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atths--twice · 7 months ago

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Germs and All

After attending a conference, Scully falls ill. Not wanting to be alone, and missing Mulder, she heads to his apartment.

I've been fighting through a cold the past few days. As a result, I've had extra time on my hands as I've been resting. Because of this, my mind wanders to MSR more than usual. I love stories where they take care of each other and so, I've written this little fic.

Hope you enjoy. 💓

Scully woke up, her mouth dry and nose stuffy. Groaning, she rolled over and glanced at the alarm clock before closing her eyes in the gray light. Opening her eyes again, she looked back at the clock as she drew in a breath.

11:30.

It was eleven thirty?

Sitting up, she looked around the room and then picked up her watch to be sure the time was correct.

11:30.

“Oh, God,” she whined softly as she fell back onto the pillows, sniffling deeply. “How is it so late?”

Rain hit the windows and she sighed as she sat up again and laid her watch back beside her half drunk cup of tea. Pushing herself up, she groaned again, her body aching.

Stumbling to the bathroom, she used the toilet, washed her hands and brushed her teeth. Staring at her reflection, she sighed and made a face before turning off the light and leaving the room.

Shivering, she grabbed the comforter off of the bed and wrapped it around herself as she groaned again and opened the bedroom door.

Pausing just past the doorway, she looked to her right and saw Mulder sitting on his couch, smiling at her.

“Hello,” he said and she frowned with another groan. “I take it you’re not feeling better.”

“It’s eleven thirty,” she complained and he nodded, glancing at his watch.

“Nearly quarter till twelve now,” he said and she whined.

“Why did you let me sleep so long?” she asked, kicking the comforter back from her feet as she walked over to him.

“Let you?” he asked with a chuckle, as she sat on the end of the couch with a huff and then laid down, her head resting against his thigh.

“I’m tired,” she complained, letting out a deep breath. “And my nose is stuffy.”

“I know,” he said, his fingers rubbing her head and running through her hair. “Well, about the stuffy nose anyway.”

“I slept all night. How am I still tired?” she whined and he chuckled again.

“You have a cold, Scully.”

“Mmmm,” she moaned with a frown. “This is all Skinner’s fault. I didn’t want to go to that stupid conference. He made me.”

“Hmm,” Mulder hummed, his fingers rubbing her neck.

“That feels good,” she whispered, her eyes closing.

“Skinner wasn’t sick,” he mused and she sighed heavily.

“No. But someone there was and I got it from them. You didn’t go, so you’re fine.”

“I won’t be in a couple of days, seeing as you brought all the germs with you. This place is ground zero now. The bedroom in particular is highly contaminated.”

“I know. I should’ve gone home,” she admitted with a nod. “I just…”

“I was just teasing,” he said, his thumb pressing firmer into her neck and causing her to moan. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Even though I’ve…” She sniffled deeply and let out a deep breath. “God. Even though I’ve brought the plague upon you?”

“It’s just a cold,” he said, laughing softly.

“Feels worse.”

“You say that every time you’re sick.”

“Because it does. It always does,” she whined, breathing through her mouth as her nose had become far too stuffy.

“I’ll get you some medicine,” he said, scratching her scalp lightly and moving gently from the couch. “You want anything to eat?” She moaned and shook her head. “Tea?” She shook her head again and he chuckled softly. “Okay, just the medicine.”

She nodded as she burrowed into the comforter, finding a more comfortable position.

A kiss was pressed to her temple and she smiled.

“Even full of germs, and wrapped like a mummy, you’re adorable,” he whispered, kissing her again before he left the room.

She smiled and then coughed, groaning as she shook her head. The comforter was pulled even closer and she took a stuffy breath.

“Hey,” Mulder said and she opened her eyes. “Here’s the medicine and some water. You need to sit up to take it and the cough syrup.”

“I hate cough syrup,” she grumbled and he hummed as he helped her sit up.

“I know,” he said, handing her the syringe in his hand.

“You like using this, don’t you?” she asked, putting the syringe in her mouth and pressing the plunger, swallowing the medicine quickly. Making a face, she took a sip of the water he offered.

“I do. I’m glad you gave it to me,” he said, smiling as he handed her two large liquid filled pills. “These should help too.”

She took them and placed them into her mouth, swallowing them with the rest of the water in the glass. Pouting, she handed the glass back to him and then coughed, turning her head to avoid coughing directly on him.

