Scully sat in Mulder's seat behind what she still considered to be Mulder's desk and worked on a report that Skinner had asked her to get in by 5. It had been several long months working down here on her own, but she had become used to the solitude and had tried to convince herself that she appreciated the opportunity to get some work done...without those constant interruptions from her easily excitable partner.

She still felt some anger, but she had pushed that down deep inside, into the same place that she hid her vulnerability, her loneliness…and the otherfeelings that Scully had only recently even dared to name.

She stood and looked up through the window-light at the bright blue sky and swore that she could almost feel the heat radiate through the protective glass.

Had it really been almost six months?

Six months since Mulder had accepted an undercover assignment and disappeared without even saying goodbye.

The letter didn't count, she had found it lying in an office draw a few days after he had left and in a fit of temper ripped it in half and threw it in the trash. After a calming walk down to a nearby coffee shop, Scully had returned to the office with every intention of reclaiming it from the trash…but the receptacle had been emptied and in her absence the letter had been lost.

Within a week Scully had convinced herself that the letter would have contained nothing more than a half-hearted apology for leaving without saying goodbye and a promise to see her as soon as practically possible. She appreciated the thought; at least he had briefly considered her feelings before making the decision to leave.

Sitting back down at his desk Scully continued to work.

A little over an hour later she was startled by a knock at the door. AD Skinner walked in without invitation - as had become habit in recent months.

"I guess I could have called down, but for some reason I felt the need to tell you in person…" Skinner started with an uncharacteristic hint of excitement in his voice.

Scully's heart started to beat a little faster. It seemed likely that the news was about Mulder, but Skinner didn't seem like a concerned or reticent messenger. In fact, his obvious excitement left her having to fight to control her own emotions.

"Mulder?" She asked nervously.

"The case is closed. Well to be specific, Mulder has closed the case…saving several peoples lives in the process from what I hear. He's on his way home and should be back in D.C. by this evening." Skinner smiled, "It seems like Mulder is quite the hero, he's even credited with saving the lives of a couple of fellow agents."

Scully trying to control her inner excitement and covered her pride with an eye roll, "Oh yes, Agent Mulder the hero. Disappears without a word and then no doubt expects us all to celebrate his return...like a prince returning from war."

Skinner chuckled, "Oh come on Dana, we know better than anyone that you've missed him, and don't even try to tell me that you aren't pleased to hear that he's safe and on his way home."

Skinner pushed Scully, suspecting what was in her heart even if she was too pride to admit it. They had become closer in the last few months, partly due to Scully's reliance on him at work…but mostly since he had started dating her friend Ellen. Ellen had been divorced for a couple of years and had met Walter at a party through a mutual friend. Scully had been unsure about their relationship at first but once she had seen how happy Ellen was, and how well Skinner got on with her godson Trent, she had quickly become used to the idea…even if news of their recent engagement had come as rather a shock.

"Home…an interesting term considering he left so easily and without even saying goodbye," Scully said kicking herself at how sulky she sounded, even to her own ears.

Skinner shook his head sadly, "Come on Dana, I've told you that Mulder asked to speak to you…by all accounts he almost begged. But he knew how sensitive this case was and he also knew that by even attempting to contact you he would be putting himself and you in grave danger."

"I know…I know…we've been over all this before." Scully sighed with resignation as she closed her books and turned in her chair to look back out at the sun.

"Special Agent Giddens said that you were the first one he asked for in hospital Dana, the only one…" Skinner assured her.

Scully spun around on full alert, "He was in the hospital? What were his injuries? How long did…"

Skinner held up his hand defensive, "Easy Dana! It wasn't serious; you know I would have led with that if his injuries were severe. He sustained a superficial gunshot wound to his upper arm and a pretty heavy knock to the head…he was briefly unconscious but the hospital carried out the full A-Z of tests before he was discharged and everything is fine. I promise."

Scully breathed deeply and nodded, "Okay…and you said tonight…"

"At some point this evening…and he's going to want to see you, Dana. I think he's going to need to see you," Skinner said encouragingly.

