Title: Circumstantial Evidence

Author:Shawntaw

Email address: shawntaw@h...

Feedback: PLEASE, OH PLEASE DO!!! I'VE BEEN A WRITER FOR YEARS, BUT 
THIS WAS MY FIRST FAN FICTION!!! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, JUST BE 
GENTLE IF YOU HATED IT!:)

Disclaimer: They don't belong to me. I wish! They belong to Chris 
Carter. I'm making no money. I have no money, so don't sue.

Summary: Could Skinner have finally caught his two favorite agents 
red-handed?

Rating: PG, a little cussing:)

****************

The pizza had long gone cold. The uneaten slices lay forgotten in 
the cardboard box. The small collection of empty beer bottles 
cluttered the counter in the small kitchen.

"Last ones," Mulder declared, backing out of the refrigerator and 
holding the last two bottles of the six-pack aloft. His back cramped 
as he straightened and he grimaced.

"Back hurt?" Scully looked up as he stretched.

He nodded. "Been sitting hunched over for too long."

He rolled his shoulders as he stepped forward and handed her a 
beer. "Are we almost done?"

She sighed. "I don't know HOW Skinner is going to feel about expenses 
incurred from the damage inflicted by a flying cow, but I think we 
have explained it as plainly as we can."

Mulder plopped down next to her on his couch. "Hey, it isn't my fault 
the cow smashed my laptop and bled all over my stuff," He took a swig 
of beer.

Scully rubbed the bridge of her nose. "O.k., Mulder, do we now have 
everything accounted for that was in your suitcase? And did you 
write your field report?"

Mulder leaned forward and rummaged in the mess on the coffee 
table. "Here is the list of damaged items for you to staple to that 
report," he nodded toward her open laptop, "And, yes, I finished my 
field report earlier when you were sorting through the receipts for 
the expense report."

Scully laughed abruptly, "Here a report, there a report, everywhere a 
report, report." She shook her head at her lame joke. It must be 
late.

She looked up at Mulder's amused face. "What time IS it anyway? I 
feel like I'm getting silly."

Mulder leaned over and looked toward his desk. "It is 3am." He 
seemed surprised. 

Scully rolled her eyes. "I have got to get home. These reports are 
due at 8am in Skinner's office. I'll print them out when I get to 
the office later."

She started to stand, but flinched. "Ow." She sat back down and 
rolled her shoulders. "I see what you mean about sitting hunched over 
for too long."

Mulder put his hands on her shoulders. "Come here." He gestured with 
his chin for her to scoot in front of him as he turned sideways on 
the couch.

She did as he asked without even thinking about it. *Ahh, a shoulder 
massage, she thought*

His fingers massaged the knot in her shoulders and neck. She murmured 
her appreciation and felt herself begin to relax. She closed her 
eyes. *Just a few minutes and then I'll go home, she thought.*

Mulder felt her relax under his hands and smiled to the back of her 
head. After a long stretch of silence, he realized that she had dozed 
off. "Scully?" he said quietly. 

Her head was flopped forward and she muttered something 
unintelligleable (sp?) in response to her name.

He pulled her back gently to rest against his chest and she let out a 
soft snore.

Mulder had to restrain the impulse to laugh. He brushed her hair 
from her face and let his fingers trace her cheek. He stood quietly 
and lay her down flat on the couch.

After giving it a moments thought, he disappeared into the bedroom. 
Mulder folded down the blankets and set the alarm clock on the 
nightstand for 6am. He grabbed a spare blanket and pillow and headed 
back to the couch.

He stood a moment and looked at her. She was slumped almost flat on 
the couch, still dressed in the same sensible suit she had been 
wearing all day. Except her jacket, which was slung over a chair a 
few feet away. 
She snorted softly again in her sleep and Mulder did laugh quietly to 
himself this time. *She must be getting a cold or something, he 
thought*

Smiling, he bent down and removed each of her shoes and set them on 
the coffee table. She responded by muttering and trying to open her 
eyes. "Huh?" She looked sleepily at Mulder, who had squatted beside 
her and was sliding his hands beneath her back and legs.

"Mulder.." Her question died as she gave out a slight gasp as he 
lifted her off the couch. Her eyes flew open, awake. "What the hell 
are you doing, Mulder?"

He looked down at the woman in his arms and smiled. She was 
blinking, trying to stay awake, and clutching his shoulders. "You 
fell asleep. I'm putting you to bed." He grinned mischeviously (sp?).

