Scully sat in the chair parallel to Diana. She thought Diana looked confident, and her demeanor gave Scully an uncomfortable feeling that she couldn't quit label.

"Dr. Scully, Fox and I…excuse me, Dr. Mulder and I were just discussing the amazing work you have done at the clinic, and continue to do of course." She kept speaking, shifting her eyes to Mulder and back to Scully, "In fact, you are so exceptional, that I won't need to stay for the entire visit, everything is in order and I have already passed your field audit."

Scully relaxed a bit at the news. "That is great news, thank you Dr. Fowley." She decided to stick to the formalities of titles Diana had already implemented in their conversation.

She turned to Mulder, and she thought his face was slightly red and he looked annoyed. She wished Diana would leave so she could talk to him.

"I agree, and because of the great job you have done here coupled with your impeccable work ethic, I have requested a change of location for you. It's a promotion, Dr. Scully. A reward for all your hard work. You would be in charge of the field office in Azores, Portugal."

Scully continued to listen, turning her gaze to Mulder who's countenance shifted from annoyed to something different, though she didn't know what.

Diana proceeded to describe the assignment, but Scully had stopped listening. She stopped at the word Azores hearing only bits and pieces.

Attending Chief Physician

Vaccine protocol

Salary

Restructure

Scully didn't take her eyes off of Mulder, She couldn't believe her ears, she was shocked really, of course it was a promotion, but at what cost? At what loss?

Mulder.

Diana cleared her throat, "Dr. Scully, what do you have to say?"

"Um, really, Dr. Fowley, I am shocked and flattered. Can I take some time to think about all this?"

"Of course, but I have already put the request in and if you decline it, you would have to reapply to DWB to continue your term here. Although I also submitted that we close out our team here, so there may not be a place for you to join. Of course, Fox would finish his term, but no other doctors would be added after that. Do you understand?'

Scully sat motionless. Mulder and her, effectively shocked into a muted state by Diana's news.

"Anyway, I will leave you. Let me know if you have any questions. I will pack up my things from your office and head to my hotel. It has been a pleasure working with you, Dr. Scully,"

She stood and extended her hand to meet Scully's in a handshake. Diana then turned to Mudler, and nodded a simple goodbye, "Fox.."

"Actually Diana," Mulder stood and walked toward his office door, holding it open. He turned to Diana, "Let me walk you out."

Diana walked past him and left the office. Mulder let Scully know he would be back and then closed the door behind him, leaving Scully alone with her thoughts.

Mulder followed Diana out of the clinic and when they reached her car, Diana turned around and crossed her arms in front of her chest. Mulder knew she was trying to portray confidence, but seeing her through fresh eyes, recognized Diana's feeble attempt.

He stopped short and placed his hands on his hips,"Let's cut the crap Diana, shall we. You might think sending Dana far away has some direct link to hurting me. But the reality is, I feel bad for you, that you would resort to this type of behavior." He continued calmly and directly, "Of course I can't definitively prove any of this, but I think I know you well enough Diana, to know when you are playing games."

Diana stared at him and smirked, her response laced with sarcasm, "I guess it's true what they say then, you can never outsmart a Fox."

Diana uncrossed her arms and pressed the unlock button to her rental car, "Unfortunately for you, your accusations can never be proven." She slid into her vehicle, "Goodbye Fox." Diana closed her car door, started her vehicle and drove off.

Mulder knew if he never saw Diana Fowley again, it would be too soon.

Mulder entered his office, closing the door behind him. He sat next to Scully in the now vacant chair that Diana once sat in.

"Scully..how are you feeling?"

Scully sat silent.

He waited, he would wait for her and he didn't want to press, he knew she needed time. Scully closed her eyes,

"Mulder, what just happened?"

He gently grabbed her hand, "Well, she just came in here, and started bloviating. She asked me questions earlier and I knew she was fishing for details about you and I. I know this was calculated, not that you wouldn't be amazing and great and deserve this."

Scully nodded, "I know Mulder, I don't blame you. I wonder if she didn't have this all planned from the get go."

"You know Scully, you are amazing, and I would never want to stand in the way of a promotion, and while Diana's motives were questionable, she is right about one thing, You would be great at the position. It's so far, but I have no right to even..."

Scully interrupted him, "Mulder, I want your input, and remember we are a team now."

Mulder felt he wasn't in a place where he could rationally offer any unbiased input but he appreciated Scully's willingness to accept it.

She looked tired and worried, "Mulder, take me home, let's talk about this there."

Home . She was his home now, and he shuddered at the idea of her leaving. Without hesitation, Mulder stood up taking Scully with him, and engulfed her in his arms. She melted into him and he only wanted to concentrate on her at the moment. He would sort out his feelings later, his first priority was her.

"Okay, Doc, gather your things and meet me out back. Lets say, five minutes?"

"Yes, five minutes Mulder."

Scully walked out of his office and he quickly collected his things and shut his computer down. He exchanged goodbyes with The Hosteens and Katy and met Scully out back. She was already standing by the passenger side of the car.

Their ride home was quiet, much like their ride to the clinic was. Unfortunately, what he was most worried about on the morning ride had come to fruition. Diana had been up to no good and she was not to be trusted. She used Scully's stellar career as a catalyst in her twisted game of cat and mouse with him, and it made him sick to think about it. Part of him, a large part, blamed himself. If he hadn't entered Scully's life this wouldn't have happened. Maybe she would have received a promotion, but at least it would have been based on merit alone, and not on an alternative motive at the hands of Diana Fowley.

They arrived at Scully's trailer thirty minutes later and they both exited the car. Scully unlocked the door and they made their way to the couch. Plopping down simultaneously each one, kicking their shoes off before propping their legs on the coffee table.

Mulder let out a deep sigh and leaned his head back against the back of the couch. Scully mimicked his movement and closed her eyes.

Her mind was racing. How could an opportunity so amazing feel so wrong? There were so many things that didn't fit. Diana's devil tongue tickled her ears, but she knew better.

To Scully, the answer was obvious: She loved the clinic, she loved the people and the work she had been doing. She didn't want to stop.

But how could she stay?

What about Mulder?

What did he think about the offer?

Scully knew deep down that he loved her enough to let her make the decision. She knew he would support her no matter what.

Scully broke the silence, "Mulder?"

"Hmhmm" Mulder turned his head toward her voice, he opened his eyes and she turned her head to face him. She loved his eyes, their warmth and strength pierced her soul.

She had been here before with him, the feeling of strange familiarity and love engulfed her and all of a sudden everything was made clear to her, emphatically clear.

"You know Dr. Mulder, I'm not one to take a job offer from a phony baloney."

Mulder grinned. "You don't say, Doc?" He grabbed her hand, and she interlaced her fingers in his and as they both sat on the couch leaning back, relaxed, Scully smiled to herself and closed her eyes.

Mulder squeezed her hand, "You know, I've heard the worst kind of phony is a phony baloney."

She quietly giggled and knew the only place she was supposed to be was sitting right beside him.

Home.