“I’ll get you some more water,” he said as she coughed again. She laid back down with a moan, cursing that stupid conference.

It had been monotonous, uninspiring, and lonely without Mulder with her. And then the last night there, she had felt the telltale signs of a cold brewing as her throat was scratchy when she swallowed.

Waking up to a stuffy nose and achy body, the flight home had been miserable. Hailing a cab, she had given the driver Mulder’s address, closing her eyes as she rested her head against the window.

When she had made her way to his door, her suitcase feeling exceptionally heavy and clumsy, she swayed as she knocked twice and waited.

His happy smile had vanished at the sight of her, concern quickly replacing it.

“I don’t feel so good,” she had said, pitching forward and falling into his arms.

“Aw, Scully,” he had whispered, pulling her and her bag inside.

He had brought her into his room, turned on the shower to warm up, and helped her undress.

While she had been in the shower, he had changed his sheets, found some clothes for her to wear, and made her some tea.

When she had dressed in one of his long sleeved shirts and a pair of cuffed sweatpants with the drawstring pulled as far as it could go, he had sat her down on his bed and blown her hair dry as she moaned repeatedly, her eyes closed.

When he had finished, he brushed her hair and kissed her on the forehead.

“Why don’t you lay down and I’ll go get you some medicine?” he had asked and she had nodded. “Come on, come and lay down.”

He had helped her up and led her to the other side of the bed, pulling back the covers and then tucking her in once she had laid down, her head pounding.

“I’ll be back soon. Rest.” He had kissed her head twice, ran a hand down her side, and whispered goodbye as he left.

He had woken her to take some medicine, sitting with her until she had fallen back to sleep, stroking her hair as he spoke quietly about his last couple of days without her.

She had woken throughout the night, his arm around her waist or fingers locked with her own, her nose stuffy and head still aching.

“Hey,” he said softly and she opened her eyes, looking up at him. “Do you want some more water? Luckily, I found a bendy straw so now you don’t have to sit up.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, nodding slightly. “I’ll have a little bit. Thank you.” He sat on the coffee table and held the glass and straw for her as she took a few sips.

“Feeling any better at all?” he asked and she sighed as she pulled back from the glass of water.

“Not at the moment,” she said, closing her eyes and sighing again.

“Well, hopefully that medicine will help soon. I brought over another box of tissues and a paper bag for the used ones. Do you need anything else?”

“No, not right now. Thank you,” she said, attempting to breathe through her nose and giving up to take a deep breath through her mouth. “I’m just so tired.”

“Rest, Scully,” he said, kissing her temple again, the glass of water set on the coffee table.

And she did, dozing in and out as he sat on the couch beside her, his fingers in her hair or resting on her shoulder. She heard baseball being announced, the crack of a bat, and organ music playing. Then she heard the dialogue of a movie as she turned over and sighed, the comforter tucked around her when she did.

“Thank you,” she breathed and he hummed as his fingers rubbed her scalp again and she fell back to sleep.

Her bladder woke her and she moaned as she stirred, extricating herself from her comforter cocoon.

“I ordered some food,” Mulder said as she stretched and rolled her neck. “Matzo ball and chicken noodle soup. Waiting for you, whenever you’re ready.”

“That sounds good,” she said, her voice hoarse. “Not sure how much I’ll be able to eat.”

“I know. But you haven’t eaten anything all day. You need something.”

“Okay. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

When she came out of the bedroom, she was wearing one of his hoodies, as she had lost the warmth of the comforter. She had also put on a pair of his thick socks and pulled her hair back into a small ponytail. Yawning, she padded to the dining room and sat down.

A small bowl of matzo ball soup had been placed at her spot, the spoon resting inside of it. She smiled at the sight of the cut up matzo ball, making it easier to eat. Glancing up, she watched him walk in with his own bowl of soup and a plate of sliced bread.

“You cut my matzo ball,” she said with a sniffle as she reached for her spoon.

“Yeah, I did,” he said, setting his stuff down and sitting beside her. “Easier and quicker for you to eat.”

“Thank you,” she said, filling her spoon with broth and a piece of matzo.

They sat in silence as they ate, Scully taking her time to eat as much of the soup as she could.

“I can’t taste any of this,” she said, shaking her head, leaving her spoon down in the bowl. “Not one bit, but I’m sure it’s really good.”

