From: katrinka Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2000 14:26:07 -0600 Subject: New: A Chance To Remember (1/4) Source: xff Title - A Chance to Remember (1/4) Story six In the Doors and Walls Universe Author - Katrinka Authors Email: Katrinka@flash.net Rating - R Classification - MSR Spoilers - Requiem Timing: This story takes place three days after Reflections in the Waves Keywords - A/U what if Archiving Gossamer, Ephemeral, and LEGACY only. Any other archiving must have authors express permission first. I will probably give it! Feedback: Please give this author some feedback! Even a line Stating "I like this" or "I hated this" is welcome. Authors note: In this story, Mulder and Scully deal with becoming Tomorrow People, but it is not a crossover. Summary: After returning to work, Scully must deal with her amnesia. Mulder must make the hardest choice in his life. "I can go to work by myself!" Scully chided Mulder. "I'm quite aware of that." Mulder said as they walked to their office. "You can go anywhere you want." "You had the front guard call for me when I arrived." *I was just trying to be careful. * Mulder telepathed. "Stay out of my mind!" Scully snapped. *Don't touch my mind unless you have permission!" "I'm sorry." The fact that both were Tomorrow People should have drawn them closer, but only made it so that they were farther apart. Scully didn't like her new powers, and choose not to use them. "Why do you treat me like a small child?" She demanded. "I've been worried about you." he confessed. This was Scully's first day at work since the abduction. She had insisted that she didn't need Mulder to help her. The doctors had given her a physical pass, but she still had partial amnesia. "I told you, I'm not a child, I can take care of myself!" *Of course you're not a child. Things have changed; you need me here to help you with the changes. * Mulder thought. Scully looked at Mulder puzzled, and he realized he had telepathed to her. "I didn't think of it that way. Thanks Mulder." "I'm sorry about the telepathy." He was afraid to touch Scully, afraid that she would find out telepathically his true feelings for her. "Don't be." Scully smoothed the hair over the scar behind her ear. "It's simply something else I have to get used to." Scully followed Mulder to his office. Mulder pulled the key out of his pocket, and unlocked the door. When Scully made no move to come inside he looked at her. "Is there a problem?" "It's nothing." She reached out, touching Mulder's nameplate. "I didn't think you had an office anymore." "We were put back on the X-files in the spring." "I see." Scully's face grew more serious. "What happened to Spender?" "I'm not sure. He disappeared one day." Mulder went into the office, followed by Scully. "There was blood on the floor, so something probably happened to him." "What about Fowley?" Mulder didn't want to discuss his ex-wife. "She's dead." Scully walked to her desk, and touched the nameplate. Scully's eyes glazed over, and her lips moved answering some unspoken question. "What's wrong?" Mulder asked concerned. "You gave me a single rose every day." Scully said softly. "You remember something." Mulder couldn't keep the hope out of his voice. "A little bit." Scully paused. "I can also remember the scent of freshly made coffee. I don't understand that part." "Don't try to. The best way for you to remember anything is not to try." Mulder fought off the urge to pick Scully up in his arms and swing her around. Even a little bit of memory was enough to give him hope. *She's no longer mine. * He reminded himself. "You're not making sense." Scully said skeptically. Scully touched the vase. "I can remember that I really loved finding those flowers on my desk." Mulder smiled. "Perhaps you might find more someday." "I guess we better get to work." Scully said, looking at the heap of papers on her desk. "Yeah, work." Mulder turned on his computer, and began to work on the field report. ************************* "I finished the report. Do you want to see it before I turn it in?" Mulder asked his partner. He had left her amnesia out of the report. Putting what had really happened to Scully in an official report would have only opened them to needless questions. How could Mulder discuss the Tomorrow People officially? It was best if they were left out of any report. "How were you able to write everything that happened to us in a report? Kersh...I mean Skinner won't believe it." Scully asked. "It's called using your creativity." Mulder handed Scully the report. Scully spent several minutes reading the paper. "Very good. You've left everything about the Tomorrow People out of the report." "It's for the best, don't you think?" He asked. "We have to get our stories straight. You were found in a corn field along with several others." "Wheat perhaps, but not corn." Scully corrected. "They don't raise corn in Oklahoma." Mulder smiled. "Your right Lady, they don't. All right, make it wheat." "Wheat it is." Scully smiled back. Mulder glanced at his watch. "Skinner wanted to see us at eleven." "All right." Scully got up. Mulder came up to her, standing closely, but not touching. "Let me do the talking. I don't want you to have to answer anything that would make you feel uncomfortable." *Why is he acting so protective of me? * Mulder could hear Scully think. "Is that okay?" Mulder looked into her eyes. He tried to hide the conflicting emotions he felt. "Of course it is." She handed him the report back. "I'm just nervous about our meeting with Skinner." "Nothing to be nervous about." Mulder tried to reassure. ************** Scully followed Mulder into Skinner's office. At least that seemed nice and normal to her. Nothing had changed much about it. Perhaps the furniture had new covers, but that was about it. Mulder's walls grew higher as they sat down. She couldn't feel the touch of his mind. Perhaps that was for the best, as they were trying to be professional. Still, Scully missed the constant mental contact between her and her partner. Skinner several minutes reading the report, as his two agents sat there, waiting. Finally he put the report down. "Which one of you wrote this?" "I did, sir." Mulder told him. "How many people were found in the field?" "Twenty, sir." "Why didn't you put the type of field in the report?" "I'm sorry. It was a wheat field." "Agent Scully. This report states that you have no memory of what happened to you When you were abducted." "No sir, I don't." Scully told Skinner. "Sir, if you read in my report, a full third of the people recovered have partial amnesia." Mulder said quickly. "I read that, Agent Mulder." Skinner seemed to be a bit exasperated. "I just wanted to hear from Agent Scully what she can remember." Scully unconsciously checked to see if the hair was hiding her scar. "Yes sir. I'll answer any question you have." "What was the last day you remember?" "Sir..." Mulder began. "I want to hear it from Scully." Skinner snapped. "February, 1999, sir." Scully answered. "Right, so your amnesia is the same as the rest of the abductees. As your report stated, the third that had memory losses lost 14 months of their lives." "Yes sir." Skinner looked at Scully for several moments, then asked. "Do you think that this memory loss can affect your performance on the X-Files?" "No, sir. I don't." "Well, I am going to recommend that you complete a psyche evaluation before you are fully cleared for work." "Yes sir." A sinking feeling filled Scully's soul. "When do I have to report to the hospital?" *Oh god no! * Mulder gasped telepathically. Skinner glanced at Mulder, which made Scully wonder if he had heard her partner. "Tomorrow. If everything goes right, you'll be out in three days." "Yes sir." "Sir, can you please request that Agent Scully not be giving any psychotropic medications while she is being tested?" Mulder asked. "Agent