And in Life's noisiest hour,

There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,

The heart's Self-solace and soliloquy.

You mould my Hopes, you fashion me within;

And to the leading Love-throb in the Heart

Thro' all my Being, thro' my pulse's beat;

You lie in all my many Thoughts, like Light,

Like the fair light of Dawn, or summer Eve

On rippling Stream, or cloud-reflecting Lake.

And looking to the Heaven, that bends above you,

How oft! I bless the Lot that made me love you.

[„The Presence of Love" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge]

When Scully opened her eyes in the morning she felt a little lighter than she had before. She wasn't over it entirely yet, she still felt the shadow lingering close by but she refused to acknowledge its existence. She was reveling in the quiet of the morning, the warmth of the sheets that surrounded her and the sound of calm and deep breathing from the sleeping woman beside her. Scully turned on her side, watching her for a few moments.

She had promised Stella to accompany her to court today and she was looking forward to spending the day outside of the confines of this hotel room; attending a trial without being the one in the dock. She would watch quietly, counting down the hours until she would have Stella all to herself. It was then that she remembered her purchase. Although it still made her nervous she was dying to use it and most of all use it with Stella.

She pushed the blanket aside, carefully leaving the bed. She didn't want to wake Stella so she grabbed her bag and took it to the bathroom to unwrap the little pink vibrator, looking around for a safe space to charge it. She tiptoed back into the room and found a plug by the minibar, knowing that Stella probably wouldn't need anything from there so early in the morning. She put the vibrator in her bag, leaving it on the floor to shield it from view and went back to bed.

Stella stirred a little beside her and Scully leaned over, gently kissing the freckles on Stella's face until the corners of her lips curled up into a smile. She hummed softly without opening her eyes and Dana hovered above her, a sudden wave of affection rushing through her. Somehow she thought she would never get enough of Stella; of feeling and kissing her, of making love in the early morning hours when the world was still okay. Everything was still quiet and peaceful and Scully loved to remain in that place where nothing could hurt them or come between them.

She brushed a few strands of hair from Stella's face, her hand resting on her cheek while she closed the distance between them and kissed the corners of her mouth before she touched Stella's lips with her own. It was a gentle touch, a soft reassurance that calmed her raging nerves and troubling thoughts. It was something that had become so familiar over the last couple of months that it felt like coming home; something warm and comforting after a long and cold day.

Stella opened her eyes, locking with Dana's and she could see the smile playing around them, the beautiful wrinkles that had been edged into her skin over the years. She sighed against Dana's lips, sensing that there was something different about her; something had been lifted off her shoulders and most of her worries has faded during the last couple of hours while she had been asleep.

„Good morning," Stella whispered against her lips.

„Morning," Scully said with a smile and leaned in for another kiss.

Stella parted her lips with a soft hum, inviting Dana for something more.

„We're gonna be late," Stella said between kisses.

On any other day she would have given in, indulged in the sweet moment but today was the final day of the trials and she couldn't possibly miss that. The faster they got it over with the faster they would be by themselves and ready to go home and leave Belfast behind.

„How about a shower instead?" Stella asked and wrapped her arms around Dana. „I don't mind continuing this tonight but I can't be late today."

Scully sighed dramatically and sat back, pulling Stella with her. She cast a quick glance to where her bag was on the floor, biting her lip when she thought about it.

„Are you nervous?" Scully asked and sipped her cappuccino a little while later; the restaurant wasn't quite as busy as she had expected and they were right on schedule which allowed them to enjoy their breakfast without being in a rush.

„No," Stella said and shook her head. „I thought I would be but the truth is that I am ready to move on."

„I understand," Scully said and put her cup down.

„It's just been so long and they've been warming it up again and again and I'm just… tired of it," she said with a smile. „I know we screwed up but it's time to move on."

„It feels like it's been forever," Scully said and nibbled on a piece of melon.

„Tell me about it," Stella said and they decided not to talk about work for the rest of the morning and enjoyed the time they had together, it was supposed to be a short vacation, at least for Scully.

