Silence.

That was the only thing heard during their car ride to work. Logically, it would be the next step in this kind of blossoming relationship, but the reality of it hit them both like a truck. It's not that they didn't want that, they just felt like everything was happening so fast. One word, to leave these two emotionally handicapped people completely dumbfounded.

'Propose.'

That was all it said. Scully was anxious to read the card, Mulder knowing it was a bigger task than any, considering this one was wrapped in a letter. He had to nearly lead her to the car, she was in complete shock over the seven letters staring back at her. She left the letter for him to read, knowing it was more personal than the task.

"Scully…" He broke the silence when he parked the car in the garage at work. He wasn't even sure she was still breathing. "There's no time limit on it." He tried to reassure her that he wasn't going to do anything past her comfort level. He was in just as much shock as her, but one of them had to maintain composure. Besides, it's not like he hadn't thought about it already.

"I know." It was all she had managed to say in the 30 minutes since they received the card and made their way to work. He had no idea where her head was at, and that's what terrified him the most.

"I just want you to know that I'm going to take my time with this one, too. I still haven't read the letter, there might be more to it."

"It's pretty apparent what the task is, Mulder."

"I know, but maybe she has, I don't know. Just, let me read the letter, and we can talk about it more later. I can bring dinner to your place tonight?" He didn't want her to escape too far into herself that she created a distance between them. There was some coaxing he had to do with this one to keep her with him, and he was willing to do anything that was necessary.

"Yeah, okay…" Her voice was just a whisper. She didn't know what terrified her more...the fact that she's never even remotely moved in this direction with any of her other relationships, or that it didn't scare her at all to think of spending the rest of her life with Mulder.

He escorted her inside, practically nudging her the entire way to the morgue with his hand placed on the small of her back. She was still in a daze, but once she reached her area of solitude, she switched into Dr. Scully mode. He escaped to the basement, needing some quiet to read the letter alone. Taking a deep breath, he unfolded the paper, smiling at the familiar scrawl. He was puzzled by the key that fell out of the envelope and onto the desk.

My Dearest Fox,

I'm sure this task has found you in quite a surprise. Although, if you've made it this far, I'd say the idea has crossed your mind already. I'm sad that I am not there to meet this wonderful woman who has captivated your heart, but I already know she's breathtaking in every way. I want this moment to mean something for the both of you, so plan it out. Take your time with this one, don't rush it simply because I am asking you to do this.

Now, here comes the real purpose of my letter. I ask that you keep a part of me continued into your life together. When you're ready, take this key to a safe deposit box at the bank near the house on Martha's Vineyard. When you see what's inside, you'll know my final wish for you.

With all my love,

Rosie

He slumped into his chair, letting out a heavy sigh. Running his hand through his hair, he was completely perplexed. He knew Rosie was a romantic, but this, this was something he wasn't necessarily ready to just jump into. It's not that he didn't want to marry Scully, he just wanted to make sure she wanted it just as much as he did. He didn't doubt her feelings for him, but her reaction to the card made cause for some hesitation on his part. Her rejection was the thing he feared the most.

"That good, huh?" The small voice came from the door. He startled, coming back to his surroundings. He was so lost in his own thoughts, he didn't hear her approach the office. He gave her a sheepish smile, gesturing for her to have a seat.

"Did you have a question about your case?"

"Oh, um, no. I - I just wanted to come down here, and tell you I'm sorry. How I acted this morning, it's not -" She was stammering. She still didn't have the words, but she needed him to know that it was her own reservations holding her back, it didn't have to do with him. "Mulder, I'll admit, I've pictured myself waking up to you every morning since we've...moved in that direction, and I like it. I think that's what scares me more than anything, that I'm not hesitant or scared at all."

"And that's a bad thing?"

"I just don't know how to handle it yet."

"Scully, I would never rush this, I already told you that."

"I know, and I trust you." She finally met his eyes, so he could read the truth in hers. "So what was in the letter?" She asked nonchalantly. He smiled, knowing it was killing her.

"I don't entirely know yet. I have to go back to Martha's Vineyard soon, I'll probably make a weekend out of it."

