Mulder sat shifting every so often. He looked to Scully. "Coffee?" Coffee was definitely necessary. He walked over to one of his cabinets and looked inside. Now.. which mug should he choose?

He had no idea how he was going to respond and coffee was the only excuse he could think of for leaving quickly. He looked over, Scully was staring at the pictures he had collected of the vampire.

The mugs all had stains in so that made no difference.

It's extremely important that I get this right. If she takes my reply in the wrong way… gargh I'm overthinking this.

He was obviously not going to give her the one with the large chip and so the one with The truth is out there printed on the front would have to do.

He slowly made his way back to the couch, the two mugs in tow. Scully looked up briefly but accepted the coffee. She didn't look particularly pleased with the chosen mug but clearly considered that saying anything would mean some sort of conversation and that really wasn't necessary.

They sat in silence….

Is it really worth continuing with this investigation? He and Scully had gone behind Skinner's back plenty of times before so that made no difference.

Perhaps he should go alone but then again that would just cause more mistrust. No he would try and convince Scully to come. At least she's looking at the photos.

Mulder sat quietly sipping this coffee. It's amazing how silence can both be comforting and deadly. Wow, really thinking about the important things here.

His eyes crept toward her again, but darted away, afraid to meet her gaze. She's probably thinking this is the last place in the world she wants to be right now.

oOo

Scully glanced up as Mulder left the room. Following him into that tiny kitchen, is not a good idea better to leave Mulder to his thoughts. Looking at the photos seemed to be a good distraction.

All of the victims had two small puncture wounds on their necks which were commonly associated with vampire mythology but Scully knew that there could be many other explanations.

On a few of the photos she noticed that there was a small slit just below the puncture wounds but that to the back of her mind for the moment. It was hardly likely they were going on this case soon if at all.

Before she could continue her thoughts were interrupted by Mulder returning. He handed her the mug which she accepted gratefully. She gave a small smile.

Ah Mulder, of course you have this mug.

The silence began. Scully kept thinking how ridiculous this situation was. God, this was only one of hundreds of x files that they had investigated before and yet this one had led them to question their belief in each other.

It made her wonder if this had happened earlier in their partnership, would they still be working together? How different would her life be? Would Mulder just be the Spooky Agent everybody left in the basement, still on the futile quest to find his sister?

It was getting far too late for this and her coffee was all gone.

Okay that's it. She stood up and set the mug down in the available space on the desk.

"Mulder I'll see you tomorrow I really need to get some sleep."

He stood up and grabbed her hand.

"Scully wait!"

"Mulder you were right, I don't think this is the best time to be talking about this. If you really want me to stay I'll stay but I honestly think it would be best if tonight didn't get any worse."

She pulled away and continued to the door.

"See you at work."

And she was gone.

oOo

FBI Headquarters

Mulder's office

8:03 am

Mulder sat alone in the office waiting for Scully to join him. He was already gulping his second cup of coffee of the morning. Scully was uncharacteristically late, but Mulder just put it down to wanting to avoid him for as long as possible. By quarter past he was beginning to wonder if he was about to get into serious trouble for not showing up to a meeting. Fortunately, before he had willed himself out of his chair to face Skinner, Scully walked in.

He raised his eyebrow and Scully took her usual spot.

"You'll be pleased to hear that the Sheriff from the town with the 'vampire attacks' has specifically requested you for an investigation."

"What are the chances of that?"

She just rolled her eyes.

"Well, Skinner's not happy but he doesn't really have a choice of whether we go or not as this was specially requested. How did you get in contact with this guy anyway? I'm pretty sure the FBI has both our emails and cells tapped?"

"Oh ya know, I have my sources."

He gave her a coy smile that she laughed at. He loved it when Scully laughed. This was not the right time.

"I take it you've got plane tickets booked then?"

He sprang out of his seat. Scully stared with that half smile.

"What do you take me for Scully? Unorganised?"

He gave her a mock frown. She shook her head.

"Come on Scully, You know you're going to enjoy it."

He grabbed his jacket and leapt to the door.