Fletcher - Chapter 11 By Dana Starbuck Feedback to jbowne@top.monad.net Note: I am posting this for a friend who only has access to the internet thru work. I did not write this, but I have agreed to let my friend use my email account. Any comments, please reference 'Fletcher' so I know to print and pass on to her. Distribution: Archive only to ScullySlash Homepage only Crossposting: None please! Keywords: F/F, Scully/Other, Mulder/Other Friendship, SOTL Crossover (sort of) Spoilers: None Rating: NC17 for sex, ScSlash Rating - A & B Summary: Scully becomes involved with a friend of Mulder's from his pre-Xfiles past. DISCLAIMER: The X-Files characters and situations are the creations and property of Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and the Fox Broadcasting and have been used without permission. SOTL characters are the property of Thomas Harris and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended and no money shall be made with this piece of fiction. All the others belong to the author. Monday, 12:45 PM Fletcher finished digging the small hole. She pressed the tin can into the ground with her foot. "Okay, all set." She walked across the backyard and joined Mulder and Scully. A golf bag lay on the ground and golf balls were scattered at their feet. "Do you want to go first, Mulder?" "Beauty before age," he laughed. "Smart ass." He selected a club and dropped a golf ball at his feet. "Do you two compete at everything?" Scully asked. "Quiet," he said. "I'm supposed to have silence so I can line up my shot." "Well, excuse me." He carefully positioned himself over the ball, took a few practice swings, then chipped the ball toward the makeshift hole. It landed several yards short of the cup, rolled a few feet, then stopped. "Not bad for a first try." He handed Fletcher the club. "Let see you do better," he challenged. "I think I can manage that." Scully watched her carefully. Fletcher had the grace of a natural athlete. Her movements were fluid, almost sensuous. Fletcher swung the club. Mulder and Scully watched the ball softly land about two feet from the hole. "Lucky shot," Mulder said. "You're right. It was a lucky shot," she acknowledged. "I doubt I could do that again." "Your turn, Scully." "Me? I don't know how to golf." "I'll show you," Fletcher said, with a grin. "I'm a good teacher." "I don't know about this." "C'mon, Scully." "Oh, all right." She took the club from Fletcher and awkwardly held it, uncomfortable with it. Fletcher came up behind her. She pressed her body fully against Scully's body as she slid her hands down her arms and to Scully's hands. Her body almost seemed to envelop Scully's. "Boy, this position seems a little familiar," she whispered against Scully's rapidly reddening neck. She briefly nuzzled her neck. "You smell wonderful, Red, and you feel even better." "Fletcher..." Mulder watched from a few feet away, unable to hear what Fletcher was saying. He was dying to know what Fletcher had whispered to Scully. Based on Scully's reaction and her pink cheeks, it had to have been good. "Okay, Scully, let's do a few practice swings first," Fletcher said loud enough for Mulder to hear. "Do you think I'm ready?" she teased. "Oh, I think you're more than ready." Fletcher ground her pelvis into Scully's buttocks as they swung the club together, her small breasts against her back. "There you go. Nice and easy. That's it. I think you're ready to solo." "I don't think so. I'd rather have a helping hand for the first time." "Keep talking like that, woman, and I'll need a cold shower." Mulder thought. "Ready?" Fletcher asked. "I'm always ready - for you," Scully said in a low voice, her buttocks pressing back against Fletcher. Mulder and Fletcher both groaned silently. "You're a cruel woman, Dana Scully," Fletcher said as they swung the club as one. "Nice shot!" Mulder said as they watched the ball roll even closer than Fletcher's previous shot. "Nicely done, Scully," Fletcher complimented. "I had some help." "Y'know, watching you two gave me a idea for a video." "Just what kind of video, Mulder?" Scully asked warily. "The best kind, of course. I even have a title for it - The 'Girls of Golf'. No, wait - how about 'Lesbos on the Links'?" "Yeah - 'Watch 'em drive for the hole'," Fletcher added. Fletcher and Mulder laughed out loud and Scully rolled her eyes. "You two are a couple of perverts." "She called us perverts, Spooky. I'm deeply offended." "We're not perverts." Scully thought as she watched them laugh and protest her comment. She reached up and pinched them both on the cheeks. "Yes, perverts, but my perverts," she said, a wide smile on her face. "What do you think, Fletcher? Should we let her get away with calling us perverts?" "Well, for now, we will." "You're incorrigible," Scully added. "Oh, I love it when you talk dirty, Red," Fletcher said, her attempt at a