TITLE: Chance and Choices: When Love Shapes the Path of a Life

AUTHOR: redprint (also redprintiam)

RATING: M

GENRE: Romance/Angst/Slight Humour.

A/N: I have been watching some old episodes and there it was - the chemistry that got us glued to TV screens every week to watch our intrepid duo. Here is a short story to remind you of the fateful night when Scully finally realized it's time to let go.

Knock yourself out with reviews!

DISCLAIMER: Of course, I don't own anything. Just here for the ride.


He came back from his trip to London feeling disappointed that no crop circles showed up. Big waste of time, he told her when they met by chance in the park.

She was a bit shaken from the day's events but hid it well. Maybe sometimes nothing happens for a reason, she replied after thinking of it for a moment. But somehow it felt that chance had nothing to do with it. The blonde mystery woman whom she kept seeing all three days while he was gone was hardly something to shrug off. At first she thought nothing of it but when she barely avoided a potentially fatal car accident and later chased the woman down in the park only to find a Buddhist temple and eventually him... Well, chance wasn't exactly the word to describe it.

He was confused at her words and she invited him over a cup of tea.

They ended up at his place.

She realized that day that the life she was living was her own making. She didn't just drift in it. Leaving medicine and joining the FBI, choosing to stay with Mulder and work on the X-Files, all the sacrifices and everything she had lost...she deliberately chose it.

She told him everything that night. Things she never thought she would tell a soul. About her affair with Daniel and the guilt she carried, how she felt when she was leaving a promising career in medicine and everything else behind, how she saw their relationship. And there was, of course, the last unexplained phenomenon – her experience in the Buddhist temple.

He was slightly bewildered but could never judge her for any of it. He had his fair share of silly decisions and wrongdoings. She was thankful that he didn't probe her more than necessary but rather chose to talk about the vision she had in the temple.

Well, for you, that's like saying you're having David Crosby's baby, he teased her.

That was true. For her the unexplained was just something that didn't get the chance to be explained. And seeing Daniel's disease in a vision... She started feeling tired. The last few days had been overwhelming and his soothing voice was making it really hard to stay awake.

One wrong turn, and... we wouldn't be sitting here together. Well, that says a lot. That says a lot, a lot, a lot. That's probably more than we should be getting into at this late hour...

She fell asleep against his shoulder. Funny how the body gives in at the end of the day. As if it would want to make a clear statement. Enough for today.

She felt his fingers gently brush her hair and pull the blanket over her body. Her heart warmed to his ministration. The love she felt for him... She woke up a few hours later with a stiff neck and a cramp in her leg.

"Mulder?" she whispered in the darkened room. The only light was coming from the fish tank.

She decided to check on him before leaving. She walked silently to the half-opened door of his bedroom and saw him there sleeping, his chest rising and falling. The sheets were barely covering him, the soft skin exposed to the night air. A shiver ran through her.

How could want spread so fast?

Daniel's reappearance awakened long forgotten memories of a time when she thought she had it all only to learn how wrong she was. The affair was brief. A joining of fine minds, an intellectual partnership framed by some intense moments of intimacy. But it ended so abruptly. When he intertwined his fingers with hers at the hospital she had to breathe out the tension that threatened to rip her chest open. He told her he knew she had a life, but truthfully she wasn't sure what she had anymore.

And yet, all of it was nothing compared to what she felt for Mulder. The calm that set in her tired limbs at the end of a workday when he whispered gently one of his lines in her ear, the gentleness of his touch when he tried to reassure her, the sweet moments when they both joked about each other, his stare when she least expected it out on a case, his beautiful hands and the scent of his clean shirts...

She sighed. It was hard to hide her feelings from him, though sometimes she was sure he saw right through her. She craved for his company on so many levels that it scared her.

He felt a presence in the room and opened his eyes.

She didn't know what to say when he looked at her.

"Scully?" it was just a whisper.

She wondered if she should just leave.

"Dana?" He sat up, the sheet falling all the way down. He was wearing just his boxers.

A lump formed in her throat. Get a grip, she thought. "I was just checking on you. I'm gonna go now." She intended to, really, she did.

"You don't have to," his voice was still affected from sleep.

She looked down and up again to meet his eyes. What was he saying exactly?

She wanted to stay so badly but getting rid of all the hollow fears was more she could handle in that moment.

"We'll see each other in the morning," she finally said.

Determined to put on her coat, find her keys and leave the apartment she walked into the living room and didn't hear him rise out of bed.