“It is,” he said and she nodded as she pushed the bowl from in front of her.

“I’ll take your word for it,” she said, watching him finish his bowl of soup. He smiled at her and she smiled back, suddenly overwhelmed with affection for him. “I love you.”

He stopped eating and stared at her, his smile growing.

“I know I’ve told you before, but I just wanted to say it again,” she said, sniffing and letting out a deep breath.

He set his spoon in his bowl and made to move towards her, his hands reaching out.

“No,” she said, putting up a hand. “Contagious, remember?”

“Ground zero, remember?” he asked, his hands now cradling her face as he smiled. “The damage has been done. Therefore, a kiss on the lips won’t cause any harm.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, closing her eyes as his lips met hers.

He kissed her gently, his thumbs slowly rubbing against her cheeks as she hummed again. Needing air, she pulled back slightly and drew in a breath, before his lips were on hers again.

“I love you too,” he whispered, kissing her one more time. Smiling as he pulled back, his thumbs stroking along her cheeks. “Germs and all.”

“Ha ha,” she said, opening her eyes and looking at him. “Ugh. I think I need to lay down.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, moving his hands from her face. “Let me clean this up and get you some more medicine. Then bed.”

She waited at the table for him as he quickly cleaned up. More cough syrup and pills were brought to her along with a glass of ice water. She took it all with only minimal complaints, thanking him with a nod.

“Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”

He led her through the apartment, turning the lights off behind them. He grabbed the comforter and followed her into his room.

She went into the bathroom, used the toilet, washed her hands, and brushed her teeth.

Mulder had put the comforter back on the bed and pulled back the covers on her side once again. Waiting while she laid down, he tucked her in and kissed her head.

“Be right back,” he said and she hummed as she closed her eyes.

When he finally laid down, she was nearly asleep, but she opened her eyes to look at him and give him a small smile.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” she whispered, closing her eyes as she reached for his hand.

“That’s why you came here, isn’t it?” he asked softly, kissing her knuckles. “Knowing you were ill? Wanting to be cared for?”

“Yes and no,” she said, moving closer to him.

“How’s that?” he asked and she opened her eyes again.

“I missed you. I wanted to see you,” she said, her eyes rolling back as she shut them again. “I didn’t plan on being sick. I just missed you.”

“I missed you too,” he whispered, pulling her close. “I’m glad you came over.”

“Germs and all?” she asked, her words slightly slurred.

“Yes. Germs and all,” he assured her, kissing her forehead and whispering his love for her as she fell asleep, held safely in his arms.

#the x files #xf fanfic #msr #sickfic #taking care of your partner #common cold #conference away #sleeping late #Sleeping on the couch #tired and achy #medication #chicken soup #matzo ball soup #season 7 #established relationship #comfort food #forehead kisses #gentle kisses #sleeping together

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atths--twice · 1 year ago

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Five Times Mulder Kissed Scully

Seven years together, there had to be moments where a kiss was needed to express the words that could not be spoken.

I love the little look-ins to their lives, imagining what could have been. To see the tender and caring moments we may have missed. Hope you do too.

1994

The first time was so unexpected, it took a second for Scully to realize it had happened.

In and out of consciousness, she had felt like she was floating. She could hear Mulder, her mom, Missy, doctors and nurses, and the sounds of medical equipment as she fought to make sense of where she was exactly.

Here or there.

Pick one.

It’s not your time, Starbuck.

But I’m so tired…

“Please don’t leave me, Scully,” she had heard Mulder whisper from somewhere far away, desperation in his voice.

It had sounded loud and quiet all at the same time. It had hung around, echoing in her head as she felt pressure on what she knew were her fingers, but she could not squeeze back in response. She had wanted to, but she was unable to make her body do what her mind was demanding.

Then he was gone and it was quiet. So very quiet. Her fingers ached to feel the pressure of his again.

But then, she had come back to the world of the living and he was there, smiling and giving her a silly gift from a blue plastic bag that no one but she and him would understand.

He had left after a quick visit, though she knew he wanted to stay, his eyes saying as much.

When her mother and Missy had gone for the night, he came back, quietly coming into her room and taking her hand.

Fighting hard to stay awake, feeling she had missed so much already, he ran his fingers tenderly across her eyebrows.

“Sleep, Scully. Rest now.”

