Fletcher 2: Rollercoaster by Dana Starbuck

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From: "starbuck22" <jbowne@top.monad.net>

TITLE: Fletcher 2: Rollercoaster
AUTHOR: Dana Starbuck
FEEDBACK: dks_starbuck@yahoo.com
DISTRIBUTION: Archive only to ScullySlash Homepage
CROSSPOSTING: None please!
KEYWORDS: Slash, Scully/Other romance, Mulder/Other Friendship, Silence Of The Lambs Crossover (sort of)
SPOILERS: Minor all the way up to the end of Season Five.
RATING: NC17 for sex and language
SUMMARY: Scully's relationship with Fletcher continues
DISCLAIMER: The X-Files characters and situations are the creations and property of Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and the Fox Broadcasting and have been used without permission. SOTL characters are the property of Thomas Harris and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended and no money shall be made with this piece of fiction. All the others belong to the author.
MUSIC DISCLAIMERS: The following songs (briefly) have been used without permission: "Turn Me Loose", "I Need a Lover", "Just A Gigolo", "Goodbye Stranger", "I'm a Girl Watcher", "Hello, I Love You", "Stay With Me", "The Wanderer", "Shameless"
THANK YOU: Special thanks to Rad and Eeyore for beta-reading. And a _really_ big thank you to my 'separated at birth cyberbro' deejay for his editing, ideas and friendship.
THANK YOU: Special thanks to Selena for beta-reading. And a _really_ big thank you to my 'separated at birth cyberbro' deejay for his editing, ideas and friendship.
Thank yous: Thanks to Athos & Selena for stepping in and "pitch hitting" when I 'lost' 2 beta readers. They seem to joined the starting lineup. And a special thank you to deejay, who's done more than his share of hand-holding, and not just over the beta reads. He's worked his way from the bullpen to the starting lineup, and now he's number one in the rotation. (Sorry, I'm a baseball fan, folks <G>)
THANKS: Once again, big thanks to Athos, Selena & Rad (welcome back, Rad). Your help, feedback, patience and friendship is greatly appreciated. I can't do it without you. And a special thanks to my cyberbro deejay. Words can't express my thanks and gratitude.

<<Chapter 1>>

Friday, November 6, 1998 9:15 PM PST Seattle-Tacoma Airport

Fletcher looked up at the monitor displaying all of the departures. <Damnit, they're all cancelled. Oh, fuck. What a perfect fucking ending to a perfectly miserable week.> She hooked the strap of her bag over her shoulder and stood in line. <What a lousy day. I swear if I heard one more word about that fucking Green River Killer, I was going to go Postal.> She shifted the bag on her shoulder. <It'll never be solved. Better minds than mine have had a crack at it. Build a bridge and get over it, guys.>

"Can I help you?" a perky voice interrupted Fletcher's thoughts.

Fletcher looked up and to see a statuesque blonde woman standing behind the counter. She had a perky smile to match the voice. <Terrific,> Fletcher sighed. <I've got 'Barbie the Ticket Agent' waiting on me.> "Yes, thanks. I need to get on the next flight available to Washington, D.C."

"All flights in and out tonight are cancelled or delayed by the fog."

<No shit, Nancy Drew. I can read the board.> "Are they expecting it to lift any time soon?"

"Hopefully by dawn."

"When's the first flight in the morning?" Fletcher asked, handing the agent her no longer valid ticket.

"Which airport?"

"Dulles."

The agent checked her computer terminal. "I've got a 6:00 flight through Denver. The connecting flight should put you in to Dulles about 3:45."

<Damn.> She looked at her watch. <Too late for a motel. That's just great. Sleeping in an airport. Wonderful.> Her calm demeanor belied her irritation. "Book me a seat on it, please."

"Certainly. May I see some identification, please?"

Fletcher took out her FBI badge and flashed it. The woman gawked at it for a moment, but she quickly recovered her composure. "Thank you."

"Can you upgrade my seat to first-class on both flights?"

"Let me check." She scanned her computer. "I can get you a window seat to Denver, then an aisle seat the rest of the way."

"Fine, thanks." <You can put me in the cargo hold if it'll get me home.> "I'll pay for the upgrade separately," Fletcher said, handing the agent her credit card.

She finished the paperwork, then handed Fletcher her new ticket.

"All set. Thank you."

"Thank _you_," Fletcher said. "Let's just hope the fog lifts."

She stuffed the ticket into the inner pocket of her trench coat and walked away in search of a place to sit down. She looked at her watch. <Too late to call Scully. I'll call her before I leave.>

Saturday, November 6, 1998 5:15 AM PST

Fletcher shut off her laptop and stretched. She looked out the window and saw the rain reflecting off the lights. <Rain. What a surprise in Seattle.> Any other time, the downpour would have been depressing, but the rain had knocked down the fog, causing a flurry of departure announcements. Fletcher's fellow strandees were yawning and stretching. Some of them were starting to mill around the gate entrance. Even a middle seat in Tourist would be more comfortable than the homicidally-designed plastic chairs they'd tried to sleep in. Fletcher looked at her watch and grabbed her cell phone. <They'll be loading soon. Better call while I have the chance.> The phone rang once, twice. 

"Scully," she said, trying to suppress a yawn.

Fletcher closed her eyes and smiled. "Good morning, sleepyhead. It's me."

"Where _are_ you?"

"Stuck and sleepless in Seattle. All the flights were fogged in last night. The fog's finally lifted and I'm on the 6:00 AM flight out. I should be landing about 3:45." She stretched her legs out in front of her. "Listen, I need a favor from you."

"What?"

"Can you go out to the house and meet Marva and Karrin?"

"Sure, but I don't have a key or the new security code."

"I'll call the company and have someone meet you there. They'll let you in and instruct you on the procedures."

"Okay. What time do I need to be there?"

"Noon okay for you? Karrin and Marva are coming over about 1:00."

"I'll be there."

"Thanks." She yawned once. "I was going to fix spaghetti. Just take out one of the containers in the freezer. I'll make it when I get there. You may have to pick up some salad fixings. I know they're bringing cheese and crackers and who knows what else."

"I'll take care of it."

"Thanks," Fletcher said, reaching up under her glasses to rub her eyes.

"Did you get any sleep last night?"

"In these chairs? Not fucking likely."

"Oh, Fletcher..."

"The night wasn't a total loss. I used the time to get my reports all caught up. Now I won't have to worry about them over the weekend." <What's left of it.> "I'll sleep on my flight."

"You sound wiped out."

"I'm exhausted." <And I miss you, Red. I miss you bad. I can't wait to get home and get into your arms,> Fletcher thought.

"Try not to get overtired, Fletcher."

"Yes, doctor," Fletcher said, smiling.

"I miss you," Scully said after a short silence.

"I miss you, too, Red." She looked over both shoulders to see if anyone was sitting near her. Even though no one was, she hunched over and lowered her voice. "I've missed waking up next to you, missed falling asleep with you, and I've especially missed keeping you up at night."

"I kept hoping you'd be here when I woke up."

There was no mistaking the longing in Scully's voice. <Damn, sounds like she was missing me as much as I was missing her.> Fletcher grinned. "I had every intention of crawling into bed with you..." She looked at her watch. "...just about now, as a matter of fact."

"It's been really hard being apart this week. The days - and nights - have just dragged for me."

"I know, and it's not going to get any better," she sighed. "Sometimes, I really hate my job. I don't mind traveling when I'm on an actual case, but this hopping from city to city for pep talks is the pits."

<She _really_ sounds cranky, and with good reason> Scully thought. "Try to get some sleep on the plane."

"Yeah, I will." She looked up and saw the gate agents. "Gotta go, Red. They're getting ready to begin boarding and I still have to call the security company."

Saturday, 1:10 PM EST Fletcher's house

Following the instructions the security company had given her, Scully opened the gate for Marva and Karrin. She waited until they had parked in the driveway before going outside to greet them. A woman with short blond hair got out from driver's side of the dark blue Saab. <Finally, someone my height,> Scully thought as she saw how short the woman was.

Marva came out the passenger side with a smile and a warm wave. "Dr. Frankenstein, I presume."

Scully rolled her eyes, thinking about Frohike. "Hi, Marva."

"Fletcher slaving over a hot stove?" she asked, reaching into the back seat.

"Not unless there's a kitchen in the airplane. She got fogged in last night in Seattle," Scully explained, taking the grocery bag from Marva. "She's somewhere in the air between Denver and D.C. right now."

<Dana's here alone? Now that's interesting,> Marva thought. "Tough break for her. When will she be here?"

"Around 5:00 or so."

Marva slung the strap of her bag over her shoulder, then put her arm around the blonde. "Dana, I'd like you to meet my partner, Karrin Gundersson. Karrin, this is Dana Scully."

Scully shifted the grocery bag to her left arm and stuck out her right hand. "Pleased to meet you."

"How do you do?" Karrin said, shaking her hand.

Karrin was blonde haired and blue-eyed and looked like she'd just stepped off a farm in the Midwest. She was wearing jeans and an oversized sweatshirt with "DUKE" emblazoned across the front. <She's got that fresh, well-scrubbed All-American look,> Scully thought as she led the way into the house.

Scully set the grocery bag down on the counter and asked, "Have you had lunch yet?"

"We had a late breakfast, but _I_ could use a snack," Marva smiled.

Scully nodded. "Any preference?"

"Whatever goes well with Fletcher's wine collection."

"I'll put the bags in the guest room," Karrin said, taking Marva's bag off her shoulder. "Don't start without me."

Marva's grin got even wider. "Never."

Karrin took the bags upstairs while Marva went down to Fletcher's wine cellar. <They seem to know their way around Fletcher's house pretty well,> Scully thought searching through several cabinets before she located the wineglasses. She had made up a plate of cheese and crackers when Karrin came into the kitchen, about the same time Marva returned with two bottles of wine, one white, one red, both dusty.

"Fletcher has the best wine," Karrin commented. "Do you know if she's still making the trip to Europe to get some of her wine?" she asked, sitting down at the kitchen table.

"I didn't know she did," Scully answered.

"I don't believe she's gone in the last couple of years," Marva replied. "She'd better go soon. Her supply is getting low."

"If you'd stop opening a bottle every time you came over..." Karrin playfully scolded Marva.

"We don't come over all that often. Just a few times a year."

"And every time Fletcher comes over, she brings at least two bottles."

"So we like good wine," Marva rationalized, sitting down beside Karrin and picking up a piece of cheese.

Scully smiled, listening to the two of them. <Such a contrast, tall and dark, and short and blonde. I wonder what kind of couple Fletcher and I make, what _we_ look like next to each other?> She sat down opposite Marva.

"Have you known Fletcher long?" Scully asked, sipping her wine. <Karrin's right. Fletcher does have good wine.>

"Years," Marva laughed. "We go _way_ back."

"How did you meet her?" Scully asked, curious to hear Marva's version.

"Fletcher was working a case and someone, I never did find out who, pointed her in my direction. She needed a crash course in makeup and costumes."

"When was that?"

"Oh, gosh, how many years ago was it?" Marva thought for a few moments. "It was before Fletcher went overseas."

"When did Fletcher go overseas?"

"She was called up on active duty for the Gulf War. I guess we met the spring before that - 1990." Marva smiled. "She was something else back then," she added, refilling everyone's glass.

"What do you mean?"

"Ever seen Fletcher interview someone?"

"No, we've never worked together. Not yet, anyway," she added.

"It's an experience," Marva laughed. "She must be very good at her job. She kept me off balance the whole time. And those eyes of hers. You can't lie to her, not that I was trying to."

"How'd you become friends?"

"She spent the whole day interviewing me, even bought me lunch. The next day she came back around closing time."

"What happened?"

"Well, I asked her if she had any more questions, and she said 'Just one'."

"What was it?" Scully asked, curious.

"'Would you like to have dinner with me?'" Marva grinned. "Smooth. I'll give her that. It was the last thing I expected from her. I mean, I thought she was a lesbian from the first moment we met, but I didn't think she knew I was. Then again, I'm sure _my_ sexual orientation wouldn't have mattered to Fletcher," Marva laughed.

"Did you have dinner with her?"

"Yes." Marva saw the unasked question on Scully's face. "And yes, we did sleep together. We were involved for a few months, but it just didn't work for us. She had the most insane schedule, and I needed someone I could count on back then. I'm also a firm believer in monogamy, and Fletcher, well, Fletcher wasn't quite ready to settle down with just one woman." Marva took a sip from her glass. "Besides, there was a lot of darkness to Fletcher then. She was far too moody for my liking. We decided we'd be better off friends than lovers."

"Was that before or after she was involved with Clarice Starling?"

"Before." Marva looked over the top of her glass at Scully. "You know about Clarice?" 

"A little. I know she and Fletcher were involved and I'm guessing that the parting wasn't altogether amicable."

"You're a very good guesser," Marva said dryly.

"How long were they together?" Scully asked Marva.

"Two, maybe two and half years."

"Did you know Clarice?"