Scully nodded stoically and turned to gaze back out of the window, her eyes brimmed with tears and she breathed deeply to control her overflowing emotions. She needed to see him too.


At a little after 9 that evening Scully sat in her apartment and smiled nervously at Skinner and Ellen.

If someone had asked why she felt nervous she couldn't have told them; this was Mulder the person she was closer to than anyone else on the planet. But Scully had had a lot of time to herself over the last few months, a lot of time with her thoughts and a lot of time to accept the real reason that she missed her partner. It had been almost half a year and Scully still felt his absence as keenly as she had on that first day…and that was because she was so in love with Fox Mulder that she could hardly go a minute without thinking of him.

He was there with her when she got up in the morning, and when she drove to work. He was there when she sat at his desk doing their work, he was there in the evening when she sat in her apartment and wondered where he was and whether he was safe…and he was in her arms at night when she regularly pleasured herself and imagined that they were his hands and his lips caressing her body...holding her safely.

Everything had changed - because while the exterior Scully still hid from the world she had long accepted her true feelings and after all these months alone Scully was scared that her emotional defences could no longer hold up to Mulder's arrival back in her life.

That was why she asked Skinner and Ellen to come over this evening. Even they had both suggested that she should have some time alone with Mulder, but Scully felt that she needed a buffer. She had been lying to her closest friends about how she really felt for months…and maybe if they were here she could find the strength to hide from him as well.

There was a knock at the door and Scully jumped slightly in her seat, not a good start. She stood and walked nervously to the door. Looking at the wooden panel sternly she took a long breath and opened the door.

She stood and walked nervously to the door. Looking at the wooden panel sternly she took a long breath and then opened the door.

Mulder stood in her doorway smiling nervously. He looked up and down her body, and then his eyes drifted back to her face. "Scully…it's so good to see you…" he started falteringly. He moved forward and opened his arms, looking for a second as though he was about to embrace her, but Scully stepped back sharply and opened the door.

"Please come in," She spoke with a formality that sounded foreign even to her own ears.

Mulder nodded and bit his lip nervously; he looked disappointed but stepped across the threshold quickly and began to remove his light jacket.

"Your arm…?" Scully asked awkwardly, reaching her hand out instinctively and then pulling it back and biting her lip as she looked at the floor, "Is it okay? There's no swelling? Or tenderness? You're not hot…?" She looked up and smiled, "...I mean your temperature is normal…?"

Mulder smiled warmly at her self-conscious concern, "I'm fine Scully, honestly. I've been all checked out."

"No dizziness or…" Scully started to ask again.

Mulder stepped closer and put his warm palm on the side of her neck, running his thumb over cheek softly. "I'm fine Scully…I missed you…"

Scully gasped at the intimacy of his actions and instinctively pulled away. Seeing the look of hurt on his face Scully rushed for an explanation, "So…erm…Skinner and Ellen are here…"

Mulder turned quickly and his surprised eyes settled on her guests. "Oh yes…"

Mulder glanced back at Scully and then moved towards the couple as Skinner stood and held out his hand. Mulder shook it firmly, "I thought you were inclined to avoid my particular brand of workplace drama Sir…I certainly didn't expect you to be a part of my welcoming party."

Skinner shook his hand firmly, "While I do appreciate less drama at work I am always pleased to see you home safely…and things have changed a little while you have been away." Skinner smiled to his left as Ellen stood up next to her fiancé and held out her hand, which Mulder shook warmly, "This is my fiancée Ellen…an old friend of Dana's," Skinner explained succinctly.

Mulder looked dazed as he quickly trawled back through his memory and finally landed on Ellen, "Yes…Scully is godmother to your son Trent, right? I'm sorry we haven't met before."

Scully was genuinely surprised that Mulder had remembered her old friend. She hadn't really expected him to have been listening when she had talked about her and was certainly surprised that he had remembered such details. She watched her friends shake hands and felt hot and a little overwhelmed. She suddenly wanted her friends to leave; she wanted Mulder's warm hand back on her skin…she wanted to rest her cheek on his solid chest and never let him go.