"Oh, just you?" He didn't know how she did it, but somehow her eyes grew wider, enchanting him even more. She looked so innocent, he would never deny her accompanying him.

"I need to pick something up, but I suppose you could come with me, if you wanted to." He left the option up to her, if she wanted to join him, she needed to make some small step.

"I wouldn't want to get in the way of whatever you need to do…"

"You wouldn't. It's really going to take me no time at all."

"Oh, okay." She was trying to get the full invitation from him. Both stubborn, wanting the other to admit that they wanted to spend the weekend together. He finally let out a heavy sigh as he watched her fidget with her hands.

"Scully, I would love it if you would accompany me for a weekend in Martha's Vineyard."

The edges of her mouth began to curl upwards as she pursed her lips to suppress the smirk forming. She met his eyes again, a gleam shining through hers.

"Well, if you insist." She teased, accepting his invitation. As she got up to leave, he jumped up from his chair, taking long strides to beat her to the door. He closed it with one hand, wrapping his other arm around her and pinning her body against the wall with his own. Her eyes grew wide at the sudden move, eyebrow arching challengingly. He leaned in, hovering above her lips.

"We're at work, Agent Mulder."

"Mhm, great investigative skills, Agent Scully." He planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

"We both should be getting back to work." Her voice was just a whisper as he leaned in closer to her, closing any gap that dared come between them.

"You're probably right." He kissed the tip of her nose, he could feel her breath tickling his throat.

"I ran out of excuses." Her lips grazed his chin as she tilted her face up to meet his. He smiled, leaning down to capture her mouth with his own. It was his way of telling her that he was making her a promise, that he was going to do this right. She melted into his embrace, a small whimper escaping her lips. He broke away from her slowly, resting his forehead on hers.

"I promise you, I'm going to do this right." She nodded against him, placing a chaste parting kiss on his lips. He exhaled deeply as she walked out of the office, his back facing the door. This was a bigger task than even he was truly ready for.

"Oh, and Mulder…" She poked her head back in, catching him by surprise yet again. "Don't forget dinner." There was a gleam in her eye, one that he was sure was shocked out of her earlier that morning. He smiled to himself, knowing this wasn't a total disaster.

That evening he showed up to her apartment, dinner in tow. When she greeted him at the door, there was a nervous energy around her. Their relationship had taken a giant leap, now talking about a proposal. She knew their physical relations were definitely not the issue, they had become more than well acquainted with each other in the past week since their first time.

"How's the new case going?" He asked as they picked at their food. They both hated this, thinking their relationship was going to be able to progress at their own pace.

"It's going to keep me busy, it's a big case connected to a few others in New York."

"Well, they have the best team for the job." He gave her a tight-lipped smile, this was going to drive her insane.

"Mulder, I think we need to talk." He froze, fork pausing as he stabbed a piece of chicken. This was it, the moment she was going to tell him that she was out, she can't continue his tasks with him. He let out a shaky sigh, nodding, urging her to continue.

"Yeah, okay."

"I just think...now that we know what's on this card, we should talk about what we're going to do next."

"Scully, we don't -"

"We do need to talk about it. It's a big step, Mulder. I've been thinking a lot about it."

"Yeah, me, too."

"Oh, what have you thought about it?"

"I don't want to rush anything, and I don't want us to move around this uncomfortably like we have been. It's too much pressure." He began to say, causing her mood to plummet. She heard every emotion escaping his lips with the heavy sigh. His rejection of moving forward wasn't something she could handle, even though she was the one who originally panicked. Her face fell, showing the emotions she tried so desperately to hide.

"No, it's okay, I - I understand." He looked at her puzzled as she dipped her chin, avoiding his eyes. He reached out to lift her chin with the lightest nudge of his fingers.

"I don't think you do…" He leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "I want to date you, properly. I want us to move in that direction together, so it's not a complete shock when I do ask you. I just didn't know where your head was at." He smiled sheepishly at her.

"Oh, Mulder...I'm sorry. I know my behavior earlier probably didn't help." She rested her forehead against his, relieved. "I was going to somewhat recommend the same thing. Ask if you, uh, wanted to stay the night...tonight." Color was tinging her cheeks, a coy smile forming on her lips.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." He kissed her again, sealing their shared sentiments, reassuring each other that they weren't backing down from this.