Unable to argue, sleep calling for her, she nodded as his fingers continued moving so softly, it did not feel real.

When the gentlest kiss she had ever received was pressed to her temple, she wondered if that had been real too.

But when it happened again, as his fingers traced her face and he whispered, she knew it for sure.

“Rest. I’ll be here.”

And she did.

_______________

1995

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Mulder asked as they walked into a motel room, thirty miles away from Dudley, Arkansas.

And away from Chaco Chicken.

“Yeah,” Scully said softly, nodding her head, causing her to wince.

“Wish you would have let the paramedics take a look at you.”

“I just wanted to get away from there,” she whispered, closing her eyes as she thought of the horrors she had seen in the past couple of hours.

“I can take a look at it. You’ve got that first aid kit in your bag, right?”

“Yeah,” she breathed, opening her eyes as she licked her lips.

“Good. Here, sit down,” he said softly, pulling out a chair and taking off his coat before rummaging through her suitcase.

She sat, staring down at the table and running her finger over a large scratch that was etched into it. The first aid kit was set on the table and her attention was diverted to Mulder’s hands, watching them as he looked through it, searching for the items he would need.

“Okay,” he said, touching her shoulder lightly. “I’ll be right back.”

He went into the bathroom and she heard him washing his hands. Returning quickly, he sat beside her in the other chair.

“This alcohol is going to sting. I’m sorry.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, knowing that it would.

Learning forward, she gave him better access to the cut that was causing her head to throb. He pushed her hair back as he exhaled softly and shook his head.

“Okay, here we go.”

He dabbed the alcohol swab gently against her head and she inhaled sharply at the sting it created, gripping her coat in her fists.

“I’m sorry,” he said again and she nodded slightly, knowing that it needed to be done.

When it was clean and she could feel the alcohol cooling her skin, he opened a bandage and looked at her.

“It looks good. Don’t think it will leave a scar.”

“Wonderful,” she said in a monotone voice and he gave her a small smile.

He leaned closer and carefully applied the bandage, making sure it did not stick in her hair. She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling exceedingly tired.

“There,” he whispered and she hummed as his hand moved to her jaw and he brushed his thumb across her cheek. “All done.”

“Thank you,” she said, opening her eyes and letting out a sigh.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered, his thumb still brushing softly. He moved closer and pressed his lips against her bandage. “I thought… I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Me too,” she breathed, closing her eyes again as she drew in a breath and he nodded, leaving behind a quiet kiss as he pulled back and began to clean up the table.

______________

1996

She was pacing in an autopsy bay as she awaited the arrival of a possible murder victim. She shivered as she paused in her steps, but it was not from feeling cold.

No, the shiver was because of the woman she would be autopsying.

The pictures that had been in her missing persons file had so resembled Missy, she’d had to excuse herself for a few minutes when she first saw them.

Mulder had insisted they needed to find someone else to do the autopsy, but she had gotten upset and refused that suggestion, telling him she was fine.

But she was not fine.

Far from it in fact.

The doors opened and the gurney was pushed into the room. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed hard and stepped forward.

Three hours later, she sat on the bed in her motel room. She had showered and put on a robe, but that was as far as she had gotten. Her hair was wet and slowly dripping onto her robe, but she did not notice.

“Scully? Scully, can you hear me?”

She blinked her eyes and looked around, surprised to see Mulder crouched down in front of her.

“There you are,” he said softly and she frowned at him.

“What?”

“You weren’t answering your phone or the door.”

“I was…” She glanced around again and began to realize that she was not dressed beneath her robe. Pulling it closed tighter, she looked at him. “I… How did you get in here?”

“The manager let me in when you didn’t answer the door,” he said, still in the same soft tone. “Come on, you need to get dressed and dry your hair. ”

“I’m… I’m fine, Mulder,” she said as he helped her to her feet, her body feeling heavy and awkward.

“No, you’re not. Come on.”

“Mulder,” she said, trying to pull her arm from his gentle grasp. “I can… I don’t need you to… I’m fine.” He let go and stood before her as she adjusted her robe again. “I can manage and you don’t… don’t…”

“Scully,” he whispered, sighing softly.

“I’m fine. I just need to get dressed.”

She walked to her suitcase and began to take out her pajamas, fighting against the tears that were threatening to fall. A sob escaped and she cursed internally as she failed to hold back another.

