From: "Ewa Allison" Date: Sat, 31 Mar 2001 19:21:21 +0100 Subject: ONE COLD NIGHT by Ewa Source: direct TITLE: ONE COLD NIGHT Firelight stories 7 AUTHOR: Ewa E-mail: ewa@whatewa.com RATING: PG CATEGORY: V SPOILER: None KEYWORDS: MSR S POV THANKS: As usual to Peggy for both a great beta job and also the moral support she always provides. SUMMARY: A chance stay at a hotel proves to be an eye-opener for Scully. DISCLAIMER: Any characters you recognize belong to Mr. Carter & Co. The rule of thumb is, if you recognize it, it's probably not mine. I'm just borrowing. ARCHIVES: Let me know where it's gone please! Feedback please. ewa@whatewa.com See my stories at www.whatewa.com 03.30.01 ONE COLD NIGHT SATURDAY MARCH 11th 4:47 PM Two weeks since her birthday, and they hadn't stopped working. I suppose I should be grateful, Scully thought. "Be thankful for small mercies," Mom always told her. She was thankful but a day or two off would have been nice too. Scully couldn't begin to imagine how this latest case they had gotten assigned to could have ever come under their jurisdiction. Even her partner had to agree that, no way, could this have ever been classified as an X-File. This admission by Mulder, probably constituted an X-File in itself. It was the nearest spooky thing she'd come across all week. The best thing Skinner could have done with this one when it landed on his desk was to have placed it in the circular file; but, it had to come their way. They must have really ticked him off with that last expense report of theirs. Now, late on a Saturday afternoon, all she wanted was to get back home, get into a hot tub and forget all about the events of the past seven days. I swear if I see another cow or herd of cattle, I'll pull my gun and start shooting, she thought as she watched the scenery flash by. Mulder was driving, too fast as usual, but today, she hadn't complained; the sooner she was in that tub, the better. The hick town didn't even had any decent plumbing; it made the back of beyond appear quite sophisticated. Just as well some instinct had made her pack some jeans and walking boots as well as the customary suits. The former were now mummified in layers of hefty bags in the trunk, but the smell had still permeated through. Why they couldn't have gotten a flight back from Buffalo, like normal people would, she didn't know, six hours ago, this had seemed like a good idea. They were still in for another three hundred miles on the road. Three hundred miles, six hour driving. God! She wouldn't be home much before midnight. Mulder way above the speed limit at the moment, but nearer civilization, he'd have to slow down. She was concentrating hard; trying to visualize the sensation of the hot bath full to the brim, with at least half a bottle of her favorite, relaxing aromatherapy bubble bath in it, some scented candles lit around the bathroom for effect when she heard Mulder swear and felt the car veer off the road. Automatically she braced herself for impact, but Mulder managed to bring them to a halt safely, and as they sat in the gathering gloom at the side of the country road Scully just couldn't help herself. "Great, just what we wanted. A perfect end to a perfect week. *Now what* Mulder?" "Well, Einstein, we could look at a map and find out where the hell it is we are and await rescue, or one of us could get out and fix the tire. Toss you for it!" Mulder sounded as ticked off as she felt. It wasn't his fault the rental car had a blow out and he'd had just as bad a week as she, Scully thought. She wasn't normally so unfair. "Sorry Molder, that was uncalled for, guess it's just that I was so looking forward to getting home tonight." "Yeah, I was kinda looking forward to that too. Let's see if we can get the spare wheel on and get on our way, ehhh?" Mulder popped the trunk, and got out to get the spare wheel and start work. Scully heard his "Shit!" and felt the car shudder as he kicked the back wheel. "What's up Mulder?" she queries as she got out of the passenger side, the heels of her shoes sinking in the gravel as she walked around the back to join him. "There's no bloody spare wheel, that's what's up. You sure we didn't rent this thing from 'Rent-a- wreck'?" She heard him muttering curses under his breath as he moved to the right side of the vehicle to further inspect the damage. "Although, looking at what's left, it wouldn't have made a great deal of difference," he continued, pointing to the distorted wheel-rim, "We'd need specialized tools to shift it anyway. We must have hit a rock or something