Date: 21 Apr 1999 21:13:34 -0700 Subject: The Overnighter (XFCreative mailing list) Title: The Overnighter Author: Elice (DanaMuldur@aol.com) Category: MSR Spoilers: none Summary: A rainy night, a long road trip, and a fully booked motel can lead to some revelations of the romantic kind... Archive: Yes, but please let me know where. Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully, the X-Files and any other recognizable entities belong to Chris Carter, Fox, and 1013 Productions. No copyright infringement intended. Feedback: Please. I'd love to hear what you think. The rain was submerging the road under it's icy torrents. Bolts of lightning tore open the sky as their icy blue light illuminated the lone car travelling down the deserted highway. Mulder glanced over at his partner, concern furrowing his brow. She shouldn't be out in this hazardous weather. Yes, he knew he was being over-protective, she was a grown women, independent, she could certainly look after herself. But he couldn't resist the urge to want to take care of her. To look after her. His arm reached over to her and he tenderly brushed back a stray lock of her copper hair. His hand lingered on her cheek for a moment as he stared at her sleeping form. She looked so peaceful and delicate. And beautiful, he thought to himself. Not that he had never thought that before. He loved this women with every inch of his being. He loved her utterly and devotedly. Unconditionally. She meant the world to him. She was his world. The most important thing in his life. If only she knew..... How he wanted to take her in his arms and hold her close. The temptation became too great and he was suddenly filled with a rush of desire. Keeping one hand on the wheel, he leaned over and his lips brushed hers compassionately yet softly, his eyes lingering upon her face. He swallowed, not believing he had dared to take advantage of her like that. If she had been awake....... Turning his focus back on driving, he brought his right hand down to her side and entwined his fingers in hers, gently squeezing her hand as a gesture of his love. He could've sworn that she squeezed back ........ The sleek silver car pulled into a one of very few vacant parking spaces and the driver cut the engine. "Scully?" he whispered, reaching over to unfasten her seat belt. "Hmmmm?" she mumbled, her eyes opening to see her partner, her best friend, his body leaning over her own in the car seat. This could appear to be a very intimate position to any passerby. Dana smiled at the image. Let them think that, she thought coyly. One of his hands was wrestling with the belt buckle the other was resting tenderly upon her stomach. She smiled at him shyly. "Having trouble?" she asked, as her hands joined his in the competition with the seatbelt. Mulder was having trouble. Not so much with the seatbelt as he was trying to keep his breathing steady. Just the touch of her hand sent shivers down his spine. They were so close.... "I f...found a motel," he managed to utter. "We can't keep driving in this weather. Let me help you get out." Finally the belt came undone and Mulder slipped around to the other side of the car. He opened the passenger side door and reached out his hand to help Scully. When they were both stood out side the car, Mulder removed his jacket and held it over her head to shield her from the rain. Not a drop would touch her if he could prevent it. One arm slipped around her shoulder as they rushed under the overhang outside of the small motel. Inside the lobby Mulder set the overnight bag they shared onto the floor and walked up to the front desk, his arm still oh-so-casually draped around his partner. "I'd like two rooms please. Next to each other if possible," Mulder requested. The receptionist looked at the two customers warily. 'Why would this couple want two rooms?' she wondered to herself. "I'm afraid that's not possible, " she began. "There's only one room left. We're almost full to capacity if you can't tell by the parking lot. This weathers got a lot of motorists cautious." Mulder glanced at Scully to see her reaction. She suprised him by cutting in. "That'll be fine, " she smiled. "We'll take it." Mulder's heart did a flip flop as Scully took the key and grabbed his hand. "C'mon honey," she cooed as she led him towards the stairs. Outside the door to room 213A, the two agents stood looking at one another for what seemed like an eternity. After a few minutes Scully could not stand it, she burst out in laughter at the expression of shock on her partners face. "Oh come on Mulder. You have to admit that was cute. Did you see her face when you asked for two rooms? Definite suspicion. I thought it would be fun to pretend we were a couple, didn't you?" she asked. Mulder managed a small chuckle. "Yeah, that was pretty funny." 'C'mon Dana,' Scully mentally chided herself. 