Mulder knocked on Scully's door. A few seconds later, it opened, revealing her standing in the door frame. Mulder's jaw almost dropped in awe. Scully had traded her pantsuit for a more elegant blue dress. It flowed down her creamy legs and stopped just above her knees. The neck line veered down in a V shape, revealing the soft creamy skin of her neck. The shoulder length red hair had been curled into soft ringlets that framed her face beautifully. "You ready Mulder?" She asked breaking into his thoughts.

"Yep, right this way m'lady." He performed a mock bow and led her to his car. "You look great, by the way," He complimented her as they sat down. Scully's eyes took in the black tux he wore.

"You don't look too bad yourself, Mulder. Are you ready for the party?"

"Urgghh...." Mulder groaned as he started to drive downtown.

"It won't be too bad! It's just going to be some dancing, a few drinks or two. Who knows, maybe you'll find a girl Mulder!" He scoffed at her words. Did she really think that? He knew quite well that he'd just be sulking in the corner, as he did in most Company Functions. Skinner had forced him to go claiming that, "It would improve the other Agent's views on you, Mulder." Scully of course, had agreed. She hadn't been to a good party in a while and though she wasn't that keen on socializing, missed the company of other human beings as well.

The two Agents exited their car, Mulder giving the keys to Valet. He offered Scully his arm as they ascended the steps which she took with a smile. They proceeded to the Ballroom the FBI had rented for the Party. Mulder wasn't quite sure why there was even a party. Something along the lines of the Bureau's 80th Anniversary. When they entered the Ballroom, they were assaulted with the sound of loud orchestra music. Already, people danced on the floor, twirling their partners. A.D. Skinner was there too, dancing with a female Agent. He didn't look too happy though. Mulder took their coats and Scully's bag and checked them in at the Coat Check-In. When he came back to her she seemed to be tapping her heeled feet to the music.

Taking her cue, Mulder offered his hand and said, "May I have the honor of this first dance?" She laughed at the aristocratic voice he had used.

"You may," Scully replied and took his hand. Mulder twirled Scully and swayed to the music, which was slightly fast. With his hand on her waist and one clutching hers, they danced. As the piece ended, a round of applause broke out for the musicians. Mulder led Scully to the table where food and drinks were laid out.

"Mulder, where did you learn where to dance?" Scully was slightly breathless and a few beads of sweat had collected on her scalp, damping her hair. He shrugged. True, he was an excellent dancer but only a few were lucky enough to know that, much less experience it for themselves. Mulder picked up a martini, handed it to Scully and grabbed one for himself. No sooner had Scully finished the glass when another agent asked her for a dance. She looked back at him apologetically but Mulder gestured toward him and she accepted.

***

Mulder groaned and dragged his hand down his face. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. His tuxedo was rumpled and a red stain marked the lapel of his jacket. Great, another thing he had to launder. Mulder rinsed his hands, reached for a towel and dried them. Taking a deep breath, he pulled open the door.

FBI Agents, Specialists, Support Staff, and Medical Doctors milled about the large room. They were dressed in evening attire, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, the sorts. Mulder immediately headed for the bar where he had spent most of the night in. He hadn't had much to drink though, five beers and a martini were all. Mulder glanced down at his watch. 10:40. He guessed that it would be quite alright if he left, he'd already exceeded the expected time allotment for him.

No one would notice anyway, the most people had done to greet him was a polite, harried greeting or jeering, "Hey, Spooky Mulder! Care to tell us about your theories on assassination of JFK? Let me guess, UFO's?" Or something along those lines, he hadn't paid much attention. Mulder stood tiredly and left a five dollar tip to the bartender. Jeff was the friendliest face Mulder had seen all night. Other than Scully, of course.

Before exiting the doors, Mulder scanned the place for a sign of Scully. Maybe she needed a ride home, seeing as he'd brought her to the party in the first place. He scouted the perimeter, keeping watch for the familiar sight of his partner's red hair and short, slim figure. He finally spotted her dancing with another doctor and knowing she'd probably get a ride home, he decided to leave. He checked out his coat and grabbed his car, driving home.

