From: CkXxSw007 Date: 03 Nov 1999 22:02:59 GMT Subject: New: My Best Friend's Brother's and My Ex-Wife's Wedding 1 of 2 Title: My Best Friend's Brother's and My Ex-Wife's Wedding (whoo! That's a mouthful.) 1 of 2 Summary: Pretty self-explanatory. See title. Rating: PG, if that. Category: MSR, humor (hopefully). This is fluff, people, don't have any illusions about that. Authors:Chelsea (CkXxSw007@aol.com), and Christy (RiverWillis33@aol.com) Feedback: Hell yes. Archive: Hell yes. But let us know please, so we can gloat. Disclaimer: They ain't mine. Okay? Happy? On with the show.... Scully leaned back on her chair and cracked her back, finally done with her progress report from her and Mulder's last case. 'The case of the slack-jawed yokels,' she thought wryly as she recalled the local folks' attempt at convincing her aliens, and not the late winter destroyed their crops. She looked over at Mulder, who was sitting at his desk working on something. He popped a sunflower seed into his mouth continued with whatever he was doing. She pursed her lips to keep from smiling, and hunched back over her computer. Just as she was saving the progress report, a series of staccato knocks came from the door, tapping out 'shave and a haircut.' Scully couldn't believe her ears. It sounded like^it couldn't be. But who else would knock like that? Mulder tossed a glance in her direction, a bit perturbed at being disturbed in the middle of his case review, and befuddled by the strange knock, but Scully was in a daze, remembering when she and Charlie had come up with that knock. Charlie had seen his first scary movie, and he was afraid the he would be taken by monsters. Dana had told him that, after he'd gone to bed, she would tap out shave and a haircut on the wall, and if he didn't knock back, she'd know he was in trouble and she could rescue him. Seeing that Scully was in her own world, Mulder got up to answer the door. He was mildly surprised to see...a relatively normal looking person. Scully, by that time back in the land of the living, stood behind him and, as soon as she saw the person behind the door, gasped and threw herself into the strange man's arms. "Oh my god!" Scully practically yelled as the man enveloped her in a bear hug. Mulder stood to the side of the two with a sort of confused look on his face. "What are you doing here?" Scully asked, pulling herself slightly out of the stranger's embrace. Mulder backed away, uncomfortable. He pretended to go back to work, but was having trouble ignoring Scully and her 'friend.' "I thought you were in Afghanistan!" Scully had managed to pull herself away from the visitor, but was practically trembling with excitement. "I'm on leave. I have great news!" the stranger exclaimed. He seemed to notice Mulder for the first time. "Is that^?" he asked, pointing to Mulder. Scully nodded. The stranger bounded over to Mulder, who stood up awkwardly, preparing himself for an introduction. Instead the man enveloped him in a hug. Mulder patted the tall man's back clumsily. "Thanks for the hug, but I don't really swing that way," he said sarcastically. The man chuckled and pulled away. "You're right, Dana," The man said, while Mulder caught Scully's eyes and mouthed, Dana? "He is funny." "Excuse me?" Scully said. "I don't recall saying 'funny.' Funny as in funny-in-the-head, maybe, but not funny ha-ha." Mulder smiled, giving her a thanks-a-lot kind of look. "I'm Charlie," the stranger said, sticking out his hand. Although, Mulder thought, after the hug, they were already pretty well acquainted. He shook the hand anyway, relieved, for no reason he could name, and pleased to meet the infamous Charlie. He said so. He was a little nervous too, after his less-than-brotherly relationship with Bill. "So, what brings you to the Capital?" "Actually," he began, turning back to Scully, "I'm here to bring you to California because^I'm getting married!" Scully's face was perfectly blank for a split-second. Then she squealed (scaring the hell out of Mulder) and jumped into his arms. "Oh my god, Charlie!" She suddenly sobered and pulled away. "This means you're getting married before me." Charlie looked a bit uncomfortable with that until Scully smiled and sat down, indicating that he do the same. "Tell me everything." " Well, she actually works for the FBI. She was in Afghanistan working with the terrorist unit. She was in an accident, a car accident, and I^" he paused, casting his face down modestly. "I pulled her out of her car. When it was burning." Scully's mouth dropped open, and Mulder raised his eyebrows. "Well, sure, that's one way to impress the ladies," he said. Charlie grinned sheepishly. "Well, anyway, I visited her in the hospital, and we hit it off right away. She's great. She's from England, she's smart and pretty and^We've been seeing each other for six months