** New favourite chapter alert…**
The blast threw her into the air and she landed on the ground with a sickening thud. Jack watched her, waiting for a sign of life and before he could think about it too much he dashed out and carried her back to the relative safety, shielded behind the car. Smaller explosions made him jerk keeping his head low as he held his body over her trying to protect her as best he could. He looked down at her and gently touched her neck looking for a pulse.
"Scully?" he said when he felt the small beat beneath her jaw line, "Scully?"
Carefully he tapped her cheeks with the back of his fingers and smiled when she moaned in protest.
"Hey…Scully…wake up!"
Her head rolled to the side and slowly she rolled over away from him and onto all fours. With her head hung low she carefully sat back onto her heals, her hands reaching up to hold her head.
"Oh my god…my head." She pushed her hands over her head and looked up to see Jack watching her, smiling.
Looking up at the remains of the gallery her eyes widened in shock and she leaned out past the edge of the car to get a better look.
"Jesus…what happened?"
"The Gallery, Carson triggered a bomb. You just made it out when it went up"
"Are you okay?" she asked looking over at him as he sat against the car his face covered in dust and dirt from lying in the ground.
He laughed loudly and she frowned. She had just been thrown clear of an explosion while he cowered behind his car and she was asking how he was.
"You know what Scully? I like you. And now I know why Mulder keeps you locked up down there," he said standing and reaching a hand down to help her up.
"What do you mean?" She took his hand and slowly he pulled her to her feet.
"He's afraid we'll take you away and leave him alone in that bloody basement."
She laughed and shook her hand through her dusty hair. Her left cheek had been scraped where she landed on the ground and the stitches on her hand had been ripped open. She followed Jack over to the Swat team where Skinner was organising a search crew to sift through the rubble.
"Scully, we thought you were still in there."
"No sir, I made it out just in time and Jack helped me get away from the blast."
"Do you think they could have survived?"
"Well
Carson was getting pretty trigger happy in there so it was only him and myself
left anyway."
It was then that Skinner
noticed the blood flowing freely from the wound on her wrist and ordered her to
get checked out at the ambulance. Jack
walked over with her and sat by her side as on of the technicians re-stitched
her hand.
"I can't believe you made it out of there," he said. "Mulder would be proud."
"I don't suppose you have a phone? I only noticed those cameras and if Mulder saw what went on he'll be worried."
Jack pulled out his mobile and handed it to her. He walked away leaving her in relative privacy as the EMT cleaned up her wounds. She dialled her own familiar number and juggled past the EMT to hold the phone up to her ear.
"Hello? Dana?" he answered on the first ring.
"Mulder, hi."
"Oh thank god, I was afraid…" his voice trailed off still too scared to say what could have happened.
"I'm fine a few cuts and bruises. I just wanted to ring and say I'll be home as soon as I can."
"Okay, I'll see you then."
After the EMT had finished with her she walked over to Jack and handed him back his mobile.
"Thanks Jack, for everything."
"Any time Ms Scully. It was a pleasure to work with you."
She looked out at the fire engines that had arrived and watched as the swat team stood back waiting for the all clear before they could enter. The firemen sprayed the rubble and already the fires were going out leaving a black plume of smoke to cover the night sky blocking any chance anyone had of seeing the stars.
"Agent Scully?"
She turned to see Skinner calling her and excused herself from Jacks side and walked over to him.
"Yes sir?"
"Go home."
His face was steady and he frowned deeply, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Yes sir." Without the energy or the desire to argue she simple agreed.
"Take some time tomorrow and I'll see you on Friday morning at 9am for a report of what happened in there."
"Yes sir, thank you." She started to turn away but he caught her elbow before.
"You did everything you could in there Agent Scully. I saw what happened, we all did. There was nothing you could have done to change any of this." His arm swept behind him to cover the expanse of the burning building.
"No sir, I suppose not."
"I'll see you Friday morning." He squeezed her arm before letting it go and walking over to the assembled crowd of Agents.
She watched for a minute wondering if she should have insisted she stay, but she saw the determined look in his eyes and knew there would be no arguing with him. Besides, she thought, the idea of going home and stepping into a hot shower was infinitely more appealing than sifting through the burning rubble.
Her car had been moved from where she had abandoned it and the journey through the crowded streets seemed to take forever but finally as she turned onto her street she breathed out a sigh of relief. Parking the car against the curb she slowly climbed out and made her way up the long path towards her apartment.
