Pearl, Ch. 7: Parch
Previous Chapter - AO3 - MSR, rated E
Dry.
That’s the first thing that enters Mulder’s head as he feels his partner’s lips beneath his, probably because he’s an asshole. But it’s true.
This kiss is less than ideal; the mechanics of it aren’t great. For one thing, Mulder’s caught Scully by surprise. She didn’t have a chance to lick her lips the way she always does when she’s nervous or stressed, and he knows chemotherapy has been wreaking all kinds of havoc on her body.
It also doesn’t help that they’re kissing for the first time in front of a total stranger, in a stuffy room with weird carpet.
He’s wanted to do this for years, so much that the lack of fireworks makes him feel a momentary spike of guilt. He cares deeply for this woman, desires her, would trade his life for hers in a heartbeat, and yet kissing her now is simply uncomfortable. But this could be her last first kiss, so he does his best.
