Title: Two Worlds II: Under Sea-ge
Author: Kirsten Wahlquist
E-Mail:  Send me feedback, please!!  dkscully@osfthome.net
Distribution:  Gossamer - no, I'll do that myself; Everywhere else - go
ahead, just let me know!
Spoilers: None
Rating: PG
Content: Mulder/Scully UST, bordering on MSR
Classification: S
Summary: An eco-terrorist targets the lab, putting all involved in danger.
Disclaimer: Me no own Mulder or Scully.  Chris Cater, Ten Thirteen, FOX
own.  Me no own "You'll Be In My Heart".  Disney own.  Me own Grant, Kea,
Belle, Charlotte.
Notes:
-The first story in the series can be found at
http://members.tripod.com/~keikolover/fanfic/twoworlds.txt
-This story can be found at my website at
http://members.tripod.com/~keikolover/fanfic
-It is also available at http://animalfiles.freeservers.com, a website for
animal-centered fanfic (shameless plug ;) )  If you like DolphinFic (or any
AnimalFic), there's plenty of it there.
-Pleeeeeeease send me feedback!  Like it?  Hate it?  Want a sequel?  Got
dolphin pics to send?  Let me know at dkscully@softhome.net

Enjoy!!

Two Worlds II: Under Sea-ge
By Kirsten Wahlquist

SDRL
July23, 2001
1:31 PM

Dana Scully grinned and hoisted herself out of the pool.  She shook the
water out of her hair, then turned to look back at the two dolphins behind
her.  Belle and Charlotte squealed at her, hoping she'd jump back in and
play more.  Scully rolled her eyes and chuckled.  "You two never quit, do
you?"  Belle made a noise that sounded somewhat like a laugh, then rolled
over onto her side.

Scully smiled as she turned to the building.  Already, she could feel her
clothes drying in the scorching sun.  A massive heat wave had struck
southern Florida, with temperatures breaking 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  It
was that burning heat that had compelled her to take an impromptu swim
without a wetsuit.

As she stepped inside, the cool air conditioning made Scully sigh with
relief.  She headed into the lounge and poured herself a tall glass of ice
water, then leaned against the counter as she gulped it down.

Grant Robson, the lab's director, passed by the open door.  He stopped when
he saw Scully inside.  "Hey, Dana, drink as much of that as you can.  I
don't want to have to fish you out of the tank when you pass out from heat
stroke."

Scully smiled and nodded.  "I just swam with the dolphins, and already my
clothes are dry."  Her smile faded to a frown.  "I hope Belle and Charlotte
do okay in this weather."

"They've been through it before," Grant replied confidently.  "They should
be all right.  Let's keep a close eye on them, though."  He paused, as if
remembering something.  "Don't forget, we're checking the coral this
afternoon."

Nodding, Scully replied, "Yep, I remember."

Grant nodded, then turned and left the room.  Scully picked up her pair of
sunglasses that was sitting on the counter.  She took a deep breath, then
headed back out into the sun.

Scully winced as hot sand slid over her toes.  She hopped lightly, trying
to keep off of it as much as possible.  Even her sandals didn't offer much
protection.

After what seemed like an eternity of tiptoeing over the sand, Scully
reached her destination: the Sea Star Café.  It had become her favorite
dining establishment.  It's upbeat, Caribbean-style music and tropical
flair always made it seem inviting.

Scully pulled off her sunglasses and walked up to the counter.  "Can I get
a large root beer and a ham sandwich?" she asked, pulling out her wallet. 
As the cashier got her food together, Scully looked around the small café. 
She scanned it's occupants, searching for a familiar face.

"That'll be $5.71."  Scully turned back to the cashier, then handed over
that exact amount.  She'd ordered the same thing many times before, and
knew exactly what it would cost.

Scully carried her food to an empty table and sat down.  She could feel the
sweat collecting on her brow and eagerly reached for her root beer.

"What's up?"

Scully's eyes snapped up to meet those of the dark-haired man in front of
her.  A smile flashed across her face as he sat down with his burger and
coke.  "The sun, Mulder."

