**Old habits die hard folks so stop trying…Favourite Chapter!! WOO HOO!!**
Mulder scratched his chest through the light material of his navy blue t-shirt and yawned unashamedly. The windows were open to let a minimal breeze pass through the room but it did little to get rid of the stuffy feel that clung to the basement office walls. The sound of the elevator door opening threw a spark of life into him and he sat forward to shuffle the papers on his desk and work on the computer. But the expected sound of her heels didn't follow and when he risked a glance towards the door she walked in wearing a pair of black jeans, a pale blue long-sleeved top that was cut low just enough to tease and a smile.
He knew it was Sunday. He knew he could have gained remote access to the FBI files from his PC at home, but then he also knew that she probably wouldn't have joined him there. The image of him working alone in the basement of the Hoover Building was just enough to prompt her offer to help him. He smiled back, almost smugly as she approached the desk.
"Good morning, Scully," he said in a tone that he hoped indicated he had been here for a while.
"Don't give me that tone Mulder, it's Sunday!"
"What tone?"
"The I've been here since quarter past dawn tone. And besides," she continued producing a large white paper bag from behind her back. "I saw you walking in five minutes ago."
From the bag she produced two cups of coffee and a small box of mixed pastries. Taking the coffee he recognised the cup was branded by the diner across the street, but he refused to give in so easily.
"I was stretching my legs," he argued, already knowing he was beaten.
"Liar."
"Sceptic."
She let her smile loose. She knew it was Sunday. She knew he could have gained remote access to the FBI files from his PC at home, but then she knew he'd been avoiding her all week. Restraining his late night phone calls and unexpected visits since she appeared at his apartment two weeks ago complaining about her lack of relationship prospects. So he was giving her the space he thought she needed, but the when he offered her the option to join him with out blatantly asking she took it with relish. Reaching across him to take an apple Danish from the box she caught the gleam in his eye.
"So where do we start?"
"I left her medical file on your desk. I'm going to sift through Police and state records to see if I can track her, get a birth cert or whatever."
She wandered over to her own desk and sipped her coffee as she lazily fingered through the thin case file.
"This only goes back two weeks ago."
"Yeah, she was homeless so…well they don't tend to file for taxes and medical insurance isn't a top priority."
"And some stranger just walked in with her and paid for her medical bills?" she queried as she waited fro her PC to boot up.
"Actually he dropped her in the ER with a bag of money saying that it was for her medical care. When they counted the cash it came to $150, 000."
"You're kidding?"
"I'm trying to get hold of the video footage but the response to my calls is less than enthusiastic."
"Imagine that, on a Sunday!"
"Well regardless I'll get hold of it," he said ignoring her mocking tone, "and anything else she has."
"What do you make of all of this Mulder?" she asked all amusement gone from her voice.
"I dunno Scully," he replied without looking up and she could almost see the tension in the room as thoughts floated between them that neither of them wanted to acknowledge for fear of them becoming a reality.
The shadows in the room stretched slowly across the room away from the windows as the hours passed. They worked mostly in silence save for a few stray comments and thoughts that passed between them almost unconsciously. But finally as Mulder noticed the clock was just stroking past seven pm he pushed away from the desk and rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hands. Stretching back in his chair with a purposefully audible moan he let his head roll around on his shoulders before looking over to her.
"Got anything Scully?"
"Nothing of any consequence. Severe medical history should be here due to the extent of the injuries I witnessed at the autopsy last night but so far…nothing." She smiled tiredly at him and returned his question with only the tiniest move in her eyebrow.
"Karen Elizabeth Whyte born Aug 15th 1969 in Seattle, to Trevor and Tracy Whyte both of whom died in a car accident in November 1981," he said reading from the screen. "Only child, five different foster homes and finally she disappeared in June 1986. Ran away. Re-appears again in 1991 arrested for possession and prostitution, but used the name Liz Black, dots in the Seattle City judicial system for a couple of years, disappears then for five years only to turn up two weeks ago in Washington Gen. ER."
"So you got nothing too?"
"I have a city…Seattle…a probation officer to question."
"In Seattle? Shouldn't we talk to Skinner about our little adventure over the weekend?"
"Sure," he said but she could already see the cogs turning as he mentally booked the flights and hotel.