“Scully,” she heard him say again and she turned quickly, falling into him and wrapping her arms around his waist as she cried.

He held her until she had calmed, rubbing his hand up and down her back.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

“She looked so much like her,” she cried, shaking her head.

“Scully,” he said in a defeated tone.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Or think about it.”

“Okay,” he agreed as she pulled away. Grabbing her pajamas, she walked into the bathroom and shut the door.

When she came out, her hair towel dried, the lights were all off except for the one on the nightstand. The blankets had been pulled back and Mulder stood awkwardly by the dresser.

“I just wanted to be sure you were…”

He did not finish his sentence and she said nothing as she walked to the bed. Lying down and covering herself to her chin, she sniffled as the tears started again.

“I’ll go. Let you-”

“Stay. Please,” she sobbed as she turned her head into her pillow.

He lay behind her, his arm going around her and pulling her close. She turned over and drew further into his embrace, needing more from him.

He held her as she cried, murmuring and stroking her hair. His lips were feather soft as he kissed a path across her forehead, stopping at her temple and sighing.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered and she cried, thinking of Missy and how much she missed her.

He pulled her closer and within minutes she had cried herself to sleep, succumbing to the toll of the day.

____________

1997

“Do you want me to get you something to eat? I could go pick it up or we could order in?” he said as they walked into her apartment and he set her bag onto a kitchen chair.

“Honestly,” she said, shaking her head. “I just want to wash the smell of the hospital off of me, maybe burn these clothes, and sleep for hours without any interruptions.” She closed her eyes and hummed with a smile at the thought of sleeping in a dark room without a nurse coming in every few hours. “That will be really nice.”

“Yeah,” he agreed with a chuckle and she opened her eyes to look at him.

“I’m not really hungry right now. But if I feel it later, I could make some toast or something. I’m sure there’s bread here at least.”

“Okay,” he said with a nod. “I’ll let you get to that shower.”

“You could… if you wanted to, I mean… you could stay.”

“If you want me-”

“I mean if you want-”

“It’s up to you-”

“If you’d like to-”

They stopped speaking and stared at each other before they both laughed and shook their heads.

“I’d like you to stay, but it’s up to you,” she said and he nodded.

“I’ll stay.”

“Good,” she said as she smiled back. “Order something, if you want. I’m not entirely sure about the bread now.”

“Yeah. I got it. You go on ahead.”

She walked out of the room and down to the bathroom. Closing the door, she turned on the shower and let it warm up before stepping in with a sigh as the antiseptic smell of the hospital was rinsed from her body.

Two hours later, after watching a movie on the couch, she was exhausted.

“Thank you for, well…” she said, as she walked with him to the door and touched the back of her neck where she had replaced the small bandage that covered the recent incision.

“Yeah,” he said, taking a deep breath and giving her a small smile. “I’m glad it worked.”

“Huh, me too,” she said, chuckling awkwardly as the reality of it not working suddenly seemed to weigh very heavily in the air.

He stared at her for a second and then stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. She closed her eyes as she hugged him back. With her cheek pressed against his chest, she could feel every breath he took and hear his heart beating.

So beautifully alive. Both of them.

He pulled back and smiled at her, his hand going to her neck and softly rubbing the bandage.

“Glad isn’t the right word,” he whispered as he shook his head. “It doesn’t come close to adequately describing how I feel. Knowing that you’re okay, that you’ll continue to be okay…” His thumb rubbed into her hairline and she closed her eyes with a shiver as he pressed his forehead to hers. “The alternative, Scully… I will not ever accept.”

When he pulled back again, he kissed her forehead, temple, and then the corner of her mouth, causing her to draw in a shaky breath.

“Not ever,” he whispered, squeezing her neck gently and then stepping back.

She opened her eyes and he nodded as he opened the door. Smiling, he stepped through and closed it behind him. She exhaled as she locked the door, leaning against it for a few moments, before she went to her room and fell into a dreamless slumber.

________________

2000

“Here are these to finish. And then these ones just need your signature,” she said, handing him a few files.

“You want me to sign something without reading it first?” he asked and she gave him a look.

“Are you insinuating that I haven’t done the paperwork properly?”

“No. Not exactly.”

“Then…”

“I just feel a person should read things first. Or you end up losing something important to you.”

“What?” she asked, thoroughly confused.