"We both did. Fletcher got together with her about the same time Karrin and I did. We socialized on occasions," Marva said casually, but she was still unable to hide the look on her face that bordered on animosity.

"Now, honey, it wasn't that bad," Karrin said lightly, her hand on Marva's arm. "I think you were just a little jealous that Fletcher became involved with Clarice and she hadn't with you."

"Maybe, but I just always had problems seeing the two of them together. They weren't really right for each other." She took a drink from her glass. "Maybe it was all physical," she muttered to no one in particular. "Maybe they just had great sex."

"I liked her," Karrin said. "Granted, she was a little too intense, a little too serious at times, but she was a decent, kind person. Intelligent with a very dry sense of humor..."

"She had a sense of humor?" Marva interrupted.

Karrin ignored Marva's comment. "She and Fletcher obviously cared about one another. They just ended up being not very compatible."

"What happened?"

"They had a falling out," Karrin said, her eyes warning Marva to keep quiet. "I think you'd be better off asking Fletcher the whole story."

"She's not very talkative when it comes to Clarice."

"She'll tell you when she's ready."

Marva topped their glasses off once again, then got up from the table to get more cheese and crackers.

"How did you meet?" Karrin asked Scully, changing the topic. "Fletcher never did tell us."

"I went for drinks after work with my partner. He introduced us."

"Who's your partner?" Marva asked, setting the plate on the table.

"One of Fletcher's old friends from ISU - Fox Mulder."

"Fox Mulder's your partner? I should've known that," Marva said, rolling her eyes in mild self-disgust. "I knew the Halloween costume was for him. I just never put it together."

"You know him?" Scully was surprised.

"Oh, I've known him almost as long as I've known Fletcher. You can't know one without knowing the other. The two of them are as close as brothers." Marva sat back down. "Enough about him. When did you meet Fletcher?"

"A couple of months ago."

"And it was love at first sight, huh?" Marva teased.

"Hardly," Scully replied, her cheeks pink. "I'm afraid I didn't make a very good first impression." She looked down at her glass, her embarrassment over her actions that night still all too acute in her mind.

"Why do you say that?"

"I drank on an empty stomach and ended up too drunk to drive."

"Did Fletcher drive you home?" Marva asked, knowing how Fletcher operated.

"Yes." Scully looked up. "Why?" Marva smiled at Scully. It took her a few moments, but Scully finally realized the implications in Marva's look. "Oh, she didn't stay," Scully explained. "Nothing happened."

"Nothing?" Marva raised her eyebrows in surprise. "I find _that_ hard to believe."

"Really. Nothing _happened_ between us for quite some time."

"Fletcher must be slipping," Karrin laughed.

"Why do you say that? I was so drunk that I got sick. Besides, Mulder's my partner, my friend. Fletcher would've respected that."

"Don't get me wrong, Dana," Marva explained. "I love Fletcher. She's one of my best friends, but I _know_ her. I also know that most of the time _none_ of that matters to her."

"I keep hearing all these hints about Fletcher's reputation and so far, I've seen no evidence of it with me," Scully said almost defensively. "She was always very, um, very 'well-behaved' with me."

"Can I ask you a question, Dana?"

"Sure," she responded warily.

"How long did you know Fletcher before she made a move on you?"

"She didn't."

"Excuse me? Didn't what?"

"She never made the first move. I did, and it was only after we'd known each other for a month or so."

<You are just _full_ of surprises, Dana Scully,> Marva marveled. <My opinion of you just keeps getting better and better.>

Karrin opened the second bottle of wine and poured them each another glass of wine. <Good thing we're planning on staying. At the rate we're going...> She shook her head.

Scully nodded her thanks to Karrin. "How did you two meet, if you don't mind my asking. I'm just a little curious. I can't see your work bringing you together," Scully said with a smile.

"Well, it did, sort of," Karrin said, a big smile on her face.

"My sister and my niece were visiting from Baltimore when my niece had a severe asthma attack. I had to drive them to the hospital. Karrin was the doctor who treated Felicia."

"I was doing my ER residency at the time. It wasn't until I completed it that I decided that I really wanted to be in pediatrics," Karrin explained.

"I didn't notice Karrin at first. I was more concerned with my niece. It wasn't until the crisis passed that I happened to notice how attractive she was and how good she'd been with us." She smiled at Karrin and took her hand. "Little did I know how multi-talented she was," Marva laughed.

"While I treated her niece, I was also sort of checking Marva out. It wasn't something I normally did. I don't think I'd ever even looked twice at a patient or a family member of a patient before or since."

"How'd you get together?"

"Well, I made a point of personally thanking Karrin before we left the hospital."

"And she asked me if there was anything she could do to thank me."

"She surprised the heck out of me when she said there was."

"I told her she could by having dinner with me."

"What is it that makes these women I don't even know ask me to dinner? Do I look that easy?" Marva said, a wide smile on her face.

"It's one of your best features, hon," Karrin said. Her smile wasn't wide, but it was sly.

"Smartass." Marva squeezed Karrin's hand and kissed her cheek.

"How long have you been together?" Scully asked.

"We just had our seventh anniversary in September."

The smile on their faces said it all. Scully couldn't help but smile at the warmth and love that Marva and Karrin had for one another. Scully suddenly thought.

"Can I ask you a question?" Scully asked.

"Sure," replied Marva, noticing the slightly nervous tone in Scully's voice.

"How do your families feel about your relationship?"

There was no missing the dark cloud that passed over Karrin's face. <Uh oh,> Scully thought. <Maybe I shouldn't have asked.>

"I'll put it this way," Karrin answered. "Marva, out of all the major holidays since we've been together, how many times have I gone home?"

"Of the ten you didn't have to work on, one."

"My supposedly liberal family turned out to be just awful," Karrin said, disgusted. "I don't know what angers them more, the fact that I chose to stay here in D.C., that I'm involved with a woman, or that I'm involved with a black." She finished off her glass of wine.

"Was Marva the first woman you were involved with?" Scully asked, surprised that she'd even asked such a personal question.

"No, but she was the first my family knew about for sure. I brought her home with me for Thanksgiving the first year we were together."

"It didn't go over very well," Marva added. "They were very civil, very polite to me, but it was clear they were less than thrilled to have me there."

"Which is why we - I - haven't been home since."

"Do you have any contact with them?" Scully asked, beginning to wonder how her own family would handle her relationship with Fletcher.

"Christmas cards, birthday cards. That's about it. My younger sister calls on occasion. She's even stayed with us when she's been in town on business, without my parents' knowledge of course."

"Anna's a gem," Marva said. "I like her a lot. She's always been very supportive of us."

"How many brothers and sisters do you have?" Scully asked.

"Two older brothers, one older sister and one younger sister."

"How about your family?" Scully asked Marva.

"They love Karrin. We don't just go to visit my family on holidays. We probably visit someone in my family once a month. It helps that they all live in and around D.C. or Baltimore." Marva looked carefully at Scully. "Does your family know, Dana?"

"About Fletcher?"

"Yes."

"No, they don't."

"How do you feel about another personal question, Dana?" Marva said gently.

"Okay, I guess," Scully replied, trying not to sound nervous. 

"Is Fletcher the first woman you've ever been involved with?"

"Yes," Scully answered, her cheeks growing warm.

"I thought so."

"How could you tell?"

"Call it woman's intuition," Marva smiled. "Are you planning on telling your family?"

"I hadn't really thought about it, until now. I have a feeling that they might be more inclined to act like Karrin's family than your family. I had a _very_ Catholic upbringing."

"Well, it might go over a little easier if they meet Fletcher first as your friend, and not as your lover," Karrin suggested.

<My _lover_> Scully thought. <Is that what Fletcher is now - my lover?> She took a large swallow from her glass. 

"Enough of this serious talk," Marva said, interrupting Scully's thoughts. "I've got an idea."

"Oh, no, watch out, Dana," Karrin warned.

"Nothing bad," Marva said, a mock frown on her face. "I was going to suggest we make up some nachos and frozen margaritas. Let's get this party moving."

"Should we?"

"Why not? You two get the ingredients together and I'll go put some music on - and no requests. I'm playing DJ tonight."

"Better make a _big_ plate of nachos," Karrin said as she took out the blender and the tequila. "We'll need something to soak up Marva's Margarita's from Hell," she added. The house was soon full of music. Karrin grinned. <Motown. Marva's definitely in the mood to party.>

Scully opened the refrigerator and rummaged through the drawers and shelves before taking out several bags of cheese. She held up a jar that appeared to be salsa. It was marked 'Slap my ass and call me Sally.'

"Do you think this is salsa?" she asked Karrin.

"Oooh, goody. Fletcher's got some left. Do you like hot food?"

"Yes, why?"

"This stuff is dynamite. It'll bring you to your knees."

"Bring _who_ to their knees?" Marva asked returning to the room. "We don't know Dana well enough to be talking dirty in front of her," she cracked.

"Check this out," Karrin said, tossing the jar to Marva.

"Oh, this is great. I didn't know she had any left."

"She's been holding out on us. It hasn't even been opened."

"Maybe we shouldn't," Scully said.

"Bullshit. Everything in the refrigerator or liquor cabinet is fair game when we're here. Well, almost everything," Marva added, opening up the liquor cabinet. "Let's see what Fletcher's got before I decide which recipe to fix." She moved a few bottles around then took out a bottle of lime juice and orange liqueur. "This should work. Dana, would you fill the blender about half full with ice? Thanks."

Scully opened the freezer door and began to put ice into the blender. She noticed a small compartment in the freezer. <What's this?> she thought as she opened it. Three bottles were lying on their sides. Karrin looked over Scully's shoulder.

"Fletcher's vodka," she explained. "She's always got three bottles of Stoli in the freezer. She's very particular about her vodka - likes it very cold. It's the only thing we _don't_ touch."

End Chapter 1 of ?

<<Chapter 2>>

Saturday, 4:15 PM

"And when my soul was in the lost and found... Aah-oop! You came along to claim it," Marva sang as she finished mixing a second blender of margaritas. Scully recognized the song as the one that she and Fletcher had danced to the week before. <Is that possible? Was it only last week we were at the Halloween Party? It seems like it was weeks ago.> She frowned to herself. <It just seems like weeks because I haven't seen Fletcher since early Tuesday morning.>

"Dana, do you have access to the Internet here?" Marva asked.

"I have my laptop. I'm sure I'd have no problem. Why?"

"I've just _got_ to see if you two are compatible, astrologically speaking."

"Marva's on a new kick ever since she found out we were a good match," Karrin explained.

"Can we try it?" Marva asked again.

"Sure. Let me get my laptop. It's in Fletcher's bedroom."

Marva turned to Karrin as soon as she heard Scully go up the stairs. She raised one eyebrow. "Well?"

"I hope Fletcher knows how lucky she is," Karrin replied.

"I'm surprised she hasn't told us more about Dana."

"Since when has Fletcher told us anything about the women she's seeing?" A sarcastic smile briefly crossed her mouth. "We're lucky if she tells us the names before they're history."

"I wouldn't classify Dana with the others. I think there's something special about her. Think about it. When was the last time we ever met _any_ of Fletcher's women here?"

"Gosh, I don't know."

"We haven't; not since Clarice. And another thing, has she ever trusted anyone at the house alone besides Clarice or Fox or us?"

"No."

They heard Scully come back down the stairs and quickly shut their mouths.

"Where should I hook it up?"

"There's a phone line right here," Karrin said from by the kitchen table.

Scully quickly setup her computer on the kitchen table. Once she was connected, Marva sat beside her. "May I?" she asked Scully.

"Be my guest."

"Now, what's your sign?" she asked, logging into one of the websites after searching for a few minutes.

"Pisces."

"And Fletcher's a Scorpio," Marva added.

"She is?" Scully asked.

"Don't you know when her birthday is?"

"No. It never came up," Scully explained, mildly embarrassed.

"Her birthday's in less than two weeks - the eighteenth."

"Oh, great, that won't give me much time."

"We'll have you over for it," Karrin offered.

"She'll be out of town. She'll be out of town pretty much the whole month," Scully sighed.

Marva began to laugh evilly. Karrin and Scully both looked at her, curious.

"What did you find?"

"I sure do hope you've got a lot of stamina, Dana."

"What do you mean?"

"To start with, a Pisces-Scorpio match is 'a highly sexual union.'" Marva looked up. "Is that true, Dana?" Scully remained quiet, her face flushing a deep red. "Wait. There's more. 'You love to be possessed and cared for with the deep warm affection that the Scorpio provides. Truly a match made in heaven.'" Marva couldn't help but laugh at her glowing complexion. "Wait, there's more. For Scorpio-Pisces, 'probably the most erotic combination. The fish is willing to be a part of your whims and desires and that makes for a lasting union.'" Marva moved to another screen. "This is so perfect. Listen to this description of the Scorpio Male."

"Marva, Fletcher's a woman," Karrin protested.