Yes, Dana, she reprimanded herself sharply, and that is exactly why you invited Skinner and Ellen here in the first place!

Ellen smiled affectionately at Mulder, "I've heard a lot about you, from Walter and Dana. I'm happy to finally meet you and I'm happy that you're home safely…we've all been so worried."

"Thank you, Ellen, I'm happy to be home…it's been a long time. I've missed…" he glanced over at Scully and then looked at the floor awkwardly, "I missed so much."

Mulder smiled at Skinner weakly and tried to suppress his disappointment at not being alone with Scully. "So, you're engaged?" he asked with surprise, "…and here was me thinking that you were enjoying single life after your divorce."

"Not everyone enjoys being single, Mulder," Scully snapped sharply, not really knowing why Mulder's comment had made her angry but no longer able to remain silent. "Some people want to have a home and responsibilities…people who would miss them, people they choose to put first!"

Mulder looked taken aback, he open and closed his jaw and few times before finally trying to speak, "Well...yes I know…I mean I was only joking…I didn't mean to suggest…"

"Well maybe people don't want to hear your jokes Mulder, maybe things have changed while you've been away and you'll just have to get used to it!" Scully retorted again, not really knowing why she was so angry but finding that emotion much easier to deal with than her other more complicated issues.

Mulder recoiled slightly and frowned. Did she really think that he wanted to go away? That he wanted to leave her? To spend so many months wondering what she was doing…and whether her life was moving on without him.

"You think I actually wanted this?" He barked, angrier at the situation than at her but fully aware that the distinction wasn't clear. "I'm pleased you've all been more than happy to move on without me, I certainly didn't mean to interrupt your evening!" Shut up! Mulder shouted at himself, what the hell was he doing?

"I'm sure you've been having a ball…so far away from home, devoid of all those inconvenient responsibilities!" Scully turned away, trying hard not to let her emotions overwhelm her.

"Oh yes…a few weeks away from the old ball and chain and I was beating the ladies off with a stick!" Mulder drawled sarcastically. Then he caught Scully's body tense and quickly rushed to make himself clear. "Surely you know that I'm not seriously interested in anyone? That I wouldn't even look…"

Scully bit her lip - yes she knew he wasn't interested alright, but hearing the words still hurt. "Lucky ladies - I guess you wouldn't want to restrict your options…" Scully replied sharply, "...with men like you out there it's a small wonder I've chosen to remain single!"

Mulder felt her words cut like a knife through the heart, "If a man had ever tried to lay his heart on the table and ask you to be its custodian…then yes, I'm starting to understand why you're single!"

Scully sucked in a deep breath, "Obviously that would never be your concern…considering you are so attached to your freedom!"

Skinner and Ellen exchanged pained and awkward looks from the sidelines.

Skinner was the first to speak, "Listen, I think you both need to take this down a notch. You're friends remember…good friends…and I know this is not how either of you saw this evening going. Especially after Mulder has been away for so long."

Scully closed her eyes and took a minute to control her emotions. Skinner was right, it was hardly Mulder's fault that his feelings did not reflect her own. She had missed him, she had missed her friend more than anything else and she would not allow her emotions to threaten that friendship. She finally opened her eyes and found that Mulder had walked around and was standing in front of her smiling gently.

"I've missed you Scully…" he said fondly. "You're my best friend, you're my family."

He held out his arms and Scully walked into them and finally found herself relaxing into his warm embrace.

"I've missed you too Mulder," She said smiling against his chest, this was enough…this would have to be enough.


Does Mulder seem any different?" Ellen asked as they walked through into the kitchen area about an hour later. They kept their voices down to avoid being overheard but Mulder and Skinner appeared to be engrossed in their own conversation.

"Maybe a little tetchy. He's not normally like that Ellen," she reassured her friend, "...not really, but then neither am I...I guess we're both a little nervous."

Ellen smiled, "But otherwise…?"