She put on her coat with her car keys already dangling between her fingers. She had no idea he was standing in the doorframe, watching her.

"Why are you leaving?" he asked in an unreadable tone.

She froze. The keys fell from her hand and hit the ground with a loud rattle.

Had he been there the whole time? Had he seen how frantic she was? She couldn't look at him.

"Scully?" he asked again, his tone gentler now.

Dammit, she cursed to herself. She was not a coward. She turned slowly to face him, eyes brimming with tears.

His eyes panicked for a moment. He uncrossed his arms and stepped closer to her. "Come here," he said and took her in his arms.

She leaned into his chest. How much sorrow a person can take?

"I can feel your fear," he whispered and put her hand on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat. "I'm not afraid of it."

She sighed deeply and pressed her cheek into his chest.

"I'm sorry," a slight tremble went through her voice. "It's been hard for me the last few days... I should go home and get some rest."

She sighed in his arms and felt hypnotized by the rhythm of his heart. It made her feel alive, too.

"No, I can't let you go," he replied after a few moments of silence. His voice was clear, honest.

She felt her legs go weak.

"Mulder?" she wasn't sure what he was saying or what she was asking. She moved slightly away from him and looked him in his eyes.

"Yes?" he inquired while his fingers started to trace the length of her arm and stopped at her collarbone.

Good God, she almost whimpered at the tinniest of touch.

"Stay," he whispered.

A shy shiver spread up her spine to remind her of all the places his hands could touch and love.

His eyes were silently begging her to get rid of all the hollow fears and choose the path in front of her.

She swallowed hard and after a few moments of an excruciating wait she nodded.

His eyes shined and she smiled back.

Their faces were mere breaths apart. She could feel his warm breath against her lips. A magnetic pull formed between them making her lips brush against his. He moaned in response and grabbed her back to press her closer to him.

How could anything feel so good?

She pulled at his neck and their lips locked into a hot kiss. She clutched at his shoulder blades and he lifted her up in his arms. They tasted each other as if in dire need of one another's body and soul. It was honest, raw, passionate. She needed to breathe badly but her body was incapable of letting him go.

He broke the kiss, finally. The pounding of their hearts filled the silent room. Same rhythm, same deep longing. It had to be unreal.

He trembled then.

"You okay?" she panicked for a moment.

His lips quirked up, "Am I okay? I'm great, Scully."

She smiled and he carried her into his bedroom.

"What are you doing?" she freaked for a moment, realizing instantly how dumb it sounded.

"What I should've done a long time ago."

He entered the bedroom and placed her down to her feet, standing behind her. She could hear the rain beating up against the window pane and the wind howling in the street. A storm was raging outside.

She took off her top and bra and waited for him to unzip her skirt. It felt so erotic.

He knelt down behind her and pulled her panties down with her skirt. The sudden exposure quickened her pulse. He kissed the line of her bottom and she bit her lip. No, it couldn't be real.

She reached for his hand and pulled him up. He pressed into her back, urging her on the bed. She let herself fall on the soft sheets and waited for him to lie down next to her. But he wasn't joining her.

"Lay down," he simply said.

She lay back. Her mind was racing to understand what he had in mind. His gaze made her pale skin turn red. She felt the need to cover herself.

"Don't," he stopped her hand from moving to her breasts. "You're beautiful."

Her heart was thumping. There was no way he couldn't see her frustrated expression.

"Mulder..." she pleaded.

His eyes bore into hers, "I'm here."

He moved his hand across her right leg, just to get the feel of her skin. Her mouth opened just barely. He smoothed the strong muscles and stopped on her thigh. He bit his lower lip and slid his hand on the inside of her thigh. She gasped loudly and saw his lips curl into a smile.

She wanted to protest but his hand began to mould the pliant muscle and she could only shut her eyes from pleasure. He traced the line of her groin and hip, making the flesh twitch as he went, and placed his hand on her belly.

She was panting heavily. The warmth coming from his hand was melting something deep inside her. She was desperate to touch him.

"Mulder," she whimpered.

He hummed in response and slid his hand the other way, past her hip and back between her thighs. Hot pleasure flowed through her body and she pressed her thighs together.

"Let me touch you," she pleaded, but he shook his head.

It was overwhelming and emotionally painful at the same time. She wasn't going it survive it if he kept going with this pace.

He left her thighs and set closer to her chest. He caressed her face and traced her lips leaving a fiery feeling on her skin. His fingers skimmed down her throat and farther to the middle of her chest descending between her breasts. Her nipples stood up in evident arousal. Her arms lay helplessly beside her body. She was flushed from desire.

