Author's note:-the words in italics are mulder's thoughts - kinda obvious maybe but just in case...it also starts off part-way through the last chapter

XXXXXX

"I'm not sure I want to know but...Who is it?"

I'm definitely sure I don't want to know - if it was me she would just tell me and not go through all this crap about a hypothetical someone...sure, I'm her best friend I know but that doesn't mean I have to like everything she has to say...especially if it's going to break my heart

"It's...its..."

Oh my god, I can't stand it...I don't want to hear this. I don't want to hear this. How can I stop her from saying it? I don't want to know...but any second now and...

Ring Ring

"Saved by the bell, eh Scully?"

It's not her that was saved - it was me. Thank God for that! Get the phone Mulder, get the phone!...okay, it's not your phone. Then what the hell is ringing?...Aha! It's Scully's phone.

"It's not my phone that's ringing Scully...it must be your cell."

"Oh, right...do you know where I put it?"

"It's right here...here you go."

I am so glad that phone rang...I don't think I would have been able to take her telling me who it is...doesn't she know she's breaking my heart here? ...How on earth does she NOT know that this is going to kill me - literally? She...Oh, she's hung up - better ask her what's going on

"Scully?..."

"That was SAC Currie...he wants me to go in tonight to do the Andrew's autopsy."

"Oh, right."

Thank God. Remind me to kiss him the next time I see him...on second thoughts, I doubt if he'll see that as thanks - or maybe he would...Oh my God, maybe it's him that she likes...no, it can't be - can it? ...Maybe...oh, Scully's saying something.

"Well, I guess I'd better go then."

"Guess you'd better."

Don't seem too happy about her leaving Mulder or she'll know something's up...she doesn't actually seem to want to go though...maybe she really doesn't know how much I care and she really wants to tell me...I should really listen - we are best friends after all...I just need time to process this, steady myself for the blow...hell, who am I kidding, this blow isn't gonna get any less harsh no matter how much time I have to prepare for it. She's talking again, better listen.

"Can we finish this...?"

"Some other time Scully. You'll be too tired after the autopsy. Just go straight home once you're done."

There, that's bought me some time. I won't need to see her now until tomorrow or maybe even Tuesday if I can come up with a good enough excuse to miss work tomorrow. Although she'll probably see through any excuse I make and come tell me anyway...I'll need to think of something really good... Okay smile, pretend there's nothing wrong...pretend your heart hasn't been torn from your chest and jumped up and down on...a lot

"Oh...well...I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yes, see you."

She's leaving...keep smiling until she's gone...that's it, say goodbye and close the door...walk to the window and wait for her to get to her car...wave to her like you always do...fine, good...she's gone, now you can punch your fist through the wall.

BANG

"Owww, damn it!!"

Okay, so the wall's a little harder than I thought and the blood's gonna ruin the carpet...never mind, the pain's nothing compared to what my heart is going through right now...so she's in love with someone else...so my heart may never beat again...so I'm going to have to destroy something else - aha, the desk looks like a safe bet

Crash

Maybe I should have taken the computer off it first...damn it! Oh, what do I care...it's only a computer, it doesn't matter much. Not now Scully's in love...she's in love with another guy...another guy...

"Man, I need a drink."

Ahh - that's better. Not much but let's see what another one can do...or maybe two. Just to dull the pain a bit. I suppose I shouldn't really get drunk on a Sunday night - not when I have that meeting with Skinner early tomorrow morning. ...Skinner!

"Oh my God, it's Skinner isn't it?"

I'm gonna kill the baldy bastard! What the hell does she see in him? ...She can't be in love with him...she just can't...he's her BOSS for crying out loud...well, I guess she's my partner and I'm in love with her but...it's just not the same. It's not! ...Maybe the guys will know - but they said she was in love with me so they probably won't but...maybe...

"Frohike!"

No it can't be...surely she...But then he did say he'd been talking about her perfect date with her. Maybe he said she loved me to put me off track...to make me think I stood a chance when he knew she wanted him...

"Damn him, the little..."

No, Scully wouldn't...I would have been able to tell if...God what if it is...I'll have to put up with them touching each other in front of me...or even kissing...ugghh, that is a nasty thought.

"There is not enough drink in this apartment - I'll have to go out"