“In my case, some very precious comics I recently found.”

“What?” she asked again and he sighed with a pout.

“I told the guys about them, there was a poker game, and Frohike… well… he’s now the happy owner of them.”

“Is comics code for… vintage erotic magazines?”

“No!” he said, looking at her in shock. “You think I’d give him those? Scully…”

She laughed as she shook her head and he smiled with a wink.

“Well, rest assured, this is just paperwork about the case. I’m not betting you anything,” she said as she gathered her things. “Especially those magazines.”

“Your loss,” he said with a shrug.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” she said sarcastically and rolled her eyes. He smiled and she drew in a breath. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.”

She watched him as he looked down at the file, waiting for a second, but he did not rise from his desk.

“Bye,” she said, walking to the door and looking back at him.

“Bye.” He waved and she walked out the door, waiting outside of it for a few moments.

“Okay, then,” she said as she turned and continued down the hall and into the elevator.

A couple of hours later, at her mother’s house to celebrate her birthday, she was on her second drink of the evening.

People from church, whom she did not really know, along with some of her mother’s close friends were there, wishing her mother well and laughing at old stories.

The doorbell rang and seeing as no one went to answer it, Scully sighed and walked over to do so as she sipped her drink.

Opening the door, her eyes widened as she swallowed and then coughed, a hand at her chest.

“Hello,” Mulder said, grinning happily and holding a small, wrapped box. “Didn’t expect you to answer. I was looking for the birthday woman.”

“What are you-”

“Fox!” her mother said as she walked to the door. “I’m so glad you could make it. Come in.” Scully stepped back and he grinned at her again as he crossed the threshold.

“Happy birthday, Mrs. Scully,” he said, handing her the gift. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Maggie, please,” her mother said, taking the gift with a smile. “Thank you. Please come in and have a drink and some appetizers. Dinner will be ready soon.” She nodded at them and walked away.

“Yeah, I can’t call her Maggie. Just seems wrong,” he said in a low voice as he smiled at Scully.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, frowning slightly as she shook her head.

“I was invited.”

“And you didn’t tell me? Didn’t mention it when I told you last week that I had to leave early today? Or two weeks ago when I said her birthday was coming up and I needed to get her a gift? No time between then and now to mention you would be coming here today?”

“And ruin the fun of this moment? Why would I deny myself that?” he asked with another smile.

“What did you get for her?”

“Patience now. She’ll open it soon enough,” he teased and she narrowed her eyes at him. “Is there a place I could put my coat, seeing as I intend to stay awhile?”

“Yeah. We’re using my dad’s office. I could show you.”

“Much obliged,” he said and she smiled as she took another sip of her drink and led him to it.

Coats were lying across the small couch in the room and as she watched him add his own, she finished her drink. Setting it onto the desk, she looked him up and down.

“You knew I was coming here,” she said quietly, stepping closer to him.

“I did,” he agreed as he adjusted his tie.

“You stayed to get the paperwork done.” She continued stepping closer and he smiled.

“Someone’s gotta do it,” he stated and she breathed deeply.

“She invited you.”

“She likes me,” he said with a shrug as his fingertips brushed her wrist.

“She’s smart like that,” Scully said, her breath increasing as he gently scratched his nails against her skin.

“Hmm,” he hummed, nodding as he brought his other hand up to cup her jaw. “You know, you forgot something when you left today.”

“I did?” she asked, her eyes closing as his thumb caressed her lips.

“Mmhmm,” he replied, kissing one eyebrow and then the other.

“What… what did I forget?”

“This,” he whispered and then his lips were on hers, kissing her slowly.

She gripped his waist as she whimpered softly, the feel and taste of kiss nearly intoxicating.

“I…” she breathed as he kissed her again. “I didn’t forget.”

“No?” he asked in a whisper, kissing along her jaw. Soft, gentle kisses that made her stomach clench with desire.

“No. You did.”

“I did?” he asked, pulling back to look at her and she smiled.

“Mmhmm,” she said with a small nod. “I informed you I was leaving. Gave you ample time to approach me. Even waited outside the door in case you were to realize your mistake.”

“Is that right?” he asked with a smile.

“One hundred percent factual.”

“But you said not at work,” he reminded her, his hand at her neck as his thumb gently grazed her jaw. “So I wouldn’t have known you were waiting.”

“Then by that logic, I didn’t forget anything.”