"Mulder, put me down," Scully shot him a look.

He began carrying her into the bedroom. "Scully, you're exhausted. 
You can sleep here." He set her gently on the bed. He sat next to 
her. "Look, I set the alarm and everything." He patted the clock.

She started to protest, but she had to admit the bed was very 
comfortable. And she was so tired. Mulder had stayed on her couch 
many times. So, why did this seem weird? "I could sleep on the 
couch," she offered.

Mulder shook his head, "I'm used to the couch. Hey, you want 
something to sleep in?" He went to the small chest of drawers and 
pulled out a t-shirt. 

She considered for a moment, then padded across to him in her 
stocking feet. She took the t-shirt and headed for the 
bathroom. "Thanks." She felt suddenly shy and averted her eyes. 
She headed into the bathroom and closed the door.

"Your welcome," he said softly.

*******************

She peeked out of the bathroom and saw the bedroom was deserted. 
Scully stepped out self-consciously and tugged at the t-shirt. It 
was long and covered her very respectfully, but she still felt 
naked. Or maybe she just was suddenly aware of the fact that she was 
in Mulder's apartment, wearing nothing but his t-shirt and about to 
sleep overnight in his bed. *I've already stayed overnight, she told 
herself logically, I'm basically taking a nap*

She headed for the bed, trying not to think anymore.

"Wow." Mulder stood in the open doorway of the bedroom, holding a 
glass of water.

She stood by the bed and tugged at the bottom of the t-shirt. He 
stared at her. "What?!" She glared at him.

He gave a half-grin. "You look great in my t-shirt," he waggled his 
eyebrows at her. 

She had to admit that he didn't look so bad himself in his yellow 
pajama bottoms. *Not that I'm looking, she thought*

He caught her not looking and swallowed nervously.

Suddenly, they both felt very exposed. Mulder cleared his 
throat. "So." He said, and shifted his weight from one foot to the 
other. 

They stood looking at each other. "Is that water for me?" Scully 
asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Oh, yes, it is." Mulder stepped forward and set it on the 
nightstand. Silence.

"Well, we should probably get some sleep before the sun comes up," 
Scully said. She waited for him to leave. When he didn't move, she 
sighed and climbed into the bed and under the covers. "Goodnight, 
Mulder."

He moved to the door, "Goodnight, Scully," and turned off the light.
*********************

*I can't sleep, he thought, not with Scully in the next room in my 
bed, in my t-shirt* He sighed and turned over again, trying to get 
comfortable. He turned again, and then gave up. He sat up and 
looked at the clock on his desk. 3:45am.

**********************

*I can't sleep, she thought, not in Mulder's bed wearing his t-
shirt. He said "Wow." I heard him say "Wow." I should have said it 
back, she thought.* She thought of the way he looked walking out of 
the bedroom, dressed in only the yellow pajama bottoms. She sighed 
and tried to shut her eyes. She turned over onto her stomach, trying 
to get comfortable. Scully gave up and sat upright, looking at the 
clock. 3:45am.

***********************

Mulder thought he would just sneak in and watch her sleep for a 
minute. He wouldn't wake her up; he just wanted to see her sleeping 
in his bed. He stood up and began to sneak toward the bedroom door.

***********************

Scully heard the slight sound of the bedroom door opening and quickly 
shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. *Mulder's probably going to 
the bathroom, she thought, I don't want him to know I can't sleep*

To her surprise, she heard his soft footsteps come toward the bed. 
She could feel him just standing there. She could hear him 
breathing. *What is he doing?*

She opened her eyes, worried. "Mulder?" she said softly into the 
darkness. She saw his lean sillouette start, surprised. "Sorry, 
Scully. I didn't mean to wake you, I just.." His voice trailed off. 

He sat on the edge of the bed and she sat up too. "Is something 
wrong?" She reached out and touched his arm.

"Nothing's wrong. Just couldn't sleep, nothing unusual." He put his 
hand over hers where it rested on his arm.

Her eyes were adjusting to the faint light from the open doorway and 
she could see him staring at her. Before she could ask again if he 
was o.k., he reached out a hand and brushed a piece of hair off of 
her forehead.

She saw the sad look on his face. *He's had another nightmare about 
Samantha and doesn't want to tell me, she thought*

She flung back the covers and scooted over. "Come on."

"What?" Mulder's eyes were round in the darkness.

She took one of the two pillows that had been under her head and 
threw it at him. "You should sleep in your bed."

