Chapter 4

"You don't owe me anything, Mulder...like I said...I ..I care about you a lot. You're my best friend in the whole world." She blinked back a tear before leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Get some rest."

He lay back on the pillow. "Don't go." He managed to whisper.

"I won't." She promised. She half-sat, half lay beside him on the bed and picked up the book she had been reading.

"Read to me." He said as he turned to face her.

"I thought you were sleepy," she teased.

"I am..." He said as he closed his eyes. I just want to hear your voice.

She began reading from "Moby Dick" in a soft, comforting voice as one hand stroked his hair. She stopped reading only when she could see he was asleep.

A few hours later he woke. He felt a warm body wrapped around his. He smiled and breathed in the smell of her. She was facing him and had her arm over his waist and her head nuzzled into the crook of his neck. "Mmmmmmm." He wrapped his arms around her gently and pulled her closer.

Scully hadn't intended to fall asleep. However, being in Mulder's arms was better than she had hoped.

"Hey," she said softly.

"Just don't move..." He said softly into her ear. Let me hold you a little while longer, I'm sure this will be the one and only time I get too.

"What happens if I do? You'll arrest me?" Her eyes widened when the sentence tumbled out of her mouth. She had been dreaming about that very thing... She tried to cover it up quickly. "Did you sleep?"

"Not as good as you apparently." He teased.

Her cheeks were hot as she slowly lifted her head. "Did you want to maybe try eating something?"

"You wouldn't hit and injured man for any reason, would you Scully?" he asked trying to prop up on his elbow and look down at her.

"Depends on who it was and what it was for," she murmured back with a raised eyebrow, still trying to get her composure back.

She pushed the images of her dream violently to the back of her mind as she began to sit up. Before she could sit up completely his mouth was on hers in a sweet, chaste kiss.

Her hand cupped his face lightly as she kissed him back. She shivered a little as she pulled back a bit and felt his forehead. He looked deep into her eyes. He smiled at her.

"So you didn't answer my question. Did you want to try eating some soup?"

"Yeah." He wrinkled his brow and nose. "What kind?"

"What kind do you want?"

"Anything but Tomato." He made a face and stuck out his tongue.

"Chicken?" She was desperately trying not to laugh.

"That works." He said smiling at her and laying back down. "I think the medicine is making me dizzy."

"Side effect." She helped him lay back. "Just relax. I'll go get the soup."

He closed his eyes and waited for her to return.

In the kitchen, Scully leaned against the wall and took a few deep breaths.

Mulder just about gave up on her when he heard her coming toward the bedroom.

"Can you sit up?" she asked as she set the soup down. She didn't want to treat Mulder like a complete invalid, even though she remained worried about him.

"Yeah. Could you help put the pillows behind my back?" He hated asking for help with even the simplest tasks.

She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "You never have to feel bad about asking me for things...Whatever you need..." Then she plumped up the pillows behind him.

He reached for the bowl. He tried to feed himself but his hands shook. Scully gently took the bowl from him and sat on the edge of the bed. She took up a spoonful and held it for him. He opened his mouth and took the spoonful.

"Thanks," he said when he had eaten a little over half.

"That enough?"

"Yeah." His face went from flushed to pale. "I don't feel so good."

"What's wrong? Tell me exactly."

He felt emasculated in front of her already. "I'm going to puke."

Scully quickly pulled the covers off and helped Mulder to his feet. They just barely made it to the toilet. He puked until there was nothing left and lay aching on the bathroom floor curled in the fetal position. Scully gently rubbed his back. For a moment, she had no idea what to do for him...she felt helpless.

"Just make the pain go away, Dana. Please."

"Where does it hurt?" she tried to remain calm.

"Everywhere."

"Maybe it's the meds," she said pensively. He couldn't hear her because of the pounding in his head. Scully got a damp cloth and began dabbing his forehead with it.

She left Mulder for a moment to dial for an ambulance. If it was an allergic reaction, it could be serious.

Mulder awoke the next day back in the hospital. "Where am I?"

Frohike was by his bedside. "You had an allergic reaction to your meds, so Scully brought you back to the hospital."

"Where is she?" He asked trying to swallow. His mouth was dry.

"Nobody's sure."

"What do you mean?" He was starting to get out of bed now.

"Easy, Mulder. She's talking to your doctor," said Byers.

The three men were looking at each other. There was something different in Mulder's demeanour.

"Did something happen with you two?" it was Frohike who asked.

"None of your business." He said as he lay back on the bed.

"That's a yes."

He gave them a "shut up now or get out" look. "Guys, just knock it off okay?"

Scully came in just as he said the last statement. "It's alright, guys. Thanks." She dismissed them again.

"Where've you been?" He hadn't meant to sound harsh.

Scully's eyes momentarily flashed in defensive anger but she calmed again.

"I was looking into alternatives for your meds."

Scully leaned over and adjusted the drip on Mulder's IV.

"I'm sorry I worried you...and for snapping at you like that" He rubbed his fingers along her arm.

She rapidly blinked to avoid crying. "How are you feeling?" she asked instead.

"Better than..." He didn't know how long he'd been out.

"Well, I think we've got something that won't make you sick."

"Yeah because I don't wanna keep coming back here."

"The nurse is working on your release papers right now."

He took her hand. "I really am sorry, Dana."

Scully managed a smile. "You didn't do anything, Mulder."

"I got shot with a poisonous dart, you have to take care of me, and now I got sick and landed my ass right back in the hospital." He was frustrated at the way his life was going right now.

"Mulder...sshh..." Scully leaned forward and stroked his forehead. She leaned her cheek against his forehead and closed her eyes for a moment as she continued stroking.

Mulder lifted her chin and lightly put his lips to her forehead. "Just don't walk out on me."

"I'm never leaving you," she promised softly.

TBC...there is seven chapters all together :D