Title: Coincidences Author: Angel LeeAnn Rating: PG-13 Category: MSR / Angst Keyword(s): Alternate Universe Spoiler(s): Summary: A chance encounter between Agent Mulder and Doctor Scully. Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THEM! Our dear old pal, Chris Carter, is the glorious creator. You can reach me at turmoil04@yahoo.com *~TIMELINE~*: First off, Scully never joined the FBI. However, the events up to the end of the THIRD season have occurred in Mulder's life -- just a little altered since of course Scully isn't his partner. 3 June (Thursday) Streets of Georgetown 12:35AM The roll of thunder was a premonition that the skies were eventually going to break apart and drench the city. However, he ignored the warning and continued his jog around the deserted park. It was chilly for June due to the drizzle that had begun over an hour ago. He zipped his jacket up further, never missing a step. He was rounding a corner of the pond that was nestled securely in the center of the park, when he stumbled over an enormous rock. He went sailing to the cement, his hands reaching out to break his inevitable fall. To his shock, his feet, now twisted underneath "the rock", was being crushed by something soft...and moving. He glanced over his shoulder and barked out a hearty laugh at the woman he had apparently tripped over. She stole a peek at him, her look of irritation melting into a smile. She managed to roll off his feet. He crawled to a stance, bending down to offer the woman a lending hand. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't see you there." She shrugged, pointing down to her tennis shoes. One of them was unlaced. "It's ok, I just bent down to tie my shoe. I guess you couldn't see me in the dark." She brushed strands of her hair behind her ear, releasing a belly laugh. "Besides, it isn't every day a handsome man falls head over heels over me." He chuckled, dipping his head bashfully. He kicked at a pebble, sending it off skittering somewhere into the darkness. "Well, whether you view me attractive or not, I'm still sorry. My mother taught me better than to run over women with my giant feet." She giggled, but not one of those 'valley girl/cheerleader' giggles. Her giggle was deeper and richer; instead of grating on his nerves it was soothing. "And your mother is a very wise woman, but you could have down worse with your first impression." "Yeah, I could have knocked you out." He snapped his fingers in mock regret. "Damn, now the good ideas start flowing." She rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah. What a bummer." She shifted her weight to her left foot...then her right. The comfortable silence began to grow awkward. "Hey, it was great ramming into you. If there is any damage you can bill me." He reached into his sweat pant's pocket to withdraw a business card. "Here, you can have your lawyer give me a call." She grinned, taking the card. "Hey, you're an FBI agent?" She slipped the card into her jacket pocket. "Now what a scandal it would be if I released to the press that you mauled me." He shrugged. "I've had worse charges brought against me." He puckered his lips in thought then announced, "Well, again, I'm sorry. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He waited a momentary second before darting off. She watched him go. His tall figure disappearing into the night. She sighed and headed off to the cafÄ she frequently visited at the corner of Pine and West Sixth. She entered the tiny coffee shop and was instantly assaulted with the bitter smell of lattes, cappuccinos, and expressos. She loved coffee, but she had never quite gotten used to the powerful aroma. She ordered a French Vanilla then slid into a far corner booth where the lights were dimmer. She was the only customer, but that was to be expected so late at night. She wouldn't have minded the solitude if the cashier had stopped eyeing her like a piece of juicy meat. The bell over the door rung and she peered over her mug to see a familiar man: the handsome man who had tripped over her. She caught his eye after he had gotten his drink and waved him over. He approached with stunned awe, his lips curved into a gorgeous smile. "Hey, Stranger, long time no see." He hesitated until she motioned for him to sit opposite of her. He slid into the booth. "I'd have figured you were on your way home since it being so late." She gave a light laugh. "I'm thirty years old...I haven't had a curfew in twelve years." Between sips of French Vanilla, she questioned, "What? You think just because I'm a woman I can't handle the big-bad-world?" "No, no, no," he leaned forward, wrapping his large hands around his steaming cup. "I have no doubt that you could handle yourself. I was only making an innocent statement." She