From: PPrich39@aol.com Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 18:40:29 EST Subject: NEW: Por Siempre (1/6) Source: direct TITLE: Por Siempre (1/6) AUTHOR: Christine FEEDBACK: cdxf93@aol.com ARCHIVE: Yes. DISCLAIMER: None of these characters are of my creation, nor are some of the familiar references made within the story. All belong to CC/Fox/1013 (I only wish they were mine!) SPOILERS: Nothing Important Happened Today I and II RATING: PG CLASSIFICATION: Story; Romance, Angst KEYWORDS: MSR SUMMARY: An answer to the nagging question of what happens to the MSR in the S9 finale. _________________________________ POR SIEMPRE ("Forever") PART 1 PLEASE NOTE: This story is meant to be the second half of the planned two-part Season 9 Series Finale. All items in ( ) are explanation for what is occurring at a particular point. OPENING SCENE of the second half: (This is intended as lead-in, a "teaser" for the ending. It would be shown at the very beginning of the episode before the XF intro/theme song.) (The camera slowly pans along over the ground. All we see is green grass, a bit of blue sky. It appears to be a sunny, brilliant day, Spring day. We hear birds singing, children's laughter. Suddenly the scene changes, and we see a drastically different image.) (It's now completely silent. We don't hear anything as we pass through a cemetery. It is night, and fog hangs heavy in the air. As we approach what appears to be a body lying on the ground, the movement of the camera slows down further. As we get closer, we see that it is lying motionless, silent. The camera sweeps up and over the body, and we see a very brief, vague glimpse of a face. It is not immediately recognizable.) (Now you begin to hear "Scully's theme" playing in the background.) Scully's eyes flash open, wide. She is in the shower. A hot stream of water cascades over her, initially meant to soothe her and calm her nerves. She had only closed her eyes for a moment, but in that brief time her mind produced a frightening, and frequently reoccurring image. Her worst fears playing out in her subconscious. It terrifies her. Scully is shaking as she quickly turns off the water. Reaching for her bath towel, she dries herself off and then wraps it around her. Making a concerted effort to erase any remnants of the unsettling vision that has just appeared in her mind. Opening the shower door, she slowly and deliberately steps out. Being careful not to let the trembling of her heart, and the fear that has gripped her entire being, affect her physical ability to carry on. She moves over to the sink, taking in deep breaths and exhaling slowly. Trying to calm her frantically pounding heart. Her hand rises to grasp a hand towel nearby, and she absentmindedly rubs it against the fogged mirror. Although the bathroom is more than comfortably warm, a sudden chill bolts through her and she shivers. The steam is thick as it lingers in the air, and it has created an almost eerie effect in the room. Her image having been obliterated in the mirror by the heavy steam, it gradually begins to re-appear now. She stares at her vague reflection, motionless. Transfixed. Wondering how things will play out tonight. What will she say? How will she react? Her hand shakes as she brings it down and lays the towel on the sink, continuing to grip it tightly. She is tense, her nerves frazzled from weeks of not knowing for sure if this night would really take place...or when. (Scully voice over. She's reading a journal entry. As she speaks, vague black and white images of M&S together appear from the past.) "I've missed you, Mulder. The emptiness in my soul profound. I've lost you far too many times in this lifetime, yet I persevere in my resolve to maintain your presence forever in my life. Conceding there have been inordinate sacrifices made, many precious moments lost. The path to which we have been diverted has not been one of our own choosing, and thus we've found our very existence being threatened every minute of every hour." (A momentary pause) "I need the safety and security that only you can provide, to protect all of us. Although this trying chapter of our lives is fortunately about to end, I will always be looking over our shoulders. I'm weary and worn as I'm sure you are, at times feeling close to a complete breakdown. But the courage of conviction that you have shown me time and again, and my faith, give me the strength to continue on. Our journey together interrupted, I now anxiously await the comfort of your arms, the spirit of your soul...and the love of your heart." (Back to Scully. She is still standing motionless in front of the mirror, a wistful look on her face, her hand now on her heart, tears forming in her eyes. She whispers something that is barely audible, her voice breaking on the second syllable.) "Mul-der..." (Cut to the XF intro/theme song, then the episode moves into whatever the storyline is. The final scenes take place in the last 20 to 30 minutes of the episode, leading up to and including the end.) END OF PART 1. _______________________________ POR SIEMPRE ("Forever") PART 2 FINAL SCENES of the second half: Dressed in her bathrobe, she walks into the bedroom and opens the closet door, briefly studying the clothes hanging before her. Like solemn soldiers protecting a fortress, they are all in place, ready for her when she needs them. Her eyes quickly begin to scan over the items, in search for one specific thing. Past the G-woman suits, silk blouses, casual pants, cotton shirts. Her eyes finally settling on the subject of their pursuit. It's one of his shirts. She slowly reaches out and touches it in a seemingly respectful manner. Stroking the sleeve, her fingertips slowly drift downward on it. Mindful of his very existence, wanting to be a part of anything even remotely related to him. Although the apartment had ample room, it is now full of all kinds of assorted items. Her things, William's things. His things. A couple of months after he left, she decided to take some of his possessions out of storage. She brought many of the boxes back to the apartment and unpacked them, integrating anything she could into her home. Their home. She needed assurance of his presence in her life every day, and this was as close as she could get in preparing for the many months ahead without him there. She unbuttons the top button of the blue dress shirt, and slips if off the hanger. Holding it close, she closes her eyes and buries her face into it. Like she has done so many times before. Just the feel of the material against her bare skin makes her tingle inside. She inhales what little is left of his scent. This small reminder of him makes the stirrings inside of her now become a full rush. It is just enough to bring back every emotion she has ever felt whenever he's been near her. Memories flood back of working alongside of him. Dressed in his business suit, she found the very sight of him intoxicating. Over time it evoked in her an unfaltering, intrepid and increasing passion for want of him; an unrelenting and demanding desire to have him well within her very depths. (A collage of changing images of Mulder and Scully working together over the years appears on the screen for several seconds, gradually focusing back to the present moment.) It made her light-headed just to think about it. Moving the shirt away from her face and opening her eyes again, she attempts to collect herself for a moment, get her emotions in check. Try to regain her composure. She methodically slips the shirt back onto the hanger. Buttoning it carefully, her hands are shaking slightly. She undoes the tie around her waist and lets her robe drop to the floor. Pulling a sweater off of the closet shelf, she slips it over her head. Selecting a nice pair of casual pants, she pulls them on as well. Then she closes the closet door, and turns and walks over to William's crib. She watches him as he lies there contently, enjoying the last of his evening bottle. A maternal smile on her face, she bends over and runs a finger over his cheek. He has grown so much. Every time she looks at him, she can't help but think of Mulder. She has noticed that as William's features have developed over the past few months, they bear evidence of Mulder's contribution in creating this little miracle before her. Turning toward the front room and walking over to the stereo, she frantically searches through the CD rack to find something soothing. Anything that will ease the increasing tension she feels building with every passing second. She is unusually nervous, and needs to find little ways to fill in the empty minutes before 7:00 p.m. rolls around. Finally finding a favorite one buried under the last stack, she places a CD into the carousel and hits the "play" button. Looking down at her watch, she realizes that it is getting close to the eleventh hour. She steps away from the stereo and walks toward the bathroom, switching on the light upon entering. As she stands there, her anxiety grows by the minute. Making every effort to remain calm, she does a last minute check on her appearance. As she studies herself, a pensive look on her face, she wonders just how she will look to him now. Will he still be attracted to her after not seeing her all these months? Will he still feel the same way about her now? As she stands staring at her reflection in the mirror, she moves a strand of hair behind her ear, and at that moment her mind flashes back to an earlier time. She closes her eyes. Remembering. (Cut to an image of them together, playing out this scenario.