From: Danielle Schut Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 15:33:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: New: Hold Me By--DivineJoker alright, I tries this the first time and it failed....so here comes number two. I hope that this works. DISCLAIMER: ALL MINE....no, but I wish they were. All things in this here story are property of 1013 Productions and CC and DD and GA. I think they should share though. ARCHIVE: Sure, as long as my name and addy are with it. And it'd be nice if you told me. SUMMARY: Its the anniversary of Scully's father death. RATING:PG-13...(just one little swear....) CATERGORY: MSR..little itty bitty MA, and SA I guess. PLEA: This is rookie talking here. Anything...good, bad, humorous...anything...send it to me...I'll try to fix it up. Anywhose, let us get on with the show. ************ Hold Me (1/?) How often had he done that? Just come up and know that something was bother ing her? Special Agent Dana Scully looked across at her partners worried countenance. Now that her cancer was in remission, she couldn't have felt better. Fox Mulder, her partner, couldn't have been any happier either. His consideration and kindness since she had gone back on duty were exceptional. Always asking if she was hungry or if she was cold. And, she had to admit, she couldn't think of anyone she would rather be coddled by. But tody, sitting by her makeshift desk, Mulder had just wheeled his chair over, with that look on his face. The one she knew told her that she wouldn't be getting anything by him. He was now sitting infront of her, arms crossed over his chest and a stern look in his eyes. She realized that she had to be outwardly worried for him to take notice of it. She knew that even Mulder had trouble deciphering her moods. Hell, she didn't even know half the time what she was thinking. "Come on Scully, it late. Come over." A look crossed his face that Scully couldn't read. She furrowed her brow. "I'll make you some coffee and you can get whatever it is off your mind." His silent plea, the one on his face, made her decision for her. He WS genuinely worried about her. Reluctantly she stood and allowed Mulder to lead her out off the building and into the garage. All she wanted to do was go home and go to bed. She didn't want to share her misery. But it was the anniversary of her fathers death..who wouldn't be a little depressed? Mulder knew exactly how Scully felt about her fathers death. She had talked to him about it before, told him how she felt ....incomplete because her father had never like her going into the FBI. Scully spent the ride to Mulders Alexandria apartment thinking. Watching the stars and thinking of her father. After Mulder had parked the car, he lead her gently to his apartment and settled her into the couch, only to disappear into the kitchenette to make some coffee. He come out holding two cups of steaming black coffee and he set them onto the table. He glanced worriedly at his partner then settled down on the leather sofa next to her. He silently waited for her to talk. He caught her eye. Scully stared back. This was the man she loved. This was the one who knew her and how she thought. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly she couldn't stand it anymore. The pain, the loss, the heartbreak. Tears silently rolled down her cheeks as her body chose the only way to release the emotions that she had been holding. Mulder hesitated only a moment before his strong arms moved up and held her. He sat still, his own heart breaking because of hers. Soothingly, he ran his hands over he back. Time passed, yet he didn't become stiff or have any limbs fell asleep. He realized that she had stopped crying and had fallen asleep in his arms. He smiled gently. He picked her up and brought her to his bed, still smiling. He laid her down on his bed and paused while he decided wether or not to do anything about the clothes she was wearing. She shifted nd her eyes slowly opened. He backed away and went to his dresser, digging out a large shirt. He held it out to her. She stood and smiled her appreciation. She walked into the bathroom while he changed into his usual boxers, and this time a tank top. Just as he was hanging up his suit, she emerged. "You go ahead and take the bed, Scully. I'll take the couch." Silently he headed away in to the living room. "Mulder..." she looked up shyly. " I don't want to be alone tonight. Could you just hold me?" He crawled in behind her and securely wrapped his