"Fuck that. She's more masculine than feminine. Besides, this seems to fit her. Listen. 'When it comes to lovemaking you are capable of attaining the highest level of passion. You are persuasive and will not admit defeat once you have your mind fixed on a particular female. You prefer to control your mates' emotions. Like everything else, you always give one hundred percent and of course expect the same in return. To you, sex is a competitive game, and revenge and jealousy are two of your characteristics that will surface if you aren't winning.' If that isn't Fletcher to a tee..." Marva cackled.

"What does it say about the Pisces Female?" Karrin asked.

Scully rolled her eyes. 

"Just a sec. Okay. 'You are feminine, intuitive, responsive and sensual. You are drawn to the creative or the occult.'". Scully smirked and thought <well, that's certainly true, though not always by choice>. "'You are empathetic to those who have problems and therefore often get used. You are a great one for fantasizing and in fact acting out your desires. Your biggest problem it that you tend to pick the wrong mate, resulting in the need to have extra-marital affairs.' Oh, that's not a good idea with a jealous Scorpio for a lover," Marva counseled. "'You are prone to tears and extremely good at using emotional blackmail.'"

"I really don't believe in any of that," Scully said with a smile. "I wouldn't necessarily say it's completely accurate." She added, "for me, anyway."

"Well, you really should have a better idea of what you're getting yourself into, Dana," Marva said, returning to the first site she'd seen. "Here. I'll just read you the highlights - or the lowlights, depending on your opinion. These are all for Scorpio. 'Ruling the House of Sex can either be a blessing or a curse, and a lot depends on how the wily Scorpion deals with this erotic burden... are quick to channel their raw energy, power and strength into an exploration of their lover's emotions and sexuality... Anyone willing to take on the Scorpion will be engaging a cosmic power with plentiful sexual urges... an aura which says try me if you dare.'" Marva giggled. "Fletcher, you old stud, you. This is great. 'The Sex God of the Zodiac has quite a lot to live up to! And the Scorpion does just that.'"

"Why did you ask if I had stamina?" Scully asked, not sure if she really wanted to hear the answer.

"I quote, 'the ideal Scorpio soul mate can go twelve rounds anywhere, anytime and preferably in bed. The sexual prowess and drive of those born under the sign is legendary... If you want to ride a tiger to an emotional and sexual crescendo, jump on the curvy back of the sleek Scorpion. The Scorpio lover has an almost hypernatural libido and loves giving sensual pleasure.'" Marva chuckled, and said, "here's something for you, Dana. 'Scorpions adore a lover who can go on forever, the perfect gift for this truly sexual being. If that lover brings some toys along, things will be tied up oh-so-neatly... The Scorpion lover is determined, forceful, has great passion and strength and finishes what they start. This is a powerful and sexual being who isn't for the fainthearted. Those with guts are bound for glory.'"

Marva leaned back in her chair and looked at Scully. Once again, she couldn't help but laugh. "Oh Lord, child, it's a good thing you can't see your face. You'd think you'd died and come back as a stop light!"

Karrin hid her smile behind her hand. <We shouldn't tease her _this_ hard. Not till we've had another round of drinks, anyway.> "Marva, how about some new music?" she asked, hoping to distract her.

Marva got up and gave Scully's arm a friendly squeeze. "Don't worry, Dana," she said, oozing sincerity. "We don't expect all the nitty-gritty, down and dirty details until the _second_ time we all get together." Scully went from red to pale in three seconds flat. "God, Dana, I'm only teasing!" Marva laughed.

"I knew that," Scully lied, an unconvincing smile on her face.

"Yeah, right," Marva giggled. "Someone say something about new music?"

"Yes, please," Karrin replied.

"It'll cost you."

"Do you take credit?" Karrin asked with a flirtatious smile.

"Only at abnormally high interest rates - _personal_ interest rates."

"I can swing that."

"Good. I can't wait to collect the first payment," Marva responded, her arms around Karrin's waist.

The three of them went into the den together to look at Fletcher's collection of CDs. Scully began to look through the CDs that didn't have any labels. She handed Marva a CD that was marked '3G-I'. "What's this?"

"Oh, Fletcher probably made a copy of one of her tapes. I've always wondered how these 'make-your-own' CDs sounded." She popped in the CD. Karrin continued to look through the discs as a loud guitar riff filled the room.

'I was born to run I was born to dream,
The craziest boy you ever seen
I gotta do it my way, or no way at all
And I was here to please, I'm even on my knees
Making love to whoever I please
I gotta do it my way, or no way at all...'

"Ewwww," Karrin said making a face. "I thought only my brothers listened to Loverboy."

Marva pressed the remote and skipped to the next song.

'I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
Someone to thrill me, and then go away
I need a lover that won't drive me crazy
Someone who knows the meaning of
"Hey, hit the highway..."'

"I love rock and roll," Marva said sarcastically. "It's so empowering." She clicked through a few more songs:

'I'm just a gigolo, everywhere I go
People know the part I'm playing...'

<CLICK. SKIP.>

'It was early morning yesterday, I was up before the dawn
And I really have enjoyed my stay, but I must be moving on
Like a king without a castle, Like a queen without a throne
I'm an early morning lover and I must be moving on...'

<CLICK. SKIP.>

'I'm a girl watcher, I'm a girl watcher
Watching girls go by,
My, my, my...'

<CLICK. SKIP.>

Marva grinned and shook her head. <Oh, boy, I think I know what this CD is. It's Fletcher's 'pick-up' music. She used to listen to these songs when she was on her way to the bars or a date with some nameless woman. I wonder if Dana's figured it out yet.> She looked over at Scully who had sat down on the couch and seemed to be lost in thought.

'Hello, I love you, I know you, I knew you
I think I can remember your name
Hello, I'm sorry, I lost myself
I think I thought you were someone else
Shouldn't talk about the weather
Shouldn't talk about the government...'

<3G... 3G... That sounds familiar,> Scully thought. <Oh, that's what Mulder said to me about Fletcher. What did it mean? Think, Dana. What was it?> Then she frowned. Her frown deepened. <Is this what Fletcher's really all about? Is _this_ how she thinks, how she operates? Does she feel that way about me? I didn't think so before, but now... I wonder.>

<CLICK. SKIP>

'So in the morning
Please don't say you love me
'Cause you know I'll only kick you out the door
Yeah, I'll pay your cabfare home
You can even use my best cologne
Just don't be here in the mornin' when I wake up...'

<CLICK. SKIP.>

"Hey, I think I've found the paper that goes with the disc," Karrin said, standing up and handing the slip to Marva. "Is this CD what I think it is?" she asked quietly as she watched Marva scan the list of the song titles.

"I'd say it's a safe bet, yes."

'Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name
Hello, I love you
Won't you tell me your name...'

<CLICK. SKIP>

'Oh, I'm the type of guy who'll never settle down
I'm never in one place, I roam from town to town
I kiss 'em and I love 'em
'Cause to me they're all the same
I hug 'em and I squeeze 'em
They don't even know my name
'Cause I'm the wanderer
Yeah, the wanderer,
I go around'n'round'n'round'round'n'round...'

<CLICK. SKIP>

Karrin looked out of the corner of her eye at Scully. "How about we put something different on," she suggested to Marva.

"Good call." She ejected the disc and reached blindly for another CD. <Marvin Gaye. That'll work.>

"Can I ask you both a question," Scully abruptly asked.

<Not fast enough, Marva,> she chided herself. "Sure."

"Is Fletcher really as bad as her reputation? As bad as Mulder - and you -make her out to be?"

"Which is?" Marva asked, trying to stall for time to think of an answer.

"That, um, that Fletcher's a 'love 'em and leave 'em' type."

Marva wasn't sure how to reply to Scully's question. She looked at her partner, hoping for some help. Karrin gestured with her hand as if to say, 'tell her'. Marva nodded, resigned. "A year ago, I would've said yes, no doubt about it. Ever since she and Clarice split. Oh, she was like that before Clarice, but not as bad. The last year or so, however, she's really been very cautious, very low-key. She's even turned down fix-ups and blind dates from us." Marva sat down beside Scully as Karrin selected several new CDs. "Dana, how do you feel about Fletcher and your relationship?" Marva asked.

<She doesn't pull any punches> Scully thought. <She's very upfront about everything.> The alcohol had lowered Scully's resistance to keeping her feelings to herself. "It's still all so new to me," Scully admitted. "And the times we do see each other are haphazard at best. She's been out of town more than she's been home."

"The nature of the work, I suppose," Marva sympathized.

Karrin started the Marvin Gaye CD and quietly left the room. She returned moments later and refilled their glasses with more of the frozen margaritas.

"I understand that," Scully continued. "I'm the same way. When she's away, we talk once or twice a day. And every day she's been home, we've been together since we... you know..."

"Got together?" Marva tactfully suggested. Scully nodded. "Being with a woman, how do you feel about that?"

"If you'd asked me two months ago, I would've said you were out of your mind. Now, I can't wait to see her." She half-sighed. "I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone."

"And I suppose it scares you to think the Fletcher might be just playing around with you, having some fun?"

"She hasn't given _me_ any reason to worry." <Not yet.> "But I've heard enough talk and enough jokes to make me wonder, make me feel a little uneasy."

"I'll let you in on a little secret, Dana. When you two walked into my store last week, well, I haven't seen that look on Fletcher's face-"

"I know, I know, since Clarice Starling," Scully said wearily.

"Girlfriend, that's not what I was going to say. I have _never_ seen that look on Fletcher's face." She paused. "And I didn't think I ever would, either."

"Well, she hasn't said anything to me."

"Have you?" Marva countered.

"No," Scully acknowledged in a small voice.

"Then what are you two waiting for?" Marva said, getting up from the couch. "It's time to start communicating a little better, don't you think?"

End Chapter 2 of ?

<<Chapter 3>>

Saturday, 5:00 PM

Fletcher's seatmate glanced over his shoulder once as he moved down the escalator. She hadn't planned on following him, but he'd been such a jerk on the flight, she decided to let him think she was. <What a prick,> Fletcher thought as she adjusted the strap on her bag. <Why do some guys think they can hit on every woman they meet? As if I'd be interested in him. As if _any_ woman would be interested! And rude doesn't _begin_ to describe how he was with the flight attendants.>

He hadn't stopped trying until Fletcher had casually rearranged her blazer, then reached up to adjust the air vent above her head. She knew he would be looking at her chest. She'd counted on it. And when he looked, he saw the gun in her holster. His eyes had widened, but he'd shut his mouth for the duration of the flight.

Fletcher strode past the other passengers as they waited for their luggage. <Some people never learn,> she chuckled to herself. <Carry-on is the _only_ way to travel.> She saw her seatmate once again, and nodded to him, her face stern. He looked away quickly and she laughed. <Asshole.>

She unlocked her Jeep and threw her bags into the bag seat. After exiting the airport, she reached into the CD case beside her and took one out. <I've got to listen to something besides the damn radio. All I'll get on Saturday night is ads or some DJ who thinks he's God's gift to the airwaves. And there's no way I'm going to listen to talk radio.> She glanced at the clock in the dashboard. She debated whether or not to call the house. <Nah, I'll just surprise them. I should be home in half an hour, maybe less if traffic cooperates.>

She hummed along with the music absentmindedly. <Damn, I missed Scully -_really_ missed her.> She frowned. < How did this happen so fast? What's the matter with you, Buchanan? Do you really think you could be in love with Scully? And maybe - _maybe_ - Scully feels the same way. Yeah, right. As if _she'd_ be in love with _me_. God, Buchanan, sometimes your ego is so fucking unbelievable.> She groaned out loud. 

She suddenly became aware of the words to the song that was playing.

'And I'm changing, I swore I'd never compromise
But you convinced me otherwise
I'll do anything you please

You see in all my life I've never found
What I couldn't resist, what I couldn't turn down
I could walk away from anyone I ever knew
But I can't walk away from you

I have never let anything have this much control over me
'cause I worked too hard to call my life my own
Yes, I made myself a world and it worked so perfectly
But it's your world now, I can't refuse
I never had so much to lose
I'm shameless...shameless. . .'

<Oh, great. Not a song I need to hear now,> she thought, irritated. She hit the off button and drove the rest of the way in silence.

Saturday, 5:30 PM

Fletcher could hear the music as soon as she opened the door from the garage to the kitchen. <The Motown Girl Groups. Marva's choice. It's got to be.> She set down her briefcase and suitcase and surveyed the kitchen. An almost empty plate of nachos sat on the kitchen table next to three empty wineglasses. Two empty wine bottles stood next to a bottle of Jose Cuervo and a bottle of Triple Sec. The blender was on top of the counter and was half full of a greenish liquid. <Marva's been making the menu, too,> Fletcher deduced. <Margaritas and nachos. Builds strong bodies twelve ways.> She smirked briefly. <And puts you on the floor another twelve ways.> She shook her head slowly at the mess, then continued to the den.

The couch and the recliner had been pushed back and out of the way. Marva was leading Scully and Karrin, showing them a simple dance step.