snorted. "Be honest with me. You see a five foot three petite woman alone...your first instinct is to assume I'm a damsel." "Actually, I see a...uh...redhead," 'redhead' was pronounced as though he were questioning the word, "who handles a dangerous situation with a flare of confidence. If I'd bumped into any other woman this late at night, I would be in handcuffs right now. And not for pleasurable purposes." She rolled her eyes heaven word. "Gee, Fox, I don't need to know your sexual preferences." He shook his head in disgust. "Mulder. Call me Mulder. I detest my first name." "Want to know a secret? I would have called you Agent Mulder, but I was unsure how to say your name. I was thinking it could be 'Mole-der' or 'Mule-der' or 'Mu-lder'. I didn't want to appear stupid." He chuckled. "Well, I don't care what you call me as long as it isn't 'Fox'. I mean, what kind of person names their kid that anyway?" "I'll admit it is rare, but I like it." He ducked his head, chuckling softly. She found that she particularly liked the sound. "So, you know my name. It's only fair if you give me yours." "Dana Scully. You are allowed to call me Dana." She flashed him a brilliant smile. "I'm a doctor -- the kind you never want to see." Mulder cringed. "You slice and dice, uh?" "Occasionally, but I'm also an ER doctor. I only do autopsies if there is a shortage of doctors, but a surplus of corpses." She sat back, running her hand over her wrinkling T-shirt. "So, what do you do in the FBI? Are you a paper pusher?" Mulder snorted. "All agents have more paper work than the government will ever know what to do with. Actually, I'm a Special Agent in Charge of my own division. I've got one subordinate -- my partner -- who happens to be my ex-wife." "Wow. That must be fun." "It is. I let her fill out the expense reports in exchange for keeping my snide remarks to myself. It works out." He pulled out a bag from his jacket pocket. "How about your martial status?" He popped a couple of salty seeds into his mouth. "Well, I've never been married. I was engaged once to this guy, Ethan, but it never would have worked out. He wanted a barefoot and pregnant homemaker. That's just not me." She pushed her empty mug to the side. "Don't get me wrong, I would love to have children. I just don't want to be strapped down to the vacuum." "That's understandable. I would leap off a bridge before I would ever stop working. I wouldn't put away my cases for anything." "I doubt that one. Surely when your mom comes to visit you at least *attempt* to be a good host. Everyone has a little weak spot for their mothers." "Yeah, I did. My mother passed away earlier this year from a stroke." He shrugged it off, scraping at an imaginary smudge mark. "It's no big deal, though. Death is just a part of life. Surely you being a doctor know that better than anyone." "It's still hard loosing a loved one. I lost my father a few years ago to a heart attack. I was still grief-stricken even though I understand it completely." She paused to catch her breath before asking, "What about your father?" His expression hardened as his teeth clenched. His eyes turned cold and distant. "He was murdered in his bathroom a two years ago." "Oh, God, I'm so sorry. I know that won't do anything to bring him back, but I do feel for you. Do you have any siblings?" His sour laugh caught her off guard. "Oh, yeah, I have a sibling...somewhere." He stood up, preparing to leave. "If you're done, I'll walk you home. It's past one in the morning and even though I know you could handle yourself, I would feel better if you didn't have to walk alone." "Oh, I don't know. You could be some cracked up weirdo with a history of spousal abuse. Yet, since your wife left you, you've been getting your jollies out of attacking other women." His eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered. "That's actually rare. The abuser may indeed hunt for new prey, but he would get his victim to trust him enough to enter a relationship before swinging away. Abusers usually know that their actions are wrong -- that's why they find a na_ve woman to fall in love with them. It's all about manipulation, power, and control. Besides, I'm divorced, but my wife is still around to beat." "Ok. You can walk me home, smoothie, but remind me never to 'enter a relationship' with you." "Oh, trust me, you'll remember that on your own." He allowed her to proceed ahead of him, his hand going to rest on the small of her back, guiding her. She flinched at first to physical contact, but relaxed as the warmth spread over her. "Oh, you've got self-esteem problems I see." Once outside, he dropped his hand, moving to stand beside her as they strolled down the sidewalk. "No. I'm full of confidence. I waltz right into my bathroom, peer into