arms around her. Content, he fell asleep to the sound of their hearts beating in unison. (2/?) He could still feel her in his arms. He could still hear her heart and soft breathing. Last night, he had slept better than he had in three years. Sighing, he glanced at his watch. OH SHIT!' His mind screamed, and he ran into the bathroom. He was supposed to be at work in an hour. And he couldn't get his mind off of her. He stumbled out of the shower and tried to decide on a good suit. The one he knew she liked. Damn, I need new ties.' he thought bitterly as he slung one around his neck. Not bothering to tie it he race out of the apartment nd locked the door. Coming into the headquarters, he saw Scully as she went through the detectors. He lengthened his already hasty stride and caught up with her. "Good morning, Scully." He looked down on her, a hint of humour in his eyes. "Sleep well?" Scully tried to shoot him a glance that held only sincerity but his mood was contagious. She smiled. "Why, yes in fact I did. Best I've had in a while thank you." Down in the basement, Mulder chivalrously took her coat and hung it up. Turning to his desk he was stopped by two steely arms lacing around his waist. After the initial shock of Scully hugging him, he gladly hugged her back. "Thank you." she whispered into his chest. She squeezed him a moment and then let go. They spent an awkward moment just looking at each other, into each others eyes. Scully pulled away first and then leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then headed back to her desk. Where the hell did Scully go?' he thought humourously to himself. Smiling he lifted his eyes to her and then walked to his desk. Sitting down he watched for a moment, contemplating all that had happened in the last 24 hours. Oh man, she's beautiful.' He stared, masmerized as she leaned over her desk, sorting through some of her files. Her auburn hair coverec half of her face, and her lips twisted into a self-congratulatory smile as she successfully found the one she was looking for. She unconciously began to chew on her bottom lip as she began to take notes. Sighing, Mulder also began to work. Slowly Scully looked up from her notes and smiled coyly. She knew exactly how to push that mans buttons. After realizing that he had been looking at her, she felt the butterflies take up residence in her stomach. Now she took her time to watch him. She watched as his shoulders hunched over the notebook worked to move his arm. Watched his jaw as he worked the sunflower seed in his mouth. Sighed inaudibly she leaned back on her chair and again began to work. The day passed quickly, with only lunch and the odd question tossed acroos the cramped basement office. At 3:30 Mulder suddenly stood and stretched is aching back. He looked down at Scully who was looking around and then laid her eyes on the clock. She barely stifled a ywn. Mulder chuckled. "Oh, come now Scully. Is paper work really that bad?" He looked down to his desk and felt his back crack. He looked to see Scully smiling. "You getting old on me Mulder?" "Old? Hell yeah Scully. I was old fifteen years ago." He smiled ruefully. "Hey, lets call it quits early. I got some shopping to do." Scully looked shocked for a moment and then smiled. "Yeah OK. I'll take some of these home though." She stuffed some of the folders into her breifcase and then headed out the door. "See you later Mulder." "Yeah, later Scully." Half an hour later, Mulder found himself walking into one of the depaartment store close to his apartment. Ties ties ties.... Oh the choice.' Carefully choosing the ones he was sure scully would like, he headed f or the cashier. Then an isea came into his head. Mulder, you're a genius.' He left to store light on his feet. "Yeah, tell them to put it into the basement office. They'll know what you're talking about." Mulder said as he headed out of his last stop. *** At 6:30, Mulder knocked on Scully's door. "Its me, Scully." "Well I should hope so. I don't know anyone else who would come by to visit me." She opened the door and let him in. "What are you doing here?" She asked calmly as she headed into the kitchen again. "Ummm.... I uh, left my keys in the office. Umm, do you think you could drive me over to get em?" He smiled sheepishly, cocking an eyebrow. "But I saw you leave." She said as she looked around the corner. "I went back to get some files that I left. I closed the door aaand...well, needless to say I didn't have my keys. So?" "Sure Mulder. Can