Now, the time they had four puppies seemingly breezed by. The three puppies that had gone, one male to Chase, and a male and female to Jolly, would be missed, but only so much. The remaining puppy, Molly, was Scully?s all the way. Shane had come to understand it and playfully he chided about the idea of two hound dogs under one roof. He?d live.

However, this was not about the puppies, for they had found good homes in the short time they were at the house, and before they could do so, they ate all the bacon. It was hardly a fair exchange. That was Scully?s usual gripe, but no longer. Molly was fed bacon, but not so much. Needless to say, they were not going to keep running out of bacon. No, this wasn?t about puppies, this was about making the evening perfect. Perfect in every way possible just for Shane.

Both hands were in her hoodie now. She felt the cool bite at her jeans and at her arms. Shivers ran up along her spine, fog curled from her breath, and her nose turned cold. Her golden eyes were shining in excitement," So... surprise first oooorrrrrr dinner." She grinned to him playfully. It was a Shane night tonight.

"Surprise first, of course," he was the guy that would peak at presents and insist that three, not one, had to be opened on Christmas eve. While his stomach dictated a large portion of his actions, his need to know was greater. It was cold so his hands, too, were in jacket pockets as they walked side by side as fake smokers on a break.

She looped one arm around his, pulling him close to her. Casually she leaned into his warmth while they walked. Down that familiar path they would go, the one she went on every day before and after work. She was pleased to see that his surprise was ready. After making their way through several streets and along closed buildings she hummed eagerly. When they rounded a corner she paused, covering his eyes and moving him around another corner. A soft whisper would fall to his ear," Ready?"

When she covered his eyes his steps got all nervous and scattered. He wasn't like most kids in that he had had a lot of experience getting his eyes covered and walking it off as though it was nothing. On the contrary, it tangled up his steps quite abit. His smile long and one that expressed his uncertainty and wonder."Uhhh, I hope I am."

She kissed underneath his ear tenderly then whispered," I hope you like it.." Slowly, her hands left his eyes to reveal what she thought was the least she could do for Shane. There before them was a building. The building was on the safe side of the marketplace, just a ways down from the Taylor shop. In bright lights was the sign,' Rhy'din Enabler.... Editor: Shane Michael.' She stepped back, a small smirk on her face.

"Whoa," he said with a blink as he looked at the building. He reached back, scratching the back of his head in disbelief at what he saw. He walked a couple paces forward and squinted like he wondered if it would disappear, "I can't believe you did this. Wow." he turned to her, reached over and pulled her into him for an embrace, "Where did you get the money to do this?"

Watching his reaction put her at ease. She wasn't going to mention that it was stocked. He hugged her, the embrace warm and always strangely enough to put her at ease. Golden eyes glittered in the street lights up to him," I snuck some profit from my trust." She answered him softly, half afraid that if she blinked his reaction would change.

"You have a trust?" he blinked at her. This was unexpected from his cotton candy tattooed lady. His arms around her, folded in a meeting just at her lower back and head bowed, kissing her in gratitude and still surprised at the possibility of it even happening. It was, well, incredibly generous. He wasn't her husband, even a fianc?, and the gift left him stumbling around in his head.

How in the world could she answer him when he was kissing her? She could feel the gratitude and she grinned. Her lips were pressed to his, both arms folding around his neck, and a small murmur pressing to his lips," Mmmhmm..." But that's all she could get out with the kisses.

"I'll pay you back some for this, you know, someday? I mean I super like it but this is huge, babe, I mean really huge." He impressed it upon her again and then he smiled, letting a heavy exhale leave him so that he could enjoy the gift more than show concern for how it came about, "I don't want, you know, to be that guy."

A small snicker fell from her lips," Shane, you using the gift and enjoying it is all I could ever ask you for. It's more than enough pay back for me." Selfless. She leaned in, giving a small kiss to his chin, her fingers trailing through his hair during the whole moment," Wanna see the inside?"

"Yea, but you know. I dunno that I can just uh... take it without giving you something." When she asked him about the inside he smiled and nodded to her, adjusting so his arm dropped atop her shoulders and eyes adjusted on the face of the building, "lead the way, Surpriser."

Both hands took his hands, fingers laced with his, and then she pulled him along. Step after step took her close to the building and then she turned. Wriggling a set of keys in her hands then turning to open the door. Once it was open the printing press was revealed, computers, and other tools of the reporting trade appeared, but only after she turned on the light. Once that switch was flicked, the smell of new things was apparent and the shimmer was just as revealing.