"So was that all the letter said?" She asked as they settled on the couch.

"Yeah, just that I have to get something from her safe deposit box. I'll know what she wants me to do more when I see it."

"I'm almost sad that I never got the chance to know her."

"She said the same thing about you." He grinned, knowing they would have been the best of friends. "I - uh, was going to try to visit my mom when I go back…" He began to say, feeling her stiffen underneath is embrace.

"Oh, okay."

"I would love if you would come with me, but I wouldn't want to pressure you. She's...different than I'm sure you're used to."

"No, I think it would be good to meet her. I mean, if we're going to - if we -"

"I agree." He grinned at her, amused at how flustered she became when talking about what they would become. He knew such discussions were out of her comfort zone, but she was pushing herself there, for him.

At some point, they had made it to her bedroom, clothes strewn throughout her apartment. He gathered her small, naked form to his body, holding her close, never wanting to let go. She was completely content, learning every little thing about him mentally and physically. This was her favorite part of their relationship, that they were so open with each other.

"Hey Mulder, can I ask you something?" She asked in a whispered voice. Her finger was making lazy circles on his arm.

"Never." He joked, causing her to smile at his playfulness.

"Why didn't you tell me that your middle name is William? When we were in Miami." He froze slightly, forgetting that he skipped that small detail after visiting with Madam Mercier.

"I guess I just didn't want to imply that I was the one she was talking about. I wasn't totally sure how you felt about everything."

"I - I'm not always good about talking about how I feel, I'm sorry if you ever doubted that."

"It's okay, I think I was figuring it all out, too." He leaned down and pecked her lips, the simplest gesture now between them. "We got here eventually."

"Yeah, maybe Rosie knew what she was doing after all." She teased. He chuckled, nodding in resignation to her statement. He knew there was always a purpose behind Rosie's actions, usually nudging him to be the better version of himself. He wasn't a religious man, but perhaps a prayer to thank her wouldn't hurt.


Their trip to the Vineyard was relaxing, she was excited to be back. The nerves began to settle in her stomach when the time for them to join his mother for dinner approached. He had filled her in somewhat on the lifestyle that she led, and it was known that he wasn't that close with her. It was definitely going to be a different meeting than when he met her mother.

"This is your last chance, Scully. You can still run very far away." He said as he held up two different ties to her. She pointed to the deep green one, it brought out the color in his eyes. It didn't even occur to her that they were already acting like a married couple, with little sentiments and actions here and there. He had spent more time at her apartment in the past few weeks, getting them adjusted to living together. He thought he was out psyching her, but she knew what he was up to, and thought it was absolutely endearing.

"Mulder, I'm actually very interested in meeting your mother. You can't scare me away that easily." She pointed at his chest, him sighing at his final attempt to save her.

"I know, I've tried. There have been plenty of warnings along the way, Scully. Take your outs where you can get them."

"Well, you haven't scared me off yet."

"The night is still young." He leered at her, causing her to chuckle.

They both had their own reservations about dinner. Mulder was worried about how his mother would react to Scully, considering this was the first woman he's ever remotely brought home. Scully knew that a lot was riding on this meeting, considering the direction that her and Mulder knew they were moving. Taking a deep breath, he got out of the car, running to the other side to open the door for her. She took his hand, gripping onto it for both of their comfort.

"Mom, it's good to see you." He greeted her as he entered the restaurant.

"Fox, you look good." She greeted, embracing him for a generic hug, nothing too sentimental.

"This is Dana Scully, my -" He paused, not knowing what to call her. Girlfriend seemed too adolescent, and she wasn't technically his fiance just yet. She gave him a challenging look, eyebrow arched in amusement. He mock glared at her, she was enjoying this too much. "My partner."

"It's very lovely to meet you." Teena Mulder offered an extended hand, keeping with casual pleasantries. Scully could feel the judgement by the tight-lipped smile and the cold gaze she was receiving.

"It's nice to meet you, too. I'm excited to be here for the weekend." She gave her a shy smile. Mulder squeezed her shoulder subtly, reminding her to breathe and relax.