'Nice one, covering that up with a joke. Hiding your true feelings. You know that you were just acting out a fantasy. The fantasy that you and Mulder are a couple,' her conscience told her. By now she had admitted it to herself. She was madly and hopelessly in love with her best friend. Her partner. And always had been. And she didn't know what to do about it. Until now. Scully inserted the key into the lock and the 'couple' stepped through the doorway. Both froze at the sight before them. A small bathroom off to the left. A wooden table and chairs to the right. And strait ahead, the bedroom. With one bed. Neither one had expected this. Most rooms came with at least two beds. This presented an uncomfortable situation. "Um, Scully..." Mulder began. "I know....." she answered. "I'll take the cou..." Mulder started to say couch and his sentence ran off into oblivion as his eyes searched the tiny room. He'd known this place was cheap....but no couch? That was ridiculous. "We could always share.......," Scully suggested and Mulder thought his heart would jump right out of his chest. Mulder didn't know if that was such a good idea......his hormones might loose control and he didn't want to ever hurt her. Risk loosing her. He might not be able to stop himself. "Ok," he told her, the proposition too strong to resist. She smiled and headed for the bathroom to change. When Mulder was left alone in the room, he stripped down to his boxers, disgarding the heap of clothes beside the bed, and curled up under the covers. A thousand thoughts ran through his head at that moment. This was his dream come true. He wasn't going to try anything. Just relish this night where he could be so close to the women he loved. Mulder flinched slightly as the bathroom door opened and Scully stepped out. Her hair hung loosely around her face, framing it. She was wearing an emerald green silk pyjamas set. Scully smiled at the sight of her partner, at the site of his wrinkled clothes, laying unfolded on the floor. A little sloppy, but she couldn't have him any other way. Pulling back the covers she slipped in beside him, curling close against his body. Her head was cushioned against his chest and she wrapped one arm around his waist. A little shocked, but blissfully content, Mulder pulled her even closer into his embrace and tenderly kissed her forehead. "Ummm," Scully sighed into his chest and buried her face against him. This felt so good. They cuddled together, not a millimeter separated the two bodies. "I liked it when you kissed me. Back in the car," she smiled at her revelation. "You were awake?!" Mulder asked, his eyes wide. "Does it matter? You kissed me, Mulder. Kissed me. Would you have still done it if I was awake?" "Of course. Would you have let me?" he countered, knowing the answer before she even spoke. "Is this your answer?" she asked as he tilted her face up toward his and she kissed him passionately on the lips for the first time. "Yes I was awake," she smiled. "And I love you." "And I love you Dana....more than anything in the whole world. As long as I live I won't let anything ever hurt you." "Oh Mulder," a tear ran down her cheek and he kissed it away. "You mean the world to me. You make me whole. I want you to be with me always, forever. I need you." "We'll always be together..." Mulder sealed his promise with a kiss, and they spent their first night together in one anothers arms. *** Please Be Mine Scully looked up, glad for the distraction from the paperwork on her desk, at the knock on the door of the basement office she shared with her partner and best friend Fox Mulder. "Could you get that Scully sweetheart please?" Mulder glanced at her smiling, feeling an overwhelming lethargic sense of laziness. "Mulder," Scully shook her head. "Did I ever tell you what a wonderful giving person you are?" he smirked, ducking the folder she tossed in his direction. "You do it every time. But I'm learning to resist that pleading tone of voice and your little puppy dog eyes. Next time, you're getting the door. I have work too you know." Mulder puckered his lips and blew her a kiss. "You're the best, Dana." "Stop it," Scully laughed lightly. He'd been acting very playful toward her lately. Teasing and flirting. And, Dana Katherine Scully, she told herself, you've been doing it right back. "O.K., o.k. I'm coming," she spoke toward the door as someone knocked again. Scully squealed as Mulder came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist. He whispered in her ear, "Let me get that gorgeous," and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Scully blushed and suppressed another laugh. "Oh, Mrs. Spooky's blushing," he teased. "I am not!" she exclaimed. "Oh Scully, c'mon. Stop denying it, you know you want me," he finished with a quick pat on her behind. Make that extremely playful, she thought with a grin as she started back toward her desk. Not that she minded......It was just like being in high school again with all of those teenage boys. Except she loved