Disclaimer: Yeah, right like these characters are mine. Category: SRA Classification: Mulder/Scully UST Rating: PG Spoilers: Ascension, One Breath, FTF Archive: Gossamer. Others ask me. Feedback: Knock yourself out. Summary: The loss of a favorite item. "Display of Affection" by Lisa (haven599@msn.com) FBI Headquarters Washington, D.C. "Mulder, have you seen my necklace?" Scully asked me as she walked into our office this morning. "Your necklace? I didn't realize it was missing." I remarked. "Have you?" she repeated. "No. You know if I had it, I would give it right back to you." "I know." she smiled. "You always have." "Where did you last see it?" I'm surprised she took it off. I know how much it means to her. "I don't remember. I've looked all over my apartment. I think I lost it at some hotel. I haven't seen it in over a week. I hoped it would just turn up, but that possibility is not looking good." she explained. "Have you looked in here?" I began to look on the floor, trying to spot a small gold necklace amidst all the papers and files I have stacked up down here. "Yes, but it's too late. Housekeeping would have thrown it away." she reasoned. "Are you sure they even come down here? I mean no one important in this office - just us." I smiled at her, but apparently she wasn't in the mood for humor. "It was just a thought. I've got an early meeting." Scully picked up some files off the old chair in front of my desk. "Maybe someone found it and is looking for the owner. Perhaps they turned it in -" "Where? To the FBI Lost and Found?" She sighed. "You're right. It's lost. I need to accept it." "Sorry, I didn't mean it that way." I replied, touching her shoulder gently. "It has sentimental value, that's all." she murmured before leaving. **** Mulder's apartment Later that evening The only thing on my mind was finding Scully's necklace. I called the hotels we stayed at the past couple weeks, hoping someone would have found it and saved it. No luck. She probably made these same calls, anyway. But, I still had to try. I found her necklace when she was abducted. Twice. In Duane Berry's trunk. In the Cryopod, lying atop her clothes. Both times I had kept them safe - even though I could not do the same for its owner. I normally don't notice what type of jewelry women wear, but I was aware of that tiny gold cross around her neck early on. A woman who prides herself on science and fact, but also wears a symbol of faith displayed around her neck. I once thought of giving her jewelry for Christmas, but was unsure if she'd wear it. That necklace had a constant place around her neck - making the statement that there's no room for any other pieces. Anyway, a gift of jewelry seemed too intimate for us. That is something bestowed upon a lover or spouse - not for *us.* I stretched out on the couch wondering what other places Scully hasn't looked yet. It dawned on me that just maybe the necklace might be in my apartment. she had been here recently. I moved the couch out - looking behind it and underneath it, finding nothing except crumbs covered with dust and lint. Then, moving aside the cushions, I spied my partner's prize possession. Somehow I knew I had to be the one to recover it. I couldn't let her down. **** Scully's apartment 10:47 p.m. I couldn't wait until tomorrow. I had to bring it over tonight. It would make her so happy. Scully opened the door wearing a puzzled expression. "Guess what?" I said right before holding the necklace in the palm of my hand. A look of relief spread over her face. "Where did you find it?" she asked, excitedly. "In my couch cushion." "It probably fell off when I was over there dropping of those files." she commented. "The clasp might be faulty. You might want to take a look at it." I suggested. "Thank you so much for finding it." Scully enthusiastically kissed me the cheek. "Thank you." "If I knew it would elicit that kind of response, I would have looked sooner." I didn't know if I was kidding or not with that remark. Scully smiled. I'm glad I was able to make that happen. I was so anxious to show her my discovery that I didn't ask if it was too late. She was in her robe, her hair piled on top of her head, probably from taking a bath. Her place smelled like fresh flowers, however I didn't notice any on the table or the kitchen. It must be her perfume. Or her. "I misplaced it a few times when I was younger, but that was just around the house. "I don't think my mom expected me to wear it this long. She would look at the necklace and then smile at me. I think she expected me to toss it aside like Melissa did in favor of the latest fashion jewelry." Scully reminisced, fondling the necklace. "Here, let me help you put it back on." I offered, startling her back into the present. Scully turned around, holding the ends of the necklace, one in each hand to the back of her neck. I reached out, grasping them from her fingers, noticing how strong the fragrance was now. The robe was slightly off her shoulders, showing much more of her fair skin than I have ever seen before. Or should see, for that matter. As I fastened the necklace, my fingertips touched the loose wet strands of hair at the nape of her neck, which the water had turned to dark auburn. Before I realized what I was doing, my lips brushed over her soft skin. I tasted her. She tasted just like the fragrance. My lips kissed their way over to her shoulder. Then back to her neck. I heard a soft sigh pass her lips. One of her hands was twisting the terrycloth material on the side of her robe. The other was weaving its way through my hair. I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her back against me, my lips never leaving her