Prelude (1/1) M/S USTTitle: Prelude
Author: Ms. AM
Email: ALMowry@pathway.net
Spoilers: 'all things'
Rating: G
Archiving: Yes, take it. Just please keep my name and
info. attached.
Disclaimer: I think by now it's obvious that all the
starving fan-ficers like myself own a percentage. We just
don't collect.
Summary: Taking stock of the moment. Scully POV.

Authors notes: Yes, another missing scene fic. While I do
believe M and S did 'shag', I hope they didn't because I'm
one of the few who wants to experience at least some of
the special moment with them. Here's my little idea of a
plausible way for them to not have made love.

Prelude (1/1)

It's a soothing experience fading into sleep.

Mulder's low voice croons me into that place between being
fully awake and yet not. His warm breath and gentle caress
lead me deeper into slumber as a pleasant weight is
settled over me, cocooning me in soft warmth.

And I sleep.

Waking is a soothing experience as well.

Mulder's fish tank performs a symphony of sounds. I turn
my head and watch the UFO as it sinks and rises creating
bubbles that reach the water's surface and burst with a
gentle pop. I can imagine the very soft swishing sound the
fins of his goldfish make as they swim and hover in their
world.

It's a simple existence.

I close my eyes for a second and when I open them it's
like I'm experiencing the same soothing...waking moment
again. I wonder if this simple fish tank has always seemed
this way to Mulder. The soft sounds echoing in the
apartment always reminding one of a life, a living world
no matter how insignificant it seems.

Without the past two days, I wonder if I would have
noticed.

I have changed, not just since the day I left Daniel, but
also this year, this week...now even. I want to continue
to change.

I stand and fold the blanket that Mulder covered me with.
The bedroom door is open and I move toward the next step
on my path with my eyes wide open.

I remove my blazer and lay it at the foot of Mulder's bed.
I wonder what he will think when I crawl into bed beside
him. I yearn to feel his body wrapped around me, I think,
as I step out of my hose and skirt.

A part of me is disappointed he didn't carry me into his
bed, but the other part is grateful for him leaving the
decision up to me. I shudder with the thought of Spender
undressing me, something Mulder is too much of a gentleman
to do. I am just pulling my shirt over my head when I
stop, unsure of my motives...is this the right time.

There is that point when the sun hasn't yet risen and the
moon hasn't waxed...a strange time with an almost magical
light. It's that very light hitting Mulder, which makes me
pause.

Time isn't expanding because of some outside force right
now; it's expanding because I chose to take this moment to
view Mulder in repose. My eyes travel the length of his
body, from his foot and calf peeking out to his face
peaceful in slumber.

He shifts, his arms tighten around the comforter as he
smiles, and I see the telltale signs of REM sleep just
before he murmurs my name.

"Scully..."

Is he holding me in his dream as I sometimes hold him?

I know my dreams like that are few and far between; I
don't like to dream anymore. I dream of men who are
monsters, my blood flowing out a gunshot wound in my
stomach and a cold place with something invading my body
and stealing my breath.

Mulder whimpers with his dream before mumbling in a voice
so low that I almost can't hear him.

"Sorry...Sc...love...you..."

I feel the sting of tears before I pick up my skirt and
head into the bathroom. It only takes a few moments to re-
dress. I smooth my hair and look at myself, still me.

I find myself looking down at Mulder once again. I don't
want to miss a moment of the journey; I don't know if
denying myself this night is wrong or right.

Maybe it's selfish of me, but the first time Mulder and I
make love I don't want either of us to come to one another
in sleep.

I want us to make love with our bodies and minds fully
aware and then sated, fall into slumber wrapped around one
another.

With one last lingering look at him, I leave, confident
with my decision.

If my journey brought me to him, to where I'm meant to be-
-then the moment for us coming together as lovers is just
up the path a little ways and everything before was the
prelude.

If I didn't before, I know now to cherish every step until
we get there and beyond.

The End

Authors notes: Ok I'm ready for some hot-monkey love, but I'll settle for
some more kissin'.