"And step, step, pivot, arms up... Now shimmy, girls... No, no, no! I said _shimmy_, not wiggle like some old worm on a hook..."

Fletcher quietly watched from the doorway for a few minutes. She waited until the music stopped before saying anything. "The Supremes you're not," she said wryly, leaning against the doorjamb, her arms folded across her chest.

Scully was the first to see Fletcher. <She looks awful,> she thought, looking at the dark circles under her eyes, the hair that fell down across her forehead and her rumpled clothing. Scully wanted nothing more than to go to her and put her arms around her, but something in Fletcher's body language told her not to.

"All hail the Sex God of the Zodiac!" Marva laughed, and bowed, her arms straight out in front of her.

An amused, confused and a somewhat irritated look crossed Fletcher's face.

"We're not worthy! We're not worthy!" the trio chorused.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Fletcher asked.

"Guess you had to be here, Fletcher," Marva said.

Fletcher unfolded her arms as Marva walked over to Fletcher and hugged her hello. Karrin greeted her with a smile and a hug of her own. "Long time, no see."

"What is it with you G-men and trench coats?" Marva needled Fletcher, pulling at a lapel.

"That's G-_woman_," Fletcher retorted, gently brushing Marva's hand down. "And you'd have one too if you'd just spent a week in Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland. I don't think I saw the sun once all week. What crappy, crappy weather."

Fletcher nodded hello to Scully, suddenly feeling shy about showing her feelings for her in front of her friends. She was certain that they'd be able to see through her, tell how she felt about Scully. Instead of going to Scully, she nonchalantly said, "Hey, Red. Thanks for taking care of these two. I know they can be a handful, Marva especially."

Marva quickly sized up the situation. Her back to the others, Marva hissed at Fletcher, "Don't be an ass, Fletcher. Go say hello _properly_." She took Karrin's hand and began to lead her from the room. "Let's get everyone a fresh drink, hon." She looked back at Fletcher. "Your usual, Fletcher, or can I interest you in a margarita?" she asked.

"One of your Margaritas From Hell? Sure. Just remember to pick me up off the floor later."

Fletcher waited until they left the room before going over to Scully. There was no passion in her hug, only relief at having Scully in her arms. Scully slipped her arms inside of Fletcher's coat and drew her closer. Fletcher sighed heavily and rested her cheek against Scully's.

"Rough flight?"

"No, I'm just so damn glad to be home."

"Fletcher, I -"

"Ssshh, Red. Just let me hold you. It's been a long week."

Marva peeked around the corner and saw that Fletcher and Scully were just standing in the room, arms wrapped around one another. <Yup. They're in love, even if neither one of 'em will admit it. Fletcher tries so hard to hide it, but it's so obvious when she looks at Dana. And Dana, she doesn't even realize how much she cares about Fletcher.>

Marva cleared her throat loudly before entering the room, Karrin right behind her. "Why don't you take off your coat and stay awhile?" Marva said as she handed Fletcher her drink.

Fletcher nodded her thanks. She stepped back, but kept an arm around Scully's shoulders. <No sense in trying to be aloof. Marva can see through it anyway. Besides, I don't want to avoid Scully all night. The exact opposite, actually.> She smiled to herself. <There's no way I could -or even want to - keep my hands off of her.> "You may not want me to. I've been in these clothes since yesterday morning."

"Thanks _so_ much for sharing that with us," Marva said dryly.

"How was your flight?" Karrin asked Fletcher as she handed Scully another margarita.

"Not bad, once I finally got airborne." <And once my seatmate saw I was packing.> She reached around and rubbed the small of her back. "I've got to get in a hot shower. Hygiene issues aside, my back is killing me from sitting in those damn plastic chairs all last night."

"Would you like a backrub?" Scully asked, her tone of voice offering more than a simple backrub.

"Thanks, but not right now, Red. Maybe later," she smiled. <Definitely later.>

"I've got my bag in the car," Karrin said.

"I'll be fine, thanks. Besides, I can always call Scully."

"You're a doctor, Dana?" Karrin asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"I thought you were an FBI agent."

"I am. I'm also a forensic pathologist," she said modestly.

"Well, while you two talk shop," Fletcher interrupted, "I'm going to run upstairs and grab a quick shower." She gave Scully as quick kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.

"Where did you go to medical school?" Karrin asked after Fletcher had left the room.

"Johns Hopkins. And you?"

"Duke," she replied, glancing down at her sweatshirt. "Where did you do your undergrad?"

"I did a year at Berkeley, then finished up at Maryland. Where'd you go?"

"Minnesota. That's where I'm from," she explained.

"I am _so_ glad she put those snowshoes on and went as far as those little size sixes would take her," Marva said, taking Karrin's hand.

"So am I," Karrin agreed.

"Fletcher looks wiped out," Marva said sipping from her glass.

"Being on the road can do that to you."

"Did I hear you say she's going to be out of town most of the month?"

"She's got a flight at 6:30 Monday morning and won't be back until sometime Friday. Then she's got reserves next weekend, and leaves again the following Monday."

"I don't remember Fletcher ever traveling so much," Marva commented.

"I think this is a little out of the ordinary. There's been a shakeup in her department. As a matter of fact, Mulder and I are going on temporary assignment with ISU beginning December first."

"Really? You'll be working with Fletcher?" Marva looked over at Karrin, one eyebrow raised. <Another workplace romance? I don't know about that...> Karrin looked back at Marva and nodded once in agreement, as if she'd read Marva's thoughts.

"I think I'll be mostly in the path labs, and then maybe in the field doing autopsies. I doubt I'll work much with her or Mulder."

"How long is the assignment?"

"Six months." Scully swallowed the last of her drink. "Did Fletcher tell you that she was promoted this week?"

Karrin raised her eyebrows. "No. To what?"

"Second in charge."

"So, technically, Fletcher will be your boss then," Marva mused. <Forget the workplace romance. Fletcher'll be sleeping with another subordinate. Hope this one works out better than the last time.>

"I guess so. I never really thought about it that way."

Marva saw Dana's eyes light up. She didn't even have to turn around to know that Fletcher had returned. Marva looked over her shoulder anyway, if only to confirm it. Fletcher stood in the doorway, her hair wet and combed straight back. She wore a pair of faded jeans, a plain t-shirt and a navy v-necked sweater. <She's still got it,> Marva thought with a tiny little twinge of regret. <She does casual better than anyone else I know.>

"Can I interest anyone in some dinner?" Fletcher asked. "I'm starving."

"Sure," Karrin said.

"I definitely need to eat something," Scully said, "or I'm going to be passed out by seven o'clock from all the drinking."

"I should've warned you," Fletcher said with a grin. "When you party with these two, you _party_."

"Little too late to warn her now," Marva laughed.

"Guess it'll be Mexican tonight," Fletcher said, looking at the margarita in her hand.

"Yup," Marva said. "Ready for another, Fletcher? I was just getting ready to mix up another batch."

"Why not? I'll just warn you now. If I drink too many of your margaritas with only a few hours of sleep, well, you could very well be putting me to bed in no time."

<Sounds like a good idea to me> Scully thought. <I'd enjoy putting you to bed right now, Fletcher.> She looked at Fletcher and caught her eye. Fletcher winked at her, then smiled. 

"Well, let me see what I can whip up for all of us," Fletcher said, leading the group to the kitchen.

Saturday, 9:50 PM

Marva looked over at Fletcher and Scully, who were sitting cozily together on the couch. Fletcher's long legs were stretched out in front of her and her feet rested on the coffee table. Her arm was across Scully's shoulders. Scully's hand rested on Fletcher's thigh. <Fletcher has _never_ been affectionate with _any_ woman in front of us. I don't think she showed Clarice this much affection in all the time they were together.> Marva smiled to herself. <Oh, how the mighty have fallen. And she certainly has fallen hard.>

"Okay, how about this," Marva said. "Provincetown, 1994."

"Oh, no, don't remind me," Fletcher said, covering her face.

A wicked smile appeared on Marva's face. "You should've seen her," she said to Scully.

"It wasn't that funny," Fletcher grumbled through her hands.

"Sure it was." Marva settled back against Karrin's shoulder.

"What happened?" Scully asked.

"We'd rented a house at the beach. The second night there we went out dancing and drinking. Karrin and I left before closing. We didn't see Fletcher again until she stumbled in the next morning."

"Tequila shooters," Fletcher groaned, recalling how hung over she'd been.

"Poor baby." There was no sympathy in Marva's voice. "Served you right."

"Marva and I spent the day in town, shopping," Karrin continued the story. "When we came back, we found Fletcher sleeping it off on the patio. She'd fallen asleep on her stomach, her head turned to one side."

"I was _so_ sunburned," Fletcher explained.

"She sure was," Marva agreed. "Her back, the back of her legs..."

"And only one side of her face. It looked like someone had taken a magic marker and colored one side of her face red," Karrin laughed. "And the front of her legs were white and the backs of her legs were red. I don't think I've ever seen a sunburn quite like that."

Scully joined in their laughter. Fletcher scowled. "You wouldn't have thought it was so funny if it had happened to you."

"How many days did you stay inside?" Karrin teased. "I can't remember. Was it two or three?"

"Two, and I had to sleep on my stomach the rest of the time we were there."

Marva didn't add that Fletcher hadn't spent the whole time alone in bed either. <Dana doesn't need to hear _that_ part of the story. God, what were their names? The first one was that woman from Ireland, the nurse. She stayed over at least two nights. And then there was that lawyer from Boston. Diane. No, that's not it. Debbie. No, DeeDee. That was her name. DeeDee. I was glad _she_ didn't stick around. Yes, she was attractive, but what a snob. I saw through her in a New York minute.>

Fletcher's eyes met Marva's, her warning clear. <She's remembering too> Marva thought. She gave Fletcher a short nod in reply and briefly touched her index finger to her lips. <Message received, buddy. My lips are sealed on that one.>

"You don't strike me as the fair skinned type," Scully commented.

"Normally I don't burn, but I fell asleep for about six hours."

"Must've been some hangover," Scully teased.

"One of my worst, I admit."

"Maybe we can go back there again this summer," Marva suggested. "We haven't been there in what - two years?"

"Maybe, maybe," Fletcher said yawning.

"Fletcher, have you ever thought of a different line of work?" Marva asked. "This one seems to take so much out of you."

"Sometimes," she admitted, her fingers gently stroking Scully's neck.

"What would you do?"

"Well, I don't _have_ to work, you know."

"We know _that_. I'm just curious. If you could do anything else, what would it be?"

"I'd teach."

"Really? What?" Scully asked. "Psychology? Criminology?"

"Nope. Astronomy. I'd go back and get my doctorate, or at least my master's, in astronomy and then teach."

Scully was surprised at Fletcher's response, as was Marva and Karrin. "Astronomy? Why astronomy?"

"I always liked it. My dad and I used to sit out in the backyard and he'd tell me all about the stars and the constellations. When I was in college, I took as many classes in it as I could. I think every elective I had was a course in it." She took a sip from her glass. "What would you do?" she asked Marva. "If money were no object, what would you like to be doing?"

"Hmmm. Good question. Probably perform. I always wished I'd stuck with it a little longer, pursued an acting career a little harder."

"Drama? Comedy?" Fletcher asked.

"Probably comedy, but definitely on the stage. No movie or TV for this gal."

"You'd be very good," Karrin said, taking Marva's hand.

"I agree," Fletcher said with a smile. "You always had a flair for the dramatic."

"Smartass." Marva turned to Karrin. "What would you do, honey?"

"I'm doing what I always wanted to do now. I'm a doctor. But, if money were no object, I'd have my own pediatric clinic in the city. I think I could really make a difference there."

"That's my woman, 'Alberta Schweitzer.'" Marva gave Karrin a wide, warm smile.

"What about you, Scully?" Fletcher asked.

"I don't know. I never really gave it much thought."

"Surely you must've dreamed about a career or profession," Fletcher persisted.

"Well, I wanted a career in science, medicine to be exact. I've kind of got that now."

"Did you ever want to have your own practice?" Karrin asked.

"I thought I did. I contemplated a career in surgery, then pediatrics for a time, but I discovered I really didn't want that, didn't want to deal with patients," Scully admitted, hoping it didn't make her sound callous. "Pathology seemed to be the most logical course."

"Ever consider running the pathology department in a hospital, or teaching?" Karrin suggested.

"Well, I've already taught at the Bureau. I don't know. I guess I'm pretty content doing what I do."

Fletcher sensed Scully's discomfort. "I bet you've got a secret desire to be a mud wrestler," she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hardly," Scully laughed. "But I must admit, being a roller derby queen seems kind of intriguing."

The others burst out laughing. Fletcher hooked her arm around Scully's neck and whispered into her ear, "I'd rather wrestle you." She kissed her once then released her.

Saturday, 11:35 PM

"We'll see you in the morning," Marva said as she and Karrin headed down the hallway to one of the spare bedrooms.

"I'll make breakfast once everyone's up," Fletcher replied, following Scully into the master bedroom. "Goodnight."

