Sanctuary
Athens, Greece
05:48 PM

The rest of the afternoon passed by without Mulder even noticing. He'd been so tired, he forgot all about wanting to see the training arena.

When they arrived, Shura quickly set up the house and left him alone to rest, making sure everything was in place before heading off to the free training session he had planned.

Scully found her partner fast asleep in an armchair in the small living room.

The air inside the house was pleasantly warm, in contrast with the wind outside, already growing chilly as the sun set. She hadn't meant to take so long at the lab, but she'd gotten caught up in conversation with Aiolia and hadn't realized how late it had gotten.

"You took your time."

Scully lowered her gaze. His tone made her feel vaguely guilty, but in truth, she didn't owe him any explanations. They were in a safe environment, after all.

"You were at the lab this whole time?" Mulder pressed.

"Yes."Her reply was neutral.

"A blood draw takeshoursnow?"

"The draw itself was quick. Aiolia's skilled. We discussed the ship and the vaccine, his insights were… compelling."

"Oh."Mulder's jaw tightened at the brightness in her voice."Just remember he's too young, Scully. No investigative training, no methodology–"

"He'sbrilliant, Mulder. They all are. Don't underestimate these people. Not everything fits your theories or FBI protocols."The edge in her voice was sharper than intended.

"That's notyou. Since when do you believe in 'gifted youths'? You're just pissed I talked about your abduction."

Scully's warning glare was her only reply before she retreated to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. Mulder debated following to apologize, but footsteps outside interrupted him. Shura, Mu, and Shaka entered through the terrace.

"Awake already?"Shura grinned."I left him passed out cold."

"Did you rest?"Shaka's question was polite, but his closed eyes and tilted head gave the impression of seeing far more than he let on.

Mulder nodded, the tension between him and Scully still thick in the air.

"What about Agent Scully? Is she resting?"Mu asked, though he'd dropped her at the door minutes ago.

"She's in there."

Mu and Shaka exchanged a glance. Shura broke the silence, hoisting a grocery bag.

"Well, I brought a few things you might need. This house's pantry is half-empty – I'm the only one who uses it. Come with me to the kitchen, Mulder? I'll show you how everything works"

Mulder followed Shura into the small kitchen without a word. Mu frowned at the bedroom door.

"Feel that tension?"Shaka murmured.

"Strange, isn't it? Her Cosmo's faint, but… I think she's upset."

"They argued."Shaka sighed.

"Why?"Mu's curiosity was piqued; Shaka's patience, not so much.

–He worries too much about others, Shaka thought, suppressing an eye roll. Aloud, he said,"I'll talk to her. If it's nothing, we'll know."

xXx

Shaka knocked softly on the bedroom door – three precise taps – then entered without waiting for a reply. Scully sat on the bed, her loneliness palpable even without his sixth sense. He settled beside her in silence.

Her confusion at his presence melted into wariness. What could this golden-haired enigma want? But his stillness was disarming.

"You fought. He said things that disappointed you."Shaka's voice was the same gentle cadence he used to unnerve opponents.

Scully could he know?The boy's closed eyes and serene smile unsettled her further. It was as if he couldseeher – the anger, the hurt, the things she couldn't name.

"Don't worry, I'd never expose whatever it is that makes you uncomfortable."Shaka's smile deepened."Mu sensed the tension. He thinks you and your partner should stay apart while here. Know why?"A pause."Mu hates conflict."

Scully's lips twitched despite herself. Thesewereextraordinary young men. If she'd doubted before, the proof sat beside her, smiling like a mischievous angel.

Seizing the opening, Shaka continued:"So, no need to separate you two?"

"No. We'll work it out."Her voice lacked conviction.

"Does this happen often? Your… disagreements?"

Under normal circumstances, Scully would've shut down the prying. But Shaka's disarming presence and lack of judgment made her answer.

"Mulder and I are opposites. Clashing opinions are… routine."

Shaka tilted his head, as if listening to something beyond words. Up close, she intrigued him – a woman of steel and shadows. Such a reserved woman, yet full of internal conflict.

"But do all your arguments leave you this sad?"

Scully didn't know how to answer. Not all disagreements with her partner left her like this but some things, when said harshly, did hurt. Even on good days.

"Listen,"Shaka said, rising."People often speak to beheard – for better or worse. If your friend said something that hurt you, of course you should tell him. But it's also very likely that he said it just to make sure you saw him. So when he comes to apologize... forgive him, alright?"His tone was eerily familiar, as if he'd known them for years."Or we'll have to separate you."

Scully laughed – a real, surprised sound – and Shaka joined her. He'd grown fond of this American, he realized.

With a small smile, he walked to the door.

"Shaka..." She called.

He turned back.

"I always forgive him. Every time."

TO BE CONTINUED…