now. The wedding is in four days." "Wow. Okay, but why couldn't you tell me this over the phone?" Scully asked. "Because I wanted to tell you in person. Also, Mom told me to tell you to bring Mulder, and not to take no for an answer," Charlie replied. "I have three plane tickets to California. Go home. Pack. We leave at 7:00." "But I don't want to intrude--" Mulder started, but Charlie interrupted. "My mom said no argument, and if I go back there without you, I'm going to be in a lot of trouble. Plus the plane tickets are non-refundable. So you're coming." San Francisco, California Braggadocio Restaurant 7:45 PM Mrs. Scully, Scully, and Mulder walked into Braggadocio's Restaurant where they were meeting the rest of the family. Mulder took the their coats to the coatroom while Mrs. Scully and Scully went on ahead to the table, where Bill and his family, along with Charlie and his bride-to-be, were already sitting. Everyone stood as the two entered the room, and hugs, kisses, and compliments were passed among the family. Charlie introduced his fiance, Allison, who insisted, in her charming British accent, that everyone called her Ally. She was greeted warmly, especially by Mrs. Scully, who was thrilled with the blushing bride. Everyone was so busy conversing with the new family member; nobody really noticed when Mulder entered the dimly lit restaurant. He had almost reached the table when Bill said, "What is he doing here?" with contempt so strong it was nearly tangible. His mother smacked him in the arm, hard, so he kept quiet, settling for glaring at Mulder, who took a seat next to Scully. The introductions started anew, but by the time they reached the end of the table, Mulder was no longer paying attention. He was staring at Charlie's fiance as Mrs. Scully said, "And this is the bride-to-be--" She was cut off as Mulder said, "Allison." "You two know each other?" Scully asked, surprised. "Yeah," Ally said, equally surprised. "Fox and I were^" Her voice trailed off. Scully raised her eyebrows at Mulder. "You were what?" He coughed. "We were, ah," his voice got softer, "married." The table got quiet. Everyone in the restaurant noticed the silence and looked their way. Bill Scully recovered first. He slammed his fist down on the table, and those sitting near him jumped. His face was red with rage, and he opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. Then he sighed explosively, slapped his hand down on the table again, hitting a fork and causing it to fly through the air as he spun around and stalked from the restaurant. After a moment, Tara picked up Matthew and followed him out. The table erupted in chatter as the family members all began talking at once. Scully sat, her mouth agape, with a look of betrayal on her face. Beside her, Charlie's face held the same expression as he stared at Allison. Mulder stuttered, trying to explain himself to Scully, who didn't appear to be paying attention. Finally, Ally silenced the crowd by banging her coffee cup on the table like a judge's gavel. "We were married," she announced, "but we had our marriage annulled. We're still friends, but^" she turned towards Charlie, taking his hand. "I love Charlie, and I'm going to marry him." She surveyed the crowd, looking for their acceptance. It was Mrs. Scully, of course, who offered it. "We understand, dear. After all, who wouldn't want to be married to Fox?" She winked at him. "Well^" Charlie said, smiling. Mulder smiled at him and threw a glance at Scully. Her face was unreadable. She seemed fine until the waiter came to ask for their drinks. "What'll you have, sir?" the acne-faced waiter asked Charlie. "Coffee, please." "I'll have a Merlot," Ally asked. "Water, please." Mrs. Scully. "Bourbon." Mulder snapped his head around to look at Scully, who sat there innocently, as if she hadn't said anything. "Dana!" Mrs. Scully admonished. "Alright, Mother. I'll have a water on the side." The waiter nodded and moved on, but Mulder continued staring at Scully, with the distinct impression that she was more than a little upset. In the car 10:13 PM Mulder and Scully sat in the car alone, after dropping Mrs. Scully off at Charlie's. She was staying there to help the young couple arrange their wedding. Mulder was driving to the hotel, but had gotten caught up in a traffic jam. He thought it kind of odd that there was a traffic jam at 10 o'clock at night, but he was in no hurry. Scully had kept pretty quiet throughout the evening. Now however, feeling daring after a few glasses of bourbon, she spoke. "So, Mulder. You were married." Her words were a little slurred, but it wasn't noticeable unless you were familiar with Scully's precise speech. "That musta been something. How come you never told me?" Mulder glanced at her briefly before looking back out the windshield. "Well, you never asked." Scully shook her