As she turned her key in the lock the door swung open pulling her inside. Silently Mulder pulled her into his arms, slamming the door behind her. They stood in the warm protective embrace swaying for a long time before he released her, just enough so he could look down into her face.
"You okay?" his fingers reached up and traced the line of scrapes that marked her otherwise perfect skin.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm tired, I need a shower, my head is pumping and I have a ringing in my ears…but I'm fine."
"Is there anything I can do?" he said pulling her head against his chest again.
"No, I'll just go and take a shower. I'll be right back."
Reluctantly he let her go and watched her back as she stepped silently into the bathroom after pulling a large towel from the hot press. Her head hung low and her eyes were full of tears but he decided not to mention it hoping she'd talk when she was ready. Looking around the room he spotted the takeout he'd ordered and left on the table untouched. He unpacked the dishes and reheated the packs in the microwave, serving them onto two plates. As she swept through the hallway from the bathroom to her bedroom he carried them both into the living area. He was returning from the kitchen with a bottle of white wine when she emerged from her bedroom, wearing a pair of black and red pyjama bottoms and a black long sleeve top.
"Hey," she said as she sat onto the chair and curled her feet beneath her. "When did this arrive?"
"Hours ago. I thought you might be hungry when you got back."
"Thanks." She took the plate he held out to her and they ate in silence for a while.
"Was anyone killed?" he said softly when he saw her eyes glaze over during the meal. Deciding not to wait for her to speak, he made the first tentative step.
"Agent Reilly. And four members of his gang."
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, his momentary bravery disappearing beneath the threat of her tears.
"Not really," she replied her voice barely a whisper.
After they finished eating he cleared away the plates and poured out some wine. Her unfocused eyes stared into the fireplace and she didn't move when he sat down next to her. He made no attempt to speak and simply waited with her while she mulled over the day, letting it all sink in at its own pace.
The wine swirled around in his glass as he waited and he was surprised at the touch of her fingers across the back of his hand. He glanced up and saw her still staring away, this time the tears more than a threat, they fell silently down her face, mixing with the contours of her scraped cheeks.
Without speaking he raised his arm over her and pulled her close so that she nestled into his body. He let his arm rest heavily against her, his hand on her hip holding her tightly against him. With his other hand he soothed her wet hair away from her face and gently whispered soft words of comfort against the crown of her head. A tender kiss placed on her forehead made her look up and he smiled sadly down to her.
He reached up and cupped her face in his hands and caringly wiped her tears away with his thumbs. Her eyes still glistened with unshed tears as he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against her lips. He felt her sigh against him and kissed her again, this time deeper and more urgent. If the soft touch of her hand splayed out on his chest surprised him he didn't show it. Her fingers gripped his shirt pulling him closer and needing to feel him alongside her she shifted nearer, until he lifted her small body up and rested her on his lap, their lips still connected.
When he pulled away and looked into her eyes he could see how tired she was and how much she was battling to stay awake. Blinking rapidly she shook her head a little.
"Headache?" he whispered, curling an errant lock of hair behind her ear. She didn't speak only nodded her head. "Why don't you go to bed and get some rest?"
"No, I'm fine. I'd rather stay here with you."
"But you could go get some sleep. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise."
"No really, lets just lie here. I'll be fine."
"Okay," he stood and walked away leaving her in confusion for a second before returning with a glass of water and a small pill. She smiled her gratitude and took it quickly, returning the glass to him when she'd swallowed it. He rinsed the glass out and left it to dry on the dish rack thinking of how he had just mimicked her gesture when he was ill. He smiled and returned to see her lying on her side on the couch, leaning slightly forward so he had enough room to slip in behind her. Her eyes were closed and her arm bent under her head. He grabbed a cushion from the other seat and carefully stepped in behind her holding his head up with the thick soft cushion.
Afraid to move he tried not to nudge against her too much in case she had fallen asleep, but her hand fumbled on the ground for something until finally holding up the remote for him.
"You'll probably need this," she said.
"Won't it keep you up?"
"No, I'll be asleep soon…I just don't want to be alone," she added softly and he reached out to her, his arm wrapping around her waist pulling her tight against him. She took a deep breath and covered his hand that rested on her flat stomach with her own to insure that it wouldn't move.
The television kept the dark room in a soft glow as he watched an old western with the sound barely audible, his eyes constantly flickering to her face. Her breathing had relaxed and become regular in that secure, contented way that sleep induced. She had turned into his body and slipped her free arm over him and he loved it.