"I'll check for Medical files under all her alias' to see if I cant understand the condition or how she got in it."
"We've all broken a few bones Scully."
"Mulder, I hardly see a bone she hasn't broken, from her toes to her neck as well as a fractured skull."
"Living on the streets? Tough pimp?"
"Possibly," she conceded afraid to let her full thoughts run rampant before him.
"There's nothing more we can do today. For some reason most of my calls went unanswered."
"I guess they're not all as dedicated as us."
"I guess not," he replied as she stood up and stretched her arms out and then high above her head. "Tired?"
"No, but I am hungry. What are you going to treat me to?"
"Treat you? What ever madam desires."
"Well I actually have a strange and compelling desire for Italian food."
"Sounds good," he said laughing as he stood and grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and met her by the door.
The night was warm with only a hint of a cool breeze as they stepped in to the small restaurant. They were shown to a table at a window near the back of the all but empty room and that looked out onto an internal garden with a fountain. After ordering their food and a couple of glasses of wine Scully sat back into her chair and let out a sigh as her thoughts travelled away from the small room and her eyes gazed upon the falling water. He let her mind wander enjoying the rare opportunity to watch her openly as the candlelight cast flickering shadows on her soft skin.
But all too quickly she pulled herself back from her reverie and caught him watching her. Without asking him why he'd been looking or what he'd been thinking she just smiled. It was a small smile that barely parted her lips and only displayed one of her dimples but it was enough to make him blush at the thought that he had been so transparent.
"You look lovely tonight," he said before he could stop the words from tumbling past his lips.
"I do?" She looked down at her black jeans and simple top and glanced back to him under the rim of her lashes.
"Of course you do," he murmured unable to stop himself now that he started.
"Thanks Mulder, it took me ages to get ready." They shared another smile and he had to pull his eyes away.
"So what are you going to tell Skinner?" she asked suddenly sober as the laughter disappeared.
"Tell him exactly what happened. The phone call, the autopsy, the information. I'll need to get clearance to book the tickets."
"Tickets? For Seattle? Isn't that a bit premature?"
"Well after your cross checks come back and I get hold of the hospital footage…"
"Mulder, calm down, we'll talk to Skinner first and see."
"Right…and then I'll book the flights."
She shook her head at him and sat back as the waiter left their starters on the table.
"So do you wanna tell me about your date?" he said suddenly before biting into a piece of garlic bread and seeing the wave of shock pass over her face.
"It wasn't a date."
"No cheap dinner? No bad conversation? No awkward kissing?"
"Okay," she said with a laugh, this time a delicious sound that travelled to his ears from her throat. "Maybe it was a date."
"Who is he?" He wasn't usually so intrusive into her life but he couldn't help himself. He was compelled to ask the questions and there was nothing he could do to stop them from pushing past his mouth.
"I don't know if I should tell you," she said with a half smile.
"I'm just curious Scully," he said hoping to portray an air of ease and not the desperate need he felt.
"No background checks?" she said teasingly.
"Moi?" he answered with exaggerated movements to show his surprise at her suggestion.
"His name is Jason Banks. He's a fireman."
"Oh a man in uniform," he mocked lightly. "Where did you meet him?"
"I eh…" she stalled knowing how clichéd it sounded. "I met him at the grocery store."
He stifled his smile and looked at her. Really looked at her. The pain and loneliness that had been so plain in her eyes was…was it gone? He thought. Or was it hidden behind a façade of what she would…or should keep her happy?
"He seems nice," she continued without prompting. "But it's just…"
"But what?"
"To be honest, it was dinner and nothing more. I guess I liked the idea of been taking out without the fuss and hassles of a relationship."
"The thrills without the spills?"
"Something like that."
He wanted to ask more. He wanted to know more but he let the silence fall between them for a while, silently thanking the waiter for his good timing as he collected their now empty plates.
"So are you going to see him again?" he asked casually as their main course arrived.
She shot her eyes over to him to see if she could gauge his thoughts but as usual he reigned them in and showed her nothing. For a man who constantly walked around with his heart on his sleeve he always knew when to pull it in, she thought making her wonder about what else he hid from her.
"I don't think so. I wouldn't want him to think it could be anything more than it already has."
He reached across the table and took her hand in his. With a little wink he smiled at her and leaned closer.