head vigorously. "Wrong answer." Mulder sighed. "Because^We never have those deep, soul-baring discussions. Y'know, we don't exactly mourn our failed relationships over a nice hot glass of cocoa." "I guess I can see your point, although right now, everything's a little blurry. But you should have told me. We're partners. I should know about^I don't know, any marriages or children or illegal addictions. Speaking of which, if you have anything else you'd like to tell me about^" Mulder laughed. "No, no children or illegal addictions. At least, not anymore." Scully chuckled. "Just checkin'. I can't be sure anymore." She looked out the window. Even in her intoxicated state, she knew the seriousness of what she'd said. "Scully, I don't want this to affect our partnership. Maybe the fact that I was married is a big deal, but it was a long time ago, and it never directly related to our partnership." "Yeah, but it affects our friendship." Mulder couldn't think of anything to say to that, so he looked out the window, avoiding her gaze. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, he turned on the radio. The voice on the radio cooed: "I need you, baby If it's quite alright, I need you baby. To warm the lonely nights. I love you baby, Trust in me when I say, It's okay." "I like this song," Mulder said, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. Scully leaned forward and clicked off the radio. "I have a headache. I'm going to try and get some sleep." She curled into the fetal postion and rested her head against the window. Mulder watched her for a moment, then returned his attention to the road. Patty's Bridal Shop 11:21 AM Ally held the door for Scully as she entered the bridal shop. Scully nodded her thanks, a little weary of her, as she was of all of Mulder's girlfriends, past or present. She hated to admit it, but there may have also been a little jealousy there, as well. However, she was able to forget about Mulder for a few hours, as she browsed the store, picking out dresses and trying them on. She and Ally even tried on some of the most hideous dresses, just for fun. She was really starting to like Ally, in spite of herself. She'd helped Ally choose her wedding dress. It was white, obviously, and it was formfitting, without the big skirt that characterized most wedding dresses. It accented her tall, thin figure. She'd decided to wear jasmine in her dark blond hair, to bring out her blue eyes. Scully's dress was cerulean blue, like a gentle breeze. It was formfitting, and sleeveless, with a scoop neck, and with a little help from the tailor, it came to just above her ankles. She was pretty pleased with it. It had taken them quite a while to pick out the dresses, have them fitted, and get them packed up and ready to go, but it finally got done, and the two women waited outside with their packages for a cab. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting to like you after learning that you were Mulder's^" Scully said, making a vague gesture with her hand. "But I do. You're nothing at all like his other^" she made the gesture again. "I take it he introduced you to Diana," Ally said, nodding knowingly. "Yes!" Scully said, laughing. "I hate her. She's^I don't know. There's something wrong with her. Something^off." "Yeah, like the fact that she's bloody creepy. And she's always like 'Oh, Fox, of course you're right.' It's annoying. He falls for it because it's like the first time anyone's ever told him he's right. He likes it." Ally finished her narrative with a chuckle, and began to gather the packages as the cab pulled up. Scully nodded as she gathered her bags. She held the door for Ally and then climbed into the car and shut the door as it pulled away from the curb. Don's Tuxedo World 12:11 PM Mulder winced as the tailor tightened his bow tie for what seemed like the twentieth time. He'd always hated how he looked in a tux; he thought it made him look like the Penguin. The tailor, an old guy, kept telling him he looked 'tasty,' which worried him more than a little. He'd given up trying to come up with sarcastic retorts; the old fellow seemed kind of nice, if a little weird. He envied Charlie, who was ecstatic about the wedding. He didn't even seem to notice the uncomfortable and embarrassing procedures of being measured and fitted for a tux. He even looked comfortable in it. Mulder decided that after wearing those army uniforms, a tux must be like a sweatsuit. "I've known this tailor for my entire life. He's nice. A little^I don't know. He's nice, though." Mulder watched Charlie speak in the mirror. They had sort of bonded, but a manly kind of bonding. "It hurt that Ally didn't tell me she was married," Charlie said, completely out of the blue. Mulder raised his eyebrows. "I'm sorry." "Did it hurt Dana?" "She didn't really say. But yeah, I think so," Mulder said. He