I eat first?" "Can I join you?" "Sure. Grab a chair." Converstion flowed easily between the two partners and soon they realized tht they were actually in the basement of the Hoover Building. Mulder smiled. "There Mulder." Scully said, as she turned the know and opened the door to the dark office. Happily Mulder flipped the light switch and waited for the shock to sink in on Scully's face. Slowly she stepped forward and ran her hand along the smooth edge of the desk. "Oh Mulder. I love it. Thank you." She sat hesitatnly in the chair that Mulder had gotten along with the desk. She swiveled around and stopped, pinning Mulder with her angelic smile. He smiled back. "Enough, child," he admonished playfully. "Its passed your bedtime." Mulder tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. "And mine too apparently." He waited patiently as she stood and gathered her coat. And calmly as he lead her out of the building he laid a gentle but firm hand on the small of her back. "Hey," he said, once they were on the road again, "think I can mooch some caffeine off of you at your house?" She smiled, amused, and nodded. "Sure thing. Wouldn't want you driving home in that condition now would I?" Back at her house, they slowly climbed the stairs. Mulder could barely concentrate to put his feet one infront of the other. At her door they stood as Svully slowly...oh so slowly opened her door. Mulder graoned in mock irritation. "Oh hush you." She said quietly. She opened the door and left it open for Mulder, knowing that he would close it for her. As she headed to the kitchen, she heard Mulder slump lazily onto the couch and throw his jacket onto a chair somewhere. "Mulder, don't you make a mess of my living room." "Scully, you know me." He answered slowly. "Thats what I'm afraid of," she muttered under her breath. She made the coffee and headed out into the room, only to see her partner splayed over the sofa, eyes closed and his chest falling in a slow rhythmic rise and fall. "Oh, Mulder." she sighed and placing the cups back in the kitchen sink, Scully headed into her hall closet and found him a blanket. She gently spread the blanket over him terying not to wake him. "Scully?" Came his slumber leaden voice. He tried to sit only to pushed back again by to strong and persistent hands. "You are not going anywhere g-man. You're staying here tonight." She couldn't help the faint blush that spread over her face at the unintentional innuendo of the statement. He smirked and cocked and eyebrow. "Oh, really?" But he settled back onto the sofa. "Yeah, really. Go to sleep." She gave him a tentative kiis on the check. "Sleep tight." He hummed and closed his eyes, pulling the blanket up around his chin. Reluctantly, Scully turned and headed into her own room. **** "Scully? Dana?" Mulder placed his hands gently on her shoulder and shook. "Dana, wake up!" Scully's eyes snapped open and she stared unseeing at the large looming dark figure towering over. Then her eyes focused and she sat up, looking surprised at her partner. "Huh?" "You were groaning..moaning and trying to get away from something. You OK?" He looked askance at the open wiindow, regretting that he was now only in his boxers. He glanced back at Scully and looked down at her worriedly. "Scully?" "She sighed and tried to remember the dream. She closed her eyes to the tears that threaatened when Missy's scream echoed in her fragile mind. Her head hung low as she recalled the fraantic pleas....she shook her head. "Mulder....I...I don't know what to do....I can't help her now and I couldn't help her then...." Mulder sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her trambling shoulders. "You know Scully, you have to understand that they re nightmares. They aren't true. You helped her all that you could. You found her killer...sort of...you've survived. You've loved and helped you're mother. I'm sure shes very proud of you. And your dad. He is too. Whats not to be proud of?" She looked up and Mulder was taken aback by the sheer emotions flooding through her eyes. "And you, Mulder?" She asked uncertainly. "I'm very proud of you Scully. Very." He placed a kiss on her forhead and drew back. "Are you OK? You going to go back to sleep?" He paused after that and shrugged. He waited a moment beforehe stood, onlly to be stayed by her cool hands. She moved over and Mulder waited oly a second before he climbed in and wrapped his strong arms around her shaking body. Slowly and comfortably they fell into a