"Wow, how'd you know?" he was talking about the printing press. His had been an old hand crank one that required a lot of work and sometimes the ink came on too heavy and botched the words up. He cleared away from her, across the room, inspecting all of the things that were there and like his makeshift office at home. He noticed some empty spaces here and there for him to transfer those things here. The bits of color that made up him. The tired overstuffed and torn up office chair he refused to abandon. Some random pictures and sentimental charms that he collected and hung up here and there. He sat atop the new desk and surveyed the room. Wow, an actual desk. He wondered if he'd miss working atop an old dining room table.

Scully propped herself up besides the door frame. Both arms folded over her chest while she watched him. Brows rose up to his question," I figured it would be nice for the editor to have his own place to sit when he worked on important news." She leaned in, moving for the fire place, both hands coming out of her warm pockets to start a fire. She slid up onto the desk besides him once she had gave the room a bit of heat and then turned to study him," Did I miss anything that you need?" Her head tilted to the side. Golden eyes locked with his and her smile grew. She really had hoped he would love his surprise.

"Nah, this is like...twice the stuff I was getting by on before you know?" he chuckled and shook his head at her, the web between thumb and index finger having some give as it got propped against his hips, "What kinda trust do you have your hands on, anyway?" That was the unanswered question before, circling back around now that his mind returned to questioning the "how" of it all.

Her feet kicked a bit, lips pursing into a fine line. Her fingers fumbled a bit on her lap and her head lowered. Both feet kicked a bit while she thought. She cleared her throat lightly," First I was a corner street whore... Making the quota for my pimp, but charging the Joes more than what was needed. Then I turned into a dealer, doing the same for those needy and hungry. So when the idea first crossed my head..." She paused, this was going to sound terrible in the end," I was sixteen when my savings account was well over twenty five thousand dollars... Money went in, but I had set it up so that money couldn't be removed unless it was an emergency. I was going to use what I had saved to get me away from that life. The account was supposed to be open at twenty four.... But then the biggest crime boss in L.A. gave me a book. Small, black, but filled with information that would make the FBI salivate hungrily. My escape was right before my eyes and I took it for a big price..." She gave a weak smile to him," I didn't earn the money in the right way... but my account sits pretty comfortably at three fourths a million right now. More than enough for me, so... I chose to use it on the one thing I would trade everything for... Well right now at least." She was still smiling," You are very important to me Shane, as a friend and as my man." She teased the next bit," Especially with those dimples."

"Thank God for dimples, yah know?" He didn't wanted to make commentary on her confessions of her past. It was something he would have to let his mind work over for the next few days. He slid off the top of the table, back to his feet and smiled at her, one hand signaling around them, "This all comes with one new relationship condition, you know?" said like a statement she should question more than a question itself. *

Both brows rose up high upon her brow. Usually when she told her past, people over reacted. She had been wary about things, always as safe as could be in her younger years when she did the thing she refused to do ever again for money. She had never had any children, nor been pregnant with a bastard child. Scully had been safe and reserved, but now that question had her very curious," And what's that Shane Michael." She bit her bottom lip a smidge.

Shane was an extrovert-- that meant his personal feelings and reactions were often kept to himself while he kept exchange and interaction going on. People often didn't realize how impersonal he could be. Now that he had her attention, her real attention that peered into the back stage lights of his eyes he said, "No more big gifts. I have to be able to keep up with you and I can't at this rate!!"

Scully laughed, not minding the fact that he had a hard time showing how he felt. It was part ofthe mistery that made Shane. Her smile grew wide, brighter than ever. Her arms folded over her chest as she mock huffed," Well fine. Fine, but to seal the deal right now, in this instant, you have to waltz your cute butt over here and give my lips a kiss." She stuck out her tongue with a sigh," Because tonight will be the first night we can actually get on bed without being tackled by hyperactive puppies craving for the attention you're trying to give to me."

"Oh, must I?" he toyed, hands dropped and he moved over to her in a way that was of his want and not of her command. Once in front of her hands drifted down her face, to the curve of her jaw and there he leaned in to kiss her. His lips inviting to her own, pressing as two well acquainted components that made music and divided to let the hard evening light of the shop silence the song of their lips. Then his hands wove fingers with her's and he tilted his head sharply to point at the door as he spoke, "Let's get out of here and eat some Italian."