straightened his bow tie and tried not to think of her. "Why didn't you tell her?" Charlie asked. They were both still facing the mirror. "I don't know. I guess I didn't want her to know about my failed relationships. You know, all that emotional baggage." "Why should that matter? You're not dating or anything," Charlie said pointedly. Mulder didn't say anything. "You should have told her," Charlie said softly. "I know," Mulder said sadly. "I'm sorry." "Don't tell me," Charlie said as the tailor was re-entering the room. "Tell Dana." Mulder sat down at the table with his ex-wife for the first time in ten years. She was getting married in a day and he was...going no where. As usual. "Hello," Ally said, in her perky British accent. She sounded a bit weary, though whether it was because of wedding preparations or because of him, he wasn't sure. "Hi," Mulder answered, a bit weary himself. He and Ally had ended their relationship as friends, but they hadn't seen each other in something like ten years. "You'll have to forgive me if I'm not my normal self, but I've got an amoebae and I'm as weak as a kitten," Ally said. Mulder laughed at the inside joke. He and Ally had always gotten along, but they had decided they were better as friends. When he was feeling lonely, Mulder sometimes regretted that decision. "So...you're getting married," Mulder said after a long silence. You're a sharp one, he thought to himself. "Yes. Charlie's a great guy. His brother's a bloody idiot, though," Ally said with a sudden vengeance. Mulder smiled. She'd always had a bad temper. "Yeah, he hates me," Mulder agreed. "You too?" Ally asked. "Why does he hate you?" Mulder asked. "I have no idea. I think he hates everyone who comes in contact with his family." Mulder nodded. "I can actually understand why he hates me. If I'd never met Scully, Melissa would still be alive and Scully wouldn't have had cancer, and she'd be able to have Uber-Scullys." Mulder felt himself becoming downcast. "Well, that's no reason to hold a grudge," Ally joked. Mulder gave her a smile as she continued. "But if Dana could have Uber-Scullys, would she be having them with you?" Mulder was surprised by her directness. He'd not been expecting that question. "Um, what?" he asked, eyebrows raised. "You. And. Dana. What's going on?" Ally sat back in her chair expectantly. "Nothing. Why? We're partners. Why?" Mulder realized he was sounding incriminating. "We're friends. But that's all." "Is it?" "Yes! I think. I mean...Yes." Mulder was stammering now. "Were you ever more? Or did you ever want to be more?" "Aren't you the inquisitive one? Why the sudden interest?" Ally shrugged. "Curious. Afraid you are overlooking the person who's perfect for you." "We're still talking about Scully, right? Dana Scully?" "Don't joke about it. I've seen the way you two gaze at each other." "I do not...Never mind. The point is, we're friends. Nothing more. And I'm happy with that." Mulder was getting very frustrated. Maybe because she was right...? "Are you?" Ally asked. Mulder broke eye contact with her, suddenly becoming very interested in the tablecloth. "Well, speak of the bloody devil. I'll leave you two alone." Mulder looked up, confused. He saw Scully enter the cafe as Ally stood to leave. They nodded a greeting as they passed, and Scully settled into the seat that Ally had vacated. "Hello," Mulder said casually. "What were you talking about?" Scully asked, sounding breezy and slightly curious. "Why do you ask?" Mulder asked, slightly uncomfortable. "Oh, no reason. I thought I heard my name mentioned," Scully said in an offhand manner, as if it didn't bother her. She'd been a little on edge ever since she heard that Mulder and Ally had been married. "Oh, Ally was saying how, um..." He laughed. "Get this. She said that you were perfect for me. Isn't that funny?" Scully's eyebrows shot up. "Yeah, that's funny." She didn't sound that amused. "Why...What made her say that?" "Oh, I don't know. She didn't say." Mulder smiled weakly. "That's odd. Maybe she knows something we don't," Scully said. Mulder laughed, then noticed Scully wasn't. He coughed uncomfortably. Scully gave him a strange look, almost sad. "Are you excited about the wedding?" Mulder asked abruptly, feeling a strong desire to change the subject. Scully shook her head, disbelieving. "I can't believe my little brother's getting married." For a second Mulder wondered what his life would be like if Samantha hadn't disappeared. Would she be married? Maybe he'd be an uncle. His life might have been totally different. Maybe he'd never have met Scully. Shaking himself, Mulder realized Scully was talking. "-Nice to have the family all here, and I'm happy for Charlie," she said. "Yeah. I've never much cared for family get-togethers, myself," Mulder replied. "That's because your family is dysfunctional," Scully