"Mulder, please," her voice was a low desperate plea. "I need to touch you." She wished she could hide her arousal. It made her feel too vulnerable.

He moved then.

She spread her legs to accommodate him between her thighs but he had other plans. Instead, he put his legs on either side of her hips and stood on all fours hovering above her.

His breathing was strained, the erection in his boxers painfully evident. He lowered down just a little and planted a light chaste kiss on her lips.

"I want you," he whispered against her lips.

The muscles in her belly contracted and her pupils dilated. He wanted her. She wanted to tell him she wanted him too but the ability to speak was lost on her.

He kissed her jaw not minding her silence. His soft full lips were healing her bruised heart. He was making her feel safe, loved, accepted. And when he found that special spot on her neck her thoughts erupted into a loud moan.

"Looks like I've found a treasure here," he joked.

She chuckled and he moved down to her chest. Her breath quickened when she realized that her breasts were next.

"I...," she felt the need to stop him. It was getting too intense.

But he was relentless. He circled one nipple with the tip of his tongue and her voice faded.

"You were saying?" he asked and closed his mouth over the hard peak.

"Oh, God, don't stop," she panted.

He smiled and suckled hard before moving to the other breast. She could feel her arousal building and sending hot gushes to her sex. Her hands were jammed in his hair.

He stopped then.

"What's wrong?" she asked breathlessly.

"I want to kiss your lips." He let his body fall on hers and cupped her face with his hands. His eyes fixated on her lips. She wetted them subconsciously. He groaned in response and kissed her passionately. Heat enveloped her body and when his tongue found its way into her mouth she almost swooned. Too much longing could do that.

"You taste so sweet," he whispered through kisses.

She moaned against his lips and her hands grabbed his shoulders. She pressed him tightly to her, feeling his rock hard erection against her thigh. Her hands glided all over his back and squeezed his clothed ass.

He groaned and broke the kiss.

There was something wild in his stare and she was quite sure her eyes mirrored the same intensity. He did that to her, make her free and fierce.

"Spread your legs," he said suddenly.

Her eyes widened.

"I want to see you come," his voice was a low growl.

Her insides squirmed. It was one thing to spread her legs in the actual act of sex and completely another to do it in front of him and just for him while he watched intently.

She spread her legs slowly, trying not to get too self-conscious, and he made more room for her under his body. Her mind was racing. It was finally happening. Her hands touched his hips and slid over his buttocks. He let his control go for a moment and she took advantage of it. Her hands left his hips and cupped his bulge, squeezing it lightly at first, then firmly. It felt intoxicating to be able to touch him there.

He groaned loudly and she moaned in response.

"Do that again and I won't last much longer," he panted.

She chuckled and he grabbed her hand. His eyes caught hers. So many unspoken words went through them. She wanted to say something meaningful but his dreamy hazel eyes held her to his mercy.

"You're breath-taking," he whispered.

Her lips curled at the corners and her eyes glittered at him.

He lay on top of her. The feel of his skin against hers was delicious but she needed more.

"Please, Mulder," she panted.

He gazed at her and pressed his hips down into her hard. She moaned desperately as hot waves of pleasure spilled over her body.

"Jesus," she breathed.

"See? That's what I mean," he whispered, hot puffs of air colliding with the sensitive skin of her ear. "It makes you lose control. And don't go thinking," he paused on purpose, "that you won't lose control tonight."

A rush of adrenaline surged through her at his words. She wanted badly to let him have his way with her.

"I want you to feel the way I feel," he was getting back on all fours. His hands cupped her breasts and his thumbs brushed her nipples. "I want you to need me as I need you," he lowered his mouth to the sweet space between her breasts, trailing a line up to her throat with his tongue and back down to her left nipple. He sucked on the little bud with such reverence that she felt tears stung her eyes.

Did he know how much she needed him? How much she relied on him?

"Mulder," her voice was a sincere tremble of letters, "I need you now."

He groaned something back and thrust into her. She arched against him and closed her eyes.

"Do you know the effect you have on me, Scully?" he asked with a grave voice.

She shook her head, feeling almost scared amidst all the powerful emotions.

"No?" he asked, doubting her.

She wanted to reply but his hands went over her lips. "You make me want to do things to you you'll never forget."

She trembled slightly. She knew his imaginative mind all too well.

He shifted suddenly, leaving a feeling of emptiness around her.