as we came to a halt." "So, what now?" "Now, partner? We get to study the map and work out how far to the nearer bit of civilization and then we start walking; unless you fancy spending a night under the stars." Scully took out the map. Seemed as though finally Lady Luck was on their side. "Look's like there's a hotel about a mile and a half up the road. Hey Mulder! There's a garage there too. Maybe we could get a mechanic out to fix this. We could grab a meal while they do this, and be on our way. If we share the driving, we'll be home by midnight. The hotel sounds kinda nice 'The Inn on the Lake'." "C'mon Scully, let's get you there and fed. You know how ratty you get when your blood sugars drop." "Ha-ha Mulder, very funny. I never get ratty!" "Oh, *really*?" She hated it when he took that sarcastic tone with her, but the look of fatigue on Mulder's face stopped her in her tracks. "You're right Mulder, we're both hungry and both tired. Let's make the most of this break." Mulder's dumb look of surprise was worth holdings her tongue for. Mulder locked the car and started to walk up the road. Scully set off after him. "Don't know why you're bothering Mulder, if someone stole this thing they'd probably be doing us a favor." It was mid-March, and although the day had been sunny and fine, but the temperature had dropped as they traveled south east and in the last hour and the sky had turned on ominous gray. Scully wasn't too happy to see the flurry of thick snowflakes begin their leisurely dance around her partner and herself. She shivered as she hurried to catch up with Mulder. Her hands were like ice. She crossed her arms in front of her chest she tucked her hands between her body on her upper arms. Despite her woolen trench coat she felt the wind biting through the fabric. "You cold?" Mulder inquired as he stopped to wait for her. Scully nodded. He closed the distance between them and took her hands in his rubbing them vigorously. Scully looked up at his weary face. He stopped rubbing and held her hands between his warm palms. For a moment they stood in silence looking at each other, then he sighed and gently he meshed his fingers with hers and squeezed. "C'mon, let's get you into the warmth," and tucked her hand under his arm holding it there to warm it. She put her other hand into her pocket as the resumed their walk. They walked for twenty minutes before they reached the turnoff that finally led them to the hotel. It was a strange place to find a hotel, but a hotel it said on the map; and a hotel it appeared to be. "Let's get the car sorted out first Scully, then we can eat." "Sure, fine, whatever." By now Scully was feeling extremely chilly, and more than just a little sorry for herself. Her mood did not improve when, on locating the garage they were politely told by a matronly woman that both the mechanics were away till the morning. "Sorry folks, I'm afraid that you're just plumb outa luck, them boys are at a weddin'. Can't say as I'm expectin' 'em home much before dawn. It'll be mid mornin' a fore anythin' gets fixed around here." There was nothing for it. They would have to stay the night. This was going to look really impressive on their expenses sheet for the month. Scully could just picture having to explain something like this to the likes of that bumptious auditor, Chesty Short. At least the woman offered to drive them back to get their bags. "I'll go Scully, you get yourself in the hotel and warm up. I'll meet up with you in the lounge and we'll work out what we're doing from there." Scully was glad to sit down in the warmth. She found herself a seat near the open log fire, and felt herself thawing as she enjoyed her latte. That was surprise number one. I mean, latte in a hick hotel? On the coffee table beside the easy chair she sat in, were some information brochures. Idling the time away, she picked up on that promised to tell all about the hotel. From the color photos this place certainly looked very nice. It was privately owned, so maybe that explained the slightly eccentric air of the place. Maybe this wasn't such a hick hotel after all. INN ON THE LAKE SATURDAY 6:30 PM Out of the large panoramic windows, she could see the two lakes that gave the hotel it's name. Three white geese were standing outside the window, inquisitively peering in at her. Behind the lakes, she could see the dark shadows of the still leafless woodland. It felt as though Spring was a long time coming...as was Mulder. Where had he got to? He'd been gone for the best part of forty minutes. Just then he came over