Her breath was stolen at the kiss to her lips. The way he managed to tease her with every touch he made, it was something she enjoyed to the fullest. Her fingers traced his jawline, tender and gentle; almost as teasing as he had done it to her. She slid from the desk at his words, a thoughtful look forming on her face," Oh alright, but expect me not to take it easy on you Shane, it was a long day and I missed you." Fair warning for the Irish man, if he'd listen to it.

"That better be a promise," he kissed her yet again, the way people shake hands to make a deal and his blue eyes sparkled with the mischief of his soul and he lead the way to the door, lights out, door locked, and lead the way, tugging her along with hands held and lips in an "o' of whistle or kissing.

"Mother of Christ," he rolled over, looking at Gauge who was glued to the door, tail wagging fiercely as he bayed. Behind him, two heartbeats and then barking in a higher pitch was Molly.

It's three o'clock in the morning and two hound dogs are howling and Scully wasn't in bed. Before he could get out of bed to see what the matter was the door opened up and Scully appeared, arms full and coming towards him. Gauge shot past her to keep howling at the door but Molly, desiring more attention than Gauge, followed Scully, whining and confused at why she was barking and what was going on.

Before he could get out another word the news he didn't want to hear hit and he rolled over on his stomach and moaned, "I don't care. I'll deal with that in the morning."

Shane did care, cared enough that it upset and had an affect on him. He just didn't care the way he use to. Where he wanted Maria to be all right and for there to be some sort of happily ever after for her. No, Maria had become something unpleasant and ominous for him. She made him feel like the bad guy and he hated that about her. Hated how her eyes accused him and still, still, that Catholic upbringing kept telling him that she was right. That he wasn't doing the right thing and that he should leave this house and Scully and maintain his marriage with her.

But his heart wanted nothing to do with it. Just his sense of guilt.

Shane had taken the papers with him to the small storefront he had for the Enabler. It wasn't that he wanted to hide the papers or letter from Skulls, but that he wanted to he alone to think them over. He sat deep in the office chair, a hand wrapped around his steaming cup of coffee. He took another swallow of it and sighed heavily.

The longest opening of any letter.

He withdraws the paper and it feels heavier than paper should. Behind it the papers which were nearly cardboard behind it in sections. His eyes could be so grave early in the morning, hair still wet and the dark still brushed up on the marketplace. as he read the letter he looked away, surprised to find that daybreak had already significantly brightened up the sky. Shane sat and just stared out of the window, feeling like a monster.

How much he wanted to be everything people seemed to think he was. Sometimes he thought that he had somehow deceived people into believing that this facade was that of a sincere human's. That the selfish and self-preserving attitude had not prevailed in his youth and was it, was it prevailing now? Had he been tested and now, looking at the papers on his desk, started to sign the test of ultimate failure? Why did inner workings have to have some complication, why was it that the mind and heart didn't just go for what it wanted.

Perhaps it did and people themselves were the complication.

But he still winds up the monster, sitting in his office. His wife with all the love and patience... and most of all... forgiveness in the world. When had he lost his ability to forgive? Why was it so shallow in him and yet so great in her? When had that happened? Was he just too young at the time to understand Maria? The way young men are with first girlfriends, unable to discern what qualities make a great wife and mother to their children verse just being something that attracts them. Had he known? Or was he just learning more about someone he thought he already knew too well?

Shane decided to shove the papers and letter in a drawer and wait to sign what would be the end of his marriage. Was it ready to be concluded?

He couldn't write, not with a mind scattered like that. He instead went back to Harvey's shop and worked on projects that had gotten back ordered and were running behind. He thought he had only been there an hour but when he looked up it was one in the morning.

"Shoot."

Grabbing his things and dashing home, knowing Scully would be worried or perhaps overwhelmed with a puppy and Gauge to look after.

Sometimes when you go to kick a rock for fun you find that it isn't the little rock you thought it was. It is, infact, the tip of a rock iceberg. So when your foot connects all the momentum and strength behind the swing collides into an immovable force and the sheer surprise of the sudden stop is enough to send you reeling.

