Chapter Nine: No Longer Hungry.

Instinctively, she found his key and placing it into the lock; she allowed herself in.

They had exchanged keys earlier on in their relationship. In their line of work it was essential. Until now she had never perceived the action as intimate. However, in reality, this step would be considered as a big leap for couples to embark upon. The next logical step would be to move in with each other. But they hadn't been a couple, or at least in the romantic sense. Perhaps, that was the reason it didn't feel so intimate back then. But, now considering it, she valued its importance. With the exchange of one small key, there was an acknowledgement of trust. At any time, he could invade her space, enter her world; surprise her. Even her mother didn't have a key to her apartment. But he did.

She recalled the first time she had ever used his key to enter his apartment. It was some time after the incident on the bridge, where he had exchanged his sister for her. She had come in hopes of speaking to him. But soon discovered that he wasn't there. Noticing the stacked newspapers, she determined that he hadn't been there for at least a couple of days. Getting concerned she had unlocked his door and allowed herself in. Heading for his computer, she knew inherently, it would reveal a hint to his whereabouts. There had been an email addressed to her informing her that he would not jeopardize her life, he was drawing the line. He had ditched her. She had been upset at first, but knowing Mulder like she did; she knew he left her behind not because he thought she couldn't handle it, but because he wouldn't risk losing her. He had loved her even then.

As she stepped into his apartment the scent of pasta and sauce assaulted her. She walked a little further until she stood in the living room and faced the kitchen. He stood in front of the stove, intently stirring the sauce. She allowed her eyes to take him in. He was barefoot, wearing blue jeans and his white oxford shirt hanged loosely with several buttons undone. He was a sight for the eyes.

Glancing up he noticed her presence. "Hey, there."

"Hey, yourself." She returned, removing her coat and deserting it on the back of a nearby chair. Stepping into the kitchen, her eyes went to the pots and pans. "I see you have been busy."

He nodded sheepishly and reached by her to where the sauce simmered in a pan. Using a large wooden spoon, he scooped a bit of it up and turned to face her, offering her a taste.

She was hesitant for a moment, eyeing him suspiciously. Finally allowing her lips to part, he brought the spoon closer until her tongue could lap at the sauce. Noticing his flinch, she allowed her lips to enclose the spoon. Closing her eyes briefly, she slowly removed her lips from the spoon. She heard him swallow loudly.

"Delicious." She stated. Realizing she had left some sauce on the spoon, she took a finger and traced along the sauce. Bringing her finger to his lips, he gladly opened his mouth taking her finger in.

Finally he released her finger and stared at her. "Not to scabby, if I may say so myself."

She shook her head in amusement. "I didn't know you could cook, Mulder."

His smile widened. Lifting a brow seductively, he stated, "One of my many hidden talents."

She returned the look, lifting a brow of her own. "Withholding hidden talents from me, partner?"

"Ah...Scully, you know I have a reputation to keep. 'Spooky', cannot know how to cook. That would be unheard of."

She couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Take a seat. I'll bring out our plates."

He gestured to behind her and she quickly turned to face a small table. It was seated for two. He even had candles out and a bottle of wine. This was a date. A real date.

She took a seat and watched as he fixed their plates. How domestic, she thought to herself. Watching Mulder bring out their food, she noticed his calmness. She had never seen this side of him before. He was always on the run, always chasing some truth. And as she watched him twirl the fork within his pasta, she realized that Mulder was standing still. And she liked it.

They ate silently for a few minutes. It was in these silent echoes, where words were useless, their thoughts for only each other, did everything make sense. They could both say a thousand things with one look. And the way he looked at her right then could stop time, could melt ice, dry up rivers. With one look she was complete.

And she was no longer hungry.