deep restful sleep. Hold Me (3/?) Slowly Mulder reached for the realm of conciousness and he woke from a dreamless slumber. He inhaled a sweet sense and looked to see bright auburn sprayed over his chest. He smiled and closed his eyes ready to go back to sleep. Slowly his bladder began to complain of the long neglect and Mulder carefully extracted himself from her sleepy embrace. When he returned from his excursion, Scully was still sleeping peacefully, so Mulder headed into the kitchen. Rummaging in the recesses of the fridge, Mulder came up with some eggs, and some orange juice. Popping some bread from a cupboard into the toaster, he proceeded to make breakfast. Occupied by the frying of bacon and eggs, he didn't hear the rummpled Scully come intot he kitchen. "G'mornin." she mumbled. Mulder pivoted swiftly, slightly shocked. "Geez, Scully. Don't do that." Recovering his composure, he poured a cup of coffe and handed it to her. "Good morning." He turned his back and continued making the food. "So what have you got planned today?" he asked as he placed some food in front of her tousled form. Smiling gently he retrieved a glass of orange juice and also put that infront of her. "I don't know. What day is it?" She took a bite and smiled appreciatively. "Good." Mulder nodded. "Thanks. Its Saturday." He sat across from her, and dug into his own plaate. He watched her expectantly. His gaze was startled by the shrill ring of the nearby phone. Seeing as Scully's mouth was full he answered the phone. She looked at him quizzically. "Hello?" A slow smile spread over his face and he watched Scully's face turn into horror. "Hi Mrs. Scully, how are you this fine morning?..... Thats good.....Pardon?..... Oh no, Mrs. Scully. Dana's just fine.... She just got out of bed." He smiled as Scully's mouth fell open in shock. He barely held his laughter in check. "Nice to talk to you to. Here she is." He handed her the phone in some form of reconciliation. Then sat down to watch the rest of the conversation unfold. She yanked the phone from his traitorous grasp and stuck her tounge out at him. "Hi mom.... No mother, he just....mom." She said, exsaperated. "Oh, that'd be great mom.... Really?...... Alright, hold on a sec." She pulled the reciever from her ear and looked to Mulder who was eting his rapidly cooling breakfast. "Would you like to have supper at mom's tonight, Mulder?" Mulders face lit up like a christmas tree and he nodded enthusiastically. She chuckled. "Sure mom, he'd love to..... Uh, I don't think so.... Nah, let it go. Don't worry."she lanced at Mulder worriedly. Then she concentrated on the conversation again. "Alright, we'll see you then." She hung the phone hesitantly. Mulder was watching he curiously. "Scully? Whats wrong?" He stood and approached her. "Scully?" She paused. "Its nothing really. Its just that mom also has Bill over." She cleared her throat and hung her head. "Now if you'll excuse me a moment, I'm going to go take a shower." "Alright, I think I'll head home OK? What time do you want me to pick you up?" Walking out of the kitchen and heading for his coat. "Scully?" He asked when she hadn't answered. "Huh? Oh,ummm, 3:30?" Mulder nodded and left. Hold Me (4/?) "Scully, Bill hates my guts." Mulder noted as they made their way to Mrs. Scully's residence. "Thanks for reitterating that, Mulder." she said with a snort. She looked over at him. "Mulder... I don't even know how to talk to him anymore. He just doesn't understand." For a moment Mulder just stared out the car window, barely registering flashinng colors and scenery. He bowed his head. "He blames me for everything Scully. Your disappearance, you cancer.....Emily." the last came as a painful gasp. Silence descended like a visable curtain. They both felt the awkwardness of the moment. The rest of the ride was spent as this, and slowly Mulder began to recognize some of the houses and parks that they were passing. He watched with a mixed feeling of dread and anticipation as Scully's childhood house came closer and closer. Scully slowed and parked behind the dark green Ford that also sat infront of the house. She turned in the seat to look at her partner. Mulder looked back, took a depp breath, forced a smile and hesitantly removed himself from the car. Scully followed quickly and walked ahead of him up to the door. With a glance back she knocked. "Dana, honey." Her mother said as she answered the door. "How are you?" She stepped aside to allow the two into her house. "Just great