"'night, Fletcher, Dana."

Fletcher closed the door and immediately pulled Scully into her arms. "Finally."

"What?"

"We're finally alone."

She bent her head and gently kissed Scully on the lips. She felt Scully's hand move up to the back of her neck and she increased the pressure of the kiss. Fletcher thought as her tongue darted across Scully's lips. Scully opened her mouth, inviting Fletcher's tongue inside, and Fletcher happily obliged. They stood together in a passionate embrace, tongues dueling and dancing.

"I've missed you," Fletcher said, holding Scully tightly. "I'm just so tired of saying it, of having to say it."

"I know, I know," Scully whispered, stroking Fletcher's back.

<And I don't even know why I do. I just do. And it's not just the sex either,> Fletcher thought as stepped back and pulled off her sweater. <It's too much.> She tossed her sweater onto the chair, then kicked off the moccasins she was wearing.

"Do you want the bathroom first?" Fletcher asked, sitting down to take off her socks.

"No, go ahead," Scully replied, though she was confused. <What's the matter with her? One minute she's kissing me and holding me and the next minute she's all matter-of-fact.> "Fletcher?"

"What?" Fletcher looked up.

"Have I done something wrong?"

"No, Red," she said heavily. "I'm beat. I need some sleep."

<Just drop it, Dana. She's right. She's tired. That's probably all it is. And if it isn't, now is _not_ the time to be talking about it.>

When Scully came out of the bathroom, Fletcher was laying on top of the covers, clad in a t-shirt and a pair of plaid, flannel boxer shorts. <Glad I brought something to sleep in,> Scully thought, her disappointment rising to the surface once again. Fletcher's eyes were shut but Scully couldn't tell if she was asleep or not. "Fletcher?" she asked softly, sitting down on the bed.

"I'm awake, I'm awake," she replied somewhat groggily.

"It's okay. Go back to sleep."

"I'm really sorry, Red," she apologized as she crawled under the covers. "I'm so tired. I really do need to sleep."

"I know. It's all right." She slid in beside Fletcher. "We don't have to have sex every time we sleep together, you know," she said, taking Fletcher into her arms. Fletcher laid her head on Scully's shoulder and slipped an arm around her waist. "One more night won't kill us, I'm sure," she smiled, kissing the top of Fletcher's head. "I'm just glad we're not apart another night."

"Got that right," Fletcher agreed, her eyes closing.

Scully gently rubbed Fletcher's back until she fell asleep. <This feels so right, having Fletcher in my arms> she thought. 

Sunday, 3:15 AM

Scully woke up with a start, not remembering her dream. She felt Fletcher's steady breaths warm against her neck, felt her arm around her waist, and she smiled. She took Fletcher's hand and moved it up to her breast as she pushed her ass back against Fletcher's groin. She covered Fletcher's hand with her own and began to massage her own breast. <It's been too long - again - since I've felt her touch.>

Fletcher stirred behind her, her body slowly waking. Her fingers began to knead Scully's nipples through the thin material of her t-shirt. Her lips found the back of Scully's neck, then her ear. She began to move her hips rhythmically against Scully's buttocks.

"You're awake," Fletcher murmured, feeling Scully's hard nipples.

Scully rolled over onto her back, pulling Fletcher on top of her. She slid her hands up Fletcher's back, under her t-shirt. She spread her legs and moaned softly when Fletcher settled between them.

Fletcher pushed up Scully's t-shirt as her mouth moved from Scully's neck to her breasts. Her tongue circled the hard nipples again and again, then she sucked hard, wanting to take in as much of the breast as she could. Her hand moved down and in one quick movement, tugged Scully's underpants off. Her fingers expertly sought out Scully's swollen, sensitive clit. She began to massage it slowly, rolling it between her fingers, dipping down only briefly to moisten her fingers, then returning.

"That feels so good..." Scully panted, raising one knee to give Fletcher better access. <Please... Fletcher... I need you in me...> Scully thought as she felt the pressure build.

As if sensing Scully's thoughts, Fletcher eased one finger deep inside. Scully exhaled loudly, as if she'd been holding her breath. Still keeping the pressure on Scully's clit, she added a second finger.

"Oh... yes... so good... so good..." Scully moaned, drawing the other knee up.

Fletcher kept pumping her fingers in a slow and steady rhythm, Scully's hips rocking with the motion. She felt Scully tighten around her fingers as her back arched up from the bed.

"Don't stop, Fletcher..." she pleaded. "Don't stop... I'm almost there..."

"Oh, yeah..." Fletcher panted, her face pressed against Scully's neck. "Come for me, Red..."

"Oh...oh, Fletcher...I'm coming..." she cried out, her body stiffening, her arms clutching Fletcher.

Fletcher showered her face with kisses, her body covering Scully's. She could feel Scully's body still tremble.

"You okay, Red?" she asked gently, her kiss soft on Scully's forehead.

"Oh, yes... I'm fine... Just give me a sec..."

"Take all the time you need..." Fletcher replied with a small smile, her body slipping off of Scully's. She wrapped her arm around Scully's waist once more as she rested her head on Scully's pillow. "Nice... Very nice..." Fletcher sighed as she drifted back to sleep.

End Chapter 3 of ?

<<Chapter 4>>

Sunday, November 8, 1998 8:15 AM

<Keep going, Buchanan... Just a little longer... You can do it.> Her heart was pounding, the sweat dripping off her face. She looked down at the Stairmaster's digital timer. <Five more minutes... Just five more minutes.> She grabbed the bars a little tighter and picked up the pace, her knees pumping higher with each step. 

"There's a metaphor for you." Fletcher looked up. Marva stood in the doorway, watching her. "Running like hell," Marva continued, "not going anywhere."

Fletcher glared down at her. "What the hell's that supposed to mean?" she asked, irritated. 

"Just indulging my literary side. No need to snap my head off." She walked over to Fletcher and leaned against the handrail. "Someone get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?"

Fletcher ignored Marva's comments. She drove herself a little harder over the last minute, then slowly eased back. When she stepped off the machine, Marva handed her the water bottle that sat on the bench.

"Thanks." She took a long swallow from the bottle, then wiped her face off on the towel draped around her neck. "I didn't expect to see you up so early."

"I guess my recovery time is better than Karrin's. How's Dana?"

"Sound asleep when I got up."

Fletcher set her bottle and towel down and walked over to the rack of dumbbells. She lifted one, then another. She decided on one of the lighter sets. "Care to join me?"

"You know me better than that."

"Then why _are_ you here?" Fletcher asked warily, as she began to do arm curls, first the right arm, then the left, over and over.

She held out the CD marked '3G-I'. "I thought you might want some music to work out by."

"Where did you get _that_?" Fletcher eyed Marva suspiciously.

"Downstairs with all the others."

"I haven't listened to that in over a year," Fletcher said, wishing she didn't sound so defensive.

"Then you should get rid of it."

Fletcher's mouth was dry again, but the bottle was out of reach. "Scully didn't hear it, did she?"

"She was the one who found it."

<Great. Just great.> Fletcher grimaced. She stopped her arm curls and began to lift the weights together over her head, turning the dumbbells slowly and touching the ends together, then bringing them back down to shoulder height. "Do you think she knew what it was?"

"It was a little obvious," Marva snorted, rolling her eyes.

"And I'm sure a little storytelling on your part more than filled her in," Fletcher replied, her annoyance clear.

"'Storytelling' implies what I told her was fiction." Fletcher remained silent, her eyes dark. "Does Dana have anything to worry about?"

"What do you mean?"

Marva waved the CD in front of Fletcher. "Think you'll be needing _this_ any time soon?"

 "No, of course not."

"Then why don't you 'retire' it to the trash, where it belongs?" Marva suggested.

Fletcher didn't look at her. "I don't know."

"I'm sure it would make Dana feel a little less worried."

"I haven't given her any reason to be concerned," she protested.

"I'm sure you haven't. And I'm sure you haven't given her any reason to feel any more secure, either."

"What?"

"Does she know how you feel?"

"How can I tell her how I feel when _I_ don't even know how I feel?" Fletcher snapped, returning the weights to the rack.

"Bullshit."

Fletcher whirled on her. "Excuse me?"

It was wasted dramatics. Marva wasn't the least bit intimidated. "Come on, Fletcher, this is _me_ you're talking to. Maybe you can bullshit yourself, but not me."

Fletcher remained silent as she put weights onto an empty barbell, then started her next set of exercises. She tried not to think about Marva's comments. It was kind of difficult, what with Marva standing in front of her, arms folded. <She won't quit. She never does. Why do I put up with it?> she thought. <Maybe 'cause she's one of the best friends I have. Maybe because she's right?>

"Can I ask a question?" Marva inquired, sitting down on the bench.

"Why ask permission? It never stopped you from asking me anything before," she replied with a crooked half-smile on her face.

"What are you so afraid of?"

Fletcher stopped, her arms flexed, the bar under her chin. She slowly lowered it to her waist, then onto the floor. "I can see I'm not going to have much of a workout this morning," she replied, picking up her towel. Marva smiled and raised one eyebrow, waiting. "Marva, I've been shot at, been in a car accident, stared down some of the most evil, most despicable men this country has ever seen, but in all honesty, I was never scared. Angry, maybe. Disgusted, sure. Scared, never."

That statement won her an appraising look. "And that tiny woman sleeping in your bed right now scares you?"

"Frankly, I don't know what scares me more," Fletcher confessed. "Losing her or having her in my life."

"Why don't you tell her how you feel?"

"I don't want to scare her away," she said, sitting down beside Marva.

"Scare her away?"

"Suppose she doesn't feel the same way?"

"I don't think you have anything to worry about there, buddy," Marva smiled reassuringly.

"And then there's... Well, did you know I'm the first woman she's been involved with?"

"Yes. So what?"

"So she could very easily decide to go back to men. This lifestyle isn't the easiest in the world. Or maybe she'll get tired of me and want to see other women."

"Not everybody thinks the way you do - _did_. And Dana certainly doesn't strike me as the type to bed-hop out of so-called boredom."

Fletcher looked out the window. A slight breeze was gently stirring the few remaining leaves in the trees. "Bored? Is _that_ what I've been?"

"Among other things." Marva smiled and put her hand on Fletcher's arm. "I think you need to take a chance here, Fletcher. I don't want to be too pushy, but you two belong together. You've got some sort of connection, some bond between you, that I've never seen for you before. Not even with Clarice."

Fletcher smiled now. "You think so, huh?"

"I _know_ so. And I know something else, Eudora Fletcher Buchanan." Fletcher cringed at the use of the dreaded first name. "History had better not repeat itself. If you do to Dana what you did to Clarice, Dana won't get the chance to shoot you. I'll do it myself." Marva said it with a smile, but her warning was clear.

Sunday, 9:30 AM

Fletcher was chopping up scallions when Scully walked into the kitchen. There were several small bowls atop the counter, filled with diced ham, peppers, shredded cheese, and mushrooms.

"Good morning," Scully said, slipping her arms around Fletcher's waist, her face pressed against Fletcher's back.

Fletcher set her knife down and turned around. Scully had a wide, warm smile on her face. <A smile just for me,> Fletcher thought, her heart suddenly filling. <When has anyone looked at me this way?> "Good morning." Fletcher kissed Scully lightly on the lips and put her hands on Scully's hips. "I wondered when you were going to get up."

"I guess I was more tired than I thought."

"You didn't even budge when I took my shower."

"You should've woken me up. I would've washed your back," Scully said, her smile turning sly.

"I'm sure." Fletcher grinned.

"Anyone else up yet?"

"Marva's been up for some time. She just went up to see if Karrin's awake."

"Can I give you hand with anything?" Scully asked, her voice a bit flirtatious. She moved her hands to Fletcher's small, firm ass and gently squeezed.

"What did you have in mind?"

"What do you _want_ me to do?" Scully licked her lips and Fletcher almost groaned.

"I, uh, I think I'm all set. You can make a fresh pot of coffee, I guess."

"That's all?" Scully raised one eyebrow.

"For now," Fletcher assured her. Suddenly she pulled Scully close and hugged her affectionately. "I'm glad you're here." She kissed Scully on the top of her head. "I really like having you around."

"Hope you don't have anything burning on the stove," Marva interrupted, walking into the room, a broad smile on her face.

"Not yet," Fletcher said, stepping back from Scully.

"Karrin will be right down," Marva said, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Omelettes okay for breakfast?" Fletcher asked, returning to her food preparations.

"Sounds good to me."

"Scully, would you set the dining room table for me?" Fletcher asked.

"Your wish is my command," she smiled as she left the room.

"Are those your home fries that I smell?" Marva said, lifting the lid off the skillet on the stove.

"Yup."

<Yum.> "Now if I could just get you to fix some grits like a true Southerner." Fletcher made a face, cracking Marva up. "Guess not. Too many years of that damned Yankee education." Marva speared a potato. "You're going all out this morning." She blew on the potato before popping it into her mouth. <Mmmmm. Rapture. One of these days, I'm gonna torture her until she tells me what she seasons these with.>

"I haven't had a home cooked meal all week. I'm sick of restaurant food. Even worse, airline food."