the mirror, and spill my guts out. You can't say that's not having self-esteem?" Dana lowered her head as she shook it. "God, you think you're a funny boy don't you?" "Hey, I've got you laughing don't I?" "Yes." She titled her head back to stare up at the twinkling tears. "The storm clouds have passed us. Thank God." She pointed heaven ward. "Hey, look, there's the North Star." Mulder reluctantly gazed up into the night sky. "You ever wonder if there is more to it than what we see? Or does it end right there? I know space continues on. I just couldn't say how far. Who knows? Maybe there is an end. Maybe those dim stars way in the back are the last ones." Dana averted her attention from the stars to the mystifying man next to her. She studied his profile carefully. He had handsome features with his strong jaw line, pouting lips, and distinguished nose. Yet, there was a world of sadness etched into the lines of his face. Both their attentions not on the path, Mulder walked straight into a pole; breaking the spell. He stumbled backwards as Dana burst out laughing. "Damn pole, get out of my way!" he joked as he stepped around it. Dana was still giggling as she slowed to a halt in front of a looming apartment building. "Well," she glanced over at the front door, "thanks for walking me home." Mulder bowed. "It was my pleasure, my lady." "Which of these apartments are yours?" "I live in Arlington." "Arlington? That's a half-hour drive away. Why drive all the way over here to jog?" He looked sheepish as he murmured: "I didn't drive. I run from Arlington to Georgetown and back at least three times a week." Her eyebrows shot up in amazement. "Wow. You must be the most in-shape person I've ever met." She dug her keys out of her pocket. "Why don't you come up and call a cab? It's really late and you must be tired." "I have the secret to staying up." "And what's that?" "Insomnia, doctor, I have insomnia. I actually feel more awake during the night than during the day." "That could just mean you're a vampire," she teased, turning and ambling up the four steps to the front door. "Do you believe in vampires, Doctor Scully?" He trotted up behind her. "No. There isn't any concrete proof to indicate anything of the sort." Once inside, she inquired, "Surely you don't believe in vampires, Agent Mulder?" "Vampires, ghosts, UFOs, supernatural phenomenon of all sorts have been documented through out history. Even the ancient civilizations have written about mysterious men coming from the sky. Greeks and Mayans alike have told such stories. And they didn't even know each other existed. So, it is not as though the stories could have gotten around and been collaborated." She stared at him in bewilderment. "You really believe in all of that stuff?" He shrugged. "Yes. I do." "Oh." She trudged up the four flights of stairs in silence. It wasn't until they reached her apartment did she say anything else. "There's a phone in the foyer you can use." He picked up the device and began dialing, but before he could punch it all in, the line went dead. "The storm came back," he commented as a loud crack erupted followed by a flash of light. "Do you have a cell phone?" "Yes, but I took it in for repairs." She headed further into the apartment. "Why don't I make us something to drink. You can try again later. Sit down and make yourself comfortable." Mulder plopped onto the green sofa. He scanned the room and found it to be feminine, but not overly so. It had soft colors and textures, but there was no flower print in sight. Pictures aligned the mantel of the fireplace and the bureau against the far wall. Dana returned with two mugs. Mulder smiled gratefully. "If that's strawberry tea it could be love." He took the offered cup, taking a tentative sip. "Must be fate...it is cherry tea." Dana giggled. "Well, of course. Remember I'm never to date you. You're an abuser looking for another victim. I'm not allowed to fall in love with you." She sat back against the cushion. "Friendship, though, is safe." "So," by the tone of his voice she knew he was switching gears. "You live here all your life?" "No way. My father, William, was a Captain in the Navy. I grew up all over the country because every other year or so he was being transferred. I didn't mind living on navel bases, but during my high school years I hated the constant moving." She cradled her mug, the heat warming her hands. "What about you?" His expression turned distant. "I grew up on Martha's Vineyard." He gulped down half the tea before smiling at her. "So, you're a Navy brat?" "I guess you could say that. However, I think my sister and brothers are the real brats," she said affectionately. "Bill is the oldest so he's always thought that gave him the right to boss the rest of us around. Missy is