IX. Badlaa

Scully POV

He disbelieves my theories and has again been resorting to teasing to express this.

I tell him to keep an open mind, like Mulder must have told me a hundred times.

We visit Berks and this only seems to pique his annoyances.

Maybe it's because I call Chuck by his first name and listen to him, like I so often don't with Doggett.

He conveys his aggravation easily, but keeps his real anger concealed just below the surface. He's upset that I act on my own beliefs without considering his more earthy, sensible ones. Maybe I should, but I've seen so much.

Clearly, we are not on the same page on this one. Are we ever?

I shoot a boy. A child. A killer, disguised as a child. My eyes deceive me so I trust not my own instincts, but someone else's. Mulder's. He would have taken the shot so I did.

Appalled by my actions, however correct, I hand my weapon over to Doggett. Trusting him. Ready to share a little weight again.

He finds me outside.

I can't face him as the tears unwillingly start to form and he doesn't force me too. I feel a large, gentle hand on my shoulder. He uses his words to try and consol me. But they can't.

He say's the case didn't make any sense, but it does for me.

It's shown me something. I have learned, I have grown, I have opened my mind to extreme possibilities.

I fear...

I am becoming Mulder.

AN- Thanks to all the reviewers, more are welcome!