"What else are we having?"

"There are bagels and a bowl of fresh fruit that I cut up this morning in the 'fridge."

"You've been a busy girl this morning."

"Uh huh. Nothing but the best for my friends."

"For which my stomach is eternally grateful."

Sunday, 11:00 AM

Fletcher had been fairly quiet all through brunch. It was a contented silence. She was just happy to sit back and listen to the others talk, happy to just look at Scully. She leaned back in her chair and smiled. <Scully really gets along well with Marva and Karrin. I could be wrong, but I bet she's laughed more this weekend than she has in the past year.>

Scully caught her eye and she beamed at Fletcher. <She takes my breath away> Fletcher thought. She reached to her left and took Scully's hand. She continued to listen to Marva tell another story while she continued to hold Scully's hand.

Marva noticed the exchanged smiles and the hand-holding, but didn't say anything, didn't interrupt her story. <Don't let go of her, Fletcher,> she thought. <Dana is so good for you.>

"Can I get anyone anything else?" Fletcher asked, getting up from the table.

"Another cup of coffee, please," Karrin requested blearily. Although she'd had four Advil and two helpings, she still felt the worse for wear. <Never again,> she swore, not for the first time.

"Scully, Marva? More coffee?"

"Sure thanks."

"Why don't you guys go into the den?" Fletcher suggested. "I'll bring the coffee in there."

Minutes later they were all in the den with fresh cups of coffee. Fletcher slid open the door to the patio to let in some fresh air. "What a nice day it is," Scully commented.

"Won't be too many more of them," Fletcher replied.

"Will you ever put a pool in?" Marva asked as she looked at the large backyard.

"Not until I'm home often enough to enjoy it and take care of it. Maybe when I retire." Fletcher smiled an 'I know something you don't know' smile. "I am, however, giving myself a late birthday present next month."

"What?" Marva was curious.

"I ordered a Jacuzzi for the patio. It'll be big enough for six people."

"When's it coming," Karrin asked.

"Sometime in December," Fletcher answered, sitting down beside Scully.

"Well, you can be sure _we'll_ be over more than just a few times a year," Marva sighed.

"I was counting on it." Fletcher laughed.

"I hope it's in by New Year's." Marva grinned. "The idea of celebrating the New Year in a Jacuzzi with a bottle of champagne rather appeals to me." She looked at Karrin and smiled. "Maybe we should get one, hon."

"Let's get the house first, Marva."

"Will you be house hunting soon?" Fletcher asked.

Marva took Karrin's hand. "We've already started."

"The week after they made me an Attending at St. John's, we talked to a realtor."

"Hot damn," Fletcher enthused. "It's about time you two left the apartment life behind."

"Are you looking in any particular area?" Scully asked, her hand dropping from Fletcher's shoulder to her leg.

"Well, Georgetown is out of our price range," Karrin said. "We're thinking Arlington, but we really need a place that's close to both of our jobs."

"Let me know if you're having any trouble," Scully offered. "I've got a cousin who's a realtor in the D.C. area."

Marva threw a grin at Fletcher. "She's useful."

Fletcher gave Scully's hand a squeeze, then she draped her arm across the back of couch behind her. Her hand rested on Scully's shoulder. "I like to think so."

Scully shifted and moved closer to Fletcher. Scully thought. 

Marva watched them carefully. <We should leave. They need some time alone.> She looked at Karrin and gestured with her eyes. Karrin glanced at Fletcher and Scully, then nodded once to Marva.

"I think we're going to head home now," Marva said, getting up from the loveseat.

"Don't go," Scully objected.

"Sure. Just eat and run," Fletcher quipped.

<No, that's something _you're_ famous for, Fletcher> Marva was tempted to say. She smiled. 

"No, responsibility calls. We've got a ton of things we need to do today," Karrin assured them.

"Are you sure you can't stay longer?"

Karrin exchanged another quick smile with Marva. "Positive."

Marva hugged Scully at the front door. "Come by and see us, Dana. You're always welcome, with or without Fletcher."

"Thanks, I will."

"And don't hesitate to call if you're feeling lonely." She pulled back so Scully could see her grin. "I know what it's like when your sweetheart isn't home because of work."

Scully gave Marva's arms a squeeze. "I will, thanks." <New friends. Haven't made many of _those_ in a while.> They gave each other one more hug.

Marva turned her attention to Fletcher as Karrin and Scully said their goodbyes. She hugged her and whispered, "remember our talk."

"Uh huh," Fletcher grunted. "Thanks for coming over."

"Thanks for having us. We'll do this again soon."

"Yes, we will. I'll call you when I get back."

Marva waved to Fletcher and Scully as Karrin turned the Saab around. "What a picture of domestic bliss."

"What?"

"Just look."

Karrin looked out the open window. Fletcher stood beside Scully, her arm across her shoulders. Scully's arm was around Fletcher's waist and she was leaning against Fletcher. They were both smiling and waving. Karrin whistled as she put the car into gear and started down the driveway. "I never thought I'd see _that_ with Fletcher."

"No lie," Marva agreed.

"Funny, I didn't _hear_ any reports of hell freezing over," Karrin cracked.

"There wasn't anything on the news about pigs flying either," Marva added, joining Karrin in her laughter.

End Chapter 4 of ?

<<Chapter 5>>

Sunday, 12:15 PM

Fletcher closed the front door behind them. "Red, I've got some stuff I've got to get done today - packing, laundry, that kind of thing," she said, as she put her hands in her pockets. "You can hang around here if you want," she added rather off-hand.

"Do you want me to?"

"You know I do."

<No, I _don't_ know you do, Fletcher. Tell me that you want me to stay.>

Fletcher headed for the staircase. "Got to polish that paperwork. You can set up your laptop down here or in Mulder's room, if you want."

"I'll work down here," Scully said with a sigh, watching Fletcher take the stairs two at a time.

Sunday, 5:00 PM

Scully finished the last paragraph of the last report and looked at her watch. <Five hours. Enough is enough> she thought as she saved the file and closed her laptop. Except for refills on iced tea and the occasional kind word on the way to the laundry room, she hadn't seen Fletcher to speak to all afternoon. Scully poured herself a glass of wine and headed upstairs. She quietly walked to the doorway of Fletcher's office, but stopped.

Fletcher was sitting in front of her desk, her PC and her laptop both on. She was leaning back in her chair, holding the photograph of herself with Clarice Starling and Mulder. Scully couldn't see Fletcher's expression, and she was too far away to catch the reflection in the PC monitor. After a few more moments Fletcher sighed loudly, then opened her bottom desk drawer. She dropped the framed photograph in, closed the drawer without hesitation, and went back to whatever she was typing.

Scully silently backed out of the room, hoping that Fletcher hadn't seen her. She leaned against the wall, out of sight. A dozen questions bounced through Scully's mind. 

She took a deep breath, then called out, "Fletcher?"

The typing ceased. "What?"

Scully walked into the room, trying to look casual. "Do you want something to eat? I thought I'd fix us some supper."

"I'll pass on anything fancy," she answered, taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes. "I guess I'll just have some of the leftover fruit."

"Do you want me to bring a bowl up to you?"

"Thanks, no. I'm almost done here. I'll come downstairs in a few."

"Okay."

Fletcher came down a short time later, carrying her bag and her briefcase. She set them down by the door to the garage. As she came into the kitchen, she set a slip of paper on the counter. "Something smells good."

"Grilled cheese sandwich," Scully informed her. "I wasn't in the mood for fancy, either."

"Enough left to make another one?"

"Thought you weren't hungry," Scully teased.

"I was wrong." Fletcher put her arms around Scully's waist. "Laundry's done and my bags are packed. I've just got to put them in the car tonight, save myself the time in the morning." "What time are you getting up?"

"Good question. Hmmm. I've got to be at the airport no later than 5:15. I won't have to worry about traffic at that hour so I'll probably get up around 4:00."

"Which means an early night for you, I suppose."

"Well, since you mentioned it," Fletcher said with a smile, "I was thinking that a long, hot bath before going to bed seemed like a good idea. I was wondering if you'd like to join me after we have some supper."

"I'd like that," Scully said, her hands slowly rubbing Fletcher's lower back. "I'd like that a lot."

"Good."

"What's that?" Scully asked, looking over at the paper on the counter.

"Just my itinerary for the week. I thought you might want it."

"Thanks," she said neutrally. <And if you don't stop being so indifferent, I think I'm going to scream.>

Sunday, 6:00 PM

"What a great bathtub," Scully said, watching Fletcher turn on the faucet to the old fashioned tub. It was longer, wider and deeper than most bathtubs. <Plenty of room for the two of us> Scully thought with a smile as she pulled off her shirt, then her bra.

"When I had the bathroom re-modeled three years ago, I had to order this special." Fletcher took off her own shirt and bra and tossed them into the hamper. She turned to face Scully just as she was stepping out of her pants. <Goddess, she's beautiful,> Fletcher thought, holding her breath at seeing Scully naked before her.

"Can I give you a hand with these?" Scully asked, her index fingers tugging on the belt loops of Fletcher's jeans.

"Be my guest," Fletcher grinned.

"I'm glad I'm not in any kind of a hurry," Scully said with a frustrated smile as she struggled with Fletcher's jeans.

"Why's that?" Fletcher asked as she kissed Scully's neck, her fingers lightly tracing the swell of Scully's breasts.

"Button fly jeans?" She made a face. "What a pain these are."

"Don't you like a challenge?" Fletcher's fingertips moved to Scully's nipples. "Won't it make it all that more worthwhile?"

"I'd probably have a lot more success if you'd stop distracting me," she complained, but only half-seriously.

"Then why don't you let me take them off?" Fletcher suggested.

"Give me a minute."

"Take all the time you need." Fletcher laughed. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Got it," Scully exclaimed as she unfastened the last button. She slid her hands inside of Fletcher's jeans and cupped Fletcher's ass. She pulled Fletcher close, her breasts touching Fletcher's stomach, her face between Fletcher small breasts. <So good... It feels _so_ good to have her skin against mine...> Scully thought.

"Plenty of time for this later," Fletcher said, her lips finding Scully's shoulder. "We'd better get into the tub now, or the water will get cold."

"Aye, aye, captain," Scully replied, reluctantly parting from Fletcher.

Scully stepped into the tub as Fletcher shucked the rest of her clothes off. She sat down and leaned back, the water deep enough to cover her breasts.

"This feels wonderful," Scully sighed.

"Hey, where am I supposed to sit?" Fletcher asked.

"Right here," Scully said, "in front of me."

Fletcher turned off the water, then climbed into the tub. Scully spread her legs, and Fletcher sat between them. "Got enough room?" she asked Scully.

"I'm fine."

Scully began to knead the broad shoulders in front of her. Fletcher's head dropped and her shoulders sagged.

"That feels great, Scully."

"Well, I did promise you a backrub yesterday."

"Better late than never." Fletcher sighed. "And it's well worth the wait."

"Where did you get your tattoo?" Scully asked, her fingers gently tracing the anchors, shield and eagle on Fletcher's right shoulder blade. <It's the Naval officer's crest> Scully thought. <I'd know that anywhere.>

"Where or when?"

"Both."

"San Diego, when I was 'regular' Navy. When a bunch of us got our first promotions to j.g., we all went out drinking. A veteran warrant officer took us around town. We ended up very drunk and in a tattoo parlor." Fletcher smiled, remembering. "He told us it was an initiation that we all had to go through."

"How many of you had it done?"

"Five guys, two women. Only two backed out." She smiled again as she felt Scully's lips press lightly against the tattoo. "Why are you asking me now?"

"Well, I never really had a good look at it before. It just dawned on me tonight that my brother Charlie has the same tattoo in exactly the same spot."

"Was he ever stationed in San Diego?"

"For a year, right after Annapolis."

"I'll have to ask him about it when I meet him," Fletcher said as leaned back against Scully once again. "Speaking of tattoos, where'd you get yours? Ouroboros, isn't it?"

"Yes." "I got it almost two years ago when I was, uh, a little too drunk. I was in Philadelphia on a case."

"I didn't want to say anything, but you're the last person I expected to see with a tattoo."

"It was not a good time in my life," Scully said, her voice quiet. She flashed back on Ed Jerse, and Leonard Betts. Her hand instinctively went to the back of her neck and she touched the small scar. She briefly fingered the scar, then dropped her hand back to Fletcher's shoulder.

Fletcher kept silent. Something in Scully's voice told her not to pry any further. 

Fletcher stretched her legs out, then put her hand on Scully's knee. "Red, did you ever think you'd be sitting in a tub with another woman?" she asked, changing the topic.

"If you'd asked me that two - no three - months ago, I would've said no. It's not that I was opposed to it, I just never considered it an option." She began to rub Fletcher's shoulders once again. "I guess I'm more surprised that I'm seeing _anyone_. I never thought I had the time; never really wanted to find the time, I guess." She kissed Fletcher's shoulder. 