"Same old Mulder, too smart for his own good." Scully smiled affectionately. "The stubble is new…"

"You don't like it?" Ellen asked.

Scully thought for a second, "No, actually I do, Mulder is usually so clean cut. It's se…" Scully stopped herself, "ssss-so nice to see him looking more relaxed."

"You were going to say sexy!" Ellen whispered dramatically.

"I was not!" Scully hissed and blushed a deep red. She glanced over at Mulder and Skinner; neither looked up from their conversation. Looking back at her old friend Scully smiled when she saw Ellen's look of incredulity. "Okay, so I was going to say sexy. I'm not blind Ellen, I mean...look at him."

Ellen smirked, "Well he's no Walter, but yes I guess I can see the appeal." After a short pause, she continued cautiously, "I know you Dana, you can't lie to me. I can see how much you care for him, how much you've always cared for him. I could see it on your face whenever you spoke of him, but seeing you together in the same room…God Dana, it's palpable!"

Scully glanced over at the sitting area again and then glared at her friend, now was not the time for this conversation. "You can't possibly understand this situation, Ellen. It's sensitive," she hissed quietly. "One wrong move and I could lose everything. I could lose him."

Ellen sighed but smiled slightly at Scully's silent admittance of her feelings, "So what do you intend to do? Stay silent forever? For the rest of your life?"

Scully shrugged sadly, "It's preferable to the alternative."

"Which is what exactly?" Ellen asked in exasperation.

"Being without him," she smiled sadly over at her friend, her eyes seemed sore after so many months longing to see him. "...and living my life alone."

"You're a beautiful woman, Dana, you would never have to be alone," Ellen reassured her friend earnestly.

Scully sighed, "Even if he's the only man I've ever been able to imagine myself with?"


As soon as Scully and Ellen had walked into the kitchen area Skinner whispered quietly to Mulder. "Isn't she beautiful…" Skinner said looking over in Ellen's direction admiringly.

It took Mulder a second to realize that Skinner was talking about his fiancée; he looked over at the two ladies and forced himself to focus on Ellen. "Yes, she's a very attractive woman," Mulder agreed politely.

Skinner smiled, knowing that Mulder's lack of conviction reflected only on his preoccupation with Scully. "She's modest too," he continued, unable to halt in his praise once he got going, "and smart, and funny…perfect really."

Mulder chuckled and responded quietly, "You don't need to convince me, nor do you need my approval…although it's starting to sound like you're seeking it!"

Skinner laughed, "I'll admit it, I'm smitten…and wait till you meet Trent. He's sharp as a knife, a great kid."

"I'm sure Ellen is great…she's a friend of Scully's after all, and as far as I'm concerned that is the highest recommendation anyone could receive." Mulder smiled warmly and glanced back at his partner, hardly wanting to take his eyes away.

"She's breathtaking, Mulder…" Skinner gushed and Mulder couldn't help but quietly chuckle at his bosses unusual effusiveness. It must be love.

Momentarily distracted by Skinner's candour Mulder also allowed himself to be uncharacteristically open, "So is Scully…she glows. I can't even begin to tell you how much I've…" Mulder stopped short suddenly realizing what he was saying.

"How much you've missed her?" Skinner finished with a smile, happy to hear Mulder open up.

Mulder looked over nervously to make sure Scully and Ellen weren't listening, seeing them involved in their own conversation he looked back at Skinner and shrugged nervously, "Please don't say anything to Scully."

Skinner laughed and then replied with a respectfully quiet tone, "Do you imagine that after all these years I don't know that you think Dana is beautiful? Jesus Mulder, I would have to be blind and stupid…but I do promise not to say a word. You might want to think about telling her yourself one day..."

Mulder didn't reply immediately and Skinner had considered the subject closed until he finally heard Mulder's soft reply. "My mother did very little more than give birth to me, then supply me with the luxuries I would need to survive and get a good education. Love was never an issue in our home; it was an unnecessary complication that ultimately resulted in heartbreak and loss. I guess I've learned to keep my heart guarded."