leer collapsing into her normal crooked grin. "Enough, Fletcher," Scully replied, playfully slapping her bicep. "Yes, ma'am." She put her arm around Scully's waist and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. It was a strictly affectionate gesture and Scully was both touched and surprised by it. She rested her head against Fletcher's shoulder and placed her own arm loosely around her waist. "Are you ready for lunch, Mulder?" Fletcher asked. "I'm starving." "So tell me something new," she laughed. Mulder looked at Scully and Fletcher, still standing together. He suddenly smiled at them. "What?" Fletcher asked. "Oh, nothing." "Don't pursue it, Fletcher," Scully warned. "He's probably still thinking about his video idea." "Am not." "Can't fool me, Mulder." "Well, do you think you two could stop bickering long enough to fire up the gas grill while I get lunch?" Fletcher interrupted. Mulder and Scully exchanged a look. Mulder looked almost panic-stricken. Scully raised her hands and shrugged. "Do you mean to tell me that neither one of you knows how to start a gas grill?" Fletcher shook her head and grinned. "Based on your total lack of abilities in and around the kitchen, well, I'd have to say that either one of you could be a walking, talking textbook case for the domestically impaired." "I think we've been insulted, Scully." "I think you're right." "You two go play in the yard and I'll fix lunch," she laughed, shooing them away with her hands. Fletcher went into the house and returned a few minutes later, carrying a large platter with several steaks and foil wrapped potatoes. "Is that what I think it is?" Mulder asked, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Yup. I've been marinating them since yesterday morning." "What else have you got?" "Leftover salad from yesterday and I'm going to roast some potatoes on the grill." "And dessert?" "Something special for you, Mulder. I made a chocolate layer cake." "Vanilla ice cream?" "Yes, and candles, too." She turned to Scully. "He doesn't want much, does he?" "You're such a little boy sometimes, Mulder." "But it's my birthday," he whined. "Almost your birthday," Fletcher corrected. "Same thing." "You never go to this much trouble for my birthday, Mulder," Scully said. "Well, it's never too late to change," he said, looking at Fletcher. "Nope. You're absolutely right, Spooky." Mulder practiced his golf swing while Fletcher cooked his birthday lunch. Scully took a few turns with the clubs, but then decided she'd rather keep Fletcher company. "Are you going to ride back into town with Mulder?" Fletcher asked, trying to sound casual, hoping for the best, dreading the worst. "Well, I was kind of hoping that you'd take me home." She was suddenly a little shy. "I thought that maybe you'd want to stay at my place tonight." "Is that an invitation?" "Yes." "Haven't got sick of me yet?" she said, a grin of her face. "Oh, I don't think I could get sick of you, Fletcher. Quite the contrary, actually." "Meaning?" "Right now, I seem to be in a bad way about you," she admitted, a little embarrassed. "I can't get enough of you." "Nor I, you." She looked out a Mulder who was concentrating on his shot. She leaned over and kissed Scully on the mouth. Scully reached up and put her hand on Fletcher's neck. "Kiss me like you mean it," she whispered against Fletcher's lips. Fletcher set the tongs down and put her arms around Scully's waist. She dropped one hand to the small of her back, then slid it lower. She began to kiss Scully on the lips, at first just touching her lightly with her tongue. She felt Scully's tongue touch her own and then Scully somehow took possession of the kiss. She moaned softly when she felt Scully's hands on her ass. "Hey, you two!" Mulder yelled. "You'd better not let the steaks burn." Fletcher reluctantly stepped back from Scully and returned to the grill, her breath a little heavier and her face flushed from embarrassment. "Damn, Red. Where'd that kiss come from?" she muttered. "I'm full of surprises. Just you wait," she smiled. Mulder picked up the golf clubs and joined them. "Man, I'll be glad when you two move out of this newlywed stage." "What are you talking about?" Scully asked. "For chrissakes, Scully, can't you control your hormones?" he teased, watching her face turn bright red. "Which reminds me, Mulder. How to you make a hormone?" Fletcher said, recalling an old joke that they had shared many, many times. "Don't pay her," he laughed. "You two, honestly," Scully rolled her eyes and sighed loudly. Mulder leaned back in his chair, a smug, satisfied look on his face. "Scully, would you get Wonder Boy's presents and I'll get the cake?" "Sure. Where'd you put your's?" "In the bedroom." While Scully retrieved the presents, Fletcher brought out the ice cream, plates, and then the cake. When Scully returned, she lit the candles. "Oh, no, don't