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The persistent rain had been ongoing throughout the day, the clouds stubbornly hanging low, the sky dark even at midday. She stares at the vapor created by her own breath as it quickly dissolves into the damp, chilly evening air. Created as a result of exhaling the latter half of a particularly stressed-induced sigh, it brings momentary relief. She is totally lost in her thoughts. She tries to shake the chill in her bones by rubbing her hands up and down her trench coat sleeves to create some warmth. Her legs exposed to the raw, frigid air, she berates herself for not choosing to wear pants that morning. She and Mulder had been outside on and off for most of the day, working on a grueling case that defied any kind of reasonable explanation. Even Mulder couldn't quite come up with one of his far-fetched theories on this one. Yet. The detectives had just left the scene, and they were alone now. She is standing a few feet away from the car, waiting for him to join her. As usual, he has the keys. He is still bent over a spot in a lit area where something resembling a half man, half creature was found, and is taking a final look. Studiously examining it with his eyes, a last-ditch effort, looking for any further evidence that might give him a hint as to what had happened there 24 hours earlier. After what seems like forever, he gets up and starts to walk over in her direction, his face displaying deep frustration. She watches him as he advances over the hill towards her, a lone figure in the night, his usual confident stride a little less so tonight. As he approaches her, his mood visibly changes; he sees how noticeably uncomfortable she is. He steps up close, his solemn face just inches away from hers. Unexpectedly, he wraps his arms around her, trying to provide some comfort and warmth. Feeling her shiver, he holds her tight for several moments, neither of them saying a word. He draws back slightly, looking intently at her. His eyes reveal that which she has seen before, though each time portraying it with a varying degree of intensity. It is a disquieted look; a display of distress. If the eyes are truly windows to the soul, she imagines what he might be feeling, what he's trying to convey to her without words. He is trying to say, "I'm so sorry." They had a heated argument early on, and spoke little the rest of the day. At one point he angrily shot out a remark that hit her like a ton of bricks, cut like a knife inside of her. She had pushed him too far this time, and he reacted in a surge of anger. Bringing up something that she thought had been long buried in their past. It was a hurtful comment, but as the day progressed she continually forced herself to put it out of her mind. She knew she was at fault for pushing him. Unfairly criticizing his judgment. And she tried to soften his blow with the reasoning that she deserved what happened as a result. She knew he had been going through a particularly tough time lately, and yet she had persisted in testing his already sensitive state of mind. He continues to stand before her, motionless, staring at her with his deeply compassionate gray-green eyes. The night surrounds them like a cloak in the dark. Suddenly the chill that had permeated her body just minutes before is replaced with a deep, heartfelt warmth. He always overwhelmed her emotionally now, and she knew she was powerless to do anything about it. His hand slowly rises up as he places it gently on her cheek, softly stroking it with his thumb. With the other hand he delicately tucks a stray strand of silken hair behind her ear. He then leans down and kisses her on the lips. A warm, gentle, soothing kiss. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ She slowly opens her eyes again, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Trying hard to focus on it. She smiles faintly. Relishing the thought of him being close to her again, feeling his touch, his arms enfolding her. Her heart is beating fast, and adrenaline rushes through her with a force. Thinking about all those long days, long hours, spent at his side. She never suspected it would ever be any different. Yet now he had been gone...again...for so many months. The smile fading, her face grows sullen again. They have lost so much time together that they will never be able to reclaim. Precious moments lost, invaluable memories meant to be treasured forever that simply failed to exist now. William has grown, and Mulder wasn't there to witness it. Over the ensuing months after he left, her face had clearly displayed the sadness and loneliness that she felt deep inside. This moment was no different. Her heart aches for him. She is at least somewhat comforted knowing that it is almost over. That no one will conceivably spy on them again. Relief washes over her momentarily. It has been a long and intense struggle, trying to secure William and herself from prying eyes, and keeping Mulder's whereabouts a mystery. It has tested her patience, her ability to endure. Stressed her to the point of total exhaustion at a time when she most needed the strength to carry on. To care for William. To assure Mulder's safety. It has been one of the most emotionally gut-wrenching periods of her life, aside from Mulder's death over a year ago. The very reminder of that horrific experience sends tremors through her. (Briefly an image appears, showing Scully at Mulder's gravesite on the day of his funeral, the immense grief she's feeling evident in her face.) A knock at the door startles her back to reality. She pulls herself together and turns off the bathroom light. Her heart starts to beat even more rapidly. The excitement reaching a feverish level. Straightening her sweater, she walks back over to William's crib, looking down at him for a moment. He is making good use of his bottle, still obviously in complete, contented bliss. Totally unaware of what is about to unfold on this long-awaited night. She smiles down at him, chastising herself now, mindful that this is no time to dwell on the past. The radiance that she had lost after Mulder left slowly begins to return, despite her concerns over any last minute change in plans that would prevent this reunion. Knowing that it would create unfathomable pain and suffering for both of them. A renewed sparkle in her eyes, a bit of a glow in her face. For the first time in months she finally senses a bit of relief, and a new appreciation for the truly remarkable miracles that have been brought into her life. It is time now to move forward. She takes a deep breath, and then turns and begins to walk toward the door. As she crosses the room she feels her heart pounding and her breathing quicken. Her mind incapable of thinking straight. The anticipation is making her emotions spin out of control, and there is no way to control it. She is now directly on the other side of the door, making a last-ditch effort to calm her nerves by taking slow, deep breaths. But she knows it is no use. She can't possibly contain the excitement over what is about to occur. Another, more determined knock this time. She unlocks the door and quickly swings it open, ready to welcome him with open arms. But as she does so, her hand continues to stay on the doorknob. She is prepared to dash back into the apartment on a second's notice, and slam the door shut behind her, re-locking it. She has gone through the scenario in her head over and over in the past few hours. Knowing the potential for things to go wrong is still very great. She will take no chances. Should something seem amiss, she needs to keep her wits about her, making sure to protect William first and foremost. She looks around, initially expecting Mulder to be standing just a few feet outside her door. But no one is there. She tenses. Reluctantly stepping out a bit further into the hallway, she continues holding on fast to the doorknob. Fear shoots through her as the terrifying scenario that she had conjured up in her mind over the last several hours begins to play out in her head. She looks both ways, up and down the hallway. Still nothing. She will not utter his name for fear that someone is still listening and could hear her, thus immediately pinpointing Mulder's whereabouts. And quickly bringing an abrupt end to this long-awaited reunion. "If" he is even here. The consequences of being denied this reunion are formidable. She desperately needs to see him, be with him. This will be their one and only chance to get back together since he left so many months ago. And there are still entirely too many things that could adversely affect their plans at the last minute. He could have somehow unexpectedly gotten sidetracked along the way, against his will. The Super-Soldiers could have detected his whereabouts before things had fully been dealt with "through the appropriate channels". Or the actual course of action she had agreed to in bringing Mulder back, with Skinner and the Lone Gunman's help, simply might not succeed in being completely carried out. Any of these scenarios would result in tragic consequences. It would be over for her and Mulder. And she would never see him again. Her heart sinks at the very thought, feeling as if it had dropped through the floor. She wonders if she imagined hearing the knock. Maybe she was dreaming again, like she had so many times over the months. Like so many times when she thought she had lost him forever. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye she notices someone rounding the corner. She swings her head around to look at them. Is it...?? Can it be...?? The person stops for a moment, seemingly unsure of whether to continue or not. She cannot tell who it is, as the distance between them prevents her from clearly identifying them. She reminds herself again that she still has time to close herself off from this encounter, get back into the apartment and lock the door. But something holds her back. Her intuition tells her to be patient, to "wait and see." As the person approaches her, she can't make out much other than it appears to be a man. He stops short of only a few feet from her, and she stands frozen in place. Suddenly very suspicious of this unfamiliar person standing in front of her. She does not recognize him. She stares up at the unfamiliar face, glances down at the unfamiliar clothing. She now has listed a bit to the side, toward the inside of her apartment, her hand still clutching the doorknob. Her one foot is pivoted in such a way that if she has to make a quick escape, she is in a good position to do so. He stands there, remaining silent and still. She is unsure of what to do or say. Reeling from the sudden uncertainty of the situation, she begins to tremble inside. Who is this person? A "messenger" sent on Mulder's behalf? Or is it perhaps a cruel trick someone is playing on her? As she continues to look over this man standing so uncomfortably close to her, she realizes she has little emotional strength left to withstand the heartbreak she would experience if she does not see Mulder tonight. He quickly takes note of the alarmed look on her face, but still says nothing. He tries to keep a bit of distance between them, not wanting to startle her. He knew she would be surprised by his appearance now, and so lets her just take it in for several moments, absorb it, process it. Her eyes continue to scan him from top to toe. Remaining cautious, anxiety rising within her with every passing second. Recognizing the growing mix of distress and suspicion that is clearly spelled out in her face, he feels compelled to quickly put her fears at rest. He speaks to her quietly, softly. "Um, I thought maybe since I missed your birthday I would try to make amends." She immediately recognizes the voice. It's Mulder's. The tone in his voice is indicative of his intent to lighten the mood in a particularly tense situation. In his hand he has a bouquet of a dozen red roses, which he is holding out toward her. She completely ignores his gift. Quickly coming to her senses, ecstatic, her voice breaks as she excitedly greets him. Forgetting for the moment where they are. "Oh my God...Mul-der!" She steps toward him and throws her arms around him, barely missing the roses that she almost obliterates in her rush to get to him. Although she is still trembling inside, a huge smile spreads across her face. Suddenly recognizing the wit in his comment. She had missed that so much over the many months they were apart. Part of his endearing charm that had captured her heart so long ago. END OF PART 2. _________________________________ POR SIEMPRE ("Forever") PART 3 They hold each other tight for several moments, feeling each other's hearts pounding furiously against one another. The minute he saw her, elation rose through him. His heart beating so hard he thought it would burst. As he walked the short distance down the hall to her doorway, he stared at her in astonishment. She was radiant, seemingly even prettier than the last time he saw her, if that was possible. Her hair longer now, it framed her face beautifully. She looked as if she had lost a little weight, presumably shedding the few excess pounds she had gained with William. It was apparent she had been taking very good care of herself, despite the emotional turmoil that must have threatened to destroy any motivation to do so. It had been far too long for him. He had missed her so much, spending countless sleepless hours thinking about her through the unending, dreary, lonely nights. His heart needed the comfort of her presence, yearned to hear her soft voice, ached to see her warm smile, longed for her tender touch. All he wanted was to be back with her, to tell her just how much she meant to him. He had never really told her that, and it was long overdue. And he needed to tell her how very much he loved her. Relieved at her sudden acceptance, he smiles. He can't resist the temptation to tease her. "Um...just who else were you expecting? Pizza Man??" They both let out a little snicker, amused. She knows she will never live that one down. He looks very different now. Over the months he was gone he changed his appearance. One very uncharacteristic of the man she has known all these years. His hair is much longer than usual, and he is sporting a beard. He is wearing a baseball cap with the brim positioned low over his eyes, casting a shadow over them, and wearing glasses she has not seen before. He has on an unremarkable coat in place of his usual leather jacket, the collar up and surrounding a good portion of his neck, shielding his face from view. The coat adds bulk to his otherwise lean frame, making him look slightly stocky. His jeans are worn, with slight holes in the knees and ragged hems. Even his shoes are not the usual sneakers or the rugged hikers he wears on occasion. She pulls back slightly, still smiling as she looks into his eyes but says nothing. Slightly embarrassed at her sudden outburst of emotion. She places her hand on his cheek for a moment, and then runs her index finger down through his beard. It's a strange sensation. It feels so foreign, so odd to her. Then she notices something else unusual. "Mulder...when did you get this??" He grins, seemingly just a little bit embarrassed as she touches his earlobe with her fingertip. "Uh...well, I was out late one night and was passing by this interesting little shop. Thought, 'What the heck'..." He's wearing a small gold earring. She let out an abrupt laugh, immediately covering her mouth with her hand. Just envisioning the scene made her giggle like a schoolgirl. Her exaggerated reaction partially due to the fact that she found the whole idea funny. And partially because her emotions were so out of control; she was still so incredibly elated that he was actually there next to her. Deliriously happy. He attempts to explain his exploration into the realm of an entirely different sort of "other" world. "You know, it was a two-fer deal. Get your ear pierced and get a tattoo, too. Small town. They gotta make a living. You should see what I had tattooed in your honor on my left cheek..." He points to his backside. They both laugh, and she leans in to hug him again. Jokingly, he speaks quietly near her ear in a deep voice, with a slightly feigned accent. Making reference to the fact that she, too, had gotten a tattoo a few years back. "Now we've both been branded, Miss Scully." Once their laughter subsides, they pull away from each other, growing serious once again. Staring into each other's eyes. After a few moments, he moves in closer to her. Feeling her warm breath on his skin, they kiss. It is brief, but intense. As he breaks the kiss, his face displays relief, happiness. But he realizes it would be best if they continued his homecoming celebration inside. "Scully, um...I think we ought to move out of the hallway, huh?" She finally lets go of him, turning and quickly walking back into the apartment. He follows closely behind, quietly shutting the door after them. She takes the bouquet from him and carefully lays it down on the kitchen counter, her back towards him. She pulls a crystal vase from the cabinet, filling it with water and placing the flowers in it. She admires them for a few moments, then closes her eyes and bends down slightly to inhale their soft scent. As she does so, he takes off his glasses and shoves them in the pocket of his coat, consciously making sure that he makes contact with another object already there. Assurance that he hasn't forgotten it in the car. Then he unzips his coat, and pulls down the collar so that it lies flat, revealing more of his face. He pushes his cap back a bit, erasing the shadow that had camouflaged his extraordinary eyes. He is a bit uncomfortable looking like this. He knows he probably looks like