"Where are you going?" she sounded alarmed.

"Nowhere."

He planted a hot kiss on her lower abdomen, slowly approaching her sex. She was watching him intently. Was he going...? Oh, God. Her head fell down into the pillow.

He lifted one thigh and the other, placing them both on his shoulders. He stared at her glistening folds transfixed.

She felt his breath brush her sensitive skin and she moaned loudly. How could he exert such control? "Mulder?" she whimpered desperately. Her hands reached for his head and grabbed his hair. She didn't care what he would think. Her thighs spread wide in front of him.

He inched closer to her sex and suddenly it was all a blur of sensations. He ran his tongue through her folds up to her clit and circled it. Her hips jerked against his mouth. She was panting heavily.

He spread her further apart and looked up to her. Her back was arched and her hands were cupping her breasts.

This time he gasped.

She looked down at him. "Don't stop. Just don't stop," she whispered.

"Not a chance," he managed to say before closing his lips over the sensitive bud. His tongue teased her relentlessly, his mouth sucked and his teeth grazed the gentle patch of skin. He added pressure to one side while his finger found her opening and slid into her.

"Oh my, God!" she gasped loudly and squeezed the sheet under her. Streaks of white light flashed behind her closed eyes.

He added a second finger and started moving within her. She was impossibly wet and so close to the brink. He circled her walls while skilfully teasing her clit. Her head was trashing from side to side and she pressed her groin hard against his mouth. His fingers found a sweet spot inside of her and that did it. She bucked against him uncontrollably and let out a low guttural moan.

It took her a while to regain her senses.

"Oh, God," she exclaimed when she finally opened her eyes.

He was lying on his side next to her, his head suspended on his elbow.

"That was amazing," she breathed.

"I see that," he teased her.

She smiled bashfully at him. She moved to her side to face him and brushed her knee against his erection. He was left behind. She threw her leg over his hip and grinded herself against him.

He groaned in appreciation.

"Get rid of your boxers," she commanded.

"Scully..." he feigned a shocked face and she chuckled heartily.

"Help me," he added.

He shifted his hips and she removed the black garment with her foot, tossing it aside. His penis stood proudly erect in front of her eyes.

She gasped.

"Saw something you like, agent?" his lips curled into a smile.

"Like is an understatement, Mulder."

He grinned in response and searched for her hands. She intertwined her fingers with his and kissed him. His erection got caught between their bodies and she pressed against it. He groaned and squeezed her ass.

"Make love to me," she whispered against his moist lips and gazed into his dimmed hazel eyes.

The look he gave her turned her bones to jelly. His hands grabbed her by the waist. She could have not escaped from that grip even if she wanted to. He rolled her on her back and nestled between her legs. Slowly he pushed inside her. She shut her eyes. The walls of her vagina contracted around his length to make more space for him. He groaned loudly and she followed him with soft moans. It was as if her body throbbed from the feeling of him inside her.

He was thrusting into her when she decided to push him on his back and straddle him. She descended on top of him and his hands grabbed her shoulder blades. The way he smoothed his hands over her back made her feel she could mold into his touch, become skin to his flesh, so he could carry her with him wherever he'd go. So that he could never ditch her again.

Tears started to stream down her cheeks again. Buried deep inside her he collected all his will-power to stop their rhythm. The salty liquid reminded him of everything that had been done to her. How much can a person endure in a lifetime?

He held her face in his hands and looked into those sincere blue eyes. Her forehead was damp and her red hair dishevelled but all he could see were the depths of her mind, the pain and love that resided there.

He took her left hand and kissed the centre of her palm. She sighed silently and brushed his cheek lightly. Their foreheads met and he started to plant small kisses on her eyes, cheeks, lips, chin... He had nothing else to offer. And he wanted that pain gone. For good. It would not spoil their first time together. Though he wasn't sure it could be avoided either.

She kissed him back on his lips as if to tell him that they were going to be okay, even if the pain could not be erased. She started to move again, rocking him deeper into her, accepting him as part of her just as much as she was part of him. He thrust hard against her pelvis and she moaned into his shoulder.

"Let it go," he whispered softly into her neck. "I'm here. I'll hold you."

She was never the type of woman to come when men suggested it. It infuriated her, made her feel degraded. But that night she just wanted to be and forget about prejudice and fear.

She rocked harder against him, her nails dug into the tender flesh of his shoulder blades.

He was slowly losing it. Her moves, so exquisite, were threatening to send him over the edge and leave her alone in her burning need.