Mulder. And she was pretty sure he loved her too. But they had never gone any further than holding hands, brushing back each others hair tenderly, a lingering gaze or touch, hugging, and his little kisses on her forehead. And an incredible amount of flirting, now more than ever. She was almost sure the suggestive tone he had in his voice was nothing more than teasing, but how she wished...... Once again Scully looked up as her partner held back the door, his brows raised, to reveal a man in his early 30's with sandy hair and intense blue eyes standing there with his arms open wide. This was not just any man, this was Zach Carter, her former flame from her days back at Quantico. "Dana!" his deep voice boomed, full of happiness. "'Zach!" Dana replied smiling, trying to match his enthusiasm. She rose from her desk and went to him. He pulled her into his strong arms and embraced the rather uncomfortable Scully. She tried to return the hug, to at least seem happy to see him. "What brings you here?" she asked. "Good question. Why is he here?" Mulder mouthed to Scully who was looking over Zach's shoulder, still wrapped in his arms. She shrugged incredulously, mouth and eyes wide, as she stepped back. "To see you Kitten, "he replied. Dana cringed at the old nickname. "Kitten?" Mulder mouthed again, smiling. "I was in the area on business. You know, secret CIA stuff," he boasted. Ever since he had dropped Quantico to join the CIA he'd been very self-glorifying . He'd always had a huge ego, though. It'd just gotten larger. "Who's this?" he nodded his head toward Mulder a big grin on his face. "Senior agent?" Mulder had just about had it with this guy. He comes in here like he owns the place, takes my partner into his arms, and now refers to me as the 'senior agent'. Anger filled Mulders eyes and Scully, sensing he was about to lose it, walked over to his side, her eyes warning, grabbed his arm, and smiled up at him. "This," she smiled coyly running her hand down Mulders back, "is my partner. Right sweetie?" she nudged his ribs discretely, praying he'd play along. Catching her pleading gaze he replied, "Of course, darling. Don't you think you should tell Zach that we're not just partners anymore, Danakins?" If Zach had a nickname for her he was going to have one too. What happened next suprised her. Mulder pressed his lips tightly, yet gently, against hers and kissed her with incredible passion. Breathless, Scully answered, "As you can see Zach....." "Yes, I gathered as much," he spit out the words with animosity and hate, aimed strait toward Mulder. "Well, Kitten. Maybe we can meet for dinner tonight. 7 o.k.?" Without waiting for an answer he continued. "Great I'll stop by your place and pick you up." Before Dana could object he gave her a kiss on the cheek and slammed the door behind him. Scully knew that no kiss though, could compare to the tender and enticing one she had just recieved from...her partner!? When the resounding echo from the door faded and the two partners were left in silence Mulder quipped, "Hmm, another man. I am jealous.....Kitten." "Thank you, Mulder. For playing along," she sighed. "What was I thinking? I can't believe I ever went out with him!" "Me either," Mulder spoke, "I thought you had better taste. Senior agent! Really!" "I'm so sorry about that, you have no idea how much I wanted to slap him when he said that to you. I'm sure he's just jealous." "Protective," Mulder brightened, "I like it. Both Mulder and his partner stood nervously, Scully uncharacteristically playing with her hair and Mulder shuffling his feet. Finally Mulder spoke. "You really think he's jealous?" he asked, feigning innocence. "Oh I think so. Definitely. I mean look at you, you're everything he's not. Startlingly handsome, manly, strong..." she smiled, knowing she was flirting like crazy and enjoying every minute of it. Mulder raised his eyebrows in appreciation of her compliments. They were stood so close now. Their faces almost touching. Close enough to........ They gazed into each others eyes, Dana holding her breath. Uncomfortable, Scully broke the gaze, staring instead at the floor. Both were left quiet as their mind's drifted back to the kiss. Had it meant anything? It had felt like it meant something. How Dana wished they hadn't been pretending. Little did she know, so did her partner. Mulder broke the elongating gap of silence. "So, are you going to go out with him? To dinner, I mean?" Scully smiled, "Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" "I just thought that..well, I don't know," Mulder replied. "No, actually, I was kind of hoping we could keep up the act." Seeing Mulders suprise she quickly said, "For Zach. Just while he's in town." "Oh, see, you got me excited there for a sec. O.K. I think I can accommodate," her partner smiled envisioning the possibilities. "About tonight....." Scully looked uncertain. "Don't worry, I've got you covered," he assured