Scully sat in the court room, barely listening to what was happening around her. Given her previous line of work she had expected to be intrigued and attentive but it had turned out to be the exact opposite. She thought that she had heard it all before and that nothing had changed, how was it supposed to anyway now that the main culprit was dead?

While she looked around her eyes fell upon a woman who she considered a little younger than herself and by the looks it of this could only be the pathologist that Stella had mentioned.

To her surprise Scully found herself unable to tear her eyes away from the woman she had never met in person; she had to acknowledge that she was pretty but what had she expected?

She didn't know.

She looked at Stella and back to the other woman whose name she had forgotten already. For some reason she had expected to be jealous without knowing why. She had absolutely nothing to be jealous of and most certainly nothing to fear. Her slightly jealous streak had only rooted within her when she had felt insecure, when she had feared that the other one might be better than her in one way or the other.

She knew that it was ridiculous, they even shared the same profession and Scully knew little to nothing about the stranger so she decided to suck it up, like she had done before, and move one.

Jealousy was an ugly companion and she didn't want it by her side. God knows she had enough to deal with, she didn't need to add more. Jealousy always played dirty somehow, a beloved companion of chaos when it was needed the least. She knew that it could ruin something she loved if she let it but she had nothing to fear. It could turn friends into enemies and potential connections with like-minded people into something toxic.

It seemed childish and certainly not fair on the other woman and when the pathologist, her name was Reed she remembered it now, turned her head and looked at her she felt caught for an instant but she didn't look away. She smiled politely, a brief acknowledgment that was rewarded with a smile before she returned her attention to the judge.

They left the courthouse a little after noon, lazily strolling through the streets. It wasn't far off from their hotel but no one wanted to go back there just yet. It was a lovely day and Stella felt more relaxed than she had before, a smile on her face.

The whole case had cost them a lot of money, they had agreed on compensations for the families, a small price for what they had to go through but it was the best they could have done in the end.

Quietly they walked past the Titanic Memorial Garden and an art gallery, finding a lovely sushi place for lunch. Stella watched the woman in front of her while she held a piece of maki sushi with her chopsticks, dipping it in soy sauce before she popped it in her mouth.

Stella sipped her wine, never taking her eyes of Dana; she was slowly learning that love was a gift, something that couldn't be taken for granted because it seemed so rare and hard to find. It didn't matter how much money she had because there were things in this world that no money could buy.

Stella knew that love could be challenging; love was painful and imperfect but she was learning. It was overwhelming, unpredictable and confusing but in moments like these she thought that it didn't matter because she was happy and it wasn't something that had come naturally to her in the past.

There was still a little shadow lingering above her, something that reminded her of William without knowing what to expect and how Dana would react. She watched her without saying a word while she tried to pick up a piece of nigiri sushi with tuna on top; Stella smiled, thinking that it was such an adorable moment to watch.

She busied herself with her own food, trying to forget about everything that might await them at home. She didn't want the what ifs to taint the wonderful moment and deal with everything when it was about time. Stella looked up and smiled, her eyes locking with Dana's.

She smiled back at her, thinking that she would marry her one day.

„What is it?" Dana asked and leaned back in her chair.

„I'm just… happy to be here," Stella said.

Maybe not being here as in being in Belfast but having lunch with Dana at this very moment and it could be anywhere, she would feel the same. She had often thought about the kind of person she used to be about a year ago and how different everything suddenly seemed to be. She hand't changed for love, maybe she had been changed because of that love and because she had finally been strong enough to let it happen.

„Me too," Scully said and reached across the table, linking her pinky with Stella's.

It felt almost ridiculous to remember how miserable she had been just a couple of hours ago. It felt like a distant memory that didn't belong to her but a different person. She knew she had everything she needed to be happy, feeling utterly content. She loved Stella and it didn't matter where she came from and how many times she had screwed up in the past. Love made her see the best in the other person, it gave her a second chance and forgave her after terrible arguments; it was everything they needed.