to join her. "Where have you been Mulder? I thought you were getting a ride." "Yeah, well, thought I may as well book us in, seems like this is a popular spot on Saturday nights. I go us a twin, they're right out of adjoining singles...it's the best I could do. You don't know how lucky we are to get anything, this late in the day." "Mulder." There was a warning tone in her voice. "What did you expect me to do? We've no chance of transport till the morning, you're cold and hungry, I'm tired. The Bureau can quibble about expenses all it likes, but we're staying here the night, and what's more we're gonna have us some fun." There was a hint of laughter in his voice. "Mulder? Mulder, what have you done?" "Me? Nothing. I've just ensured that these agents are on the receiving end of a little R and R. After the case Skinner assigned us to we deserve a little recompense, don't you think?" Scully just looked at him, then her face broke into a smile. "If we're quick there's enough time for us to catch a shower and a quick nap, they start serving dinner in the Lakeside restaurant at eight. The cabaret dinner dance is a feature here on Saturday night's. C'mon Scully, we've not had fun for ages...besides I wanted to take you dancing on your birthday only I screwed up." She couldn't be cross with him for any length of time when he put on that puppy dog face. God! Did he know how to push her buttons, or what? "Okay Mulder, but come Monday, *you* can explain to Skinner. And *I'm* in that shower first!" She couldn't suppress the smile any longer. "Hey, I've got nothing to wear!" "Get them to press that suit with the long jacket, you'll look fine in that." "Huh! Now he's become a fashion expert." Scully muttered to herself as she followed the signs down the hallway to their room. The room was every thing that the brochure had promised, panoramic view over the lakes, which were illuminated with soft lighting, now that it was getting dark; luxury bathroom, direct dial phone, hair dryer, complimentary tea and coffee and to Mulder's relief a remote control color satellite TV. "Scully, you get showered and I'll get them to press your suit, might even get mine done." She didn't need further inviting. It as bliss lying in all that hot scented water, she though sleepily as she soaked the trials and tribulations of the past week away. This was sooo good. She could hear Mulder channel surfing. Clean and sweet smelling, she finally relinquished the tub and wrapped in the white bathrobe, came out to dry her hair. "It's all yours Mulder." "Hope you've left me some hot water," he teased as they exchanged places. She managed to grab a short nap, dress and be ready for dinner, all by half past eight. By now her stomach was rumbling fit to raise the dead, but she felt so much better in herself. She was actually quite looking forward to tonight, Mulder was right, it *was* about time they had a little fun. In the darkened restaurant, the only illumination was from the shaded candle on each table. Each table was laid with white napery and silver ware. They were lead to their table and given a menu. "Hey Scully, this beats some of the greasy spoons we usually frequent." Mulder said in a stage whisper. "Mulder, please. Just for once, let's enjoy a bit of class. I know it's somewhat out of your league...for tonight just pretend eh?" Mulder was already pulling at the roll on his side plate. "Muld derrr. Behave." They ordered prawn cocktails to start with, followed by mushroom and corn soup. Scully was filling up already, and they hadn't got to the main course yet. Mulder looked as if he could have problems with the selection of silverware laid out before them. Somehow, after the week they'd had, Scully couldn't quite face the steak. She opted for the 'chicken cordon bleu' and was surprised to see Mulder ordering the same. He looked a little sheepish when she caught his eye. They ate in silence for a time. Then Scully's curiosity got the better of her and she began looking around the restaurant at their fellow diners. There had to be a complete cross section in here tonight, from an elderly couple probably celebrating an anniversary, to what looked like a aging lothario with his bimbo and everyone else in between. I wonder where we fit in, Scully suddenly thought. Just over to the left of them the nights musical entertainment were setting up. "Hey Scully, you enjoying yourself?" "Mmm." Yes, she was, she was warm and clean and fed. The wine they had with their dinner was doing a good job of relaxing her still further. It was then, that the manager