hell, and upon approaching her in the hallway, worried she might be less than enthusiastic about seeing him now. But once he had been given the "all clear", that it was safe for him to return home, he raced to get to her. Driving for several hours to reach his destination. Not wanting to waste a single, precious moment more without her. He didn't care at that point what he looked like. All he wanted was to be with her. Without a word, she walks back over to him and smiles. Looking lovingly into his eyes. Wanting to say so much. But knowing it will have to wait. She reaches over toward him and takes his hand in hers, turning and stepping forward. Intending to walk toward the bedroom and William's crib. But he stops her. "Wait." She spins around to face him. He pulls her toward him, gently squeezing her hand, smiling. She has a puzzled, questioning look on her face. "Mul..." Before she has a chance to complete the second syllable, he draws her in close, bringing their clasped hands up and placing his other arm around her waist. He leads her into a slow dance, moving across the front hallway floor to the rhythm of the music that is playing softly in the background. She says nothing, but continues staring into his eyes, smiling gently at him, her eyes twinkling. Taking in the very essence of him, assuring herself that what she is experiencing at this moment is indeed very real. The music is an instrumental piece, the saxophone playing a seductive melody. "When a Man Loves a Woman"... She lays her head on his shoulder and closes her eyes. Finding enormous comfort in having him next to her, his very flesh and blood a part of her life again. She will do anything to stay close to him. To ensure he will never, ever, leave her again. He stops after a few minutes, and whispers softly in her ear. "I just wanted to see what it felt like again." He brings down their clasped hands to his side and removes his arm from her waist. Continuing to hold her hand in his, he brings the other hand up to her head and begins to slide his fingers through her silken hair. After a minute she lifts her head up and smiles at him. He returns the smile. Then he leans in to give her another brief kiss on the lips. Without a word, they turn and walk toward the bedroom, her hand in his. Just before they enter, he stops just short of the doorway and looks around the room for a moment. Things are different now. Her furniture is still all there, as are more than a few odds and ends from his place. The fish tank is over in a corner, and it appears via a quick visual check that all his mollies have survived his absence this time. But the place itself is different. Wanting to get a fresh start for them, and to assure that there would be no more electronic surveillance devices recording her every move and every word, she had moved into a new place a month ago. One much more spacious than her previous apartment. A home suitable for all three of them. It was a little further away from work, but she didn't mind the longer commute. He understood why she wanted to move, and knew exactly when she was going to do it. The Lone Gunman had advised him every step of the way, their communication made possible through a mix of arcane channels. He didn't have to tell them what they needed to do. They performed an intensive sweep of the interior of the apartment and the building itself before she moved in, to ensure it was free of any surveillance devices. He finally turns back toward her again and follows her into the bedroom. They walk over to the crib and he places his free hand on William's stomach. Almost as if to assure himself that he is really there with him now. In deep thought for several moments, he smiles as he runs his fingers gently over the baby's delicate skin. In amazement, in awe, marveling at how much his son has changed since birth. As she watches him, a faint smile on her lips, a tear begins to fall from her eye. He turns to look at her. His hand letting go of hers, he places it on her face, his thumb wiping away the tear as it starts to roll down her cheek. Her skin is so soft, so warm...just like he always remembered it. He lifts his other hand up away from William and places it on her opposite cheek, cupping her face in his hands. His face now only inches away from hers, he speaks softly to her. "I missed you so much." He begins to kiss her. His warm, inviting lips re- establishing their rightful place on hers. It is an intense, loving, passionate kiss. One that stirs his innermost emotions, tugs at his heartstrings, fuels his desire. She immediately slides her hands inside his coat, wrapping her arms around him. After a few moments he stops, letting her go and moving away slightly, looking deeply into her eyes. He pulls off his coat and lets it fall to the floor. He doesn't take his eyes off of her for a single second. She reaches her hand up and strokes his cheek gently with her fingers. Her lips trembling, a feigned smile on them, she begins to cry. He pulls her into his arms, trying to calm her, and whispers in her ear. "Shhhh. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to stay this time." Through her tears she tries desperately to convey what she is feeling inside. "I'm just...I can't believe..." But she is overwhelmed. So many emotions. All those lonely months without him. Not knowing where he was...or if he was even alive. It had finally come to an end. He holds her in his arms until her crying subsides. Pulling away slightly, he looks down at her, trying to console her with his eyes, his touch. Hoping that the ache that has been resident in her heart for so long will finally begin to diminish now. The emptiness disappearing, sadness replaced with joy. He gradually lets go of her, turning back to the crib and picking up William. Tenderly holding him in his arms and smiling down at him. As she watches him, she wipes away the remnants of the fugitive tears from her cheeks. "I'm sorry...I didn't want to do this." He looks up at her, a big smile spreading across his face. "God...you're a sight." He leans into her and kisses her cheek. Then he grows serious again, looking down at William and gently rocking him in his arms. "I know...I've put you through hell the last couple of years. I promise I'll make it up to you...somehow." He looks back up at her, a deep sadness apparent in his eyes. Contemplating how much he missed these past several months. She is now concerned that he will blame himself for everything that has happened. "Mulder, I..." He places a finger across her lips, a gesture indicating she need say no more. "There will be time to talk things through later. Right now I just want to be close to you both." She nods, acknowledging that he is right. As he places William back into his crib, he turns to her, taking off his baseball cap. "Um, if you don't mind, I'd like to get cleaned up. I've been on the road for awhile..." She smiles at him. Almost in disbelief that he is actually standing here next to her after all this time. "Sure, oh, sure. Ah, let me pull some clean clothes for you. You go and take a hot shower. We'll be here waiting for you." He smiles back at her. A broad, happy smile. His expression is one of pure joy. Assured that all was well at the moment, he kisses her gently on the forehead and walks toward the bathroom. A short while later he emerges, his only disguise this time a bath towel wrapped around him. She has left the room. He quickly gets dressed, anxious to pick up where they had left off. Anxious to follow through on what he has been so carefully planning for all these months, running it through his mind over and over again on the way to her place. He has just finished pulling on his jeans when she returns with William. He smiles as he turns toward her. Stopping for a moment in the bedroom doorway, she returns the smile, rocking William in her arms. "Last feeding for the day." He nods in acknowledgement. Thinking how wonderful it is to be here, to finally play a part in the life of the very miracle he has helped create. And the other one he fell into. Call it fate, call it luck...call it whatever you like. To him, it is simply the most wonderful thing in the world. How many miracles can one man be granted in a lifetime? He has no idea. But what he does know for sure is that he feels exceptionally gifted in this lifetime. As she moves toward him, her heart palpitates at the very sight of him standing there. His hair is now combed back in a more familiar fashion. Never having seen him with longer hair, she finds it very attractive, even kind of sexy, provocative. The earring...not bad. But she would definitely have to get used to it. Gone is the beard that had covered so much of his handsome face. He looks...like Mulder again. The Mulder she fell in love with so long ago. She feels the familiar passion, which quietly dwelled deep inside of her all these months, begin to simmer. He is a feast for the eyes, a sight to behold. As he stands watching her put William back in his crib, his mind flashes back to only hours before. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ He heeded Skinner's advice. Not wanting to take any further chances at that point, they decided it would be best for him to drive home. Avoid the risk of being detected by traveling in any other means of transportation. Should there have been any breach detected at the last minute in his carefully planned out escape, or they had failed to fully eliminate any lingering threat to him, this would be the safest means of passage. Once he was assured it was okay to leave, he immediately jumped in the car. His things had already been packed and loaded in it days ahead of time, in preparation for the trip home. He would now begin the long, torturous drive, and await the phone call that would change his life forever. As he drove the many hours and the long miles, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her and William. Memories began to flood his conscious mind. Flashbacks to that one night. The one that changed their relationship, and their lives, forever. She had called him on his cell phone late that evening. Asking him to come over to her apartment so they could wrap up some of the details on a case they were working on. Skinner had been pressuring them for quick closure on it, and they needed to file a status report with him the following morning. Things came to a grinding halt. Not only because of the weak evidence, but also due to their inability to agree on the manner by which the victim died. They were unable to effectively summarize their investigative findings. As usual, they were not seeing eye-to-eye. He was concerned that the case hit too close to home for her, since it revolved around a young woman her age. He couldn't help but wonder if it was clouding her judgment, throwing off her usual knack for razor-sharp scientific analysis of the situation. Maybe it was unfair of him to think that way, but with respect to all Scully had been through in recent years, it certainly was possible. The discussion began to get heated between them. But the heat rising inside of him this time had little to do with any disagreement over a case. It wasn't anger over her adamant denial of what he believed was undisputable, solid reasoning. Instead, the heat he felt rise within him had more to do with his intense desire for this woman who now sat so close alongside of him. END OF PART 3. _________________________________ POR SIEMPRE ("Forever") PART 4 He realized he wasn't even listening to her anymore. He was absorbing the curves of her body, the beauty of her eyes, the softness of her skin, the simple radiance she displayed even when she was upset with him. She had simply further fueled the fire that continually raged inside of him, and it was impossible to ignore. "Mulder, it's just not that simple. The turn of events you describe don't always necessarily create this kind of result. If she knew for sure..." Suddenly and spontaneously he interrupted her, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her. A long suppressed, rabid desire for her now unleashed from within, his lips and tongue explored her mouth without further hesitation. He needed to touch her, taste her. Kiss her with an intense passion that said, "I want you." She let him draw her in, returning the favor with an equally intense reaction. As the kiss continued to intensify, his heart pounding, the inferno blazing inside, he knew there was no stopping it now. Feeling the touch of her lips, her tongue sweeping against his, her body tight up against him. It was an impulsive action, and he was completely unable to overcome it as the power of his desire won out. This was it. They moved off the couch and he swept her up in his arms, carrying her to the bedroom and laying her down carefully on the bed. Leaning over her, he quickly proceeded to remove all her clothes. Stroking her silken skin here and there as he did so. She moved erotically as she lied there, closing her eyes and murmuring softly. He was breathless at the sight of her beautiful, naked body before him. Eager to get close to her and feel the heat of her skin against his. Inside he rumbled with fervor and anticipation. He kissed her gently behind the ear, down her neck and across her shoulders. Then he glided his warm lips over her breasts, delicately suckling them. Opening her eyes again, she began kissing him with a passion that was intense as she removed his clothing at a painstakingly slow pace. Taking them off piece by piece. He thought she would drive him insane. As she took each item off, she provocatively slid her hands over his muscular arms, down along his toned bare torso, descending down in between his legs. Kissing his neck, her lips drifted down his chest. She touched him teasingly below with her fingers, exploring his manhood. That night he felt her tremble as he moved his lips along her heated skin, venturing into places far off limits previously. Kissing her all over her body, he absorbed the very essence of her being. Knowingly touching her with his hands where he knew she would derive maximum pleasure. Exploring, stimulating and probing her beautiful body, he wanted to satisfy her every way he knew how. That night he experienced the sheer magnitude of pure, unbridled pleasure as they shared their most intimate selves with each other. They finally let go that night. Finally enjoying the exhilaration of engaging in release of their limitless and pent-up lust for one another. But it was much more than that. It was an extremely emotional release, as they showered each other with the long exiled love that had been bottled up, barricaded, put off for far too long. Whatever prompted him this night to finally act upon that which ruled his heart and soul for so long, he wasn't sure. But now he had the chance to let her know, once and for all, how deeply he felt for her. The intensity by which they made love that night was profound. A cold shiver coursed through him. The very thought of that night was more than he could deal with at the moment. As he drove along the seemingly endless road to an as yet undetermined destination, the sound of the tires thumped in rhythm with the rapid beating of his heart as they bumped along the weathered pavement. The feelings and images of that special night replayed over and over in his mind during the past several months. But this time, it did not bring him comfort. This time, it pained him to think that he may never again have what he once did. Ashamed that he had ever taken her for granted, thinking foolishly that she would always be a part of his life. Regardless of any effort on his part to tell her how much she meant to him. He reminds himself that she is a beautiful, intelligent woman who loves him for who he is. One who has brought significant meaning to his once sorry life. And blessed him with a son. Forcing his thoughts to return to the present, he knew he had to face reality now. This would be his one and only chance to be with her again; there was no contingency plan. No other way. The plan had to be carried out in every explicit detail. If even one small thing went wrong, there would be no going back to fix it, no way to rectify what had already taken place. If this attempt should fail, he would be forced to live his life without her. He reflected back to another night. One of many lonely ones over the past several months. While he was on the run, night was the only time he dared go out. But the darkness always overwhelmed him, making him feel even more alone and desperate to end the charade. Sleep was an occasional event, often only occurring in small doses rather than for any prolonged length of time. The few times he actually slept he would have demonic nightmares. And she was not there to help him through them, soothe him, comfort him, as she always had in the past. So he needed to find ways to muster the strength to make it through the long, lonely nights. He had slipped into a used bookstore that night in a small town somewhere out West. One of a hundred empty, nameless places he sought refuge in. He read voraciously to keep his mind off of his situation. Trying to forestall the penetrating ache he harbored so deeply inside. On this particular venture he was on a mission. He wanted to find something, anything, out of the ordinary. Just simply discover something different. He placed his hand on a book, one chosen by pure chance. It was a work that he probably would have never intentionally selected by title or subject. Nonetheless, he opened it and began to let his fingers glide through the pages, his mind absorbing the depth of the words found within it. He was drawn to a poem called "Without You"*, one which he had true significance to him. It so accurately reflected the burden he carried in his own heart that the words have remained in his head ever since. As he drove what he hoped would be his final journey home, he quietly whispered them out loud to himself: "Without you no stream Could drench my thirsty soul, And skies would sprinkle deserts upon My eyes..." He felt the pain inside resurface again. Pain he hoped he would never have to deal with after today. But he knew that without her, he would become a bitter and lonely