Mulder stepped out of the barely open elevator and charged towards the basement office.  A sweet welcoming smell of coffee greeted him as he breezed through the door.   He immediately spotted the mug of coffee and small white bag on his desk.  A quick glance around the room showed him her coat was draped over his chair but she was nowhere to be seen.

            Slipping off his suit jacket and dropping it over hers, he eased himself into his chair and peeked around the room just to make sure she wasn't there, before reaching for the bag and pulling it open.  His eyes widened and a smile crept unknowingly over his lips when he spied the cream pastry.  He lifted it slowly out of the bag, careful not to touch the chocolate topping, and grabbed the mug of coffee before relaxing back into his chair, knowing it would take his weight and he crossed his ankles on his desk.

            The first bite, as he predicted, was the best.  The cream filling bursting into his mouth surprised and delighted him.  But it was then that she decided to make an entrance, stopping in her tracks when she noticed him.

"Hey Mulder!" she exclaimed.

            He looked up innocently, the pastry hovering by his mouth with a tell tale spot of cream on the corner of his lips.

"That was supposed to be for me."

"What? This bun? This coffee? On my desk?"

"It's only on your desk because I don't have a desk of my own," she walked further into the room and stood across the desk from him.

"Oh, Sorry Scully," he had the grace to look guilty as he sat up and held out the pastry to her, "I thought you were treating me to breakfast!"

            She took the bun without a word and lifted it slowly to her lips watching its progress as she did.  Mulder sat transfixed as she took her first bite and her eyes rolled back into her head.

The cream, he thought, she's just tasted the cream.

            Unaware of his scrutiny and barely aware of his presence she finished the bun with a sigh, and he thought of how carefully she controlled her diet, allowing only the minimal amount of treats.  Was it because they affected her so? He smiled at his own musings and shook his head to rid them.

"So what have we got today?" she asked finally settling in her chair.

"Skinner said he'd call this morning with something," he said his eyes riveted as she licked the chocolate stains from her fingertips.  "But I haven't heard from him yet."
"Well it's only…" she checked her watch, "half eight.  Give him a chance."

"Aside from Skinners prospect I have to finish off some research for a professor in NYU.  How about you? Still working on that paper?"

"Yes," she said as she lifted her laptop out of her case and landed it on the table, "I'm nearly finished.  Probably end up staying late tonight to put it to bed."

"Will it be ready for publication next month?"

"As ready as it's going to get." 

            She switched on her laptop and waited for it to boot up.  Thankfully Mulder had a huge desk with room for both their legs beneath it.  So she could stretch out her feet and not touch him, even take her shoes off.  His feet were usually planted behind her screen anyway dislodging files and folders every time he moved them.   With a resignated sigh she slipped on her glasses and started to work.

            The rest of the day was spent in relative companionable silence, save for her grunting and sighing.  Mulder continually dropped fresh cups of coffee in front of her but she barely noticed.  At lunchtime he stood and walked over to her side of the desk.  After calling her name several times and getting no response, he reached out to touch her shoulder. 
 "Scully," he said.

"What?" she asked distractedly, keeping her eyes on the screen.

"I'm going to grab a sandwich and some fresh air.  Do you want to join me?"

"No…no, too busy."
"Can I get you something?"

"Sure, anything, thanks."

            He left her to work in comfort but the elevator couldn't have gotten to the ground floor when she started to regret her refusal of his invitation.  A slow seductive walk around the pool wit her partner might have been just what she needed.  But before she could grab her coat to follow him the phone rang.

"Hello?" Scully said her eyes falling back to the screen.

"Hi, could I speak to Fox Mulder? I mean Agent Fox Mulder?"

"He's not here at the moment, can I help?" she replied noticing the slight accent as she pulled her eyes away from the swarming graphs.

"Em…not really," the voice was distinctively male and husky and definitely piqued her interest.

"Can I take a message?"

"Yeah, tell him that Daniel Anderson called."

"Daniel Anderson," she repeated.

"Yeah, and he can reach me at the Hyatt here in Washington."

"Okay, no problem Mr. Anderson."

            Now with her natural curiosity bubbling away she found it hard to concentrate on her work.  It was a little under an hour before Mulder got back.  On the table beside her he placed a tall cup of coffee and a brown paper bag.

"What's this?" she asked smiling, as she pulled the bag open to find a salad sandwich and a smaller white tissue parcel.

"Repayment."

            She unwrapped the tissue and found a mini cream cake waiting inside to be ravished.  The salad sandwich forgotten and with her eyes open wide she took a bite.

"Thanks Mulder," she managed when the first wave of pleasure subsided.

