Chapter 1

"Welcome home, Scully." He spoke the words with a shyness that he was unaccustomed to. But then he was undergoing a major change in his life and he figured he shouldn't be too surprised by anything he might say or do from this moment on.

Dana Scully had no idea how those three words that Fox Mulder had just said to her could fill her heart with such joy. She marveled at how powerful those words became now that she was wearing the beautiful diamond ring he had placed on her finger and she had told him that yes, she'd marry him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely.

Mulder felt his eyes slip shut as he reveled in the moment. The woman he loved and cherished was in his arms and all was right with the world, he thought, as he buried his face in her thick auburn hair. "I love you, Scully."

"I'll always love you, Mulder," Scully returned and pulled back just far enough to place one hand on each side of Mulder's face so they were nose to nose.

Mulder's hazel eyes danced with anticipation as Scully took her own sweet time; tilting her head slightly, licking her full lips. The effect was tantalizing and Mulder didn't know how long he could wait when finally she was kissing him. Electrical currents of passion coursed through his body with the speed of light. Their hands seemed to have a life of their own and they struggled to get as close to each other as possible.

How long they stayed like that; Mulder had no idea, but when they finally pulled apart, both were out of breath, their lips tingling.

"Wow." Mulder wished desperately at that moment that he had something more profound to say; something to convey all the powerful emotions that the kiss had stirred in him, and how her touch had lit his very soul on fire.

But then, looking into Scully's luminous blue eyes, he realized once again that he didn't need to say a single word. Message received loud and clear.

He grasped both her hands in his and pulled them to his lips, kissing her fingertips lightly.

"No second thoughts?" he inquired earnestly, feeling an unwelcome trickle of doubt enter his heart.

Scully huffed softly. "Second thoughts? About what? Moving in with you here at Quonochontaug? Loving you and wanting to marry you? Being your partner? Joining the FBI?"

Mulder tensed then saw the humor dancing behind her eyes and twitching at her lips. He laughed self-consciously and felt suddenly foolish. "Sorry, Scully. Old habits die hard."

"Just so long as they do die. I mean, I'll allow some old habits, but I must draw the line at doubt and guilt." Scully said sternly but obviously still teasing him.

"Does that mean I can keep my sunflower seeds?" He asked hopefully.

"And your TLG subscription." She answered, "But I reserve the right to inspect and reject other reading material and any video collections you were thinking of bringing here."

"You can't be serious," he cried in mock horror.

"Try me," she said with a laugh.

"Hmmm - well now that we've got that settled, let me go get our things from the car." Mulder tried the subtle approach, seeing how fatigued Scully was getting and knowing that she needed to get her rest.

Scully watched him leave and sat back against the couch, frustrated by her inability to help. Glaring balefully down the length of her cast that ran from hip to toes, she reminded herself that she was going to have to adjust. There was nothing that she or anyone else could do. The healing process would have to run its course. If only the infection around her heart -

Stop it, she scolded herself. But it was going to be hard. She felt as though all of her freedom and independence had been stripped away. Barred from any physically exertional activity meant that being up and about on crutches with a heavy cast was out of the question. Her heart rate must remain within prescribed parameters for the next eight weeks.

Feeling tired, despite her nap on the trip here, she leaned back and closed her eyes. When Mulder returned juggling three pieces of luggage and her crutches, it was all she could do not to jump up to help.

Seeing her frustration, Mulder attempted to reassure her. "It's okay, Scully, I've got it."

"I realize that, Mulder. I do." she sighed heavily. "This is just going to take a lot of getting used to, you know?"

Mulder nodded and took the bags back along with the crutches. When he returned, he was pushing a shiny new wheelchair. "Ready for your tour of our new home?"

Scully felt another thrill course through her body when he said those magical words, "our new home" and she nodded eagerly, not trusting her voice.

"Well, all right then," he said, lining up the chair next to the couch and setting the brake securely. "Your chariot awaits, Madam."

Scully carefully swung her leg around so that she was sitting properly on the couch. Mulder grasped her forearms and gently pulled her to a standing position while she rotated neatly on her good foot a quarter turn, so that she was standing directly in front of the wheelchair. Mulder expertly lowered her down and Scully settled back with a satisfied grunt. They had worked hard with physical therapy to get that move down, knowing that Mulder shouldn't carry and lift her for the next eight weeks unless it was truly necessary.

