Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Files, and I am making no money off of this.

Spoilers: None, really. Just some minor reference to the episode "Alone" from season 8, and this fanfic takes place at the end of "Scary Monsters" from season 9.

A/N: This little piece is dedicated to the character Leyla Harrison, whom I felt deserved more recognition for her loyalties to the X-Files. I know that we Philes don't know much about her boyfriend Gabe Rotter, but I'd like to believe that he appreciates her open-mindedness. This may not be a very good piece, but please R&R. I would welcome all feedback for suggestions on how to improve my stories.

Qualified

Here I stand in the little basement office of the FBI, where I worked ever so briefly. Investigating a creepy reptile-man was an experience that I will forever relish. Nor will I ever forget the case of Tommy Conlon, whose fears seemed to will the monsters of his mind to life. By choice I am open-minded, but that doesn't seem to be enough to work on the X-Files. I may not be qualified, but here I stand before the "I Want to Believe" sign in the little office, proud that I served in this division, even if only for two cases…

Behind me I hear footsteps, but I don't have to look back, because I sense it's Gabe Rotter, and am only too sure of that when I hear his voice…

"'I want to believe.' So, this is where the magic happened, huh?"

Continuing to stare at the poster in the office, I smile to myself and quietly respond, "It still does."

"Leyla, are you alright? You seemed so quiet today, and you've been in this office for over an hour."

Without facing him, I place my hand on his, which is gently resting on my shoulder. "I'm fine, Gabe, I've just been lost in thought."

"You're 'fine', huh? We've got another Agent Scully in the Bureau…" there is a hint of teasing in his voice and he chuckles at his own joke, but soon stops when he realizes that I'm not responding, and then asks me in a gentle tone, "C'mon, Leyla, tell me."

Sighing, I breathe deep and turn around to face him, hoping he won't be annoyed by my answer, "I know I talk about Mulder and Scully often, Gabe, but… you have no idea just how much I wish I could be like them. I want to seek the truth, work on the X-Files, and above all… be qualified, just like they are. Mind you, I am happy working in accounting, and I don't regret it, but still…"

As I speak, my voice starts to quiver, and I can't help but feel slightly disappointed. It is true that I like working in accounting, but that doesn't mean there's anywhere I'd rather be than right here in this office. Next thing I know, Gabe pulls me in for a comforting embrace, and says to me, "Leyla, you are qualified, despite what anyone else thinks or says. Your mind is open to the fantastic, and if I may say, that's what attracted me to you in the first place. I know that you would prefer the X-Files over accounting any day, but Johnny Fabulous..." I shoot Gabe a glare and almost immediately he retracts the nickname he has given Agent Mulder. "err...Mulder already has friends covering that unit. Now what he needs are believers who work within the Bureau mainstream. And that's where you come in. It is in this way you are a true friend to Agent Mulder and to the X-Files, and if he were here, I'm sure he'd be happy to know that you are still his friend in the FBI."

Grateful to here these words, I give him a warm smile and kiss him on the cheek. I know he is right, and I now look towards the office door, indicating that I'm ready to go. I want to repay him for his kindness, so I take his hand in mine and ask him, "So Gabe, are you free tonight? I believe I owe you a date." Smiling, he nods his head, and together we exit the X-Files office, walking hand-in-hand.

A/N: Okay, this may not be a very good piece, but I felt that Leyla deserved to hear that she was qualified for the X-Files. I, personally, appreciate her character very much and I think it would have been nice to have her appear in the X-Files 2, being the one to investigate the case of Monica Bannon, instead of some random "Agent Whitney." Anyone else agree?

PS: for those of you who think the ending is super random, Leyla did owe her boyfriend a date.