eleven months older than I am. She's the rebel of the family. Charlie is my younger brother and of course all older siblings find their little siblings a nuisance." She chuckled. "Listen to me just ramble on and on. You mentioned you had a sibling." Mulder lowered his head. "She's not around." "You mean she skipped town?" "If only that were the case." Tears welled up and he held them determinedly. Crying in front of this woman would just be dying of humiliation. "I mean...she's missing. She disappeared twenty-three years ago." "Oh wow. That must be terrible. I can't even imagine." "I believe she's still out there. One of these days I'll find her. And even if she is dead, then at least I'll have that closure." A sharp chirp caused them both to jump. Mulder glanced around confused, but when the noise occurred again, he reached into his jacket and pulled out his cell phone. "Mulder." [They found another body. I thought you might want to look at the crime scene while it's still fresh.] "Where at? What time are they placing the murder?" [Mayor's Woods. Death maybe about two hours ago.] "Who found the body? It's a bit odd for someone to be taking a stroll in the woods at two in the morning." Dana was still reeling with the fact that Mulder had had a phone with him this whole time. He could have called for a cab, but had opted to play the stranded houseguest: not that she minded. [A homeless man who goes by the name of Tilly. Look, I'm already on my way. Are you going to meet me there?] Mulder glanced over at Dana feeling as though he were being torn into two different directions. He needed to be at the crime scene, but he feared that the moment he walked out Dana's door he would never see her again. [Fox?] "Mulder, Diana, call me Mulder. How many times must I..." [God, Fox, save it for someone else. I called you that when we married and it is just habit. Are you coming or not?] "Yes, of course." He snapped his phone shut, getting up from the couch. "I enjoyed your company, but duty calls." "You had the phone the whole time." He's sheepish smile was charming. "Yes. Can you blame a guy for wanting to spend more time with a wonderful woman? It was just my luck that the phone lines went down. It gave me the perfect excuse." Dana blushed at his compliment. "It was nice meeting you, Agent Mulder." "Likewise, Doctor Scully." He hesitated in the hopes she would offer to see him again, but without encouragement he let himself out. June 7 (Monday) Georgetown Memorial 3:35AM The emergency bay doors burst apart as EMTS bolted in with a line of five stretchers. All five bodies were soaked in blood, their faces pallid. The paramedics hollered for assistance as one of the female victims went into cardiac arrest. Doctors and nurses came bounding down the corridor screaming out orders. Dana Scully was the first to reach them and took hold of the first stretcher. "What happened?" One of the paramedics still holding onto the stretcher shook his head. "We got a call about fifteen minutes ago. The dispatcher told us that agents had been shot. Apparently, they were ambushed in a warehouse. Three were already dead when we arrived. These five were barely hanging on." Dana peered down at the bloodstained face of her new patient. "Did you get the names of the agents?" The paramedic picked up a wallet lying on the blanket next to the fallen man. "This one here is Special Agent Fox Mulder with the FBI." Dana gasped, her mind flashing back to the night she was run over by the handsome stranger. She shook herself out of her reverie, pushing the stretcher into an operating room. "You assess how many wounds?" "Two from what we could tell. One went straight through his left shoulder. The another I believe is lodged in his right forearm." "Okay, help me transport him." Together they pulled Mulder from the stretcher to the operating table. "Go find me Doctor Poulson." June 9 (Wednesday) Georgetown Memorial 2:30AM He groaned, his mouth tasting as though he swallowed a pound of sandpaper. He slowly pried open his eyes, squinting even though the light was on the dimmest sitting. He rubbed his tongue over his cracked lips. "You're awake," a gentle voice whispered beside him. "Would you like some water?" "Yeah," he crooked from his dried throat. His wish was granted and he was soon taking small sips from a Styrofoam cup. "Thank...you." "You're most definitely welcome, Agent Mulder." Mulder turned his head slightly to the side, a small smile forming. "Hello...again...Doctor...Scully." He coughed, then winced sharply as stabbing pain shot through his chest. "Try and take it easy, Mulder. You've been unconscious since they brought you in two days ago. You're body needs plenty of rest." Dana slipped some painkillers into his IV. "Why don't you just relax." In