Mulder felt the hour and half spent at the small local elementary school was valuable and fulfilling. While Scully spent time with the school nurse helping her with vaccine paperwork, the occasional upset tummy and cold symptoms from students; Mulder was able to spend the afternoon with the school counselor, Ms. Halona. She was a young Navajo woman, right out of graduate school. She had been a prior teacher on the reservation for a couple of years and then went back to get her state license and Masters in School Counseling. As they sat in her small office, going over best practices for solution focused counseling, Mulder could tell she was highly invested in her students and the surrounding community.

"Dr. Mulder, my biggest concern right now is self-harm." Ms. Halona was noticeably troubled as she continued, "I have several students who exhibit signs of anxiety and depression, and several use cutting as an outlet. I refer them to local mental health professionals, but oftentimes their parents don't have the time to follow through. Sadly there aren't a ton of therapists in the area and the ones that are close by are booked months in advance."

Ms. Halona explained to Mulder that the students she serves are from hard-working families and both parents often work several jobs. "Parents simply can't afford to take work off," Ms Halona said, as she handed Mulder a list of therapists and mental health clinics in the area.

Mulder felt compelled to speak "Hmm, I see. I want to help. I can look over your session notes and continue to offer you strategies for your responsive services, and I can talk to Dr. Scully about keeping the clinic open after hours on certain days, so I can personally see the students you refer for outside counseling."

Ms. Halona sighed in relief, "That would be wonderful Dr. Mulder, thank you…thank you so much. To have someone with your caliber spending time with my students and helping me, it's… it's, I can't even…" Mulder could tell she was getting emotional, he interrupted her, waving his hands in a kind gesture motioning her to stop. "I would like to continue our time together as well. I will also accompany Dr. Scully every Friday on her trips to the school." Mulder said, trying to offer the new counselor reassurance. "Ms. Halona, you're doing a great job here, it is evident to me, in the care you have for your students. They are lucky to have you."

Their time together came to a close and as Mulder rose up to leave, Ms. Halona stood and grabbed his hand with both of hers, holding his hand as she spoke, "Thank you very much Dr. Mulder, I can't thank you enough." Mulder smiled, "You're very welcome." Letting go of her grip, He turned around, and left Ms. Halona's office to go find Scully.

Mulder was surprised at how comfortable he felt around Scully. She was easy to talk and listen to. On their way back to the clinic, the two doctors talked about their years in school. It was clear they had a lot of common interests and priorities, however, differed in belief structures and ideologies. It didn't seem to bother Scully and it certainly didn't bother him. When he mentioned what he had discussed with Ms. Halona; Scully seemed genuinely thrilled and when he asked her about the clinic staying open later she didn't hesitate. "Absolutely, Mulder. We need to discuss details with Albert. But I am sure he will be equally supportive…Oh, Mulder. I am so.. so grateful for you." Scully smiled warmly and placed her hand on Mulder's shoulder, "Thank you Mulder, this will be such a huge help to the community."

That smile and those eyes

An occupational hazard of Mulder's was during social or casual conversations, people often wanted him to analyze or diagnose them, their discussions driven more by self interest than having a good chat. People would over share and dump their unsolicited problems on him. He would often have to tune-out conversations so as not to over-analyze or get sucked into problem solving mode. With Scully however, he found himself enjoying what she had to say. She was smart, funny and a bit guarded; which he found fascinating and wanted to explore more of.

She keeps me guessing .

Scully dropped him off at the clinic to grab his car and follow her over to the RV park he would call home. They arrived at the park and were greeted by the park's manager. He held the keys to Mulder's RV, which Mulder was pleased to see was directly across from Scully's much larger trailer. The park was mostly empty with only a few RVs and Mobile homes scattered throughout. The weather grew colder and colder this time of year and he suspected the tourists had all but packed up and left with the good weather.

Scully helped him move his belongings into the RV and she gave him a quick walking tour of the establishment. It was a small park, with a pool and gym attached to the manager's office. As they rounded the corner, Mulder noticed Scully start to check her phone and she became distracted and fidgety. He knew she was probably thinking of work and he made a mental note to help find ways he could lessen her burden.

