Subject: Charade (1/6) by Irena From: Admin - XCF Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 09:44:53 -0500 This story is being forwarded to ATXC on behalf of the author from XFCreative. Please send comments via e-mail to For information about XFCreative, visit our website at http://www.slip.net/~takakin0/xfc.htm ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~ TITLE: Charade (1/6) AUTHOR: Irena RATING: PG-13, for the first few parts NC-17 for the last. CATEGORY: MSR KEYWORDS: Mulder/Scully/Romance SPOILERS: None really, maybe Never Again, but so brief that even if you have seen it, you might not even pick up on it. ARCHIVIST: Archive anywhere you want to, as long as all the parts are kept together, and my name and addy is attached, along with my disclaimer etc. CONTENT WARNING: This contains consentual sex between our two favourite characters, so if this isn't what you like, bail out now. . . you were warned. SUMMARY Scully enlists Mulder's help in making an old boyfriend think she actually does have a life. DISCLAIMER Mulder, Scully, and any other characters you recognise from the show, don't belong to me. They belong to the almighty creator Chris Carter. I'm using them without permission. Suing me however would be an act of futility, as I am simply a poor Australian University student. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (1/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Scully looked at her watch. Mulder would be here any minute now and they would be off in pursuit of Geoff Parker, whom Mulder believed to be some other-worldly assassain. Scully however, was still looking for other ways to explain some of the mysterious attacks. Therefore, when the door bell rang a minute later, she was surprised to see Ethan Minette and not Mulder, waiting casually for her as usual. Ethan hadn't changed much in the past four years, she noticed. He greeted her with the same arrogant look in his eye, mocking her as he had the day they'd broken up. She could still remember his anger at being told that their weekend together would have to be cancelled in favour of pursuing a case. "Hello Ethan," she let out, taking a deep breath before asking him what he was doing in her apartment. Ethan pushed his way into the room and handed her what looked to be a wedding invitation. "I came to invite you and a date to my wedding next weekend," he informed her. Taking a quick look around the apartment, he smiled indulgently and voiced saracstically, "I see you still haven't found a man who is willing to put up with your career." "And what makes you say I haven't?" She replied indignantly. Luckily the doorbell rang, saving her from any more of Ethan's scrutiny. As she let Mulder inside, a plan began to manifest itself. She looked up at her partner greatfully and impulsively pressed her lips to his in a quick kiss, gasping softly in surprise at the tingling sensation that overwhelmed her. She stepped back tentatively from a slightly confused Mulder and took a hold of his hand before introducing him to Ethan. "Mulder," she began, "this is an old friend of mine, Ethan Minette." She turned to Ethan and smiled. "Ethan, this is Fox Mulder, the current man in my life." "Nice to meet you," Mulder responded gingerly as he extended his hand in greeting. He then looked at Scully questioningly, mystified at the situation. Scully's eyes pleaded with Mulder to go along with her charade, her pride depended on it. "How long have you been seeing Dana?" Ethan asked questionably. Mulder once again turned his eyes to meet Scully's. Seeing the vulnerability there, he decided to show some mercy on her. "We've known each other for over four years," he replied truthfully. "But we only recently started seeing each other socially," he finished, smiling at her nod of approval. "That's great," Ethan replied. "You should enjoy the wedding then." "What wedding?" Mulder turned to Scully suspiciously, wondering what she'd gotten him into. Seeing the dubious look on his face, Scully hastened to reassure him. "Ethan's invited us to his wedding next weekend." Letting out a sigh of relief, Mulder turned to Ethan and told him they'd be happy to attend. "I'll look forward to seeing the both of you there," he replied. "As long as Dana's work doesn't interfere," he added scornfully. Feeling the tension in Scully mount, Mulder felt compelled to defend her. "Her work never interferes with the quality of our time togerher," he replied, with a surprising amount of emotion. "It makes me really appreciate the time we do spend together," he finished, bending down to kiss her in emphasis. As Mulder's lips brushed hers, Scully once again gasped at the sensation. His lips were gentle, yet demanding, skillfully prying hers open, and allowing their tounges to meet. She was utterly confused at the feelings he was stirring up inside her. She was so enthralled, that she didn't even notice the door closing as Ethan rudely left the apartment, disgruntled. Mulder did however, and promptly released her mouth. Feeling an immediate sense of loss, Scully hastened to disguise it as she disengaged herself awkwardly. Unable to make eye contact, she moved to the end of the room and leaned against the edge of the couch. "I bet you're wondering what that was all about?" She