three minutes, Mulder was snoring softly. -*-*-*- Dana glanced at her watch and sighed. Finally, her shift was over. She made a few more notes on Mister Goldblum's charts then headed off to the locker rooms. She couldn't wait to get out of her uniform. As much as she loved her job she couldn't stand the standardized suits. She slipped into her jeans and white T-shirt. She didn't bother applying on make-up. She strolled out of the room intent on going home to a nice hot bath, but paused as she passed Radiology. She turned back around, making her way up to the third floor. She didn't even hesitate; just waltz right into his room. To her surprise, the agent was wide awake and watching a paid program for a diet supplement. He glanced her way as she stepped into the room, his face unable to mask his pleasure at seeing her. He motioned to the TV with his head. "They say I can eat pizza everyday and still loose weight. I say all I need is a few days in a hospital and I'll be as thin as a twig." She chuckled softly, plopping down on the chair next to his bed. "You know, we tried contacting your next of kin, but the funny thing is -- you didn't have one listed." "I'm not much one for company when I'm injured." He flicked off the television. "So, doc, I think I'm going to live. When can I spring from this joint?" Her look was incredulous. "What? You were shot -- twice -- two days ago. You won't be permitted to leave for a few days yet. And that's only if everything goes smoothly." He released a frustrated sigh. "Damn." He closed his eyes, flinching at the memory of the warehouse. When he looked back at her, his features were etched from anguish. "How about the others? Did they make it?" Dana swallowed back the lump in her throat. "Three were dead on site. Five of you came in critically wounded; two of which didn't make it." "Oh God," he murmured. "Diana?" His eyes sparked to life and his tone rose with panic. "What about Diana? Diana Fowley? She was at my side when the guns went off. We had no warning. It was a crime scene for the love of god. We were examining the body of the latest victim when the first ray of gunfire erupted. Diana...she was...she was hit in the back. God, please tell me she made it!" Dana bit her lip, her crestfallen eyes unable to look at his pain. "I'm so sorry, Mulder. No one by that name came through here. I can only assume that means she...she was one of the original three who...didn't survive." Then to her horror, he began to sob. His tears burning her heart. "Oh god...no...she wasn't even supposed to be there. She was scheduled to be at a conference in Detroit. I made her miss her flight so she'll stay." Dana leapt to her feet, her hands caressing his face. Wiping away the tears, she soothed, "It's not your fault. There's no way you could have known. No one blames you for anything." As if seeing her for the first time, he snapped out of his sorrow. He tensed under her touch. "I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall apart like that. I just...she was my partner." "Your ex-wife, too, wasn't she?" "Yes." "You still loved her?" He looked away, peering at the wall with great interest. "It was complicated." He sighed. "Thank you for telling me, Dana. I'm glad I found out from you rather than the ten o'clock news." "Your welcome, Mulder." -*-*-*- Dana never got the chance to steal away from the ER to visit him again. One evening after work, she went up to see him but was told he had been released. To her surprise, she found she was disappointed in the thought she would never see him again. FOUR MONTHS LATER October 13 (Friday) Casey's Bar 10:13PM Soft rock and the murmur of conversation filtered through the crowded tavern. In the back room you could hear a drunk getting pissed as he lost yet another round of pool. The lights were -- typically -- dimmed to a few shades shy of being off. A sensual woman sauntered over, gliding into the barstool beside Mulder, her hand straying up his thigh. "Hey, handsome, you look lonely. Would you like company?" He managed to flash the busty brunette a small smile. "I'm not welcoming company tonight." He hissed as her delicate fingers stroked him through his suit pants. Like a teenager experiencing a woman's touch for the first time, he became instantly aroused. "Oh," she cooed. "It feels to me you'll be very welcoming company tonight." She pressed her full lips against his ear. "Come on, sugar. I'll make it worthwhile." He sighed, shifting away from her. He removed her playful hand from his crotch. "Look, you're very beautiful. And I think it's obvious that you're a turn on. However, the only company I want is Vodka with a dash of Scotch." He pecked her on the cheek, then drew back and winked at her. "I know you'll be able to pick up any other man