He just sat there. "I trust you, Mulder. Why, shouldn't I?" She 
teased him a little. "Come on. Its already 4 in the morning, so you 
better decide now."

He grinned and climbed in. "Yes, ma'am."

She laughed a little and suddenly the situation had a slumber party 
feel. The tension left the room. She felt sleepy again and yawned. 
It was contagious and she could hear him yawn too.

They fell into a deep sleep, side by side.

*******************************

When the alarm went off two hours later, a very exhausted Mulder 
mumbled and pushed it off the nightstand. He was only faintly aware 
of the thump as it hit the floor. The alarm abruptly stopped beeping.
*********************************

Skinner huffed again, shuffled the paperwork on his desk and looked 
at his watch for the seemingly hundredth time. His 9am appointment 
had just left and he again wondered where his 8am appointment had 
gotten to. He buzzed his secretary at her desk.

"Yes sir?"

"Any word from Agents Mulder or Scully yet? Anybody seen them?" 
Skinner was trying unsuccessfully to keep the annoyance out of his 
voice.

"Um, no sir. I also called the basement and there was no answer. I 
even sent someone down to look, sir. No luck. I tried Agent Scully's 
home, but got her machine. I was about to try Agent Mulder's when I 
was called away. Would you like me to try there now? Or maybe their 
cell phones?" Kim suggested helpfully. She was familiar with her 
boss's foul moods and wanted to avoid it if she could.

He started to tell her to go ahead, but then remembered that he would 
be headed in that general area for a budget brunch scheduled this 
morning for himself and several other Assistant Directors. He sighed 
and found himself thinking... No answer at Scully's. Scully, who is 
the epitome of responsibility and punctuality. She's either in the 
hospital or.... He grinned. *I think I am about to settle the 
office pool, he thought* Immediately, he berated himself mentally 
*Not that I would ever cash in*

"Sir?" He realized that he had been silent for several seconds. "Sir, 
are you there?"

"Yes, Kimberly. Don't bother calling Mulder's. I'm headed in that 
direction for my next meeting this morning and I'll stop by."

"Yes sir." Kimberly hung up and smiled to herself, shaking her head 
slightly. She had a good idea what her boss's line of thinking was 
and wondered if the rumors were finally going to be confirmed.

**********************************************************************
Warm and comfortable. She thought to herself, I am so comfortable 
this morning. She sighed as she started to wake up. Her eyes 
fluttered open. She was curled under Mulder's arm, her head on his 
chest. He breathed in soft sighs, still sleeping deeply. She 
smiled, propped herself up on an elbow and looked at him.

*When he sleeps, she thought, he looks like he hasn't a care in the 
world.*

His lips were slightly parted and, without thinking, she leaned 
forward and brushed his lips with her own. 
"Good morning, Prince Charming." 

She meant it lightly, almost as a joke, but his eyes opened. He 
looked at her hovering over him like he didn't believe she was 
real. "Scully?" he asked softly. He pulled her toward him, closing 
the few inches between them and kissed her softly.

Her breath stopped in her throat. They ended the kiss after a moment 
and time seemed to cease as they looked at one another, neither one 
knowing what to do or say.

A sudden loud knocking caused them both to jump. After gazing at 
Scully for another moment, Mulder rolled out of bed and padded to the 
front door. 

"Who is it?" Mulder called out grumpily, wondering who could be 
knocking on his door this early in the morning. *The damn alarm 
hasn't even gone off, he thought*

"Mulder, its Skinner. Open up," Skinner's muffled voice answered 
gruffly from the other side of the door.

Mulder gasped. "Just a minute, sir." He quickly moved back to the 
bedroom door and looked inside. Scully sat clutching the comforter 
to her chest, her mouth and eyes wide. 

Mulder swallowed. "I'll get rid of him as quickly as I can. Just 
stay in here and don't make a sound, o.k.?" Scully nodded, feeling 
too stunned to do anything else.

He started to turn back to the door. "Wait," Scully loudly whispered.

Mulder glanced back inquiringly. "What is he doing here? Our meeting 
isn't until 8 o'clock. What time is it?" Two sets of eyes sought out 
the alarm clock. It wasn't there.

"Mulder? Everything o.k.?" Skinner asked loudly from the hallway.

Not taking his eyes from Scully, Mulder shut the bedroom door and 
stepped to open his front door. Scully closed her eyes and took a 
deep breath. *Calm. Calm. Must remain calm. We're caught and we 
didn't even DO anything, she thought bitterly* She wondered if 
Skinner was invested in the office pool and how much he stood to make.

