Hey, here's chapter 10 sorry for the wait. I don't own the shows/movies this story is based on I only own the plot and any OCs. Anyway, please read and review and tell me what you think reviews keep me updating :) This chapter didn't go exactly like I planned but I hope you enjoy it. Clarice goes to NCIS to talk to Jen about her kiss with Doggett and he wants to talk to her. Also, Scully is 5 or 6 months along at this point. The quote is a reference to Clarice and Doggett. Enjoy chapter 10 and thanks for your support ~ Serria Spell23.

Ch.10-Rumor Mill

"I hear them whisper, you won't believe it. They think we're lovers kept under cover, I just ignore it but they keep sayin' we... laugh just a little too loud, stand just a little too close, we stare just a little too long. Maybe they're seein', somethin' we don't darlin'."

Something to Talk About~ Bonnie Raitt

In the morning—as per my usual routine when something was pressing on my thoughts—I went to NCIS headquarters with the intention of talking to Jen. Also, I hoped Dana wouldn't follow my train of thought I wanted to keep what happened between Doggett and me last night a secret—from her at least—for a little while longer.

McGee waved in greeting as I made my way towards the elevator. "Hi, Clarice..." Concern flashed briefly across his face, "what happened to you?"

I shifted the crutches— which I'd grabbed before I left— in my lap and shrugged. "A psychopath kidnapped me specifically Kycrek but I'm okay I just need to speak to the director."

The younger man nodded, getting up to hit the 'up' button on the elevator. I grinned waiting for the doors to open. McGee cleared his throat, debating whether to address the rather uncomfortable topic that Tony had brought up during my last visit. "Tony seems to think I have a crush on you, Clarice."

Smirking, I unconsciously bit my lip. "Well, I guess I'll just have to have a chat with him. He shouldn't tease you about such things." We heard a ding and the elevator opened the agent pushed me in, letting the door shut behind me. Once I arrived at my friend's office, I went straight in, closing her door. "Jen," I moaned, "I've made a mistake…by the way, do not tell Dana what I am about to tell you."

Prying her attention from the paperwork she was filling out, my friend glanced at me. "What?"

"I kissed Doggett," I rushed, "and called him by his first name."

Jen nearly fell out of her chair, shaking herself, rubbing her temple. "Ahem, why…any particular reason?"

Blushing, I shook my head, using my crutches to stand and transfer myself to the chair on the other side of the desk. "It was meant to be a reassuring gesture but I failed."

The director rolled her eyes. "Again I ask why you're not his wife yet you are acting like it."

"Do I need to supply a reason everything, Jen, can't I just be attempting to be friendly?"

She rested her chin in her hand, lost within her thoughts. "First off, how intimate was the kiss…and how long did it last?" she probed, her expression slightly playful as she conducted her calculated interrogation.

I threw up a bit in my mouth. "Eww! I didn't shove my tongue down his throat, Jen if that's what you're implying. I have some self-respect."

"I never said you did, Clarice, however, you are refusing to give any clear-cut answers so I don't know how to help you…unless I let this rumor filter around the agency?"

My eyes widened, my mouth dropping to the floor, my reply disjointed. "Jen, please you know Abbey she'll blab to McGee—in turn—he'll let it slip to Tony— by the way, he's been teasing McGee about his 'supposed' crush on me then by default Ziva…then…Gibbs, are you out there?"

My friend's husband chuckled as he entered the office, carrying two cups of coffee. He set one on the desk and pecked his wife's cheek, smirking. "I disturbed girl talk, didn't I? Where's Scully I figured she would be here?"

Waving a hand, I frowned turning to face him. "She wasn't feeling well today she's resting. Nothing against her but I did not want her to hear this conversation…she'd grill me for details just like you're doing now and I don't know what you expect to find?"

"Simply the truth, Clarice," he stated matter-of-factly. "Jen and I played that game of cat and mouse years ago so we are aware of the signs."

I tensed at the phrase Lecter popularized describing his desire to outwit me our constant battle of intelligence left me emotionally and psychologically drained. No matter what amount of logic I used to defend my position as the Doctor's contact the cons outweighed the pros; the point was moot. I was putting myself through hell and for what? Some flimsy explanation as to my mental sanity more of his BS statements claiming I was unlovable and weak? However, even after his repeated abuse, I could not break our agreement. His leech-like behaviors had got inside me, numbing my senses to everything that did not revolve around him, sucking the vibrancy from the world.

"Jethro, don't refer to our harmless flirtations the same way Lecter does his obsession-driven chase for Clarice," Jen scolded, "she needs no reminder."

I flashed a tentative smile, masking my crumbling composure. "I must go please don't spread this around."

"People will tune into the gossip eventually and then everybody will know." Glaring at my friend, I began to walk out of her office suddenly the door opened, revealing Doggett. He met my infuriated gaze as he gauged the amount of pain that brewed underneath the surface, undetectable to most people.

"Screw my life!" I grumbled, my teeth gritted. The temptation to slap the agent crossed my mind but I decided against it. "Agent Doggett, what the hell do you want!" I sighed I knew I wasn't actually angry with him it was a classic case of transference—my fury toward Lecter had chosen a new host—fuming at my co-worker. Not seeming phased by my outburst, he eased me into my wheelchair so that we could talk in private 'Gibbs' style touching my shoulder and steering me to the elevator. Jen and Gibbs shared a look, grinning, attempting to contain their laughter.

As the doors closed, Doggett pushed the 'stop' button, fingers combing through his hair nervously. "We need to talk, Starling."

"About what?" I glanced at him cagily from the corner of my eye, shifting my crutches in my lap.

"Us, Clarice," my co-worker said take a few steps closer, placing his hand on the armrest of my wheelchair.

Rolling my eyes, I moved it frowning. "There is no us, Agent Doggett there never was! I have to go."

After I left NCIS, I headed to the asylum so could chat with Lecter. I rolled in, sitting in front of his cell. I tapped my foot restlessly on the footrest, waiting for him to notice me although in truth he probably smelled me from halfway down the hall. Turning, the light glinted off the Doctor's white, pointed teeth a smirk curling on his lips. "Hello, Clarice. I've haven't seen you in a while I didn't scare you off, did I?" His chilling maroon eyes swept over my ankle bound by a cast, he shook his head. "It is true you are confined to a wheelchair currently isn't that frustrating to you?"

"No. There was just an issue that required my attention. Sorry to disappoint you, Lecter however, I've accepted the fact that I need to recover."

"Oh, do elaborate. What caused your attention to become enraptured?"

I shrugged, playing with my ponytail hoping to distract myself from the lie about to pass my lips. "Doggett asked for my help that's all."

"I see and is he aware of our encounter several years ago?"

I sighed, trying to maintain a muffled voice when I replied, "I told you to never bring that up again, Doctor besides you were the mastermind behind it. You forced my hand…and not he isn't."

"So Agent Doggett doesn't know that when I escaped you personally brought me into custody or anything else?"

"No, and I prefer to keep it that way," I muttered, feeling the urge to punch my enemy for about the tenth time since entering the building.

"How do you think he'll react, Clarice, do you suppose he'll be disappointed or revolted?"

"Shut up, you bastard!" I pushed myself out the door, leaving Lecter to bask in the glow of my latest breakdown, a satisfied smirk on his face.