"I noticed."  He pointed at Scully's bright pink cheeks.  "I'm guessing
that's not because you're embarrassed to be seen with me?"

Scully laughed and shook her head.  "I wish!"  She reached up and gingerly
touched the bridge of her nose.  "Even SPF 45 won't do the trick," she
sighed.

"Does it hurt?" Mulder asked, his forehead wrinkling with worry.

"Not as much as the one on my shoulders."  Mulder winced visibly.  "It's
only gonna get worse, too.  I've got to dive today, and the BCD is going to
rub it like crazy."  Scully took another sip of root beer, then ran a palm
over her face.

"Don't you have some magical doctor's secret for sunburns?"

"Nope."  Taking a bite of sandwich, she added, "Just time."

"So what have you been up to?" Mulder asked, changing the subject.

"Not much.  It's too hot to do much work outside.  Grant and I are going
out - "  Mulder nearly choked on his Pepsi, " - on the boat today to check
some coral growth."  Scully cocked her head quizzically as Mulder coughed
and tried to recover his composure.  "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just got some soda pop down the wrong tube," he lied.

Scully raised a skeptic eyebrow.  "What about you?  What have you been
doing?"

"Um...a serial killer focusing on teenage girls.  Pretty gruesome.  Mostly
indoor stuff, I don't have the chance to get sunburned like you do."

"Sounds like you need a swim," replied Scully.

"Can't wait to see me in a Speedo, huh?"

Scully sucked in a sharp breath, then forced herself to relax.

"Does Kea miss me?"

Scully opened her mouth to reply then shut it, frowning.  "I actually
haven't seen him for a few days.  He must be farther out to sea."  She took
a long sip of root beer, finally hearing the slurping noise of an empty
cup.

They made small talk as they finished their lunch.  Scully checked her
watch, then frowned.  "I better get going," she sighed.  "I've gotta get
the air tanks filled before this afternoon."

Mulder nodded understandingly.  "Okay.  I'll call you later."

Scully smiled and turned toward the door.  "See you later," she called. 
Then, she walked out the door and headed back to the lab.
					***
SDRL
2:07 PM

Scully carefully set the two air tanks on the boat, making sure they
wouldn't roll.  She walked back into the building to pick up a few
last-minute items: a PADI baseball cap, water bottle, and extra sunscreen. 
Grabbing a hairband, she hastily pulled her hair into a ponytail.

She poked her head into Grant's office, where he was going over some budget
reports.  "Everything's ready to go," she announced.  He glanced up at her,
startled by her voice.

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute."

Scully nodded and headed back toward the boat.  As she passed the dolphin
tank, Belle and Charlotte began splashing and screeching.  Scully stopped
in her tracks and looked quizzically at them.  "What's gotten into you?"
she asked.  Belle responded with a scream and sprayed Scully.

Shaking her head, Scully turned and walked out onto the dock.  She made a
mental note to ask Grant about their behavior.

Suddenly, the air resounded with a deafening boom.  Scully was thrown to
the dock, her head hitting the wood.  For several moments, she lay dazed
and unmoving.  Then, slowly, she tried to sit up.

"Dana!" she faintly heard Grant yell.  Her vision cleared and she saw him
sprinting toward her.  She turned to took at the boat, which was engulfed
in flames.

"Are you okay?" Grant asked frantically as he knelt beside her.

"I'll be fine," Scully groaned.  Grant reached up to touch her forehead and
his hand came away bloody.

"Let's get you inside," he said as he wrapped an arm around her waist. 
Carefully, he helped Scully to her feet.  Scully leaned heavily on Grant,
and they made their way back to the shade.

One of the interns had already called 911.  Grant grabbed the first aid kit
from the equipment room and took out the gauze.  Gently, he held it up to
her wound and put pressure on it.  Scully winced and sucked in a sharp
breath.

Fire trucks and ambulances began to arrive, and one of the paramedics set
to work stitching Scully up.
						***
Fox Mulder's Office
Miami Field Office
3:12 PM

Mulder cracked a sunflower seed between his teeth and looked down at the
paperwork on his desk.  He'd spent the afternoon in meetings and was
eagerly awaiting five o'clock, when he could go home.  He chuckled lightly
when he remembered how he used to stay at work late voluntarily all the
time.