her. "Look, it's past 5 now. Why don't you go home? I'll finish up here and be at your apartment by 6:30 O.K.? "Sounds like a good plan," Scully answered, "You sure you got everything under control here? I can stay if you need me.." "No, I got it. Tell you what, you go home, slip into something black and sexy and I'll see you an hour," he teased. Just as Scully was about to leave Mulder called to her, "Oh and honey, fluff up the pillows on our bed and get a baby-sitter for the kids." Scully allowed herself a slight chuckle, brushing off his suggestive comment with an arch of one perfect brow. "See you soon, Mulder." By the time Mulder reached Scullys apartment it was 6:45. He rushed up to her door and after knocking and receiving no answer, he took out his own copy of her door key. Slipping it into the keyhole Mulder pushed open the door and heard the classical music blaring from a the c.d. player he knew she had in her bed room. The one he had bought her last Christmas. Slowly he walked through the darkened apartment, careful not to bump into any furniture in her immaculate abode. When he reached her bed room door he peaked around the frame so as not to receive nor give any unsuspected suprises. What he saw took his breath away. There stood Scully, his partner, his best friend, looking very un-Scullylike with that black tight fitting dress and her hair swept up into a beautiful copper mass of ringlets. And the feelings he had at that moment were very un-partner like. "Scully?" he knocked quietly then pushed the door open. "Oh Mulder, you scared me!' Scully jumped. "I was going to suprise you! You're here early." she complained. "No, Dana. Its almost 7. Zach'll be here soon." Mulder replied. "Well I guess we'd better hurry then," Scully warned. "Wait, here," Mulder reached behind his back and handed his partner the bouquet of one dozen red roses he had bought for her. "Mulder, you shouldn't have," Scully took the flowers, "they're beautiful! Not as beautiful as you, Mulder wanted to say, but didn't. "Thank-you!" she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. After setting the flowers in a vase, Scully walked over to her partner and grabbing his hand, led him through the living room toward the dining room. "There's still one suprise left." On the glass top table two burning candles were placed, giving off an alluring scent and adding to the seductive quality of the shadowy room. The plates were made of shimmering crystal and they complimented the table with elegance. But Mulder was too buy staring at his partner to fully appreciate the display. "You look.......beautiful," Mulder told his partner. "Thanks," Scully looked down and blushed. She then busied herself by setting the vase of roses on the table. "Gosh, this feels like a date," she muttered when they were once again stood silently in each others presence. "Hey, it's O.K. Dana. It's me. Mulder. Nothing to be nervous about," Mulder tenderly cupped Scullys cheek in one hand and, staring into her eyes deeply, ran the other down the side of her face. Just then, as their faces neared one anothers, there was a booming knock on the door. Zach. "Quick!" Dana whispered to Mulder, their gaze now broke, "Sit." The two sat on opposite sides of the table. "Here," Mulder had an idea, "take my hand." Scully placed her tiny hand into her partners strong and assuring one on top of the table and in full view, all the while gulping down the lump in her throat. "Come in," Dana yelled unsteadily, her eyes, once again, lost in Mulders. Zach opened the door, barging in with a huge grin on his face. "Da..." he began, the smile dropping from his face when he saw her sat in such romantic surroundings with her partner. "Oh, Zach!" she started innocently, "I completely forgot you were coming over! Fox and I were kind of in the middle of something." Mulder smiled at the use of his first name. "Oh, come in, come in, how rude of me," she added. Zach entered the room, the look of utter disgust not leaving his face for a moment. Dana and Fox rose from the table. Mulder sat himself in Scully's overstuffed couch. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked politely. "No," Zach replied dryly, sitting on the edge of an arm chair. "Come here, honey," Mulder cooed to Scully. She walked toward him, and when she was stood next to the couch, she took his outstretched hand and allowed herself to be pulled into his lap. By this time Zach was shifting uncomfortably. And by no means was neither himself nor Scully prepared for what happened next. "Hey, I have an idea!" Mulder perked up, "Why don't we dance Dana honey? I'm sure Zach'd love to see what a good dancer you are!" Mulder rose and headed toward the entertainment center, switching on the radio to an easy listening station. "Listen honey," he spoke to Dana, "It's our song!" Mulder stepped toward Dana and pulled her off of the couch and into his arms. Very closely. In his embrace