came over and broke the news. The shower in their room had sprung a leak, flooding the room downstairs. It was impossible to fix tonight, therefore would they mind if they were moved to the suite further down the hall. It was more expensive, but the manager assured them that there would be not extra charge to them. They sighed in unison. Mulder started rising to go and move their bags. "Oh, no, sir, ma'am, please. Stay and finish your meal and enjoy the cabaret. Our staff will be only too pleased to move your luggage, it's the least we can do in the circumstances. We'll bring you the key as soon as the move's completed." With that, he hurried away. As the charlotte russe was served the group began their evening's entertainment. The theme for tonight was music through the decades. A very eclectic collection from Andy Williams to the present day. The manager came back with the key to their new room. "Hope you enjoy your room, it's still got the view of the lake." They thanked the man. Gradually couples began to dance. Scully looked at her partner, but he seemed engrossed in listening to the music. Watching him, she thoughtfully ran her fingertips along the rim of her now empty wineglass. She wondered if he was feeling as awkward as she was. She'd been there before, he wasn't one for dancing. Still, it was nice just sitting here in each others company, even if there conversation was nonexistent. Why was she surprised? Surely this was nothing new to him, to them. And yet, as she watched the couples swaying to a particularly slow, smoochy melody, she wished she were up there among them. Would they ever move on, should they ever verbally commit to one another? At moments such as these, when she felt most vulnerable, she doubted it. Both of them were too afraid of the words, the changes uttering those words might bring. "Just like old times, eh, Scully? When she shook her head uncomprehendingly and then cupped her ear, Mulder raised his voice and repeated the question. The tune playing was loud. "What old times? she all but shouted back. She'd hoped they'd call it a night after they'd finished eating. It had been all of ten o'clock then, and it had been a very long day. But he'd said they should stay a while, unwind a little. He's insisted. Why should that have surprised her? He was always the one who was unpredictable. The look in his eyes now was almost made the events of the previous week worth while. Just before he asked her to dance, she'd caught him looking at her in a way that made her think he could read every stray thought in her head. If that was the case, he'd see how confused he made her. He blew hot and cold so often , she no longer knew where she stood with him. They'd been so close on her Birthday, but since then...it was almost as if that episode had never been. But then, since when had any of this been headline news? They were both getting to be masters of denial. Could he read her thoughts, was she that transparent? She was very glad of the subdued lighting. Hopefully he wouldn't be able to see the blush she felt staining her cheeks. The question throbbed in her mind, imitating the beat of the music. She was surprised at the song he'd chosen to dance to. It was it was slow, the lyrics suggestive. She felt slightly self-conscious to be up there mixing with the hip youngsters. Mulder, being Mulder didn't seem to mind at all as he twirled her around. The song ended. Another took it's place instantly, one piece hardly discernable from the next. He led her back to their table. She'd been right about the elderly couple, they were in fact celebrating their golden anniversary. As the rest of them applauded, the tiny woman was led out by her oh-so-proud husband of fifty years, to be presented with a great bouquet of roses. He looked at his wife with such pride. "Is it possible to feel like that after such a long time?" Mused Scully. The idea made her eyes mist over for a moment. Looking over at her partner, she noticed his eyes were suspiciously bright too. The music started again, and the couple were invited to begin the dance. It really was a golden oldie, 'the anniversary waltz'. The pair of them looked a little self-conscious, but circled the floor a few times, before they were joined by so of the other couples. Mulder and Scully sat watching the other couples, listening to the vocalists as they performed. A man and a woman, sometimes alone, sometimes together. As the hour grew later, the tempo slowed, became more smoochy. She tried unsuccessfully to block the sentimental feelings that were