Mulder, what business is it of yours what type of medication Agent Scully is given?" "Because I am a psychologist. I understand what things can happen to a person during Testing-including routine drug prescriptions." "I keep forgetting you're a psychologist." Skinner murmured. "I can try and make that request, but I can't make any promises." ***************** Scully had told Mulder that she wanted to be alone when she went home. He had looked at her with understanding eyes, and told her to drive safely. Scully walked through her apartment. Everything seemed the same, but changed at the same time. Mulder's unwashed coffee mug stood beside the sink. In an ashtray laid a heap of sunflower seed shells. She reached out, touching the mug. For a brief moment, she could remember Mulder working at the computer, drinking coffee. Using a hunch, Scully went to the computer and turned it on. She tried the word processor, opening the most recently closed file. All she found was a rough draft of a report that Mulder had been working on. Going into her bedroom, Scully went to the closet. She opened the door. Inside were several changes of clothes for Mulder. *We lived together. * Scully thought. *No wonder he's so upset. He sees my memory loss as a rejection." Scully found the bed made, but something sticking out of the hem of the bed spread. Scully bent down and picked up the item. It was a T-shirt, too large for herself. *Must be Mulder's. * Scully hugged the shirt against her chest. She could hear herself say. "You're a slob Mulder." "Am not." Mulder had a goofy grin on his face. "You can throw your clothes all over your apartment, but not here." "As you wish." Mulder said as the memory faded. She went into the bathroom to put it in the dirty clothes hamper. The hamper had other items of Mulder's clothes. A pair of pants, jeans, a couple of pairs of socks. There was a ring beside the sink, a man's ring. She picked it up. Like a flash, a memory came into her mind. Mulder was in a hospital. His head bandaged. Scully smiled at him. "I've brought you something from Africa." "Why didn't you give it to me when you gave me my chain?" "I was wearing your chain. This was packed." "Oh, I see." Mulder said softly. Scully took a small package from behind her back. She put it in his hand. "I found this at a flea market. It made me think of you." Mulder unwrapped the package. Inside was a golden ring, an emerald that was so clear that it seemed to reflect the soul. Mulder touched the stone. "Times like this, I wish I wasn't color blind." "Do you like it?" Scully asked hesitantly. "I love it." Mulder slipped the ring on his right ring finger. It fit perfectly. "I'm sorry if it's not real." "It doesn't matter," Mulder interrupted. "It's wonderful." Suddenly Scully was back in the bathroom. She opened a drawer in the vanity and looked around in it. There it was a chain. Scully slipped the ring on a chain then put the chain on. She felt like a teenager wearing a boyfriends ring on a chain. She just hoped it would make her remember more. ***************************** There was a slight tapping at Scully's front door. Scully went and answered it. Mulder stood in the hallway, his hands behind his back. "Hi Scully. Are you busy?" Mulder said shyly. "Course not. Come on in." Mulder pulled a bundle of flowers from behind his back. "This is for you." When he saw her hesitation. "I'm moving to fast aren't I?" Scully realized if she didn't say something fast, Mulder would bolt. She smiled. "You brought my favorites." She took the flowers from him and went into the apartment. *Vase, I need a vase. * Scully looked in the place were she used to keep the vases. Several bottles of wine sat in the place were she usually kept the flower vases. Scully began to look through the cabinets. She found several packages of sunflower seeds, but no vases. She decided to give in gracefully, and ask her partner. "Mulder. Do you know where I've put my vases?" Mulder finally came into the apartment, shutting the door behind him. Without saying anything, he opened the cabinet above Scully's refrigerator. A thing she wouldn't have been able to reach without a chair. Mulder took out a vase, and set it on the table. Then he went to the couch and sat down. Scully picked up the vase; she filled it with water. Then she unwrapped the flowers. Roses, red roses. She arranged them in the vase. "Their beautiful." "I'm glad you like it." Something seemed to be bothering Mulder. He stood up. "I better go." "I hate being alone. Something's missing here. It's you." She walked up to him. "Please stay." "I don't want to rush you. I'll give you time if you need it." Mulder said tenitivly. "I have a feeling.... I have a feeling that I will remember more if you stay with me." Scully confessed. Mulder's eyes grew large. "You've remembered something?" "Only a couple of things." Scully thought for a moment. "I remember fussing at you for leaving the bedroom in a mess." Mulder smiled widely. "I've always been a slob." "I can remember giving you a ring. I bought it for you in Africa." Scully looked away from him. "I want to remember more, but I can't." Mulder reached out, touching her cheek. "Don't try to remember. It's easier to remember if you can relax." Scully could feel Mulder's longings for her in the touch. The feelings were so much like the loneliness she felt that she knew he couldn't leave. "I know I'm being selfish, but can you stay?" "I didn't drive here from Alexandra just to drop off flowers. I came for a visit." Scully raised an eyebrow. "You didn't teleport?" "We're only supposed to teleport if it's an emergency." Mulder turned from her, and picked something up off of the couch. He handed her to her. "I brought a movie." Scully looked down to the DVD. "The Princess Bride." "You like it don't you?" "It's one of my favorites." She confessed. ******************************* Mulder popped popcorn for Scully, found a couple of beers, and put the movie on. Scully watched Mulder's running around with some amusement. "I thought you didn't like the Princess Bride." "I changed my mind." Mulder said, settling on the couch beside Scully. The Princess Bride, did Scully know that Mulder had picked it out with a purpose? The movie had driven him insane the other millions of times they had watched it together. The sappiness was too much for him. Before he had always identified with the little boy whose grandfather forced him to listen to the story. Now he felt more like Wesley. "What's wrong?" Scully finally asked. "Movie driving you bonkers?" "No." "We don't have to watch it." "I want to watch it." Mulder paused, trying to find the words. "If I was to say, be abducted by the Dread Alien Roberts." "The Dread Alien Roberts?" Scully laughed. "The Dread Alien Roberts? That's a good one." "If I was captured by aliens, would you remember me?" Scully looked at Mulder, really looked at him. "Your serious aren't you?" "Extremely." "Yes, I would remember you." Scully promised. "I might not sit by the fireplace for five years like Buttercup did, but I would try and get you back." "Thanks." Mulder paused. "Remember, death can not stop true love, it can only delay it for awhile." "My Wesley." Scully said, kissing him gently. As they kissed, Scully shoved popcorn into Mulder's shirt. "Why'd you do that for?" Mulder demanded. "You're not getting kidnapped by aliens, so I don't know why you're worrying." "I just wanted to cover all my bases." Mulder told her. He couldn't tell her about his dreams now. She wouldn't believe him. Title - A Chance to Remember (2/4) Story six In the Doors and Walls Universe Author - Katrinka What can I do? Pictures of you still make me cry Trying to live without your love It's so hard to do Some nights I'll wake up I'll look at your pillow Hoping that I'll see you there But I get up each day, not much to say I've nowhere to go Loneliness fills