he held her close and they swayed to the music. Mulder delighted on the look of disgust on Zachs face. Mulder twirled his partner in and out and held her all the more tightly. When the song finally ended, Zach got up off the edge of the armchair and approached Dana. "It's been wonderful to see you again, but I really must get going," he spoke to Dana. "My girlfriend is probably missing me as much as I'm missing her. She's quite a beauty." "I'm sure," Dana replied. "Well, until next time Kitten," he finished with another kiss on her cheek and walked out the door without so much as a good-bye to Mulder. When she was sure he was gone, Scully burst out in laughter. "Did you see the look on his face?" she asked Mulder. "Uh huh," he replied, "But I'd rather look at you." This time when he stroked her cheek and pulled her close she was not suprised. Only delighted by the intensity and passion in his eyes. "I was thinking maybe we could play this game a little longer," he said coyly. "Along the lines of, oh say, the rest of our lives?" "I think that's a good idea Fox," she replied just as coyly. And when Mulder pressed his lips against hers she knew this was not pretending. This was as real as it could get. Overcome with desire she managed to breath out, "I love you Mulder. More than I've ever loved anyone in my entire life. You're my world Fox." "I love you too. More than anything. I've loved you ever since the first moment we met. I was always too afraid to tell you. I'd die for you Dana. I'd do anything if it'd make you happy." "God Mulder, I've felt this way since the beginning too. I thought you only wanted to be friends." Scully replied, breathing shallowly. "Lets put all of our misunderstandings behind us. From now on we'll always be together. Nothing can come between us. I'd die before I let anything ever happen to you," Mulder promised. "I'd die for you too. Mulder. Fox. I love you." The two partners, best friends, lovers were lost in each others passionate embrace. They would be together until the end of time. Will you ever know how I feel? "Dana?" "Um huh?" Scully mumbled, half asleep, from inside her tent. "Have you ever wished that we...." his voice trailed off. "What?" Scully asked wide awake now. There was something in his voice that let her know her partner needed her right now. "What Mulder? Talk to me." Dana said sitting up and unzipping her sleeping bag. "Never mind, Scully." Mulder sounded dejected. "G'night." "You can't say something like that and expect me to go back to sleep. I'll be up all night with curiosity. Besides, you woke me up from a perfectly good dream, the least you can do is tell me. Have I ever wished that we what?" Dana stated in a no-nonsense tone of voice. "No really forget it. Sorry I woke you, Scully." Mulder snuggled deeper into his sleeping bag, a thousand thoughts swirling in his head. "For goodness sakes, you called me Dana! There has to be something on your mind." Scully almost yelled and immediately felt bad when she imagined him in his separate tent, alone, sad, and with something on his mind. "O.K. Mulder, I'll drop it, but you're cooking in the morning." Scully smiled to herself when she heard Mulders chuckle. "See you in the morning Scully," Mulder said with a yawn. "Sweet dreams Mulder," Scully replied, deep inside hoping they were of her, although she'd never admit it. Scully zipped herself back into her sleeping bag and turned over with a sigh. She'd try and get some sleep. The next morning they were going to have to find their way through the forest back to the trail. Although, Scully had to admit, being lost in the forest alone with Mulder wasn't exactly a bad thing. Maybe this partner bonding trip Skinner had sent his agents on wasn't so bad after all. Not that Mulder and her needed any bonding. They were already closer than anyone she knew and closer than partners should be. It wasn't a sexual relationship, more one of care, trust, loyalty, friendship, and most of all love. She admitted it. Dana Katherine Scully loved Fox William Mulder with her whole heart and soul. She loved him with every ounce of her being and knew that he loved her too. She would die for Fox Mulder. They were best friends beyond what lovers could be. They had a mutual respect for each other which was more than many couples could say. After what she figured had been about half an hour, she heard Mulder tossing and turning in his tent. As she sat up, she heard him whisper her name. "Dana." His voice sounded longing yet mournful. "Yes, Mulder?" Scully replied. When she got no answer she decided he must be dreaming. About her. Her wish had come true. When she heard his whimper she could no longer stand it. She had to be close to him. See if he was o.k. Not necessarily wake him, just be there with him. Once again Dana slipped out of her sleeping bag and crept out the opening in her tent. She slowly snuck over to Mulders small one cabin and quietly stole