Flipping on the radio, Mulder grimaced when he realized the Devil Rays'
game was already over.  The postgame show was ending, and after that it'd
be news.

Mulder set to work, trying to get the papers finished early.  He was just
about to go get a cup of coffee when the news broke.

"We are now getting word that an explosion shook up some nerves this
afternoon at the Sutton Delphine Research Laboratory," the disembodied
voice said.  Mulder's body stiffened and his eyes went wide.  "About 2:15
this afternoon, the lab's research boat exploded.  No one was seriously
injured in the blast..."

Mulder had already grabbed his stuff and was out the door.
						***
SDRL
3:38 PM

Scully had just finished recounting her story for the umpteenth time that
day when Mulder rushed up.

"Are you okay?" he asked breathlessly.

Scully smiled weakly.  "Just couldn't stay away, could you?  I'm fine,
really."

Mulder nodded almost imperceptibly; he'd learned long ago to just accept
that answer.  "How's your head?"

"It aches a bit, but I took some Aspirin."  She sighed heavily.  "This came
at a horrible time.  We're really low on resources right now, we can't
afford a new boat."

"Is there and word on a cause yet?"

"Nothing official," replied Scully.  "But they strongly suspect it was a
bomb," she said more quietly.

Mulder's eyebrows shot up.  "A bomb?  Why would anyone do that?"

Scully shook her head.  "I don't know."

An uneasy silence filled the air for several moments.

"Are you really all right?" asked Mulder softly.

"Yeah, I guess so.  It's just... a few more seconds and I would've been on
that boat," Scully admitted.  "I was going out to the boat to get it ready
to leave.  Belle and Charlotte were acting weird, so I stopped for a couple
seconds..."

Mulder put his arms around her gently.  Scully hugged him back, resting her
cheek on his chest.  His embrace calmed Scully almost instantly.

After a couple minutes, Mulder pulled back.  Scully turned and saw Grant
striding toward them.

"Dana," he began, glancing at Mulder.  "Why don't you take tomorrow off?  I
can watch Belle and Charlotte for you."

Scully opened her mouth to protest, but one look at Mulder quieted her. 
"All right," she agreed reluctantly.  "But call me if anything happens,
okay?"

Grant smiled and nodded.  "Sure."  He disappeared back into the lab.

Mulder put a hand on Scully's shoulder.  "You want a ride home?" he asked
softly.  Scully nodded gratefully and followed him out to his car.
						***
Scully's House
July 24
7:32 AM

Scully was jolted awake by an electronic ring.  She blinked sleep from her
eyes as she tried to determine what had woken her.  The offending noise
sounded again, and Scully realized that it was the phone.

Rolling over, she grabbed it before it could ring again.  "Hello?"

"Dana?"  The worry in Grant's voice brought Scully fully awake.  "It's
Belle.  She's gone."

Scully's breath caught in her throat.  "Gone?"

"I found the sea gate wide open.  Charlotte's still here, thank God."

"I'll be there right away," Scully said, already pulling on a pair of
shorts and a t-shirt.

"Okay."  She heard the click as Grant hung up and rushed for the door.
						***
SDRL
7:45 AM

Scully arrived at the dolphin pool, hoping for some good news.  She spotted
Grant talking to a police officer a few yards away.

Grant saw she had arrived and strode over to her.  "Anything?" Scully asked
hopefully.

Shaking his head, Grant replied, "No.  I've alerted the boats in the area
to look out for her."

Scully's mouth twisted into a grimace.  "And we don't have a boat to look
ourselves.  With the explosion yesterday and the Zodiac smashed a few weeks
ago, we're stuck here."

"That's not all," continued Grant.  Scully frowned and cocked her head. 
She followed Grant inside, Where a note had already been slipped into an
evidence bag.  It simply read, "Leave them alone."

"What does it mean?" Scully asked, already afraid she knew the answer.