mom, thanks." She removed her jacket and moved into the large living room out of Mulders line of sight. "Fox. Nice to see you again." She smiled warmly and offered to take his jacket. "Mrs. Scully. How are you this fine day?" He handed the light spring jacket to her and waited for her to hng it up before moving into the living room also. He had heard the greeting between Scully and Bill and was hesitant to step into the room. Before he rounded the corner, he felt a light touch on his arm and looked to Mrs. Scully's hand on his arm. He looked to her gentle loving face and smiled warmly, nodding his thanks. "Just be yourself, Fox." she said softly. He was glad that Mrs. Scully understood his predicament. It would have made it exptremely awkward if she hadn't. Steeling himself he went around the corner. To Bills credit, he didn't stop and stare at his arch-enemy. Instead he completely ignored him and continued to talk to his sister. Mulder released an inaudible sigh and moved to sit across from Scully and far away from Bill. He caught Scully sympathetic look and smiled, telling her it was OK in a single glance. He was the only one in the room to catch the barely persceptable nod that she gave him as her way of showing her thanks. He sat in stony silence until Mrs. Scully called out that dinner was ready. Now Mulder felt the first tremors of apprehension. Where was he to sit out of Bill sight? Across from him? Yeah, that would work well. Instead he sat across from Scully with Bill to his right and Mrs. Scully to his left. He bowed his head respectively when Mrs. Scull said a short prayer. On the way he met Scully's eyes and smiled weakly. Are you OK?' Her look asked. Yes.' he answered just as silently. You sure? There are outs to this.' No, Scully. I'll do this.' She cocked an eyebrow and then nodded. Mrs. Scully noted the complete understanding between her daughter and her partner. She had never seen anything like it before. The undertones to the silence were read perfectly between the two and she had to smile. But when she lance to her son her smile faded. He was barely containg the hatred he so much wanted to show. Mrs. Scully had no idea that he could bare such contempt to a man who would risk his life for his sister. But then again, he probaably didn't know that. Bill stayed in a rude silence throughout the dinner while the other three held a steady interesting converstaion. After the supper was over, the two women ordered the men into the living room, much to Mulder silent pleas with Scully. She shrugged and gave him a gentle push out of the kitchen with two mugs of coffee. Silently she said, "Don't throw that on him Mulder." "Don't tempt me." He responded with a sarcastic smile. "Of course not Scully." and he disappeared to face his fate. Silently, Mulder handed the steaming cup to Scully's brother. He thought he might have heard a mumble of thanks but wasn't sure. And he sure as hell wasn't going to ask about it. Just as softly he took his respective place across from the big man. They sat in the awkward moment until Bill cleared his throat. "You know, Mr. Mulder, even after all the apparent losses you've suffered and that Dana has suffered...." He paused, thinking. "How can you continue to pull her on your mindless chases and dead-end caases?" Bills icy glared should have scared Mulder shitless. But instead he was trying to wrap his mind around the boldness of Scullys older brother. "Ex....excuse me?" He finally managed. He continued to glare at the FBI agent, unrelenting. "You know exactly what I said." He leaned forward, really heating up to the topic. "How can you, her partner, drag...push....or whatever...how can you do this to her? You claim to have a reason to your unbelievably innocuos escapades and still Dana ends up getting run over. Don't you care anything for her? Why con't you just leae her be?" Something inside Mulder snapped and all he could see was red. His glare pinned the man to his chair and he took a deep breath. "You actually think I pushed her through this? Deliberately? You think I would just push Dana through a gauntlet of lies and gunfire and meet her at the end?" He tried to keep his voice low, but doing so unsuccessfully. Not caring about the size of Bill, Mulder threateningly walked over to him and stood over him, uncaring that the man could knock him unconcious in a second. "Let me tell you a secret, Bill. One that Dana doesn't even know. I love her." he paused and waited for the announcement to sink