me up inside 'Cause I'm missing you So if you'll give us a chance to remember The love we had once together Wait and see Time is all that we really need Don't Let It End By Dennis DeYoung As the credits for the Princess Bride rolled, Scully asked Mulder if he would like to stay the night. Mulder agreed, but he had insisted on sleeping on the couch. His partner had enough to worry about without Mulder's problems. The dreams, he didn't want to wake her with one of his nightmares. The nightmare came soon after Mulder fell asleep. Christmas, a time that they should have been together. Mulder could see Scully putting ornaments on a small tree. She was alone in her apartment. Mulder had made it a tradition to find a reason to spend the night when she decorated her apartment. Perhaps it was because he had never had a tree when he was a child. Perhaps he was fascinated by a holiday he had never celebrated. Perhaps it was another way for him to be closer to his partner. She had always seemed interested in sharing his holiday with him. Now Scully was alone, going through the motions of a tradition that they shared. Scully's hand went to her growing stomach, caressing the babies within. *Daddy would be here if he could. * *I miss him so much. * There was a tapping at her door. Scully went and got it. Standing there was Byers. "Hey Byers." "Can I come in?" Byers was holding a present. "Of course," Scully moved to let him in. "I'm surprised to find you here. I thought you would be going to your mothers house." "Not after what happened at Thanksgiving." Scully shut and locked the door. "What happened?" "I had to spend the day listening to my brother ranting and raving about the self-centered bastard that knocked me up then ran out on me." Scully turned back to the tree, and picked up an ornament. "I'm sorry." "Not your fault." "You wouldn't want to spend Christmas with Langly, Frohike and me would you?" Byers paused. "I won't call Mulder a bastard once." Scully nodded. "Sounds perfect." "I think you need to know something about Mulder." "What?" Scully picked up the menorah that she had bought for her partner. She put it on the dining room table. She would light the candles for her partner. The way he had in years past. Byers took the candles from Scully, and put them in the holder. "Mulder had a premonition about Oregon." "Oh really." Scully couldn't keep the skepticism out of her voice. "He gave himself to the aliens." "He *let* himself be taken?" Scully demanded. "He knew it would happen." "Damn it!" Scully hit the table hard. "Why didn't he do something to keep himself from being kidnapped?" "Scully..." "He should have brought me with him!" Tears stung her eyes. "I might have been able to protect him." "You don't know that." "He dumped me again." The tears began to flow. "My brother's right. He ran off and left me. I might never get him back." "Mulder was given the choice, you and the babies, or him." Byers said softly. "He had to choose himself." "Mulder didn't know I was pregnant!" "He knew, I don't know how he knew, but he did." Byers reached out and touched Scully. "He loved you. That's why he gave himself up." The scene shifted, Scully was lying on a bed, her arms and legs restrained to the bed. In the distance, she could hear the wail of babies. An alien showed her a basinette. Inside two human babies lay, moving around in discomfort. She could hear in her mind. *These are your children. * "My babies." Scully gasped. "I need my babies." *Your children will be fulfilling a scientific need, as you will be. * A drill lowered from the ceiling. Scully horrified watched the drill coming towards her, and then it began to cut her chest. Scully screamed. Mulder woke in a cold sweat. He looked around the room. Scully's apartment, he was back inside his partner's apartment. He had been dreaming again. The dream had given him the choice again. His life or the life of the woman he loved. The choice frightened him. He didn't know if he was strong enough to give himself up for testing. Mulder got off the couch. He folded the blankets, then he went into Scully's bedroom. She was sleeping soundly. He knelt beside her, brushing hair off her face. "I can't let them hurt you." Scully moaned in her sleep. He couldn't tell Scully she was pregnant. It was too soon since conception. *My dreams might not be true. * His hand went to her stomach. He could feel the life force of the twins. *Our babies. * He telepathed to them. *Your mommy's going to be surprised when she finds out about you. * *Miracle children. * He kissed Scully gently and left the room. ********************** The very idea of having to stay at a hospital terrified Scully. She knew it was an irrational fear, but the fact remained that she was afraid. Scully couldn't remember why she would be afraid of a medical center, she just knew she was. *This is ridiculous. I'm a doctor. I shouldn't be afraid of hospitals. * Scully told herself. When Scully woke, she found herself alone in the apartment. Mulder's pillow and Blankets were folded neatly on the couch. On top of that, was a piece of paper. Lady, I had to run an errand. I'll be back in a few minutes. Love Mulder Scully decided that she needed coffee. She went to the kitchenette. She looked to see where she kept her coffee. It wasn't in its usual place. *Perhaps I am going crazy. * * I don't even know were the coffee is! * Scully began to hunt for the coffee. She found an electric coffee grinder where her plates used to be. Then the search began for the coffee. Scully hunted and hunted, but couldn't find even a coffee bean. *Let's see if there is any juice."* Scully opened the refrigerator. Inside, on one of the door shelves was a package of whole bean coffee. She picked it up. "Mochichino crunch" read the package. Scully had a brief flash of memory. Mulder had given her the coffee, and the grinder as a present. She could remember his smile as she told him that she appreciated it. They had kissed afterwards. She could still remember the hunger in his kiss. Then just as suddenly, the memory was gone. *Coffee. * She reminded herself. A few minutes later, the room was filled with the smell of fresh coffee. Scully poured herself a cup, added some milk, and then took a sip. It was good, if she did say so herself. She went to the couch, refolded the blanket, then sat down. She turned on the morning news. An election ad played. A small thing, but one more reminder that Scully had lost over a year. Mulder suddenly appeared in the living room. He held a bag full of take out food. Scully jumped about three inches. "Mulder don't do that!" "What's wrong?" There was concern in his eyes. "Popping in like that!" "Its called teleporting." Mulder set the food on the coffee table. "Can I have some coffee?" "Sure." Scully shrugged. Mulder went to the coffeepot, and poured himself a cup. Then he went back to Scully, he put the blankets on the floor, and sat down. "The blankets don't live on the floor." Scully pointed out. "I'll put them up after breakfast." Mulder promised. "So what's for breakfast?" Mulder opened the bag. "Authentic Japanese food." "Japanese food for breakfast?" Scully raised an eyebrow. "Don't beat it until you tried it." Mulder smiled at her. He handed her a box. Scully opened it. She had to admit that Mulder had gotten her favorite dish. "So what place would be open this early?" She asked as she took a bite. "This is really good." "It's not early in Tokyo." Mulder shrugged. "You can't really say you went to Tokyo." Scully said skeptically. "Yes I did." Mulder gave a half smile as he began eating. "That's the good thing about being a Tomorrow Person, the world's you home." "Let me guess, you went to Tokyo to get the latest Godzilla movie, and decided to buy me breakfast." Mulder took a DVD out of his jacket pocket. He set it on the table. "Godzilla 2000 with subtitles." "Your