Fletcher leaned back against Scully, resting her head on Scully's shoulder. Scully wrapped her arms around Fletcher, her arms crisscrossing Fletcher in a quasi-possessive hug. She kissed Fletcher's temple. <I've grown very fond of you, Fletcher. Maybe more than just fond... I just wish I knew if you felt the same.>

Instead of telling Fletcher how she felt, she asked, "Have you always known about yourself?"

"That I was gay?"

"Yes."

"I guess I always knew I was different. It just took me a little while to figure out what it was that made me feel different." Fletcher had a small smile on her face. "It took me a little longer to act on the feelings."

"How old were you?"

"Seventeen. When I was in college."

"Did you ever have sex with a man?"

"Nope. Never wanted to. Even when I was still figuring it out about myself, I never had any desire. And after my first time with a woman, there was no going back. It just confirmed what I guess I knew all along."

"Have there really been all that many women, Fletcher?"

Fletcher's body tensed. "Have there been a lot of men for you, Scully?" she replied, not answering the question.

"Touche'," Scully said quietly.

"Does it really matter, as long as you're the only one I'm seeing now?"

"No, I suppose not."

"And if you're concerned about AIDS, don't be," she continued, her voice defensive. "I've been tested, more than once, and I'm negative. And I haven't been with any women in more than a year. Can you say the same?"

"Yes. I can."

Fletcher took several deep breaths, forcing herself to get over her anger. <Little touchy, aren't we, Buchanan. Of course she's going to be worried. Who knows what Marva and Mulder have been telling her. And yeah, let's be honest. The past is finally catching up to me - the one time I really don't want it to.>

"Fletcher?" Scully asked, her hands stroking Fletcher's upper arms.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. That's your past. It's not _our_ past."

"Don't apologize. I'm just a little overly sensitive on the topic." Fletcher turned her head and kissed Scully's cheek. "I would never... Not to you, Red," she stammered. "I couldn't... I just... I don't think of you that way..."

Scully lifted her hand to Fletcher's face, her fingers trailing down her jaw line. Scully thought, looking into Fletcher's eyes. Fletcher shifted, twisting her body. She reached up and brought Scully's head down and kissed her deeply on the mouth. She groaned when Scully opened her mouth, drawing in her tongue.

"I think we should go to bed now," Fletcher said, kissing Scully's throat.

"I think you're right."

After toweling Scully off, then herself, Fletcher took Scully's hand and led her the few steps to the bedroom, then the bed. She turned the covers back and waited for Scully to get on the bed before she climbed in beside her. Fletcher lay on her side, facing Scully, who was also on her side. She slowly ran her hand up and down Scully's torso.

Fletcher looked directly into Scully's eyes. <Tonight, Red, tonight I want to make love to you. Not have sex. Make love.> She reached up and tucked a few stray strands of Scully's hair behind her ear. 

<She's got such an intense look on her face> Scully thought. She moved into Fletcher's arms, her legs intertwining with Fletcher's.

Fletcher kissed Scully once. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" she asked.

"You're embarrassing me."

"Don't be. You're a very beautiful, very desirable woman."

She leaned her body into Scully's, easing Scully onto her back. Every touch of Scully's body sent sparks through Fletcher's body. <I've never wanted anyone so much...never wanted to make love to anyone more...> She placed a soft kiss on Scully's forehead. <And Goddess help me, I do love her...> She returned to Scully's mouth, kissing her over and over. Her kisses weren't passionate, but loving, full of feeling.

<It's different> Scully thought, her desire growing. <Not better, not worse, just different. It's more...> She spread her legs, pressing one thigh between Fletcher's legs. Her arms went around Fletcher's neck as Fletcher's mouth moved down to her breasts.

"Oh," Scully exhaled when she felt Fletcher's lips on her nipple. "So nice..."

Fletcher groaned her response, her tongue gently circling one nipple, then the other. Fletcher thought <But not now... There's so much more that I want to do for her...> She lifted her body and began to kiss her way down Scully's body, all the while her hands caressed Scully's hips and thighs.

She dropped her hands to the inside of Scully's thighs and gently spread her legs. Scully half-moaned, half-sighed at Fletcher's actions. Fletcher placed her thumbs on either side of Scully's clit and began to massage the base of it. She placed her lips over it and gently sucked. Scully's moans grew louder and her hands dropped to the back of Fletcher's head. Fletcher began to slowly explore every fold and crevice with her tongue, all the while she keeping the pressure with her thumbs.

"Oh, Fletcher... that feels really good... Oh, yeah... like that... don't stop..."

<She's so wet> Fletcher thought as she gently lapped at Scully's slit. <She's ready for me now, but not yet...> She stiffened her tongue and started to drive it into Scully. She felt Scully's hips thrust up from the bed.

"Please, Fletcher..." <I'm going to explode... it's too much... it's never been like this before...>

Fletcher returned her mouth to Scully's clit. She started to nibble at it with her lips, slowly at first, teasing it with her tongue. Scully's hands ran wildly through Fletcher's hair, urging her. Fletcher kept the fingers from one hand near Scully's clit and continued to rub the base of it. She slid her other hand down and began to stroke Scully with her fingers.

"I'm almost there... Oh God, Fletcher..."

Fletcher's drove two fingers deep inside of Scully as she repeatedly pumped her hips against the bed, her own climax imminent. Scully moaned again, almost a whimper, then she cried out, her hips thrashing wildly.

"Fletcher..." she sobbed out loud.

Fletcher felt Scully's orgasm rocket through her body, then her own followed seconds later. "Scully...." she moaned into Scully's stomach. <Oh Goddess, the stars...>

She quickly moved back up and took Scully in her arms. They clutched one another tightly, not wanting to let go. Scully could feel Fletcher's pulse in her neck, and she kissed it. She knew her own heartbeat was racing just as fast as Fletcher's.

Fletcher felt her body finally relax. It was then that she noticed the tears on Scully's face. "You okay, Red?" she asked gently.

Scully put her hand on her own cheek, startled to find it wet. <That's never happened before...> She looked up at Fletcher and gently touched her damp fingers to Fletcher's lips. Fletcher kissed her fingertips, then kissed the tears from her cheeks. Scully kissed Fletcher tenderly on the lips, then buried her face against the hollow of her neck. She held on to Fletcher, not knowing how to tell her how she felt, afraid of telling her how she felt.

"I've never cried before... from coming..."

"It was special for me, too, Red..." Fletcher admitted, her lips pressing against Scully's forehead in a soft kiss. "I've never come just from... without being touched..."

"I'm glad," Scully whispered. "So glad... I could do that for you..."

"Red, what you do for me-" She stopped, and then just kissed Scully, soft and long and loving.

Monday, 3:50 AM

Fletcher opened her eyes and looked at the clock. <Good. The alarm won't go off and wake her up.> She carefully slid her arm out from underneath Scully's neck. She reached over and re-set the alarm for 6:00. <If only it weren't so damned early,> she thought with some regret. <I'd consider waking her up.> She quietly got out of bed and went into the bathroom.

Fletcher took a quick, cool shower just to wake up and to clear her thoughts of the previous night. She dressed in layers because there was frost on the windows. <First one of the season.> She sat down on the edge of the bed beside Scully. She put her hand on Scully's hip and gave her a quick kiss. Scully smiled and mumbled something unintelligible.

"I re-set the alarm for you," Fletcher said softly.

"Mmmm... thanks," Scully replied, half-asleep.

Fletcher looked at her watch and said, "I've got to leave now or I'll miss my plane."

"Call me," Scully said sleepily, pulling the covers up to her chin.

"When I can. I'll see you on Friday." She stood up, then leaned over and kissed Scully softly on the cheek. "Love you. 'bye."

End Chapter 5 of ?

<<Chapter 6>>

Thursday, November 12, 11:45 AM

Scully stared at her monitor. 'You have 0 unread messages' was displayed cruelly across the top. <Damn. More than three days and not one phone call. Not even a single lousy email.> She sighed, unaware that it was loud enough for Mulder to hear.

"Scully?"

She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. 

"Scully?" Mulder repeated. "Hello? Anybody in there?"

She looked up. "Did you say something?"

"What's so fascinating on your computer?" he asked, getting up from his desk.

"Nothing, Mulder." She quickly closed the Internet connection before Mulder could look over her shoulder.

"Well, something's sure caught your interest. You've been staring at it for the past half an hour."

"I have not."

<Something's going on with her. I just don't know what. She was fine on Monday. Maybe a little _too_ cheerful for my taste,> He grinned inwardly <but I'm sure that was because she spent the weekend with Fletcher.> The past few days, he'd silently watched her mood deteriorate. <It can't be Fletcher. She's been out of town all week. At least I _hope_ it's not Fletcher.>

"Let's go get some lunch. I'm starving."

"When aren't you?" she said dryly.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm going to take advantage of all of these great restaurants in town before we get stuck out in Quantico. You know they don't have the variety that we have here."

"I suppose."

"C'mon," he cajoled. "We haven't been out to lunch all week."

"All right," she said resignedly, taking her purse out of her desk drawer.

- - - -

"So, have you got a birthday present for Fletcher yet?" he asked as they waited for their food.

"No. Have you?" she shot back.

"Not yet. I thought I'd look this weekend. She's hard to shop for. I mean, what do you give the woman who has everything? If she doesn't have it, she goes out and buys it."

"It's not like she's got a 'collection' that she can add to - unlike some people I know," Scully smirked.

Mulder ignored her remarks. "Usually I try to get tickets to some game, but with the NBA on strike, or lockout, or whatever it is they're calling it, and the Redskins playing so poorly, that idea's no good." He munched on a breadstick. "I suppose I could look at hockey tickets. We haven't been to a Caps game in a long time."

Scully sipped from her glass of water. "I don't even know when or if we'll be celebrating it. She's going to be out of town next week, too." 

"Is that what's got you so moody?" he asked solicitously.

"I'm not moody, Mulder."

"Right," he said sarcastically.

The waiter returned with their food - a salad for her and a steak 'n cheese sandwich for him.

"Don't you get tired of eating the same old thing?" he said. "It's always salad, salad, salad."

<I'm not eating the 'same old thing' anymore. I've changed _some_ of my eating habits,> she thought wickedly. She smiled to herself, deciding that some things were better left unsaid.

"How do you think I keep my girlish figure?" she said with a straight face.

Mulder cocked one eyebrow. <Yup. No doubt about it. Being with Fletcher has certainly improved Scully's sense of humor.> "Behold my sandwich," he said gesturing with both hands to the plate in front of him.

<Oh, boy, there he goes. Off on another tangent.> Scully rolled her eyes.

"Depending on where you're from, this could be called many things. A Philly Cheesesteak, a sub, a torpedo, a hoagie, a grinder-"

"Grinder?" Scully interrupted. "That doesn't sound very appetizing. Where do they call them _grinders_?"

"New England."

"Mulder, you're just a fountain of information. How did I ever get through life without you?"

"I ask myself the same thing every day," he replied taking a bite out of his sandwich.

She chuckled for his benefit, but it was a short effort. "Mulder?"

Following his mother's admonitions, he waited until he swallowed before he said, "What?"

<No, I can't talk to him about it. He wouldn't understand. He'd kill Fletcher first, ask questions later. He's a lot like my brother Bill that way, but I would never tell Mulder that. He'd kill _me_.>

"How do you feel about going back to ISU? We've never really talked about the transfer."

"I'm not happy because I think we should be back on the X-Files. On the other hand, it beats having to be on 'bullshit' investigations." He stuffed a few chips into his mouth. "I swear, if I had to hear one more farmer talk about his beet crop or whatever, I was going to build my own bomb with the fertilizer." He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "What about you?"

She thought for a moment. "Well, I guess I'm looking forward to using my skills again."

"Just straightforward autopsies, Scully. No aliens, no exploding bodies, no green goo," he said with a smile.

"It'll be less dangerous than the X-Files."

"And not as boring as what we're doing now," he agreed, then added, "but still boring."

"Do you think we'd get to work together at all?"

"Probably." <That can't be what's bothering her. We've been split up before. And we'll at least be in the same department.> "As I understand it, the forensics staff gets assigned on a rotating basis. Whoever's next up on the board, gets the job, unless it relates to a case you've worked before."

"So I could work with Fletcher?"

"Yup." <She doesn't look very happy about that. How come?> "You'll be working with everyone in the department, including the staff not at Quantico."

<Clarice Starling,> Scully thought suddenly. "Mulder, what was Fletcher's working relationship with Starling like?"

"Well, you have to understand the circumstances. When Starling came into ISU, BSU back then, she skipped the mandatory two year field assignment. They brought her right into the department. I guess it was all that publicity with Lecter and Buffalo Bill. And it was a politically connected, high profile case. I don't think the Bureau could afford _not_ to have her in BSU."

"When did she start working with Fletcher?"