"Your heart? So this is more than just an attraction…" Skinner already knew the answer but was keen to push Mulder to admit his feeling out loud.

"I have my work, that should be my focus...and I have Scully by my side. What more could I ever want? What more could I ever even hope to deserve? What I have is enough," Mulder said decisively.

"You really wouldn't like to be married, Mulder? To have a wife…and a real home," Skinner probed.

"Fox Mulder, married? Who would be crazy enough to put up with me, with all my faults…" and Mulder knew he would only ever want Scully.

"As far as I can see someone already does…" Skinner said quietly, and Mulder looked up at him sharply as Scully and Ellen both walked back into the room. Ellen looked at Walter curiously when she saw his smile; he just winked at her as she sat down next to him.

Ellen looked at Walter curiously when she saw his smile; he just winked at her as she sat down next to him.

"So…" Scully smiled at Mulder and he felt his heart flutter. "Has Skinner told you about their hen and stag night tomorrow? They're having a joint one…a costume party!"

"Really?" Mulder said smiling at Skinner. "That sounds like…fun?"

Skinner laughed, "You'll enjoy it, I promise...it's going to be a very relaxed get-together. Trent suggested the fancy dress and we thought it would make it a little more memorable."

"So I am invited?" Mulder asked with a smile.

"Invited? If you agree I'd like you to be the best man…" Skinner asked.

"Best man? Isn't that rather short notice? I mean for you…haven't you already asked…" Mulder stumbled awkwardly in his speech, feeling like he had returned to a new world.

Ellen spoke up, "Walter asked my bother Andy to be his best man and he's always known that he was standing in your place. I promise he'll be more then happy to step aside now you're back Mulder…especially if he gets to avoid the speech!"

Mulder glanced between the three of them, secretly thrilled to have been part of their plans…he hadn't been forgotten. "Are you sure?"

"We're certain Mulder," Skinner affirmed. "Andy can be an usher or something, we'll make sure he's involved. Unless you don't feel…"

Mulder smiled and reached out his hand, "I'd be honoured sir…truly honoured." Skinner grinned and shook his friend's hand firmly.


Krycek entered the dark smoky office and flopped unceremoniously on a leather couch opposite the old mans desk.

He had long since stopped thinking of the man as his boss, but the guy was still influential enough to be of use to him and still powerful enough to inspire a certain degree of caution when he spoke.

"Any news?" CSM asked impassively before taking a long drag on his cigarette.

"Fox Mulder has finished his assignment and has already arrived back in D.C.," Krycek reported.

"So he has been reunited with his precious Scully? …and just in time for the upcoming nuptials, how lovely," The older man replied caustically.

"It is all rather nauseating..." Krycek agreed rolling his eyes.

"Do you think it would be childish to use ones own positions to…disrupt their plans a little?" The man asked with a sly smile. "I never did like Assistant Director Skinner…slightly too arrogant for his own good and always very quick to step up to protect his pet agents."

Krycek smirked, "Nothing wrong with having a little fun at their expense, payback's a bitch…very much like that condescending bitch Dana Scully."

The old man smirked, "Now you see that is where we differ. I always liked that one…she's tough and smart. It's just a shame for her that she took the wrong side."

"So what's the plan?" Krycek asked, leaning forward and using his good arm to pour himself a whisky before reclining back on the couch and sipping it slowly.

"Let me get back to you, I have a couple of people to talk to first."


The front door to Skinner's apartment was wide open and he could hear music floating through from the party so Mulder walked straight through and glanced around at the collection of various superhero, horror and TV characters. He pulled down on the back of the suit and not for the first time that evening was thankful the evening was drawing in and the air was cooling, this would not have been comfortable otherwise.

He glanced at the reflection of himself on the hallway mirror and smiled at the Wookiee warrior who stood staring back at him. He felt sure that with his career choices people would expect him to have somewhat geeky tastes in movies.

Mulder saw Skinner approaching and pointlessly smiled again, he had told Skinner on the phone earlier which costume he had selected so he knew at least one person would recognize him.

"Looking good, Agent Mulder!" Skinner said laughing loudly.