incorrigible." Scully told him. "I know." Mulder smiled. *************** Ng Hsui Tai was the name of the doctor that Scully would be under the care of. For some reason, Mulder seemed to be a lot less worried about Scully going into the hospital. Mulder drove Scully to the mental hospital. Scully had volunteered at a mental hospital before. She knew what a horrible place that lived behind the walls. The hospital that Mulder took her to didn't really look like a hospital. Instead it looked like an Edwardian mansion. "The FBI doesn't usually send people here, do they?" Scully asked. "I have connections." Mulder said with a half grin. "We have to do what Skinner ordered us to. That means us going to the appropriate hospital." She reminded him. Mulder shrugged. "Well, Skinner did sign the authorization for you to come here." "What did you do to him to make him sign the forms?" Mulder shrugged. "Nothing! I simply asked him to sign the form." Scully looked at the small sign that was attached to the wall beside the front door. "Shansu Mental Health Clinic." *What kind of place is this? * "Are we going to go in, or are we just going to sit here?" Mulder asked her. Scully came to a decision. "We better go in." *************** Scully wasn't in a hurry to come into the clinic. She followed Mulder, almost a full pace behind him. Her partner carried her overnight case. She wondered why he would do that. It would be taken away from her when she checked in. A Monk sat at the reception desk. He looked up to Mulder. "Can I help you?" "Yes, Dana Scully to check in." "Yes, we've been expecting her." The man touched a button. "I'll have a monk show you to your room." "Don't I need to complete paperwork?" Scully asked. "No, that's all ready been completed." Another Monk came into the room. "You must be Scully. I'll show you to your room." "I expect you want my bag." "No, keep it." "Can I come with her?" Mulder asked. "Of course." The second Monk said. Scully followed Mulder and the Monk. The rooms she passed looked more like dorms then mental hospital rooms. Residents watched television or read books. The Monk stopped at a door. He opened it. "This will be your room Dr. Scully." Scully couldn't help but notice that the outside of the door didn't have a lock. She went inside. The room looked nice. A bed, television, there was even a computer. Mulder put the suitcase on the bed. "There's something wrong with this place." Scully told Mulder. "What's wrong?" "I've worked in mental hospitals. They don't look like this." Scully looked at the man. "Where is my real room?" "I don't understand." the Monk sounded confused. "I am a doctor. I know what a real mental hospital room looks like. What their procedures are. This place doesn't have any of them." "That's because Dr. Ng's clinic is different from other mental hospitals." The man explained. "The Brotherhood believes in kindness." "The brotherhood?" Scully asked. "The Brotherhood of Shansu. They work very closely with Dr. Ng. We believe in good works." The Monk looked at both of them. "I'll leave you to say your good-byes." With that, the Monk left. "The monks of Shansu." Scully said. "Didn't I read something in one of your files about that?" "Yes, you probably did. A Tibetan religion. They used to believe in child gods, keeping the gods in seclusion until they were burnt at puberty." Mulder explained. "They gave it all up in 1978, they now dedicate themselves to doing good works, in the names of their Gods." "Are you sure they stopped their child murders?" Scully asked. "I'm positive of it." Mulder said firmly. "I've investigated them." "What happens if they aren't what they say they are?" "If something happens, you can teleport away." Mulder told her. "I'll end up in the ocean." she reminded him. "I can't control my teleporting yet." "If that happens, call me. I'll fish you out." Mulder promised. He kissed her very gently. The contact between them was electrifying. Then her partner pulled away from her. "I need to go." Scully realized what she needed. She needed to feel her partner's touch again. She went to him, putting her arms around him. Mulder stiffened slightly under the touch. "Kiss me again." "I can't" there was regret in his voice. "Every time you touch me, I remember something else. I need you. Please." Mulder looked into her eyes, thinking. His fingers went to her cheek, caressing it. Then his lips descended onto hers. As her mouth opened into the kiss, memories flooded into her mind. She could feel Mulder's arms tighten around her, crushing her to him. She could feel the passions he was holding back. He had missed her in his bed. This emptiness was as hard on him as it was on her. Then Mulder was holding her in his arms, her head tucked under his chin. "I'm sorry, I can't do anymore. I'm afraid. I'll force you into doing something you don't want to." Mulder's fingers caressed her hair; his lips brushed her forehead. "I can't force you to love me. I want you to do it on your own." "It's okay, I understand." There was a slight tapping on the door. Mulder's arms tightened around Scully. "What is it?" "It is time for you to go." A monk told him. "It is almost time for Ms. Scully's appointment with Dr. Ng." Mulder pulled away from Scully. There was regret in his eyes. "If you need me, just call." "I will." Scully promised. *I love you. * Mulder told her telepathically. ************************** Title - A Chance to Remember (3/4) Story six In the Doors and Walls Universe Author - Katrinka Leaving Scully at the clinic had been one of the hardest things that Mulder had done in his life. The way Scully had asked him to kiss her. For a brief instant, as they kissed, he could feel *his* Scully again. The Dana Scully who had briefly been his lover. The woman he would have given his life to save hers. Then another woman appeared she too was named Dana Scully. This woman had no memories of the past year. She was like his lover, but different at the same time. The difference bothered him. *Scully's no longer mine. * He reminded himself. Mulder decided he needed to run. Let his body move as his mind forgot. He went home, changed into his running clothes, then grabbed his tape player. Music would drown out his thoughts of his lover. It would take the dreams that haunted his nights away. Mulder turned on the music, and began to run. After thirty minutes, he realized music wasn't working. He had grabbed his Styx CD. Every song made him think of Scully. *My lover. * "She's no longer my lover." He reminded himself out loud. *Perhaps I should leave until I can get over her. * *I'm not sure I can get over Scully. * He admitted. *She means too much to me. * "Why does this have to happen to me?" A friend of Mulder's came around the corner. Byers had the stride of an experienced runner. Mulder knew that his friend ran, but not in this neighborhood. His friend usually went somewhere more exotic to exercise. Places were no one would find him. Byers stopped in front of Mulder. "How's the running?" "Are you following me?" Mulder asked suspiciously. "No, I'm not." "This is no were near were you usually run." Mulder snapped. "You like to run on islands not inhabited by humans." "If I did that all the time, it would get boring." Byers shrugged. "Sometimes I find it nice to run with people around." "Who sent you?" "No one sends me anywhere. You should know that by now." "You're checking up on me." Byers sighed. "When did you stop trusting me?" "Probably about the time I found out about your knowing me in my past." Mulder couldn't' keeps the pain out of his voice. "Why didn't you ever tell me?" "Because you wouldn't have believed me." Byers watched a woman walk past them. "This isn't the place to talk about this." "Where do you want to go?" "Your place is closer." Byers began to run in the direction of Mulder's apartment. ****************************** Mulder took Byers to