asked needlessly. "You could say that," Mulder replied sarcastically. Scully arched her eyebrow irritably before she began her explanation. "Before you and I started working together, Ethan and I used to be a couple," she began slowly. "We broke up shortly before we started our first case." "Why?" "Personal reasons Mulder," Scully replied, changing the subject. "Anyway, I just wanted to show him he wasn't the only one who could move on." "So the faultless Scully has an ego," Mulder teased, laughing at her look of disdain. "What interests me however," he continued. "Is why the two of you broke up in the first place." "That doesn't concern you Mulder," Scully told him firmly, heading for the door. "Not so fast Scully," Mulder stopped her, blocking the door with his body. I believe you owe me at least an explanation for my cooperation." Scully looked into his eyes, merely inches from her own. She knew she couldn't refuse him after the way he'd helped her just now. To tell him however, would embarrass her to mortification. He didn't need to know all the details she decided. "We broke up because Ethan couldn't handle coming second to my work." She explained, not quite able to meet Mulder's eye. Mulder reached out and cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "If that was the whole reason, why did you hesitate in explaining?" He asked her sceptically. "Like I said Mulder," she replied defensively, "it was none of your business." "I don't buy it Scully," he replied. "I've known you over four years and I can tell when you're being evasive." With that he leaned even closer, increasing his scrutiny. "You want the truth Mulder," she finally exhaled. "I'll tell you the truth," she exclaimed, pushing herself away from him. "Ethan just didn't have what it takes to completely exite me," she told him slowly and quietly. "If you know what I mean," she added as an afterthought. Mulder was surprised. He hadn't expected this. Actually, he didn't really know what he expeceted either way. "Scully, are you telling me that you broke up with Ethan because he couldn't bring you to . . ." "Mulder!" Scully interupted. "I've told you why we broke up, and it was a mutual decision. I'm greatful that you helped me save face, but now I don't owe you any more explanations." And with that, she marched right past him and slammed the door behind her. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx end of part (1/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (2/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx At the sound of her name, Scully looked up from the desk. "Here's the report if you want to read it Mulder." She announced, handing it to him as he sat down opposite her. "I finished it this morning." "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about this weekend Scully." She looked at him in surprise. "What's happening this weekend?" She asked. "Don't you remember our invitation to Ethan's wedding?" He asked. "I'm surprised you actually remembered Mulder," Scully replied. "I'd completely forgotten about it." In fact, she'd tried to put that whole unpleasant incident right behind her. "Well, we can't dissappoint loverboy now can we?" Mulder teased unashamedly. "What do you mean by that Mulder?" She asked him defensively. "Only that it would be the perfect opportunity to show him you've moved on Scully." He explained. "It will show him that you've succeeded just as much as he has, even more so." "Mulder, that sounds childish. I'm not competing with him, I just don't want him mocking me, that's all." She felt it necessary to explain. "I know that Scully, but this would be the perfect opportunity to show him that you can have a life outside your job." "I don't know Mulder," she hesitated. "Scully," Mulder provoked, "remember the last time you wanted your own life?" "Okay Mulder, if it'll make you happy we'll go to the damn wedding," she declared. "Just as long as you remember that this is your idea, and don't blame me for anything that happens," she added as an afterthought. "Great choice Scully, I'll look forward to posing as your lover," he teased provocatively. With that, he picked up the report, smiled and walked to the door, saying he'd pick her up around 11:30am. As she watched Mulder walk out of the office, Scully couldn't help but wonder what she'd gotten herself into. She hadn't thought much about her reaction to that night. She'd forced herself to concentrate on her work, and had managed to successfully erase the evening from her mind. Unfortunately, now that Mulder had brought it to her attention, she found she couldn't stop thinking about it. She could clearly remember the exhilarating feel of his lips, and how exited she had become when his tounge had found hers. She shook her head at the invading thoughts. She knew that there could never be anything more serious between her and Mulder, than the already existing friendship. All these feelings, were just a result of the lack of existing stimulation in her life. It was only natural that a healthy heterosexual woman like herself would be aroused by a man's kiss. Especially considering how long it had been since her last sexual encounter. She couldn't even remember how long ago that actually was. She would just have to learn to control her desires, she told herself. If not, things could really get dangerous. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx end of part (2/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (3/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Scully looked down at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a long flowing rose-colored dress, that hugged her figure like a second skin. The top showed off much more cleavage than she was accustomed to, while the rift at the side of the dress continued almost completely to her thigh. She wasn't sure why she was even wearing the dress, it was not her usual style. A friend had given it to her for her birthday a few years ago. She had loved the dress, but knew she would never wear it, so had kept it at the back of her closet. Hearing the doorbell, she knew it was too late to change now. She applied some more lipstick, quickly slipped into her pumps, and headed for the living room. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, smiling at Mulder's spontaneous wolf-whistle. "Like what you see Mulder?" She smiled. "Definitely," he replied sincerely, slowly taking in her appearance. "Oh, I've got something for you," he added. "What's that Mulder?" She asked, attempting to peer behind his back. "It's a corsage," he replied, whipping out a small box. Scully smiled at the sight of the exquisite flower. She hadn't expected any of this from Mulder. "You surprise me Mulder," she admitted. "Why Scully?" He asked, as he took the flower out of its box. "A corsage is an old male trick," he confided humorously. "How so?" She asked, tilting her head in curiosity. He leaned in to pin the flower on the strap of material just above her left breast. "It's an excuse for a guy to touch his date without being slapped away," Mulder teased. Securing the corsage efficiently to her dress, he then proceeded to 'accidently' brush his knuckles lightly over her breast as he removed his hand. Scully met his challange with her own gaze, refusing to let him see how he had affected her. "Maybe women enjoy humoring the men so they won't be a nuiscance later on?" She affronted. "Maybe," he replied huskily, holding her gaze as he stepped aside and led her out of the building. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx end of part (3/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (4/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Taking yet another sip of wine, Scully reflected on the beauty of the wedding. It made her long for one of her own, but knew that she would have a long wait ahead of her. Ethan had been right, she realised. Her work was the most important thing in her life right now. And to think, Mulder really was the only man in her life. "What are you thinking about Scully?" Mulder asked, as he sat down at their assigned table. "Nothing much," she replied, downing the rest of the wine. "I was just wondering if I'll ever have a wedding like this some day." "Do you think about that often?" He asked her curiously. Scully studied his expression carefully, looking for any sign of mockery. She found only genuine interest there, so decided to explain. "I've always wanted to get married and start a family Mulder, but it seems that I never will." "Why do you say that?" He asked. "Because I find that I work so hard in pleasing everyone else, that I am left with no time to please myself." "And what exactly does please you, Scully?" He asked lightly, smiling as he gazed into her eyes. She stared at him carefully, unsure of how to reply. "I guess you could say that I miss having a close personal relationship with a man." "I'm a man Scully," he replied, holding her gaze, "I would even venture to say that our relationship is as close, or closer than any other I've had in my life." "That's not what I'm talking about Mulder," she replied slowly. "I wasn't talking about close friendship." "But friendship is the foundation of any lasting relationship," he replied. "I know that saying Mulder, but sometimes I feel that I want more than just friendship in a relationship. Sometimes I need . . ." she paused then, blushing at what she was about to say. "You know what I mean," she finished instead, unable now to meet his eyes. "I'm not sure I do Scully," he teased. Maybe you should elaborate." "Look Mulder," she replied defensively. "All I'm saying is that sometimes what we have is not enough." "You want us to be more than friends Scully?" Mulder asked, only half teasing. "No!" She hastened to reply, knowing it wasn't true. "That's not what I meant at all. I'm just saying that . . ." She paused, not really knowing what she wanted to say. "If it weren't for our work. . ." "Hello, you guys enjoying yourself?" Ethan interrupted, pulling a seat up between them. "You two have barely left the table all evening. Not even to take a turn around the dance floor." "Well, you could say we were enjoying each other's company," Mulder replied tersely, slightly annoyed at being interrupted. "I guess you were," Ethan replied awkwardly. "Anyway," he continued, turning around to face Scully, "seeing as my beautiful bride is taking a turn at dancing with all and sundry, I stopped by to see if maybe you wanted to dance with me for old time's sake?" "Well," she replied slowly, not really pleased about the whole