teased. "To tell you the truth^" She paused. "Well, Charlie's wedding has sort of has me feeling like^I don't know, like I'll never find someone. My baby brother is getting married before me. I sort of think I'll always be alone." Mulder put his hand on hers. She smiled at him sadly. Mulder said softly, "Scully, you aren't alone. You'll always have Frohike." Scully laughed. "Thanks, now I feel a lot better." She sighed and stood up. "Well, I should get going. I have to get a pair of earrings and some pantyhose." "I'll join you," Mulder said, also standing up. "I need a pair of pantyhose, too." Scully smiled, and they walked out of the caf together. Scully carefully applied eye shadow to her eyelid. She sat back in her chair and exhaled heavily. Only an hour until the wedding. Scully was excited, but she had to admit, she was feeling a little jealous of her baby brother. She'd soon be the only one among her living siblings that were still single. But Ally was a wonderful woman. Scully was having a difficult time understanding why she and Mulder had broken up. One hour until my brother's wedding and I'm thinking of Mulder, Scully thought wryly. But she just couldn't understand how a woman who'd been married to Mulder could fall in love with Charlie. Scully loved her brother, but he had none of Mulder's intensity. He didn't have Mulder's depth, or his biting sense of humor. Even his looks, which were alright in a blandly handsome sort of way, seemed mundane compared to Mulder's. I can't believe this, Scully thought. What am I thinking? The phone interrupted her thoughts. It was Mrs. Scully. "Dana, dear," she said. "There's a problem. Charlie^he's asking to speak to you. He doesn't want to get married." "What?!" Scully asked incredulously. "I can't believe this. One hour before the wedding." "I know, dear. You'd better get down here." The phone rang. "Mulder," Mulder answered, out of habit. "Fox? This is Mrs. Scully. Ally's asking to speak to you. She's having second thoughts about the wedding." "What?" Mulder asked, thinking to himself how he was so proud of his ability to ask intelligent questions. "I think you'd better get down here," Mrs. Scully said. "Yeah, I'll be right there," he answered. Maggie Scully sighed as she hung up the phone. "I don't approve of using this deception. Those two will get together eventually in their own time." "Maggie, if I know Fox, he'll be on his deathbed before he admits that he's in love with Dana. He can be very stubborn." Ally watched Maggie's reaction in the mirror as she fixed a necklace around her slim neck. "Yeah, and you know Dana," Charlie said. "She won't even admit it to herself." "Well," Maggie said. "I just hope it works." Scully entered the room where Charlie was supposed to be getting ready for his wedding. The wedding was taking place in a beautiful cathedral, the same place their grandparents had gotten married. "Hi, Dana," Charlie greeted as she entered. He didn't seem as upset as she expected him to be. "Charlie," she said, deciding not to waste time. "I hear that you're having doubts about getting married." "Yeah." Charlie answered. He didn't say more, and there was an awkward silence. "Why?" Scully prompted. "Well, seeing you and Mulder made me reconsider. Ally and I don't have the passion that you two have. How can a marriage last without that passion?" Scully rubbed her forehead tiredly. "Charlie, you're mistaking our constant arguing for passion. It's not." Is it? she thought to herself. "No, it's more than that. There's always this^sexual tension between you two. And I've seen the way you two look at each other. You obviously care a lot about each other." Charlie sighed. "Mulder and I do not have sexual tension!" Scully said loudly, her voice somewhat shrill. She was becoming upset. She forced herself to calm down and continued "Charlie, do you love Ally?" "Well, yes," Charlie said. "But sometimes love alone isn't enough. Besides, I've heard that relationships based on intense situations never work." "Charlie, I would not be taking relationship advice from the movie 'Speed' if I were you. You and Ally love each other. That is enough. All you need is love." Scully grimaced. Quoting John Lennon was a bizarre misstep. "You know^You may be right. I don't know, maybe I was just having cold feet, but you really have helped me. Thanks." Charlie smiled. Scully kissed him on the cheek and left him alone to continue getting ready. She couldn't help thinking that was a little too easy. Mulder knocked on Ally's dressing room door. She opened it. He was surprised, for some odd reason. She looked beautiful in her wedding dress, and he was reminded suddenly of their wedding. He hadn't expected to feel so nostalgic. Also, he was struck at how odd it was that he'd come to talk his ex-wife in to marrying someone else. "Thanks for