into his tent. When she saw his body lay tangled up in his sleeping bag, sweat beaded on his forehead that was knit in a tight frown, her heart melted. Careful not to wake him, Dana lay down and curled against her partner, laying her head on his chest and wrapping her arms around him protectively. She brushed the strands of hair off his forehead and stroked his hair gently. "It's o.k. Mulder," she whispered. "Hush, I'm here now." She knew he was asleep and couldn't hear her, but she felt a relief just saying the words. She longed to make it all better and yearned to do so inwardly . Her heart broke when she saw the single tear slowly trailing down his cheek. She wiped it away and kissed his forehead tenderly. "I love you Mulder," she whispered shedding a tear herself, overcome with emotion. She felt an urge to scream it out loud. "My God Mulder. I love you so much. I never thought it was possible to love anyone as much as I love you," but suppressed it, only whispering it softly into his ear. She wanted the whole world to know of her love and didn't care what anyone thought. She had an overwhelming desire for this man that was her best friend. Her partner. Sure, she'd felt this way often, but here, in the dark, laying so close to him, it was stronger than ever. How she wished he felt the same. Yes, she knew he loved her, but only in her dreams could it ever go beyond platonic. She also knew he flirted with her like crazy, and tried to convince herself it was more than just teasing. There had been moments when his lingering glance, or lingering touch even, or the tenderness of holding his hand gave her hope, but just as soon as the thought materialized, she dismissed it. It had gotten to the point where when he simply touched the small of her back, hugged her, brushed her hair back, or kissed her forehead she shivered and had to swallow a cry. So many nights had she lay at home in her bed at night, tears streaming down her face at the thought of what they could never have together. "Oh Fox," she sighed. "Will you ever know how I feel?" Dana didn't see Mulders smile. Didn't know he wasn't asleep anymore. Yes Dana, he thought to himself, I will. Dana snuggled closer, relishing this night where she could be so close to the man she loved and wishing it would never end. She would be content to lie in his arms for the rest of eternity. The next morning came too quickly for Dana. She awoke and almost gasped when she saw she was lied next to her partner, their arms wrapped tightly around each other, but then she remembered the night before and her face flushed. She almost panicked. She hadn't meant to fall asleep. She'd wanted to creep out of his tent before he awoke. Maybe she still could. She started to slip out of his grasp and it seemed he was only holding tighter. Biting her lip and trying harder she froze in shock when her partner spoke "Don't go," he murmured. Gulping, she knew he was just talking in his sleep, a reaction inherent of his dissillusioned state, but just for one blissful moment she had thought......Stop dreaming Dana, she instructed herself. His embrace was so warm and enticing, maybe she could stay a while longer. She'd think of an explanation to tell Mulder why she was sleeping next to him, oh so close, later. For now she just wanted to lay in his arms. The next time Dana awoke it was to Mulders face hovering over her own. "Morning sunshine," he quipped. Scully fumbled with the covers and stumbled backward. "Mulder..... I....um...." "Don't explain," he put a finger to her lips, "Shhhhh." What she saw in his eyes suprised and delighted her at the same time. There was an intensity, a yearning, a longing in those deep hazel orbs. She swallowed and returned his steady gaze until it was too much to bare. Her heart was racing and she inhaled slowly, closing her eyes and lowering her head, unable to face his eyes boring into her with, yes, with passion. How long she had waited for this moment and now that it was here she was stunned, immobile. "Dana, I know how you feel. I feel it too. I've felt it ever since you first walked into my office 5 years ago. I love you so much. I never thought it possible to love anyone as much as I love you." He smiled at the look of utter horror on her face. "Mulder! You were awake?" Dana gasped, shocked that he had just recited the exact same thing she had whispered into his ear last night. "Does it matter?" he asked brushing back a strand of copper hair that had fallen into her eyes. "I would've told you last night how much I loved you too. It was all I could do to keep my mouth shut but I didn't want that moment to end. I just wanted to lay in your arms, and hold you close." Dana was shocked at how much his own feelings resembled her own. All this time, he had been loving her. All of his flirting hadn't just been playful teasing. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. She wanted to scream with delight but settled for returning the kiss he gave her. She let herself go in his embrace and gave in to her desire. She had held this inside of her for so long and now all of the burning desire she had bottled up inside of her let loose. When their lips parted Dana fell back breathing deeply. Mulder slipped his hand under her neck and leaned into her once again. This time he lay next to her, in much the same way as the previous night. They lay in silence for a few minutes when suddenly Mulder spoke. "Last night, what I wanted to tell you..." Dana smiled remembering the event that had started all this. Had she ever wished that they.............. "Yes Mulder?" she breathed. "Dana," he countered, his voice equally breathy, "Dana." His words were lost when he looked at her, into her eyes. He could get lost in those eyes. So beautiful. She was so beautiful. "Your name is so beautiful. Everything about you is beautiful. You're so perfect. Dana." Scully laughed. "Dana," he began again, "could you call me Fox?" "Fox," she rolled the word off her tongue slowly. "Fox. I think you're beautiful too." Mulde returned her smile with a luminescant one of his own. "Last night when I asked you if you'd ever wished hat we, well what I wanted to ask you, was if you'd ever wished things were different between us. If you'd ever wished that we were more than friends. But now I know the answer." He kissed her again. "Being out here in the forest really made me think about us. Not that I never had before. What I'm trying to say is that I've always loved you. I thought you knew that it was more than friendly. I always thought you only thought of us as friends and I didn't want to risk losing our friendship. Risk losing you. I've wanted to tell you for so long. I can't live without you Dana. Never leave me." "Oh Fox, I'll never leave you. I'll never let anything hurt you I'll be with you always." She linked her hands behind his head and pulled him toward her as their lips met once again. "We'll be together forever. I promise. I'll die before I let anything ever come between us." Mulder sealed his promise with another kiss as they lay entwined in each others arms. "Forever............" Overnighter The rain was submerging the road under it's icy torrents. Bolts of lightning tore open the sky as their icy blue light illuminated the lone car travelling down the deserted highway. Mulder glanced over at his partner, concern furrowing his brow. She shouldn't be out in this hazardous weather. Yes, he knew he was being over-protective, she was a grown women, independent, she could certainly look after herself. But he couldn't resist the urge to want to take care of her. To look after her. His arm reached over to her and he tenderly brushed back a stray lock of her copper hair. His hand lingered on her cheek for a moment as he stared at her sleeping form. She looked so peaceful and delicate. And beautiful, he thought to himself. Not that he had never thought that before. He loved this women with every inch of his being. He loved her utterly and devotedly. Unconditionally. She meant the world to him. She was his world. The most important thing in his life. If only she knew..... How he wanted to take her in his arms and hold her close. The temptation became too great and he was suddenly filled with a rush of desire. Keeping one hand on the wheel, he leaned over and his lips brushed hers compassionately yet softly, his eyes lingering upon her face. He swallowed, not believing he had dared to take advantage of her like that. If she had been awake....... Turning his focus back on driving, he brought his right hand down to her side and entwined his fingers in hers, gently squeezing her hand as a gesture of his love. He could've sworn that she squeezed back ........ The sleek silver car pulled into a one of very few vacant parking spaces and the driver cut the engine. "Scully?" he whispered, reaching over to unfasten her seat belt. "Hmmmm?" she mumbled, her eyes opening to see her partner, her best friend, his body leaning over her own in the car seat. This could appear to be a very intimate position to any passerby. Dana smiled at the image. Let them think that, she thought coyly. One of his hands was wrestling with the belt buckle the other was resting tenderly upon her stomach. She smiled at him shyly. "Having trouble?" she asked, as her hands joined his in the competition with the seatbelt. Mulder was having trouble. Not so much with the seatbelt as he was trying to keep his breathing steady. Just the touch of her hand sent shivers down his spine. They were so close.... "I f...found a motel," he managed to utter. "We can't keep driving in this weather. Let me help you get out." Finally the belt came undone and Mulder slipped around to the other side of the car. He opened the passenger side door and reached out his hand to help Scully. When they were both stood out side the car, Mulder removed his jacket and held it over her head to shield her from the rain. Not a drop would touch her if he could prevent it. One arm slipped around her shoulder as they rushed under the overhang outside of the small motel. Inside the lobby Mulder set the overnight bag they shared onto the floor and walked up to the front desk, his arm still oh-so-casually draped around his partner. "I'd like two rooms please. Next to each other if possible," Mulder requested. The receptionist looked at the two customers warily. 