"So, what's new with you?" Teena asked her son, it's the only place she focused her attention.

"Just keeping busy with work. Scully and I have both been part of very extensive cases lately." Any chance he had to include her in the conversation, he made an assertive point to do so.

"I see. You're an agent as well? So you're just his work partner then."

"Well, no. I am an agent, but I'm the lead forensic pathologist. There are several occasions that we work on the same cases together. That's actually how we met." She smiled at him as he sent her a silent apology with his eyes.

"We've been dating for a few months now, well, officially more recently." He said proudly, causing her cheeks to brighten with color. "You heard about Rosie, I'm sure."

"I did. I had thought you'd come back sooner, after her death. I haven't heard what they plan to do with her property. It would sell for a fortune."

"She, uh, left it to me actually." His mom's hand paused on her water glass, her eyes piercing into him.

"You surely didn't accept, did you?"

"I'm the only family she really had. I couldn't just let her things go to the bank."

"She's not your family."

"She was the most sense of family structure that I had growing up." He spat, voice rising with annoyance. Scully placed her hand on his thigh, trying to calm him with her touch. He gave her a defeated look, resting his hand over hers.

"Did you inherit her entire estate?"

"Yes, with conditions that are not important to get into."

"I see. Well, that's a lot of money to inherit. I hope you plan to do good things with it." Teena said disinterestedly. It sparked a new question in Scully's mind as she took in her pristine surroundings. Just how much money was Mulder going to inherit? It's something they've never talked about because he lived a humble lifestyle, even coming from this kind of money, and she dare not ask. She licked her lips nervously, ducking her head, lost in her own thoughts. He could sense the change in her, and immediately wanted to reassure her of whatever doubts were so obviously clouding her mind.

It was a quiet ride back to the house, neither having much to say after their draining lunch. It wasn't until they were inside that he felt the need to break the silence, it was driving him insane.

"Scully, I'm sorry. It unfortunately was just as I expected, but it's not something I would ever wish on you." He held her gently in his arms, her hands resting on his chest.

"No, there's no need to apologize." Her voice was quiet, timid. "I know you had your reservations about today, but I thought you were being overdramatic."

"I think I underrated it to be completely honest." He scoffed. She stretched up to kiss the bottom of his chin, just at the top of his throat, causing a moan to escape his lips. "I don't think I would have made it out of there half as cordially as I did if you weren't there."

"Well, I've always got your back...partner." She emphasized the last word, a wince appearing on his face.

"Girlfriend seemed too, childish. I didn't know what else to call you."

"You could have called me your fiance, but there's no ring on this finger yet." She teased, his eyes widening at the bluntness of her addressing it.

"Does that mean you would say yes?"

"Are you asking?"

"No." She pouted slightly, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face. "Not yet."

"Are you waiting to see what Rosie has in store for you tomorrow?"

"I'm honestly a little scared. She's always one for grand gestures, so don't be surprised when it's plans for a horse drawn carriage or something."

"I - uh, your mother mentioned that you'd be inheriting a substantial amount of money. I never asked, because that just seemed rude. I don't - If we do...you know, I don't expect any of that to be...mine."

"You can ask, if you wanted to. Because if we do - you know, it would be yours, too." He teased, mocking her words. She blushed furiously, bowing her head.

"Exactly how much money are we talking here, Mulder?"

"About 5 million in just inheritance. The house is worth another 4.5 million, easily." Her eyes widened. Her family had lived a comfortable life, modest, but they always had the necessities. As her father moved up in rankings, the houses and rooms grew, not always having to wear hand me downs anymore. Never would she have imagined even coming close to 1 million, let alone 5. She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she glanced at Mulder's full blown panic face, causing her to huff out a small laugh.

"That's - Mulder, what the hell would you even do with that kind of money?"

"That would be up to us to decide. Mostly, I was just going to put it away. I don't really live by the lifestyle I grew up in."

"I love that about you."

"Well it's a good thing you're not marrying me for my money, I'd have to reconsider."

"Who says I'm marrying you anyway?" Her eyebrow arched in challenge. This was becoming more fun by the minute. He mostly enjoyed that the marital jokes didn't cause her to go into a complete shock anymore.

