Chapter 2: Briefed

SKINNERS OFFICE

J. EDGAR HOOVER FBI BUILDING

Skinner had to give credit to the two agents who were waiting outside his office. They had only just come off a case in Arcadia were they had to go undercover as a married couple and it looks like they may have to do it again.

Mulder and Scully sat just outside AD Skinner's office. Skinner had called them up from downstairs for the debriefing of their new assignment, so of course, Mulder was fidgeting.

"Mulder, sit still." Scully arched a demanding eyebrow at him.

"Sorry, Scully." He smiled sheepishly at her, but instead of relaxing became even more agitated. He pushed out of his chair and began pacing in front of her.

Scully followed him with her eyes and was about to order him to sit when Skinner's door opened, and they both turned to see Kimberly exiting the office, writing notes on the pad she held.

"He'll see you now," Kim stated casually as she sat back down at her desk.

Mulder waited for Scully to rise before leading her toward the open door, his hand on the small of her back. Skinner look up from the file he was reading and noted what he was doing 'it came so natural he properly didn't even know he was doing' it until they had both seated themselves in their usual spots.

Mulder threw a quick glance at Scully, noticing how calm and professional she looked. 'As always,' he thought. Not that he wasn't calm, per se; he just wasn't very fond of these type of meetings with the AD he always seemed to spring something out unexpected and more often than not, they ended in a very unsatisfactory way, for him, at least.

"Agents," Skinner acknowledged looking up from the file and closing the folder. He studied them both for a moment as they nodded a greeting.

He noted Scully's usual professional demeanor, and wasn't surprised to find Mulder's tense expression. Obviously, the man knew something was up.

Inwardly, Skinner sighed, wishing there were a way to avoid the conversation. Outwardly, his grimace never faltered. He'd worked hard to perfect his "hard-ass" image.

"I'm sure you've read the brief file about the slayings in California." He flipped the folder open again and turned it toward the two agents.

"The couple killings" Mulder pulled the folder onto his lap, moving imperceptibly closer to Scully so that she could read it as well.

"Yes. There was another set of murders last night. The local PD has asked for VCU assistance." Skinner watched Mulder carefully for any reaction. He received none as Mulder continued to peruse the file.

"Why call us in, sir?" Scully's voice broke into his thoughts. She too glanced at her partner for a reaction. Unlike Skinner, she noticed the slight tenseness to his jaw, and a tightness in the line of his shoulders.

"Because, Agent, your assistance has been requested."

"Are you reassigning us to VCU, sir?" Mulder finally responded.

"Yes, Mulder." This time he did sigh out loud. "I know how much you dislike these cases. And I realize you have legitimate concerns. Believe me, I don't like this anymore than you do - "

"Then why do it, sir?" Mulder broke in.

"Because the VCU is a bit at a loss and can't come up with anything and they are a bit short of man power" Skinner stated

"I still don't get why you need us" Scully asked

"Because it's an X-file and plus you're the only male and female partners who aren't on maternity leave or holiday" Skinner stared at them daring them to question his motives.

"Oh" stated Scully "does that mean were going undercover again"

"Yes" Skinner broke in

"You'll be going undercover as a married couple again oh and you can use the rings you both got in the Arcadia assignment again" Skinner smirked as both agents turned red.

"You're dismissed"

Again Mulder waited for Scully to rise before stepping up behind her. He gently guided her toward the door, but turned abruptly before leaving.

"Do we get to choose the names again sir?"

"I think its Scullys turn this time don't you think so Mulder" stated Skinner with an amused grin.

"I think he's right Mulder" stated Scully as they make their way to their office.

"Fine then" Mulder sulked "make sure there good"

"Oh I will" Scully suddenly obtaining an amused face.

Hope it's alright reviews welcome

R&R