From: godluvsyou_01@yahoo.com (His Beloved)  
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:01:27 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Hope Shines Forth
Source: direct

Title:  Hope Shines Forth
Author: His Beloved
Classification: MRS Romance
Rating: R 
Spoilers: A bit of All Things
Summery: One lonely night
Disclaimer:  I own nothing.  The X-files belongs to Fox, 1013, and 
Chris Carter.
     


Waves pound and thrash.... Scully's sleeping form twitches and her 
eyes flutter in protest desperately prompting her body to wake from 
its dark nightmare of a slumber.  The darkness seemed to stretch on 
for miles and there seemed no rescue in sight.  She lay in a small row 
boat, waves and water hurling over the edge.  Doubts, fears, and 
endless questions were more suffocating than the torrents of water 
pouring in upon her.  How did she get here?  Would she ever find solid 
ground again?  Would she make it through?  Will anyone be with her at 
the end, or would she end up as alone as when she started?  Dana's 
hopes and dreams seemed to be pulled down into the black abyss of the 
deep waters she sailed upon.  So she screamed out the only thing that 
has ever made her feel safe and warm.

"Mulder.... Mulder...."
    
Scully awoke, her blanket and sheets a disheveled mess, tears streaked 
upon her face and soaked into her pillow.  But the ache in her heart 
was more than she could take which made it almost impossible to 
suppress the deep desires of her heart.  She longed to feel the warmth 
and safety of his arms.  She longed for his eyes to speak sweet words 
of comfort and affection.  Upon impulse her hand reached for the phone 
and pulled it from its cradle allowing her fingers to dance over a 
number she has dialed many times in the last seven years.  The phone 
rang several times but before she lost her nerve and hung up Mulder's 
sleep laden voice came through clear from the other end.
    
"Scully.... That you Scully?"

A spike of panic peaked within her.
      
"Uhhh.... Yeah Mulder it's me... I am sorry, it's late.  I shouldn't 
have called......" Before she could hang up Mulder spoke with purpose.
      
"Scully.... I will be right over."

He hung up before she had a chance to protest or reply.  Her hands and 
body began to tremble, from fear or anticipation she wasn't sure 
which.  She sat up in bed trying to ease her heart, but sitting didn't 
seem to help so she began to pace allowing her mind to race.  A slight 
knock and the clicking of the key in a lock brought her thoughts back 
to reality.  Her breathing stopped and caught in her throat as his 
figure appeared in the darkness.  His dark eyes met hers and for a 
moment they stared in silence, neither of them knowing what to do or 
what to say.  But both knowing what it was they both desperately 
needed.
   
Taking the lead Mulder stepped forward his determined eyes locked upon 
hers, but Scully remained afraid to look.  Gently, slowly He moved his 
hands down her arms in order to capture her hands.  He caressed her 
tiny fingers with his own.  Comforting her in any way he could before 
he tired to ease his way into her heart.  With just one touch of his 
hands and her resolve faded.  Scully closed her eyes tightly and moved 
closer into his touch into his warmth.  Mulder's hands now framed her 
porcelain face willing her to look at him.
     
"Scully... Scully look at me!"

Slowly Scully allowed him to tilt her face upward, and looked timidly 
into his deep eyes.  For a time he just searched her eyes for what it 
was she truly needed from him, so he knew how best to give of himself 
to her, and how best to speak into her heart.
       
"Scully when we talked last night in my apartment you showed me a part 
of yourself I have never seen before.  But the thing is I know there 
is so much more... so much more to know and see.... You told me you 
felt alone, like you had lost your way somewhere along this journey.  
All night tonight I had this restless feeling, and this deep twinge of 
loneliness fell over me with such force that I felt I was suffocating.  
In that moment I knew I was feeling your heart, hearing the cries of 
your heart.  And I am here....Scully.... If I could be enough... I 
know I am not, but as long as you would allow me to be there I would 
do anything to ensure you never feel alone.....If you would let me be 
your strength when you are weak, and your comfort when the darkness is 
closing in. But I need you to talk
 to me....I need to know where to go from here.  I just....."