„You want some?" Scully asked and held a California roll with her chopsticks.

Much to Scully's amusement she leaned over and took the piece of sushi with her teeth, laughing quietly while she did so.

„We've been invited for tonight," Stella said once she finished the piece of sushi.

„What for?"

„They're all meeting up at a bar just to celebrate that this damn case is finally over," Stella said and reached for her glass of water.

„You don't sound very excited."

„I'm not sure," Stella said with a sigh. „It still feels a bit strange somehow."

„Maybe you're just overthinking it a little?" Scully asked. „You really think they would have invited you if they didn't like you? At least a little?"

„Maybe they're just trying to be polite."

„You're going home tomorrow, for all I know you might never see them again. They couldn't care less… but they did."

Stella pursed her lips, not sure what to make of it. Her resistance slowly faded.

„I think it would be rude not to go," Scully said. „We don't have to stay long."

„Right."

„Let's go, see how it's going and if you don't like it we'll leave."

„Deal," Stella said. „You want dessert?"

„Later, maybe."

They finished their drinks and walked back to where they had come from a little while ago, strolling towards the riverside to enjoy the mild weather as long as it lasted.

„You think this will do?" Stella asked, emerging from the bathroom. She wore a simple navy blue dress with matching high heels.

„I thought you decided not to give a damn?" Scully asked with a smile.

She had been ready a while ago, using the few minutes of Stella's absence to hide the charged vibrator in the bedside drawer. Maybe they would actually get to use this later in case she didn't chicken out again. Either way she had to make sure to put this into her suitcase, whether they used it or not. It was just a little bit too expensive to leave it behind and she was curious.

„Oh shut up," Stella said and Scully laughed.

„You look wonderful," Scully said and reached for her purse. „Ready?"

About twenty minutes later they stepped into the bar that was busy with the usual mid-week crowds but not quite as busy as the weekend. The driver had dropped them off and Stella thought that she had never been to this place although it wasn't far off from the police station.

They were welcomed with warm smiles and took their seats at the table and Stella thought that, at least the first moments, hadn't been quite as awkward as she had expected them to be. Maybe it was because she wasn't their boss any longer or because there wasn't a creepy serial killer wreaking havoc on their lives. It felt a little more relaxed and somehow it seemed a little easier to see the actual person and not just strangers, colleagues and employes.

It wasn't just Stella who had to change her way of thinking, maybe everyone else had to start seeing Stella as one of their own; she was just a normal person after all. She introduced Dana to those who hadn't met her already and even Reed looked slightly cheery; maybe she had gotten over her awkward last encounter with Stella and they would be able to forget about that. Stella wasn't ashamed of anything nor did she regret the decision she had made back then she just didn't want Reed to make more of it than it actually was and lead her on.

She talked to Matt for a little while and of course they ended up discussing the case once more; she cast a glance at Dana, smiling wordlessly. She seemed to have no problem to fit in, her previous line of work at the FBI gave them all a lot to discuss and Stella was happy for her. Stella spotted Dany and reached for her glass, walking over to sit beside her; she still had something to say and she wouldn't leave without doing so.

„I've actually enjoyed coming back here," Stella said and put her glass down. „I was dreading it but it hasn't been quite so bad."

„I'm glad to hear that," Dany said and Stella noticed that she didn't seem quite as intimidated as she had before.

„How are you holding up with all of them?" Stella said and motioned to the rest of the crowd around the table; Dany laughed.

„It's alright," she said, thinking that the case had helped her to learn to step up for herself and be a little tougher.

Stella had been the main reason for that, she had always encouraged her not to give up in her own way and it wasn't just the little crush Dany had had on her back then.

„How's it going back in London?"

„They made me pay dearly for that disaster," Stella said, grimacing before she took a sip from her glass.

„Ouch," Dany said.

„I'll get over it," Stella said and shrugged.

„I'm sure you will. She seems to be a wonderful person," Dany said and looked at Dana; she was talking to Matt at the moment.

„She is," Stella said softly.