idea. "I. . uh. . ." "I'm sorry, but she can't," Mulder interrupted. "She just promised me the next dance." With those words, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor, before Ethan could object. As they reached the dance floor, the upbeat techno song faded out to be replaced by a more softer ballad. Scully looked up awkwardly into Mulder's eyes as he pulled her into his arms. "Relax Scully," he told her, sensing her mood. "You don't have to do this Mulder," she insisted. "I'm not doing it because I have to Scully," he told her sincerely. "You know, we've known each other for about four years now, and we've never danced together once," he said lightly. "You're right," she replied, deciding to play along. "I guess it won't hurt to have one dance together." With those words, she reached up and placed her arms around his neck. Mulder proceeded to tighten his hold around her waist, arranging it so that their bodies were perfectly blended together. She could feel every contour of his body as they began to move together in time to the music. Mulder had held her close before, she told herself, he had comforted her in this way many times, she reasoned. The problem however, was that this time it was affecting her in an entirely new manner. Admittedly, she had always been slightly affected by his touch, but never had she felt like she would melt in his arms at any moment. She looked up into his eyes as the song began to fade away, and found herself transfixed. His gaze was intense, and so full of emotion. Even as the song ended, all she could do was to look at him, unable, and unwilling to pull away. "Mulder," she finally managed to breathe out, not knowing how to react. "Thanks for the dance," she told him, surprised at the huskiness in her voice. "Anytime Scully," he replied in kind. Leading her back to their table, keeping one hand firmly around her shoulders. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx end of part (4/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (5/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx As they drove back to her apartment, Scully played absently with the bouquet in her lap. She was as surprised as anyone when it had landed straight into her hands. She hadn't even planned on leaving the table to join the horde of eager women. "You're very quiet Scully," Mulder interupted her thoughts. "What are you thinking about." "Oh, nothing really," she replied absently. "I was just musing over the irony of catching a bouquet, particularly after our conversation." "You're not having any ideas, are you Scully?" He teased. "Actually I was," she teased in return. "I was just thinking about how good you look in that tux. . ." "Really Scully," he laughed, as he parked the car. "I always thought you were only attracted to my mind." "Well, there's a lot you don't know about me Mulder," she replied over her shoulder as she stepped out of the car. "Well, I'm willing to find out," he challanged, locking the car door before following her up to her apartment. "Is that a challange, Agent Mulder?" She asked, searching her purse for her keys. "Only if you want to take it as such." He replied, closing the door behind him. Scully turned to face him then. "Mulder, I'm going to make some coffee, do you want some?" "Sure," he replied, taking a seat on her couch. They sat in silence as they sipped their coffee. With anyone else, the silence would have felt akward, but not with Mulder. She enjoyed his company, and talking was not always a necessary form of communication between them. They were constantly able to communicate ideas and thoughts with just a simple look, a touch, or even a gesture. As they sat there on her couch, sipping coffee in companionable silence, Scully could sense that something had changed in their relationship. She was not yet willing to admit to herself the extent or even the nature of the change, but she did know that they had been heading towards this point from the first day they had met. "Want some more coffee?" She asked him, noticing his now empty mug. "No thank you," he replied, turning to face her. "Scully, we have to talk," he told her sincerely. She mereley nodded in agreement, as she poured herself some more coffee. Taking a sip, she realised that she was suddenly hungry. She hadn't eaten much at the reception, having had other things on her mind. "Are you hungry?" She asked him, setting her cup down as she stood up. "Sure," he replied. "I never refuse good food." "You're in luck Mulder," she smiled. "I just bought some the other day." "Really?" He laughed. "And what do you consider to be good food?" "Wait and see," she replied, heading for the kitchen. Mulder smiled at her comment. He always loved it when she returned his banter. Over the past four years they had progressed so much, and their teasing banter had remained a necessary constant. It served to ground them when their relationship became too serious. It helped them maintain the platonic bond they were afraid of crossing. Things were changing however he mused. Ever since he'd felt her lips against his, he'd felt his self control loosen, until it had formed an escape route for his most basic desires. He no longer felt as if he could contain himself from touching her, holding her, or making love to her. As