Present Day, Broadway Bar...

"So do you keep in contact with your grandparents?"

"Not as much as they'd like, nor as much as I should. Sometimes you just have to let go, if you constantly reach out to the things that you've known for so long and grown familiar with, you'll never live. People take too much for granted, and I don't like to think I do the same."

"Well, sometimes there are too many reminders around to forget about the past."

"Oh I don't mean you have to forget about something or someone completely. But if you dwell on the things that can't be changed or undone, then you'll drive yourself crazy and there'd be no point in going on with your life."

"It's not that easy. Believe me."

"Oh God, I'm being insensitive aren't I? I'm so sorry..."

"It's ok. And can we make a deal right now that you stop apologising to me and acting as if I'm going to break at any second. We have to work together, I would like the same kind of respect you'd give to any other fellow agent."

"You have it. Nobody deserves it more than you. I understand that you're frustrated people are treating you differently now, but that's because things are different. They wont go back to how they were. At least you have your daughter. You're lucky in that sense."

"Wha' da' ya' mean?"

"Well that's the one reminder of a lost loved one that is a priceless gift. No matter what happens to you in your life or where you go from here, you still have your daughter, and in that sense you'll always have your husband."

Monica and Phoebe had been talking for almost two hours. And all Monica wanted now was a cigarette. Phoebe had assumed to know an awful lot about Monica's loss and the way she was feeling, but all it had done was make Monica feel like she was trying to impress her in some weird way. She didn't like it, and she was frustrated that

she couldn't decide whether she liked this person or not.

Phoebe had been nice enough to talk to, and in a way Monica was glad that they got any personal stuff out of the way so there'd be no surprises or shock revelations later on. But this relationship was still a strained one and Monica wasn't sure how to make it less so. She finished her drink and looked at the time.

"Well we should go. I have to collect my priceless gift from a friend."

Monica stood up and put on her jacket. By the time Phoebe had done the same Monica already had the car keys in her hands and was walking out.

"Agent Doggett, I'm sorry if I've said something to offend you. I imagine this has been a tough day for you."

Monica stopped walking and turned to Phoebe trying to remain calm as she spoke.

"You seem to imagine to know an awful lot about me Agent Carmichael. Now, do you want taking back to the bureau or home?"

Phoebe was hurt by Monica's disregard for her apology, but there was nothing else she could do now. Her chance at the first impression she had cared so much about making a good one was over.

"I'll head back to the bureau and finish up some paperwork."

Monica drove back to the bureau in silence and when Phoebe got out of the car she could barely bring herself to say goodnight before speeding off in the direction of Mulder's house. Now she had to face Anna after their incident that morning. She had a terrible feeling that her bad day was far from over, and she took a detour to buy some cigarettes before going to collect her daughter. She was sure she'd be able to restrain herself to just have the three she had been forced to throw away.

June 29th, Doggett Residence...

When John opened his eyes Monica was facing him wide-awake. He smiled and she did the same as she leaned in to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her as she turned to lie with him and he held her close.

"Good morning..."

"Yes it is... John, last night was..."

"Perfect."

"Yeah." Monica tightened her hold on John's hands and he kissed her shoulder.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, I'm good. I was just thinking..."

"If it's anything to do with work then don't."

"I know... but I can't help it..."

"It's killin' me to see you like this Mon, I wanna help but I can't."

"John, you do more than you could know by just being here."

"I hope to God that's true Monica, I love you more than anything."

"I know, and I love you too. So much."

Monica turned over to face John again and moved closer to kiss him. As they continued to kiss the rest of the world faded away, and that was exactly the way it should be.

Monica was smiling again as John had managed to take her mind off of everything that she could possibly have been thinking about. He was sitting up and stroking her hair and she felt so peaceful.

"Where were we going last night?"

"What?"

"Our reservations, where were they for?" John smiled.

"The place we got engaged."

"Oh my God really?"

"Yeah, I wanted it to be special..."

"Why didn't you tell me before I made us come home?"

"Because I'm a very selfish man and would rather have been makin' love to my wife than eating in a posh restaurant."

Monica smiled and sat up so she could see him properly.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me."

"Well I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll make reservations for our anniversary."

Monica's face lit up as she realised how close their wedding anniversary was getting. John always did something unbelievably romantic and made her feel like the only person in the world who mattered, she could barely contain her excitement.

"Well then July 31st can't come quick enough."

They kissed again and as John moved in to have his wicked way again Monica pulled back.

"What is it?"

"I'm hungry..."

"Well I know the cure for that..."

He moved underneath the covers and Monica laughed as she pulled them back over his head so she could see his face.

"Well, if we go again do you promise to make me pancakes afterwards?"

"I promise. Now let me take care of this for you..."