The next morning, Mulder decided to head to the bank alone. It was more so he could fully prepare himself for whatever Rosie had in store. He was nervous as they escorted him to the safe deposit boxes, showing him to the one that matched the key he held. He let out a heavy sigh, he should have known. Staring back at him was a small, black, velvet box. There was a letter, which he also should have anticipated. He opened to view the ring, brow furrowing in confusion at the ring that glistened subtly from its holding place. It definitely wasn't the multi-carat ring that she normally flaunted. Puzzled, he plopped in the chair provided for him, opening the letter that came with the gift.

My Dearest Fox,

I hope that you have figured out what my hopes are for you with this gift. All I ask, is that if she is truly the one, she wear the ring my dear Robert gave to me. When he passed, I kept this ring to remind me of the love that went behind its purchase. It was special to me, as I hope it will be for you. He did not come from money as I had, and this was all he could afford, which is why I cherished it so. It is simple, and elegant, as I imagine the woman who has captured your heart is.

With all my love,

Rosie

He smiled, knowing now that the ring she normally sported was bought as a placeholder for the real thing. She was right, this one was simple, and elegant, and perfect for Scully. That thought caused his stomach to turn, knowing she would be curious about his adventure to the bank. This just settled in the realization that eventually, he would be proposing to her. The jokes and lightheartedness that she had about the subject recently showed that she was moving towards being ready, but he still didn't want to rush her. This was the single most important decision of his life, not that he ever questioned it.

When he returned to the house, a savory aroma filled his senses. He could hear movement in the kitchen, approaching with the small box momentarily forgotten in his pocket. He peeked his head inside, going unnoticed by her as she pulled a chicken from the oven. He smiled at her appearance, seeing the apron and oven mitts on. Her hair was pulled back in a messy pony tail, the errant strands of small curls framing her neck and temples. He could definitely get used to seeing this every day for the rest of his life.

"You're back sooner than I was expecting you." She flashed him a winning smile, causing him to melt in all the right places. He would ask her to marry him right then and there if he wasn't so terrified for her answer.

"Yeah, it didn't take long. What are you cooking, Scully? It smells amazing."

"Thanks, although I take your compliment lightly, considering your regular diet consists of takeout and leftovers." She scrunched her nose, making him laugh guiltily in response.

"Well I could get used to you cooking for me." He leered at her, stepping into her personal space. She wet her lips nervously, color tingeing her cheeks. He tilted her head up to meet his, leaning down to place a soft, welcoming kiss on her lips. He grinned, loving the effect he had on her with his personal remarks. He could sense her easing into the idea of them being together, man and wife. The look of pure panic wasn't shining through her eyes anymore. It was replaced by trust, curiosity, and if he was hopeful enough, love.

"So, how long are you going to make me wonder what the other part of this task is?" She asked nonchalantly as they sat down to enjoy their meal together. He smiled, wondering how long it would take her to inquire about his mystery task today.

"You'll have to wait until I plan to complete it." He said it casually, moving his food around the plate with his fork. Her chewing paused, fork lingering above her own plate.

"When - uh, when were you planning to complete this task?"

"I actually don't know. I guess when the time is right."

"Oh. Okay."

He suppressed the smirk appearing on his face, she was ready. She wanted it more than she was letting on, and it was crushing her that he didn't just outright ask. There was never a time that she doubted their relationship, just the thought momentarily terrified her. It was a time for realization of where they were moving, together. She regretted her reaction, hoping she didn't cause any doubt in his mind.

They settled themselves into bed later that night, she had a slight pout on her face all evening following their dinner discussion. He wrapped himself around her tiny frame, spooning from behind. She sighed at the contact, nuzzling his face that was buried in her hair. They both could lay like this for the rest of their lives.

"Mulder…"

"Mhm."

"I just - You need to know, that I want this. I know I freaked out before, but -"

"I know, Scully."

"Oh, okay. I - uh, was just clarifying."

Her voice was so small, almost timid, if he didn't know her better. He smiled against her hair, knowing that what he had planned was even more perfect than he originally thought. She would just have to wait a few more days, if she could last that long.