"It seems like we have one of those eco-warrior, Greenpeace types on our
hands."  Grant snorted.  "Eco-terrorist is more like it."

"Well, if they think setting Belle free is going to help her, they're
grossly mistaken," sighed Scully.  "She has no idea how to survive out
there."

Nodding, Grant replied, "I wish there was more we could do right now. 
We'll have to try to think of a way to get her back, and fast.  In the
meantime, someone should stay by the radio at all times."

Scully agreed and silently let up a prayer that Belle would turn up safe.
						***
5:15 PM

Scully dangled her legs into the tank as she absently stared at the
horizon.  Charlotte nudged her feet gently, hoping to console her friend. 
Scully blinked and looked down at the dolphin.  She sighed and reached down
to scratch Charlotte's chin.  "You must be so lonely," Scully said softly,
"not having Belle around to keep you on your toes.  Flukes.  Whatever." 
Charlotte let out a low moan and rolled onto her side.

"Okay," Scully said finally.  "I'm going to take my turn by the phone." 
She stood slowly, letting the water drip off her legs.  "Keep an eye out
for Belle.  Better yet, yell for her."

Scully sauntered back inside and into the reception area.  She plopped down
beside Grant, whose face was creased with worry.  "Anything?" she asked for
the millionth time that day.  Grant shook his head dejectedly.  "Go get
dinner," Scully ordered him firmly.  He looked up and studied her for a
moment.  "I'll wait here.  I can page you if anything comes up," she
promised.

Grant slowly nodded and got up.  "I won't be gone long."  Reluctantly, he
headed out the door, leaving Scully to herself.

Scully leaned back in her chair and looked around at the photos on the
walls.  Her and Charlotte during a training session.  Charlotte and Belle. 
Kea following the boat.  Belle inspecting a new toy...

The ringing phone snapped Scully out of her thoughts.  Eagerly, she yanked
it from the cradle.  "Hello?"

There was a moment of silence.  "Scully, that you?"

Scully let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.  "Yeah,
Mulder."

"Why are you at the lab?"

"Belle's gone," she informed him.  "She was found missing with the sea gate
open this morning."

"Oh.  I called your house to see how you were doing and didn't get an
answer, so I figured I'd try the lab."

Scully cracked a smile and shook her head.  Always the worrier.  "I'm fine,
Mulder.  But I think I'll be here for awhile."

"I can grab something to eat for you if you want; I assume you haven't had
dinner yet," offered Mulder.

"Would you?"  I'd really appreciate it."

"Sure!  Anything in particular?"

"Anything at all is fine," answered Scully.

"Okay, I'll see you in a bit."

Scully hung up the phone and sat back to wait.

After what seemed like hours, Mulder hurried through the door.  He held up
a bag of friend chicken triumphantly.

Scully smiled up and him as he handed her the bag.  "Thanks, I'm
*starving*."  She pulled out a drumstick and began to gnaw hungrily.

Mulder flopped into a chair across from her.  "You didn't think I'd let you
eat alone, did you?" he asked with a grin and grabbed a wing.

"You didn't happen to get anything to drink, did you?"  Scully hot back.  A
can of root beer came flying in her direction, and she caught it just
before it hit her.

They ate in silence for several minutes before Scully spoke. 
"I...um...there was something I didn't tell you on the phone," she
admitted.  Mulder stopped eating and watched her closely.  "We found a note
this morning.  It said 'Leave them alone'."

"Any idea who sent it?" asked Mulder.

Scully shook her head.  "Not yet, anyway.  The police are checking for
prints, but I doubt they'll find anything."

Mulder's eyes narrowed and he frowned at her.  "It sounds like a threat. 
Do you want someone to stay with you?"

Scully stared at him for a moment before shaking her head.  "No.  See,
that's why I didn't tell you.  You get overprotective.  Don't get me wrong,
it's nice of you to ask.  But I'll be okay, don't worry."

Mulder laughed uneasily.  "Sorry."

"Are you sure you're okay with that?" Scully asked softly.

