suppressed a grin. "She calls me Skinner," he answered and motioned to Scully, "she has developed an extraordinary liking in last names..." Phoebe nodded and took a sip from her sangria. "Come on guys! It's time to dance!" She got up and took Robert's hand. They disappeared to the dance floor and Scully shrugged apologetically at Skinner's astonished face. "That's Pheebs...what can I say... she thinks you're a hunk!" "A what?" "She thinks you are a damn good-looking man, Mr. Skinner!" He took off his glasses and gave her a puzzled look. "We had a little woman to woman chat last night and she told me that she thought you were...you know!" He leaned over the table and took her hand, his dark eyes serious. "And what do you think, Dana?" She chewed on her bottom lip and looked down at their entwined hands. "I...I think you are a very attractive man, Skinner, unless you keep calling me Dana..." He leaned closer and his eyes grew more intense. "Yes?" "Well, I think I could get used to your presence..." She said with a little grin leaning all the way over the table, planting a kiss on his nose. "Come on, Skinner, let's dance!" The Salsa music was hypnotic. Scully stood to the side of the dance floor and observed the entwined couples, wondering if she could let herself go enough to dance like they were. To the far left, Phoebe was dancing closely with Robert, hip to hip, one arm slung around his neck the other moving freely with the music. It was wild, it was erotic, it was so not Scully at all, but then...the music stirred something deep insider her. "Think we should try that Scully..." Skinners voice was rough in her ear, teasing, slightly breathless. A delightful shiver ran down her spine. She turned and there was a wild sparkle in his now almost black eyes. He looked almost feverish and dangerous, dressed in jeans, the top buttons of his simple white cotton shirt exposing his muscular neck and collarbone. He took her hand and stepped on the dance floor. His hands resting on her hips, his right leg between hers as they moved to the music, hesitant at first, more boldly with every beat of the drum. Scully closed her eyes, wound her arms round his neck and let him guide her, feeling his strong hands on her back, his body pressed to hers. She felt sensual and free. The music seemed to vibrate deep within. Sweat tickled between her breasts, leaving a moist trail down her stomach. She licked her lips and smiled up at her partner radiantly, eyes blazing. Skinner smiled back. All his worries seemed to disappear in the music, all the stress, even his years seemed to fade. His past, his future, they didn't matter...all that mattered was the woman in his arms, the movements of their hips, the soft curve of her shoulder, her breasts grazing his chest. His hand slid down her hip, along her jeans-clad thigh, lifting it, her small body bent backwards, his other hand supporting her. She laughed, deep in her throat before he lifted her back up abruptly. Their faces were only inches away from each other. Scully's breathing was labored just as his own, her lips slightly parted. He took her hand and whirled her away from himself, sending her spinning over the dance floor only to pull her close again. Laughing. Beads of perspiration formed on his forehead, his whole body seemed to be covered in a film of sweat, his heart was pumping and he felt the desire for her building up in him again. The music increased to a crescendo of trumpet and drums and ended so sudden, that the dancers stopped and stared at each other in a trance, but only for the briefest moment, until it resumed with a slower piece. Skinner pulled her close once again, his arms wrapped around her, her cheek resting on the damp fabric on his chest. Scully heard his heart beating rapidly, inhaled his scent deeply, this mixture of sweat, cologne and a freshly laundered shirt and at that moment she knew she wanted him just as badly as he had wanted her this afternoon. She stood on tiptoe and whispered "Take me home." This time they didn't walk. The cab took them back to Scully's apartment in less than ten minutes. They were in each other's arms even before the apartment door closed behind them. Skinner swept Scully up with one fluent motion. He picked her up and she kissed him, pushing his leather coat off his shoulders and struggling out of her own. Shirts and pants followed as they hungrily explored each other's bodies with hands and tongues. He unhooked her white lace bra and gently cupped her firm breasts, stroking the nipple with his thumb. Her hands caressed his back, his midriff and wandered down to the edge of his boxers, tracing the line with one finger. She heard his sharp intake of breath and slipped out of her panties, freeing him of his shorts as well. The light of the moon shimmered on her ivory skin and he looked down at her for a moment. "You are so beautiful..." he whispered. She placed little kisses along his chest, tracing a line down to his arousal, touching him, tasting him, hearing his moans. His hands found her center and stroked her gently, drawing circles, entering the wet folds with two fingers. She arched back. She didn't want to be seduced. Didn't want to be patient. She wanted him. Now. "I want you" her voice was husky. With one quick movement he lifted her up against the wall and she could feel his erection pressing