As a note, this story does take place during the 2nd season, after Scully's abduction and return.

Also, thank your time reading my fanfic.

Chapter 4

Mulder sat up early in the morning. His head pounded, his body ached. He slid his feet onto the ground, finally noticing Scully resting alongside the couch. He smiled at her as placed the blanket that had been around him onto her. He got up quietly and walked into her kitchen. It wasn't until he took a second look to make sure she was still asleep when he looked at his watch.

8:01 a.m.

He frowned at it for awhile, waiting for a change. He then quickly stepped over to the oven.

8:05 a.m.

He swiftly moved toward the microwave now.

8:06 a.m.

He let out a wide smile as he once again looked at his watch.

"No more messages?" Scully asked quietly as she held the blanket around her. He turned around with his smile then moved quickly toward her. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and she let out a little laugh. She dropped the blanket that kept her warm, no longer needing it.

"How'd you fix it!" He wondered as he peered closely into her eyes, still holding her close.

"I had a little help from your pals,"

"You went to the Gunmen?" he seemed surprised.

"It cost me a kiss to Frohike… but, it was worth it," she smiled as she looked up at him shyly. Mulder wrapped his arms around her tightly once more. He nuzzled his nose against her neck and she started to again feel herself melt in his arms.

"I'm sorry Scully… I was going to kill you, I don't know what was wrong with me…" he shook his head closing his eyes.

"It's ok Mulder, the important thing is your back to normal," she held back tightly.

"What was it exactly? How'd you cure me? How'd you even know?" He asked as they both sat at the kitchen table.

"Well, I happened to see you talking to your watch and you couldn't keep your eyes off the TV… it didn't take me long to figure out you had what you said those other LSDM victims had… subliminal messages and the power of suggestion…. Well once I found out, I figured the messages were about me, just by how you had been acting. I talked to the Gunmen, and they were happy to help," she smiled proud of herself.

"Where would I be without you?" He asked desperately. Scully looked down at her hands solemnly, "you'd probably have found your sister by now." Mulder frowned, confused by her statement.

"I don't know what you think Scully, but if it weren't for you, for you keeping me truthful, I wouldn't be as close as I am… Without you Scully, I'd be lost…" he held on to her hands, "when you were abducted, by whomever, I was a wreck. I thought I had lost you- as much as I fought it, as much as I wouldn't accept it, I really didn't think I'd see you again. That scared me so much, it-it terrified me… don't ever think your of no importance to me, your more important then the FBI, then the x-files, then any job or anyone else in my life. Don't forget that," he put his hand lightly on her cheek.

She could feel tears starting to form in her eyes slowly, she slid her arms around him best she could in a chair. He finally stood, holding her easier. She rested her head on his chest like she had many times, and he rested his cheek on the top of her head.

She smiled as she felt his lips lightly touch her hair, he could feel the creases in her smile against his chest and held her tighter.

After a few minutes they broke from each other's arms. Mulder kissed her on the top of her head once more then headed into her shower.

"Scully?" he called to her.

"Yeah, Mulder?" she turned around from the kitchen.

"I...um… I never had the chance to tell you how I feel…I mean, how I truly feel…" he paused, "I-I care very deeply about you," he said not being able to get out the words he really wanted to say. Scully softly smiled, "me too, Mulder."

He smiled as he disappeared behind her bathroom door. Scully nodded to herself then went into her kitchen. She pulled out a box of cereal and sat at the table by herself. She peered into her food for a minute, thinking back on the last week, months, and even year. She lost her father, Mulder, her family, lost herself. She was only grateful that she was indeed alive, and that she once again had her family, herself and Mulder. She looked at her watch as Mulder came into the kitchen.

It's time.

She looked back down at her watch startled.

9:54 a.m.

She smiled, for the messages she saw weren't subliminal or from the power of suggestion. They were indeed the messages in herself that she had recently come to realize. It was time. It was finally time to let go, to finally love him as much as she always did, but was too afraid to admit beforehand. It was time alright.

Finished.