coming, Fox," Ally greeted. "I guess you heard^?" "Yeah. What's the problem? Why are you having second thoughts?" Mulder almost hoped for a second that she'd say it was because she was still in love with him. He didn't really want to get back together with her, but it would have been a big boost for his ego, which had really had a rough time over the past few days. He wanted to kick himself for being so selfish. "Well, it's you and Dana. I see you two together, and I wonder if Charlie and I really love each other that much, and have that much passion." Ally sighed. "What?" Mulder said. He wasn't sure whether to laugh or break down and admit to his ex-wife that he was in love with Scully. He laughed. "That's crazy, Al." "Is it? How can I live with Charlie having seen you and Dana together?" "Ally, that's ridiculous. You and Charlie love each other. That's all you need." Ally smiled. "All you need is love. The English are a smart bunch of people." Mulder laughed. "So, does this mean that you're still getting married?" "Yes. Thanks for your help. I guess I just had cold feet or something." She gave him a warm smile. "No problem. I guess I should let you finish getting ready. Good luck." Mulder kissed her on the cheek and left, congratulating himself on a job well done. All the usual crap: See part one. The wedding had gone off without a hitch, so to speak. The ceremony was beautiful, and Ally and Charlie had given no indication that they had had any doubts beforehand. The ceremony was small and fancy. Many guests wore Navy dress uniforms, and the other male guests wore tuxes. During the ceremony, Mulder couldn't take his eyes off of Scully, who looked resplendent in her cerulean blue dress. The reception was held in the courtyard of the cathedral. The food was good, the speeches were good, and the cake was great. Ally and Charlie had both changed clothes, and had been on the dance floor since the reception started. Scully was still in her gown from the wedding, and was sitting with her second cousins while Mulder sat at his table alone. Scully's cousins stood up to dance, leaving Scully unaccompanied at her table. Scully was picking at the food on her plate when Mulder approached. He reached out his hand to her silently. She took it, and Mulder pulled her out of her chair and into his arms. The first notes of the song started. A voice came from the speaker. "I need you baby, If it's quite alright I need you baby To warm the lonely night." "Did you request this, Mulder? As part of your insidious plan to seduce me?" Scully teased, her arms around his neck. "I may have," Mulder answered coyly, spinning Scully. "So, what'd you think of the wedding?" Scully asked, getting uncomfortable with the way Mulder was staring at her. "It was nice. You looked great," Mulder smiled at her. Scully blushed. Suddenly, Mulder bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips. Scully closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. After a moment, Mulder pulled back. "Sorry," he apologized quickly. "It's just, with the wedding, and you in that dress, and with everything Ally said^" "It's all right," Scully said, averting her eyes. "I understand." They continued dancing in uncomfortable silence until Mulder said, "Am I just imagining things, or did you kiss back?" "Well, I don't know^Maybe I did. But I was overwhelmed with the wedding and everything^I wasn't thinking." "Oh," Mulder said, disappointed. He kissed her again then, longer and deeper than the first time. Scully put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. After a long moment, they pulled away from each other. "That time you definitely kissed me back," Mulder pointed out. "Uh-huh," Scully said, distracted. She grabbed Mulder's face and kissed him hard. He wrapped his arms around her waist. When they finally parted, they noticed that many of the people in the room were watching them. Mrs. Scully had a broad grin on her face. Bill's face was red. He didn't look happy. Mulder cleared his throat. "Scully, maybe we should take this somewhere else." "Where do you suggest?" Scully asked. "Well, if you're asking, I know a hotel near here," Mulder teased, raising his eyebrows. Scully raised one eyebrow. "Come on, Mulder, I'm serious. My family must think^Well, I know what Bill thinks." "Okay, come on." Mulder took her hand and led her to the coatroom. Scully pushed her way through the hanging coats. "So, Mulder^" She trailed off. Mulder stepped closer to her. "What are you doing?" she asked. "Um^I thought it was kind of self-explanatory," he answered. "Mulder--" "You think this is a mistake?" Mulder interrupted. "You were happy with our friendship. You weren't thinking straight. The wedding has you feeling insecure. Am I right?" "Well^yes. I mean, no. I don't really know. I^I have to admit, I did like kissing you." Mulder smiled. "Great, now