in. "Yes....I love her and I would lay down my life before I let anyone try to touch her." I would do anything for her...especially to get her out of this unrelenting maze of hatred and lies. But things that you can't even imagine keep me on this *chase*. I love her and it kills me to see her stuck this way...." A loud crsh diverted Mulder tirade and he turned quickly to see Scully standing in the kitchen doorway with a pile of broken mugs and steaming coffee surrounding her feet. Her shocked gazed flickered from Mulder to Bill and back again. Before her stunned mind could process this, Mulder reacted. "Fuck." Swiftly he grabbed his coat. He ws out, in the caar and driving away within a matter of seconds. Scully still stood motionless. She looked at her shocked brother as Mrs. Scully came up behind her. "How could you...." She managed to whisper before she collasped into her mothers waiting arms, crrying. Hold Me (5/?) He stared unfocused at the ratty ceiling of his crmped apartment. Finally he forced his tired eyes closed and continued to think. He was startled from his reverie by a hesitant knock on his door. Not even bothering to get up and see who it was, he knew, he answered. "Go away." "Mulder, either you open this door," she paused, "or i'll unlock it, but either way I'm coming in." Not bothering to waste anytime he got up and headed to the dorr, sighing. He slid the bolt to the side and opened the door to reveal red-eyed, red-headed woman. He stepped aaside and allowed her to get in before he once again locked the tattered door. He knew she was stading there in her caot but he also knew that if he looked into her eyes he wouldn't be ablee to get back out. So he studied his fifteen year old hardwood floor. Scully watched his vulnerable form for a moment before she stepped forward and placed a chilled finger under his chin. At first her intention was resisted but he couldn't withstand long and his sorrowful eyes met hers. Suddenly all the years of silence, of worry, of pain, became too much and he sank to his knees, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. She stood still and gently ran her fingers through his short silky hair. She felt his silent tears soak through her blouse, and sllowly his hold slackened. She sank to her knees also, making them of equal hieght. Their eyes caught and held like magnets. Finally Mulder held nothing back nd bared his soul to her through his eyes. "I am so sorry..." Gently she placed two fingers against his lips to silence him. She shook her head. "But..." She applied pressure with her fingers and forcefull shook her head. He closed his eyes in acquiesence. They stayed that way for a while, just drinking in eachothers eyes. Dazedly, he noticed that she was leaning in to him. The first contact of their lips sent an unusual sense of peace through Mulder, relaxing him. She sat back with a coy smile tugging at her lips. Then Mulder could no longer resist the pull that her face cause and pulled her into a deep passionate kiss. He broke aand sat back, keeping his eyes on her face. Then he slowly stood, pulling her with him. "Come." He lead her to the sofa nd sat her down. He knelt infront of her. He smiled a genuine heart warming smile. She smiled back. He looked down at their intertwined hands. "We're in this together Scully. Its a give- take relationship we have right now right?" She nodded, not sure where he was going with this. "I'm not pulling you along?" She shook her head vehemenently. And he smiled at her reaction. "Good. Do I treat you as an equal?" She released aa tender smile and nodded gently. He smiled back. "Alright then. Let me get this out. It's nothing but the truth. Do you believe me?" Again she answered with a nod. "Good. I didn't mean for you to hear that...." her mouth fell open in shock. "Like that Scully. I didn't want to have you learn that I love you while i'm yelling at your brother. I didn't want you to know that....i don't know. Scully? Do you think you might love me?" She stayed silent for a moment, letting his confession register. Then she cocked an eyebrow. " I don't think Mulder," she put a hand to his face, "I know." They sat in a comfortable silence for a while and then Mulder spoke up again. "I didn't want you to hear it like thaat Scully. I want to tell you someplace special, somewhere tht ment soemthing to both of us. When the time was right." "And when would the time have been right Mulder?" she asked, wanting to hear this. He took a deep breath and sat up next