"My pleasure," he replied, taking his seat thinking how accurate those words were as he watched her carefully take small bites along the side of the cake, savouring the texture and flavour as it churned in her mouth, lining her lips with a thin sugary powder. 

He'd buy her a cake everyday from now on, he thought as he managed to look away before getting caught.

"You got a phone call while you were out."

"Who? Skinner?"

"No a Daniel Anderson.  He said you could reach him at the local Hyatt."

"Daniel Anderson?" he said aloud, "what did he sound like?"

"Oh I dunno, about 6'2, 150lbs, shocking blonde hair, broad shoulders," she broke off when she spotted the look on his face, "he had an accent I couldn't place."

"Danny, Danny Anderson," he said suddenly startling her as she took a bite from her lunch.

            Without another word he picked up the phone and dialled for the operator, after asking to get connected to the Hyatt he sat into his chair and swivelled it around while he waited.

"Yeah hi, I'd like to speak to a guest of yours, Daniel Anderson…yes I'll hold."

            Scully busied herself with her report but she couldn't help but overhear, her interest insisted she did so anyway.

"Danny hey! It's Fox," he said not missing Scully's raised eyebrow at the use of his first name.

"Fox? How are you man?"

"Not bad, not bad.  You?"

"Keeping busy with the team."

"You're still playing?"

"Sure, life's a game Fox, you gotta play!"

"How long are you in town for?"

"About a month, I'm scouting the local teams.  I was hoping we could meet up for a few pints?"

"Pints? I haven't been for them for ages," he said laughing freely as if he were alone.

"I'm in meetings today until about seven but I can give you a shout after."

            Mulder reeled off his mobile number and hung up, his smile still evident when he turned to meet her curious gaze.

"I lived with Danny in an off campus house in Oxford."

"When was the last time you spoke?"

"I dunno, it must be at least ten years."
"Ten years?"

"We kept in touch for a while but you know how it is, we're both busy people."

"Yeah Mulder, your life is awash with tight schedules and dates."

"Listen Scully, I am extremely busy and I certainly have no time to sit here and take disparaging comments from you."
            She contained her laugh as he sat back and held up his paper, planting his feet heavily on the desk as if to accentuate his mock anger.  His pen was lifted to his mouth so he could chew on its tip.

"Hey Scully," he said after a moment, "six letters; part of the human body between the neck and abdomen?"

"Thorax," she replied with a hidden smile.

            Five o'clock came quickly and she greeted it with a yawn.  Stretching her arms high above her head she let her head fall back and he couldn't help but notice how her blouse tightened around her breasts, curving around them deliciously.

"Finished?" he asked tearing her eyes away from her, trying to pretend he hadn't been watching her all day.

"Yes," she let her arms drop to her lap and fiddled with her laptop.  "I'll have to proof read it tomorrow, but right now I'm going home."
            He touched his fingers to his forehead and waved his other arm in the air mystically, holding his eyes half closed he said, "I see a bubble bath in your immediate future, followed by a glass or two of wine and a movie, possibly of the adult variety."

"Half right Mulder," she said closing her laptop.

"What, no bath?" he stood to help her on with her coat.

"Goodnight Mulder."

            Later that night curled up on the end of the couch she unwrapped her wet hair and dried it vigorously with the towel.  Her glass of white wine sat in the table by the remote control so she picked them both up before settling back.  Feeling rested and with the simple thought that tomorrow was Friday circulating in her head she could feel her tension lowly ebbing away.  Startled by the phones ring she dragged herself back to the present and answered it.

"Hello?
            The background noise was deafening and she pulled the receiver away from her ear.

"Hello, Scully…Scully…can you hear me?"

            His voice was instantly recognisable and for a moment she held her breath waiting to hear about what disaster befell him this time.

"Where are you Mulder?"

"I'm in a bar on Lincoln called Murphy's."

"So why are you calling me?"

"Come on down to the bar," he insisted.

"No way Mulder, it's half nine," she argued.

"Come on Scully, I've got someone here I want you to meet," she was silent again but this time he knew he'd won her over.

"Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can."

            She dressed quickly in a pair of black trousers and a deep red low cut fitted long sleeve and made her way out to the bar.  She found it easily enough with it's bright outside lights that lit up a small seating area on the street.  Scanning the crowd she stepped inside where she was met by a barrage of sound.  The bar was small and crammed full with patrons who didn't seem to care about early mornings, enjoying the lively music and free flowing alcohol.

            Cursing her small stature she carefully stepped through the crowd checking for Mulder.  It wasn't long before she saw him, his head reaching high above the rest.  Very high she thought oddly as she approached him until she realised he was standing on a bar step reaching for drinks.