"Don't worry Scully, when you're ready I know the right guy will be waiting for you."
She smiled at his jumbled thoughts and simple words and returned the gentle squeeze on her hand. She supposed to anyone else in the room they looked like a couple enjoying a meal of smiles and shared secrets. Although of their platonic relationship had been pushed and tested with his soft touches and light kisses, it had never been broken. With a sigh she watched him struggle with the pasta and she wondered is that was a path she wanted to take.
He felt her eye on him and the stillness of her hands confirmed it. Wanting to catch her eyes and demand to know what she was thinking about he was about to look up but something stopped him. The fear that it would be the first step down a long and winding path that neither of them were ready for. He fought with the pasta and finally managed to eat some when he heard her sigh. So many thoughts he wanted to know, so many buttons he wanted to press. The restraint was becoming too much of a struggle.
Their meal passed with a stifled and unfamiliar silence that burst with unanswered questions and unspoken thoughts and it was with some relief that they both stepped out into the rapidly cooling night.
"Thanks for dinner," she said as they walked to her car and he reached over to open her door.
"Anytime G-Woman."
She sat in an d pulled away and he slowly made the short walk to his own door.
"All the thrills and none of the skills," he muttered to himself before driving away himself. With a harsh chuckle he admonished himself for pulling her into his circle of lies and deceit when she deserved so much more. But now she was so involved he couldn't push her away if he tried so there was only one choice left to do. Offer her some thrills of his own and lessen the amount of spills.
"Easy," he said unconvinced and turned his mind back to the drive home.
***
Seattle airport was quieter than she expected. Scully looked over to his sleeping form and idly brushed his hair away from his forehead. It amazed her how well he could sleep in airports, on planes, in waiting rooms and cars, but give the man a bed in a room and his insomnia kicked in. A fruitless trip to Seattle and a two-hour wait for their return flight had prompted his nap while she just sat and watched the travellers scroll by. She imagined lives for most of them as they wandered by, some with luggage and some with families. But the shrill ring from her mobile dragged her back to the present as she pulled it out of her pocket and stepped away from Mulder to answer it.
"Scully," she said as she leaned against the large window and looked at the runway outside.
"Dana, hi it's Jason."
"Oh, hi!"
"I was wondering if I could cash in that cheque for the desert you owe mw."
"Oh right, only I'm in Seattle at the moment."
"I didn't know, sorry."
"We flew out the day before yesterday, on Tuesday morning. I'll be late home tonight."
"How about tomorrow? Are you working over the weekend?"
"Actually I'm on a case so its all over the place at the moment."
"I understand," he said in a tone that told her he did, fully."
"Maybe I'll call you when I'm done?"
"Okay Dana. Talk to you then." She hung the phone up and watched the planes landing for a few moments.
"Was that your fireman?" She didn't turn at the sound of his voice not wanting to face him or see pity in his eyes.
"Not my fireman."
She could hear the soft rustle of his clothes and the strain on the metal chairs as he got up and walked over to her. For a moment he said nothing only stood by her watching the same planes and breathing the same air.
"I think this case is going o be a bust," he said surprising her with his choice of topics.
"What are you going to tell Skinner?"
"Everything. Put it down as a prank. Move onwards and upwards."
The call for their flight departure cut off any reply she had so instead she followed him to the gate and settled in for the long flight home.
***
Mulder stretched to the full length of his couch and lamented not going to his bed where he could lie in relative comfort. Tonight the TV was dominated with re-runs of the Bounty Hunter and without the desire or energy to get a drink he lay steadfast looking at the flickering screen but seeing nothing. Just as the deserved sleep fell over his the phone rang loudly making him jump.
"Hello?"
"Mulder?"
"Yeah," he said cautiously recognising the voice put not giving it a name.
"Hey, it's Chuck here."
"Chuck, what can I do for you?"
"Well actually it's kind of embarrassing."
"Oh?" he said sitting up. He'd worked with Chuck Burks on many cases but wouldn't have gone so far as to call them friends. So for him to bring something of a personal nature to the table was interesting.
"I have a bit f a problem. A friend of mine asked me to step into a role that I'm afraid I can no longer fulfil, and I was hoping you might help me."
"What kind of role?"
"I need you to escort someone to a function with me."