„I never imagined you being one to actually settle down like this."

„I guess I deserved that," Stella said and couldn't help but laugh. „I guess there are a lot of things that people don't know about me or think that they know."

„True," Dany said and sipped her drink.

„Listen," Stella said and played with the stem of her glass. „I wanted to apologize."

„What for?" Dany asked and looked confused for a moment; she had no idea what Stella was referring to.

„For the way I behaved when I left Belfast," Stella explained; the time was still a blur induced by pain medication, an attack and a severely bruised ego.

„That was ages ago," Dany said, still trying to remember what had actually happened other than saying goodbye to Stella.

„That's not the point," Stella said. „What I did wasn't exactly the nicest thing to do."

„You had just been attacked," Dany said, slowly remembering how she had briefly hugged Stella and had got little to no response whatsoever. „I can't blame you for wanting to get out of here as fast as possible."

„It was still a rude thing to do," Stella said. „You've saved my ass a couple of times during my review and I don't think I ever really thanked you."

„I just did my job."

„I think we both know that cleaning up after my one night stands wasn't part of your job description," Stella said and raised an eyebrow at her; Danielle laughed.

„Maybe not," she said.

„Definitely not," Stella said. „But I appreciate that you did it anyway and that you kept it to yourself. I'm grateful for your decency and that I could always rely on you; you were one of the few that I trusted and actually enjoyed working with. You are a good officer and a wonderful person, Dany. I am sorry that I left without saying goodbye properly."

„Thank you, I really appreciate it," Dany said and smiled; she had always believed that it hadn't been personal and yet it had hurt just a little back then.

„So," Dany said. „Any plans of coming back to Belfast soon?"

„I'm not so sure about that," Stella said with a smile, looking at Dana across the table. „I think I have everything I need in London and I think we've got quite a lot of things at hand as it is."

„I feel you," Dany said. „I sometimes have the urge to get away from here."

„What's holding you back? You're a great officer, I'm sure you will be a good detective one day."

„Thank you," she said and Stella thought she was blushing a little. „It's just… home," she explained with a shrug.

„Home is where you make it," Stella said with a laugh. „Something I learned the last couple of months."

„Looks like you've found the right person," Dany said softly.

It had been obvious from the beginning. Stella was in love, madly so and from the looks of it Dana was good for her. She seemed much happier than she had been when they had first met and Danielle was glad to see her like this though she couldn't deny the slight pang of jealousy she felt deep down.

„I'm sure you will do to."

They stepped into the hotel room shortly after midnight, a little tipsy but not quite drunk. Scully kicked of her shoes, thinking of the teasing that had happened in the back of the taxi, still uninhibited enough to not give a damn about locking eyes with the driver in the rearview mirror when he knew exactly what was going on.

She knew she would never see him again and she felt playful tonight.

„Feeling a little better?" Scully asked and put her arms around Stella, slowly nibbling at her neck.

„Mhm," Stella said while she set the alarm clock on her phone so they wouldn't miss their flight tomorrow.

She was eager to get out of here.

„It was the right thing to do," Stella said, smiling when she tilted her head back to allow Scully to continue her gentle assault.

„I know of another thing that feels just right. Where did we leave off this morning?"

Her fingers reached for the zipper of Stella's dress, slowly opening it. Stella stepped out of it, motioning for Dana to turn around so she could do the same, leaving them both in their underwear in a matter of seconds. Stella crawled onto the bed, kneeling in front of Dana.

She was mesmerized, thinking that she sometimes looked at her as if it was the first time she laid eyes on her and she wold never get tired of it. Stella sat back, spreading her legs with Scully in front of her, her legs on top of her thighs. They were close, but not too close and Stella felt the warmth radiating off Dana's body.

Stella touched Dana's lips with a finger, outlining them until Scully kissed it. She put a hand on Dana's neck, pulling her in for a kiss before she pulled back with a smile. She continued to tease her, beginning a wet trail with her lips and her tongue until she reached the valley of her breasts; her breathing became labored while Stella repeated the action on every inch of her exposed skin without giving Dana what she really wanted.