she returned with what looked like two servings of chocolate ice cream, he wanted to tell her about his thoughts. When he met her gaze however, he felt his mind go blank. He couldn't think of anything to say, so he merely nodded his thanks as she handed him the chocolate. Once again they sat in silence. Scully could sense that something had come over Mulder. His mood had shifted dramatically over the past few minutes and she for once, couldn't decipher its nature. "Mulder," she finally managed to let out. "Is something wrong?" "No, nothing's wrong," he sighed. "Then what is it?" She persisted in determination. "Nothing," he replied insistantly. "It's not nothing Mulder," she told him in frustration, waving her arms in emphasis and dripping ice cream all over the front of her dress in the process. "Now look what you did," he teased, getting up to grab some paper towels. "Stay there," he told her, as she began to get up. "If you move you'll spill some over the sofa." Resignedly she complied, knowing he was right. He was back almost immediately, and before she could object, he began to wipe up the ice cream from her chest, moving dangerously close to her cleavage. "I can do this myself Mulder," she told him, placing a hand over his. "Let me Scully," he pleaded, meeting her gaze as he brushed his hand accidently over her breast. Gasping at his touch, she merely nodded, striving to keep her composure. She watched his hands as he slowly moved the paper towel across her chest, brushing her breasts once again as he moved downwards to soak up the rest of the ice cream. She didn't want to admit it, but she found that watching Mulder soak up the ice cream on her dress, was surprisingly arousing. After what seemed like an eternity, Mulder was finally finished. Picking up the used towels, he got up and disposed of them. Scully used this time to regain her composure, hoping against hope that Mulder hadn't noticed how his touch had affected her. "I'm going to change out of this dress Mulder," she told him, moving off the couch. Before she had taken more than a couple of steps however, Mulder walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her around to face him. "Let me help you," he asked her quietly, lifting her face to meet his eyes. She was only half surprised at his request. She knew that something was happening between them, but she was surprised that he was willing to act on it. "I don't know Mulder," she replied, unsure of her own feelings. He gazed into her eyes deeply, begging her to let him in. "Please," he asked her quietly, softly caressing her cheek with his finger. Unable to refuse him, she nodded her consent. "Are you sure?" He asked, smiling as she once again nodded her agreement. Not needing any further encouragement, he quickly bridged the gap between them, capturing her lips with his. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx end of part (5/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (6/6) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx As soon as their lips met, Scully knew that she would never be able to refuse him anything. She opened herself up to him willingingly, eagerly accepting his tongue into her mouth. Just as soon as she had accepted it however, he withdrew it, moving away slightly so that he could look at her. Understanding his intentions, Scully remained motionless. After a moment, he moved the straps of her dress over her shoulders, before reaching behind to undo the zip. She shivered in anticipation as she watched the dress pool at her feet. "Are you cold," he asked in concern, noticing her reaction. She shook her head in response, eager for him to continue. Sensing her mood, he moved to comply. He quickly removed her bra, allowing him to gaze for the first time at her naked breasts. "You're beautiful Scully," he said in awe, amazed at what they were allowing to happen. Scully blushed at his compliment, amazed herself at what they were doing. She had never in a million years imagined that she would let Mulder see her so intimately. He was her partner, her best friend, and now he was about to become her lover. Mulder could tell what she was thinking. He was thinking the same thing. They'd been friends for so long that the prospect of finally giving in to the urges that had plagued them for the past four years was in some way quite daunting. He slowly reached out and traced her cheek with his finger, wordlessly conveying his feelings to her. Her eyes shone with such emotion and feeling, that he knew she was just as willing to take the next step as he was. He leaned in and once again captured her lips with his. This time her response was more urgent. Having finally come to terms with what they were doing, she was now eager to proceed. Her tongue dueled with his as her hands went about ridding him of his shirt and jacket. She marvelled at the sensation of running her hands along his chest. She had seen him naked, or near naked, on many occasions, but never had she allowed herself the pleasure of touching him this way. She gasped when she felt his touch on her breast. His hands had somehow moved from her face, and his thumbs were now playing with her nipples. Unwittingly she let out a deep moan of ecstacy as she tilted her head back, giving his lips access to her