*********************************************************************
Mulder answered the door clad in yellow drawstring pajama bottoms, 
trying very hard to look like someone who had been jarred from 
sleep. He squinted sleepily and rubbed his too alert eyes. Skinner 
suppressed a smile. 

"Agent Mulder, are you aware of the time?" Skinner bluntly asked as 
he stepped around Mulder into the apartment. His eyes quickly took 
in the room as he turned to face his AWOL agent.

"Um, no, sir, did I oversleep?" Mulder's hair stood up in every 
direction as if it were trying to fly from his head and Skinner 
noticed a slight tremor in Mulder's hand as he folded his arms across 
his bare chest.

"It is 9:30 am, Monday morning. Have you been drinking, Mulder?" 
Skinner said in his best dressing-down voice.

Mulder opened his mouth to answer his boss, but froze at what he saw 
over his boss's shoulder. The scene had the look of a long work 
night. Pizza box and empty beer bottles visible on the kitchen 
counter. Couch rumpled. Strewn papers. SCULLY'S SHOES ON THE COFFEE 
TABLE!!?? SCULLY'S JACKET FLUNG ACROSS A CHAIR!!!??

He closed his mouth, swallowed and snapped his eyes back to Skinner's 
frowning ones. "Um...Um... "

"Mulder?" Skinner's eyes flitted back and forth inspecting Mulder's 
face.
The younger man had suddenly gone pale.

"Yes sir?" Mulder had forgotten the question and was racking his 
brains about how to clear the evidence of Scully's presence when the 
bedroom door slowly opened and two blue eyes topped with ruffled red 
hair peered out at him.

"NO!" Mulder yelled and then looked into his shocked boss's face.

"No? You're not drunk, Agent Mulder? Are you sure?" Skinner looked 
doubtful and was beginning to look highly irritated.

Mulder tried not to look directly at her as she tiptoed into the 
living room (IN NOTHING BUT HIS GRAY T-SHIRT!!!?) and collected her 
shoes and jacket. 

She immediately cursed herself for being so stupid.

Mulder fell into a coughing fit as Skinner started to turn around and 
Scully dived behind the chair. 

Skinner stopped turning to kneel next to Mulder and pounded him on 
the back. 
"Agent Mulder? Agent Mulder!" Skinner raised his voice above Mulder's 
coughing trying to get his attention.

Scully dashed back into the bedroom, clutching the "evidence."

Mulder coughed a few more times and then slowly stood. He noticed 
Skinner held him under one elbow. "Mulder, what the hell is going on?"

"Sir, I'm sorry, I haven't been feeling well. That must be why I 
overslept..." Mulder cleared his throat a few times for effect.

"Understandable and I suppose excuseable as long as you don't make a 
habit out of it. You need to call these things in, Mulder." Skinner 
released Mulder's elbow. "With you, I assumed you were in an ER 
somewhere with Agent Scully overseeing your recovery from some life-
threatening injury."

Mulder laughed a little at that and then blanched at the next 
question.

"Have you seen Agent Scully? She hasn't come in either," Skinner 
pinned him with his eyes.

"Well, she did stop by this morning to check on me sir. She knew I 
was sick this weekend. But I haven't seen her since then. She 
didn't show up at work?" Mulder tried to sound as nonchalant as he 
could.

Skinner raised an eyebrow at him. "No. She didn't." Skinner did turn 
then and strode to the couch where he sat heavily. He took in the 
untidiness of the room.

"I thought you said you hadn't been drinking?" Skinner nodded toward 
the beer bottles.

Mulder ran a hand through his hair. "Um, no sir, I said I wasn't 
drunk. Scully and I worked late on the reports for this morning, 
sorry about the mess. He began picking up debris and putting it in a 
pile to one corner of the coffee table.

"But you have no idea where she might be?" Skinner asked.

Mulder didn't look up from his task. "You tried her apartment?"

Skinner nodded and then realizing Mulder wasn't looking at him, said 
aloud,"Yes. Answering machine."

Mulder staightened. "Well, sir, I'll get ready for the office and go 
look for her, if you like."

"I thought you were sick, Mulder." Skinner didn't blink.

"I'll be fine, sir, really. I, uh, intended to come to work today 
anyway and now I'm worried about Scully. I'll look for her."

Both men stared at one another. "Sir? Is there something else you 
needed?"
Mulder broke the silence.

Skinner leaned back against the couch casually. "No. I'm just 
waiting for you to get ready so we can go look for Agent Scully."