The feel of her pulling him closer and holding him tightly made him smile. Her head reached up to his chin and he couldn't help but press a few kisses into her hair every so often, inhaling her scent deeply. Afraid he might wake her he chided himself but didn't care as his lips reached down for another sweet kiss.
Her body stirred against him and she moaned into his chest, unknowingly kissing him. His breath caught in his throat and he froze unable to move in case he took her movements as encouragement. He closed his eyes to the sight of her and wished her awake but was glad she trusted him enough to fall asleep next to him; or rather against him he thought smiling. He switched the TV off and snuggled lower into the couch, enjoying the warmth she spread into him. With a final kiss, this time against her temple he closed his eyes and basked in the feeling of her arms around him.
***
Slowly her eyes opened to the sight of her living room. The curtains were drawn so minimal light seeped over the rail at the top. A soft snoring alerted her more and she suddenly became aware of an arm around her and a body lying next to her.
Her momentary panic subsided when the events of the night before arose giving way to a small smile that caressed her lips and she cuddled her back against his chest letting the warm feeling spread through her for just a few moments more. His breathing stopped and she listened carefully, a giggle in her throat threatening to explode.
He could almost hear her listening and delighted in the soft shaking of her body as a small chuckle escaped. His arm tightened around her waist and he seemed to pull her even closer, if that was possible.
"You awake?" he asked, even though he knew she was.
"Yes."
He leaned up on his elbow and she rested onto her back. His arm stayed across her body and his warm fingers gently stroked the area of skin than was revealed between her jumper and pyjamas, just over her hipbone.
"How do you feel?"
"Much better. Thank you, for staying with me. For holding me," her eyes wandered around the room unable to stay as transfixed as he.
"No problem, I enjoyed it." He touched a tender kiss against her temple and lifted his head in time to see the small blush creep up her cheeks. "Agent Scully are you blushing?" he teased.
"I guess I'm not used to waking up on my couch in the arms of a man," she tried to lighten her voice but he caught her unease. His hand slowly slid across her abdomen and he followed it with his eyes, as if he was trying to memorise the feel of her beneath his hand. He lifted it off her before placing it at the other side of her head and pushed himself off the couch. Standing now, he loomed over her as she sat up, pulling herself closer to the edge.
"Hadn't you better be rushing off to solve world crimes?" he said unable to keep the tension out of his voice as he tucked in his shirt and fixed his trousers.
"Actually I have the day off. Mental fatigue…after the situation last night Skinner told me to take today off to rest."
"So what
are you going to do?" he asked turning to her as she stood.
"Well I was hoping to spend it with my favourite G-Man. But as he's not here you'll have to do!"
"Yeah, funny," he couldn't help but falling into her shy smile and reached out to squeeze her shoulder. She glanced up at him looking from underneath her brow and saw his smile. "But I could really do with a shower and a change of clothes."
"We can drop by your place after breakfast."
She escaped into the bathroom and showered while he prepared a simple breakfast of toast and coffee. When she emerged wearing a pair of black jeans and a deep red top he paused the toast halfway to his mouth.
"Setting a trap Mulder?"
"Only for you," he murmured under his breath but she caught it and allowed the smile to take her lips as she poured her coffee.
They ate quickly and she drove them over to his place. Sitting on his couch she listened to him mooch around his bedroom and dash into his bathroom. She looked around the room and took in the barely personal items that scattered the place. Work was everywhere for him, with files strewn all over his desk and printouts on his coffee table. She wondered what would happen if Mulder didn't get his memory back. Would he be able to continue working on the X-Files? Would he even want to?
He heard a loud sigh escaping her lips as he stepped from the bathroom and slowly walked to the corner to lean against the wall. With one towel draped around his hips, he used the other to rub his head. Peering out from it leaving his hair messed up he smiled at the site of her, sitting quietly as she waited for him.
"Hey…what are you thinking about?"
She looked up and her voice faltered when she saw him standing half naked against the wall. His hair stood up on all sides and she smiled at his mussed up look.
"You."
"Me?" He said stepping further around he corner.
"Yeah, you," she smiled a beautiful alluring smile that she allowed to linger on her lips a moment longer when she caught him staring.
"What about me?" he asked his voice telling nothing of his erratically beating heart, he walked over to her and sat in next to her.
"Just worrying about you really. Hoping everything works out for you."
"Of course it will."
"Isn't that my line?" she said smiling again and staring at his face to keep herself off his inviting chest.