Mulder's hand's fell from her face and glided gently down her face and 
then slowly made their way up and down her arms.  The boldness in his 
actions and the feel of a touch so intimate made Scully close her eyes 
once again and exhale slowly.  The warmth his touch brought surged 
through her melting the blocks of ice that held her heart captive.  
And in less than a second she felt lighter, like the heaviness she 
carried was lifted by his strength with one sweeping motion.  Looking 
down at his hands, those hands that had helped to heal so many wounds 
and who had protected and loved her beyond what she has ever known 
before.... The hands that have held her together and reached out to 
her in the darkness. She needed him, she longed for him, and allowed 
it to stream from every pour of her being; something she had never 
once allowed herself the luxury of.  Was it time to finally cross that 
line, to allow what they had suppressed in their hearts to burst forth 
in all its beauty and intensity?  Did she have the strength to 
completely put down her walls, and finally let him into every area of 
her heart and being?  Deep down she knew that she would have to make 
that decision for them knowing he would never do anything to 
jeopardize their relationship or his respect of her.  This fact alone 
made her love him more.
     
The silence seemed to stretch out as Scully stared mesmerized at their 
entwined hands.  Finally in that moment her lips began to speak and 
took on a life of their own.
	
"Mulder.... I have been so restless and distant.  It must have been 
hard to read or understand where I was.  None of it was meant to be 
directed towards you, but I think unconsciously I factored you in as 
part of the reason I felt so adrift. I shut you out because I just 
didn't know what else to do.... I just.... I just long for so many 
things, and I don't know what to do with it all.  When I saw Daniel 
all that I had been battling and suppressing came spewing to the 
surface and it revealed a picture I wasn't sure I could nor wanted to 
see.  For the first time I envisioned what my life could have been, 
but no matter what I saw in my life.... Being a doctor, being married, 
having children, ect.. there just seemed to be this great chasm that 
left me feeling empty and cold, this sense that something was not 
right.  Something was missing.  I looked around and I had everything I 
had every wanted but I felt alone and purposeless.  When we talked 
last night I began to realize that this was the life I chose, and this 
was the one that brought purpose into my life.... But I knew there was 
more.  And it finally hit me tonight in a way.... In a way I am afraid 
to speak, in a way I am afraid to allow my heart to acknowledge!"

Mulder inched closer, and tilted his head willing her to look into his 
eyes.  There was a mixture of fear, pain, hope, and deep longing 
flowing from her gaze.  Mustering up all his energy he prayed he could 
relay as much compassion, acceptance, care, and understanding in order 
to quell her fears.  It seemed for the moment Scully wasn't even 
breathing, and it was almost like her eyes were begging him to tell 
her it was ok to speak the words she longed to.  A slight warm weary 
smile tugged at his lips letting her know he received the message, and 
with a squeeze of a hand he encouraged her to continue.  In order to 
keep the fear from causing her to run the other direction, reconstruct 
her walls, or steal her voice completely she looked once again at 
their hands that melded so perfectly together.  The warmth flowing 
from him, his touch, his breath fanning her face, brought a sudden 
burst of peace that seemed to cause her heart to come alive.
	
" I realized Mulder that my life was not complete unless.... Unless 
you were in it with me.  I.... This is where I am meant to be.... All 
roads I have traveled down thus far have led me here, to this moment 
with you.... This is where I want to be.... Beside you, with you."

And as the words rolled from her lips the full meaning of them fell 
down heavy upon her with glaring clarity.  For a minute he didn't 
speak.... And the longer the silence stretched on the heavier her 
entire body became.  Did she really say all that?  Had she made a 
fatal mistake?  But before fear and uncertainty could whisk her mind 
away Mulder's strong form moved ever so close to her.  Slowly he 
pulled her body close to his and began caressing her jaw line with his 
nose and cheek.  But then suddenly quite the task, and paused with his 
lips hovering directed above her ear.  And then he began to speak.... 
He whispered ever so lightly that not even her heart could be sure she 
was hearing it.
	
"Scully.... Don't you know I am the one that cannot live without you 
here.  I told you once before.... You have made me a whole person and 
when I am with you I feel alive and complete for the first time in my 
life.  I don't know what I did Scully.... But you deserve so much more 
than this."

And with that said he drew her body as close to his as he possible 
could.  Acing to feel her, needing her to be closer, needing to be 
apart of her. He buried his hands and face in her hair, as she 
caressed and nuzzled the crook of his neck with her face.  A giant 
tidal wave of love and emotion surged through him letting Mulder know 
it could be hidden and suppressed no longer.  So without thinking, as 
to not let his rational mind take over, he pulled away slightly to 
look down upon her.  He gently stroked her face and prayed ever once 
of love he felt for her would be seen in his gaze.  And when her eyes 
widened with realization, tears suddenly began to well to the surface.  
For a long time he just gazed down upon her as if they were truly 
seeing each other for the first time.  After being sufficiently 
satisfied that she had truly seen Mulder allowed his gaze to fall to 
her lips.  And for what seemed like forever he took in every detail.  
When he finally looked up into her eyes once again he found himself 
wadding in love and desire as tears streamed down her face knowing he 
saw more of her with each tear that fell.  Gently he brushed some of 
the tears away and hoped that the warmth of his love would overflow 
her being.  Her eyes shut for a moment, and a long sigh passed through 
her lips as if her heart had breathed for the first time.  As her eyes 
opened Mulder felt himself utterly drawn like a magnet to the power of 
emotions that burst forth from her.
   
Slowly he began to inch his face, his lips closer to hers.  Scully's 
gaze was full of longing and contentment.  For a moment he merged over 
to trace his lips first across her cheek, kissing away every tear, and 
aching to take away any ounce of pain that resided within her.  As he 
kissed her face he began to whisper....
	
"Scully.... My Scully.... I would do anything... anything!"

Finally when he was satisfied he had shown and spoken his heart the 
best he could he pulled slightly away once again.  His eyes went from 
drowning in her eyes to gazing at her open welcoming lips. The feel of 
her breath upon his face almost undid him, but he willed himself to 
move forward.  Gliding his right hand to cup the back of her neck, and 
with his left he slid his hand past her side to the small of her back.  
Gently... ever so gently their lips touched.  He lovingly traced her 
top and then bottom lip, slowly easing his way in desperate for her to 
feel him and to feel her in every way possible.  Savoring every second 
he finally captured her lips ever so slowly in his own. For a second 
their kiss remained light and tentative both still trying to keep the 
dam within from crumbling.  Her mind screamed at the sensation of 
feeling him becoming more apart of her.... She was struck suddenly 
astonished by the fact that his movements remained slow, and 
undemanding his every touch was gently, respectful, tender, and 
loving.  Soon those dams within began to spring cracks as water 
sprayed free.  Mulder pulled her closer, and pressed his lips deeper 
into hers.  As he did so Scully finally breathed and exhaled as if 
from relief or maybe it was expelled pain, fear, and loneliness.  For 
a few moments they spent time just feeling the wonderful sensation of 
their lips gently caressing.  His touch was so tender, so gentle, so 
respectful that the one thing she had ensured for seven years would 
never occur finally happened.  The dam collapsed, and water began to 
burst forth in all its intensity almost suffocating her with a swell 
of deep emotions that had grown stronger over time and were suppressed 
for far too long.  His touch alone kept her from giving way beneath 
the overwhelming swell of emotions that had now sprung forth from 
Mulder as it crashed against her in waves.  Scully pressed herself 
deeper into him, every part of her longing to feel him, needing him to 
be more apart of her.  Every so slightly Mulder's mouth began to open, 
and without hesitation Scully's followed suite.
    
Slowly his tongue grazed and traced her bottom lip knowing he had 
already received permission to enter, and yet he still respectful 
asked.  Scully's hands that were weaving through his hair reached 
around to clasp them behind his neck and pulled him closer as she 
began to open her mouth and herself fully to him.  Slowly, tenderly he 
entered into her mouth.  Scully sucked in air, the oxygen that came 
from his mouth.  For the first time they were truly apart of one 
another and the sensations that were felt caused

them both to utterly lose themselves in the beauty of it.  The feel of 
her tongue upon his, the sensation of being deeper within her caused 
him to sway, and he had to fight to keep his legs from giving way 
beneath him.  Tenderly he caressed her tongue and mouth till finally 
passion overtook them both.  With every kiss each one became deeper 
and more passionate.  As emotions were finally allowed to be seen and 
felt.  And yet their movement remained slow as they took in every inch 
and breath of the other.  He explored her mouth and held her tongue 
with his own.  Their kisses became so deep that he finally had to pull 
slightly away in order to breath.
    
Neither of them desired to pull free.... To sever this new found 
connection. But Mulder's rational mind screamed to be heard.  This was 
Scully.... His Scully.  And she deserved more than a brief moment of 
passion and desire.  She deserved to be loved fully, slowly, 
carefully.  She deserved so much more than he felt he could give her.  
Would all he could give be enough?  Slowly he began to quell some of 
the fiery passion, making it hard as he still felt the waves of it 
flowing from Scully.  Why would she choose him?  After sprinkling 
lovingly light kisses upon her lips he severed their connection.  As 
he did so he felt the weight of her need and longing, but he needed 
her to see that being with her was different.  This wasn't people 
giving into lust, or two people looking for their own gratification.  
These were two people who treasured and upheld each other in almost 
every way possible.  They were already one in every aspect except 
physically, and both of them had wisely upheld this boundary in order 
to honor the other.  And he knew that if it ever happened it would be 
so precious so earth moving that his heart, body, mind, and world 
would belong to her forever.  He knew their work would become 
foreshadowed by the love he had for her, a love that was finally fully 
acknowledged.  A love that was worth giving up everything.  But he 
needed her to know he was willing to wait.... Desiring more for her to 
feel fully loved and cherished than fulfilling his own desires.
    
After clinging to one another for some time, and allowing their touch 
and heart to speak for them, Mulder finally pulled slightly away. He 
gazed down upon her as a new glow beamed from her eyes as his own was 
glazed over with love.  It was so hard for him to find words in this 
moment, but he willed his brain to work and his mouth to open.
	
"Scully.... Scully.... Do you know how much I cherish you?  Do you see 
and feel what's in my heart?  Do you know I am willing to wait?  I 
want you to know I have and will enter your heart slowly, sacredly.  
For you deserve nothing less!"

Scully reached up to tenderly stroke his face, and a warm love induced 
smile broke from her lips.  A steady stream of tears began to streak 
down her face once again.  And for a time she just allowed the full 
meaning of his actions and words to penetrate into her mind, heart, 
and being.  He could read her gaze but she spoke it anyway.
	
'Yes Mulder I see your heart, I always have, and I cherish it in a way 
I don't have words for.  You have never pushed your way in but have 
tenderly and patiently eased into my heart.  I trust my heart and life 
in the hands of no other.'

Mulder's eyes closed as her words and touch raced through him.  There 
were too many words within him, and he didn't know how to say or 
express them.  He shook his head, as his own tears began to flow to 
the surface, and he pulled her a little closer.
	
'Scully.... I don't understand.... Why are you still here?  Why me.... 
You deserve so much more.... I can't be enough... even though you know 
I would give my life for you!  How could all I have to give be enough?  
I have hurt you, taken so much from you, stood by and watched so much 
being stripped from you.  Scully I am afraid.... What if..."

But before he could continue Scully placed a soft finger upon his lips 
and then as if exclaiming in a loud voice, "Your enough, and lets take 
it one day at a time" Scully took his hand in hers and lead them both 
into her room.

The room was inky black aside from the soft beam of crystal moonlight 
that streamed through the bedroom window.  The glow it gave made 
Scully almost otherworldly beautiful.  Her clear blue eyes sparkled 
from the translucent light or by looking at him he wasn't sure which.  
Her eyes, her expression, her posture, every thing about her was soft 
and content.  For a moment fears began to gnaw at him.... She deserved 
so much more.... Would he bring more pain and darkness into her life?  
But feeling the peace that radiated from her pushed every one of them 
aside for the time.... He was just completely in awe, in awe of her.  
Never had he see her look so breathtaking.... Never had he seen her 
look so.... So free.  No walls... No fears.... no expectations...no 
quest or mission.... It was just the two of them.  This was right.... 
The wait and patience was worth every moment for he knew she would 
know, see, and feel just how much he honored and treasured her.  She 
was half of him... she was his touchstone.... She was....
      
Scully's form was encircled with an aurora of blue crystal light, but 
Mulder stayed a few feet away in the deep inky blackness.  She could 
see his dark form.... But his face was completely covered... 
completely masked.  And yet the fear that usually would have caused 
her to run and hide behind her fortress had utterly vanished. The fear 
of showing him her weakness and vulnerability seemed to have 
disappeared, for she knew he saw her strength through it all. There 
was no insecurity... no fears as she watched this man of hers remain 
in the dark.  It was like their life.... How long had he spent in the 
dark, and how long had she remained by his side with him there?  She 
longed to see him free, full of life and hope.  Could she be the one 
to help him make that step into the light with her?  Was he ready?  
For the time the deep ache in her heart had been subsided, but she 
knew she needed to do this while she still had the strength to.  
Drawing upon every ounce of strength she had within her she stepped 
forward into the blackness and slowly closed the gap that stood 
between them.  When his face finally came into view there were tears 
streaming from his eyes, and his chin quivered uncontrollably.  And 
despite the little visibility she could feel just how much was going 
on within this man... this man of hers. Gently she scooped his hand in 
hers, and brought it to her lips, and then began to caress his face.  
It was almost as if his gaze was penetrating ever part of her.
	
"Scully.... Do you know.... You are so...."


But a wave of tears and emotions stole his voice away completely and 
he quickly scooped her up into his arms.  He held her fiercely to him, 
burying his face in her hair, breathing in her warmth and essence.  
He sobbed uncontrollable, and waves of painful words flowed from him.
	
"Please forgive me.... I never meant to hurt you.... I should have 
fought harder for you.... I have put so many things before you... 
Please for give me.... Please."

But before he could finish his plea sorrow stopped his words short.  
He buried his face into her hair and clinged onto her as if she were 
his last lifeline.  And even though she knew he was not yet ready to 
let go she gently began to pull away.  She stepped back a few inches 
and reached down to grasp both of his hands in hers.  And slowly she 
began to move forward, towards the light.  A look of confusion filled 
his face, so she stopped for a moment, placed her hand behind his 
neck, and brought her lips to his ear.
	
"You have.... We have been in the darkness long enough.  Trust me...."

As she pulled away she watched her words sink fully in, and when he 
reached out his hands for hers to take once again she knew her meaning 
had been completely understood.  Slowly her form came into the light, 
but he hesitated.  They were connected but she was in the light and he 
remained in the dark.  Would it always be this way?  Would the 
darkness always be apart of their lives?  Would he know how to live 
outside the only thing he has known for far too long? All she could do 
was hope.... Gently she squeezed his hands....
	
"Trust me...."

And with that he stepped into the glowing pure moonlight.  As they 
stood together the pure light seemed to reveal truths and beauty that 
had never before been seen.  A soft mist of love began to fill the 
room, and it was almost as if it brought a soft glow to the entire 
room.... Enveloping, intertwining their souls together as 
one.....Transforming this small spec of earth into a safe haven of 
hope and truth.  For a time Mulder couldn't help but etch every detail 
of this precious moment into his heart and mind.  If ever there was a 
time where he were to believe miracles did exist this would be it.  
Her beauty was almost blinding, and he found he could not look upon 
her for more than a minute before having to look away in order to keep 
his heart from becoming completely overcome.  For a moment he closed 
his eyes breathing everything in allowing it to soak into every part 
of him, spilling into every crack and crevice of his being, consuming 
him in the light of her love.  Her light... the one person who's love 
had finally penetrated the deep abyss of darkness within him.  His 
constant, His touchstone, His miracle, His Scully!
    
For the first time in the last few minutes a tentative look came over 
her face as she reached out to place her hand upon his breast bone.  
A deep sign passed through her lips as his hands glided from her side 
to her back.  Slowly their hands began to map out every inch of each 
other, but soon touching clothing was not enough.  For a moment Scully 
hesitated and a slight look of insecurity came over her as she reached 
down to untie her robe, but before she could proceed he reached out to 
stop her.  A sudden look of uncertainty and hurt flashed within her 
eyes, but was soon replaced when he slowly reached down to untie her 
robe.  The lacy strings dropped to her side and a part of her bare 
form appeared.  For a moment he could not even touch her....the small 
amount of her he saw caused his mind to whirl and his breathing to 
stop.  Her beauty was beyond his comprehension.  Staring utterly in 
awe all he could utter was...
	
"Beautiful!!!"


Yet again her touch brought him back to earth.  Scully reached out and 
placed his hand beneath the robe and lay it upon her bare side.  The 
sensation of the feel of her skin upon his almost undid him 
completely.  This was Scully.... His Scully.... A fact he had to keep 
repeating.  For so many years the darkness had masked her radiant 
beauty.  And now he was faced with it all at once and it was blinding.
     
Gently Scully's hand's came to rest upon his chest, and soon found 
their way underneath the thick sweater fabric.  With one quick swoop 
he helped her remove his shirt.  Her hands caressed his skin, and then 
she pressed her face against his bare chest, just listening contently 
to the steady beat of his heart. For a moment he just held her, 
allowing his head to rest upon the crown of her head.  Their breathing 
became even and relaxed.  For the first time in her life Scully knew 
it was safe.... Safe to fully expose her vulnerable heart.  Safe to 
need.  She freely handed him her heart knowing that it was safer in 
the palm of his hands than anywhere else.  He pulled her closer and 
she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck beneath his chin.  
Reverently he slowly ran his hands from her back to the top of her 
should blades, but before proceeding he glanced questioningly down at 
her.  A tired weary soft smile tugged at her eyes and lips and her 
eyes tightly closed as he pushed the robe from her frame.  It fell to 
the floor in a silky heap at her feet.  Scully's eyes remained closed.  
He ached for all of himself to be felt by her through his touch.  For 
a long while he caressed her naked back and arms.  They both just 
longed to truly feel each other for the first time.  Satisfied he had 
loved and felt every inch of her back he leaned down and placed tender 
kisses upon her neck and traced them down to her beautiful shoulder 
blades.  He stared down upon them, even they fascinated and captured 
him.  Her eyes were now on him trying to read his expression.  Mulder 
looked down upon her and could do nothing but shake his head and say
	
"Hmmm"

Which brought a tender smile to her face.  Stepping closer he felt her 
body begin to shake as her form remained fully exposed to the night 
air.  Without hesitation he scooped her up into his arms and placed 
her delicate form beneath the warm comforter.  He removed his pants 
and slid underneath the covers.  Immediately her hands reached out for 
him, and she ran them up the length of his chest in order to caress 
his face.  Soon his body was almost melded with her naked form.  
Never did he imagine it would feel like this.  Never could he have 
fathomed it would be this beautiful.  Mulder hovered above her as half 
of his body lay upon her.  And all he wanted to do was watch her.... 
Look at her.... Memorize her.  So he did.... His gaze bore into her as 
he tenderly caressed every inch of her skin. Scully stroked his face, 
begging him to see what was in her heart.  But she knew this man.... 
Knew she would need to repeat her words of affirmation over and over 
in order for them to finally sink in.
	
"Mulder.... Look at me.... Do you see? "

Closing his eyes, he shook his head almost unwilling to believe what 
he was seeing and new fresh tears began to spill out.
	
"Mulder.... Don't turn away.... Look at me.... You have never hurt me, 
do you hear me Mulder.  You have been more careful with my heart than 
anyone ever has.  I chose, and continue to choose to be here.  Both of 
us have lost, and as we sought to overcome the darkness it has drained 
and has sucked so much life out of us.  Just as you grieve for my pain 
and loss, I do for yours.... I grieve for you, ache to remove it, to 
heal it somehow."

Mulder shook his head as sobs overtook him again.  It was almost as if 
her words themselves were painful to him.  He had blamed and loathed 
himself for so long, and everyday suppressed the overwhelming amount 
of guilt as deep as he could.  Never did he seek to pursue her, 
because a big part of him felt so unworthy.  For a moment she remained 
silent and held his head as he buried it into her chest.  She cradled 
him, and soothed him with her touch, and soft whispers.  Finally the 
heaving sobs began to subside.  Scully pulled away making sure she 
remained connected to him, but needed him to be able to look into her 
face.  Once again she held his face in her hands and reached out to 
hold his battered heart.
	
'Mulder.... Look at me.... You have never hurt me.  I choose to be 
here.  Even though I have lost, I have gained more than I even have 
words for. You have brought so much into my life.  Just as you told 
me, you have made me a whole person.  Do you see that Mulder?  I 
choose to freely give my heart to you!  You have healed and held me 
together more times than I can count.  Before you my life felt so 
empty.  Mulder... I give my heart to you..... TO YOU.... Freely!'

Tears continued to stream down his face but this times waves of 
anguish did not overtake him.  He intently, desperately, read her 
eyes.  She held his gaze knowing he still felt unworthy to hear them.  
And she knew that it would take time for him to completely truly see 
the truth through the darkness.
   
He pulled her to himself again, and took a deep breath as waves of her 
comforting warm aroma filled his lungs and slowly the beautiful mist 
made its way to every chamber of his heart.  They both caressed each 
other.... Feeling, touching, loving every inch.... Fading deeply and 
completely into one another.  Desperately needing to finally feel and 
know every aspect of each other.
   
But soon a wave of overpowering need radiated from Scully in a way he 
instantly felt.  Reaching out she grasped the back of his neck and 
pulled his face closer to her own as he hovered above her.  For a 
moment they lingered there, trying to catch their breath.  He brushed 
her face with his nose and mouth.  Scully leaned in to kiss the tears 
that still remained.  After gazing down upon her for a minute more he 
slowly leaned in and covered her mouth with his.  Each kiss spoke of 
the great love they shared, each one spoke of the great pain and heart 
ache each one had felt.  The passion soon became so intoxicating that 
every part of him longed to be apart of her.  Their kisses became deep 
and long, and with each one she grasped at him desperate in order to 
feel him closer.  With a slightly groan from Scully Mulder pulled his 
lips away and began to trace kisses down the extent of her body.  She 
was so.... So perfect!
      
The feel of his touch brought so much warmth, but she longed, needed 
more.  Reaching down she grasped her hand behind his neck urging him 
back to her.
	
'Mulder.... Please!'

Feeling the full force of her need and desire Mulder placed his full 
form over her covering her small frame, and slowly she brought her 
right knee up telling him she was ready.  Even though his heart and 
body were screaming to keep going he pulled away.  He gazed down upon 
her, and smoothed her auburn hair from her face.  Undoubtedly he saw 
love, but there was also a tentative look upon her face as he stared 
into her eyes.  Was the newness of this happening too quickly, was it 
too much at once?  For several moments he desperately tired to hear 
her hearts voice.  Leaning down he placed a light kiss upon her lips 
and whispered...
	
"Are you sure?"

With little to no hesitation her eyes bore into his, and whatever 
doubts he had vanished.  He leaned in and rested his forehead upon 
hers, a pose that had been a symbol of deep intimacy for them for so 
long. Tenderly she pulled his lips down to hers.  His hands swept up 
her raised leg, and their kisses became deep and needy.  Slowly he 
eased his way beneath her.  She let out a small cry as he entered her, 
which stopped him cold.  Leaning down he whispered..
	