Once they arrived back to Mulder's trailer, Scully stopped at her Jeep and crossed her arms in front of her, then spoke with a deep sigh, "Mulder, I have to head back to the clinic, paperwork. "

"Ahh, yes paperwork," Mulder nodded in agreement at the necessary tedious task all doctors had to complete as part of their daily work ritual. He had moved toward her a bit and put his hands on his hips, "Can I bring you something to eat later? I would like to drop some things off at my office, I could easily stop somewhere and get us some food," he said, hoping she didn't catch the slight difference in his voice at the prospect of spending more time with her.

Scully was now leaning against the Jeep, arms still crossed, "I don't want you to go out of your way, I could always pick up something on my way home." She said, flatly. Mulder studied her, she looked tired and hungry but beautiful, non the less. He didn't think anything could make her less beautiful. "My guess is doc you haven't eaten all day, so let me bring you some food. It's the least I can do to thank you for your time today."

Scully pushed herself off of the Jeep and uncrossed her arms, "All right, dinner it is. Bring it by around seven," she then placed one hand on his forearm and gave his arm a squeeze, smiled, then turned around to leave. Her touch was familiar and warm, and he wished she hadn't let go.

She loaded herself into her Jeep and popped the stick shift in reverse. Mulder turned around and headed into his RV. As he walked into the fully furnished living room, he sat down on the couch and leaned his head back. Mulder closed his eyes, and replayed the days events in his head. But mostly, he thought about her. Her blue eyes, her propensity to blush and the way she made him feel.

Mulder drifted off with a smile on his face.

Scully giggled a little as she drove off, ruminating over the conversation she had with Mulder earlier over her ability to drive a stick-shift. She couldn't help but think how he had suddenly invaded her life in less than a couple of hours. Her practical side was waning and panic ensued at the prospect of what she thought was irrational thinking on her part.

How could she possibly be this intrigued by someone she recently just met? What was it about this man that had her drawn to him?

She felt like she was acting more like her sister Melissa than like herself. Missy was the free spirit of the family, the one who followed her "heart" and jumped into things with both feet forward.

Not me , Scully thought.

Missy would have been all in, and if Scully picked up her phone right now and filled her in on the situation, Missy would tell her to go for it….

whatever it was.

That was the problem, she didn't know what was going on. She couldn't quite place her finger on it. Logically, she thought this was merely a physical attraction, nothing more than a common physiological response. But she was at war with herself. the other side of her, one she often liked to keep in check, was screaming that there was something there; a connection. Two people drawn to each other and she should go for it; explore this thing with Mulder, whatever this thing was.

Scully decided, as soon as she pulled into the clinic she would text her sister. She needed her, and while Missy was all the things Scully may not have been, she was honest and she was incredibly intuitive. Scully knew she would get the truth, even if it meant hearing things she wasn't comfortable hearing. Once she arrived, she already had her phone ready to go by the time she stepped into the clinic.

'Hey Mel, WYD?'

'Hey Danes. You know, just living life. Tell me something good about your life in the desert today. Is it beautiful there? It's been gray all day here.'

'It's always beautiful here Mel.'

'Well, what else is going on? Any big parties? Lol j/k.'

'No Mel! You're silly. Nothing too crazy, just had to intake a new doctor today, a Psychiatrist.'

'Oooh. A shrink! Did they tell you that you need to live a little, loosen up, go crazy?'

'He told me he thinks I don't sleep or eat enough.'

'Oooh. He sounds smart. What's he look like? Is he all doctor-like with the glasses and pocket protector?

'Is that what you think of my profession, Mel! Lol. He's actually really cute, don't freak out!'

'OOOOHHH. DANES! TELL ME MORE!'

'He's tall and has nice hair and a beard…Hazel eyes.'

'You already noticed his EYES?

'I mean, I spent all day with him.'

'Did you??? Interesting…'

'Missy, I have to go. I just got back to the clinic.'

'When are you seeing this Dr. Handsome again, Danes?'

'Later Melissa. He's bringing me some dinner.'

'OH. MY. GOD. DANA.'

'I told you not to freak out, lol. I'll text or face-time you tomorrow.'

'Or later if something happens. Live a little, AND I expect face-time.'

'Ok. Bye Missy, I love you.'

'Hey wait, what's his name?'

"Fox Mulder, but I call him Mulder.'

'Hmm pet names already? ;) And I Love you more!'

Several hours later, Dana looked out her window just in time to see Mulder pulling up. She watched him get out of his car with a bag of to-go food in hand.

Live a little, Dana!

Her sister's words in her head, as she smiled to herself. At the very least, it would be nice to have a friend around here.