Short chapter, I needed something SMALL in between, Virginia and California, so here ya go! :-D Enjoy!

The next two weeks flew by; Christmas and New Years were pretty uneventful, they had bought plane tickets and were heading to California. Scully was anxious to see her family and Mulder, as usual, dreaded seeing Bill mainly. He loved the rest of the Scully family but the chance that he and Bill would get along would be slim, best just avoid it at all costs. Scully had gotten approved for a week vacation and was excited to get away from the east coast.

"Hey you about all packed Scully?" Even Mulder was a little anxious to get out of town, even in light of the situation it'd be a nice time away from 'home.'

"Umm yeah I think so, California in January will still—"

"Yeah I know Scully, 'it'll be brisk sometimes'…you've told me can we get the hell outta here?" Scully shot him a look and closed her suit case that was on the bed, zipped it and couldn't help but smile at Mulder's excitement. "…and I thought I was bad at running late…" he couldn't help but laugh at her quietly.

"Mulder…shut up…" Mulder pretended to be hurt and grabbed his luggage as Scully waltz past him with her own luggage in hand.

The two were antsy to get to their first layover in Cincinnati, there were no crazy delay's even for this time of year. It was a short ride and they knew they'd be able to sleep on the longer flight to California.

"Ugh Scully, I don't miss all this flying we used to do. How did we do this all the time…this is terrible…" He sighed and lounged back in the uncomfortable airport seat. They still had another hour and Mulder was getting restless.

"I told you, you should have brought something to read," she scolded him as she usually did when he didn't do something she had recommended and as usual he did what he always did and whined. "Mulder you are more like a teenager everyday…" she reminded him, "…maybe you and Matt will hit it off you never know." She stated simply never looking up from her own book.

"Ha, fat chance Scully. He's your brother's son, your brother hates me so I'm sure it's rubbed off on the kid too…please tell me I'll get some time with you alone on this trip too." He sounded desperate in his plea.

"My brother is living off base now; he's got a nice house with plenty of space and a nice few acre lot. They upgraded when mom moved in with them, plus I told you we were staying with them, so you have to share me…I don't get to see them often."

"I'll just play wild man and build myself a shelter in the back; have they got a dog? At least I'll have company that way…" Mulder scoffed and Scully shot him a look and that eyebrow of hers, "…I'm sorry." He had to apologize or she'd be pissed the entire rest of the trip, he was better off getting it out and over with before it had time to boil over, Scully's temper wasn't to be messed with and he knew it.

"Mulder you know what you are a sixteen year old boy…horny as ever and an attitude to boot. Cool it or I will leave you in the dog house in the back." Scully turned back to her book with a heavy sigh. The two were quiet for several minutes, voices over the announcing speakers were loud and the other travelers annoying as ever. Mulder watched as a family group with six kids walked by in chaos, I don't know how they handle all that, I was happy with one maybe two, he laughed lightly at himself and caught Scully's attention briefly before she turned back to her book again.

After several moments of contemplating Mulder reached over and placed his hand on Scully's thigh, rubbing with his fingertips gently. She couldn't help but turn her lips up in a small smile and look over at him lovingly. He brushed the inside of her thigh gently and she laughed slightly.

"I promise you'll get time with me alone. You know I don't care that it's my brother's house…" she raised her brow at him and grinned widely, he couldn't suppress his own smile, tightening his grip lightly on her thigh, feeling very excited about the next week with her. Oh man Bill is going to be pissed!

"Gate 7, your flight to San Diego is now boarding."

"Finally…" Mulder let out a heavy sigh as he gathered up belongings followed by Scully who did the same as they boarded the plane.