"Scully...God, I can't hold back anymore." He squeezed his eyes shut.

She raised her head to look at his face. She was close, as well, but the sadness she felt just moments before prevented her to enjoy their love fully. And, besides, she never came twice. Maybe she was the Ice Queen, after all.

He opened his eyes and saw her brows furrow. He felt her drift away from him.

"Stay with me," he said firmly.

"It's okay. I'm fine."

Fine? He'd be damned if he let her get away with it. He could be very well about to explode inside her, but he wouldn't let her behave bravely this time.

"I don't care how other men were, Scully. I like to think I have my own style."

His words struck her. He couldn't possibly know what she had been thinking. With one swift motion he grabbed her bottom and positioned her on her back. A new wave of sensations spread over her. And she loved the weight of his body on top of hers.

"I want you to be fucking great, Scully. I want you to scream in my arms even louder than you have before."

Even louder? Did she actually scream earlier? "Jesus, Mulder." Her breathing quickened and her legs went around his lower back by their own command. She gazed into his eyes as he penetrated her.

"I love you," he said. It sounded like a confession hidden from the world for such a long time.

Tears welled in her eyes. She loved him, too. He started moving inside of her and it felt as if his thrusts were tuned to her heart, each one leaving a message of love, and every single one hitting that spot that made her lose every thread to this world. White, red, black. She saw it all and it made no sense. Her body moved by its own accord, always in rhythm with his. He lowered his head and chanted her name as if it was the only thing he learned in his life.

And then she felt it. The feel of a blossoming lotus in her uterus. Her fingers pulled at his hair and her muscles convulsed against him. He tried to silence her screams with a trembling hand but failed. He was sure someone would come running to their apartment, asking if everything was alright. The power of her pleasure pushed him over the edge in no time and he collapsed on top of her. His groans clashed against her screams he tried in vain to silence.

They rested against each other, both spent. Her fingers played leisurely with his hair and he hummed against her breasts.

"That was something," he said and looked up to meet her dazed gaze.

"Yes," she smiled. "It happens when you wait for seven years." Seven years to admit that their lives were so entrenched that they couldn't live without each other. Seven years to realize that it was not worth the wait.

"Have we been counting, agent Scully?"

"We certainly have," she teased back and he grinned at her.

She placed a kiss on his forehead and he smiled mischievously at her.

"What?" she asked amused.

"I always knew you were the undiscovered screamer."

She felt like hurting him. "Undiscovered? Really?"

He nodded and rolled to his side.

"Beautiful, too."

She blushed. "You were not bad yourself."

"Not bad, huh?" he whispered and moved her closely to him.

"Oh, don't be so proud."

He chuckled and kissed her deeply. His hand went around her waist and sneaked between her ass cheeks. She moaned loudly and put her leg around his waist. He groaned when he felt her wetness and she nudged him in his groin.

"Scully, don't start something you don't want to finish."

"Again, Mulder?"

"As many times as you want."

"We'll see about that," she looked at him playfully.

"Are you saying I'm not up to the task?"

"No, I'm saying you may be surprised at how many times I'd like you to...do me."

His eyes went wild for a second and she felt his erection grow against her stomach.

"I know that look," she said and pressed against his erection.

"Jesus, Scully, you know your moves... but I also know mine."

"Oh!" she gasped when he brushed her clitoris with his penis. He moved slowly, easily sliding between her swollen folds. Her breath was short and her heartbeat sped up. She started to grind herself against him.

They were lying against each other on their sides. Her leg was pressing him tightly to her when he felt his orgasm approaching.

"Turn around," he said.

She didn't have time to comply. He turned her so that her bottom was against his groin. She stopped breathing when she felt his penis between her ass cheeks. He groaned and squeezed her right breast.

"Oh, God, Mulder..." she moaned when his penis reached her opening.

"Scully," he pleaded. He wanted her to make space for him. His right hand went all the way down and he cupped her sex. It felt so hot in his palm.

She was lost in her gasps. "Mulder..." his name was all she could say.

He moulded the plaint flesh and she spread her legs to let him enter her.

"You're so tight," he panted.

She hummed in response. He was thrusting slowly but persistently against her ass. Nothing else mattered. A flying source could have flown right by or hovered above his head and he wouldn't give a fuck.

"Mulder?"

"Yeah?" he had a hard time breathing.

"Faster."

He sped up his rhythm and his thrusts intensified.

"God, oh, God," she panted, her voice low.