man. His spirit broken, his life shattered. He could not...would not... go on without her. His very survival now depended on it. Without her, his life meant nothing. He knew upfront what the consequences would be if tonight's risky endeavor failed. Because there would be no alternate plan, no other route to take him home again, he had made up his mind that he then would take matters into his own hands. And his journey would end...under tragic circumstances. If something were to go wrong, they would take steps to assure his safety, that he would be secure...secluded away and isolated again. Directing him to yet another desolate, meaningless place on the map. But he would have seen to it that this would never actually take place. He had already planned an alternate course of action, one that would put an end to his pain and suffering. She meant that much to him. An hour before he reached his destination, the phone rang. It was to be the last contact he would have with them tonight. The one that would apprise him of their success...or failure...to ensure his and Scully's safety. It was the single, most important call of his life. As the phone continued to ring, he hesitated. His hands shook, his palms clammy. Beads of sweat had formed on his brow, a reaction to the increasing anxiety that was building inside. Worrying about what could very possibly occur at the last possible minute. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple. As he wiped it away with the back of his hand, he reached for the phone. He would make a life or death decision based on this call. He listened intently, but said nothing. Upon hanging up the phone, he sighed heavily and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. His heart beat furiously. Skinner gave him the all clear, the "okay" to proceed home. Their intensive and exhaustive efforts had paid off. Though the drive ahead of him was still fairly long, he now knew his destination, and his fate. He would be arriving home shortly. Grateful that he once again would be graced with her presence in his life. Wanting to just hold her in his arms. Feel her close to his heart. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ After placing William back down in his crib, she straightens up and turns around to face him. Stepping towards him, she puts her arms around his waist and lays her head on his shoulder. He reciprocates. They stand there a moment, saying nothing. She inhales deeply, his scent taunting her senses. She speaks softly near his ear. "Mmmm...you smell good, Mulder." "Must be that 'heavenly lavender' soap I found in your shower." She laughs. Of course, there is no such thing. Like it matters. They pull apart reluctantly, and he finishes getting dressed. Taking a few steps over to William's crib, he picks him up and cradles him in his arms, still in awe over this precious gift that has been bestowed upon them. He can't help himself. He feels a need to hold him again, to feel his soft skin, to feel his heart beating. To make sure he isn't dreaming it this time. He motions for her to sit down on the bed. They are both exhausted, the anticipation and anxiety mounting over the last few weeks, their nerves on edge. He just wants to be next to her, hold her. She walks over to the bed and sits down near the headboard, keeping a watchful eye on them. He leans over and lays William down on the bed right next to her, kissing her lightly on the forehead as he does so. Smiling, she looks down at William, stroking his cheek with her finger again and breathing a deep sigh of relief. Finally finding the peace that had been so elusive for her in the past. Her heart is still beating rapidly. She loves Mulder more than life itself, and he has finally returned safely back to her and William. She will not deny herself the immense joy that she feels inside, of them finally being together again. He stands there for a moment, intently watching her and the baby. Very serious now, he speaks quietly to her. Almost in a whisper. "You don't know...how many lonely nights I've dreamt of this." He continues standing there, silent and unmoving. His heart full of love for them both. She looks up at him. His expression has turned to one of contentment as a warm smile slowly appears on his face. She notices the sparkle in his eyes. She hasn't seen that look in a very long time. While he was in the shower, she had picked his coat up off of the floor and hung it on a nearby chair. He now steps over to the chair and bends over it, keeping an eye on her as he does so. Making sure she doesn't notice what he is doing. Assured that she isn't paying attention, as she is fully concentrating on William at the moment, he retrieves something out of one of the pockets. When he turns around to face her, he will keep the hand with the item in it hidden behind him, undetected and out of sight. Before he turns around, however, he stares at the object in his hand. Hesitating for a moment. Wondering if he should wait. Not wanting to rush things. But he can't wait. He has already put if off for far too long. Turning around, he steps toward her and sits down next to her on the bed. William is lying on his back in the small space between them, in a dream-like state, content and sucking on his pacifier. Mulder tries his best not to look awkward, positioning himself so as to not arouse suspicion on her part, keeping the hand with the mysterious item out of sight. "Scully, I...um...have never really given you anything..." She looks up, quickly diverting her attention from William to him. Her eyes meet his, which seem contemplative, somewhat hesitant. She is focusing intently on what he is saying now, noticing he appears to be hiding something behind him. It's all too obvious, she thinks to herself. Her curiosity piqued, she wonders just what he is up to. "Mulder, you have given me more than you'll ever know." He continues, trying to carefully choose his words. He has run this scenario through his mind so many times in the past few hours as he drove over to her place. Yet now he struggles with exactly what he wants to say. "This is just a little something..." He stops for a moment, then brings his hand around from behind. In it he holds a small, beautifully wrapped box. He sighs heavily and hangs his head down as he stares at it, frustrated with his inability to find the right words to say. He wants so badly to make this moment special for her. He suddenly is uncharacteristically nervous in front of her. But he's never been surer of his intentions. END OF PART 4. _________________________________ POR SIEMPRE ("Forever") PART 5 Her hand moves up toward his face, and she touches her fingertips to his cheek. Stroking it softly. As if to say, "It's okay." He looks up at her for a moment, with a tender look in his eyes that renders her speechless and touches her deep inside. Her heart stops as she steals a glance down at the box, then back up at him. He reaches over with his free hand and touches her right hand, turning it so that her palm faces upward. Placing the box into her open palm, he lays his hand on her wrist. She sits stunned, and just stares at the mysterious, beautifully wrapped item sitting in her hand. She is caught by surprise at this out-of-character but incredibly thoughtful gesture, and anxiously anticipates what is to happen next. Thinking to herself, "Could it be?" Then she quickly admonishes herself for jumping to such conclusions; "Mulder? No way". She tries to stem the excitement that is building inside. Telling herself that this little, nicely wrapped package most likely contains a very nice pair of earrings, which he has (somehow) picked out just for her. After what seems like several minutes, he speaks. "I thought that this might be a suitable substitute to replace that Apollo medallion." He pauses for a moment, then looks back up at her, a mischievous glint in his eye. At the same time trying his best to portray an accusing look on his face. He places his hand on the wrapped object, as if he is going to take it back. "But wait...You gave that away, didn't you??" They both laugh. He rolls his eyes around. Thinking how silly and trivial it was to have been so offended by her thoughtful gesture to pass the medallion on. How unfair he was to begrudge her decision to "regift" it to Doggett. Although the item itself was relatively insignificant, the actual gesture spoke volumes about how she felt about working with Doggett, and their relationship. And Mulder had been seriously jealous over that. Deeply hurt. Thinking initially that someone else had replaced him in her life. It all seemed so long ago now. And so very insignificant. Becoming serious again, he continues. "I had a lot of time to think about things all these months. About every aspect of my life. About us. You. William. How much I've put you through, and how many reasons there were for you to give up on me, to walk away and never look back." He pauses for a moment, looking down again, taking a deep breath. She clings to his every word now. "I put your career in jeopardy. Repeatedly placed you in danger, risking your very survival. You put