If all they did was stand here in the steam, it would be enough. This is why her attraction to Mulder has always felt so dangerous-- it isn't as simple as passing lust, or the makeshift intimacy of proximity. Rooted in friendship, their relationship-- even without any formality, without having touched or kissed-- was crucial and enduring.

Fucking him changed nothing, and everything; the truth is they'd passed the point of no return long ago. And at the moment, at least-- humming pleasantly against his mouth, tongue sliding across his lower lip-- she has no regrets.

(That said-- since the indirect approach has been more successful-- if his body decides to cooperate, she's absolutely going to make good use of all this space.)