"Yeah.  Yeah.  You're a grown woman, and I've seen you take out guys twice
your size."  He smiled weakly.

Their now-uncomfortable conversation was broken up when Grant arrived. 
"Guess I could've waited and got a free meal, huh?" he asked with a smile.

"If you take over here, I'll go feed Charlotte," Scully offered.  Grant
laughed.  "I think I'm getting the short end of the stick, but okay."

"I better head out," announced Mulder.  "I've got some paperwork to take
care of."  He ducked out quickly before anyone could question him.  Scully
stared after him for a moment before going to feed Charlotte.
						***
SDRL
July 25
3:18 PM

Scully ran a hand along Charlotte's back.  The dolphin rolled over,
offering her belly.  Scully gave her a good rubdown, then sat back.  The
sun scorched her back, and beads of sweat trickled down her forehead.

A soft splash made Scully jump.  She looked around hopefully, then sighed
when she saw nothing.  <Calm down,> she told herself.

But the noise came again, followed by a distinctly delphine squeal.  Scully
was on her feet in a flash, searching for the source.

Just as she was about to give up, two sleek grey forms burst from the
water.

"Belle!" Scully screamed.  She ran, stumbling over her own feet, to the sea
gate.

Kea popped his head out of the water and squeaked a greeting.  Grinning,
Scully pulled open the sea gate.  Belle swam inside instantly, and Scully
pulled the gate closed.

Grant appeared at the poolside.  "Thanks, boy," Scully said to Kea
hurriedly.  Then, excitedly, she leapt into the pool.  "C'mere, Belle," she
called.  She slapped the water, the signal for "come."

Belle swam slowly toward Scully, with more caution than usual.  "Come on,"
Scully urged.  Belle targeted on Scully's palm, allowing an inspection. 
Scully carefully looked over Belle's skin, searching for any injuries.

"She looks okay," she called to Grant.  Scully gave Belle one last pat,
then swam to the pool's edge.  She pulled herself out, then followed Grant
toward the building.

"Let's get her into the med pool, run some tests, then feed her," said
Grant.  "I want breath, blood, and urine samples."

"We should have someone here 24 hours a day to watch for problems," added
Scully.  Grant nodded in agreement.

As Grant gathered the testing supplies, Scully prepared a bucket of fish
with a few extra vitamins.

Back at the poolside, Scully called Belle.  Again, the dolphin was hesitant
in her approach.

"Hey, girl," Scully said softly, extending her hand.  "Just a few tests,
okay?"  She rubbed Belle's chin for a moment before standing up.  She lead
an uneasy Belle into the medical pool, then closed it off from the main
one.

Grant arrived, and Scully gave Belle the signal to present her flukes. 
When Belle did so, Grant quickly took the blood sample.  Scully blew the
whistle and gave Belle a couple of fish.  They quickly took the urine and
breath samples, then Scully checked Belle over once again as she fed her. 
Grant took the samples, leaving Scully to watch Belle.

As soon as she had eaten, Belle swam to away from the edge.  She lingered
near the middle of the pool, seeming almost afraid of Scully.  Scully
frowned and put her feet into the water.  "What's wrong?" she asked softly.
 Belle rolled onto her side, keeping a wary eye on Scully.  She stayed in
the middle of the pool, watching her human friend as if Scully were going
to kill her.

Scully passed it off as a sort of shock from the past two days, but
resolved to keep an eye on Belle.  In the mean time, there wasn't much they
could do but call the vet and wait for the test results.
						***
8:31 PM

Scully watched quietly as Belle rested on the surface of the medical pool. 
Both dolphins seemed to be quiet, but she knew very well that they could be
having a conversation she couldn't hear.

Scully glanced up at the horizon, where bright red, oranges, and yellows
mingled together in the sunset.  She gazed at it for several moments before
a ringing phone snapped her out of her daze.

She rushed inside and snatched up the phone before the caller could hang
up.  "Hello?"

"Hey, Scully.  It's me."  Scully smiled as she recognized Mulder's voice.

"How'd you know I was here?" she queried.

