Stupid is as Lana Does: I understand your frustration with the line. It was more of a last minute addition, added because it seemed to increase to seriousness of the moment. Yes, most people do not fall in love at first sight, but there is an undeniable connection between the two since the beginning. It may not be called love, but from my perspective, Mulder and Scully seemed to inherently trust each other from the start. (And to some, that trust, may in fact, be called love)

---

Scully sat at the edge of her bed, staring at the lone crutch that lay before her. She wondered where its partner was as she reached for it.

It had barely been a day since she had the massive plaster cast removed. In its place was a supportive brace that Scully eagerly welcomed. Without the cast, she was no longer confined to a wheelchair, but she was still getting used to the crutches. The weeks of near inactivity threw Scully off. Her strength had diminished considerably but that did not impair their stamina.

Scully glanced over at the sleeping form. She hesitated to wake him up, never seeing Mulder sleep so peacefully before. But Scully couldn't deny the facts of nature; she needed to go to the bathroom and she needed help.

"Mulder?"

Scully reached over and rubbed him on the back. Mulder groaned slightly and turned over to face Scully.

"Yea?"

"I need help."

At the words, Mulder shot up straight in bed, crawled over the Scully's side, and saw the lone crutch on the floor.

"I think it's in the hallway."

"I don't think I can wait. I need to go pee."

Mulder kissed Scully on the neck then proceeded to climb out of bed. He then scooped Scully up in his arms and made his way to the bathroom.

"Mulder …"

"When I let you down, can you manage yourself?"

"Yes and thank you."

Mulder lowered Scully till her feet touched to floor and left when she found her balance. Closing the door behind him, Mulder waited by the door until he was sure that Scully was fine. He then went into the hallway to retrieve Scully's missing crutch, reunited it with its partner, and placed them by the bathroom door.

Clothes littered the usually clean floor and finding himself suddenly awake, Mulder began to pick them up. After picking up a shirt by the window, Mulder noticed that the drapes were pulled open. It was still night time out as Mulder sheepishly glanced around to see if anyone had caught the show. Luckily, the streets were deserted and the lights flickered on and off. Satisfied, Mulder casually looked out straight ahead at the apartment building across the street.

While gazing about, he thought he saw a small red light penetrate through the window, but before he could take a second look, Scully emerged from the bathroom.

"What are you looking at?"

Scully saw her crutches by the door and eagerly grabbed them.

"Nothing."

Mulder moved towards Scully and embraced her.

"You ready for another go?"

Scully asked this teasingly.

"I'm just glad that you're here and that we're here, in our relationship."

Mulder planted a kiss on Scully's lips. After reading her confession, Mulder wanted nothing more than to be with her. He too had feelings undeniable, but never knew how to manifest them in words and take the chance. But now, Mulder had no more reason to wonder at what could be. Everything he wanted, he had.

"Me too."

The two broke apart from their embrace. Mulder needed to pee too.

"I'll be quick."

Mulder left Scully standing in the middle of her bedroom. She heard the door click shut behind her and Scully moved towards the window. As she made the actions to close the drapes, she noticed some movement in apartment directly across hers. Scully took it for nothing, passing it off as a stranger's bout with insomnia. Her attention was redirected by the bathroom door opening.

Scully quickly turned her head to see Mulder emerge from the bathroom.

"Wow, Mulder, that must be a …"

Scully collapsed to the floor, her crutches falling on either side. Mulder ran to her side, wondering what happened, not prepared for what he would find up close.

"Scully?"

The moonlight provided ample light to survey the form before him. There was blood everywhere. Scully's breathing was ragged and her eyes darted back and forth.

"Mu …"

"Hold on, Scully, hold on."

She managed to grad hold of Mulder's arm before he could dash off to call 911.

"I … you …"

"Scully?"

Mulder checked her pulse. He checked and rechecked and rechecked again. He wouldn't believe it. He refused to believe it. Scully was dead.