He blinked a few times and she chuckled softly.

“It was you who implemented the rule,” he informed her.

“I’m aware.”

“Yet you were waiting for me to come after you.”

“Also true.”

He blinked again and shook his head.

“I think we may be walking around the point and missing each other when we reach it.” She chuckled again and he smiled as he caressed her neck.

“I had to create the rule as it was for a good reason.”

“Which was what again? Remind me please.”

“Because…” she said, licking her lips. “A kiss isn’t usually enough.”

“For whom? Are you trying to say that after only one kiss, I’m unable to keep my hands off of you? As if I can’t control myself?” he asked in an overly incredulous tone even as his other hand slid beneath the hem of her sweater, and she bit back a smile.

His breath was warm on her lips as he leaned closer, his hand beginning to move towards her breast, and her stomach quivered from the anticipation of his touch.

“Scully,” he whispered and she exhaled into his mouth, his lips barely touching her own.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” a voice said and they jumped apart.

His hand got caught under her sweater for a second and then he pulled it free. As she looked past Mulder and saw who was standing there, a hot flush began creeping over her entire body.

“Fa… Father McCue,” she said, clearing her throat. “I… it’s… did you need something?”

“Yes,” he said with a slightly embarrassed smile. “I just realized I left your mother’s birthday card in my coat pocket. I was going to get it, but I can-”

“No! Please. Of course you can…” She stepped back to allow him to find his coat, Mulder moving with her to give him space.

“Thank you. Ah. Here it is,” Father McCue said as he picked up his coat and removed the birthday card. Setting his coat back down, he smiled at them. “I’m sorry to have interrupted. I’ll leave you now.”

“No. Yeah. We… it’s… okay,” Scully stammered, feeling like a fumbling teenager who had been caught out by her father.

At the doorway, Father McCue stopped and turned around.

“I’m glad to see you here today, Dana. And Mr. Mulder? It’s good to see you again as well, especially under better circumstances.” He nodded at them and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

“Oh. My. God,” Scully breathed, stepping away from Mulder and shaking her head, her eyes wide. “I cannot believe that just happened. I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed in my entire life. I have never-” She stopped speaking and turned around, staring at Mulder.

He was laughing. He was doing so quietly, but he was absolutely laughing, apparently thoroughly enjoying the situation in which they found themselves.

“Are you serious right now?” she asked, shaking her head. “This is funny?”

“Oh yeah,” he said, still laughing quietly. “It’s very funny.”

“What part of it?”

“All of it,” he said. “Oh… it’s too good.”

“Mulder,” she said, crossing her arms. “He is our priest. We see him, or my mother does anyway, all the time.”

“And?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders.

“And? And he just walked in to find you… copping a feel.”

“I actually wasn’t, if that changes things. I was close, but…” He shrugged again with a grin and she whined quietly. “Scully, come on.”

“He’s a priest, Mulder. That’s like… like doing that in front of God. Or one of his… friends.”

“Friends of the Father in Heaven? Confidants of Christ?” he teased.

“Stop,” she said, her eyes widening again.

“Mates with the Maker?”

“Mulder,” she warned.

“Acquaintances of the Almighty?”

“Mmmul… Mulder,” she said as she started to laugh. “Stop.”

“Bet you’re rethinking the “not at work rule” right about now, aren’t you?” he asked as he walked towards her and she scoffed loudly.

“No. I’m not. If that had been Skinner… or anyone else from work-”

“They would have won the pool?” he asked, putting his arms around her and smiling. “Found themselves flush with cash?”

“Mulder…” She closed her eyes and sighed before opening them again.

“Relax, Scully,” he said, kissing her forehead. “He’s a priest. He can’t say anything. He’s sworn to secrecy.”

“That only applies to confessionals,” she said and he hummed with a nod.

“Well… I don’t think he even saw anything. My body shielded most of the view of what was happening. I think we’re good.” He smiled and she sighed again.

“It’s not that it’s a secret, it’s just…”

“I know.”

“And it’s not as if nearly everyone at this party, at some point, hasn’t asked about you while also subtly hinting at our relationship, wondering if it wasn’t more platonic than strictly professional.”

“Platonic,” he repeated softly. “Platonic…”

“Yeah,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Platonic I can get on board with, at least until recently,” he said as he pumped his eyebrows and she smiled knowingly. “But professional? Hmm… We are professionals in a professional field, but… do most professional relationships include disrobing within the first few days of knowing one another?”