His mind was so caught up in thought that as he proceeded he wasn't looking ahead, but at the ground. Sometimes he passed the walk away by playing a game of missing the cracks in the ground. He'd been in too much of a hurry, even for that, but here and there he adjusted his foot around some stray rocks or deep cracks that wanted to jump up and catch the toe of his shoe. So caught up in trying not to trip and crash that he actually crashed. Fully. Skulls wasn't a mountain of a person but she was enough to stop his stride dead, though she was the one that fell down.

"Oh, Jesus, Skulls I'm sorry."

It was almost part of the apology that he rushed so fast to get her back on her feet. Ten second rule.

"If yah did smack me I wouldn't blame yah. I'm well enough deserving of it this hour," which had gone deep and dark and started to roll over into the following day.

Skulls knew when he was stressed, like most that knew him well. Shane could wear his heart on his sleeve too easily. If something about him could be hidden behind words it would a secret onto the grave. It just took talking about it to know how he felt. He gnawed his nails into nothing when he was worried. He scratched the back of his neck when he was nervous. When he was fond of someone he tended to throw things at them. He was somewhat predictable in respect to that. His mannerisms giving him away and his secrets offered up if only someone cared enough to ask. Shane always assumed that no one really cared about him or his personal life unless they asked him about it.

His nails were worn into nothing.

"You know.. I just want to get some hot chocolate and fall asleep on the couch with you. Would that be all right?"

His arm around her. Christ it was cold. At this kinda hour the sun was doing nothing to soften up the winter chill. He kissed her on the cheek and pushed away from his mind the drawer in the office with papers, half signed and only signed by Maria. The point that was his inner confusion he didn't understand, nor care to talk about. Since it failed to be the subject of conversation, there was no giving tell that he thought on it. He wasn't, not directly. It sat on his back burner.

So he kissed her cold forehead and hurried home with her. Smiling, feeling some relief that she had been there and had knocked him, quite literally, out of his wallowing state. Knocked him into the present, with his arm around a pink haired girl who smelled like home.

"I just got really caught up at the shop and lost track of time and when I realized what had happened I started for home. I didn't mean to run you over, Squeaker."

With another kiss on her cheek he forgot about the drawer in the office of the marketplace square.

He looked as though he meant to say something else but a sound came out. The deep baying of one dog soon after coupled with a higher pitch. The porch light on like a lighthouse light. He smiled weakly and looked to Scully, "So much for sneaking in unnoticed."

Not that he ever had.

Christmas was coming and Scully was ready. At least she liked to think she was. She had a few boxes under the tree. One for Molly, one for Gauge, and quite a few more left over. Granted, Shane, Chase, and even Brandon’s name evened out the pile of gifts, but still, they were her way of showing the Christmas spirit.

Shane’s Tailor Kit was among the nestled bits, but there was two more things there as well. She’d have him open them on Christmas Eve. One was a small, box shaped gift. It was one of those ominous small box thingies that would have any man sweating, but it wasn’t what it seemed. It was an item that had taken some research and time to find.

In the box was a small coin attached to a golden chain. This coin was a representation of the clan Shane’s family was from. It was the crest of his family and on the back it had an Irish proverb.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.

The next gift was a small gift for his enjoyment Christmas Eve. It was one he could enjoy over and over again and in Scully’s size. Needless to say, it was another thing she was going to use to make the Irish man grin for weeks on end.

In spirit, Scully was quite Jolly, but outside the woman was a bundle of Spazz. The house filled with the smell of cookies and deserts. She had only let one plate be for Shane to enjoy, the rest was off limits. Scully was a cook at heart, perhaps it was her calling. She had planned to have a glazed Turkey, Ham, mashed potatoes, pie, corn on the cob, gravy, and anything else that would make Brandon and Shane drool or be stuffed piglets by the end of the night.

This was the kind of season that Scully lived for. The gifts were wrapped with love and outstanding perfection, because Scully wouldn’t have it any other way. A Christmas Tree, with Shane’s help, glittered and glistened in the living room with the hopes that the two puppies wouldn’t knock it down. Outside, a path of candy cane lights lit the way to the porch which was alight with red and green icicles, Scully had done those to surprise Shane.

The pink haired woman was hoping with all this work, that Brandon, Chase, and Shane had a very good Christmas. It was what they had deserved. Especially after Halloween.