his apartment. It no longer felt as if it was truly his. Scully's presence had changed the apartment from a place he simply stayed at, into their home. Scully was gone. The presence had changed, now all he had was memories. "So tell me, how long will it be until you leave?" Byers asked. "What do you mean?" Mulder grabbed a sports drink out of the refrigerator and sat down. "This situation reminds you too much of other pains in the past." Byers shrugged. "It's only a matter of time until you run from it." "I don't run out on things." Mulder said firmly. "What about Scully? You're running out on her." "I'm still her partner, nothing's changed." Byers brushed past Mulder and went into the bedroom. He came back a few moments later with the box of Scully's things. Byers threw the box so that it landed only a few inches from Mulder's feet, the contents spilling onto the floor. "Nothing's changed? It hasn't even been a week, and you packed up her things!" "What does a week matter?" Mulder shouted. "Scully needs your faith. Which means you have to stay with her. You're her lover!" "I can't stay with her! I can't be Scully's lover, not now!" "If you're gone, who will help Scully get her memories back?" Byers countered. "Who says my staying will get her memories back?" Mulder demanded. "It's been over 20 years, and I still can't remember!" "Remember what?" Byers said calming down. "Those bastards that took Scully's memories also took mine!" Mulder couldn't keep the pain out of his voice. "If I can't remember, why should she?" "Has Scully remembered anything?" "That's not the point! Her memories are gone. Our relationship is destroyed. No matter how hard I try, I'll never get her back." tears stung Mulder's eyes. "You don't know that." "I have to face reality. For Scully's sake." The pain welled up in him until he thought it would burst. The tears began to flow. Loosing Scully hurt the pain even more sharp then a cut. It would take years for his soul to heal. His partner, his lover, all Mulder wanted was his lover back. Byers sat down beside him, and took him into his arms. Mulder accepted his friend's touch. *I've lost her, John. Oh god I lost her. How can I deal with the pain? * Mulder telepathed. "The same away I learned to accept the loss of my best friend." Byers said softly. "I always hoped that you would remember me." "How can you stand to be my friend if I can't remember part of our friendship?" "It wouldn't be fair to punish you for that." Byers paused. "You are punishing Scully for what happened to her." "How can you say that?" "Scully needs you to help her get her memories back." "I can't do that." Mulder whispered. "Then the person your hurting is Scully, not yourself." Byers pointed out. "How can I pretend that she's not my lover?" "You can't." Byers said simply. "I talked to Scully. She knows she lived with you. She has some memories of your being there. She loves you, what else do you need?" "She needs her memories." "No, you need her memories. All Scully needs is you." "What if she never remembers?" "Then she'll still have you, and that's enough." Byers said firmly. *********************** *We want you to see your children before they are disposed of. * The alien told Scully. Two aliens pushed a stretcher into the room, then they turned and left. Using all of her strength Scully got out of bed, and walked to the stretcher. It hurt to walk. It hurt to do most anything now. The wounds from the latest experiment too fresh. This set of multi-births had only been born that morning. The aliens wanted to see just how many multi-births a woman could endure. Scully had spent the past five years constantly pregnant with fetuses implanted by the aliens. Scully steadied herself against the side of the stretcher and looked down. The twins lay fully dressed. They were little over five years old. They looked like they were sleeping. Both children had close-cropped hair. There were scars on the sides of their heads. The aliens had experimented on them. She reached out, touching the girl's hand. It was icy cold. She had let the aliens use her in any way they wished, in return, the aliens promised her that the babies would be safe. Tears stung her eyes. The aliens had lied to her. She now knew that her usability to the aliens was at an end. She too would die soon. *I'm so sorry. * She told them, as tears stung her eyes. Scully was the mother of many, many children given to her by the aliens. She was the mother of only two by choice. These two she was able to see and mother. They were her only ties to Mulder, now they were dead. *You look so much like your father. * Scully told her children. *Mulder would have loved you as much as I did. * The aliens came into the room. *It is time for you to return to Earth. * "Yes, I see." Scully said. The scene shifted, Scully was in a hospital bed, attached to monitors. Mulder sat by her bed. He watched the instruments, then suddenly everything flatlined. Mulder ran into the hallway to get help. The doctors tried all they could to save Scully, but it was too late. Mulder watched Scully die. The dreams came again, interrupting Mulder's sleep. He got off of the couch and went into the kitchen. Perhaps some hot milk would make him sleepy. Mulder took the milk out of the refrigerator, poured some into a cup, and put the cup in the microwave. He set the timer. This dream had been more troubling then the dreams before. Guilt washed over Mulder. *The babies, Scully dead, because of me. * Byers walked into the kitchen. "Can't sleep?" "I had a bad dream." Mulder admitted. The machine beeped, Mulder took the cup out of the microwave, and went into the living room. He sat down on the couch. "What kind of dream?" Byers sat beside him. "A nightmare, you wouldn't understand." "It was about the future, wasn't it?" Byers guessed. Mulder looked at his friend in surprise. "How did you know that?" "Before the implant, you used to have dreams. The dreams always came true." Mulder put the cup on the table. "Not this dream. It can't come true." "What was the dream about?" "I've been having dreams about the future. I went willingly to a place where I knew I would be abducted. It would protect Scully, our children...." "This dream was different, wasn't it?" "Much different. I didn't support Scully in getting her memories back. When I went to Oregon, she insisted on going with me. The aliens captured her. Twins-our children," Mulder tried to gather his thoughts. "The aliens used Scully as in incubator. When they finally returned her, they killed the twins. Scully died soon after her return." "When does this abduction take place?" "A few days, not more then two weeks." "Has Scully told you she's pregnant?" Byers asked. "No, she doesn't know yet. She finds out the day I'm abducted." "What are you going to do?" "I'll have to do everything in my power to keep Scully from being abducted." Mulder vowed. "They could kill you." His friend reminded him. "You can't put all your trust in dreams, or aliens." "The dreams have told me enough. It's me or Scully and our children." Mulder picked up the cup, and drained it. "I'm not worth sacrificing three lives for." "Scully might not agree with that." "It's not Scully's choice, it's mine." Mulder said firmly. "I have to help Scully get her memories back." *************************** Scully had called Mulder, telling him. "It's me." Reminding Mulder so much of the days before they had become lovers. She hadn't asked him to pick her up, she only told him she was going to be released. Mulder decided that he needed to pick her up. He wouldn't worry so much about her if he knew Scully was safe. *I'm going to have to face her. * Mulder thought as he walked the steps to the clinic. *The future's coming closer, and I can't do anything about it. * *I have to stay strong for Scully. * *I need to save her life. * He waited for the Monk to get her. He