against her. Wrapping her legs around his hips she sank onto him. He inhaled sharply and guided their movements with his hands placed on her buttocks. Their lovemaking was fierce, hungry. She could feel her climax building up within and threw her head back, her breath escaping in gasps. She could feel him inside her, filling her completely, his movements, his hands, his hoarse whispering increasing her lust until her world seemed to explode around her. His thrusts became more forceful and he reached his climax with a low moan. He shuddered and his head sank against her shoulder, his lips finding their way along her neck until they reached her mouth, warm, tender, slightly salty. His kiss was infinitely tender and soft. He set her down gently, still holding on, not willing to let go completely, then he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. ************************ Boston, Ma, Sunday, 6:30 a.m. Dana Scully woke slowly from the sun shining directly into her eyes. She blinked and turned to her side expecting to find Skinner asleep beside her. But the pillow was empty, the bed cold and she sat up, puzzled. Had last night only been a dream? Skinner's lips on her own, on her body, his hands exploring every inch of her, his voice whispering incomprehensible words. No, it hadn't been a dream; she could still smell him on herself, the scent of their lovemaking in the pillows. She got up and went into the living room. There he was, staring out the window, naked, beautiful. For a brief moment, Scully admired his perfectly sculpted back; his firm buttocks and lean hips. She stepped closer and leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his chest and running her hands through the soft dark hair. "Hey" she whispered. He turned around and pulled her close. "How long have you been up?" Scully asked. "A while, I couldn't sleep..." He had gotten up at 4 in the morning; heart hammering in his chest, unable to go back to sleep. He'd made love to Dana Scully. He hadn't felt that way about a woman in a long time, he wasn't even sure, if he had ever felt that way. He was in love. Foolishly madly in love with one of his Agents. And he was afraid. Afraid to lose control. Afraid to lose her. Afraid of the consequences of loving her. He knew she would probably never love him as much as he loved her. There was still Mulder and somehow her being with him, Walter Skinner, seemed wrong. Not for him, but given the past years she seemed to belong to the other. But she was with him now, standing there naked, arms around his waist, eyes sleepy, whispering "Come back to bed..." Their lovemaking was slow this time. A languid exploration of each other's bodies. Hands and tongues, touching, probing until they found their relief together, collapsing in each other's arms, spent, content. An hour later his cell phone chirped. "Yes?...OK...thanks!" He hung up and turned back to the woman next to him. "That was Kimberly, we are booked on a flight to Miami, this afternoon, you, me and Agents Montgomery and Jennings..." "Hhmm...OK!" Skinner looked down at her; her face was flushed, her red hair tangled, a smile grazed her lips. He kissed her softly and she answered his kiss, warm, her tongue tracing the line of his lips. He let go and got out of bed. "I'll make coffee!" She nodded and got out of bed as well, stepping into the shower. It was time to get back to business. *************************************** Fox Mulder's Apartment Alexandria, VA Sunday, 09:30 a.m. Mulder woke from the smell of coffee. He sat up on the couch and rubbed his eyes. "Good morning, sleepy-head!" Rachel, dressed in faded jeans and a black T-shirt sat down next to him and handed him a steaming cup of coffee. "When did you get back? How did the case go?" Mulder took a sip of coffee and looked at her. "I haven't been on a case, Rachel, I went to Boston to speak to Scully..." His answer hung in the air heavily. Her eyes widened and she got up, pacing the room. Then she turned around, her dark eyes angry. "OK, Mulder, will you tell me what-the-hell is going on between you two?" It was now or never, he knew that, he needed to decide once and for all, if he wanted this relationship or not. Rachel had become important to him and she didn't deserve being lied to. He took her hand and she sat back down next to him. "Alright...you want the whole story, here we go..." He told her everything from the moment Scully had stepped into his office over 6 years ago, told her about the attraction that had been there from the start, about the deep, loving friendship that had developed between them. He spoke of the responsibility he felt towards Scully for all the losses she had suffered, for all the pain she had had to endure. "I loved her, Rachel, but being lovers didn't last very long." he ended. " I think she has moved on, she has built a new life for herself in Boston, but I still wanted to make amends with her because we didn't part as friends..." Mulder looked at her expectantly and she reached out and touched is cheek. "I understand..." she said softly. "But you shouldn't blame yourself for everything that has happened to her or to you both!" He nodded and pulled her into a warm embrace. What he had said had been true, but he still couldn't get the image of Scully and Walter Skinner, walking off arm in arm, out of his mind. End part 5