Hush~ Angie Aparo

She got it all
The boys they would crawl
Away from her door then they come back again
But don't let 'em in
Smoking their gin
Leaving their best foot out in the cold
I'm a waste of a momma's boy
It's a shame they say
There's so much you know he'll never enjoy
All the love you come to destroy


There's a moment lost in time
When she says hush
I'm on your side
It's just the two of us
You know that I
You know I'll never say goodbye


She smiles for me
It don't mean a thing
It don't take away the way it was before
I'm foolish and grown
I should've known
Her's was a world made for just one throne
I'm a waste of a momma's boy
It's a shame they say
There's so much you know he'll never enjoy
All the love you come to destroy


How many days can you waste it boy
It's a shame they say
There's so much you know he'll never enjoy
All the love we come to destroy


There's a moment lost in time
When she says hush
I'm on your side
It's just the two of us
Though they might try.

Usually after a scary movie, the weak minded are swayed into leaving all their lights on, lifting their feet up from the openings under furniture, and wrapping themselves up into as many blankets there are in existence. Well, eventually they have to remind themselves that all is well, that they’ll be fine, and that the movie was just make believe. However, that was not the case with this scary bit of non-fiction. Scully had done all of the above and then some. Around her neck was the rosary that Chase had bought her and in her hands was that bible given to her as well from the gypo. It was more than obvious that Scully was one big ball of terror.

“You were a slave to your vices in the past. I give you hope. A delay in your judgment, and a gift.”

“You know what I want.”

The arrival of Shane had her jerking in her spot. A small jump to say the least. A hard shiver rushed along her spine and she could remember the weight of the fog again. It was just as heavy as the guilt that was on her shoulders. It was all enough to make her ill, even though she already was. What color that had been in her face had vanished.

Once again she found herself being mentally kicked. This was Shane, her Shane, and he’d understand this, right? He’d be there for her, supportive. He had through everything else. All she needed to do was have the guts to do so. The guts, that’s what she needed, but once again Scully felt an odd spineless tingling. Defenseless, weak, lily livered, worthless; all of it was repeating in her head just as Travis wanted.

That was not the way she wanted to feel right at that moment.

Shane was bright and chipper, he even sounded excited. A small gulp came before she called out,” In here Shane..” So said the blanket bundle upon the bed.

How can one man be so insanely perfect!?

The thought process was boggling. How dare a man be so wonderful, so amazing, and be with her? There had to be something increasingly wrong with Shane Michael for finding someone like Scully O?Brien special. There was no other logic in the reason why he was doing this!

Scully nearly cried at the sight of the bracelet. It was so beautiful and she didn?t deserve it. She didn?t deserve such a sweet and wonderful gift as that. It was hard to sit there, knowing that she had a secret, and accept such a beautiful thing. Nearly breathless, she let it fall around her wrist.

Eventually she nestled into his body, both of her arms wrapping around him and hugging him tightly. Her face buried in his chest and she let it all come out. The frustration of Travis, the aggravation of not being forward with Shane, it was literally eating her alive. This man was the best thing that had ever happened to her and less than two months into their relationship she was keeping something so massive from him. It was enough to pull her pink hair out.

Eventually she began to spew confessions. Justification, perhaps for what she was keeping from him. She started with simple things, like her full name, Sudeley Asthore O?Brien, to her favorite color(which despite the common guess is not pink). Scully literally bawled, tears soaking at the shirt of her loving Irish man. However, when it came down to it, the admission that she wouldn?t utter above all was perhaps her largest secret of all.

She was falling in love with Shane Michael. It was a common trend among all the women that he had dated. How could Shane be such a loveable man? Because he was such a kind hearted man, who wore everything on his sleeves and lived life to the best he could. He was honest, generous, and simple. He only desired honesty, simplicity, and kindness in return. From the start Scully had tried her best to make this man happy, because in the end, it was everything he deserved.

Perhaps if he had listened well enough, he would come to understand that since Chase?s incident? Something had been terribly wrong. It would be hard to just out right say it; because how could she deliberately tell him that she was possessed without him taking it wrong?

What if he was hurt because of this? Either by her hands or by the beast within? The last thing she?d ever let ?Travis? do was harm the man she was so smitten with. No one or nothing would ever be allowed to harm him on her watch. It was just the part of her that adored his dimples coming out.

There were points were Scully was secretly a green eyed demon, but she owed it to herself to keep her calm, one wrong step could possibly be the end of something that was simply amazing. Scully O?Brien did truly adore Shane, and even if they were to part, she figured she?d always would.