Stella had an urge to bring her own hand to her clit to relieve some of the pressure but it would have to wait. The panties she was still wearing were soaked by now. She ran her hands up and down Dana's back, using her fingernails to create some more friction, drawing delicious moans from her throat.

„Ungh," she hissed and leaned back when Stella pushed her back a little, pushing her panties down and finally wriggling them off her legs before she resumed her position in Stella's lap.

„Really, you want to tease me like that?" Scully said and raised an eyebrow at Stella when she caressed her skin, kissed and nibbled at her lips and her jaw for what felt like an eternity.

She was naked and pretty wet by now, reaching behind Stella to take the vibe out of the drawer of the bedside table. She held it in her hand and it fit perfectly. The material was soft against her skin and her heart was beating a little faster than it had before. She felt nervous all of a sudden because she hadn't planned any of this but what could possibly go wrong?

She bit her lip, looking at Stella through hooded eyes.

„Is that-" Stella asked and eyed the small toy curiously. Scully nodded.

She found the buttons without having to look, never taking her eyes off Stella.

„You never cease to amaze me," Stella whispered, capturing Dana's lips in a hungry kiss.

She had noticed a tiny bit of hesitation but she didn't want Dana to be uncomfortable, she wanted her to enjoy the moment.

„I want to watch," Stella whispered in her ear, sucking the soft skin behind it; Dana gasped at the contact, the vibe gently buzzing in her hand.

Scully felt a shiver run down her spine, goosebumps lining her skin.

Her nipples hardened under the touch of her hands, the small toy brushing over the sensitive flesh, a fresh wave of arousal coming from her aching center. Stella watched in silence, desperately trying to resist the urge to take those pink nipples between her teeth and tease Dana until she squirmed and begged her to stop but she leaned back, her hands on Dana's hips, quietly watching.

Dana's chest was heaving, the skin glowing with a fine layer of sweat that Stella way dying to taste with the tip of her tongue. Her skin was flushed, the pleasure of being watched so intimate that it threatened to overwhelm her. Scully felt Stella's hands on her sides, running up and down but not actually touching her. Scully sharply inhaled through gritted teeth, trying to concentrate on what she was doing. She let the vibe travel over her body, softly buzzing and tickling her overly sensitive skin. She put a hand on Stella's shoulder, trying to find something to hold on to.

Scully brushed the vibe over her inner thighs, inching closer to her center, gathering up the slick juices she found there. The vibrations were humming through her body, causing her sex to swell in anticipation. She moaned softly, her hand digging into the flesh of Stella's shoulder. She tried very hard not to push the soft device against her throbbing clit hard and fast, the resistance demanding every bit of strength she had left.

Stella marveled at the beautiful sight and Dana's slightly furrowed brows, the look of concentration on her face when she tried not to come; it was sweet agony, a mixture of pain and pleasure.

She whimpered softly, biting her lip and Stella couldn't take it any longer. She remembered that one time she had made her squirt, quietly challenging herself to do it again.

„Don't stop," Stella whispered flush against Dana's swollen lips.

She cupped her beautiful breasts, soft and heavy, with her hands. She teased both nipples with her thumb and her index finger, drawing strangled moans from Dana. She felt her sex gushing with pleasure, her toes tingling with the sensation. Stella abandoned her breasts and brought a hand in Dana's neck, tugging at her hair a little rougher than she had intended but by the looks of it Dana didn't seem to mind.

She tilted her head back and Stella ran her tongue over her neck; it tasted salty and sweet, faint traces of her perfume mingling with the unmasked arousal that made her feel a little light-headed by now.

Dana continued to brush the vibe against her swollen skin, still avoiding her aching clit but Stella's administrations halted her movements, distracting her from her actions. Stella nipped at her bottom lip, sucking on the soft flesh before she kissed her hungrily; french kissing until it turned into something more urgent, desperate and messy. With her free hand Stella reached between them, finding Dana all wet and ready when she brushed her fingertips against her clit. Stella swallowed her moan with her own mouth, leaning her forehead against Dana's.

