The Domino Effect Part 15

Headers and Disclaimers in Part One

When Scully returned the next morning, Mulder was

sitting in the recliner, sipping some ginger ale.

"Well, I wasn't expecting this." She entered the

room with a huge smile, pleased that her partner was

out of bed. She leaned forward and kissed him

deeply, savoring the ginger taste on his lips.

"Got tired of lying around so I thought I'd have my

breakfast here," Mulder explained. "The view's not

that great and the food isn't much better, but it'll

have to do. Things definitely started looking up

when you walked in." His hands reached for her

fingers.

"So, what did you eat?" Scully looked at the tray.

"A few of my old favorites like beef broth and

strawberry jello. I hear that if I'm a good boy, I

may get chicken noodle soup for lunch." He waggled

his eyebrows. She laughed. Yes, he was definitely

on his way back to being her usual Mulder.

"Looks like you have been a good boy. I don't see

anything left. So, I guess since you were able to

get this down you're feeling better?" she asked

hopefully.

"Yes, I am."

"Any more pain?"

"Not a bit since you left last night. My temperature

is normal. My back and stomach are still sore but

much improved. They took some blood earlier, and the

verdict is still out on that, but for the most part

it looks like I just need to get my strength back,"

Mulder reported, trying to pull her in closer.

"I'm so glad you're feeling better."

"Not half as much as I am. I think I'm ready to get

back in bed now." She could see him tiring again,

reminding her that he had a way to go yet before he

was back up to par.

"No sense in wearing yourself out. Do you need any

help?"

"Um, this is a little embarrassing, but could you

move that uh . . .that thing?"

"The urine collection bag? Not a problem and it is

not embarrassing."

He gave her a wry smile. "Well, embarrassing or not,

I'll be glad to see it go." Mulder climbed back into

bed slowly, giving in to his sore muscles. He sighed

with relief as he sagged back into the pillows.

"You should be getting rid of it soon." Scully

informed him as she hung the bag on the side of the

bed.

"Let's hope so. Come here." He snagged her hand,

pulling her over.

"What, Mulder?"

"I just like having you close." He moved over and

patted the space beside him.

"Mulder, I'd love to climb in with you, but you need

your rest and I don't think you'd keep that in mind

with us being so close. I need you to get your full

strength back for our visit to Destin."

"Scullee. . ."

"Quit whining, Mulder. Besides, you should remember

how busy hospitals are in the morning. Your doctors

will stop by and probably order tests. The nurses

will want the aids to give you a nice bed bath and

change your bed . . ."

"Okay, okay. I get the picture. Did you pack some

sweats or pajama bottoms for me to wear in case I do

get rid of this torture device today?"

"Yes, I did, along with a change of clothes to go

home in when you're discharged. Hopefully tomorrow,"

she emphasized.

"I like the way you think."

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Mulder was back in his room at the hotel. Scully had

gone to find a pair of scissors to cut off the

hospital bracelets around his right wrist. The

sooner all traces of that place were removed the

better. He couldn't wait to begin his voyage of

Scully discovery at Skinner's condo. His heart did a

little giddy flip at the thought of what delights lay

ahead. Still, he tamped down thinking about it too

much. They needed to take this one step at a time.

It wouldn't do to screw it up by acting like an

overenthusiastic puppy.

Skinner had already said his goodbyes earlier at the

hospital where he had happily given them the key to

his condo. After a short visit with Karen Bower, the

AD left to catch a flight back to the cold, snowy,

Nation's Capital.

"There you go, Mulder." Scully cut off the plastic

bands then handed him a bottle of water. "Drink up.

Remember, the doctor wants you to drink lots of

water."

Mulder unscrewed the top and drank almost half of the

water in a couple of gulps. Scully nodded her

approval and came around to the other side of the

bed, kicking her shoes off.

Mulder excitedly held the covers up while she slid in

beside him. This was somewhat unexpected. "Mmm, you

feel good," he whispered, putting the water bottle on

the bedside table. He turned back around and pulled

her closer. "I think it's time to practice."

"Practice?" Scully questioned, confused.

"Kissing. Don't you remember?"

"Oh, now that you mention it, I think I do," she

purred, stroking his face.

They kissed deeply and hungrily. Both of them were

breathing hard when they broke apart.

"Um, I think your technique is wonderful. I don't

think we need any more practice," Scully decided.

"Perhaps not since I can't see any room for

improvement on your part either. I guess we can by-

pass the warm-up and go straight in without a net."

He smiled broadly and then covered her mouth with his

own again.

After several minutes of intense kissing, Scully

broke away.

"What's wrong?" Mulder already missed the feel of

her lips.

"I think we need to slow this down. You've only been

out of the hospital for an hour and you need to rest

up."

"Oh, I am resting up." He emphasized the last word,

grinding into her.

Parts of him were certainly up to speed and raring to

go, she mused. "I noticed, but I don't want to do

anything that would jeopardize your recovery."

"I think I'll be in jeopardy if we don't continue,

not to mention downright uncomfortable," he groaned,

his breathing coming in heavy pants.

Scully's hand found its way under his shirt where she

began to caress his still tender abdomen and chest.

When he didn't flinch she continued her exploration

to more pleasingly sensitive areas. He was gasping a

little now as he leaned into her touch.

"I'm still a little sore, but I think a little

movement might help to work the kinks out." He began

placing light kisses all along her jawbone and down

her neck. Oh boy, she needed more skin.

"Um, some movement might be good," she agreed,

pulling his shirt over his head and off. "But, I

wouldn't want to spoil our trip to Destin by

practicing everything before we get there."

Mulder began to slowly unbutton her blouse. "Not a

chance of practicing everything. I've been waiting

almost seven years for this little rehearsal and the

many moves I have in mind will need a lot of detailed

choreography."

He pulled her blouse off and tossed it on the floor

where it landed on top of his t-shirt.

"So, you're going to be the director?" she asked.

"Co-director," he informed her, kissing her once

again.

"Yes, co-director," Scully agreed between kisses.

Their hands began to roam and explore. "Let's get

this production started."

"Great idea. Should we continue with Act I or

advance to Act II?"

"Definitely Act II."

"Act II of the Mulder-Scully production is now in

full rehearsal," he announced, deftly unhooking her

bra.

"Any directions for me?" Scully moved so that he

could pull the undergarment away, his eyes widening

with pure love and lust at the sight or her bared

skin. He almost cried at her beauty.

"Just tell me you love me and let me show you my

love."

"Yes, try stopping me," Scully agreed breathlessly.

"I love you."

Mulder kissed her once again, then all thought of

patience or direction flew out the window.

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On a plane making its way to Washington, DC, Walter

Skinner relaxed and thought of his two agents fondly,

then remembered to make a note to find out who won

the Mulder-Scully office pool. He was sure it was

his for the taking, though. He'd made a special

effort to enter it earlier when he'd realized that

they were becoming much closer, and it didn't hurt to

be in the position of matchmaker either.

He sat back and pondered what he would do with his

winnings. Maybe he could buy them an extra week of

time at his condo. It would make a great wedding

gift.

End Part 15