to her on the couch, pulling her to him to rest her head on his shoulder. "I don't know Scully. I really don't know." Again they stayed in silence, thinking of the turn of events and thee possible meanings. Time passed easily and soon the next door neighbors grandfaather clock chimed 12. Carefully, Mulder broke the silence. "Bill was accusing me....well, of all your problems. I can see his point, but its just not fair. I don't want to have him think that I hurt the people I love on purpose." He lay back, stretching Scully out on top of him. She looked down into his face. "I don't want to see you hurt Scully. When Duane Barry took you....well ask your mother. I was on automatic mode for a while. I couldn't sleep, thinking the next phone call would tell me that they had found you face down in a ditch or something. I think even then I loved you. Ant Melissa, well she whipped my ass into shape." Scully smiled at this. "There was one night, I had fought to keep you on lifesupport. When I lost, I went home and buried my self in the dark. X had told me that people were going to break into my house...i sat at that table with a gun within inches of my hand and I deliberated whether to use it on me or wait for you. Then Melissa came by. I think she knew that I loved you cause otherwise I don't think she would have done what she did." He pulled up a blanket around the two of them and the tugged her closer to him. He noticed now that Scully was crying. Soft salty tears fell to his chest to be soaked up by his sweater. Her eyes were red but held all of the emotion that he had just released. He smiled ruefully. "I love you Scully. I don't know exactly when I realized it, but I know that its the kind of love that will never die. When I fell in love with you it was so unexpected...I hadn't allowed anyone close to me ever since, well, Pheobe. Geez, and I thought that that was love." He ran a hand up along her cheek, gently wiping away the tears. He stared intently into her eyes and smiled tenderly. "Scully?" "Mulder.... I've never heard you talk like that." She leaned in and kissed him, gently exploring terrain that she had thought she may never get to see. When the broke from lack of oxygen, Scully looked into his eyes and gave him a full smile. "I love you too Mulder." She watched as tears came to the surface in his rapidly changing eyes. Then he sighed happily and closed his eyes. A slow grin stratched his tired face intot he mask of an angel. They lapsed into a comfortable silence. Presently Scully laid her head back down on his chest. Mulder felt more than heard her last words before sleep overcame them both. "Hold me." "Forever my love. Forever." And he fell asleep with a smile on his face. Hold Me (6/6) Scully stretched carefully, knowing tht she was going to be stiff. She pushed herself up, placing a hand on each side of Mulder relaxed face. She stopped halfway to look at him. She honestly had to confess that she had never seen him so happy, even in sleep. Her eyes narrowed as she felt a hand run up her side and stop at her shoulder blade. Then finally giving into temptation she leaned in and kiss him softly only to have him grab her and pull her tight against him, deepening the kiss. She chuckled into his mouth, while he smiled. "Good morning." "Why....yes it is." Mulder mumbled, finally opening his eyes to meet hers. He ran a gentle finger along her cheekbone and down around her mouth. "Wow, I never thought I'd wake up with you in my arms." "And if I can help it, it won't be the last." She gave him a quick kiss and then got up, heading to the bathroom. " I have mass in two hours Mulder." She said before she closed the door. He thought that over and shrugged. "Can I come?" he asked just as she emerged. She looked at him quizzically for a moment and then smiled for him again. "Of course. Why wouldn't you be able to?" "I don't know. Just thought I'd ask." Getting up he headed into the bthroom. "Gotta wear something nice, yes?" "Yeah. Mulder, i'm going to go home and get dressed. I'll pick you up in an hour OK?" "OK." the reply was muffled by the solid door. But the softer words that came next went straight to her heart. "I love you Scully." She paused at the door and let loose a whimper. "Love you too Mulder." And she left. **** They drove up to impressive four door cathedral and parked. Mulder was surprised to see Mrs. Scully staanding waiting. She looked pleasantly surprised to see Mulder. "Fox. What a nice surprise. How are you this morning?" She