She ran her fingers through swollen folds, parting them before she pushed two fingers inside, causing Dana to arch into the touch. Stella held still, savoring the feeling of her velvety warmth surrounding her. She pumped in and out slowly at first, gently exploring her before she quickened her pace. Stella hooked her fingers, brushing against the soft spot that made Dana's legs quiver and Stella smirked against her lips. Knowing she had found just the right spot she moved her fingers, drawing back every time she feared Dana might be getting too close to her desperately craved release.

Stella felt her hot breath misting on her face, encouraged by Dana's soft whimpering. She felt her getting close, her muscles clenching around her fingers. Stella pushed a third finger inside, moving them at a steady pace.

„Do it," she whispered between huffed breaths and Dana finally brought the vibe to her throbbing clit, a long exaggerated moan filling the room. She felt the pleasure radiate from her center, her muscles tensing with the impending release.

„Oh fuck, yes," she hissed. „Yes, right there."

With every thrust of Stella's nimble fingers she was reduced to a blabbering mess, her moans slowly fading.

„Oh God," she whispered and it almost sounded like a cry; her body tensed when the orgasm hit her and she came all over Stella's hand.

She felt a wave of pleasure drowning her, her legs trembling while she rode out her orgasm. She dropped the vibe and Stella felt her fingernails dig into the skin of her back. Scully moaned loudly, crying out when she had finally caught her breath and Stella smiled, certain that someone three rooms away must have heard them but she didn't give a fuck.

She pressed her palm against Dana's sex as if to soothe her before she withdrew her fingers. She brought them to her own lips, sucking slowly though she wasn't sure Dana was capable of processing what she was doing. Stella gently cupped her face, briefly kissing her to bring her back to the present.

„Shit," Dana whispered, her head leaning against Stella's shoulder; she wasn't sure whether she was sobbing or simply trying to catch her breath.

Gently, Stella pushed her forward, laying her down on the bed; she was trembling a little and Stella couldn't help but smile at her. She brushed a few strands of her out of Dana's face, leaning in for a kiss and Scully slowly felt herself coming to her senses. She pulled Stella on top, their slick bodies against one another. In one swift movement Scully rolled them over, pushing Stella on her back.

They kissed for a little while longer before Scully leaned back on her heels, reaching for one of the thick pillows beside them. She motioned for Stella to sit up, pushing it under her lower back; Stella's back was arched over the soft fabric, leaving her completely surrendered to Dana's hungry gaze. Dana stripped her off her panties and Stella bent her knees, spreading her legs, leaving her glistening pussy on full display for her. Stella held herself up on her elbows, wanting to watch Dana through hooded eyes.

„Do you like my little toy?" Scully asked, her voice sounding slightly hoarse.

Stella bit her lip and nodded. Scully reached for the device; it felt soft and warm in her hand.

„Do you want it?" Scully asked in a low voice, her eyes sparkling with mischief and she felt a little bolder than she had before.

„Yes," Stella whispered and bit her lip before she cleared her throat.

„Yes, what?" Scully asked and inched a little closer, settling between Stella's legs. She saw her curls glisten with her arousal; she could smell it, dying to dip her tongue into the wetness.

„I… I want you to fuck me," Stella whispered, smirking at Dana.

„Mhm," Scully said and turned the vibe on the lowest setting. „After all the teasing?"

Stella threw her head back, chuckling softly. She wouldn't beg for it, not yet anyway.

„I'll think about it," Scully said with a smile, starting to enjoy herself.

She held the gently buzzing device in her hand and leaned forward. Scully kissed Stella once before she left a wet trail of kisses along her jawline, her throat and her breasts. Her tongue circled Stella's nipples before she brought the vibe to the sensitive flesh, coaxing a sigh from Stella's throat.