"Well I've been thinking too. About my memory, or rather my lack of it." He let his hand fall between his knees and watched the floor for a minute. "I think it's all going to be fine. I may have lost my education and my career but as far as I can tell I've gained you…and that's worth a thousand careers."
His eyes remained stuck to the floor as she reached out and took his hand in hers. He glanced at her and they exchanged a quiet smile before she nudged him with her elbow.
"Come on get dressed and we'll get out of here and start my day of relaxation," she said.
He grinned and a smart comment rose up to the tip of his tongue but she caught it before he could release it and shook her head slowly. He let out a short laugh and left to get changed. While he was gone Scully stood up and straightened her top.
That was intense, she thought so emotional
It wasn't long before Mulder walked in combing his hair and threw the brush on to the couch. Running his fingers through the dark brown locks, dislodging most of them he slapped his hands together and smiled widely.
"So what would you like to do?"
"Something quiet, relaxing and easy."
"I was hoping you'd say that," he stepped closer to her and took both of her hands. "I have a surprise. Will you come with me?"
"Okay, where to?" she asked carefully.
"It's a surprise," he laughed as he led her out of the apartment and down to the street.
He had called a cab and it was outside waiting for them. Holding the door open he gently pushed her in and jumped in behind her. From his pocket he pulled out a black cotton scarf and held it up.
"Trust me?" he asked. He tentative nod made him laugh out loud, a deep belly laugh that stopped his motions and made her turn.
"Couldn't I just close my eyes?" she asked as he pressed the scarf to her face and tied it at the back of her head.
"No, that would be no fun for me."
"Tying up fantasies Mulder?"
"Sounds good to me."
His light mood and easy banter half excited her and half saddened her. The glimpse of the old Mulder showed her what he was missing while this new brave untroubled Mulder showed her a brand new side of him that she always suspected lived inside of him, if only he would give it a chance to thrive.
The cab journey seemed to go on for a long time but she figured it was because of her temporary blindness. His hand rested on her thigh and it felt warm and heavy, a wave of heat emanating from its centre. She was surprised when the cab stopped and Mulder squeezed her leg, telling her to wait where she was. She heard him climb out and soon her door was yanked open.
"Come on Mulder, can't I take it off yet?" she asked pulling at the blindfold.
"No leave it," he replied grabbing her hands and pushing them away.
She could feel him standing behind her the length of his body close to hers, his breath brushing her neck. He led her with one hand on her shoulder and the other across her lower back. With her sight gone she listened for clues to tell her where she was but the noise level was uncomfortable and she couldn't imagine what would be creating it.
Mulder steered her through the crowds and handed over two tickets to the gate attendant. He slowed their pace as they came to steps and laughed at the curious glances they were getting from the other patrons.
"There are a few steps here Dana," he said as they stepped on to the first one.
"Ohh," she gasped not expecting them but Mulder's grip had tightened and he steadied her as the climbed the stairs. The noise level rose, as they got closer to the top and Mulder whispered in her ear.
"We're here!"
As he pulled the blindfold off her, she blinked rapidly beneath the bright overhead lights and slowly her eyes focused on a huge arena surrounding a basketball court.
"Is this the MCI centre?" she asked her smile wide when she turned to him.
"Yeah I got tickets for the Knicks game."
"Oh my god Mulder," she said laughing now the sound of it caressing his ears. He took her hand and led her over to their seats.
"Do you like it?" he held her hand tightly and looked over to her expectantly.
"Yeah Mulder, I do."
"Good," he said before landing a kiss onto her fingers.
The game was fast and exciting and Scully found herself shouting and chanting with the rest of the supporters. Mulder watched her intently only pretending to watch the game. The more she got enthralled the longer he could risk watching her. She lurched up when a foul was called against the Knicks shouting her disapproval with the rest of them. He laughed when she sat down again and she couldn't help but laugh too.
"I thought I was the b-ball fan?"
"Well it's infectious!"
Finally the whistle blew and the game was over with the Knicks loosing by only three points. Her heart was beating like mad when they stepped out of the stadium and into the cool evening air. Her head was spinning from the excitement and she wondered briefly why Mulder had never taken her to a game before.
"Did you have a good time Dana?" he asked as they wandered aimlessly through the streets that were brimming with celebrating Wizards fans and a few disappointed Knicks fans.
"It wasn't the quiet time of relaxation I had planned on," she replied but when she saw his face falling she took his hand and smiled up to him, "but I had a fantastic time!"
"Good. I always knew you were a closet basketball fan Scully, I just never figured you'd be a Knicks fan."
