After weeks of regular consultations, Scully had grown accustomed to Mulder's sudden visits and phone calls to discuss his case. But when several days passed without a word from him, she found herself wondering what had happened.

By mid-morning on the third day, Scully decided to call. The line rang twice before Mulder picked up.

"Mulder."

"It's Dana Scully," she said briskly. "I haven't heard from you in a few days and wondered if everything was alright. Did something happen with the case?"

"Oh, no—it's all good," Mulder replied, sounding slightly distracted but upbeat. "Sorry I didn't call sooner. We apprehended the suspect two days ago. I've just been buried in paperwork since."

Scully sat back in her chair, feeling an odd mix of relief and disappointment. "I see. Well, congratulations. I'm glad it's resolved."

"I couldn't have done it without your input," Mulder said sincerely. "You saved me a lot of time."

"It's what I'm here for," she said, keeping her tone professional.

There was a pause on the line, just long enough for Scully to feel the absence of the usual banter they shared.

"Well," Mulder said, breaking the silence, "thanks again for all your help. I'll let you get back to your day."

"Of course," Scully said, straightening slightly. "Good luck with the reports."

"You too," he said, and the call ended.

Scully stared at the phone for a moment longer than necessary, the quiet of the room settling in. It was strange not having his voice or presence to disrupt her routine. Shaking off the thought, she returned to her work, though a small part of her wondered if that would be the last time she'd hear from him.

Supervising Agent Regis had been listening with mild amusement as Mulder laid out the latest developments in their latest case. As usual, Mulder couldn't help referencing insights from his go-to expert.

"Dr. Scully said this," Mulder remarked, gesturing toward a report, "and Dr. Scully suggested that the cause of death might be linked to—"

Regis cut him off, raising an eyebrow. "Dr. Scully, Dr. Scully… You're really putting a lot of weight on this Dr. Scully's opinions, Mulder. If he's as sharp as you say, maybe we should go meet him ourselves. He sounds like one hell of a pathologist."

Mulder hesitated for a beat, almost correcting the assumption, but then shrugged. "You won't regret it. She's the best in the field."

Regis nodded, not catching the emphasis. "Let's go. I'd like to see what kind of brainpower we're working with here."

A short while later, Mulder, Regis, and two other agents entered the sterile but meticulously organized office of Dr. Dana Scully. She looked up from her work, a little surprised at the sudden entourage, but her professional demeanor didn't falter.

Regis glanced around the office, his expression briefly flickering with confusion before it reset. "Dr. Scully?" he asked, clearly not expecting the petite, red-haired woman who stood to greet them.

"That's me," Scully replied, her handshake firm and confident as she met Regis's slightly stunned gaze.

Regis shot Mulder a sidelong glance that screamed Really? before recovering with a polite smile. "Dr. Scully, it's a pleasure to meet you. You come highly recommended by…" He gestured vaguely toward Mulder. "…our one and only Spooky Mulder."

Scully quirked an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement as she glanced at Mulder, who looked faintly exasperated.

Regis pressed on, clearly trying to make up for his initial assumption. "We were hoping to pick your brains on a case. Mulder here seems to think you've got all the answers."

"I'll do my best," Scully said, her tone dry but professional. "What can I help you with?"

As the team settled in, Mulder lingered by the door, his arms crossed. Regis might have been blindsided, but Mulder knew exactly what he was doing when he brought them here. If anyone could leave an impression, it was Scully.

As they exited Scully's office, Supervising Agent Regis fell into step beside Mulder, trailing a few steps behind the other two agents. The older man gave Mulder a pointed look, his expression hovering somewhere between amused and incredulous.

"You didn't mention that Dr. Scully is a woman," Regis began, glancing over his shoulder to make sure they were out of earshot. Then, with a smirk, he added, "And a really hot one on top of that."

Mulder didn't miss a beat. "Really? I didn't notice."

Regis snorted. "What? That she's a woman or that she's hot?"

Mulder shot him a sidelong glance, his voice calm but firm. "I did notice she's beautiful—and kind and patient. And, to use your words, 'one hell of a pathologist.'"

Regis chuckled, shaking his head. "Are you smitten, Spooky?"

Mulder stopped walking and turned to face Regis, his tone carrying just a hint of dry humor. "By the way, she never calls me Spooky."

Regis raised an eyebrow, grinning. "So you must've been on your best behavior around her."

Mulder smirked but didn't respond.

The older man softened his tone, placing a hand on Mulder's shoulder. "Listen, son, if I were you, I'd try to ask her out. You never know. If you get along in private as well as you got along in that impromptu meeting…" He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable, and waved vaguely. "Well, you know what I mean. Don't make me say unmanly stuff in the boys' club."

Mulder let out a low chuckle, his mind briefly flashing to Scully—her composed professionalism, the glint of humor in her eyes, and the quiet weight of her personal life that he suspected but didn't fully know. "You'll have to leave that to me."

Regis gave him a knowing look, clapping him on the shoulder before walking ahead to join the others. Mulder lingered for a moment, lost in thought, before following.