Act VI - Good to the last Drop
The damage to Mulder's heart was minimal and most of it came from the recovery efforts rather than the pill, itself. Mulder was very lucky and he knew it. If Scully hadn't started doing CPR when she did, he would have been stuck in that empty Hoover Bldg. for eternity. Frankly, if he never saw that place again—it would be fine with him.
His boss, Walter Skinner, flew down to see him and help wrap up the case. Between Scully and Dale's testimony, Azure was going away for a while. Mulder clued them to look into deaths at the commune more closely. The other person that Beggar Price mentioned was originally thought to have died from an overdose also, but upon second review, the valerian herb was found—linking her to the orange pill.
Radiation poisoning was the official cause of death for Louisa Richardson. Dale and Scully came up with an unusual explanation of accidental exposure to radium, which can be naturally occurring. The senator and the FBI bought it so the case was closed.
Scully stayed as close to Mulder as she could while they tied up loose ends. The astral projection incident wasn't resolved, but the few times he brought it up, she said would rather wait until all of this was over to discuss it. Three days later, the hospital released Mulder into the care of his personal physician and the agents flew back to the D.C. area. Mulder was hopeful that he would finally get some alone time with Scully and his wish was granted.
"Mulder, I want to keep an eye on you for a few days. Would you like to stay at my place, or me at yours?"
"Your apartment, Scully." He answered, trying not to pump his fist. He will be surrounded by Scully-ness again. What a better way to recover? Besides, he was really feeling perfectly fine and anxious to acknowledge and satisfy their mutual attraction. Armed with the knowledge that he was destined to love her—and she him, made this experience, while not entirely worth it—at least fruitful.
"Scully," Mulder said as he walked into her apartment. "What do you want to order for dinner tonight?" He could tell she was smiling even though her back was to him.
"Chinese, Mulder?"
"You read my mind, Scully. I'm thinking of getting orange chicken."
"I would think you would be tired of orange anything."
"The color is not to blame. Orange is a very important shade in world culture. Buddhist monks and other priests wear this color as a symbol of their beliefs. Ancient Egyptians carved hieroglyphics into orange rock to emphasize significant events. The color stimulates the appetite and is used to gain attention." Mulder walked closer to her. "While, it was a fool's errand, the color orange brought me closer to you."
Scully faced him. "We are going to have this conversation now—aren't we?"
"Yup."
"What do you want to know?"
Mulder stared at her. "I want to know if you love me, Scully."
She melted into his waiting arms and pressed herself against him warmly. "Yes, Mulder. I love you."
He sighed. "Does this mean you aren't going to run from me anymore?"
Scully chuffed. "I'll try. You are an intense person. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed."
"How did you find me out there?"
She squeezed him. "Leaf guided me through it. Once I was relaxed, she told me to concentrate on one unique thing I loved about you and it took me to where you were. I was just as surprised to see you as you were to see me."
"What was it?"
"Your search for the truth. It was the unwavering confidence that it was out there."
"Oh, Scully. I discovered that chasing after the shadow government isn't my destiny. I didn't tell you, but I met my 'god'. It spoke to me."
She looked up at him. "What did it say?"
"That my purpose is you. I'm to love you." Mulder caressed her face. "I'm going to do that to the best of my ability." He held her for a while. "It also said that your purpose is to love me."
"I believe that." Scully said simply. "That's what I've been trying to do for seven years."
"Seven?"
"Yeah."
"We've wasted a lot of time, Scully."
"Perhaps we weren't ready."
"I'm ready now and I want you."
"I'm here, Mulder."
NC-17
Scully lead him back into her bedroom. The hospital and orange chicken forgotten, they stripped off each other's clothes—standing naked before each other.
"You're beautiful." Mulder said huskily. He ran a finger from her cheek, across her collarbone and between her rose tipped breasts. Her nipples hardened and he ran a thumb over each. His large hands caressed her small waist and traveled to her hips and buttocks where he squeezed. Scully gasped and he tipped her head, kissing her deeply—pulling her close.
"You are mine." He walked her over to the bed and pushed her down so she bounced lightly. He climbed on top and proceeded to lick every inch of that creamy skin until Scully was moaning fervently.
Mulder stared into her eyes as he watched her breathe heavily beneath him. "I want to be inside you." He said as he spread her legs and started to enter that warm, slick space that was all his own. "There will be no one else, Scully. Not ever."
He pushed further and she hissed. "No one, Mulder."
"Till death do us part—and even after."
"Yes." Her eyes locked with his. "Are you mine, Mulder?"
"I have been since you walked through that basement door and I tell you now, there never will be anyone else for me. I love you." He sunk deep inside. "Oh god!" The both cried out. "Scully!" The feeling was like coming home to warm iced gingerbread, a cozy fire and the arms of a good woman. He started to move. He took his time and his strokes were long and powerful. Scully was enjoying it if the sounds and motions she made were any indication. She was a sexual powerhouse and a very responsive lover.
He wasn't going to be able to hold on much longer. The fevered pitch rose in his head and the lustful roar shut out all of his doubts and insecurities. Scully grabbed his back just as Mulder let loose and took her for a ride. "Damn, Scully—DAMN!" Mulder pumped and pumped. "I won't let you go—YOU ARE MINE!" Scully screamed as her body shook violently with his thrusts. "Ohgod…ohgod…ohgod...ohgod…SCHULEEE!" He could feel his seed burst forth to coat her insides. It was magic. Orange spots danced before his eyes and he looked down to see her in the throes of passion. That was a visual he will never forget. He put that look there. After catching his breath, Mulder collapsed upon her then rolled over, taking her with him. He was still inside her.
Scully used her last remaining strength to kiss his chest. Mulder panted and slipped out. If he wasn't already holding her, he would have felt an intense feeling of loss. He looked down to see Scully's petite body covering him, boneless and sated. "How are you doing, Scully?"
"Mmrrph."
"I thought so—me too." He blew out a breath. "I can't wait to wake up and do that again."
"Ugghphmf."
"You said it. You've got a way with words, partner."
Epilogue
Mulder Apartment
Annapolis, MD
8:00pm
Mulder just finished lighting the last candle for their special feast. It was 1 year, tonight, that they came together as a couple and he was going to surprise her. He had finished up with the last patient for the day, showered, changed and picked up a sumptuous hot Italian meal. While he waited for Scully to arrive from her Medical Examiner's job for the state of Virginia, Mulder watched the orange flame of the candle dance and sway in the light breeze. Unconsciously, he counted back from 20 to 1 and twirled the solid, gold band around his ring finger, idly.
THE END
Post Note: I know it's not canon to have Mulder and Scully get married, but they can't end all the same—can they? This story was hard for me to write, so be kind. Stay tuned for 'Mulder Follows the Yellow Brick Road' due out after I finish my original piece for my writing group. BTW, most of the medical stuff was made up. All I know is the arm bone is connected to the leg bone. I did look up the metaphysical references, but in a story as 'short' as mine, I'm sure I didn't do it justice. That's why they call it fiction—right?