"I guess you have rubbed off on me." She couldn't seem to stop smiling and he reached an arm around her shoulders pulling her into a soft embrace.
"First it was baseball and then it was basketball, shall we go for a hockey game next?"
"I dunno I'm a pretty good skater."
"Well then maybe you could teach me a thing or two."
"Wait a second Mulder, how did you know about the baseball lesson?"
She stopped them both and he looked down into her face, confusion swimming across his own, unknowingly matching hers.
"What?"
"How did you know about the baseball lesson you gave me? Who told you?"
"No one, I was there, remember I called you up and left a message…on your phone from…Fox Mantle?"
His words slowed down as he realised what he was saying and this time the confusion was replaced with euphoria. He laughed out loud and picked her up swinging her around in his arms.
"Oh my god…I have it, it's back...my memory is back."
"What else do you remember?"
"Jesus…so much…it's all muddled up…"
"Relax Mulder Calm down, let it come back at its own pace."
"This is fantastic…I cant believe I didn't even realise."
He grabbed her face and planted a kiss on her lips but she stiffened in his hands, her lips unresponsive.
"What is it?" he asked softly his voice barely a whisper as all the Scully images he had stored flooded back to him.
…Scully standing in his motel room on their first case, tentatively showing him her bare back…
…Scully walking up to him on the first Annual FBI Gala he had taken her to, her long black dress flowing with it's tempting low cut back…
…Scully lying asleep in the car beside him as they waited for suspects to show up, her mouth open just enough for her tongue to come out and caress her pouted lips…
…Scully bent over a PC her hair tied away from her face and her long fingers gently stroking her slender neck…
…Scully laying in her hospital bed, her eyes sunken her body weak but her smile shining brightly for him…
…Scully throwing her head back with a fitful laugh when he made a joke as they shared a pizza in a motel room…
…Scully lying in his arms on the couch as she woke from a peaceful sleep, her body shaking with mirth as she giggled…
"It's great that you have your memory back," she whispered, her eyes glued to a spot where his shoulder and his neck met.
"You could say it like you mean it," he joked.
"Oh Mulder, I do. I really do. It's great." She forced a smile and stepped away from him enough to break his embrace. "I've missed you down in that basement. Now everything can get back to normal," she half turned away from him and started to walk on up the street.
"Normal? Jesus no way!" He grabbed her elbow and pulled her roughly back to him, holding her tightly in place.
Her heart skipped when he leant down and kissed her gruffly. She didn't protest and simply let the feeling coarse through her body afraid of when the next one might be, if ever. When he pulled away he looked down to her face and the dread that she wore ripped through him like he never imagined.
"Scully I can't experience the feelings I have done over the past few days then switch them off all of a sudden. I wouldn't want to. There is no way to explain the freedom I felt, and I can only understand it now when I feel the restraints of my life pulling me down again."
His voice was rushed but tender. His eyes pleaded with her but she tried not to read too much into them only listened to the gentle waves of his words wondering, hoping to where this conversation was leading.
"But the one thing I will not lock down is my feelings for you. I have felt this way for a long time and I only did something about it when my fear had disappeared. I'm glad it did," he added softly.
He watched her for a moment afraid of her silence, terrified of her stillness.
"Mulder…I…" she stammered still not meeting his powerful gaze.
"But this has to be two way…I can't take you out on my own!" He tried desperately to make her smile, hoping that if she did he would be able to reach deeper into her and help them both.
"I know. I enjoyed it too."
"You enjoyed kissing me as much as I enjoyed kissing you?" he said smiling again this time pulling her fingers up to his mouth, letting her feel his smile in case there was any doubt.
"Yes," her blush exploded across her cheeks but he saw no shyness in her eyes, only desire and something else he was afraid to hope for.
"So do we have to stop?" he pressed.
"We have to think about work? Our relationship? Our lives?"
"Scully all I want to do is kiss you and see where it goes from there, It took me long enough to get this far, I'm not about to let you go without a fight."
"Okay…let's see where it goes from there."
Slowly she stepped up on to her tiptoes and raised her face to him, her lips pouted slightly as her eyes closed over. He froze for a second making sure he could store that image before claiming her lips as his own, he hoped for not the last time.
FINISHED
** I'm not sure but I think I created my own favourite M/S moment…it's the final scene. I may have gone bit over the top with the mush but sure, that's why god invented it!! Hope you enjoyed reading it I absolutely loved writing it. Roll on the next Fic!!**