Stella's hands were tangled in her hair when she left kisses in her wake, all the way to her mons, the damp curls glistening with her arousal. Scully leaned back on her heels again, running the vibe over the moist skin by her aching center and Stella bit her lip on a strangled moan, squirming a little.

„You like that?"

„Uh-hu," Stella whispered, sounding slightly tormented.

She leaned back, propped up on the pillow; her toes were curling, her hands fisting the sheets while she tried to find something to hold on to. Scully turned the intensity of the vibe a little higher without changing its position. Stella squirmed beneath her, trying to press her thighs together to increase the friction but Scully was still sitting between her legs and there wasn't much Stella could do about it.

„Not yet," Scully whispered and Stella whimpered softly.

Stella felt a fine layer of sweat breaking out on her skin; she was tense and focused, her breath becoming more labored with every stroke of that damn toy and Dana was still refusing to give in. Pleasuring her before had aroused her more than she had thought at first; she felt her swollen sex dripping wet with her own arousal, waiting for Dana to eat her out and put her out of that misery.

She tossed her head from one side to the other, quietly moaning to herself; she cupped her own breasts, roughly fondling them to ease a little of the ache that she felt but it wouldn't do so for very long.

The sounds of her moans sounded like music to her ears and Scully listened carefully while she continued to tease her, she didn't want to miss it.

She took a deep breath, a wave of compassion flooding right through her when she saw the slightly pained look on Stella's face; she had been closer than Scully had first thought. For a moment the toy was gone and Scully leaned forward, gently brushing her lips against the swollen bundle of nerves and Stella gasped at the sudden contact.

„That's what you want, isn't it?" Scully asked, running the tip of her tongue through the slick folds. Top to bottom and back. Again and again.

„Yes… yes. Fuck," Stella hissed through gritted teeth, kneading her own breasts roughly.

Scully gathered her juices with the tip of her tongue though there was no need, Stella was dripping wet and desperate by now. She ran her fingers along her sex where her own tongue had just been, wetting them before she pushed them inside. Her fingers slipped in easily, Stella's muscles contracting around her fingers.

She curled her fingers like Stella had, lazily brushing them against the spongy spot inside; she was rewarded with a strangled moan, a smile on her face. She knew it wouldn't be long now.

Scully still avoided touching her where Stella wanted it most until she couldn't take it any longer.

„Please," Stella whispered.

Her voice was breathy and barely audible, a quiet plea leaving her and Scully gently pushed a third finger inside, pumping at a quicker pace while she wrapped her lips around Stella's clit, sucking until she was right on the edge. Only then did she replace her mouth with the vibe, finally holding it against her clit on its highest setting and it sent her flying in a matter of seconds. She heard her own blood still rush in her ears, mingling with Stella's cries.

She dropped it and withdrew her fingers when the last ripples of pleasure ebbed off and Stella's body went limp against the mattress. Scully crawled up to her, pulling the pillow out from under her body. Gently she lowered her weight onto Stella, capturing her lips in a slow kiss. Stella wrapped her arms and legs around Dana, savoring the warmth that radiated off her body.

„Oh God," Stella said with a laugh when the need for oxygen forced them apart.

Scully watched her with all the love she carried inside of her and she couldn't help but join her, laughing softly while she put her head on Stella's shoulder; she thought she was pretty much sober by now.

„That was…" Scully said quietly, trying to find the right word.

„Yeah," Stella said. „Like I said before, you never cease to amaze me."

„At your service, my love," Scully said and looked up, Stella playfully rolled her eyes. „I can't wait to go home."

„Me neither," Stella said, her hand drawing slow circles on Dana's lower back.

„I think I'll fall asleep any minute," Scully said, trying to stifle a yawn. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off she felt the fatigue take its place after a long day.

„I set the alarm already," Stella said. „Go to sleep."

„Only if we sleep on your side of the bed," Scully said and Stella laughed, moving them a little.

Scully looked up once more.

„I love you," she whispered against Stella's lips, kissing her. „Good night."

„Love you too," Stella said and snuggled against her, finally closing her eyes.