let Scully sing," Mulder said, his hands over his ears. Fletcher grabbed his wrists and wrestled his hands away. "Quick, Scully - sing!" She and Fletcher sang 'Happy Birthday' to Mulder, loudly and off-key. They finished the song, laughing hard. "Happy Birthday, pal," Fletcher said sincerely. Mulder blew the candles out successfully and smiled, feeling very full of himself. "Now we're the same age, Mulder," Fletcher said. "Maybe numerically, but you'll always be older." She stuck her tongue out at him, then handed her present to him. "I bet I know what these are," he said, shaking the package. "Maybe next year it'll be your golf video." He opened the package, a little embarrassed because Scully was there. "This is great. I don't have either one of these." "I imagine I'll have to get you a new VCR one of these days." "Why?" "I'm surprised it still works." She turned to Scully, explaining, "All that over-use, you know." "Happy Birthday, Mulder," Scully said, handing him the other box and saving him from further friendly fire from Fletcher. He tore the wrapping paper off, eager to see what Scully had bought him. On the top was a bumper sticker shaped like a Nevada license plate. "AREA 51" it read. "I'll put it on today," he said, smiling. He reached into the box for the other present. He unfolded a large navy blue sweatshirt. Across the front it read "YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG ONCE.". Underneath that line it read "BUT YOU CAN BE IMMATURE FOREVER." He held it up, trying to look hurt, but failing at it. Fletcher burst out laughing. "What a great gift. I wish I had seen it. It's perfect." "Thanks, Scully. I'll be sure to wear it the next time Skinner calls us on the carpet." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Happy Birthday, Mulder." "Y'know, Mulder, I think there's a present missing. Cut me a piece of cake with a scoop of ice cream before the ice cream melts. I'll go get your other present." Scully served them all a piece of cake and ice cream, then she put the ice cream back into the freezer. Fletcher came back out onto the patio, her hands behind her back. "Close your eyes, Wonder Boy." "I don't know if I can trust you, Fletcher. I've already had enough surprises for one birthday." "Trust me. You'll definitely like this present." He shut his eyes and held out his hands, cringing at what he feared could turn out to be one of Fletcher's practical jokes. "After this morning's game of '21', I wondered if I had made the right choice, but all-in-all, I think the day turned out well enough for you to get your present." "Enough with the speeches," he pleaded. Fletcher dropped an old, but never used basketball in his hands. His eyes flew open, then widened as he read the signatures inscribed on the ball. "Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley..." He read every one aloud. "This is - this is - " he stammered. "An autographed ball from the Knicks' 72-73 Championship Season." "This is great! How did you find it?" "I used some of my connections," she said vaguely. He stood up and holding onto the ball with one hand, hugged Fletcher. "This is the best. Thank you." "You're welcome, Spooky." "I take back all those horrible things I said to you." "Nah, you don't have to." "I'm going to have to find the perfect spot for this." They left him on the patio by himself. He was like a little boy at Christmas. He kept tossing it up in the air and catching it, over and over, then he'd re-read all the signatures, his finger tracing over each name. "You've made him a very happy boy today," Scully commented as she helped Fletcher pick up the kitchen. "Well, he's been a good friend, and when my connection called me on it, well, I couldn't resist." "What was that remark about 'horrible things' he said?" "Oh, well, we kind of had a little, um, discussion while we were playing basketball this morning." "What kind of discussion?" "A rather heated one," she said evasively. "About what?" "Our situation. I'd rather not get into now, Red, okay? We'll talk about it later, I promise." "I'll hold you to it." "Just as long as you hold it against me," she grinned, her eyebrows rising up and down. "You're as bad as he is." "You said it yourself, we're your perverts." Monday, 7:25 PM Fletcher parked her truck and she and Scully went up to Scully's apartment. Mulder had gone home hours ago, his arms full of his presents and leftover lasagna, steak and canolis. Fletcher had even saved him a loaf of garlic bread. "Well, Mulder will be eating well for a few days," Fletcher said, following Scully into her apartment. "Not as well as you will," Scully said, surprising herself, and Fletcher. "Jesus, Scully, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" "What do you mean?" she asked innocently. "I was referring to me cooking you a meal or two." "Yeah, right. Whatever you