'Why would this couple want two rooms?' she wondered to herself. "I'm afraid that's not possible, " she began. "There's only one room left. We're almost full to capacity if you can't tell by the parking lot. This weathers got a lot of motorists cautious." Mulder glanced at Scully to see her reaction. She suprised him by cutting in. "That'll be fine, " she smiled. "We'll take it." Mulder's heart did a flip flop as Scully took the key and grabbed his hand. "C'mon honey," she cooed as she led him towards the stairs. Outside the door to room 213A, the two agents stood looking at one another for what seemed like an eternity. After a few minutes Scully could not stand it, she burst out in laughter at the expression of shock on her partners face. "Oh come on Mulder. You have to admit that was cute. Did you see her face when you asked for two rooms? Definite suspicion. I thought it would be fun to pretend we were a couple, didn't you?" she asked. Mulder managed a small chuckle. "Yeah, that was pretty funny." 'C'mon Dana,' Scully mentally chided herself. 'Nice one, covering that up with a joke. Hiding your true feelings. You know that you were just acting out a fantasy. The fantasy that you and Mulder are a couple,' her conscience told her. By now she had admitted it to herself. She was madly and hopelessly in love with her best friend. Her partner. And always had been. And she didn't know what to do about it. Until now. Scully inserted the key into the lock and the 'couple' stepped through the doorway. Both froze at the sight before them. A small bathroom off to the left. A wooden table and chairs to the right. And strait ahead, the bedroom. With one bed. Neither one had expected this. Most rooms came with at least two beds. This presented an uncomfortable situation. "Um, Scully..." Mulder began. "I know....." she answered. "I'll take the cou..." Mulder started to say couch and his sentence ran off into oblivion as his eyes searched the tiny room. He'd known this place was cheap....but no couch? That was ridiculous. "We could always share.......," Scully suggested and Mulder thought his heart would jump right out of his chest. Mulder didn't know if that was such a good idea......his hormones might loose control and he didn't want to ever hurt her. Risk loosing her. He might not be able to stop himself. "Ok," he told her, the proposition too strong to resist. She smiled and headed for the bathroom to change. When Mulder was left alone in the room, he stripped down to his boxers, disgarding the heap of clothes beside the bed, and curled up under the covers. A thousand thoughts ran through his head at that moment. This was his dream come true. He wasn't going to try anything. Just relish this night where he could be so close to the women he loved. Mulder flinched slightly as the bathroom door opened and Scully stepped out. Her hair hung loosely around her face, framing it. She was wearing an emerald green silk pyjamas set. Scully smiled at the sight of her partner, at the site of his wrinkled clothes, laying unfolded on the floor. A little sloppy, but she couldn't have him any other way. Pulling back the covers she slipped in beside him, curling close against his body. Her head was cushioned against his chest and she wrapped one arm around his waist. A little shocked, but blissfully content, Mulder pulled her even closer into his embrace and tenderly kissed her forehead. "Ummm," Scully sighed into his chest and buried her face against him. This felt so good. They cuddled together, not a millimeter separated the two bodies. "I liked it when you kissed me. Back in the car," she smiled at her revelation. "You were awake?!" Mulder asked, his eyes wide. "Does it matter? You kissed me, Mulder. Kissed me. Would you have still done it if I was awake?" "Of course. Would you have let me?" he countered, knowing the answer before she even spoke. "Is this your answer?" she asked as he tilted her face up toward his and she kissed him passionately on the lips for the first time. "Yes I was awake," she smiled. "And I love you." "And I love you Dana....more than anything in the whole world. As long as I live I won't let anything ever hurt you." "Oh Mulder," a tear ran down her cheek and he kissed it away. "You mean the world to me. You make me whole. I want you to be with me always, forever. I need you." "We'll always be together..." Mulder sealed his promise with a kiss, and they spent their first night together in one anothers arms.