“You dick,” she whispered and he grinned.

“I think platonic with a… slight sprinkle of professionalism would best describe us,” he whispered back and she smiled.

“I’d say that covers it.”

“Until recently anyway, as previously stated,” he said and she laughed.

“Oh yes. It’s definitely no longer platonic.”

“Definitely,” he agreed, staring at her with a smile and she nodded.

“We should… rejoin the party.”

“We should,” he agreed, rocking them slightly.

“You’re not moving.”

“Neither are you and it’s your mother’s birthday.”

“Something tells me,” she said, moving her arms to encircle his neck. “She’d excuse my absence if she knew what I was doing.”

“With a priest in the next room?” he asked with a mock gasp.

“Oh,” she said as she pulled back and he groaned. “I forgot about that.”

“Scully, I was joking,” he said as he reached to pull her back, but she walked to the door and put her hand on the doorknob as he groaned again. “Forget I said anything.”

“I can’t. It’s in my head now. It’s… whoa!”

The door opened suddenly and she jumped back in surprise.

“Oh, there you two are,” her mother said with a smile.

“I was just showing Mulder some of dad’s things in here,” Scully lied smoothly and Mulder hummed in complete agreement.

“Oh, that’s nice,” her mother said as she looked around and smiled with a sigh. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Just wanted to let you know.”

“Okay. Thanks. We’ll follow you out.”

“That’s okay. Don’t want to disturb you if you’re having a look around.”

“Yeah, Scully. Wasn’t there something else you wanted to show me?”

She turned to look at him and he smiled innocently at her, but she did not fall for his charm.

“Maybe next time, I want to refill my drink. Would you mind grabbing the glass for me there?”

He hummed again as he picked up the glass and they followed her mother from the room. He placed his hand on Scully’s back and she looked sidelong at him, silently telling him to stop. Smiling as he nodded, he moved his hand and went to get them each a drink while she filled a small plate with appetizers.

Father McCue came to stand beside her and for a moment she froze, unsure of what to say.

“It’s good to see your health continues to thrive,” Father McCue said and she let out a quiet breath. “I know it’s been some time, but it’s always good to see it.”

“Yes,” she said, still feeling uneasy. “Father, what you may have seen earlier-”

“Dana,” he said with a smile and a small shake of his head. “What I saw was nothing less than I would have expected after the brief times I’ve seen the two of you together. Actually, hoped would be a better word than expected.”

“Really?” she asked quietly, her attention drawn to Mulder as he left the kitchen. He was laughing at something and it made her smile slightly.

“Oh yes,” Father McCue said, touching her arm briefly and nodding. “I’m happy to see that you’re happy.” Nodding again, he walked away and Scully breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh no. What did he say?” Mulder asked, walking up and handing her her drink. “Do we need to leave the country and assume new identities?”

“No,” she chuckled and he raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. “He said he was happy to see me happy.” He stared at her as she took a sip of her drink.

“And are you?” he asked, his voice low and serious. “Happy, I mean?”

She smiled slowly and nodded once, watching as his eyes lit up and he smiled.

“Then, I’m also happy you’re happy.”

He held out his glass and she tipped hers to his, clinking them together.

“And you?” she asked and he held her gaze, licking his lips and glancing down at her own with a hum.

“I’d show you the answer to that question if there weren't so many eyes currently watching us.”

“Later then,” she said as dinner was announced.

The chatter around them increased as people began to line up to head to the kitchen and make up their plate.

“Later,” he agreed, moving closer to her.

His fingers hooked onto hers and she smiled, squeezing them gently. He winked at her as someone in the line laughed and she wondered if her mother would forgive her if they were to leave now, leaving behind nothing but half empty glasses of alcohol.

“After gifts and cake, of course. I don’t want to incur the wrath of Maggie Scully,” he said, his eyes widening and her smile grew.

“No, you don’t,” she agreed.

“But as soon as it’s done…” He squeezed her fingers and she nodded.

“I’ll see if I can find a stopwatch. I think there’s one around here somewhere,” she said and he laughed heartily as the line began to move and he squeezed her fingers once more before letting go.

Later, she thought with a smile as his hand found its familiar place on her back and this time she did not tell him to move it.