watched for her in the hallway. Finally she arrived, wearing jeans and a light gray polo shirt. She carried her overnight case in her hands. He was glad to see her. Mulder didn't realize how much he had missed her even over three days. Mulder walked to her, taking her over night case from her hands. "How do you feel Lady?" he tried to keep the worry out of his voice. "Better." "Do you want me to take you home?" he asked. "If you want." She said a bit sadly. Mulder reached out, touching her cheek. "Your place or mine?" "Yours." "I've always thought of it as our home. It hasn't been the same without you." Mulder waited a second, waiting for the skeptical Scully to make it's appearance. "I don't know if I'll remember anything." His partner seemed nervous. "You don't have to." Mulder smiled. "I want this Dana Scully to come home with me." "What if the other Scully doesn't come back?" "Then I still have you." His fingers caressed her cheek. "Take me home." Scully smiled. *********************** Mulder had changed in the time Scully was in the clinic. She caught him watching her, his eyes sad. In the drive home, Mulder had touched her more then the two days before she had entered the clinic. *The way he's acting, we must have spent most of our off hours in bed. * Scully thought. *I wish I could remember our past together. * *Hsui Tai told me to give it time. I have to give our relationship the time it needs to heal. * *I can't rush things. * Walking into Mulder's apartment gave Scully cold chills. Glimmers of memories filled her mind, as she followed Mulder into the bedroom. The memories more like ghosts then anything else. Scully ran her hand over the bed, nothing. She tried touching the dresser, nothing. "What do you feel?" There was hope in Mulder's voice. "Nothing." Tears stung her eyes. "Oh my god, it's never coming back." Mulder reached out, wiping the tears from her cheek. "It's okay, don't try." The helplessness welled up in Scully, until she felt like it would burst. The tears came. "I can't remember. You won't take me back unless I can remember." "That's not true." Mulder pulled Scully into his arms. This time the touch was warm, welcoming. "What happens if I never remember?" "We still have each other." Mulder promised. "I was afraid, I had some secrets that you found out and understood about. This time, you might not. I might loose you." "They can't be that bad." Scully said lightly. "It's not like you were married to Fowley, or anything." Mulder pulled away from his partner. For an instant, Scully could see the pain in Mulder's eyes. Then he went into the living room. She could hear the sound of the television come on, then Mulder watching something in a strange language. So that was it, Mulder had once been married to Fowley. Scully's rational mind told her that there must be some kind of explanation. Her emotions told her something different. She wanted to go in the living room and demand that Mulder tell her why he kept his marriage a secret. *There has to be a good reason. I accepted it before." Scully picked up her over night case, and set it on the dresser. She began to take things out. A lipstick rolled out, and landed in a slightly opened drawer. Scully opened the drawer, and began to look for the lipstick. In the corner, her fingers hit something metallic. Scully took the object out of the drawer. It was the ring that Mulder had always wore around his neck. For an instant, she could see through Mulder's eyes. Mulder was visiting Diana while she was stationed in Europe. She hadn't picked Mulder up at the airport. It had happened before; Mulder didn't think much of it. He would put the bags in the bedroom, then go find his wife. He could hear Diana's laugh from down the hallway. He walked towards the bedroom. Then stood staring at what he saw. For his wife was in bed with two men. Diana looked at Mulder. She smiled at him. "Join us." "Not in your life." With that, Mulder turned and left. Other things too, Scully had wanted to see Diana's grave. Mulder hadn't wanted to go, but went because she asked. He had cried afterwards, and gotten very drunk. Scully spent the night with him, simply holding her friend. Scully was suddenly back in the bedroom. The feelings of pain and hurt that the object held were too much for her. She put the ring back in its hiding place. The anger that she felt towards Mulder was gone. Mulder was alone, and hurting. He needed her. She went into the living room. Mulder was sitting on the couch, staring at some movie in an Eastern European language. "What are you watching?" She asked as she sat beside him. Mulder didn't look up. "Something on the Baltic channel." "I'm sorry I mentioned Diana." "You didn't know." Mulder shrugged. "I should have known." "How?" there was pain in Mulder's voice. "I should have told you. I just didn't know how." "How long were you married to her?" "Legally? Way too long. She disappeared before I could file for divorce. I didn't divorce her without her knowing. She could have used it against me." Mulder's voice was very soft. "Diana granted me the divorce soon after she came back into my life." "How long did you live with her?" "About a year. Then Diana was transferred to Europe. I visited her a few times. Something happened, and I knew that we would never be together." Mulder's voice became even softer. "Now you know. Are you going to leave?" "Do you want me to leave?" *No, * he telepathed. "I don't want to leave either." Scully had an overwhelming urge to kiss her partner. She decided to give into that urge. Mulder seemed surprised as she kissed him. He stiffened for a brief second, and then he signed as he opened himself to the kiss. Memories overcame Scully. She could remember Mulder telling her about Diana for the first time. She could remember breaking her ankle; she could remember the concern Mulder had for her. Then Mulder was holding her; "We have to take this slowly." "Every time you kiss me, I remember something else." "Those are my memories, not yours." He pointed out. "I'm giving you my memories." "You can't really tell me that I'm seeing the memories through your eyes? If that's true, why do I see those memories through my eyes? Why do I have my feelings as I experience them?" "It's too easy. Getting your memories back through kissing." His hands caressed her back. "I wonder what would happen if we made love?" "No Scully." Mulder's breath was gentle against her forehead. "We'll make love when you decide it's time, not when you think it will make your memories come back." "Mulder..." "I want our relationship to go on for fifty years, not just one night." There was pain in Mulder's voice. "I don't want our love making to simply be some quest for a miracle cure. I want us to be together because we both want it." "That makes sense." Scully admitted. "I'll sleep on the couch tonight." He told her softly. "If you want." "It's not something I want, it's something I have to do." Mulder whispered. ********************** Title - A Chance to Remember (4/4) Story six In the Doors and Walls Universe Author - Katrinka Mulder woke, he was lying in bed, and a toddler lay beside him. His daughter had been crying, and instead of waking up Scully, he had fed the child, and brought her to bed with them. His daughter fell asleep to the sound of her father's heartbeat. "It's April 30th, Happy anniversary." Scully told Mulder. She was standing beside his bed, holding their son. "You too lady." Mulder smiled. "Doggett called, he doesn't expect you in today." "Oh I see." Mulder said, though he really didn't see at all. "Why can't you be my partner?" "Because partnerships between married couples are discourage." Scully smiled. "Doggett's not that bad of a partner." "Yeah, I was lucky that you broke him in for me." Mulder smiled back. The toddler began to squirm in Scully's arms. "You want daddy don't you?" "Come here