With minimal furniture and no carpets, Scully realized that she would have no trouble maneuvering around the house, as she followed Mulder to the kitchen. She was starting to think things weren't going to be as confining and limiting as she had initially thought.

"Until you're up and about, everything is at a lower level so you can still reach just about anything you'd need."

Scully just grinned - amazed at how much thought and planning had to have gone into doing all this for her in such a short period of time.

He led her down the hall, pointing out the study, now complete with computer, printer and fax machine as well as a stereo and television with DVD player.

Further down the hall he came to a sudden halt.

"Mulder?" Scully called when he didn't turn around.

He stared down at the floor - unable to meet her eyes. "I didn't know if you wanted your own room, or if you'd feel comfortable sharing. I'll understand either way - I know that this isn't - "

"Mulder," Scully interrupted realizing what he was trying to say. "I want you near me. That I - if you -" she struggled to say what she meant tactfully, then decided to just be direct. "I want you, Mulder. I want more than just sleeping with you. Obviously, though, that's against doctor's orders, so if it's too - tempting, I'll understand if you'd rather sleep elsewhere."

Mulder almost laughed aloud in sheer relief as he bent over and her hugged her. "I can handle a celibate relationship for a little while longer if you can. I've made it this long, haven't I?"

Scully just smiled and hugged him back. TourGuideMulder continued. "Then here is - our - bedroom. Your mom's coming over tomorrow to get everything unpacked the way you want it and see if there's anything we've forgotten." He paused. "Personally, I think she just wants to check up on us," he added in a hushed whisper.

Scully suppressed a small giggle. Mulder was probably right.
"I've put your overnight bag and crutches in the bathroom if you're ready for bed." They entered the bedroom.

At the sight of the large king size bed with numerous fluffy pillows and thick downy comforter, Scully was unable to mask a yawn. "More than ready," she admitted ruefully, her leg starting to throb uncomfortably. The bed looked inviting and she suddenly felt unable to wait another minute to snuggle beneath the covers and feel Mulder's arms around her.

She wheeled herself to the bathroom where Mulder helped her to a standing position so she could grab the crutches. The bathroom was the only place she was allowed to be up on them. He pulled the chair back out and shut the door allowing her some privacy. "Holler when you're ready to come out and don't overdo it." He admonished her.

"I won't," she promised.

With the door shut, she undid the button on her skirt and let it fall to her ankles, then her blouse and bra joined it on the floor. Reaching into her bag, she managed to retrieve her nightgown with one arm while balancing on the crutches with the other.

Mulder stood quietly outside the door listening for any sign that she needed help. He heard the flush of the commode, followed by running water and finally the brushing of teeth.

"Okay, Mulder," she called out breathlessly.

Without hesitation, he threw open the door and seeing her face flushed and damp, immediately swept her into his arms. Scully didn't even think of protesting.

"Which side of the bed did you want?" he asked, not wanting to chastise her.

"Is it all right if I sleep on the right side?" she answered tentatively.

"That's the side - I - wanted to sleep on," Mulder groaned.

Scully's face fell until she realized that now he was teasing her. She swatted him lightly even as he chuckled and set her down on the right side of the bed. She sank back with a quiet moan.

"Did you take your medicine?" he asked.

"Not yet," she replied.

"Do you need something for the pain?" he asked neutrally.

Seeing her hesitate, Mulder answered for her. "Yes, you do."

He returned a few minutes later with several pills in a variety of shapes and colors as well as a large glass of water.

Scully swallowed them down while Mulder went through the house, shutting off lights and locking doors. He quickly brushed his own teeth and changed into boxers and a t-shirt before sliding into bed next to Scully. He helped her prop her leg up then settled back against the pillows.

"Comfy?" he whispered.

"Yeah," she whispered back.

There was silence for several minutes and Mulder thought she had drifted off to sleep when he suddenly heard her whisper again.

"Mulder?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." She took his hand. "Thank you for everything you've done for me here. You have no idea what all this means to me." She felt nearly overcome with gratitude.

Mulder grinned broadly in the dark. "Scully?" He gave her hand a squeeze.

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

Scully was beaming. "I love you, too."