"Not right away. Fletcher was overseas during all this, or she would've been working the case. She'd had some contact with Lecter, but I'm guessing she wouldn't have used him to get to Buffalo Bill." He flagged down the waiter and ordered a piece of pie for dessert. "You want anything, Scully?"

"No, thanks."

He waited until the waiter left their table before continuing. "Starling took a lot of crap from the guys in the department. They resented her immediate success, her coming into the department without putting in the time in the field, the fact that she got the case when everyone knew Fletcher would've worked it. It wasn't a good time for her. She couldn't even walk through the office without some asshole whistling 'Buffalo Gals' under their breath, just loud enough for her to hear it."

Scully could empathize with what Starling had gone through. She herself had experienced something similar all through med school and at the academy. And of course there were all the whispers after she'd joined the X-Files. Mulder thought she hadn't heard them, didn't know about them. But she had.

"When Fletcher returned, it was quite the scene. She walks into the office, still in her dress whites, wearing all those ribbons and medals and whatnot. Everyone made such a fuss about it." He took a sip from his coffee cup. "And then she did something very classy. She went through the office, saying hello to everyone. When she got to Starling, she shook her hand, said 'pleased to meet you. Nice job on Buffalo Bill' then continued on. She didn't have to say anything. Made a hell of an impression on Starling and me. She made her point about Starling's ability without really making a big deal."

"So that's when they started working together?"

"No, Starling was still working with Jack Crawford. Occasionally, she'd go out on a case with me or Fletcher or both of us, but she stayed with Crawford until his retirement. Crawford wanted Starling brought along as slowly as possible." When the waiter brought Mulder his pie, he ordered another cup of coffee. Scully asked for more hot water for her tea. After the waiter left, Mulder went on. "Starling learned a lot from Fletcher, though. You can tell that Fletcher was _really_ her mentor."

"How so?"

"When you get a chance to work with them, watch carefully. Study the way they approach a case. Fletcher taught that to Starling. She also taught her how to walk into a room of mostly male law enforcement officers and silence them without doing or saying a thing. I've seen Fletcher do it time and time again. She gets their respect just in the way she carries herself. She doesn't try to steal the collar, doesn't try to outshine the locals or take over the case. She makes them a part of the investigation, makes them think they're running it, that she's assisting them. That's one of the reasons she's so successful, and so requested." He leaned back in his chair. "Starling either had Fletcher teach it to her, or she learned it by observing. Either way, it's eerie when you've worked with both of them. They hardly had to talk when they were on a case. It was like they had some sort of ESP between the two of them."

 She sighed. <Oh, stop it, Dana. Stop being so paranoid, so pessimistic. You don't know anything for sure, so stop worrying.>

"I assume you're paying for lunch?" Scully said.

"What?"

"I paid last time, Mulder. You're getting off cheap. Your lunch last time was twice what mine cost."

He grumbled good-naturedly, but paid the bill.

Thursday, 7:30 PM

Scully set her briefcase down on the dining room table. She immediately checked her phone for messages. No matter how long she stared at it, the light on the answering machine remained dark. <None. Damn. Why won't she call me? This is ridiculous. I've left a message every single day at her various hotels, and she hasn't returned one call. She can't be _that_ busy. Or is she avoiding me?>

She opened her briefcase and rummaged through it, trying to find Fletcher's itinerary. She took a deep breath. <Patience. It's here.> A few moments later she found it. <Kansas City. I'll try her one more time and if I don't get her, that's it. I'm not going to call her again, even after she comes back. She can call _me_.>

She poured herself a small glass of scotch before she went into the bedroom. She sat down on the bed and stared at the phone.

- - - -

As soon as she unlocked the door, Fletcher heard the phone ringing. <Great. Lansdowne probably thought of something _else_ he had to tell me about the Netcrawler.> She set down the ice bucket she was carrying and answered the phone. "Buchanan."

"Fletcher? It's Scully."

"Oh, hi, Red," she said tonelessly. "I just got back. Can you hang on a sec?"

"Sure." <Go ahead. Just blow me off like you have been all week.>

Fletcher set the phone down and went back to the ice bucket. She dumped the contents into the sink, then stuck several bottles of beer into the ice. She opened one bottle, took a long swallow from it, then returned to the phone.

"Thanks for waiting. I had to take care of something."

<What's her name?> Scully thought unkindly. <Are you there alone? Why haven't you called me? Why are you avoiding me? Why haven't you returned my calls?> Scully took a deep breath. <Easy. Don't nag. Give her the benefit of the doubt.>

"How are you?" she asked.

"Okay, I guess. Mostly just tired."

"I'm glad to hear you're alive. I was beginning to think that maybe you'd dropped off the face of the earth," Scully said, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I haven't heard from you all week and I was worried."

"Well, I'm fine, thanks for asking," Fletcher said tersely, fighting to keep her temper under control. "How are you?"

"I've been better," she admitted.

"What's wrong?"

"It's been a rough week," Scully said evasively.

"Mulder being his usual pain in the ass?" Fletcher leaned over and took her shoes off.

"No, he's been fine, actually."

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing." Scully paused. "We need to talk when you get back."

Fletcher's heart dropped; her mouth went dry. She reached for the bottle of beer on the nightstand. She took another long swallow. "About what?" she replied, her voice calm, her tone even.

"We'll talk tomorrow."

"Then why the hell bring it up now?" she said angrily.

"Because I don't want you to think I'm trying to ambush you."

Fletcher silently counted to ten before responding. "Scully, I'm too fucking tired for this. What do you want?"

"If you're going to tell someone you love them for the first time, you should at least wait until they're awake."

<Oh, fuck. She did hear me.> Fletcher held her breath, then slowly exhaled. She picked up a pen and began to fiddle with it. She dropped the pen and picked the beer up. She finished it off in one gulp.

"Do you still want to talk?" Scully asked quietly. "I will, but I'd rather do it when we're together, face to face."

Fletcher put her hand to her forehead and rubbed. "Yeah, I suppose that would be better."

"Okay. Why don't you come over to my place tomorrow night? I'll cook us some dinner and... we can talk."

"Fine. I'll see you then."

Fletcher quietly hung up the phone. <She didn't even tell me she missed me> she thought unhappily. <Then again, I never really did give her much of a chance. Maybe she was waiting for me to say it. I should've said something. I did miss her. I still do.> She got up from the bed and grabbed another beer out of the bathroom sink. 

She turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. She didn't pay attention to it as her mind was filled with thoughts of Scully. <Damn it. I had a nice little 'something' going and I blew it. I never should've said anything. What was I thinking? You idiot, Buchanan. You've probably scared her off for good.> She chugged her beer. It wasn't nearly cold enough, and not at all comforting.

End Chapter 6

<<Chapter 7>>

Friday, November 13th, 5:30 PM

Fletcher's flight back to Washington had been uneventful. <Only positive thing that's happened all fucking week,> she thought as she unlocked her Jeep. <Good thing, too. I've had enough stress.> She pulled out of the airport and headed for her apartment. She flipped on the radio and immediately selected the NPR station. <News. I can handle news. I just can't handle the silence.>

Despite her best efforts, Fletcher continued to fret over her pending dinner with Scully. <Time for the 'Hit the road, Jack'. Sure is different this time. I'm usually the one doing the dumping.> She slammed her fist down on the seat beside her and swore out loud. <This isn't fair. Less than a week ago I was making love to Scully. _MAKING LOVE_, damn it, and it was great. And I was happy. What the hell happened? All this because I said 'I love you'? I thought love was supposed to make you happy.>

She took a deep breath and looked at the dashboard clock. She sighed heavily. <I'll just drop my stuff off and change my clothes. I don't need to grab a uniform, either. I doubt I'll be staying over tonight.>

Friday, 6:05 PM

"Hey, 'grumpy', you wanna grab a pizza?" Mulder asked as caught up to Scully in the parking garage.

Scully kept on walking. "No, thanks."

"How 'bout Chinese?"

<God, doesn't he get enough Chinese take-out when we're working? No wonder his kitchen's so clean. I doubt he's ever cooked anything in it.> "I'm meeting Fletcher for dinner," she said quietly.

"Just _dinner_?" he teased.

Scully turned her head and tried to glare at him, but found she didn't have the energy for it to be all that effective.

"Oh, right," he continued. "Dinner and _dessert_," he leered.

<Can't resist, can you, Mulder? Enjoy it while you can. I have a feeling that after tonight you won't have any more opportunities.> "Y'know, Mulder," she said, a hint of a smile on her face. "For a trained psychologist, sometimes you've got all the subtlety of a flying mallet."

"You're such an easy mark, Scully. I can't help it. I haven't had anything _this_ good to tease you about in such a long time."

"See you Monday, Mulder," Scully replied, stopping at her car. <When you can tell me 'I told you so'.>

"Have a good time, Scully," he laughed, walking off to his own car.

Friday, 7:20 PM

Scully heard the short knock on her door. She looked through the peephole to make sure it was Fletcher. She quickly unlocked the door and opened it. Fletcher walked into the room and thrust two bottles of wine into Scully's hands.

"I didn't know what we were having so I brought a bottle of white and a bottle of red," she said awkwardly.

"Thanks."

Fletcher closed the door and leaned back against it. <She looks horrible> Scully thought. It wasn't just the circles under her eyes or the new lines in her face. It was her whole body. <She doesn't just look exhausted -like she hasn't slept in days... she looks ö fearful? Worried? I never thought I'd see her that way.> She looked away, certain she'd been staring. <And if I wasn't so damn mad at her right now, I'd be worried.>

It was then that Scully noticed Fletcher had been carrying nothing but the wine. <Where's her bag and her uniform? She's got reserves tomorrow.> Scully's heart sank. <She's not staying tonight. I was right. She didn't mean it. She doesn't really love me.> She bit her lip, surprised at the tears that suddenly filled her eyes. She turned away from Fletcher and walked into the kitchen, hurriedly wiping her eyes.

Fletcher followed behind, her hands deep in the pockets of her leather jacket. <No kiss, no hug> she thought. <It's worse than I thought.> She suppressed the urge to rub her own chest. <_Fuck_, it hurts> she thought. But she was smart enough to recognize that the pain she felt wasn't physical. "Hope I didn't spoil dinner. Traffic was really bad tonight," she said blandly.

"No, I got a late start. It'll be ready in a few minutes. Another Scully family favorite," she said. "Fish on Friday."

A ghost of a smile flickered across Fletcher's face. She took off her coat and draped it over a dining room chair. "Do you want a glass of wine?" she asked Scully.

"Thanks, yes."

Fletcher got two tulip-shaped glasses out of the cupboard and silently poured them both a glass of wine. She set Scully's down on the table. "Can I give you a hand with anything?" she offered.

"No, I'm all set. Just have a seat."

Fletcher sat down at the table and compulsively toyed with her silverware. <We're just going through the motions. We need to stop this fucking pretense, stop pretending to be so civilized.> Fletcher was so lost in her thoughts, that she didn't even look up when Scully set a plate of food in front of her.

<What is she thinking?> Scully worried as she sat down. <She looks miserable.>

"Fletcher?"

Fletcher suddenly pushed back from the table. "I'm sorry, Scully. I guess I'm not very hungry."

"Fletcher, what is the matter?"

"I can't do this," she choked.

"Do what?"

"I can't sit here and pretend that nothing's wrong. Let's just get this over with, okay?" She jumped up from the table and went into the living room.

<Here it comes,> Scully thought, following her. She sat down on the sofa and waited for Fletcher to stop pacing. <Wait,> Scully told herself. <Wait for her to speak; let _her_ say it first.>

Fletcher stopped, pushing her hair back off her forehead and rubbing her face. "Y'know, I never would've said it if I thought it was going to make you mad or want to stop seeing me," she finally said after a long silence.

Scully was incredulous. "You think _that's_ why I'm mad?"

"Isn't it?"

"No. I'm mad at you because you said it and then made your 'great escape'. You never gave me a chance to talk to you. And then you avoided me all week, wouldn't return my calls."

"You thought I was _avoiding_ you?"

"Weren't you?"

"My schedule made it nearly impossible to call you at a decent hour," Fletcher rationalized. "Thursday night was the first time I'd checked into my room before midnight. I couldn't call you then. Think of the time difference..."

"Please, Fletcher. Give me _some_ credit. It never stopped you from calling before. And you could've at least emailed me."

Fletcher looked down, unable to meet Scully eyes. "Yeah. Okay, yes, I guess I was avoiding you. I used my schedule as an excuse."

"Why?"

"I had my reasons, and it looks like I was right."

"Would you mind sharing them with me?" Scully asked sharply.

"Whatever my reasons were, well, what's the point," Fletcher blurted. She resumed her pacing, her words picking up speed as she talked. "I took a chance, said something I probably shouldn't have said, and look where it got me. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but I just didn't want to hear you tell me to get lost, that you didn't feel the same way..."

"Do you really think that?"

"Isn't that why you invited me to dinner, to tell me that it's over?"

<She thinks _I'm_ breaking up with _her_?> Scully didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Instead, she got up from the sofa and went to Fletcher.