Wesley." Mulder took the baby from Scully, and then he reached beneath the pillow and took out a small package. He put it in his son's hand. The boy promptly put the package in his mouth. "Give this to mommy Wes." The child held the package up toward Scully. "Momma!" "Thank you!" Scully took the package, opened it. She smiled. "A diamond." "I promised you one, remember?" "That was a long time ago." "Only two years ago." Mulder took the ring out of the package, and put it on Scully's finger. "Marry me?" "Again?" Scully smiled. Mulder met Scully's eyes, he smiled. "Always." The scene shifted, and Mulder found himself back in his living room. Mulder was now having dreams during the daytime, brief flashes of the decision he would have to make. It would be easy for him to let himself get abducted if he didn't have to be involved with Scully. The only problem was that the flashes told him that he had to be involved with her to save her life. *Tomorrow's April 30th." *I have to make up my mind soon. * *Scully needs me. * *She'll need these memories. * He told himself. *She needs me to stop acting like an idiot, and start acting like a man. * They spent a lazy morning together. Scully tried to concentrate herself on one of her professional journals, but at the same time, she kept glancing at the clock. "What's wrong?" Mulder finally asked. "I want to go to the apartment." Scully told Mulder. "It's not rational is it? I want to see if I can remember something else." "You mean you want to go home?" "No, I want to go to the apartment we shared in Oklahoma City." "It might be rented." "I've checked, it's not." Scully shrugged. "We need to get out stuff out anyway." "Fine, go." Mulder pretended to be engrossed in the game he was watching. Scully picked up her cell phone to make the reservations. Reservations, Scully still hadn't gotten used to the idea of being able to teleport. If Scully flew to Oklahoma, she might be gone at least a day. Mulder leapt to his feet, and took the phone from her. "What are you doing?" She looked up to him, furry in her eyes. "Trying to book a plane to Oklahoma City." "Why don't you teleport?" Scully grabbed the phone from him. "That's easy for you to say. I end up in the ocean every time I teleport." Mulder tried not to laugh; Scully was so adorable when she was angry. "It takes practice." "You never practiced." Scully pointed out. "I did, I just don't remember." He told her. "I don't understand." "I can't remember being a Tomorrow Person, but I must have practiced teleporting. I don't know how, I just know." Mulder tried to explain. "So you think I should practice." "It's simple, close your eyes. Think of the apartment. When you picture it in your mind, go." "What happens if I don't get there?" Scully asked skeptically. "You will." Mulder promised. "I don't remember what it looks like." She reminded him. "I forgot." He took her hand. "I'll take you." Mulder teleported Scully to the apartment. Mulder let go of her hand. From the dreams, he knew that Scully needed pack alone. "I need to get back home." "How do I get back?" "I told you, think of my apartment, when you visualize it, go." Scully raised her eyebrow. "And what happens if I end up in the ocean?" "I'll make you dinner." Mulder smiled. "Okay, bye then." Mulder kissed her very gently. "If you need me, call." "Thanks for bringing me." "No problem." With that, Mulder was gone. ******************* Scully went into the bedroom. The bed was still rumpled and unmade. Scully reached out and touched a pillow. A memory came back to her. It was the middle of the night; Mulder had woken her from her sleep. "I wish we could slip away to some south sea island and get married. We wouldn't have to tell anyone. It would be our secret." There was loneliness in Mulder's voice. Scully couldn't believe her ears. "Are you proposing to me?" "I'm sorry, I was dreaming." Mulder looked away from her. Scully could feel the conflicting emotions in her partner's mind. He believed he had moved the relationship too fast. They hadn't even made love yet, and he was proposing. "St. Stephens in the Caribbean have private marriages. It's not listed in the public records. No one would ever know we where married." Scully's hand went to his face, tracing it. "Let's go to St. Stephan this summer." Mulder looked into Scully's eyes. "You don't think we're moving to fast?" "We've been together for seven years. We just never took the final step." Mulder turned, and picked the engagement ring off the bedside table. It was part of Scully's cover, it would have to be given back after the assignment. "Marry me?" Scully nodded; there was a tear in her eyes. "Yes." "I love you so much Scully." Mulder put the ring on her finger. Suddenly Scully was back in the room. They had become lovers that night. She now understood why Mulder was so upset. Their relationship had only just begun when it was ended. Scully moved around the room, packing the few belongings they wanted to keep. There wasn't much, she was surprised to see that everything could be easily replaced. *Except for you, Mulder. * She went into the kitchen, yet another place that was full of memories. Touching a pan full of rotting food, Scully could remember. Her insatiable lover, making love to her while she tried to make breakfast. **************** There was still so much of the past that Dana Scully couldn't remember. The fact was that now she could remember a bit of a relationship with Mulder. Scully had to get back to Mulder. She had to tell him the news. Perhaps then he could open his heart to her. Scully thought of Mulder's apartment until she had a clear picture of it. Mulder was typing something on the computer. *Go to him. * She thought. Then in an instant, she was gone. The cold of the water shocked Scully into her senses. She fought her way to the surface, then swam to the beach. *Mulder, you're a dead man! * She thought. She was angry with her partner, and she didn't care if he knew it. She pictured Mulder in her mind, then she spoke. *Mulder, you have five seconds to get here! * *Where are you? * Her partner asked puzzled. *I'm at the goddamned ocean! * A few moments passed, and Mulder appeared on the beach. Scully went to him, and hit him on the shoulder. "Ouch! Why'd you do that for?" Mulder yelped. "For not staying with me!" "You're a big girl, you shouldn't end up in the ocean all the time!" Mulder plastered on a goofy grin. "I hate the ocean!" "I can see that." Mulder walked over to her, and pulled some seaweed off her hair. He was enjoying this way too much. Scully shoved him hard; Mulder landed with a heap in the waves. Mulder grimaced, as his favorite Knicks jersey was soaked. "So now we're both wet." Scully said with a smile. Mulder nodded, he seemed preoccupied. His hands rubbed his bare foot. "I think I've cut myself on a shell." Scully knelt beside him. "Where?" "Made you look." Mulder pulled her down onto the beach. Before she could protest, he had covered her lips with his. As they kissed, Mulder telepathed. *I'm sorry, I was an idiot. * *It's okay. * Scully put her arms around him, then she rolled, so that he was lying between her legs. Mulder propped himself up on his elbows, and kissed her with long-held back passion. His body moved slightly against her, small thrust after small thrust, she could feel his hardness. Memories filled Scully's mind. The time they had gone undercover as a married couple, Mulder had taken a sick pleasure in embarrassing her in front of the neighbors. Mulder pulled away from her a bit, moving her wet hair off her face. "You don't have to." "I might not have to, but I want to." She began to work on Mulder's jersey, pulling it out of his pants. "You can't remember everything." He reminded her. "Perhaps we should stop worrying about that, and concentrate on making new memories." She looked into Mulder's curious hazel eyes. "I love