calmly and politely forgot about last night. "I'm greaat, Mrs. Scully. Just fabulous." He snuck a glance at the conservatively dressed yet immaculate Scully who was coming up behind him. Mrs. Scully acknowledged that with a smile. He straightened his tie and stood tall, laying a hand upon Scullys back after she had greeted her mother. "Uh, Fox, Bill's in there." she softly warned. "Thats OK Mrs. Scully. I actually wanted to talk to him." He thanked her. Mrs. Scully noticed the few heads that turned to eye the new member. Even a few of the young bachlorette women. And smiled smugly. Hands off of my baby's man.' she thought humourously. The service proceeded and Mulder found that he quite enjoyed himself in the massive church. He had time to observe the make up of the structure while listening to the sermon. It had a few arches that met in a dome at the top of the sanctuary. Windows were adorned in stained glass, impeccably made to show scenes of the Virgin Mary and several saints. After the service, he followed Scully and her family out of the church. Scully lead him by the hand to met a few of her friends and started up a conversation while he stood by, obediently answering questions directed his way and staying interested in the exchange. He felt a tap on his shoulder and without turning around he knew that it was Bill. He turned to face his loves brother. "Excuse me, Dana. May I borrow him?" He politely asked. She looked worried for a moment but with Mulder look at her, she let him go, nodding. She gave Bill a look that told him if he hurt Mulder he'd pay for it. Bill knew that look well. She gave the two men one more glance and then turned back to her friends. Mulder followed Bill and stopped a few feet away when Bill turned to face him. Mulder realized he held no animosity towards this man for last night. After all he had started something that otherwise may never have happened. But when Mulder, looking into Bills eyes saw only worry aand maybe pity, he was pleased. No hatred. "I... I really don't know where I should start." He placed his hand on his hips and pushed his chin out, an action so entirely Scully, he almost laughed. " OK, look. I'm really sorry for lst night. I'm not sure where it came from..well I am...but I'm kind of ashamed to admit it. Anyway, I'm just worried for my little sister." Slowly he rubbed his hands over his face and sighed. "Last night, after Dana left, mom sat down beside me and relayed the story...the whole thing. I'm sorry for what has happened to you Mulder, but what I'm really sorry for is for not allowing myself to see the obvious love you two share. Mom told me all the things you have done for eachother and now....now I'm actually jealous of what you have." He gave a half smile and continued to look into Mulders face. "I'm glad tht Dana has found someone to talk with. She never did when she was a kis and she neveer talked to me. But you must know, Mulder, that if you hurt her in anyway that I will personally hunt you down." He paused, looking to see where his sister was. "Can you....uh, can you forgive me? For my words last night?" MMulder stared at the man. Now his respect for Bill started to grow. He also began to understand his possessiveness of his sister. A slow smile spred over his face, and he stuck out his hand. "I am also sorry for yelling at you. And I'll assure you that if Dana is hurt, you won't have to hunt me down as I'll readilly hand myself over to you." Bill registered the intense meaning of the statement and took the proffered hand. Then they both turned and walked towards the two women who were smiling happily. Scully waited patiently for them to get to them before she reached out to hug her brother. She whispered a "thank you" in his ear and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Bill hugged her back and then walked off with Mrs. Scully. The two FBI agents stood silently hand-in-hand while the car drove off. Finally scully looked up to Mulder and said, "Do you have any idea how hard it was for him to do that?" Mulder looked at the retreating car and smiled whistfully. "Harder than it was to win your heart." She smiled as they walked off to her car. When he leaned in to give her a kiss, she blushed. Mulder noticed this and commented jokingly, "My, my, Scully are you feeling OK? Maybe I should take you home and doctor you." "You know Mulder? I am suddenly feeling kinda light headed." She grabbed his and laid her heaad on his shoulder as they continued to the car. END