Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters that feature in the X-Files seasons or films that feature in this fic.

AN: Hope you guys enjoy the story! This is my first X-Files fic so bare with me. I'd appreciate some reviews on what you think! Bare in mind I've only actually watched up to halfway through season 2, so anything after that is spoilers!

CHAPTER 1 - SCULLY POV

Washington 8:14am

Mulder was in one of his tense, uptight moods. Whilst in these moods, he would barely speak. I needed a ride to work, which he agreed to thankfully. We sat in the car in silence, crawling through the traffic. I glanced over at him, noticing his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I didn't know what was wrong with him. Probably another nightmare.

My mind began to drift as I gazed up at the huge corporate buildings surrounding us. We were going to be late for work. Mulder always took responsibility for anything going wrong to do with myself or the X-Files, even if it was something as little as being late to a meeting.

It was then I heard sirens in the distance, quickly closing in. I glanced at Mulder as he watched the cars slowly parted to let three police vehicles pass. Without thinking, Mulder threw the car into gear and swiftly followed the line of police.

"Mulder, what are you doing?"

He didn't reply, his eyes still fixed on the road. After a few minutes, he stopped the car suddenly, throwing us both forward. Before I knew it, he was unbuckling his seatbelt and opening the car door. I followed suit, still confused by his pursuit of the police vehicles.

I glanced around, noticing officers crowding the scene. I ran after Mulder as an officer, presumably the chief, headed towards him.

"I'm Agent Mulder, this is Special Agent Scully, we're with the FBI." I watched him flash his badge as I looked up at the officer.

"No one called the FBI." The officer stated.

Mulder ignored him, looking up at the building that was blocked off.

"What's happening here?" I asked the officer.

"We have a hostage situation. Forgive me Agent Scully, but I don't see how this concerns you or your friend."

Mulder gave the officer a sharp look before beginning to speak.

"I think this is out of your jurisdiction, officer."

A few seconds later, a SWAT team appeared, armed and ready.

"How many hostages are we talking?" I asked, looking up at the building for a second time.

"Five, maybe ten. We can't be sure. The bastard holding them isn't too inclined to give us any information."

"Have you tried negotiation?"

"No, Agent Scully, we thought we'd go in all guns blazing first." He said, rolling his eyes.

Mulder gave him another one of his 'shut your mouth before I shut it for you' looks. I inwardly smiled at his protectiveness over me.

"Agent Scully, Agent Mulder." A woman said from behind us. "I'm officer Burke. Head of negotiation. If you'd like to follow me."

Officer Burke turned on her heel, heading for the van she had appeared from. Mulder and I followed, greeted by a dark interior with high tech equipment inside.

"As you are aware, we have five to ten hostages being held inside. Until the captor makes contact, our hands are tied. We can't go in full force; it would jeopardise the lives of the hostages. The SWAT team are already here, getting into place. We don't want to use them unless it is absolutely necessary."

"Do you have the captors' identity?" Mulder asked.

"His name is Lyall Bowman, thirty-four, no wife or kids. We'd normally presume he was after money." She left her sentence hanging as she chewed on her lower lip.

"But?" I questioned.

"But, if that was the case, he would have made a move a long time ago."

"Perhaps he's stalling for some reason." Mulder said, pausing for a moment. "We need to get in there."

"Mulder, you don't know what this man is capable of. He's already taken hostages, if we do anything to spook this guy, he could start killing them one by one." I said, trying to reason with him.

Trying to reason with Mulder was like trying to get Skinner to believe in aliens; impossible.

"Can you get me in there?" Mulder asked Burke, ignoring what I had said.

Suddenly, the phone rang. Burke quickly answered it, nodding enthusiastically on hearing the captors voice. She frowned for a moment before holding the phone out to Mulder. I grabbed a headset from the desk beside me as he took the phone from her.

"Hello?"

"Agent Mulder. I was wondering when you'd get here." The captor said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"You were expecting me?"

"Of course. After all, who doesn't want Fox Mulder on the case."

"There is no case."

"Oh there will be." The captor laughed a little. "Now, I'd like to speak to you face to face, if that's convenient."

Mulder looked at me as my eyes widened. Don't be stupid Mulder.

"Alright. I take it you're not gonna come out here to me."

"You're quite right Agent Mulder. Come to the main doors. I'll be watching. And for your sake, and Agent Scully's, I'd be very cautious." Suddenly, the line went dead.

"Mulder you're not going in there alone." I said quickly as Burke got the hearing pieces ready.

"You're not coming with me, Scully. I need you here on the outside."

I sighed heavily, knowing there was no point in arguing. Burke placed a miniscule piece in a crevice in Mulders ear.

"Now, this device will be able to pick up anything within twelve feet of you. Whatever you do, do not draw attention to it. If he finds it, Christ knows what he'll do."

Mulder nodded as he was passed a bullet proof vest. He began to unbutton his shirt as I turned around swiftly, allowing him a small measure of privacy. He smiled to himself, which of course, I couldn't see.

When his vest and shirt were back on, he headed outside. I followed him, grabbing his arm before he reached the door.

"Be careful." I murmured.

He nodded as I took a few steps back, watching a small white female open the door with her hands bound in front of her. After the door was closed, I headed back to the van, putting the headset back on. Whatever you do Mulder, be careful.