throat. He moved his lips along the column of her neck, down towards her chest, before latching on to a breast. His mouth still covering her breast, he effortlessly scooped her up in his arms and carried her into her bedroom. As he placed her gently on the bed, he turned his attention to her other breast, enjoying its taste and feel. Not wanting to remain passive, Scully quickly moved her hands to the waistband of his pants, eager to undress him. Before he could react, she had already unzipped him and had moved her hand to cup him through his boxers. He stiffened at her touch, afraid of losing control and spoiling the moment. "Scully," he groaned as he covered her hand with his. "Mulder, it's all right," she insisted, carefully slipping her hands inside his boxers, removing that final barrier of his clothing. She then cupped his full naked length in her hand, loving the feel of his silky skin against her palm. She then pushed him onto his back and lowered her mouth to his tip. She swirled her tongue around him, savouring his salty taste. With one hand she caressed his base, while her mouth moved along his tip. Unable to resist any longer, Mulder gently lifted her face from between his thighs and turned her onto her back once again. He then kissed her lips with the full extent of his passion, as his hand found its way inside her panties. Scully closed her eyes at the sensation his hand was causing her. She instinctively thrust her hips into his hand as he inserted first one, then two fingers inside her. She moaned at his extremely intimate exploration of her body, not caring if anyone heard her. Sensing her anticipation, Mulder gently rubbed her mound with his thumb, thrusting his fingers deeper and deeper inside. He continued faster and faster with his rhythm, learning to adjust to the momevent of Scully's hips. Scully was completely losing control now, her body craving for more fulfillment than his fingers could give. Sensing her frustration, Mulder slowed his rhythm gradually before removing his hand and taking her panties with him. He then nudged himself between her thighs and was prepared to enter her, when a thought occured to him. "Scully," he managed to croak out. "Do you have protection?" Scully could merely nod and point to her dresser draw, hoping they still had a current use by date. Needing no further instruction, Mulder reached out and fumbled inside the draw till he found what he was looking for. He then carefully ripped open the foil package, noticing they were extremely close to their use by date. Scully helped him roll on the latex, before guiding him into her body. She gasped at how perfectly they fit together. Their joining felt so right to her, as if they had forever been missing a part of themselves and only now had found a way to fulfill the emptiness. All thought was lost however as their bodies began to move as one. They knew each other perfectly, their bodies insinctively knowing what the other needed. As their movements brought them closer to their breaking point, Scully wholly abandoned all sense of modesty and decorum, screaming Mulder's name for all to hear. Sensing she was close to the edge, Mulder's own movements turned more fervent, moving faster and faster as he urged her on. Only when he felt her explosion start to subside, did he allow himself to let go, bringing her to yet another little death. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Scully looked down at her partner, who's head was now resting lovingly against her breast. She had never seen him look so peaceful or content, and her heart filled with joy knowing that she'd been the one to make him feel this way. "Scully." Mulder began, slowly tracing the outline of her breast. "You're awake," Scully gasped softly in surprise. "Hmm," he moaned, still playing with her breast. "We need to talk." Scully merely nodded. She couldn't believe Mulder had already managed to arouse her. "I love you, you know," he whispered against her breast. "I love you too Mulder," she replied, running her fingers through his hair. "I just don't know where to go from here though." "Dana," he began, momentarily ceasing his caress as he moved back to face her. "Now that we're partners, in every sense of the word, he teased. "It will be even harder for them to split us up." He ended sincerely. "But Mulder," she began. "Scully," he interupted. "No matter how hard they try to destroy us, to destroy our work, they will never be able to destroy what we have." Scully looked down at him for a long moment, taking in the full meaning of his words. For once she knew he was right, the strength of their bond was not something she could argue with. "You're right Mulder," she exhaled eventually. "For once in you're life, you're absolutely right." With those words, she covered his lips with their own, sealing their fate with a kiss. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx THE END xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx So, what did you think? All comments and feedback welcomed. Flames will be dutifully ignored. Send comments to s1163553@gcstudent.ins.gu.edu.au xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "The truth will save you Scully, I think it'll save both of us." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx