Title: I belong to you (1/1) Author: Desdemona E-mail: desdemona800@excite.it Messages are welcome. Remember to put 800! Rating: PG Category: Romance Spoilers: nothing huge Keywords: Scully/other Scully/Mulder romance Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully, Skinner, the Lone Gunmen and Mrs. Scully all belong to Chris Carter, Ten-Thirteen, Fox Networks. Lenny Kravitz and Virgin Records America Inc own all rights of the song "I belong to you". No copyright infringement is intended. Anyway, I made Michael and Laura Thompson up. I used these characters just for fun, not for money. Summary: Scully announces to Mulder she's going to marry Michael. Mulder has to face this reality and decide to act or not. Part 1 She was so excited and the only thing she wanted was to tell it to Mulder. Scully went to the basement and entered in their office. She found him, as usual, sitting at his desk and throwing pencils to the ceiling. He seemed thoughtful but she didn't pay much attention to his attitude. He stopped his favorite activity as he noticed Scully. Then he watched her putting off the coat she was wearing. "Morning" he said. . Mulder tried to tell her something clever, but his mind refused to think. He could only admire his partner, just watching her walking around the room and then coming next to him. He thrilled thinking her so close to his body. Silent. Nothing. He was in trouble, a situation like that one never happened to him, either in the past. He was embarrassed. "Mulder?!?" "Yeah?" "Have to talk to you." "Me too. Shoot!" "Do you remember Michael?" "Yep" Mulder said trying to dissimulate his feelings about that man. "Well, you know that we've gone out together in these weeks...", she hesitated. "Go on, Scully" he encouraged her. She took a long breath... "He asked me to marry him". He froze. He looked at her waiting for an explanation, wanting to believe that his imagination played a joke on him. "And I said yes" She was puzzled. He was silent, too silent; Mulder had always something to say. "Mulder, are you ok?" Not a sign from her partner. "You know Mulder, Michael is the first person who has taken care of me since a long time" He was unable to speak; this last sentence of his partner hurt him so much, more than a gunshot. His attention was captured by the word *partner*. New fears overwhelmed his mind. Just thinking her as the bride of someone else disgusted him. "The X-files?" He managed to seem not so shocked. He failed. "This is the point. He lives in Houston. I'll move there and leave the FBI. Not more Special Agent Scully, but just Doctor Dana K. Scully!" She was waiting for a reaction of Mulder's, but he was sitting in his chair, thinking to God-only- knows what. He was silent and motionless. The phone rang and she walked to her desk to answer the call. As she sat down, she saw Mulder stand up and step until the door. She thought. Part 2 He inserted the keys in the ignition and drove away from his parking lot. He didn't realize that he has driven for 3 hours. He noticed only that he wasn't any more in town; the landscape was different. He guided his car until the countryside. He could still hear what Scully said, some words came back again and again in his mind even tough he tried to push them away "Michael...marry him... yes. I'll move...Houston..." She stroke the last blow saying "Michael is the first person who has taken care of me since a long time", he felt hurt, he was bleeding and the only thing that could have healed him was the love of his partner, but that was now impossible. He stopped the car and jumped out of it. He closed his eyes; the wind blew and caressed his cheeks. The sensation he had proved before, being like hot with fever, lessened. He stood there for some minutes then started walking until he had no more energy to waste. He sat under a big tree exhausted. With an automatic gesture he took the cell phone he had previously disconnected, afterward he connected it and heard a message that Scully had left for him. "Where are you? Are you on an x-file? Please, call me when you hear this message. I need to talk to you again. There're other things to be said for the marriage!" He disconnected again the cell phone, just in case she dared to call him for the second time. He fell asleep. Part 3 Scully was really upset. He never behaved in this way before. He called Mulder four times and the cell phone was disconnected. She left him also a message, so he could understand that that speech was important and they haven't finished it yet. As time passed by, her angry became worry. her mind was filled with images of Mulder's body deadly shot lying in some blind alley. She was shocked by such a terrible vision. she thought trying to calm herself. . She went to his apartment: no trace of him. Next, she headed to the Lone Gunmen Base. Byers, Langley and Frohike haven't seen Mulder that day and she began to be very afraid about his life. The three men asked Scully what exactly she had said to Mulder and she told them about her marriage. They were astonished, not only because of the wedding, but especially because she seemed not to be aware that Mulder was in love with her. Langley turned his face to Byers who looked Frohike. He nodded. "What's up?" she said after that the three friends looked each other in that way. None of them knew what tell her. Maybe the truth, but it didn't seem a good idea indeed. They could only imagine Mulder's feelings after such a declaration. Frohike, who once had a crash for Scully and who was aware how deeply the FBI Agent was in love with her, recognize how much his friend was in pain. "Don't worry Scully, I'm sure he's alright. Go home and take a rest. Tomorrow he'll be at work. Trust me, he's ok. He's not in danger." Frohike said trying to reassure her. He was certain that Mulder wasn't in life danger, but he was really worried about the heart of his friend. She didn't realize the true meaning of her thoughts. The only thing that was clear in her mind was that *she* had to find him. "Are you joking, aren't you?" she said in a loudly voice. "No, *I* am not joking. We'll find him for you. You'll go to your apartment and stay there. No question about it. This is my last word." He was so firm that she could not reply. "I'll phone you as soon as we found him." He added. She nodded and sadly went home. When the door was shut, Langley spoke up: "I can't believe, I really can't believe! She doesn't know, she's truly blindfolded. It's so clear that Mulder loves her so much!" he shook his head. He had expressed the thoughts of the whole group. After a minute of silence during which the three men re considered that absurd situation, Frohike shouted: "ok, let's go to work". Everybody in the room nodded. Part 4 Mulder woke up when was already dark, he was so tired that he could fell asleep again. Out of question going back to Washington in that condition. He was not ready to take the car and drive for 3 hours to go to his apartment. It was a crazy idea; he could cause a car crash being in such a sleepy state. Fifteen minutes later he reached his car. The fresh air of the evening loosened his need to sleep. He was sure he could drive, but he was still tired, so he decided to take a room in a motel. < *Don't* think about her, just reach a motel and take a rest. Tomorrow you have to wake up early to go to work. Shit, I don't want to go. I don't want to see her, and I don't NEED her! > He was lying to himself: he wanted to see her, touching wasn't possible, but he *needed* to memorize her face before her leaving. He made a u-turn and drove until he saw a little motel. He parked his car and took a room for the rest of the night. He entered in. . Then he put off the coat and he fell down on the bed, already sleeping. Part 5 The Lone Gunmen were doing of their best to find him. Scully had searched in the wrong way. If Mulder was so out of mind as Frohike believed, he was surely driving out of the city. So, all they could do was trying to phone him and wait until a credit card of his was used. The petrol can be endlessly, when he finally have to stop in a gas station or in a motel they were able to know where exactly he was. Frohike and Langley were at their computers, looking for some Mulder's sign. Frohike, who seemed to be the chief of this "mission" asked: "Still disconnected, Byers?" "Yeah, I've composed his number thirty times, but this damn cell phone is still disconnected!" "Uh I supposed so, he doesn't want to talk to anybody right now. I understand him!" Frohike replied. "Wait, wait a minute..." "What's up?" Byers and Langley shouted together "Uh uh, I've got him!" "So, where is he?" Langley asked first. "Sweet Heart Motel, Oldville. Nice name for a motel, isn't it?" "Nice?!? I think it's *ironic*" Byers affirmed. "Frohike, where is Oldville?" Langley added. "West Virginia, 3 hours from here" "Long trip. What's next?" "Call him, I've got the number of the hall" "Yep" "What about Scully?" "We'll call her after being sure he's okay." "Right." 2 minutes later Frohike was still waiting someone for taking the receiver up and finally talk to. A sleepy voice answered the phone "Sweet Heart Motel, can I do something for you?" "Yes, I'd like to talk to Fox Mulder, he took a room of yours nearly 30 minutes ago" "I see, wait a minute. Alright!" The phone rang and Mulder was forced to break the dream he was doing and turn abruptly to reality. "What the hell..." he picked up the receiver. "Mulder?" "Frohike?!? How do you find me?" "Never heard about electronic traces, such as credit cards and stuff like that?" "Right, what a stupid!" "Are you alright?" "Umm, so so" "Scully was so scared for your life" "Scully?" "Yep, she told us about...ehm... the wedding" "Ah" "Mulder talk to me!" "She...she will move!" "What?" "She'll go to Houston!" "I'm sorry" "I can't talk, please, let me go. I can't face this right now. Please", his voice sounded childish. He hated this tone; damn he was an FBI agent, not a six-years-old boy. "Why didn't you told Scully that you're in love with her?" "I was going to, then ... the declaration of her marriage..." "Uh... do you need anything?" "No, just sleep and forget this story for a while." "Okay, we'll see you tomorrow" "Bye, and thank you Frohike" "You're welcome, sir" Part 6 Scully was lying in her sofa, thinking to the events of that day. < What the Lone Gunmen are doing? Did they find him? > She couldn't be relaxed; she was sitting there without doing anything for him. Maybe he's in trouble. She wanted to believe in Frohike, but it was hard for her. The phone rang "Mulder?" "Nope, Frohike" "Did you find him?" "Yeah, he's alright. As I said you before, he'll be at your office" "Where is he?" "West Virginia." "Why did he go there?" "He was very tired, he didn't tell me." He lied so badly that he felt guilty. "Okay, I'll see him tomorrow and ask him to explain his behavior" "Dana..." < I have to tell her not to question him> "Yeah?" "Nothing, good night" "Night" Part 7 At 6 a.m. the phone rang for the second time in the room of the Sweet Heart Motel. Mulder, still drowsy, woke up. It took him a moment to realize where he was, and then he answered to the call. The voice of a young woman informed him about the hour. He became conscious that he fell asleep fully clothed. He went to the bathroom, got off his suit and had a shower. He switched his mind off just being relieved by the water that was gliding over his skin. He stayed under the gush for half an hour, then, he took a towel and put it around his waist. He looked at his image reflected in the mirror. He had regained control of his mind, but he was suffering so much. He had never felt this way before. Mulder wore the dirty clothes and left the room. He got on his car and drove away. Her name filled his mind. Memories from the past emerged. He was able to remind every single moment spent with her, every conversation they made, every case they solved together. Both sad and happy moments came up, flashbacks of their professional and personal life. She was the only one who supported him and who didn't laugh at his extravagant theories. Well, not always, but at least she tried to comprehend. When he was depressed and everything seemed to be vain in his quest for the truth, she incited him to go on. Scully trusted him and he had faith only in her. They could count only on their mutual loyalty. She saved his life several times and he did the same for her. No, she *couldn't* have forgotten what they passed through. Her abduction, the cancer, explosions, clones... It was Scully and Mulder against the whole world. They survived. Together. He turned the radio on. His mind frenetically scanned his emotions from the first time she knocked at the door of his office. Her orders were to control Mulder's actions, but after few weeks she became a precious ally...and his best friend. How many times he worried about her life or had her half dead lying in his arms. In moments like those, he knew how much important she was for him. Even if he tried so badly not to be overwhelmed by his feelings, he couldn't stop thinking. He was completely lost. Again. When he arrived at the building they worked in, he stopped the engine of the car and everything was clear in his mind. Part 8 Scully was sat at her desk, still thinking to Mulder. She was really puzzled and wanted to know the cause of his behavior. Someone knocked at the door and came in. Without looking at the man who was standing at her right, she said in a loud voice "Damn Mulder, why didn't you call me. You know how much I become preoccupied when I don't know where you are!" "Honey..." It was Michael's voice. Scully looked at him with a sorry expression in her eyes. "You forgot your cell phone at my apartment. I believed you might have needed it! So, here I am." "Thank you for coming. Excuse me, but Mulder never did a thing like that. Am I forgiven?" "Sure. Never mind." Michael was on the point of kissing her on her lips, when Mulder came in. Scully noticed him and she turned her head, offering her cheek to Michael. She didn't know why, but she didn't want Mulder to see her kissed by another man. She felt uneasy. It was true, but she imputed her reaction to the fact that she had worked with Mulder for so long. *************************************************** When Mulder found his partner with her fianc searching for her lips, he petrified. A sudden flash of jealousy invaded his heart. However, Scully turned her face and was kissed on her right cheek. He was relieved. "Hi, are you okay Mulder?" she spoke first observing rings under his eyes and the unshaven face. "Yeah, I need to talk to you". He looked at Michael nervously. "Alone" Michael, who understood the message of Mulder, said good-bye to Scully and went away. "Are you sure you're alright? You seem exhausted. Didn't your insomnia let you sleep well, did it?" She said walking and stopping when she was face to face with her partner. "Yes, it was my insomnia" he lied. He took her head in his hands. He looked at her; he admired her brown deep eyes, her lips, her nose and her lips again. She was so close . He had the impulse to press his mouth against hers. Then their eyes locked together. "Are you happy with Michael?" he heard his own voice questioning Scully. He was astonished. These words came up from his lips and he didn't know how or why! "Yeah" she said in a tender tone. How selfish he had been. From the previous morning when she announced her marriage, he has thought only to his pain, to his feelings. But what about hers? How could he tell her his passion after knowing she was really in love with that man? . He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. If her happiness depended by his silence, he will suffer alone, quietly. She put her head against his chest and her arms behind his back. She heard his heart pumping in a rhythmic way. He was there, keeping still. He blessed that contact with her body and the fact that she was alive. he thought trying to convince himself. What has he to offer to her? His heart, and what else? Pain and sorrow were the reward of being his ally. Her wealth was seriously damaged because she trusted him. And that was the only thing that mattered. He closed his eyes and was captured by the sweet scent of her hair. Also her silky skin had a wonderful perfume. . He held her closer hoping that that moment will last forever. Reluctantly, three minutes later, he set her free. His body ached when he didn't feel her anymore against him. That hug was his adieu. He was hardly able to stand. So, he went to his desk and sat down. He put down the coat he was still wearing. Scully went to her desk too. Both of them were unable to speak and the room was filled with their silence. Mulder was the first to break their visual contact up; he was sure that his eyes would have betrayed him. Scully, sometimes, had the gift to look into his soul and mind just observing them. He opened a file pretending to read it. He was thinking to how beautiful was having the woman you love in your arms. . Yeah, but at the same time it was hell, he couldn't open his heart and declare his love for her to the whole world. She began to write a report at her computer. In Michael's opinion she had to leave her work as soon as possible, thus she could have much time to arrange their wedding. Yeah, there were lots of things to do, but she wasn't so sure as her man. Well, the truth was that she wasn't ready yet to change her life. Moreover, she was really worried about Mulder and his unjustified behavior. She stopped typing. "Why did you go in West Virginia?" The question was a bolt from the blue. He was dreaming on what would it be a life being the husband of Scully, when he was forced to return to reality. "Personal problems". He said the first thing that came to his mind. "I can't understand. Is there something wrong?" "No, it's okay. I don't want to talk about it." He said those words in a tone that wouldn't allow any replies. He became conscious that he answered in a rude tone. He tried to find a remedy. "I'm sorry Scully, I didn't want to talk to you like that. But I'm very, very tired. Maybe there are traces of this condition on my face!" he suggested. Then he touched his cheek with his right hand and was aware of being unshaven. She laughed softly and nodded. . Then she resumed her activity. Fifteen minutes passed. When Scully didn't paid attention to him, Mulder gazed at her. She broke the silence again. "I've got another question for you..." "I'm at your service" "I'll be very honored if... Do you want to be my witness at the wedding?" His face darkened. "I don't" She was perplexed. "Why not?" "I can't!" She was looking at him with a questioning expression. "Scully, you know me. I can't face such a responsibility" He tried to smile hoping to seem credible enough. She opened her mouth to say something, but then she preferred to remain in silence. After few minutes she asked again "Will you come, won't you?" "Sure, just tell me where and when and I'll be there," He said calmly. "Okay". "Scully, it's lunch time. I'll go home to change my clothes, shave and eat something. So, I'll be again myself, at least I'll be presentable. I think if a girl who doesn't know me meet me in a blind alley... well I believe that she will take to her heels!" She nodded. He closed the door behind him and leaned his back at the wall. It was like surviving to a boxing match. Then, he walked through some long corridors and gained the exit. He got on his car and headed home. Scully was still sitting at her desk exactly in the same position as when Mulder left her. In the afternoon Mulder retuned to the office and tried to act as usual. But it was hard. Part 9 Days went by quickly and he wanted to spend as much time as possible with Scully. He was sure that this part of his life was at the end, so he decided to enjoy every moment with the woman he loved. They worked on their last x-file, which wasn't complicated as Assistant Director Skinner had believed. When he was with her he felt invincible; his actions too mirrored that sensation. He was spontaneous and he made her laugh. On the contrary, at night, when he was alone in his apartment Mulder suffered a lot. He used to lie down on his sofa and get up the following morning just to go to work. A week later, he found on his desk a little white envelope. He opened it and saw the invitation to Scully's wedding. He turned that piece of paper again and again in his hands and a heavy sigh came up from his mouth. Fortunately, his partner wasn't inside the office. He focused on the date and the church where the ceremony should take place. . That thought reopened a wound that wasn't already healed. His last hope blew away. He realized that everything was arranged and that by the end of the month Scully wouldn't be by his side. When Scully came back to the office, she saw Mulder sat at his desk with his fingers through his hair. She went next to him and posed a hand on his shoulder. He hadn't realized that she was in the room. Actually, he jumped at her touch. "Ehi, what's up?" she said in a sweet voice. "I was just thinking..." "What?" "The past" "Umm. Good or bad things?" "Both" "I understand. I can't see you in this way, tell me that you're happy" she said looking at the invitation. "I am," he said in a forced smile. "Really?" "Really! Ok, let's go to work" Part 10 Mulder was searching for a nice gift for Scully and Michael. He wasn't good at shopping and in addition he had no special ideas. He went to lots of shops, but nothing seemed to fit. Three days left to the wedding and he still hadn't a present. He phoned to his mother for help. She gave him some suggestions, but he was already at the same point. Then, he smiled. He chose a silver picture frame. Well, it wasn't an original thought, but he was pretty desperate. He run to the shop in which the previous day he had seen a beautiful one, then he went to a photo-center; there he asked to enlarge a picture of Scully he had taken in Texas. Ten minutes later he was on the way home. At his apartment he opened the frame and looked at the photo. He possessed only that portrait of his partner. It was beautiful. . Mulder picked up a pen and wrote a sentence at the back of the photo. Then he put the picture into the frame and wrapped the box in a colored paper. The following morning -it was Friday- he went to the basement. It was the last working day of Scully, but she seemed angry and nervous. Mulder stepped in and smiled at her. He spent all the time gazing at her. At the end of the shift, he took her home. At her apartment there was Michael and so Mulder gave them his presence. "It's only a little thing, just to remember me" He smiled to Scully. "Mulder, you know, I can't forget you" saying these words she broke the sheets of the box, eager to know what Mulder had chosen for her... she corrected. "Oh, it's wonderful" she told him. "Look Michael, it's so lovely, isn't it?" "Yeah" Michael answered in a careless tone. "Do you really love it?" Mulder questioned Scully. She nodded happily. "Where did you take the photo? You've never told me that you're a photographer." "There are lots of things that you don't know about me, Special Agent Scully", he said being delighted at her sentence. He went on. "In Texas, two years ago. We had solved an x-file and we went to a park to have a picnic. You were watching at some children playing with their parents, I've got the camera, so..." "Now I remind this episode, but I really can't remember you while taking the picture" "It doesn't matter." They began to talk remembering the past. Michael, being excluded by their conversation and bored by their chitchat, went in the kitchen. After a while, they became aware that Michael wasn't there with them, so Scully called him. "What are you doing?", she avoided "honey" on purpose. "I'm preparing the dinner, someone should do it or we'll faint tomorrow at the meeting with the priest" "Yep" she said and then looking at the expression of Mulder explained, "you can't imagine how severe catholic priests are when a couple is next to their marriage" "Uh uh. I think it's time for me to go home" Mulder whispered getting up from the sofa. Michael seemed relieved at that assertion. "No, please stay. Have dinner with us!" Scully didn't even look at her fianc. "I don't believe it's a good idea". Mulder wanted to remain with her, but he looked at Michael who wasn't so glad as Scully. She got up. "Stay, we don't know when we'll meet again. *Please*, stay." Michael who suddenly realized that she was leaving all her friends to move with him, shout: "it'll be a pleasure to have you here" Mulder looked into her eyes and nodded. He wasn't strong enough to deny her something or to lose an occasion like that one. The dinner was delicious and they had a good time. At ten o'clock Mulder and Scully were still speaking about x-files, so Michael decided to leave them alone and gave them time to cut at the past. He wasn't an evil person, he was conscious that his fianc had a special relationship with Mulder. Sometimes he was jealous of this connection and of the years they shared together in the FBI. He was aware that for Scully this part of life was important, but he didn't realize how much. She didn't inform him about all the troubles they passed through. Michael kissed her on a cheek and went to his apartment. they both thought. They talked until 5 o'clock in the morning. Hours seemed minutes and they saw the dawn. "Oh my God, it's morning" she said amazed. "Time flew away when you enjoy yourself. Well, maybe you need some rest before meeting the priest" "I'm not tired, but maybe you're alright. It's always a pleasure talking with you" she said. "Ditto. You know..." said Mulder stretching "...I'm not tired at all!" They got up and walked until the hall. "I think that after tomorrow I can't call you in the middle of the night just to have a conversation" "Well, maybe not every night, but you can call me when you need to talk or just because you can't sleep. I will always be there for you, even if I'll not by your side." She whispered in a sweet voice. He felt an urgent need to kiss her on her lips, but he resisted. "Phone me whenever you want, understood?" she asked. "Promised." Mulder nodded seriously. "Sleep well". Then he kissed her softly on her cheek and went away. "Good night" she whispered at the empty room. She suddenly felt sad. And alone. Part 11 The great day came. Scully was really nervous. She was a catholic woman and was educated to think at the wedding as the beginning of a new sacred life in which the word "forever" played a great role. she thought . The meaning of that word itself didn't scare her; what she feared was spending the whole life with Michael. Was him he right one? He wasn't a Prince Charming, but he gave her stability, and that was she needed. Her mind was full of doubts but she didn't express any. Her mother, Margaret, knocked at her door and came in. "Oh darling, you're still not ready. Dana, you know that the priest can't celebrate the wedding without the bride!" Scully was silent, many questions all mixed up together were in her head and heart. Was the right time? Has she to wait for someone else? Was she ready to change her life radically? Her brain refused to work, unable to analyze the situation. She was an FBI Agent trained to solve tricky problems, but when she had to examine her troubles, she wasn't able. Everything seemed confused. "Come on, Dana. Hurry up. Put your dress on. Guests are waiting for you. Michael too." Her mother stated. Margaret looked at her puzzled daughter and hugged her. "Don't worry, honey, it's normal. Every girl is anxious the day of her wedding. Doubts will pass as soon as you'll enter in the church." She said in a tender tone. Even tough her words were reassuring, Margaret was certain that Dana wasn't really in love with Michael. She tried to talk about it to her daughter several times, but Dana didn't want to listen to her. So she decided to take her true feelings about this wedding hidden. If Dana wanted to marry Michael, Margaret would accept him. Margaret pondered . In fact, Margaret loved Mulder as a real son; she knew that he was deeply in love with her daughter. Mulder was always at the side of Dana risking his own life to save hers. The way he looked tenderly at her was incredible. She has never seen a man so careful to the needs of a woman. Dana *did* know that, she was clever, she must have looked in his eyes and recognize his love for her. . In these moments the beliefs of Margaret were all cracking. One thing was certain: Mulder was in real pain. While her mother was thinking to all these things, Scully began to dress up. She wore the white suit and the veil was adjusted on her new coiffure. After looking at her image in the big mirror, she opened the door and headed with her mother to the hall. There, she found her relatives who wanted to escort until the church. She finally sat down in the car, which her brother hired. She wasn't at ease because of the huge dress, but she resisted for the short distance between her house and the church. *************************************************** . Mulder was preparing himself physically and mentally to assist at her wedding. Would he be strong enough to let her go away? Would he sit down and look at the destruction of his life, of his future? He was in front of the mirror trying to tighten the knot of his tie, but not really seeing his image. He put the autopilot on and did simple automatic movements. He was ready to go. He said to himself. A little voice coming from inside his body whispered, "Are you? Really? I don't think so. What are you going to do when you'll see her next to Michael, when he'll slip the ring on her forth finger? Still want to go? Still ready? Sure?" At first, Mulder didn't paid attention at that hypnotizing voice, then he was on the point of not going at the ceremony. He wanted not to listen at it, because it was the truth, but he had to go. He arrived on time. Walking through the nave, he looked at the people sitting in the benches. Everybody was smartly dressed and happy. He felt like a stranger. His body ached. It wasn't a nightmare; it was reality. Among those bright faces, he saw few people of the Bureau. Skinner and his secretary were on the right, other Agents were there too, but Mulder wasn't in the mood to go and greet them. He made a nod to Skinner and went on walking. The Lone Gunmen were sitting on the left and he headed this way. And so he did. He tried, but failed. His friends wanted to distract him from his thoughts, but it was a hard mission. While Langley and Byers went on chatting, Frohike noticed that their strategy was vain. He intimated to stop talking to the two Lone Gunmen with a flashing look in his eyes. Then, he posed a hand on the shoulder of Mulder, who weakly smiled at him. The solemn music began. Scully stepped slowly along the nave. Every single guest turned the head to look at the bride. Mulder wasn't able to. He went on looking forward, his eyes lost in the infinity. Two people noticed his attitude: Margaret and Frohike. Margaret preyed her God to take an eye on that sad man. Frohike pondered. Music still in the air. Scully was walking. Very slowly. She had her right arm under the left one of her elder brother. Her momma said that every doubt would have passed. She thought. She finally arrived at Michael's side. The clergyman began to talk. . She said to herself. Mulder wasn't listening to the words of the priest, but his attention was captured by a passage of the rite in which the clergyman called upon those persons against the match to speak. He forced his body to remain sat down, but all his desperation was reflected by an involuntary gesture of his hands: both of them were fists so clenched that his knuckles were white. Frohike looked at him very preoccupied. "...you can kiss your wife" the clergyman stated. "It's finished." Mulder and Scully thought simultaneously, even tough the meaning of that expression was different for each of them. She was relieved. He felt no more as a human being. The crowd poured out of the church and so Mulder did. Everyone got in their cars and steered to the hotel in which the banquet should have taken place. Everyone, but Mulder. He ran away, driving the opposite way. Scully enjoyed the feast as much as her guests. There were good food, nice music and a gay atmosphere. She was very busy indeed; she had to greet all the invitees smiling at them and listening to their congratulations. When the party was over, she changed her dress with a more casual one so that during the journey she could have been more comfortable. She reached the intimates who waited for her. They wanted to wish her good luck before she left Washington with her husband. Scully supposed to see Mulder among her friends, but he wasn't there. She asked for him to many of the guests, but no one seemed to know where he was or when he went away. "Dana, we've to go" Michael said. "I'm coming" she shouted and turned looking for a face in the crowd. She wanted only to say him goodbye. Two minutes later, she was gone. Part 12 Mulder didn't remember where he went or how he arrived to his apartment. When he opened his eyes, he was lying down the bed and had headache. He just reminded himself inside a pub drinking something and then the black out. He got up trying not to fall on the carpet. His legs were numb and so his balance wasn't firm. He reached the kitchen with the intention to take a cup of strong black coffee. His brain began to work and consider the situation as the cup of hot coffee was in his hands. "Why should I gulp this and think? I'm not a masochist. Better drink something else and don't ponder at all." He went next to the fridge, opened it and took an iced beer. He swallowed it at one gulp. He took another one slamming the door. The apartment was immersed in the darkness. It might have been evening or night. Silence underlined the sensation of emptiness and desolation that Mulder felt. He sat in the couch with the beer in his right hand. He took small sips until the liquid inside the brown bottle ended. He carefully put it on the little table in front of him. It was hot in the living room despite the cool temperature of outside. Mulder took off his blue jacket and tie; he unbuttoned the white crumpled shirt. Alcohol worked well for a while, but suddenly its effect vanished. His mind, free from the torpor, began to think of her. "Their honeymoon is at the beginning." Unable neither move nor breathe, in his eyes the image of Scully touched by Michael was formed. A shiver ran through his spine. He couldn't stop that vision: Michael's hands sliding over her silky skin, exploring her white neck, and kissing her on the lips. A groan came up from his mouth. Somebody knocked at the door and forced him to reality. The vision loosened first and then stopped. His body was relieved. "Mulder, open the door, it's us. Let us enter" Frohike shouted so that Mulder could hear his voice. No answers. "We know you're there; your car is in the garage. Open the door. Come on, man" "Go away" Mulder said. The voice was so low and hoarse that didn't resemble to his. "Listen, we just want to see if you're alright." "I'm fine." "Okay. Let us enter and talk" "I don't want to talk. Leave me alone." The three men knew that Mulder didn't want to open the door and that every word they could say wouldn't bring him peace. Words are meaningless in such cases. "Well, we're going. See you later" Byers, Langley and Frohike went away leaving Mulder with his thoughts. He looked at the photo that he brought in his wallet. The picture was a miniaturized version of the one he put in the silver frame as a gift. Scully showed her right profile; the sun caressed her face and a gentle breeze tousled her hair. When he took that photo she was half laughing half smiling. Her eyes were filled with joy. Children always had that influence on Scully before cancer prevented her to procreate. For few instants, he saw other photos: Scully and him tight in a hug, their house, 3 kids around them: their family. It was a dream; his wallet was empty except for the picture of Scully. It's strange how imagination works sometimes and fakes your perception of reality. Part 13 Scully's life changed a lot in a short period. Her husband was a lawyer who worked hard for giving her financial stability. Her new job wasn't dangerous as being a FBI Agent and was paid handsomely. She exercised medicine on human beings and not making autopsies on corpses. Around her there was happiness, but something was wrong. She wasn't able to recognize what, but she definitely didn't feel at ease as Michael. Days were all the same, nothing exciting happened at the surgery. She got used to her new timetables: wake up at 7:30 am, surgery at 9am, lunch at 1pm, etc. Every Sunday morning Scully and Michael went to the parents of her husband and they stayed there for the rest of the day. On Fridays, at evening, they went to the Thomson's, some friends of Michael. They had dinner and listened to music; then Michael and John used to talk of their job. Dana and Laura watched a film, while their husbands stepped in the studio to discuss. It was a tranquil life, sometimes it was boring too, but Scully had chosen it voluntarily and she hadn't regrets yet. Part 14 Days went by and Mulder was doing the same old things. The only difference was that Scully wasn't by his side. Working wasn't a medicine for his disease, but, at least, distracted his mind. Obviously, when he was inside their office he still considered that hole in the basement as "theirs" he could see traces of her past presence. She left a scarf and an umbrella. Her favorite cup in which she used to drink hot coffee in the morning was there yet, on her desk. Sitting in his chair, he reminded an episode happened the previous month. He was hugging Scully absorbed by her scent. He was still able to feel the same sensations he proved that day. Past memories were his only comfort, and they kept him alive. When he needed to travel because of his job, Mulder felt a little bit better. Places were all different and there was nothing to remind him of her. Only night caused pain: insomnia got worse and he couldn't no more hear her rhythmic breath when she was sleeping. Sometimes when she was his partner, they kept opened the door that separated their rooms: so he fell asleep lulled by her breathing. Despite his promise, he never phoned her. He tried to lots of times, but when he picked the receiver up intentioned to call her, he hung up worried about her reaction and scared by his. In his head he imagined that phone call thousand times, but never been able to put it into reality. Anyway, not even Scully phoned him. So he deduced that she didn't need him as much as he needed her. *************************************************** On a Monday morning, Mulder was consulting some documents about unusual assassinations. A muscled man, after knocking at the door, came in. "Hi, my name is Paul Parker. I'm a Special Agent and your new partner." Mulder rolled his eyes surprised. "Who did you assign here?" Mulder asked in a rude way without answering to the greeting of Paul. "Assistant Director Skinner" He run out of the office and entered in Skinner's. "How can you do it to me?" "I don't need to give you explanations about my decisions. I'm your boss." "I've supposed that between us there was friendship apart from working relationship." "You were wrong. Here, in this building we cooperate as Assistant Director and Special Agent. You *will* work with Paul Parker and teach him everything you know. And that's all. You can go now". Walter Skinner told him these words to make Mulder react to the departure of Scully. He wanted only to shake him on a personal level. The last thing he would do was hurt him or cause him additional pain. Mulder slammed the door behind him and went to his office. He would have never imagined Skinner as an enemy. He stepped in and saw Mr. Paul Something sat at Scully's desk, typing on her computer and drinking from her cup. His first impulse was to strike him with his fist. "So, do you know my name?" Mulder began. "Fox Mulder, right?" Paul omitted his nickname "spooky". "Never call me Fox; if you do it, I'll shot you in your arm, understood?" Paul nodded being conscious that he wasn't joking. "I'll let you know a thing: I-am-not your babysitter. Skinner said that I have to teach you what I know. Ok, if you look at my actions, you'll soon be able to leave this hole and continue your brilliant career. I don't like you; we've got to work together, but don't expect me to become a friend of yours. Is everything clear?" "Yeah" Part 15 It was a long hard day. When finally Mulder stepped in his apartment the only thing he wanted was to relax himself watching a movie, eat something and go to bed. He ordered Chinese and lied down in the sofa. He turned the VCR on and began to follow the plot of the classic he had previously chosen from his collection. Soon, his mind floated away thinking to the events of that morning. Paul Parker wasn't a bad guy, Mulder admitted, , but as a Special Agent he was a real disaster. He had no experiences and every ten minutes he had to question Mulder about something. At the end of the shift Mulder was really tired and had a headache. His brain was still full of Paul's questions. He had to find out a way to spend little time with him, but giving him as much information as possible. . After taking this decision, he put in his mouth some sunflower seeds paying attention to the movie. The doorbell rang. He went to the hall and opened the door. A teenager was standing in front of him with a pack in his hands: his dinner. He paid the bill and tipped him handsomely. Mulder ate every thing that was inside the pack and watched at the end of the film. He got up and went to the bedroom. He took off his clothes throwing them all around the room; he lied down covering his body with the sheets. Ten minutes later the phone rang. Half drowsy, he picked the receiver up. "Fox, is it you?" a familiar voice called his name. "Scully?" For a moment he remained in silence; he even stopped breathing. "No, I'm Margaret" Mulder turned the light on and sit leaning his back to the cold wall. "Oh Maggie, how are you? I thought you were her, you know you two have similar voices." He was sincere and happy to hear Margaret, but at the same time he was disappointed. "I know. People often exchange us, especially when the phone called is made in the middle of the night." She said thinking to have disturbed him. Mulder, who could read in her mind affirmed "Don't worry Maggie, I wasn't sleeping. Is everything alright? Is she well?" "Yeah, I'm fine, and Dana too. And what about you?" "I missed her." He said in a sad tone. "I missed her too. Did you phone her, didn't you?" "No, I didn't know what to tell her. Well, I tried few days ago, but I changed my mind." "Oh, so you haven't heard her since the day of the wedding. It was a month ago! Did she call you?" "Nope" Margaret heard anguish and pain in his voice. "These days she's so busy. Her new job is too different; she has to get used to." "Maggie, it doesn't matter. Don't excuse your daughter; she doesn't need it. I don't need to be comforted." "Ok, I'm sorry. What about the x-files?" "I've got a new ...ehm...partner. However, I believe that he's not going to remain with me for a long time. You know, he's ambitious and he considers his career very important; and being the partner of Spooky Mulder doesn't help him." He laughed ironically. They talked for a while enjoying the conversation; then, they greeted each other. Mulder fell asleep and he woke up the following morning. He wasn't sure to have dreamt, but he felt good. That day wasn't so bad, except for the presence of Paul. Before going home, Skinner called him. Assistant Director didn't mention the event of the previous day, but assigned him a case. "I think it's not a difficult case, but your skills are requested. You have to go to Maryland and find out the truth." "Okay, I'll leave this evening. Is there anything else I need to know?" Mulder was suspicious, because every time that his boss said that the case wasn't difficult to solve, there were always obstacles. "No, for further details you should read the documentation I gave to Paul" "Paul? Are you joking? He's not ready for action." "Paul is a trained Special Agent. He's able to do that kind of work. He *will* come with you" Skinner ended the conversation. Mulder arrived home; he prepared a luggage and went to the airport. Paul was waiting for him. *************************************************** Mulder and Paul Parker worked well together in Maryland. The young Agent was very active and he found lots of evidences on the crime scene. Mulder was quite astonished; maybe he underestimated his new partner. They spent spare time talking and laughing, but even if Paul did his best to be accepted by Mulder, he was *not* Scully; he couldn't replace her. She was not only his best friend, but she had a different point of view that helped Mulder not to be overwhelmed by his fantasy. He received a phone call by Skinner who wanted to know if the investigation was at a dead point or at the end. Mulder told him they were working on the solution. At night his brain worked faster. Silence and darkness let him discover details that during the day he hadn't noticed. He fell asleep thinking of whether the x-file or Scully. The following day the truth was clear in his mind. He called Skinner to inform him that the same evening Paul and he were going to take the flight back to Washington. *************************************************** Walter Skinner was working on some reports. Mulder phoned him that morning and he was glad to know that the case was closed. He admitted that Mulder was an excellent profiler and Special Agent. In less than a week he was able to solve a mysterious mutilation on the dead body of a woman. Skinner considered himself as a friend of Mulder, so he tried to help in the only way he knew: distract him from thinking of Scully and give him the opportunity to train Paul Parker. He wasn't proud of the speech he made; he was conscious to have treated him in a rude manner and, maybe, to have hurt him. It was the prize for Mulder's health. He had lost a precious member of his team, Special Agent Dana Scully, for personal reasons, he couldn't, he wouldn't indeed, lose Mulder too for his broken heart. His mind floated away in these considerations, when the phone rang. He was surprised on hearing that voice. Part 16 It was Friday evening and Scully was looking into her wardrobe. She was searching for something to wear because, as usual, they had to go to the Thompson's. She took a white shirt and a pair of jeans. She dressed up, but she needed a cardigan. . Putting the cardigan on, her right hand bumped the silver frame, which fell down on the floor. The glass broke in thousand pieces. She said angrily. She ran in the kitchen and picked a bag up. Scully went in the bedroom and shut the door behind her. She began to collect the broken glass and she put the silver frame on the commode. Scully looked at the photo and turned it. She couldn't believe what she read. She reached the door and locked it. She sat on the bed and turned the photo again. It was Mulder's writing, no doubt about that; she was sure of this fact because she had learned to love it with the passing of years, even if it was hard to decipher. However, that sentence was written in clear letters. Tears rolled over her face. She read again those beautiful words being certain that they would disappear. No, they were still there and made her so happy. In blue ink Mulder wrote: "I will always love you. F.M." Scully was unable to think, but she let her body feel an extraordinary and powerful sensation. Michael knocked at the door. "We're going to be late. Hurry up." He said impatiently. "Sorry, Michael, I'm not coming with you" she informed him trying not to be betrayed by her voice. Her emotions were so strong, she never felt that way. "Are you ok, honey?" "I've headache, don't worry. Go and have fun" Tears were slipping on her cheeks silently. "Are you sure? If you don't need me..." "I need to take a rest. That's all. Don't let them wait you longer" "Okay. See you later." "Bye" Her mind was full of episodes of the past. Mulder was always there for her, he saved her life, he gave her the strength to go ahead and look for those who had infected her with cancer. She thought to his reaction when she said to him of her marriage, his travel to West Virginia, his disappearance at the wedding. Everything was clear in her mind. . Her feelings for him were all coming at the surface. They were hidden for too long; she wanted to deny no more what was evident, she loved him as much as he loved her. She looked horrified at the ring she had in her left hand. She wasn't in love with Michael, and she had never been. In less than a second she took her decision. Scully began to write a letter for her husband. "Michael, I'm sorry to write to you this letter, but I can't stand this situation any longer. It's difficult for me to admit that I don't like this life. I hate it. You chose for me, being sure that it was what I desired, that I needed it. No, you've created a *perfect* life for a perfect *wife*. You did all just for yourself. It's not me that you love; it's your ideal Dana. I am different, very different. I love action, I adore my job at the FBI, and I like to solve the problems of other people. Investigation is what I want, and adventures what I need. I've always considered myself as Special Agent Dana Scully and I always will. I don't want to heal cold and flu; it's not in my nature. I left my friends and my mom to be with you. I made a mistake. Now I know what I need and I've got to follow my heart. I know that it's the right choice. I've got to be with those who really love me and that in the past had taken care of me." Her eyes, which dried when she was writing, were filled with tears. Scully remembered an episode happened about three years before her wedding. She was lying in Mulder's arm; she was bleeding and she was sure to be on the point of dying. She was able to remind horrible sensations: she felt her body being weak and cold, and her life slipping away. Mulder was there with her, trying to be strong for her, to pass her the heat of his skin. He was caressing her hair and cheeks telling her that she was not dying, that soon she would have been in the hospital. He was right. She continued to write her letter. "You have the right to hate, but with the passing of time you'll agree with me. I don't want to hurt you, it isn't my intention, but I wish to return to my old life. I need to be happy, I need to be *truly* loved. My own survival depends from this choice. I'm leaving you. When you'll read this letter, I'll be far away. Don't look for me or follow me. Don't call my mother or me. Tomorrow you'll receive a phone call by my lawyer. It's over. I'm sorry. Dana" She had cancelled the sentence "I've never loved you". She was not so cruel. She was conscious that leaving her husband by letter was brutal, but she wanted to reach Mulder as soon as possible. She wouldn't waste time; they had spent several years denying each other the pleasure of love. Scully folded the letter and put it into an envelope. She looked at the wedding ring, slipped it off and inserted it in the envelope too. She took her biggest baggage and push in it all the clothes that it could contain. She called a cab and left. Inside the car, she thought that she hadn't a ticket for the flight. She phoned to the airport hoping to find a seat for the first flight for Washington. A feminine voice answered to the phone call; after looking at her computer, she informed Scully that all the tickets were sold out. She had to wait until morning. She went to a hotel. She had to phone Mulder, but she didn't want to call him on the cell phone. She composed the number of his apartment; nobody answered. She decided not to let her mother know that the following day she would have been in Washington. She needed to spend time with her partner. Scully was too excited and couldn't fell asleep. She made another phone call. "Assistant Director Skinner? I'm Dana Scully" "Scully, how are you?" Skinner was surprised to hear her voice. "Fine, thank you. And you?" "I'm alright. Can I do something for you?" "Yeah. I decided to come back to Washington and I've been wondering if the FBI needs my skills yet." "Sure. I was certain that one day you would have returned." she thought. Assistant Director didn't accept her resignation when she went to his office informing him that her marriage was about to be celebrated. He said that he would have accepted a long period of leave of absence. "Sir..." "Yeah?" "Is Special Agent Mulder working out of Washington?" she asked. "Yep, but he has to come back tonight. Scully, when you are going to be on duty?" "Well, I believe in a couple of weeks. Is it okay for you?" "Yes. We're waiting for you. See you." "Good night. And thank you, sir" "Good night" She hung up. Ten minutes later she picked the receiver up again and composed Mulder's number. This time she heard his voice. "Hi. How are you?" she said in a trembling tone. "Scully? Is it you?" Mulder was incredulous. "Yes, I am. Were you sleeping?" "No, I stepped 5 minutes ago in the apartment. How are you?" "Fine. And you?" Scully thought "Okay. Is Michael with you?" "No, I suppose he's at home." "You suppose?" "I left him this evening" Mulder was silent. "Mulder, are you there?" "Yep, have I heard well?" "Yes, you have. Tomorrow I'll phone to my lawyer for the papers of the divorce." "Why?" he stammered. "We need to talk about this, not now. Tomorrow I'll take a flight for Washington; can you come to the airport?" "Yeah. What time?" "11.30 a.m." "Are you well? I mean for the divorce." "Never felt better. I...I missed you." "I missed you too." "I'd like to talk, but I'm really tired. Today has been a long hard day, you know, lots of emotions." "I understand. Sleep well." he pondered "Sleep well you too." They put the receivers down. Sleeping was out of question for both. Scully was euphoric because of the sudden revelation of love. Hope and excitement were new emotions for her. She was making projects for a new life with the only man she had loved. On the contrary, Mulder was filled with doubts. . In his mind he could hear her voice telling him that she missed him. . One of her sentences made him suspicious: "we need to talk about this". . However, listening to her voice delighted him; she was so sweet. Part 17 Mulder arrived at the airport at 11; he waited for her looking through a huge window at the planes taking off and landing. A metallic voice announced that her plane was on time. He was quite nervous not only because she was coming back, but also because he ignored the real aim of her voyage. She was observing the landscape eager to see Washington when the pilot of the aircraft affirmed that in ten minutes they would have landed. She was anxious to look into Mulder's eyes and hug him tight. She wanted to declare her love for him, but she was uncertain about the words to use. She refused to take into serious consideration that fact. She feared his reaction and suddenly she felt weak and selfish. However, she decided that even if he was in love with someone else, she had to tell him. She had to do it for herself. She was sitting in her seat pondering about her life, when the plane landed. She took her handbag and exited from the plane; she waited for the baggage and picked it up. Scully saw his face among thousand people. The beating of his heart stopped as soon as he saw her. Mulder looked her coming up to him. She was smiling. Scully was standing in front of him, her eyes locked in his. "Hi" she said shyly. "Hi" he answered gazing at her beauty. For a second they looked at each other in silence. Then he kindly patted her hair and put a lock behind her ear. His right hand slipped gently over her cheek; he had done that gesture pushed by a sudden impulse. Scully closed her eyes for a second, enraptured by the soft contact with his skin. A shiver ran through her spine. He said to himself "Did you enjoined the flight?" he questioned her breaking the ice. "Yeah, the weather was good, so there wasn't turbulence or things like that. Can we speak about this later?" "Sure. Would you like a coffee? I know that you always don't drink on the plane." "No, thank you. We've got to talk. It's very important. I don't want to waste time, do you?" "I don't want *you* to waste time." He said having misunderstood her words. She was perplexed; she didn't realize that her words could have been interpreted in two different ways. "No, you got wrong. I...I don't want *us* to waste time. It doesn't matter. Let's go." he was confused. "Ok, where would you like to go? At your mother's house?" "No, I was thinking to a quiet place. What about your apartment?" "No problem. This way." They gained the exit and got into his car. For a long time nobody spoke. Mulder was considering her words trying to extrapolate their true meaning. She was amazed: the seat was positioned for her short height. Did Mulder put it into the right position for her when he knew about her return? Or, could it be possible that nobody sat there after her departure? She thought. The truth was that Mulder in the last month didn't make a mundane life and there weren't occasions to have passengers in his car. She turned the radio on. The deejay was chatting with a guest about old cars, and then he launched a song. The music began. It was a sweet melody and lyrics were beautiful. "I belong to you And you You belong to me too You make my life complete You make me feel so sweet" This song touched both. It seemed like an omen, a good omen. Mulder hung the steering wheel so tight that his knuckles were white. Scully paid more attention to the words. "You make me feel so divine your soul and mind are entwined before you I was blind but since I've opened my eyes and with you there's no disguise so I could open up my mind. I always loved you from the start But I could not figure it up That I had to do it everyday So I put away the fight Now I'm gonna live my life Giving you the most in every way. I belong to you..." When the song finished, she turned the radio off; music echoed in their ears. She stared at him for a long time while he was driving. Mulder was too concentrated on the lyrics and on driving, so he didn't notice her eyes on him. However he perceived her left hand on his knee, but she quickly withdrew it turning her head. The vehicle stopped because of the red light of a semaphore. He turned his face looking at her and she did the same. Their eyes locked again; his body, so taut before, suddenly relaxed. For the rest of the journey they sat in silence, but they just enjoyed the presence of the other. They finally arrived at his apartment. Mulder unlocked the door and let her enter first. She looked around and was glad to notice that everything seemed to be the same. His flat, even if it was small and untidy, was cosy. For the first time in a month she felt at home. Mulder grabbed her coat and put it on a chair. He took his black leather jacket off and threw it on the bed. "Here we are", after a pause he said abruptly "What's the urgency?" She cleared her throat. "I... I've got something to tell you. It's not easy for me..." her mouth went dry "Can I have a glass of water?" she asked gently "I'm sorry. What a way to behave! I'm not a good host, am I?" he didn't wait her reply and went directly to the kitchen. After a minute he was coming back with the glass. She sat down the couch. "Thanks." She gulped the fresh liquid and began to explain. Mulder settled himself down near Scully. "Everything was so confused; I was filled with doubts. There were so many things to do, the marriage, guests, invitations, the dress, etc and I didn't have time to think to what I really wanted. Indeed, what I needed was hidden, I didn't realize my...my feelings or those of people around me." she said quickly remaining breathless. She talked looking at her hands, being attentive not to meet his eyes. "Scully, I can't follow you. Breathe. We've got time, talk slowly." She nodded and went on with her speech. "I wasn't aware, I didn't notice, maybe I should have, but I was too busy on my career; all I wanted was to find those bastards that hurt me...hurt you and make them pay for all the things they've done, for our sorrow. Can you understand me?" she asked gazing at him. "Yeah, but I still don't underst..." "Wait. Let me finish. I don't know if I'm strong enough to continue..." He nodded silently. "There were lots of evidences, but I've never taken it into consideration... I refused to believe that you... me... oh god help me", she took a deep breath, "All these years...all these years lost because of me, because I was blind. I didn't want to see... the connection between us." Mulder listened to every word. Was it possible that she felt the same way as him? "You know, there was a sort of bold...we were fighting to survive, but at the same time it wasn't only for it or for...for the truth. It was something...deeper. I don't know if I'm clear enough. It's only that I'm trying to be honest with you, and you know it's not so simple for me, I mean to open my...my heart to someone." A heavy sigh came out of her mouth. "I wanted to be happy, but I made a mistake, a big mistake. I married a man that I... -God forgive me- that I didn't love; I've never loved him. If I think to the days before the wedding, I'm sure I was out of mind, and it seemed to me like to be in trance or of a sort of slow motion. I didn't want to...hurt you. It wasn't my intention, far from it. Trust me. Can you believe me, can't you?" he was so happy. "Can you believe me, can't you?" she repeated anxiously. "Yep. I've always believed you, and I always will" She was relieved. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" "Say it. I need to hear it from your lips. I don't want to misunderstand." He whispered hoping not to be wrong. "What I'm trying to tell you is..." she gazed at him. He took her head in his hands looking at her and waiting for those words he desperately needed. "...I love you". Her mouth opened in a wide smile. She was so ... happy isn't enough to express her feelings. It was a magic moment for Mulder too. He dreamed a that situation lots of time, but reality was so wonderful, so full of emotions, he could have never believed that love was so powerful. He was at seventh heaven. "I love you too", he said softly. He looked at her lips and kissed her, gently first, then passionately. Both didn't want to think, they were just two people kissing, caressing, hugging and touching. Sensations carried them away. Love was what they needed. Explanations could wait; they'd already said the most important words, anyway. Nothing and nobody could separate them. They were renewed and stronger than before. A new connection was formed. Now they were Dana and Fox against the world. Always together, side by side. *************************************************** The End. This is my fan-fiction story. Did you enjoy it? I hope so. I wrote it some months ago, but when I discovered this site I decided to post it. I translated it into English; I did my best. If there are mistakes, please forgive me.