Several Weeks Later............ (I know, I know, I suck at keeping up with posting.)

Scully was in such a good mood these past few days just because, well Shane and her had seen eye to eye on many things. Gradually she was skipping towards the door of her favorite place of all time. Every time she had come here, something happened and it it didn't matter, it always ended well. When she was inside she had gotten to the bar and flopped down on one of the stools.

Into the Stars End would come the fallen angel cowboy. Wearing the usual button-up, jeans, snakeskin boots, and Stetson, he gave a look around with those brown eyes. There was a cigarette between his lips, from which he let loose a puff of smoke as he let the door close behind him.

He was running late. He was buttoning up his white long sleeve and pulled on his light jacket before going out the door. Whistling while he walked and stopping to hurry his pace. The doors go open a could moments after Natoka and he nods at Skulls, seeing her already at a barstool.

"Shaney!!" She called out as he entered. Her arms reached out and spread open. A ruffled skirt fluttered at her waist and a very warm jacket was wrapped about her torso. When he was close enough she pulled him in and traced her fingers over his shirt slowly," Hey you... You look great."

To her warmth at him he grinned and tipped his head towards her, stepping over and wrapping his arms around her, "I do? I was ina rush so I guess you're digging that whole... ruffle artist look."

"It fits you so well. I think it's the ruffle look with how lanky you are that makes me hot." A small laugh fell from her lips. One of her hands moved to comb through his hair," Did you have a good day?"

"Yea, that starving thing is so hot on me," he grinned and leaned down to kiss her before answer the latter bit she said and with one arm wrapped around her, looked at the barkeep and signaled, "Whiskey sour andddd.... a badsidder." and he looked down at her with a grin, "Unless you want something else?"

"Mmm, you counts yeah?" She snickered, her head moving to rest on his shoulder. Both arms coiled around him and she squeezed him tightly. Both of her fingers ran along her shoulders and along his spine while she hummed out lightly.

He nodded when the man set the drinks on the bar and handed her her badsidder before he took up his own drink. Adjustment as he sat beside her on another barstool, "It's nice to go out and it just be us on occasion, you know?"

Scooping up the beer, she lifted to sip at her bottle. When he spoke, an ear to ear grin formed on her lips and she murmured lightly," Be you and me, nothing else." A small nudge was pushed at his side," When it comes down to it, it's just you and me against the world babe. You and me."

"...and that Chinese girlfriend you occasionally let us have over for fun...." said without looking her in the eye, taking another swallow of his grin then grinning broadly at her with an eyebrow waggle.

She nearly spewed up her beer and shook her head from side to side. There was a clear of her throat and she murmured to him under her breath," You said you'd never bring her up in public... Now how am I going to explain that to her pimp?"

"I never said what kinda fun. I meant you know, drinks." He grinned at her long, satisfied with himself. Another forward lean to kiss her and then he settled back in his barstool, "So how yah been kickin it lately, anyway?"

"I think he only gets vocal when Chase is around, not so much has been happening besides the usual nightmare, ya know?" A small breath was drawn in before she took another drink of her beer," Been thinking about some things. I'm gonna be twenty four soon, and my trust will be fully opened up to me."

"Twenty four? Dun dun dunnn... hey!" he chuckled and looked at her with a half grin, "I didn't realize I was dating an older woman. So scandelous." At the mention of her trust fun he nodded in recollection from Christmas, "You had mentioned something about a trust fund back in December."

"Older woman? Just how much am I robbing the cradle?" A light laugh left her lips before she shrugged a bit. A small head shake came and went," I was thinking about a few things... And wondering if you'd be opposed to me helping out a bit more. I mean. I've been living with you for about four months now and you haven't asked for a dime from me."

"A lot. You're borderline pedophile. And by pedophile I mean you're like... less than a year older than me." He chuckled and tilted his head to the side. Eyebrows arched up at what she suggested and his smile seemed to dim a bit, "I dunno about any of that Skulls... " he set his drink down and looked to her, "It doesn't make a man feel so great when the woman is picking up his tab. Makes me look a little like a chump."

Her own drink was set down and she slid forwards a bit on her stool," Shane, you and I both know you're not a chump. We're a couple, right? And a couple is a team." She gave the softest of smiles to him, her eyes never leaving his face. This is where it gets tricky, she's so lost in the conversation to even think about what comes out next," I love you Shane and I just want to be able to make things more relaxed for the both of us."