"Why, are you trying to hide from me?" Mulder teased.  "You weren't at
home, so I guessed that's where you were.  Any word on Belle?"

Scully grinned.  "She's back, safe and, we think, sound.  Three guesses who
brought her home, and the first two don't count."

"Wow, it's like you've got your own Flipper!" Mulder laughed.  "Tell him I
said thank you, okay?"

"I'll make sure to do that next time I see him."

"So, do you have watch duty?" asked Mulder.

"All night," Scully sighed.

"Want some company?"

Scully started to say no, but something in the back of her mind screamed at
her to say yes.  "Um, yeah, actually, that would be nice."

"I'll send Frohike down, then," Mulder replied teasingly.  "I'll probably
be a couple more hours here, then I'll be over, okay?"

"Sure, that sounds fine.  I'll see you then."  Scully hung up the phone and
went back out to the pools.  She was still trying to figure out what had
possessed her to say yes.  She sat back down by the medical pool to watch
over Belle and wait for Mulder.
						***
10:32 PM

Scully rubbed her eyes, trying to fight the fatigue.  She sighed and
stretched before standing up.

"I need caffeine," she muttered as she headed back into the building. 
Scully trudged into the lounge.  She picked up the coffee pot and rolled
her eyes when she discovered it was empty.  Scully set the pot under the
coffee maker and worked quickly to start brewing more.

Just as Scully was about to start the percolator, the lights winked out. 
"Of course," she grumbled as she stumbled out of the lounge to check the
fuse box.  When she tripped over a heavy box, she cursed the fact that the
flashlights were all out in the storeroom.

As she rounded the corner, Scully felt the hairs on the back of her neck
stand on end.  <It's nothing, Dana,> she admonished herself.  More warily,
she moved towards the door.

She didn't have time to scream as a rough hand covered her mouth.  Another
arm shot out around her waist, pinning her arms to her sides.

"Don't move," ordered the gruff, disembodied voice.  The arm around her
waist moved until she felt cold metal against her cheek.

Scully froze instantly, trying not to calm herself down.  <Oh God, it's
happening again,> she cried inwardly.

Without thinking, Scully shifted her weight.  Scarcely a moment later,
something solid connected with her head, and everything faded to black.
						***
Time unknown

Scully's eyes peeked open slowly.  The first thing she was aware of was her
throbbing head.  She tried to reach up and touch her forehead, but found
that her hands were tied securely behind her back.  She felt cloth rubbing
the corners of her mouth and the gag between her teeth.

She looked slowly around, trying to make out her surroundings.  There were
several small tanks scattered around the room, and a large bookcase. 
Upstairs.  She was in the only second-story room in the lab, where many
small animal specimens were kept, as well as files and books on marine
life.

There was no sign of her assailant anywhere.  Scully groaned and leaned
against the post she was tied to.

Her head snapped up at the sound of footsteps.  A burly figure appeared in
the doorway.  The man stepped inside, and the moonlight illuminated his
face.  He was easily six and a half feet tall.  Scully tried to keep from
shaking.

"I *warned* you," the man growled.  Scully sucked in a sharp breath.  "You
wouldn't listen."

Scully's eyes went wide when she caught a glimpse of the gun in the man's
hand.

He moved forward slowly, and Scully flattened herself against the post.

"This is all going to end now," he continued ominously.

Scully tried to tell him to stop, but the gag prevented her from speaking
clearly.

"With your death, this facility will be too far gone to recover."

"Why?" Scully finally managed.  Her stomach tightened into a knot.

The man let out a mirthless laugh.  "Why?" Why did I do it?"  He stared
coldly into her eyes.  "To save the very lives you tortured."

Scully shook her head vehemently.  <No!  No!> her mind screamed.

"And now it'll all be over," he sneered.  He raised the gun, aiming it
directly between her eyes.

Scully took one shuddering breath and squeezed her eyes shut. 
<Itsoverohmygiodimgonnadienow...>

A single shot rang out.

A body crumpled to the floor.

Scully opened one eye, then the other.  The attacker lay dead before her in
a pool of blood.