say, Red." "You're the one with the dirty mind." "I wouldn't call it a dirty mind. It's just full of good, wholesome, lustful thoughts right now." "Just put your bag in the bedroom," she suggested. "Okay." Scully's answering machine was blinking again. She turned it on as Fletcher returned from the bedroom. "Dana, it's your mother. Did you go away? I hope you had a nice time. Call me. I want to make plans for Thanksgiving." "Jeez, mom, Thanksgiving is weeks away," Scully said to the machine. "Do you want a drink?" Fletcher offered. "Sure. The liquor's in the cupboard over the fridge." "What do you want?" "Scotch rocks is fine." "Coming right up." Scully sat down on the sofa and waited for Fletcher to return with the drinks. Fletcher handed her the drink, then sat down beside her. "It's a little different this time," she commented. "What do you mean?" "Well, I finally get to sit next to you," she said, putting her arm around Scully. "I still don't understand," Sully replied, leaning against Fletcher. "The first time I was here, well, I put you to bed and left. The last time, I sat in the chair." "You could've sat next to me." "No, I couldn't. It was too hard." "Hard how?" "Red, I've wanted you since the day we met," she confessed. "I was lusting after you so bad." "And now?" "Not just lust." "So tell me about your discussion with Mulder," she said, changing the topic. "He wasn't too happy about us getting together. You already knew that." "And?" "Well, I think it's gonna be okay now." "Why was he so upset?" "Honestly?" "Yes." "He's worried about you, afraid for you. I had to convince him that he had more than you to worry about." "How so?" "Well, Red, there are two of us involved." "Meaning?" Scully asked, turning around. "Meaning nothing." Fletcher took a sip from her glass. "I had a really great time this weekend, Red." "So did I." Scully reached out and set her glass on the coffee table. "This is really nice, not having to be anywhere or fix anything," Fletcher sighed, stretching her legs out on the sofa and leaning back. "Very relaxing." "Yes, it is," she said, laying her body on top of Fletcher's, her head on her chest. She shifted and felt Scully fit her body into her's. Scully was a little bewildered by her own growing passion and desire for Fletcher. She kissed her gently at first, then she let her feelings get the better of her. She became the aggressor, her lips wanting to devour Fletcher's. She pushed her pelvis into Fletcher's, then slipped her leg between her's. Fletcher thought as Scully kissed her again and again. "There's something I need to do for you," Scully said kissing Fletcher's chest as she slowly unbuttoned her shirt. "Oh, yeah? What's that?" Fletcher whispered, her arousal growing by leaps and bounds. "Well, it's still the weekend, and since this is a weekend of firsts for me, I need to do something I've never done before," she murmured, untucking Fletcher's now open shirt from her pants. "On the sofa, Red?" "And what's wrong with the sofa?" "Nothing...nothing at all..." Fletcher groaned, feeling her pager vibrate against her hip. "I'm not even there yet," Scully commented, unaware of the reason for Fletcher's sudden frustration. Fletcher reached down and unclipped her pager from her belt. "It's my fucking pager," she swore, looking at the number. "Goddamnittohell." She got up from the sofa and found her coat, then her cell phone. She dialed the number then paced as she waited. "Yeah, this is Buchanan...what's up, Tim?...when?...No, I can't...I'm at least an hour and a half from Quantico..." She rebuttoned her shirt as she talked. "Yeah...uh huh...yes..." She looked at her watch. "Get the team together and I'll meet you at Dulles in about an hour...yes...okay...see you then." She shut her phone off, swearing to herself. "A case?" Scully asked. "Yeah. I've got to meet the chopper at Dulles." "Where are you going?" "New Jersey. Multiple murders. It's not a pretty sight." Scully didn't like what she was seeing. Fletcher only minutes earlier had been warm, friendly, happy Sully thought, her own disappointment growing. Now she was cold, clinical, and unemotional. It was like seeing a switch thrown. "I'm sorry, Red. Duty calls. You know how it is, " she apologized. "All too well." "I've really got to get going." "Do you need anything?" "No, I always carry everything I need in the jeep - extra clothes, a crime scene kit, my computer. You know, the usual stuff." She put her holster on, then her leather coat. She retrieved her bag from Scully's bedroom. "I'm really, really sorry, Red. You don't know how sorry I am." "It's okay, Fletcher." "I'll call you first chance I get." "Whenever you can." She kissed Scully once, then again. "Damn, Red, you sure make it hard to leave." She kissed her cheek, gave her hug, and then she was gone. Scully watched from her window as Fletcher sped off. End Chapter 11