The cork on the champagne bottle came out with a 'pop.' As the bottle was passed around and glasses were being filled, there was a buzz of happiness spreading throughout the apartment of Dana Scully.

After being off work for two weeks on paid sick leave in which Skinner forced her to take, Scully was well-rested and back to her normal self. Her mother had decided to throw her a surprise party to celebrate the fact that she was now cancer-free. A collection of family, friends, and coworkers had gathered in her apartment to share in the excitement of her safe return home and her miraculous recovery.

She hated being the center of attention and was not used to so many people being in her apartment. After excusing herself from the circle of people that were anxious to give her hugs and well-wishes, she caught up with her mother in the kitchen who was preparing another tray of hors d'oeuvres. "Mom, you really didn't have to do this," Scully said.

"Dana, we are all very happy for you and so glad that you are safe and healthy now. We need to celebrate! I just thought you'd like to be surrounded by the people that care about you the most."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. It's just that it's a little overwhelming, that's all."

"Well, everyone is very happy to see you." Mrs. Scully kissed her daughter on the cheek and then carried the tray of food out into the living room. Scully stayed in the kitchen and let out a sigh. She sat down at the table and put her head down.

A few moments later, she felt a hand on her shoulder and instantly knew who it was. She recognized the gentleness and tenderness in his touch. "Hey, you okay?" Mulder asked.

Scully sat up and smiled at him. "Yeah, just a little overwhelmed at the moment. I'm not used to all this attention."

Mulder smiled back as he pulled up a chair and sat next to her. "Well, you know, I'm not really one for these social things, either. What do you say we get out of here?"

"Mulder, I can't leave my own surprise party!"

"Who says?" Mulder had the biggest smirk on his face.

Scully gave him her signature quizzical look. "Don't tempt me," she said after thinking about it.

"Well, if we don't get out of here soon, your brother is going to kill me. He's been staring me down all evening."

"Did he say something to you?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter."

"Well, whatever happened between you two, don't let him bother you. He's just being my overprotective big brother."

"Yeah, I know. I once was an overprotective big brother, remember?"

Scully nodded in understanding.

A comfortable silence settled in between them. He wanted to tell her more about her abduction, about the Smoking Man and what Krycek had said about the chip. But he just couldn't. It didn't seem to be the right time. He would tell her eventually, but for now he didn't want her living in the fear that she could be taken again at any moment. He would bare that burden for her and protect her as best as he could. Maybe now that she was healthy they would leave her alone.

She didn't seem to remember who took her or how or why. She didn't want to talk about it, either. He knew that there would be a time when she would need to talk about it, but he wasn't going to push and he would be there for her when she was ready. Right now he was just so grateful to have her back alive and well.

Mulder put his hands over hers on the table and looked deep into her eyes, trying to convey all of his feelings and emotions to her without saying a word. It was working. In his beautiful hazel eyes she could see all of the love that he so much wanted to express, but was always afraid to speak. She hoped that he could see that same love in her own eyes, shining back at him.

Frohike came barreling through the door and abruptly ended the spell that was cast between them in the kitchen. "There's the lovely Dana Scully! The boys and I have heat on our tail and we need to skedaddle, but I wanted to say goodnight. I'm really glad you're going to be okay."

Scully stood up and gave Frohike a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for coming, Frohike."

Frohike was stunned by the kiss, and as he left he touched his cheek and mumbled to Mulder, "I will never wash my face again!"

Mulder laughed. "You make all the guys swoon, Scully!"

"Including you?" she asked him in all seriousness, catching him off guard. He was surprised that she didn't know already.

"Most definitely including me." He took her in his arms then, and held her tight.

Being held by Mulder was one of Scully's guilty pleasures, although for some reason tonight she didn't feel so guilty about it anymore. She wished that she could be alone with him and that there weren't all those people out there in her living room. "Let's get out of here, Mulder."

"You serious?"

"It's my party, and I can leave if I want to!"

"Hey, you'll get no argument from me."

"That's the first."

"My Scully is back! Let's take this party of two to my place." He kissed her forehead and broke the embrace.

Just as they were sneaking out the back door, Mrs. Scully caught them. "And where are you two going?"

"I promise I'll have her back by midnight, Mrs. Scully," Mulder said, like a school boy taking his date to the prom.

"Mulder! I'm not sixteen!" Scully admonished. "Mom, thanks for the party, but I just need to get out of here for a little while."

"Okay, okay, you two go have fun. I'll tell everyone you're tired and that you turned in for the night," Mrs. Scully said, with a twinkle in her eye.

"Um, thanks," Scully muttered.

As they walked out the door, Scully said, "She really likes you, you know."

"Well, we have something in common."

"What's that?"

Mulder opened the car door for Scully and said, "We both love you."

Scully stared at him for a moment with a smile on her face. "You're really going to have me back by midnight?"

"Just what are you suggesting, Agent Scully?"

"Just get in the car, Mulder."

End