"I know I know but," he said with a smile, reaching over to set his hand atop of her's, "I just can't accept any of it. It's a guy thing... you know? When the check comes, a guy is suppose to pay. When a door needs opening the guy gets it." He smiled again, "I tell you what though... if we ever get married I'll let you spend whatever you want on me however you want, okay?"

The way he smiled, she was sure that he was right. Softly she bit her lip, then nodded. A long sigh fell from her lips and she murmured," Alright, but i have no spending limits. None what so ever Shane Michael. Understood?"

"You can be as wonky with your trust money as you wish. You can buy unlimited gold plated pink flamingos to your heart's content," he chuckled and leaned in to kiss her and shrugged, "Plus, you know, weddings can be expensive and all that you know."

"Would you really want a big and grand wedding Shane?" Her brows arched and her head tilted to the side. She was smiling from ear to ear. Her fingers pushed through his hair while she gave a soft kiss to his lips.

"What do you think?"Eyebrows arched up at her question and his long smile appeared. Like a test. He take a swallow from his whiskey sour and sets it back down without looking away from her.

"I think as long as I'm there, you won't care." She answered him with a light giggle. Scully reached for her beer and finished it off with a small sip. In the end she perked her brow upwards," When would you want to get married?"

"I dunno," he chuckled and shrugged again, "I hadn't really thought about it much, what with Maria and all." And the unsigned papers hiding in the desk drawer. Another swallow of his drink, "Plus my relationships tend to kinda fall apart after awhile so I don't know what I'd do if you didn't fall apart on me."

"I don't plan on it Shane. I don't want to go anywhere at all." She bit her bottom lip, both of her eyes locking on her bottle. Pink hair fell in her face and this time she really did mean to let this spew from her lips," I'm crazy about you Shane. Crazy... I don't want this feeling to go away."

"So were Jacinta and Darcy. It wasn't like they were wanting to break up with me but you know... what is it they say?" he scratched the back of his head and then looked at her, "Shit happens. So far you're still a pretty cool chick in my book, though. I think I've been with you the longest, anyway."

"Shane, I want you to tell me when I'm being stupid, when you think something I'm doing is too much for you. I know common sense, but sometimes it helps to have an extra nudge." She leaned in to kiss his chin gently. Her arms wrapped around him while she whispered," I am not going to go anywhere. I have everything I want right here in the man sitting next to me."

"Well, I can tell you all day long. You know... the number one thing with me is honesty. I can you know... I dunno, I can handle anything based on that." He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, "If you said you wanted us to pick up a third party at the bar for fun, that'd be fine. If you told me that you wanted five kids cause that was your lucky number, that's fine too. Just so long as what you say is real then... you know," he took the final swallow of his drink, "I'm not pretending to know you."

"What if I said, when you were talking about us getting married I wasn't scared or even worried about it." She said to him as she smiled," That in that moment it all felt right?" Once more she was biting her lip in thought, wondering just how Shane would react to what she said," I know it's face and soon and everything, but the reality is... even if it's a what if question... I still found myself enjoying the possibility, not fearing it."

He chuckled, "It is early but you know... we're not kids anymore. Gettin to our mid twenties and wanting to date people who we have like an actual possibility with. Like a future and all that mess," his hand waved in the air a general gesture when he said "mess." "It is still soon but I don't wanna be dating someone whose gonna be a waste of my time, you know?"

She smiled to him, laughing lightly and locking her eyes with his," I know what you mean Shane Michael." And there was a big breath from her," Wanna go home and get some sleep?" Both hands moved to pull him in, when he was close enough she kissed him lightly.

"Yes, I do," he smiled and took her hands, standing up and pulling her to her feet with a smile, "It's late, lady." and leaned in to kiss her one more time. He reached in his pocket and dumped some cash atop the bar and then smiled, awaiting her reaction.

Glancing to the cash, she grinned. Stepping back, Scully locked her eyes with his," Valentines is close..." Still grinning, her head tilted to the side," Will you be my Valentine?" She asked with a small step towards the door.

"Ohhh man... I dunno about all that. That's a lot of commitment and you see a couple of girls have kinda been askin about me and I don't wanna make any promises," he chuckled and then pulled her in for a kiss as they stepped out the door, back outside, "Of course I will."