As soon as he'd turned the keys to his apartment, he started to shed articles of clothing. His tux jacket and bow tie were thrown haphazardly on a chair, his shoes kicked onto a corner, his button up shirt wadded into a ball and thrown into the overflowing hamper. He continued on to the bathroom in his socks and dress pants. He ran the water and washed his face, brushed his teeth, and ran the comb once through his hair. Mulder proceeded to his bed, flopping down and falling into a deep sleep, not bothering to change out of his pants.

***

A loud banging at his door woke Mulder abruptly. Groaning he glanced at the electronic clock next to the bed. 1:21. He padded sleepily to the door as the banging got louder. A breathy, giggling laugh echoed from outside. "I'm coming!!" He yelled and threw open the door. To his surprise, A.D. Skinner stood there, clutching at Scully's arm.

"MULDER!!" She giggled and threw herself at him.

"Uhh..." Mulder looked down at Scully, who was hugging his bare chest.

"She's drunk," Skinner added unnecessarily. "Keep an eye on her, Agent Mulder." He walked away, back to the elevator.

"But Sir!" Mulder called desperately after him. Skinner stopped and glanced back at him.

"She IS your partner, Mulder." Then he left, not looking back. Sighing, Mulder closed the door, moving slowly as Scully was still gripping him. He tried in vain to pry her arms apart.

"Scully... Can you let go so I can help you to bed?" Scully giggled a very un-Scully giggle. In other words, it was extremely girly and flirtatious.

"No Fox!" She proceeded to hug him tighter as he tried to waddle back into the room. With difficulty, Mulder made it to the bed.

"Please, Scully," He begged, looking down at his beautiful partner. She looked up at him and smiled widely.

"Kiss me, Fox. Just kiss me and I'll let go." Mulder, whose sides really were hurting now from lack of circulation looked down. Her mouth was parted invitingly, her crystal eyes half closed. Sure, he'd wanted to kiss her for a while now, but not while she was drunk. Apparently very drunk.

"Just how much did you drink exactly?" He inquired.

"Enough." She giggled and buried her face into the skin of his chest. Carefully, he extracted an arm and tilted her face up. Leaning down, he brushed his lips against hers, pulling her even more tightly against him. Scully's arms snaked up into his hair, freeing his other hand which he ran through her curled hair.

Mulder pulled back before the kiss escalated even further. Scully had no such qualms however as she just lowered her lips onto the soft skin of his neck. Mulder moaned at the sensation of her tongue rasping against his skin. He reached for her wrists and held them tightly, holding Scully away from him. Mulder lowered her gently onto the bed despite her protests. He reached down, removed her heels and threw them at the opposite wall. Throwing the duvet away, he laid her onto the bed and flicked the duvet back on, tucking the corners underneath her.

Scully, being so overly drunk only managed weak struggles before falling back into the bed. The rising of her chest slowed into sleep. Mulder sighed in relief, staring down at her peaceful, sleeping face. Scully would probably have a killer headache tomorrow though. Mulder padded to the other side of the bed and curled up away from her, in case she woke up in the night and tried to pounce on him. Eyelids drooping, he drifted into sleep.

***

Scully woke with a pounding headache. She moaned in pain and buried her head underneath the covers of the bed, the sunlight hurting her eyes. Her throat was dry and her lips felt swollen and puffy. She blinked trying to focus on something, but her head was swimming in pain. The covers around her smelled familiar, but they were not her own. Scully bolted upright, throwing the covers away and looking down, felt relief swamp her as she realized she was still in the blue dress from the night before. The room was white, with dark curtains blocking most of the light. A dresser stood at the opposite wall, with one of her shoes resting on its surface.

The door cracked open, admitting Mulder. "Hey, the Sleeping Beauty finally wakes." He kept his voice low, which was very considerate of him. Even the slightest sound made her head pound harder.

"Hey," She croaked out, the words barely making it past her swollen lips and dry throat. Mulder approached her, holding a steaming mug. He placed it on the bedside and Scully smelled the aroma of black coffee. "Thanks." She reached for the mug and took a sip. With the caffeine entering her body, she felt slightly better and drank more. Soon, she had finished half of the drink. She set it back down on the table, avoiding Mulder's eyes. He was sitting at the foot of the bed, watching her.