Mulder began to protest," Sir, there's really no need-"

"Mulder, go get dressed," Skinner cut him off.

Mulder opened his mouth, but thought better of it. Sighing, he 
started for the bedroom, "Sure. Make yourself at home," he mumbled 
sarcastically as he entered the bedroom.


*******************************************************************

Mulder shut the door to his bedroom and leaned on it heavily, closing 
his eyes.

*We're busted and we didn't even have the pleasure of doing anything 
wrong, he thought disgustedly*

Scully was frozen in the middle of buttoning her blouse, as she had 
been since he entered the bedroom. "Is he gone?" she stage whispered.

Mulder tried to ignore the glimpse of lacy bra he was getting and 
look at her face. Scully realized what he saw and, turning pink, 
quickly finished buttoning her blouse and began tucking it into her 
skirt.

Mulder cleared his throat, "No, he's still here," he whispered, 
moving closer. "He's waiting for me to get ready so we can go hunt 
for you."

"Tell me what you've said so far, so I can come up with a plan, " she 
whispered back, putting on her rumpled jacket.

"I told him about the late work night and that you checked on me this 
morning because I had been sick this weekend, " Mulder told her as he 
opened his closet and took out a suit.

"Where did you tell him I was?" She was modestly trying to put on 
her pantyhose under her skirt. She had been in such a frantic hurry, 
she'd forgotten them. "Argh!" she softly exclaimed as she struggled 
with them. She pulled them off her feet and stuffed them in her 
jacket pocket.

Mulder stripped off his pajama bottoms and stood there for a split 
second in his boxer shorts as he practically leapt into his suit 
pants. Scully pretended not to notice his lean body. She felt 
herself turning pink again. He pulled a white t-shirt over his 
head. Scully studiously looked away.

Mulder was buttoning up the front of his white dress shirt and 
tucking in the tails. "I didn't tell him anything, Scully, I was 
leaving that part to you. I told him that I had no idea where you 
were. That's why we're going hunting for you." He picked out a tie 
and began putting it on. "I'll get him out of here and then you can 
decide what to do from there." Mulder struggled with his tie. 
***********************************

Skinner checked his watch again. He was going to be late for the 
brunch at 10:30. He decided this little game wasn't worth it. What 
would it prove? Only something he had already strongly suspected for 
years anyway. Besides, why did it even matter? Scully was probably 
hiding in a closet somewhere or in the bathroom. She wouldn't come 
out until they left, if she was smart. Which she was. 

Skinner felt a little guilty as he realized that his little game with 
his agents might be causing a bit more stress than he had intended. 
From Mulder's face, he truly believed his partnership with Scully was 
in jeopardy. Mulder honestly believed that Skinner would separate 
them should he suspect "unprofessional behavior."

Skinner made a decision. He would let them off the hook. He'd bow 
out, tell Mulder to find Scully and keep him updated and go to the 
brunch. Skinner smiled. He couldn't wait to hear the doozy they 
would make up to explain Scully's tardiness. 

Skinner cleared his throat and put on a serious face. He would have 
to look duly concerned. After all, one of his agents may be missing. 
He could hear himself now. "Mulder, at this time Agent Scully is 
merely late, but if you cannot locate her within the hour I am 
seriously considering declaring her "missing." This is very unlike 
her, and considering the caliber of enemies you two have made..." 
Yes, that would be the right approach.

He approached the bedroom door and turned the knob, pushing the door 
open, "Agent Mulder, I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave this in 
your hands right now, but-"
******************************************************************

Mulder stood frozen beside his bed. He wore a suit, but stood in bare 
feet. His hair still stuck up in all directions and he wore an 
expression of pure horror.

Scully stood in front of him, her eyes wide, her hands on the tie 
around his neck, obviously helping him to tye it. As she slowly let 
go and turned to face Skinner, he could see pantyhose hanging out of 
her rumpled jacket pocket. Her shirt was buttoned wrong, as if done 
in haste. Her hair wasn't much smoother than Mulder's.

The three stood and looked at each other in silence. Skinner took in 
the scene. The alarm clock lay on the floor beside the bed. The bed 
was slept in, two pillows at the head.

Skinner's eyes traveled back to the frozen pair. He had never 
expected to find Scully standing out in the open like this. He was 
sure she would have hidden away somewhere safe until he left.

Mulder found his voice first. "Sir, this is SO not what it looks 
like," he said in a strangled voice.