Mulder grinned at Skinner in his gladiator garb, "Looking pretty good yourself, I assume Ellen is a fan of Spartacus?"

Skinner smiled, "Ellen likes me in this outfit…so Kirk Douglas can fuck right off!"

Mulder laughed and then smiled at a boy who walked up from behind Skinner, before he reminded himself again that people could not see him smile and the big Chewbacca suit! The boy looked to be about 12 and had hair that was a very similar shade to Scully.

"Who is the teddy bear?" Trent asked Skinner with a grin.

Skinner looked at him with a smirk, "Trent, remind me after the wedding to sit you down and show you some movies."

Trent rolled his eyes and smiled at Mulder, "You must be Mr. Mulder, Auntie Dana's friend? I've heard a lot about you."

Mulder held out a furry hand to the young man and Trent shook it politely, "I've heard a lot about you too Trent, it's good to finally meet you." Mulder quickly lifted up his hood, winked at the boy and then dropped it back down over his face. "So where's your Auntie Dana? I can't wait to show her my costume."

"She's in the kitchen…you should go straight through…" Trent pointed in the direction of his kitchen and smiled at Skinner again.

"Thanks kid, I'll see you guys in a bit!" Mulder said as he headed towards the room.

When Mulder walked into the low-lit kitchen it took him almost a full minute to gather his thoughts enough to actually attempt speech; because there stood the woman of his dreams dressed as his very own teenage fantasy!

Mulder's knees literally buckled, his partner looked stunning any day of the week but right now she looked ravishing. He'd been dreaming of her for six months…hell, he'd been dreaming of her for six years…and now here she was...a walking/talking wet dream! He coughed quietly to attract her attention.


Scully knew who he was a soon as she turned, she would recognize him anywhere. Standing there in a Chewbacca costume that made him look…adorable…and inexplicably unsteady. She watched him reach out as he leaned on the kitchen counter.

It was so strange that they had both chosen the same themed costumes, how had she not known that they both liked Star Wars?

Ellen had tried to convince Scully to wear the gold bikini, but there was no way in hell that was going to happen, and certainly not in public. So she had hired a beautiful white flowing dress with long arms and a simple white hood, the dress was finished off with a white belt adorned with large gold studs. Scully had even sat patiently this afternoon while Ellen had styled her hair into two perfect red buns on the side of her head. She had also refused the wig.

On a whim Scully decided to mess with him a little. "Well hello Mr. Chewbacca, it's been a while…" she smiled sweetly. "Did you come to get a drink before going into the party? I'm not sure if we've met, are you a friend of the bride or groom?"

Mulder was initially surprised that Scully hadn't recognized him, but then he glanced at his reflection in the dark kitchen windows and laughed. Who the hell would recognize him in this suit?

"The groom I guess, but I'd like to think both…and a drink would be great, thank you," Mulder replied, feeling certain that she would recognize his voice.

"A beer?" She asked politely, showing no sign that she knew him.

"I-I guess…" Mulder replied, slightly taken aback but assuming that the Wookiee hood had distorted his voice. "So are you a friend of the bride or groom?"

"Definitely both. Ellen is a very old friend…and Walter Skinner is actually my boss," Scully said smiling.

"You work at the FBI?" Mulder asked, holding his beer and deciding to play along to see what she said.

"I do…"

"You have a partner? Work cases? Just like on the television?" Mulder asked.

She giggled, actually giggled! Scully standing there dressed as Princess Leia…giggling! Jesus, it was all Mulder could do not to grab her and finally claim her mouth with his.

"I guess it is a bit like on TV…only with a lot more paperwork…" Scully smiled. "I do have a partner though."

"Really?" Mulder choked out, "What's that like?"

"You don't know Fox Mulder? He's the best man…" Scully said.

Mulder shook his head lightly, feeling a little bad about lying but wanting to see what she would say about him.

"Spooky Fox Mulder? Ladies Man of the FBI…or at least that's what he likes to think…" Scully enlightened him with a grin.