"What?" was all Mulder could get out through his surprise.
"I said I'd do it but then I kind of double booked myself."
"You want me to take one of your dates?"
"Yeah."
"No way, Chuck," Mulder said with a laugh.
"Come on Mulder, just this once."
"What's the function?"
"It's a tech Conference and I'm presenting a new development in micro circuitry. Black tie too."
"When…" Mulder asked unable to believe that he was contemplating going.
"Eh…tomorrow, Friday night?"
"Don't give me much notice do you?"
"Are you busy?" Chuck persisted glad to hear a resigned tone in Mulder's voice.
"Well no but-,"
"Come on Mulder. She's lovely I promise."
"Okay, okay. Tell me where to meet you before I change my mind."
"Great! We'll meet in the bar at the Jefferson hotel on 16th Street. Do you know it?"
"Yeah," Mulder said through a sigh that Chuck chose to ignore.
"At seven thirty."
"Fine. And Chuck, you owe me big."
"Oh I do Mulder I do," he said in a tone that made Mulder already regret the decision.
***
The Friday night traffic was horrendous and Scully cursed herself for leaving her laptop in the office. Mulder had been on edge all day for a reason he was unwilling to share and finally when half five rolled by she packed her things and left the basement office, leaving him to stew in whatever mood he choose for the rest of the weekend for all she cared. But half way home when her case had tipped over on the passenger seat she noticed that it was free of her laptop and she could mentally picture the offending article neatly stacked away in the bottom drawer of her desk.
So after finally managing to turn the car around she now found her self slowly sauntering through the empty halls of the Federal building reluctant to rush back to the traffic. As she passed the security with their small smiles of acknowledgement it saddened her to think that she had rushed back here to bring home work for her weekend, work that could have waited had she other engagements but work that she knew she'd have done before her return here on Monday.
She fumbled with her keys to the office in the short elevator journey as she was sure Mulder would have locked the room. But as she stepped out into the dimly lit hallway she noticed the door was slightly ajar and the lights were on. Cautiously she pushed the door open hesitant to pull her gun and frighten a cleaner, only to see Mulder standing by his desk with his back to her and his head bent.
"Jesus Mulder you scared me," she said stepping further into the room but stopping suddenly when he turned around to greet her a guilty and embarrassed look on his face.
"Scully? What are you doing here?"
For a moment she stared at the tux unable to stop her eyes from travelling the length of his lean body that fit so well into the neat black trousers and sash that wrapped his slim waist. Looking back up to his tie she saw what he was fighting with as it fluttered to the floor.
"I…I forgot to pick up my laptop before I went home," she managed to get back but as the power of movement returned to her legs she circled over to her desk, never taking her eyes off him. "Why are you dressed like that?"
He stooped to pick up his tie and stalled for time as he tried to fix it around his neck.
"I have…I'm meeting…someone."
Despite the pang of pain she felt in her chest she managed to smile at the sight of him struggle to straighten his tie.
"Here, let me."
She closed the small distance between them and brushed his hands away as she fixed it into a neat knot, pulling on the opposite side to make sure it was even. With her fingers brushing off the hot skin on his neck he felt his pulse quicken and prayed that she wouldn't notice. She straightened his collar not missing the fast movement of his skin just below his jaw line.
"I didn't see you're car in the car park."
"Well I knew I'd be leaving straight from work so I got a cab in this morning," he explained as he busied himself with something on his desk turning from her and catching a faint smell of her perfume that he knew would linger with him all night and taint any experience he may have had.
"Oh," she replied simply afraid to say more. Going back to her desk she quickly retrieved her laptop and turned to face him again. "Have a nice time."
"I eh, I will…thank you."
"See you on Monday."
"Hmmm…yeah, sure."
She left the office and slowly crossed the hallway to the elevator. The despondency she felt as she entered the building had increased tenfold as she drove home realising that despite his words she wouldn't always have him and they were probably only words of comfort.
**Just to let you know I have seen no episodes of the XFiles after Season Six. Not by choice obviously, but I just wanted to let you know in case the characters are contradictory to anything after that. Just a thought…having said that it's hard to keep them in character when they are doing nothing like their TV counterparts ever did…well at least not on screen, inference is a wonderful thing!! God Bless Fluff, long may it continue.**