in here, though. So, why don't you go ahead." The stunned prostitute (who was going to sleep with the sexy man for free) slowly brought her hand to where he had kissed her. She was dazed...and utterly charmed. "I...maybe a rain check, then?" "We'll see." He had no intention to sleep with the whore. He never stooped that low. Besides, he was a law enforcement officer. Talk about being a hypocrite. The gorgeous woman slid off the seat. "See you later, handsome." And she disappeared into the crowd leaving Mulder to his drink. "Is this seat taken?" He turned wearily at the sound of a soft female voice. He really didn't want to handle another prostitute. Looking up, he chuckled. "Why, doc, what brings you here?" Dana Scully propped herself onto the stool the whore had just vacated. Ignoring his question, she said, "I saw how you handled that woman. It was charming. Most men would have either taken her offer or brushed her off harshly." She ordered her drink, then turned her attention back to him. "Though the kiss may have been a bit much." "Jealous?" he inquired teasingly. "No," she took a sip of her drink. "You left the hospital without a goodbye, Agent Mulder." "Miss me?" "No way, but all the nurses on the floor did." "Liar," he drummed his fingers on the countertop. "So, what brings you into this neck of the woods? You don't live nor work in D.C." "I was consulting on a case for D.C. Homicide." She scanned him over, but her scrutiny wasn't lustful -- she was in doctor mood. "So, how's everything healing? You're lucky the wounds were clean-cut." "Yeah," he snorted, "lucky." He finished his glass in one fluent toss. "Look, I'm not good company this evening. So, if you don't want a moody ass on your hands then maybe you should..." "Hey, mister, I think I can decide if I want to put up with you or not." She smiled, running her fingers along the rim of her glass. "So, was it a tough day at work?" He looked around, then leaned into her personal space. "You want to blow this joint?" She gazed up into his earnest -- and soulful -- eyes. "Yeah." She gathered up her stuff and followed him out of the door. On the street, she was surprised when he didn't hail a cab, but just started strolling down the sidewalk. She rushed to catch up. "Want to tell me about your adverse day?" He kicked a stone sending it scattering somewhere into the darkness. "Work was actually ok. How about you?" "Fine. So, what has you in a depression chock hold?" He chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Damn you're persistent. This day is always just a shitty day." He smiled sideways at her. "It's my birthday." "Oh, I would say happy birthday, but obviously that will go in one ear and out the other. What do you have against your birthday?" "It's the day that marks when my pitiful life came into existence." He barked out a laugh. "God, isn't it ironic that October thirteenth is my birthday? I was even born on a Friday. And now look at my life. I've lived up to my birthday -- I hunt aliens, Big Foot, and Fluke-men for a living!" He tossed his hands skyward and yelled. "I'm Fox 'Spooky' Mulder!" "Spooky?" By now they had made it to the reflecting pool. Mulder dropped onto the bench. "I'm a key figure in an ongoing government charade. An annoyance to my superiors. A joke to my peers. Whose sister was abducted by aliens when he was a kid. Who now chases little green men with a badge and a gun, shouting to the heavens and anyone who'll listen that the fix is in...That our government's hip to the truth and a part of the conspiracy. That the sky is falling, and when it hits it's gonna be the shit storm of all time." She was speechless. "I...I don't understand. You're sister was...abducted...by aliens? And you think the government is in on it?" He groaned, bending down at the waist. "God, I don't want to drag you into my demented world. Damn me for being drunk. I always ramble off when I'm drunk -- it is one of the reasons why I quit drinking in the first place." She gently placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, but he sharply brushed her off and leapt to his feet. "Damn it," he screamed at her, "get the hell away from me! You don't understand what you're walking into!" She flinched, a sense of fear crawling up from the pit of her stomach. He saw the look of fright peering out from her eyes and he instantly regretted his harshness. He sighed, then whispered. "Look, Dana, I...I admire you. I...like you. It's just that...I'm dangerous. My work is dangerous. My associates are dangerous. My past is dangerous. I just...death follows me around. Everyone in my life dies. I don't want anymore blood on my hands." "I'm not afraid, Fox." She rose to a stance, taking his large hand in her slender one. "Let's go back to my place for some