Mulder swallowed hard, was that really how Scully saw him? "I don't…" he choked out.

Scully heard the pain in Mulder's voice and immediately felt bad, "Mulder, I'm only teasing you…" she rushed to reassure him, she stepped forward and rested her hand on his forearm, "Of course I don't think of you that way."

Mulder breathed out, "You recognized me?"

"Mulder, I would know you anywhere…I knew you the moment I saw you," She reached up to pull the hood back and smiled brightly at him. "Lookin' good G-man, I love the suit."

Mulder smiled, took a long nervous drink of his beer and then scanned Scully quickly from head to toe, "You look amazing Scully, I mean…r-really nice."

Scully looked down at her costume and then smiled at Mulder, "Thank you…I know I'm not as good as the real thing."

Mulder shook his head, "N-no. I mean don't get me wrong Princess Leia was my dream woman when I was 16, but you…you look…I mean…I can't…"

Feeling herself flush Scully tried not to read too much into Mulder's reaction. He obviously had a major teenage crush on Princess Leia fueling his words; but the way he was looking at her…Jesus, he looked…hungry.

"Well…" Scully said awkwardly. "I guess we should get back to the party."

Mulder winced slightly when he realised how sleazy he must have sounded. He pulled his hood back on and nodded uncomfortably, "Yeah…I guess we should…"


Skinner walked through to his sitting room and leaned back onto the arm of his couch, he looked around at the happy crowd and smiled.

Just a few short months ago he was often completely alone and happy to be so, now he was surrounded by people…many of whom he had quickly started to think of as family. He glanced over at the kitchen door and saw Princess Leia walk out quickly followed by Chewbacca, an unusual couple by the standards of Star Wars lore but Skinner knew that they belonged together.

He watched Mulder subtly glance up and down Scully's body and smiled, he had a feeling his friend would appreciate that outfit. He was sat considering his next move when a stranger wandered over and perched next to him.

"Friend of the bride?" Skinner asked, planning to introduce himself.

The man shrugged, "Distant cousin…you know what it's like, these family things are obligatory."

Charming, Skinner thought with a smile. He was just about to tactfully introduce himself when the stranger continued.

"I can't see the point of it all to be honest. I mean we all know that she's still in love with her ex…this must be some sort of rebound thing. I hear he's at least ten years older than her as well… Trent needs to be with his dad, especially at his age."

Skinner bristled slightly but brushed off the man's words, "Ah, come on, you obviously don't know the guy…maybe they're good together."

"Her ex was a good guy. You mark my words all this is a rebound and Ellen will end up back with Mike in the end," The man nodded confidently and swigged his beer.

Skinner ignored his niggling doubts and reminded himself that Ellen loved him, that they were happy, and that this man knew nothing.

"I don't believe we've been introduced…" He said standing up straight and holding out his hand formally, "Walter Skinner."

The younger man looked shocked, and then had the ostensible good grace to look embarrassed. "Listen man I'm sorry…" he stuttered quickly, "I'm sure you'll both be very happy together…I think I've just had a bit too much to drink."

Skinner nodded patiently and watched the 'cousin' turn and walk away. As the man reached Skinner's front door he reached into his pocket and made a call, "Randall here, the seed is planted."


Left standing slightly bewildered in the center of his living room Skinner looked up to see Chewbacca walking towards him, "Hey Mulder, enjoying the party?"

Mulder nodded, "I guess…sometimes I wish I'd learn to keep my big mouth shut though."

"Dana looks great…" Skinner observed with a knowing smile.

"Yeah, lets not go there tonight okay..." Mulder looked at Skinner carefully and then flipped back his hood. "You okay man? You look a bit off your game…"

Skinner shrugged, "It's nothing, just something one of Ellen's cousins said…didn't know who I was."

Mulder raised his eyebrows encouraging Skinner to continue.

"He said he thought Ellen was still in love with her ex…that this is a rebound thing," Skinner said with a sigh.

"And you believed him?" Mulder asked incredulously.

"I didn't exactly believe him, he just made me think…" Skinner said distractedly.