you're going to have a big head. My point is, I don't really know what I'm doing." Scully sighed and leaned back against a big tweed coat. "Scully, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly great with relationships." He stepped even closer to Scully. "But I think Ally was right, we're perfect for each other. I^" He sighed. "What?" Scully asked with barely veiled eagerness. "Well, I^I mean^" Mulder trailed off again. "You love me?" Scully offered. "Yeah. Pretend I said that," Mulder answered, laughing at himself. "You do? Really?" Scully asked. "Yes. I love you," Mulder answered. Scully stepped back. "Mulder, I don't know what to say." "I love you too would work," Mulder said hopefully. "I don't know^Hold on," Scully said. She pulled Mulder's face to hers and kissed him briefly. She pulled away, stroked her chin thoughtfully, and said, "I love you, too." "Really?" Mulder asked incredulously. "I never thought that you would^" He shook his head. Scully sighed. Mulder sighed. "So," Scully said. "We're sort of^together now?" Mulder shrugged. "Yeah. To tell you the truth, I've been wanting this to happen for a while. But I never thought it would." Scully smiled. "You're so insecure. It's kind of cute." Mulder blushed. "Really?" he asked suggestively, edging closer. She nodded. "In a dysfunctional way." "I'll take what I can get," Mulder said before he pulled her close and kissed her. Suddenly, the door of the coatroom opened, casting light onto the two. An old man stood in the doorway, looking somewhat baffled and embarrassed. "Excuse me," he said, edging around Scully to grab the tweed coat she'd been leaning on. "I just wanted my^" he gestured to his coat. Mulder and Scully stood apart, embarrassed. The man walked from the room, turning back briefly to throw a wink in Mulder's direction. "Mulder, as much as I hate to break this up," Scully said, "We should get out of here, before my family thinks we're dead." "I doubt that's what they think," Mulder said jokingly. She gave him an admonishing look, but her heart wasn't in it. "My point is, there's a wedding going on. We should go back out and^I don't know. Do whatever people do at weddings." Mulder sighed. "Alright. I guess." Scully took his hand and they walked back out into the reception area. The two wandered around, mingling with Scully's family. After a while they found themselves on the dance floor again. They were so absorbed in each other that they didn't notice the self-satisfied looks on the faces of Mrs. Scully, Ally, and Charlie. "You stepped on my foot," Scully said. "Sorry," Mulder said sheepishly. "I don't dance much." "It's okay," Scully replied. Her mind seemed to be drifting. "What's wrong?" Mulder asked, concerned. Was she having second thoughts? "It's just^This is going to change everything. Our work^We may be reassigned," Scully told him, worry in her eyes. "We'll just have to keep this a secret from Skinner," Mulder said reassuringly. "But it changes everything. What if it doesn't work out? Will we still be able to work together? Will we still be friends?" Scully seemed very upset. "I hope so," Mulder answered, "Because, believe it or not, I don't have much of a social life outside of you." "I'm serious, Mulder." "Stop overanalyzing everything, Scully. You're going to jinx us. Besides, what makes you think it's not going to work out?" Mulder was trying to reassure her, but her worries had struck a note for him as well. "It's just^I'm starting to think that this is an irresponsible decision. It could ruin everything we've worked for," Scully seemed hesitant to say it, but she felt it had to be said. Mulder grasped her by the shoulders. "Scully, I love you. I can't promise anything, but if I continue to ignore that love, I'll never forgive myself." Surprisingly, Scully laughed. Mulder stared at her with a wounded look on his face. "I'm sorry, Mulder, but I never would have guessed you had this cheesy side." She laughed again and kissed him. "It'll work. I love you, too, you know." "I know," Mulder joked. Scully smiled. "Come on, Mulder, let's get the hell out of here." Mulder grinned enticingly and allowed Scully to lead him off the dance floor. They quickly said goodbye to Charlie and Ally, who smiled knowingly. They approached Mrs. Scully. "Mom, we're leaving," Scully informed her. Maggie winked. "Have a good time, dear. Not that you need me to tell you." "Thanks, Mom," Scully said, hugging her. She grabbed Mulder's hand, and the two left hand in hand, finally realizing what everyone else had come to know long ago. "It's about time," Maggie said to herself, nodding in satisfaction before returning her attention to the party. That's all. Please give feedback. Even critiscism (like spelling mistakes). Also, part one may have had some format errors, due to our idiotic....ness. So please forgive us.