Embarrassment was coursing through her brain and he didn't need to tell her how drunk she'd been the night before. The pounding headache and aversion to light and loud sounds proved that she had been VERY drunk. "How are you?" Mulder whispered.

"Fine." Scully whispered, still not meeting his gaze. The bed creaked as Mulder moved closer and took her hand, his thumb rubbing comforting circles on the skin. She finally met his eyes, searching for anything other than the usual concern for her. There was no anger, pity, or disgust. Only the kind, gentle green eyes of his. He offered opened his arms and Scully sank gratefully into the hug. Mulder held her, not saying a word. "What did I do last night Mulder?"

Mulder took a deep breath. "Well, I have honestly no idea. I only saw small glimpses of you, trading off dance partners, laughing, eating, drinking." Scully shuddered in his arms. "Then at around ten forty I decided to leave the party and go to sleep, so I did. A loud banging woke me up and I answered the door. Skinner was there, holding onto you."

Scully repeated his words in shock. "SKINNER?!"

"Skinner," Mulder nodded in agreement. Scully groaned and buried her head farther into the crook of Mulder's neck. "I er- finally got you to go to sleep."

"This is the worst thing that's ever happened to me." Scully whimpered. "I don't even know what I did last night, but my lips are so swollen..." Scully pulled away and looked up at her partner. "You think I was that bad?"

Mulder glanced away. Judging from the way she'd acted last night, it was worse. "Um..." Scully's eyes found the marks she'd left on Mulder's neck the night before. They widened and her cheeks turned scarlet. "Hey," Mulder whispered. "Don't worry about it, you weren't yourself. I understand, and the others will too." A mischievous smirk formed on his lips. "It actually wasn't too bad," he murmured into her ear. Scully groaned and turned away.

"Go away, Mulder," She muttered and tried to get up. "I've got to go home..." She stumbled and would have fell, if Mulder had not caught her wrist and pulled her up. He wrapped an arm around her waist. Scully retched and threw up a bit in her mouth. Mulder, seeing this, swung her whole body into his arms and ran to the bathroom. He set her down on her feet and lifted the seat and the cover. Scully gripped the sides of the toilet and puked.

After her sick spell had passed, Mulder left the bathroom to let her have a cold shower. When Scully got out again, a fresh, clean towel was on the sink. She wrapped herself tightly and exited, heading back to Mulder's bedroom. One of his long sleeved, button down white shirts and basketball shorts were waiting on the bed for her, which she gladly changed into. She dried her hair and proceeded shakily to the kitchen where more coffee and food were waiting for her. Mulder gestured for her to help herself which she did, ravenous.

Mulder watched her shovel eggs into her mouth, sipping coffee now and again. She looked better now, color had come back into her skin and the dark circles beneath her eyes had receded. The swelling in her lips had gone down a bit as well. "I think I can go home now, Mulder, thanks for your help." He shook his head and stood up.

"I'm not letting you drive until I know for sure you can do it." He said, stubbornly.

"I can too!" She protested, standing up also. "Here, I'll prove it! I'll walk to the other side of the room in a straight line, and if you pass I can go." Mulder watched as Scully took a few shaky steps and then crossed quickly to the opposite side of the room. Triumphantly, she tried to slap the window, except then she lurched toward the left and knocked the lamp off the table, breaking it. "Oops." She muttered, staring sadly at the pieces.

Mulder stood and came toward her. "It's fine Scully. Just stay here the day, at least until the alcohol wears off."

****

At four-thirty in the afternoon, Mulder finally deemed that Scully was sane enough to go home. He drove her back though, knowing that she had no ride. As Scully opened the door, carrying a few of her things in a bag, Mulder reached out and grabbed her hand. "Promise me you'll stay safe tonight?" He asked, kissing her fingers.

Scully looked at her partner in shock. "O-of course." Mulder released her hand and gave her a bright smile.

"If you need anything, just call."

"I won't be needing anything, Mulder, I promise." They stared at each other for a few seconds more. Not breaking eye contact, Mulder leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"I know." Scully was left on the sidewalk, staring after him as Mulder drove away.