"Skinner…" Mulder said firmly, forcing his friend to give him his full attention. "I've seen you two together, so I can see how close you are. Besides you guys have been together for months, if this guy was so intimately informed about Ellen's feelings how come you haven't met?"

"I guess you're right…" Skinner conceded.

"I know I'm right. I'm sure this guy is a nobody, probably just some jealous no mark relative who's been listening to far too much family gossip." Mulder said confidently and reached over to grab them both a drink off the buffet table. After passing over a bottle he held his up. Skinner smiled and raised is drink.

Skinner smiled and raised is drink. "I knew there was a reason I chose you to be my best man," he said to Mulder with a warm smile.

"My good sense and infallible logic?" Mulder said with a cheesy grin before taking a long drink.

"That, and your uncanny ability to locate the beers…" Skinner retorted feeling better already.

Mulder looked up and saw Scully heading in their direction. He put down his bottle quickly and muttered quietly to Skinner, "I can't face seeing Scully right now, if she asks just tell her I had to go to the bathroom."

Skinner chuckled, "Considering you give such good advice to other people it's a shame that you're so hopeless with regard to your own relationships."

"I'm trying to preserve my relationship with Scully, at least until I can get my feelings back under control!"

Skinner turned to tell his friend that he was being a fool but found that he had already disappeared.

Right at that moment Scully arrived, "Where did Mulder go so quickly?"

Skinner could hear the sadness in her voice and smiled warmly, "I think maybe you scared him away, Dana…"

Scully winced, "I guess I teased him a little earlier…maybe I went too far…"

"I would imagine that where you are concerned Mulder doesn't much like to be teased," Skinner observed gently.

Scully sighed sadly and then pursed her lips as she perched on the back of Skinners couch. "I guess sometimes I'm so concerned with guarding my own heart I forget to consider his, just because he doesn't…I mean I know he cares about me, he's my closest friend." Brushing off her melancholy she looked up at her boss and smiled sincerely, "…most people would give anything for a friend like Mulder."

"You're an amazing woman yourself Dana, Mulder is lucky to have you," Skinner said affectionately.

Scully dipped her head, "I'm not so sure about that. I have my own issues, my own reasons…but I am loyal." She looked up at Skinner resolutely. "No matter what I will always stay by his side, that's not even a choice anymore."

"Dana, I…" Skinner started to speak but Scully cut him off.

"Look at me hogging the groom all night," she smiled brightly as she subtly brushed a tear from her eye. "You have a great night, Walter, I'm going to go and hunt down that godson of mine!"

"If you're sure Dana…" but before Skinner could continue Scully had gone. He looked to the right and saw Ellen walking over looking concerned. "Everything okay, baby?"

"Fine…" Skinner said lifting his arm and drawing his fiancée into his side. "I'm just a little worried about Dana. I always knew she was a formidable woman; honest, intelligent, kind…but getting to know her more personally over the last few months I can also see how vulnerable she is."

Ellen smiled, "She's unique, Walter. The best person I know…not counting you and Trent of course," she clarified leaning in to kiss Skinner's shoulder. "Dana has a devoted heart, she doesn't give it away easily but when she does…" Ellen paused, "...she would die for Mulder…without even a second thought. She adores him."

Skinner smiled contentedly, "So she definitely does feel the same way?"

Ellen looked confused, "The same way as…?" Then a light came on, "The same way as Mulder?" she clarified hopefully.

"Darlin', she is his whole world and he's completely terrified," Skinner said with an amused smile.

"Well then why on earth…?" Ellen started to ask, but then her head dropped against Skinner's chest in despair and she laughed. "Oh God…he thinks that she doesn't feel the same way about him?!"

Skinner nodded and chuckled as he leaned down to kiss Ellen's head, "And let me guess, Dana is staying quiet for the same reason?"

Ellen shook her head in amused wonder; "They're both as bad as each other Walter, so terrified to make a move that they could dance around each other for the rest of their lives!"

"So…how about we step in and do something to help them along?"