seeping through her. She stole a glance at Mulder. He had a faraway, dreamy look in his eyes. His quiet. "Care to dance Scully?" surprised her. He stood before her and the gently drew her into his arms as the music began. Moving on pure instinct, she rested her head against his heart, letting the music take her away. The music and Mulder, his heartbeat and the soft sound as his velvet voice crooned the words sung by the male singer. " The look on your face says that you really need me, The smile on your lips that you really love me, The trust in your eyes says that you'll never leave me, The touch of your hand says you'll catch me whenever I fall; We say it best, when we say nothing at all." As Mulder repeated these lyrics over and over again, she felt her eyes growing moist. Her arms tightened around his waist. She felt his left hand feather through her hair tucking the strand behind her ear, exposing the star shaped ear stud that he'd given her for her birthday. His arms tightened around her as the song continued. The music finally came to an end, and Scully had to acknowledge how tired she really was. "Ready to go?" He asked. She let a breath out. It spoke volumes. "More than ready." Mulder laughed as he led her out of the door, his hand on that special spot on her back. "I guess racing you to our room is out of the question then." She was lucky she wasn't falling flat on her face, and yet he managed to look as though he was ready to do another session. "Mulder, I'm so tired I can hardly stand up." "That's not a problem." He scooped her up in his arms, pushing the door into the hallway open with his shoulder. Scully laughed in surprised protest, her arms automatically encircling his neck. "No Mulder, put me down-I didn't mean..." "Hush woman, let me do this just this once." He finally let her down to unlock the door to their room. They stood on the threshold, their faces mirroring they abject disbelief. Their new room was indeed bigger, more luxurious than the one they'd started out in that evening. The only snag was the sumptuous bed. It was singular. "Mulder, there's only one bed," Scully all but whined. It was a large bed, it made a king-size look small, but nevertheless it was one bed. "So, what's the problem? "There's just *one* bed." "Scully, all I'm interested in is getting some sleep. I'm too tired to sleep on the floor. If you sensibilities bother you that much, you can stay awake all night, sleep on the bed or on the floor, at this moment in time I'm not bothered which." Her face must have betrayed her. "I'm sorry Scully, I didn't mean it to sound like that. It's not like I've set this up. Don't you trust me enough after all these years to know I'd never do anything you're happy with. Don't you know me better than that?" She looked at him for a second or two, saw the hurt expression in his eyes. "You're right, Mulder. It's me who should be apologizing. Look, it's been a long week. I am bone weary. I guess I'm overreacting, that's all." "Apology accepted. Now get yourself into your pajamas and get your butt into that bed before you fall asleep standing up. We'll talk in the morning. Tomorrow, we'll get that damn heap of junk fixed and go back home. Okay?" What was a girl to do? Scully grabbed her pajamas and went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. By the time she came out, Mulder was already on his edge of the bed. He held the comforter up for her to crawl into the bed. She got into her side of the bed, laying on the cold sheets for a second. Then, throwing caution to the wind, she scooted across the bed and into his warm, waiting arms. He held her comfortably against his chest and she buried her nose into his soft t- shirt. "Go to sleep Scully, it's been a long week, and come Monday we'll have the pleasure of having our asses hauled by Skinner. Rest now." "Mmm, 'night Mulder," she muttered, inhaling the comforting Mulderscent, her eyelashes already fluttering shut. The words of that song kept running through her head as she gave herself up and drifter further and further away. "The look on your face says that you really need me, The smile on your lips that you really love me, The trust in your eyes says that you'll never leave me, The touch of your hand says you'll catch me whenever I fall; We say it best, when we say nothing at all." Her last coherent thought was, we *do* say it best, when we say nothing at all. Fin Feedback always appreciated. Speak to me . Anyone out there? ewa@whatewa.com 'I have spread my dreams under your feet; tread softly for you tread on my dreams.'