sweet-scented skin. "Wait . . . " she murmured. Somehow my brain translated that word into stop. I let go of her and she turned, looking deeply into my eyes. She looked unsettled. I didn't give her a chance to speak. I left before she could say anything. **** I stood there, staring at the door, feeling shaky and disoriented. Mulder left a few minutes ago, but I was still wedded to this very spot. My skin still tingled from his lips. His lips. On my skin. I didn't expect company, that's why I took a long, hot bath. Normally, I'm hesitant to answer the door in my robe, but I checked and saw it was Mulder, so I didn't give it a second thought. Neither did I attempt to cinch the robe tighter around my body or gather the material to my neck. He's seen me in my robe before. It was pushed it off my shoulders to allow the body spray to dry. It wasn't just that, I had been soaking in the same fragrant bath crystals for the past half hour. Perhaps it was Mulder's favorite scent, but somehow I doubt he'd recognize Fressia to save his life. Was I showing too much skin? Could that be the reason for Mulder's behavior? Or was it just a spur of the moment thing? It wasn't just a quick, playful kiss like I gave him after he showed me my necklace. It was slow and filled with promises of much more to come. If that's what I wanted. Was it? Something was awakened inside me. The sense of touch. How powerful it could be with the right person. Like Mulder. In the span of those few minutes he had gone from my partner to potential lover. Those touches could only be described as a lover's caress. Almost worshipful in their intent. But, I don't want to be worshipped. I want to be loved. Mulder didn't realize how his actions affected me. The emotions he stirred in me that had been dormant for years. I *love* being touched there. My neck. My shoulder. He sure picked the right spot. I didn't know what was going to happen tomorrow morning. What would he say? What was I going to say? It's late. I'm tired. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamt of us. The only furniture in the room was a canopy bed, decorated in white bedding and lace pillows scattered about the headboard. The light above the bed was too bright for this intimate setting. I was stretched out on that bed on my stomach, wearing only a pair of panties. My attention was turned toward the dark corner of the room. I knew *he* was there; I could hear him breathing. Finally, he walked over to me with long, purposeful strides. Desire was reflected in his eyes as he sat down next to me, pressing a gentle kiss to the small of my back. I reached out for him, but he disappeared. The restless night behind me, I reflected on the strangely intimate dream. The atmosphere of seduction was certainly out of place, considering our relationship. We don't know each other well enough for that. **** FBI Headquarters Washington, D.C. Nothing. Mulder didn't say one word about last night when I arrived at the office. He avoided looking directly at me. Either he was embarrassed at what happened or he just wanted to forget it. I caught him staring at my necklace a few times. And then looking away. Quickly. It was harder for me. I remembered the feel of his lips on my skin. It was as if they left an imprint on my neck that I could still feel, even now. Warm. Gentle. Loving. I debated bringing the issue up myself, but seeing as we were at work, it wasn't professional. I already expressed my gratitude to him for returning my necklace, so what else was left to say. He, well . . . He expressed his gratitude, more or less. As the day moved on, I became more upset and angry at my partner. Unless I could live with not saying anything for the rest of our time together and bottle up my emotions like I usually did, we had to have a conversation about what he did. What was he thinking when his lips touched me? **** Mulder's apartment late evening I stood outside his door wearing a dark, short sleeve low-cut blouse. I don't wear it much anymore because of that very reason. But now I hope it will be an advantage and not a hindrance. Maybe. He didn't look surprised to see me as I walked inside. The only light coming from the apartment seemed to be from his fish tank. Closing the door, he turned to me, looking at the way I was dressed. I stood with my back against the wall just inside the foyer before saying anything. "Please don't pretend last night didn't happen. Don't insult me like that. I deserve better." My words probably came out too harsh, as I was nervous. "I know." His tone was apologetic. "I know." It was so quiet. The television was off. Our breathing seemed louder because of that. "I want more. More of what you did last night." He looked surprised by my words. I was a little surprised myself when I spoke them aloud, too. Mulder came closer to me, his body touching mine. "How much more, Scully?" "I don't know." I hope he understood that I wasn't sure how far I wanted this to go. "More than last night, but not . . . everything." "So, you want to save some for later?" I nodded, trying to manage a weak smile. It didn't quite work. "You smell just like last night." he whispered. "I know. I wore it for you, hoping -" "You don't have to hope." His palm caressed my cheek. Tears burned the back of my eyes. I don't have to hope. I can feel. Feel it all again. And more. "Move away from the wall." His voice was a husky whisper in the dimly lit apartment. It startled and aroused me at the same time. I did as he asked. Mulder came around behind me, sliding his arms around my waist. I covered his hands with my own. His lips found their way to my neck again as my head fell back against his shoulder. **** END