The next thing she saw was Mulder, frantically untying her gag.  "Are you
hurt?" he asked as he slipped it out of her mouth.  His eyes drifted to the
bump on her forehead.  He gently reached up and brushed her hair out of her
face.

"I'm okay," Scully replied softly.  "I'm okay."  Mulder quickly untied her
hands and helped her to her feet.  He wrapped his arms tightly around her,
afraid that she'd be hurt again if he let go.

They remained like that for several moments before Mulder moved away to go
call the police.
						***
August 1
3:17

Mulder trotted up to the pool's edge, where Scully was giving Belle a
rubdown.  She glanced up and smiled at him as he approached.  "What's up?"

Mulder held up a manila folder.  "Jeffrey Charleton," he answered,
referring to the terrorist that had plagued the lab a week before.  "Case
closed, six feet under."  He paused.  "How are you doing?"

Scully didn't hesitate to answer.  "Fabulous."  Mulder looked quizzically
at her as her grin widened.  "We just got the test results back on Belle. 
She's pregnant."

A smile broke out on Mulder's face.  "Way to go, Kea!"

Scully couldn't help but laugh.  "We believe it was Kea, yeah."

Belle seemed to understand that the two were talking about her.  She rose
half out of the water, did a Flipper-like tail walk, then fell back with a
loud splash.

Mulder turned back to Scully.  "Hey, um, you know, the field office is
having it's annual formal dance next Friday, and I was wondering..." 
Mulder fidgeted uncomfortably.  "I was wondering if you would go with me."

A shy smile spread across Scully's face.  "You mean, like a date?"  Mulder
hesitated, then nodded slowly.  "Of course!"

Mulder let out the breath he'd been holding and smiled.  "Um, I'll pick you
up at eight, then."

"Sounds great!"

Mulder nodded again, then turned to leave.  Scully was almost positive she
heard a triumphant "Yes!" as he walked away.
						***
Scully's House
August 10
7:59 PM

Mulder took a deep breath and knocked on Scully's door.  He waited only a
few moments before it swung open.  His jaw dropped to the pavement.  Scully
had on a sapphire, spaghetti-strap dress that went down to her ankles. 
Around her neck was the ever-present gold crucifix.  Her hair was pulled
up, but a few loose ringlets rested on the back of her neck.

Scully smiled warmly when she saw Mulder's reaction.  "Come on in.  I've
just got to grab a couple of things."  Mulder nodded dumbly and followed
her inside.

He looked down at the black tuxedo that he had rented for the occasion.  It
was simple, but it still looked nice.  Scully returned a moment later, and
they headed out the door.
						***
Field Office Dance
11:34 PM

Mulder and Scully sat at the table, talking about old times as the music
played in the background.

"Everybody thought I had lost it," Mulder laughed.  "Old Spooky, asking to
be assigned to the environmental crimes division.  God knows how many jokes
went around about me investigating aliens illegally cutting down trees." 
He took a sip of punch.  "It is a refreshing change to be back working
violent crimes, though."

The song ended, and a new one began.  Mulder perked up as he recognized it.
 He got up and offered his hand to Scully, who took it gracefully.  Mulder
pulled her onto the dance floor and wrapped an arm around waist.

"Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight

"I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

"For one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry."

Mulder smiled as he thought about how appropriate those words were.  As
much as his overprotectiveness annoyed her, he know it had saved her life
on more than one occasion.

"'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

"You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always

"Why can't they understand
The way we feel
They just don't trust
What they can't explain
I know we're different but,
Deep inside us
We're not that different at all."

Scully listened carefully to the words, realizing why Mulder had gotten
excited when it began.  It was them.

"And you'll be in my heart
Yes you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

"Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other
To have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know

"When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together

"'Cause you'll be in my heart'
Believe me, you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on
Now and forever more."

Scully smiled up at Mulder, telling him silently that she understood. 
<Always.>

"Oh you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
I'll be there always
Always
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there
Always."


THE END

Well?  Did it live up to the original?  Want another?  Want me to shut up
now? <g> Write me at dkscully@softhome.net!!!

-Kirsten