your life on hold all these years while you stood by me. So many times you risked everything just to save me." He looks back up at her, his eyes moist. His deeply rooted affections for her readily apparent. Trying to fight back the churning emotion that threatens to spill out. "I've put you in so many uncompromising situations. Tested your faith, questioned your beliefs, challenged your judgment. And yet you've stuck by me every inch of the way." His voice breaks, and he stops to take another deep breath, closing his eyes. Trying to regain his composure. She places her other, unoccupied hand on his. He opens his eyes again and looks at her. "You told me from the beginning that I was the only one you were willing to put your life on the line for. And I believed you. Scully, I knew then that we had something, a connection of some kind. But for so long I just wouldn't allow myself the luxury of letting you in. You gave up everything for me, and yet I threw up a brick wall between us because I was running scared from the past." Pausing again for a moment, he swallows hard, trying to keep at bay the tears that threaten to erupt any minute. Struggling to contain his tumultuous emotions. Looking for a way to break the tension, something to lighten the uncomfortably serious tone of the moment. He realizes he isn't handling this very well. But then, he has never gone here before. "And...well...I was also unsure. If I were to tell you how I felt, I was afraid I'd risk..." He stops for a moment. Unable to continue. Then a gentle grin appears on his face, his eyes glistening with the tears that stubbornly remained in them. He suddenly is reminded of the one night so long ago. In the car while they were on a stakeout...his stakeout. That night she assured him of her commitment to him. Confirming her absolute loyalty to him, placing complete trust in him. That commitment had proven strong and unwavering throughout their many years together. "You know...there was ice tea in that bag. It was only disguised as root beer." She grins briefly at his last remark, then quickly turns serious again, feeling compelled to respond. "Mulder, it wasn't just you that was afraid of letting go. I intentionally kept my distance for the very same reasons." He says nothing, but looks at her with adoration and love in his eyes. Becoming even more aware than ever of how breathtakingly stunning she is. Her words finally sink into his collective conscious mind, and he continues. "You are my life. And because of all you have done for me, I owe you more. Much more." Once a man whose sole purpose in life was to seek out the truth, he had finally found it within himself. He accepts that there is still so much out there that begs for answers, knowing he can never totally give up the cause. But he has also come to realize that his very reason for living now lies in the heart and soul of his relationship with Scully. After searching for so many years, after denying that it was all that really mattered to him in life, he has finally learned to let go and embrace the reality. He will now devote his life to loving her and William, and will put everything on the line if necessary to protect them. Even if it means risking his own life to do it. He smiles slightly, waiting for some kind of response. She doesn't say a word. She just sits staring at him. Caught up in his words as if in a trance. He looks down at the still unwrapped item in her hand and a sly grin begins to appear on his face. "Granted...this might not be as exciting as a 'Superstars of the Superbowl' video..." She smiles at him. She never could figure out the significance of that "gift" he gave her so long ago. But then maybe there wasn't any. Looking back up at her, he's still grinning. His eyes are twinkling in anticipation of this long-awaited moment. Eager to see a positive reaction. Hopeful that she will welcome his offer. Praying that she will accept it. His heart is beating fast, and it feels at the moment as if it's caught in his throat. He continues, nodding in the direction of the unopened gift in her hand. "Go ahead. Open it." Her eyes fixated on the wrapped item in her hand for a moment, she then glances intermittently between it, Mulder and William. She very purposefully tears the wrapping paper off. Upon unveiling the once disguised object, she closes her eyes. Inhaling deeply and holding it in for a few seconds. Then she exhales, reopens her eyes and looks down intently at the item, blinking repeatedly. As if in disbelief. It is a small, gray velvet box. As if on cue, William begins to fuss. Starting to cry, he kicks his little legs furiously up into the air. She feels his bottom and realizes it is time to change his diaper. She places the box on the bed, and proceeds to take care of William. Mulder picks the box up again. He sits staring at it for several seconds. It is as if within its small confines this box holds all the answers to the meaning of life. Well, for him...maybe it does. After a few minutes Scully returns with William, and lays him back down on the bed where he was before. He is content now, having a dry bottom and a pacifier. This is all he needs to be happy for the moment. She sits back down on the bed again. Mulder places his hand on Scully's. He glances down for a moment at the box he still holds in his other hand, then looks back up at her. "Would you mind?" The anxious look on his face implores her to respond in the negative. She shakes her head 'no'. He opens the box facing him, so that she can't readily see the contents. Pausing for a second, he looks down at it, reflecting on its symbolism. Then he looks back up at her, leans over and kisses her on the lips. Interrupting the kiss, he pulls out the contents of the box. Scully gasps, her eyes open wide. He takes her left hand in his, and proceeds to slide a ring on her finger. A 14k gold band, one-carat emerald-cut diamond with small baguettes running along channels on either side of the primary stone. She is stunned, and tears begin to well up in her eyes. Never would she have expected this. Not now. Maybe not ever. Still holding her hand, he looks deeply into her eyes. His feelings apparent. "All my life I've searched for truth, meaning. Forever hitting dead ends. You were right all along. We were going nowhere. But it had nothing to do with our work." He stops to take a deep breath, and looks down at the ring on her finger. Absentmindedly rubbing the back of her hand as he speaks. The deep love and compassion obvious in his eyes, it is as if they are the reflecting pools of his soul. "You were sent on a mission to debunk my work, derail my efforts, put me out of business, maybe even get me fired. Instead you believed in me, supported me, and placed all your trust in me. I knew from the first day we met there was something special, different about you. Call it instinct, but I knew our relationship would be extraordinary. A strong, loyal and trusting friendship developed between us very quickly. But I realized along the way...that I wanted more than that. What I wanted was to spend my life with you." He pauses, grinning and looking back up at her. "It just took me awhile to figure that out." She has said barely anything the whole time, and she desperately wants to now. "Mulder..." But he has something more to say. Serious again, he continues. "Wait, Scully. I have to say this before you respond. Please don't think I'm doing this only out of a sense of obligation to you and William, or simply as an apology for what I've put you through. This means much more than that. It represents...well, everything it's supposed to. She is softly crying now as she stares at the beautiful ring he has just slipped on her finger. After all these years, he is opening up to her, revealing his innermost feelings. And pledging his true love to her. "It's beautiful. But I don't need a ring to validate your commitment to me, Mulder." He looks at her, and bringing his hand up to her face, brushes a stray tear off of her cheek. "I know." They sit there, motionless, saying nothing. A sudden awkwardness between them. He takes her hands in his and squeezes them gently. They both look down toward William, as if to keep a watchful eye on him. A momentarily diversion. Both wondering where to go with this now. Finally they look back up at each other, and their eyes meet. She has a questioning look on her face. She glances down at the glimmering gem on her finger for a second, then back up at him. She's incredulous. "How did you...?" He smiles, laughing a bit. "Well, believe it or not, I told Byers what I wanted to do, explained exactly what I needed, and he enlisted the help of Yves to help us track it down. She's got excellent taste, don't you think?" She has a surprised, almost shocked look on her face. He winks at her. "We were able to make contact before I came over here, so I could have it for tonight. Um, I hope gold is okay? Since I've only seen you wear that, I took a chance on choosing it over something else." Her eyes sparkle despite the tears that stubbornly reside in them, and she smiles affectionately at him. As she speaks, there is a slight tremble in her voice. "Who would have guessed that they were capable of accomplishing such a daring feat?" They laugh, relieving the anxiety that this unusual scenario has created. They have been through just about everything together through the years. Sharing their grief, opening up to each other about so many things in their lives. Yet this was entirely different. They have never opened up their hearts to one another quite like this before. He grows serious again. Suddenly his mind goes blank. His heart racing. Over and over again he has been preparing for this very moment, and now at the last minute everything shuts down on him. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath. As he begins to speak, he reopens his eyes, focusing on her face. He needs to ask her something. Something very important. Something he never had reason to ask anyone before. Suddenly, the phone rings. The moment interrupted, he nods to her to pick up the phone. She hesitantly reaches for and picks up the receiver. END OF PART 5. _________________________________ POR SIEMPRE ("Forever") PART 6 "Hello?" "Scully! Hey, is...um...is Mulder there?" She turns to Mulder, places her hand on the mouthpiece and whispers "Frohike", rolling her eyes around. He smiles and shrugs his shoulders. Taking her hand off the mouthpiece, she responds. "Frohike, your timing is unprecedented." Seconds of silence on the other end. "Frohike? Are you there?" Suddenly embarrassed, Frohike wonders just what he might have stupidly interrupted, his mind conjuring up all kinds of lurid images. He thinks to himself, "Lucky man, that Mulder." "Uh...yeah. We hadn't heard from Mulder yet, so the boys and I just wanted to be sure everything went okay." "Yes. Everything is fine." She can hear Langly muttering something in the background as Frohike confirms to the rest of them that all is well. She realizes they are on the speakerphone. Probably being taped. She can hear Byers in the background as well, sternly adamant that Frohike hang up. Now. Mulder sighs heavily, but is still grinning. He's relieved that it's over. And truly amazed at how many times these three so seemingly uncouth high tech geeks manage to pull everything off so incredibly well without a hitch. Down to the very last detail. Scully was getting anxious now. "Is there anything else?" Momentary silence. Mulder interrupts, gesturing to her to give him the phone. He has a broad smile on his face. "Frohike! What's going on? Run out of late-breaking news for your rag?" "Hey man. We can't tell you how pleased we all are that you got there okay." "Yeah, sure. Nothing like checking up on me when I'm in the middle of something..." Frohike grunts. "Ah...well...um..." Mulder laughs out loud at Frohike's sudden stumbling and obvious discomfort over the insinuation of what might have been actually taking place when they called. He knew their curiosity had more to do with that than their actual concern for his well-being. "Good-night Frohike. Oh...and thanks for everything, guys. That is, if I don't somehow disappear again mysteriously in the middle of the night..." He could hear Skinner in the background. "Not a chance. I'd bet my life on it." Mulder responds back. "I'll hold you to that." Langly's voice suddenly sounds on the line. "Hey Mulder...We just got a hot tip on Richard Hoaglund's investigation into the mysterious Cydonia connection to the Sphinx. Seems the NSA=E2=80=A6" Mulder hears Byers yell sternly in the background. "Lang- lee!!" "Oh. Sorry. Well, stop by when you get time and we'll check it out." And then he hears Frohike's voice again in the background. "Yeah...and don't forget to bring the beautiful Miss Scully with you, either..." Mulder laughs again. Scully sits quietly and just watches him. Looking over every intricate detail of his handsome face. Thinking how wonderful it is to be there with him. How it warms her heart to see and hear him laugh. "Ah...yeah. Later. A whole lot later." He has a silly grin on his face as he hands the phone back to her. She places the receiver back into its cradle and turns to face him. He clears his throat, trying to maintain some semblance of seriousness now. He's lost his momentum, and has to collect his thoughts before he blurts out something terribly stupid. Feeling awkward again, he takes in a deep breath and then exhales. He realizes he's ready. Well, maybe not quite "ready". But he finally finds the words to ask her what he has been preparing for all these months. He places his hand on hers. The one with the ring on it. "I don't 'spose you would be interested...in permanently joining in on the future misadventures of Spooky Mulder, would you? He, ah...doesn't have much to offer, but what he does have would be all yours. A pretty extensive video collection, for one..." He pauses for a moment, a funny look on his face as if he suddenly realizes the last statement he made has to be retracted. "Oh wait, I don't think you'd be interested in that." The expression on his face is priceless. An almost sheepish, schoolboy grin, one corner of his mouth turned up higher than the other. The butterflies in her stomach stir with a frenzy. She grins back at him. Again he has injected humor in an otherwise serious moment. But this was just one of a multitude of things that she has always found so special about him. As a person, as a man, and as her soul mate. She is filled with joy now that their relationship has come full circle, her life complete with him back in it. Feeling a sense of contentment that she thought she would never come to realize. Reaching up and placing her small hands on his muscular upper arms, she feels his physical strength seemingly radiate through her fingertips. She quivers inside by just simply touching him there. Leaning in, she kisses him on the cheek and then whispers softly in his ear. "The answer, Mulder, is 'yes'. I would. He offers far more than he'll ever know. And I want to be with him...forever." He wraps his arms around her, giving her a gentle squeeze as he does so. As he encircles them around her, she feels the power of his profound love embrace her heart. In response, she puts her arms around him as well, holding him tight. They let go of one another after a few moments, and lie down on the bed. Lying on their sides, they face each other, William tucked securely in between them. They speak quietly and coo at William, whose eyes dart about, unsure of what is taking place around him. Then suddenly, the pacifier falls out of his mouth. He hesitates for a moment, not quite sure whether to cry or not. Then like the rays of the sun bursting through a rain cloud, a tiny smile appears on his face. His eyes twinkle, and he gurgles. Mulder looks at Scully, and she at him. Without further hesitation, he moves his face up closer to hers, whispering, "I love you." And then he kisses her as if there will be no tomorrow. He is home again. This time for good. (As soon as he starts to kiss her we fade to a series of scenes of them together...and apart...over the years. George Winston's "Lament"** is playing in the background.) (The scenes are in chronological sequence, and they run for the last minute or so of the show. They depict a spectrum of M&S's emotions through the years: while working on cases together, his/her personal anguish when the other was ill/gone, suffering the loss of loved ones, enjoying a laugh over one of Mulder's witty comments, the gestures/touches/glances between them that spoke volumes about how they feel toward one another, comforting each other in times of need...you get the idea.) (The very last image that you see is the one from the end of "Pusher". M&S in Modell's hospital room. Mulder is looking at Scully, then she is looking at him. You see her brush her fingers against his hand. He reaches for them, holds onto them. Fade to black and CC's name appears.) THE END. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ * From "Time Cells" by John F. Morrissey. **From George Winston's recent "Remembrance" CD. If you're interested in hearing a little of what it sounds like, you can listen to a sample of it on Amazon.com (although the sample doesn't really do this beautiful piece justice). ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Remedy" Through the years I searched for love Yet was afraid I just might find it. Through the years My soul cried out But I didn't know How to quiet it. Through the years I finally realized Fate had dealt me a card I hadn't yet played. Through the years I eventually came to accept My heart would forever Belong to you. Now... I will open The chambers of my heart And let your love flow in. Now... My spirit sings out loud, My soul Echoes the joy of you. (Poem Written By Christine) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have read a lot of fanfic over the years, but have never actually written one. The end of XF (sadly) has inspired me to do this one. Although it's highly unlikely XF will end in this manner (something like a snowball's chance in hell), I wanted to give it a shot anyway. Hope you enjoyed it, and I look forward to your feedback!