you." "Oh god Scully, I love you too." With that, Mulder's resistance lowered. He kissed her, as he did, his hand slipped into her shirt, his fingers finding a nipple, pinching it. With trembling fingers, he helped her unbutton her shirt. Then his fingers found the clasp to her bra, unhooking it. Scully busied herself with helping Mulder off with his shirt. Her hands found the front of his jeans, unfastened the button, and then unzipped the fly. She slid her hand into it. Finding his cock, wrapping her fingers around it. *Scully. * Mulder telepathed. His hands felt for the hem of her skirt, he pulled it up over her hips. He helped her off with her underwear. Then he was back on top of Scully. *Let me make love to you. Please, Scully. * Scully removed her hand from his cock. Mulder propped himself up on his elbows, and looked into Scully's eyes. Scully could feel Mulder's hardness brush against her. In the water, Mulder was having trouble finding her hole. She could see the panic in his eyes. *I've messed up. * She could hear Mulder think. *Turn over. * She told him. Mulder did as he was told, his hardness bobbing in the slight waves. Scully straddled Mulder's body. She lowered herself onto his manhood. Slowly, very slowly, she began to move up and down. Mulder sat up, crushing Scully against him. They made love without words. They opened their minds to each other, and as they did, Scully's memories returned. *************** Scully had spent most of the afternoon on the Internet, while her partner skittered around making plans. Today was April the 30th. He had to make this day special. He had called the Lone Gunmen four times in three hours. Each time he disappeared into the bedroom so that Scully couldn't hear his plans. He wanted to make tonight special. Even though Scully couldn't remember everything, they were lovers again. They had spent most of the previous night on the beach renewing their relationship. It made the future seem more bearable. The foretelling dreams seemed to be coming true. Skinner had called, telling Mulder that first thing on Wednesday he would have to face an auditor. Thank the gods he would be off Monday and Tuesday. They could have two days together. Soon, very soon, their happiness would be at an end. He would enjoy it as long as it lasted. He owed it to his partner. The doorbell rang. "Don't get up Scully," Mulder called. "I wasn't planning on it." Mulder got the door. Byers looked at Mulder. "Mulder, we brought the..." Mulder quickly slapped his hand over his friend's lips. "Can't you be quiet?" "What's up?" Langly asked. "Come into the kitchen." Mulder directed, glancing at Scully. Thankfully, she was still working on the computer. "What's the deal?" Langly asked as he placed the partials on the counter. "You and Scully?" Frohike asked. "We're partners, nothing more." Mulder said as innocent as he could. Byers reached out, his fingers touching something on Mulder's neck. "You have a *hickey*? I thought only teenagers got those." Mulder only shrugged, and began to examine the packages. "It's about time the two of you got back together." Langly told him. "Perhaps this change will mean that the two of you'll become more then just lovers. Perhaps she'll make an honest man out of you." Frohike said. "You should propose to her." Langly agreed. "Is that why you asked us to bring some food?" "A nice romantic evening." Frohike smiled. "I wouldn't go that far." Mulder checked the wine. "I just lost a bet to Scully. Nothing else." "You're an idiot, she's in love with you." Frohike told him. "There's not many woman who would put up with your UFO chasing." "Leave him alone," Byers told his friend. "He's allowed to live his own life." "We'd better get going." Langly nudged Frohike. "You owe us big for this!" Frohike smiled. "Don't worry, I'll pay you back." Mulder promised. ************************ Mulder had been acting strange. Far stranger then he had when he was going after aliens, far stranger then the time he had drug Scully to a UFO convention. Mulder had the Lone Gunmen bring them dinner. He had scuttled around in the kitchen without telling her anything. Mulder carried a piece of cloth to the kitchen table. With a flick of his wrist, the cloth was lying on the table. He spent several seconds straightening it. The cloth was a deep red that she knew that he couldn't see with his eyes. Then came the candlesticks. Emerald green, with matching candles. The plates came next. Emerald greens so clear that she could see the tablecloth underneath it. Mulder had color coordinated everything. It made her wonder how. How could Mulder see the colors to coordinate them? *It looks like the winter holidays, * Scully thought. Mulder looked at her with that familiar goofy grin. He walked over to her, kissing her lips gently. "Dinners ready." "I didn't hear you make dinner." Mulder's smile grew wider. "No, you didn't. I have the Lone Gunmen bring us something from Kim Yon OK's." "My favorite place." *Love you, * Mulder whispered in her mind. "Love you too. * Mulder's lips descended on hers again. He sat beside her on the couch, kissing her longer, Scully could taste the food on Mulder's breath. *Sneaking my food are you? * Scully teased. "Love makes me hungry." Mulder pulled away from her and pouted. "Sorry." Scully couldn't' resist Mulder's pout. "It's okay." Mulder took her hand. "Let's eat." Scully began to unfasten Mulder's shirt. "Later." ***************** After another love making session, Mulder and Scully finally ate the now cool food. Mulder put his favorite Styx CD on the player. "Dance with me." Scully got to her feet. Mulder took her into his arms, holding her close, then began to dance with her. As he did, he sang along with the music. Scully never laughed at his singing. Instead she seemed to appreciate it. "Mulder." "Hummm?" he loved feeling the movement of his partner against him as they danced. "The visit to the apartment did me some good." She confessed. "It did?" "It answered a lot of questions." "That's good." He pulled her closer to him. "So, when are you going to get me a ring to replace the one that was taken during my abduction?" Scully asked. Mulder pulled away from her. "You *remember* that?" "I remembered some at the apartment, and then after we made love, I remembered more." Scully looked away from him. "I'm not sure I remember everything." "It doesn't matter. You remember something." Mulder couldn't help but smile. "Your not angry for me not telling you?" "Of course not!" Mulder came to a decision. He had to act on his premonitions. He had to save his lover's life. He took the ring out of his pocket, and slipped it onto Scully's finger. "Marry me?" Scully looked down to the ring, a plain golden band. "Where did you get this?" "It was my mothers. She left it to me, with the express instructions that I give it to you." Mulder dropped to one knee. "Well Scully?" "Well what?" "Marry me." He said, looking up to her. "When?" "Now. Let's go off to St. Stephens and get married. Not tomorrow, but this instant." Mulder said very quickly, as if saying it slowly would give Scully time to refuse. "I'd love to." Scully put her arms around his shoulders, and pulled him closer to her. Mulder got to his feet, and kissed his lover's lips. "I love you Dana Scully. I've never loved anyone the way I've loved you." "I love you too Mulder." Mulder took Scully's hand, and thought of St. Stephan island. Suddenly they were on the island, standing in front of a hotel. "Let's get a room, then go get married." He suggested, putting his arm around Scully's shoulders. ""Let's get married, then get a room?" Scully countered. "All right, lets." A feeling of warmth enveloped Mulder. Scully would be safe now, no matter what happened to him in the future. His lover's safety was all that mattered. Death can not stop true love, It can only delay it for awhile! The Princess Bride