"Scully, are you ok? Am I hurting you?"

For a moment her breathing was labored, and her head remained turned.  
Her entire body was tense, and a look of discomfort washed over her 
face.  Panic flooded him, and he moved to relieve his weight from her.  
But her hands quickly stopped him.
	
"Mulder... I'm ok.... I just need a minute.  Its just.... Its just 
been a very long time."

Reaching down he weaved his hands in her hair holding her face in his 
strong hands.  A wave of tenderness and love flooded him as he stared 
down upon her.  Leaning down he rested his forehead upon hers unable 
to comprehend he was finally truly apart of her.  Slowly her breathing 
became normal, the look of discomfort faded from her face, and her 
body began to relax under his weight.  A gentle weary smile came 
across her face as she caressed his cheek.  Her hand moved to there 
usual position behind his neck and the other found its way to his 
back.  Gently she pulled him down upon her, as he eased all of his 
weight upon her petite frame.  The feeling of finally being one 
brought tears to both their eyes and for a time they just tenderly 
held each other.
   
Gently Mulder began to rock, and she inhaled sharply as her eyes 
closed.  Leaning down he hovered above her face for a second more 
before finally capturing her lips.  Kissing her deeply.... So deeply.

    
And before he knew it they were making love, slowly, so 
slowly...sweetly.  She could have never imagined what her heart would 
feel if this moment were to occur, and now it was.  She was now one 
with this man, she was complete.  And as he made love to her his every 
action and word demonstrated love, honor, and respect.  Soon the great 
abyss of pain, hopelessness, and sense of being lost had vanished.  
Her heart breathed in the peace and contentment of knowing she was 
exactly where she was supposed and longed to be.  Their bodies 
screamed for urgency, but their hearts needed this moment to last as 
long as possible. There were no words spoken, save for the murmuring 
of each others name, and no others were needed.  For hours he loved 
her, touched her, watched her.  A woman he had never seen before 
emerged before him and he was left breathless.  This is what lay 
before him all those years.
      
Finally after their bodies collapsed with exhaustion they clinged to 
one anther.  Tears ran down their faces in a steady stream.  Slowly he 
eased his himself from her, and instantly felt the lack of her and 
cold.  Quickly he reached to draw her to him, laying her head upon his 
chest, allowing her head to rest beneath his chin.  The peace he felt 
radiating from her brought so much joy to his heart at the thought 
that he had somehow brought that peace to her.  There they laid..... 
safe and free for the first time.... Utterly exposed and beautiful.  
The soft mist that had consumed the room was now gently hugging their 
precious bodies together.  The beauty produced that they made together 
painted the entire room and transformed it into such a sacred 
treasured place.  Laying there Scully's hand resting upon his chest, 
and her breathing content and even.  Looking down Mulder saw it..... 
the one thing that has always been a source of symbolism and love for 
them.... Her cross necklace stretched from her neck and rested 
delicately upon his heart.  As if she could read is thoughts Scully 
tightened her hold upon him.  She reached out to rest his hand over 
the necklace and then gently placed her own over his.  And for the 
first time the darkness that had consumed his life, the darkness he 
accepted as being his life faded away into the blazing pure white 
light of her love.... Bringing with her more hope, love, and life than 
he ever imagined he would know or have.
      
It had taken years for so many things to ravage and destroy their 
hearts and lives.... But it took but a few precious hours to heal 
wounds that seemed to go deeper as they believed for so long would 
never fade.  They were no longer alone.  And if the darkness were to 
come and swallow them once again.... The light of the love they held 
gave them the soft mist they needed to make it through.  Her hand had 
never left his, and it never would.  There was hope... hope for them 
both.... Hope that not only would the light change their lives but of 
those they touched.  Soon a selfish quest had turned into one of love 
and determination, a desire to make this world a better place not only 
for her but others as well..... a world he wished he could have given 
his sister.  Yes..... there was hope.... And as long as they lived 
they would run towards it with all they had.  Beautiful hope that 
would forever hold them together as one.