He stepped into the bar and looked around. He spotted her hair at the far end of the room. She was seated in a booth, her back to the door. He took a deep breath and turned to the jukebox.
He pulled out a handful of coins and fed them into the slot, then pressed B17 and walked toward her.
She hadn’t looked up or taken a sip of the wine that was sitting in front of her. The music started and he stopped at her side. “Dance with me?”
“Mulder, I’m fine.” She didn't look at him.
He held out his hand and waited.
She finally looked up when he didn’t move. His hand was still out. When she didn’t take it, he reached down and took hold of her. “Please.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand.
She started to protest but the look in his eyes stopped her. She closed her eyes but allowed him to tug her to her feet.
He led her to the small cleared area and took her into his arms. He held her firmly, but gently. They didn’t really dance, more of a swaying to the music. He leaned down brushing his lips against her ear. “I’m sorry.”
“Mulder, you - “
“I didn’t mean to upset you. It scares me when I do this, Scully. You know me, unfortunately you know me. The one thing I do know how to do is screw things up. I just can’t . . . don’t let me screw up with you.” He allowed her to pull away slightly, to look up at him.
“You haven’t . . . “
The quirk to his lips stopped her. He pulled her back against him to finish the song.
When the music ended he forced himself to let her step back. He held silent, waiting.
“You don’t have to do this, Mulder.”
“I want to. I’m not okay when we’re, when I’ve hurt you.” She sighed and he let his hands caress her upper arms. “Come back to the hotel with me.”
“Why that song?”
He smiled then and led her from the bar.
When
a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothin' else
He'd trade the world
For a good thing he's found
If she is bad, he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend If he puts her down
When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Trying to hold on to what he needs
He'd give up all his comforts
And sleep out in the rain
If she said that's the way
It ought to be
When a man loves a woman
Trying to hold on
To your precious love
Baby please don't treat me bad
When a man loves a woman
Deep down in his soul
She can bring him such misery
If she is playing him for a fool
He's the last one to know
Loving eyes can never see
Yes when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels
'Cause baby, baby, baby
I am a man
When a man loves a woman
--Percy Sledge
Author's Notes - Just couldn't get this scene out of my mind...
Links to other sites on the Web
Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunmen and Skinner all belong to Chris Carter, 10-13 and Fox. Thanks also to Percy Sledge for the pleasure he has given me. No infringement intended.