"Scully," he breathed her name.

He could feel her body stiffen and her breath become ragged. He still had trouble believing that any of it was happening when he heard her speak.

"Oh, my God, I'm coming again," she squeezed the white sheet under her hand.

He came instantly. A loud groan escaped his mouth and drowned her soft moans. She was still quivering but the intensity slowly subsided. He held her tightly to him, his hand leisurely caressing her right breast.

She sighed and turned to look at him. Drops of sweat were running down his front. She was sure she looked exactly the same.

She smiled to him.

"I love you," she said.

He knew it to be true for a long time but something inside him broke and tears filled his eyes. She brushed them away.

"It's okay," she whispered and kissed him on his lips.

But he couldn't contain himself any longer. He burst out and cried against her shoulder blade. He wanted to admit how sorry he was for all that happened to them and that none of it was her fault. He buried his face in her back and cried his soul out.

She turned slowly and gently she touched his face.

"I'm sorry," he said through hard sobs.

"Let it out," she whispered. He felt another burst of emotions cloud his eyes. His hands went around her waist and he put his head against her chest. Hot tears were sliding on her skin while she whispered words of comfort into his hair.

Slowly he calmed down.

"I remember when we first met. I knew instantly that you were different," he said interrupting the silence.

"Different?" she sounded amused and raised her brow.

He had to smile. "Yeah. Incredibly smart, grounded, honest. Different."

"Just that?" she faked disappointment.

"Oh, Scully, with you nothing is 'just that'."

She smiled wholeheartedly and caressed his cheek.

"You have a way with words," she said and looked him in the eye.

"So I've been told," he replied and moved between her legs.

"Mulder?"

"What?" he pressed lightly against her.

"What are you doing?"

"Let me see," he shifted a little and sneaked his hand between her legs. She was still wet. His fingers went easily through her folds. He entered her and found the spot that made her pupils dilate. She moaned. He withdrew his hand and cupped her face with both of his hands.

"I love you so much," he whispered and rested his forehead against hers.

She brushed her nose against his and sighed softly.

"The world didn't end, right?" he joked.

She chuckled remembering the New Year kiss they shared. So chaste. He pulled her close and kissed her. She wanted to stay that way forever.

"I thought I knew love in the past," she spoke all of sudden.

"Scully?" he searched for her expression but she looked down to her chest. He let her continue.

"I'm seeing right now that I knew nothing," she looked at him then. "I have never been able to let go."

He nodded and stroked her arm.

"I feel safe with you, Mulder," she looked into his eyes and saw a streak of fear vanishing.

He smiled and his muscles relaxed.

"I love you, Mulder. I have for a very long time," her voice trembled at the last few words.

"Scully," he whispered and hugged her tightly in his arms. All his emotions conveyed in her name.

"I held back for so long," she admitted. "I didn't want you to get close to me."

"I know that."

"You know?" The question was stupid. Who was she kidding?

"You built a wall around you to keep the feeling of a normal life – a life I couldn't give you."

She shivered in his arms.

He pressed her tighter to him. "I understood you. And for a long time it was enough for me just to have you around. Even when we argued, I couldn't imagine not having you near me."

"Mulder..." she kissed his chest.

"I have never doubted your loyalty or our relationship."

"I know. I drew strength from knowing that. I still do."

He smoothed her back lightly and she kissed him. He smiled back.

"What about Skinner?" he asked and shut his eyes.

"You just couldn't help yourself, could you?" she sounded annoyed.

He grinned.

"I don't want anyone to know," she said then.

He nodded. "Want to set some ground rules?"

She smiled. "Yes."

"Shoot it."

"No touching at work," she said and waited for his expression.

"Dana Katherine Scully, I never!"

She chuckled.

"Wan to hear mine?" he asked.

"You have one?" she was incredulous.

He squeezed her ass.

"Oh, you do have one."

"Yeah. Stop telling me that you're fine when you clearly aren't."

That got her unprepared. "Mulder..."

"No. It's a ground rule, remember? No objections. You can rely on me as much as you want or don't want. Just be honest about your feelings."

She wanted to say something but he shook his head. His fingers traced the line of her lips and she submitted to his caress. She was sure it was going to be difficult but the knowledge that he would be there for her, and never judging, comforted her in so many ways. She heard him whisper 'I love you' against her skin once more and she closed her eyes.

She had found a home at last.

THE END.


"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

so I love you because I know no other way."

- Pablo Neruda (Sonnet Xvii)