"Hi Mulder," she said and he turned into her voice his smile wide and more than a little lob sided.

"Scully, follow me," he motioned with his head as he held a pint in each hand and she followed him through the throng, resting a hand on his back to make sure she didn't loose him. 

            He finally rested the glasses on a shelf that ran the length of the room, at waist height.  Turning to her he draped an arm around her shoulders and smiled.

"You made it."

"Don't I always?"

"This is Daniel Anderson, Danny, Dana Scully," he said gesturing behind her.

            She turned to where he pointed as Danny stood up from his high stool extending his hand as he did.

"Hello Daniel," she said taking his hand and shaking it firmly.

"Please call me Danny."

            He was as tall as Mulder, maybe even more so she thought.  His eyes were so dark they could have been black.  His light brown hair was unruly but not neglected and she smiled inwardly at his broad shoulders remembering her comment from earlier.

"Danny…" she said, watching his smile stretch further as her took her in.

"Fox has been talking about you all evening.  He kept saying that I had to meet you.  I'm sorry if we broke into your plans but he wouldn't give up so I insisted he call you."

            She was mesmerised by his voice.  The lilt and curve of his accent baffled her and aroused an interest, urging her to keep him talking, wanting to know more about the mysterious Danny Anderson.  She felt Mulder's arm tighten on her shoulders and she looked up to see him smiling oddly.

"Anyway you're here now," Danny continued, "Can I get you a drink?"

"Please, a glass of white wine."

            Danny left to get her drink and she turned to Mulder.

"I'm glad you came," he said and he leaned in closer to her whispering, "I wasn't sure you would."

"How could I refuse a loud invitation screamed down the phone from a crowded bar?"

"Aww Scully, come on, I was out with an old college buddy but I was still thinking of you!" he argued playfully.

"Okay Mulder…you're forgiven."

            Danny returned and handed Scully her glass before producing another stool.  She took it gladly and pulled it in close to them so she could reach the shelf with her glass.  Mulder's arm had slipped from her shoulders but lingered near her waist, his slim fingers barely touching her lower back but sending hot spots into her spine.

"So Dana, what's it like working with Fox?"

"It's a constant battle," she replied with a choked laugh.

"Does he still make you call him Mulder?" he asked saying the name like it was dirty word.  But the only reply she could muster was a nod as her mouth was full of wine she was endanger of spilling.

"Jesus Fox," he slapped him playfully knocking his arm away from her back but her returned it immediately.  "You've been working with her for over four years.  Still?"

"Yes, still," he sighed taking a long sip of his beer.

            Scully laughed at his dejected look and placed a gently hand on his thigh and gave him a gentle squeeze.  He looked up to her and smiled she thought shyly, but turned back to Danny who was asking her about the X-Files.

            Midnight rolled by quickly followed by one a.m. when the barman shouted for them to go home.  Scully looked around and saw the bar had practically emptied save for he man asleep in the corner and a couple kissing tenderly at the bar.

"Don't worry Dana," Danny said, "that's just code for get a few more pints in before the barman gets to tired to serve them!"

"I don't think I could last through any more."

"Are you tired?" Mulder asked sitting forward, his arm that had remained against her lower back all night had moved up to rub small circles between her shoulders

"It's been a long day and I have a load of work to get through tomorrow."

"Then don't let us keep you a moment longer," Danny stood with her and held her jacket for her to step into.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Danny," she took his hand but her pulled her into a light embrace and kissed her cheek.

"Pleasure was all mine."

"I'll walk you out Scully."

            Mulder stood with her on the cold street and waited for a cab to drive by.

"He seems really nice."

"Yeah.  He was a great friend.  It'll be good to catch up," he said noticing her shiver he placed his arm around her again this time tighter holding her firmly against him.  Finally a cab pulled up at his outstretched arm and he held the door open for her.

"Thanks for the invite Mulder.  I had a really good time."

            He dropped a kiss onto her cheek careful not to make it the one Danny had kissed and watched the cab pull away.  Danny had another pint and a glass of whiskey waiting for him when he returned.

"She's quite the catch Fox," he said smiling wickedly.

"She's a good friend."

"Friend? Is that all?"

"Yeah," Mulder said before downing the short in one.

"It's just that you seemed…"

"What?"

"I dunno Fox…Jesus you couldn't keep your eyes off her and you were touching her all night."

"We're really…close."

"But just good friends?"

"Yes," he said firmly.

"Good," Danny said, "then you won't mind…"

"Mind?"

"If I ask her out?"

            Mulder faltered the words escaping him.  He had no hold on Scully, he couldn't dictate who she should see. 

Of course he would bloody mind he thought but aloud he said, "Eh…no"

"Sure Fox…sure."