coffee." October 14 (Saturday) Dana's Residence 4:35AM He moaned as the headache dragged him out of slumber. He rubbed at his sore eyes, then stretched. He froze. A weight on his chest brought his eyes flying open and he gasped. He was met be red hair fanning out just underneath his chin. He squeezed his eyes shut to try and force the memories of last night to return. Did they have sex? Yes. He remembered how they had gone to her place but never made it to having coffee. As soon as she had locked the door, he had been behind her, kissing her neck. She had responded quite passionately. Mulder licked his dry lips, groaning at his stupidity. He yelped as her knee rubbed against his crotch. Her naked breasts pressed harder against his side and he groaned with unabashed desire. Still half asleep, she slid her hand up his inner thigh and cupped him. He growled as he sprung to attention, but nearly screamed when she gave it a yank. She slowly descended under the blankets, taking him into her mouth. "Morning, Fox." She licked him and all thoughts of regrets flew out the window. -*-*-*- She wasn't surprised or angry when she awoke at seven o'clock to an empty bed. She curled deeper into her blankets, a smile of content plastered across her face. Then she heard the sound. Dana quietly crawled off the bed, wrapping the sheet around her nude body. She grabbed the lamp from the bedside table, poising it over her head in readiness to smash it over the intruder's head. She clicked open her bedroom door, peered out into the dark hallway, then tiptoed over to the kitchen. She swung around into the room, the weapon slipping from her hand and crashing to the floor. "Fox!" He was clad in only boxers and standing over the stove frying bacon, eggs, and sausage. "Hey, welcome to the land of the living." He piled two plates with the steaming breakfast. "I was afraid I was going to have to wake you. But you made it just in time." "It's seven in the morning," she stated as though that in it self should explain why she had still been sleeping. "It's Saturday." "I know it's Saturday. Otherwise I would have been up at five." He filled the two coffee mugs on the table, then set the plates down beside them. He settled in a chair and picked up his fork. "You going to stand there all morning or are you going to eat?" Dana realized she was still gawking like a fool and mechanically plopped down in the chair opposite of him. "I...I was positive you had gone." He nodded understandingly. "Yeah. I was rather surprised myself that I stayed. I mean...this is...awkward." He shoved some eggs into his mouth. After swallowing, he continued. "I woke up last night and nearly freaked. But then the most amazing thing happened. You woke up." She blushed. "And we had another round under the sheets." "Yeah," his face was flaming red. "It's not because of the sex, though. Its...its...god, I'm not good at this. I don't want to discuss it. If you analyze it then the intrigue disappears. You can't put...this...into scientific standards. It can't be programmed, categorized, or easily referenced. It's mystifying by nature and not meant to be understood in Laymen's Terms." "You have a gift with words. It must help when you're interrogating suspects." She took a tentative sip of her coffee. "I don't want to analyze it either -- yet. However, I am a scientist and I end up analyzing everything. But I don't want to spoil the morning. So, let's switch gears, Mr. Domestic. What *do* you do in the FBI? All you told me was that you have your own division." "It's called the X-files. I investigate conspiracies, aliens, paranormal of any sort." "You said last night that our government knows the 'truth'. What do you mean by that?" He looked at her, shaking his head. "Forget everything I said. Dana, you have no clue how deep and intricate this mess is. It goes way to the top and touches the lives of everyone -- whether they know it or not. I can't...there's no way I could drag into my world." "Yeah, yeah, I know. You told me last night about how it is everything dangerous. But, Fox, I deserve to know the truth. I want the truth. Would you deny me that?" "Deny everything," he muttered. "What?" "Its something an informant of mine once told me about the government. They deny everything. And I've found over the years that it is true. Unless they benefit from it, they'll keep their lips sealed." "Look, I can't believe I'm doing this. It is crazy. It is all crazy, Fox. But...I don't know. I strongly feel that this is where I need to be. I want to help you find the truth. Whatever the hell this truth is." Mulder chuckled, leaning back against his seat. "Have you ever thought about joining the FBI, Dana? I am in need of a new partner." THE END! Thanks for making it the whole way through.