This story, "Forever", is a sequel to another story entitled "Never Again" by Katie Reed (No1toTrust@aol.com). I doubt this will make much sense if you don't read that first. Please e-mail her if you don't have it. =) And, if you do not relish the idea of Mulder and Scully being *together*, DON'T READ THIS!!! You've been warned!! Dedicated to the rest of the sillys who live in the "Relationship" folder! All of the regular rules and regulations (do you actually read this bull?) apply. Mulder, Scully, and such are creations and property of Chris Carter, Fox, and Ten Thirteen (you mean, you read this?) productions. No copyright infringement is intended. Also, the following two bits of songs are property of Mariah Carey (read the story), Columbia Records, and Sony Music and are borrowed graciously. Now, on with the story...(almost) If you should ever need me Unfailingly, I will return to your arms And unburden your heart And if you should remember That we belong together Never be ashamed Call my name Tell me I'm the one you treasure Forever And ever, my darling Forever You will always be the only one You will always be the only one... --From 'Forever' by Mariah Carey Soft heavenly eyes gazed into me Transcending space and time And I was rendered still There were no words for me to find at all As I stood there beside myself I could see you and no one else When I saw you When I saw you I could not breath, I feel so deep When I saw you When I saw you I'd never be, I'd never be the same. --From 'When I Saw You' by Mariah Carey (Is there a theme here or what?) Never Again Pt. 2, "Forever" Original Story by Katie Reed (No1toTrust@aol.com) Sequel by Jennifer Brown (Nonbelvr@aol.com) December 25, 1995 Fox Mulder's apartment, Washington DC Late Morning "Scully?" Mulder called softly to her, her head still resting on his shoulder. "Hmm?" she sighed, dream-like. he warned himself. He decided to throw caution to the wind and take the chance. he began to think optimistically. Mulder shifted in his seat, causing Scully to sit upright. They were now facing each other. "Actually," he began. It felt like his heart was pounding in and blocking his throat. "Actually, there was something else I wanted to give you for Christmas, Dana." Dana couldn't believe her ears. she thought. "What is that?" she coolly asked. The coolness and calm of her voice sent chills up his spine. "Well...," he began, "I...Well, you see...It'd be better if I showed you," he finally spat out. "Please do," she said. Suddenly, she felt his warm lips pressed against hers. It surprised her, but she welcomed it fully. He placed his hand on the back of her head, at the base, his hand becoming entangled in her auburn hair. She could feel his tongue exploring the inner recesses of her mouth. She obliged him by doing the same. She ran her own tongue along his teeth and ended up tongue wrestling. That kiss seemed to last forever. But it was over too soon. They finally disengaged, both needing to come up for air. Dana let out a small gasp and then touched her swollen lips in disbelief. Mulder was now staring and playing with his fingernails, blushing red. "What was that for?!" Scully eventually managed to get out, after snapping out of her reverie. He looked up at her briefly, with that sad, lost puppy-dog look he did so well. Then, he immediately returned his gaze to his hands. "Dana," he began, not looking up. She could see his eyes filling up with tears. "Dana, for the longest time now, I have begun to feel no one understands me. Hell, I've always known that no one understands me." He looked at her, a half grin on his face, though he was still blinking back tears. "Except you." He enclosed one of her tiny hands in his. She placed a finger from her free hand on his lips to prevent him from further explaining what she already knew. He was right, she understood him all to well, and she understood what he was trying to say. "Just say it," she delicately said to him. "I love you, Dana Katherine Scully," he softly spoke as she removed her finger. "I love you, too, Fox Mulder." {Insert your sick and twisted imagination here. I felt it would be better if I let you make it up!} Dana awoke the next morning, not quite remembering where she was. Once she managed to clear the cobwebs out of her head and felt the warm and still sleeping body next to her, she remembered. Goodness, what she remembered! She laughed at one particular memory that came to her. Mulder thought if would be nice to take a shower (though it wouldn't do them any good, they'd just get "dirty" again). They didn't quite succeed in getting clean. The only thing they did succeed in was hitting Mulder's head on the bottom of the tub and Scully falling with him. "What's so funny?" Mulder asked, waking. "I can't believe we stayed here *all Christmas*!" she said. "I can't believe you just *happened* to have a box of condoms with you!" he quipped back. She blushed when she thought about where that particular item came from. "I can't believe you can cook!" she said just to take her mind off of that horrid memory. "I thought bachelor's didn't cook!" she joked. "Hey, most of us don't intend on being bachelor's for the rest of our lives!" "Mulder," she said in a serious tone, rolling on top of him, a thin layer of sheets separating them. "Mulder, why is it I feel completely safe and secure when I'm with you?" "Do you now, Miss Scully?" "Yes, I do." "Well, I intend to keep you like that." "Forever?" "Forever." THE END Well, this is my first stab at writing for the EMXC. What do you think? Not to be rude, but, please keep your opinions to yourself if you don't like this particular story line (the M & S together thing). I have enough enflamed mail coming from that direction! =)