Scully simply looked at the floor.

Skinner felt like dirt. He felt as though he had violated the pair 
in some way. He felt his face turn red.

Scully sighed and spoke quietly. "Mulder, it doesn't matter. Now the 
rumor mill will really have something to chew on. And I get to hear 
all the lovely rumors about how I'm sleeping my way to the top." She 
finished with a sarcastic, bitter tone. "You'll come off as "The Man."

Skinner shook his head. "This doesn't leave this room."

Mulder was still looking at Scully, "See, Scully, Skinner won't rat 
on us." He said in a soft tone. "Even though there's nothing to rat 
on anyway," he added quickly, looking sincerely at Skinner.

Mulder lifted her chin, so that she looked at him. "And no one would 
accuse you of "sleeping your way to the top" anyway. I'm "Spooky" 
Mulder in the basement. F.B.I.'s most unwanted, remember?" He said 
this with a slight smile, trying to lighten the situation.

She smiled sadly and shook her head. Scully met Skinner's 
eyes. "Sir, I fought hard for the respect I have at the bureau. 
Even at the expense of being called "Ice Queen." I am considered an 
equal by most of my collegues, I hope. I don't want this to 
jeopardize that. Even if it is just in your eyes." She suddenly 
stamped her foot and clenched her fist, "Dammit, nothing even 
happened!"

Mulder put his hand on her shoulder and faced Skinner. "We were 
working late and Scully fell asleep. I let her have my bed and I 
slept on the couch. But, I-I had a n-nightmare-" Mulder stuttered, 
trying not to blatantly lie to their boss, but sounding like a 
teenager making excuses to his father.

Skinner cut Mulder off with a raised hand, "You don't have to explain 
to me, Agent Mulder. I'm relieved to see that you have found Agent 
Scully, and if you two will excuse me, I'm late for a brunch." He 
turned to leave. "Oh, and Agents?" He said, pausing.

They both blinked at him in shock.

"I'll reschedule our meeting for 7:30am tomorrow morning. You two are 
suspended for the rest of the day for going "AWOL" on me. I know the 
meeting is before regular working hours, but it is the only time I am 
not booked tomorrow. I trust you will both be there on time and 
fully prepared to report?" Skinner said in his best "boss" voice.

"Yes sir," Scully said and Mulder nodded, still unable to speak.

"See you tomorrow then, Agents," Skinner nodded formally as though he 
had just had a meeting with the two in their basement office and left.

*******************

Mulder sat heavily on the edge of his bed and put his face in his 
hands. Scully simply closed her eyes and sighed. Suddenly, her eyes 
snapped open. "Do you realize he just gave us the rest of the day 
off?" she laughed harshly. 

Mulder looked up at her, stunned, as something occurred to 
him. "Skinner's given us his approval, his blessing."

The two looked at each other in awe. Then their nervous laughter 
filled the room. Mulder relaxed, "So, you wanna go to a movie?"

Scully smiled, "A date, Mulder?"

Mulder smiled back, "Why not? After what Skinner thinks happened 
here.."

Scully looked down at herself, embarrassed. "I think I'd better go 
to my apartment and change first, Mulder."

Mulder nodded, "You never know who we might bump into. Wouldn't be 
good for you to be seen in the same suit as yesterday." He was dead 
serious. He rubbed his chin. "And I'd better shave."

He strode to the bathroom. She stood for a moment and listened to 
the comforting sounds of water running and Mulder getting ready to 
shave.


Scully smiled slightly as she thought of his efforts to protect her 
reputation. "I had better get over to my apartment then, if I'm 
going on a date." She said loudly over the running water as she 
strode to the bathroom door. She paused, watching him shave his lean 
face. He had a towel draped over his shoulders to protect his suit. 
His hazel eyes met hers in the mirror and he turned around, holding 
his razor in mid-air, half his chin covered in shaving cream. "What?"

She smiled. He really had no idea how cute he was 
sometimes. "Nothing. I just wanted to say thank you - for last night -
for the bed, Skinner..." *For this morning, she thought*

He smiled back. "No problem. Anytime." She gazed at him in the mirror 
for a second and left, shutting the door behind her.

*******************************************

Scully strode from the elevator toward Skinner's office. She 
smoothed down her hair for what seemed like the hundredth time and 
checked her watch. 7:20 a.m. 

She rounded the corner and saw Mulder standing outside Skinner's 
office, holding a small stack of papers. He waved it at her as she 
approached. *Mulder's early? Will wonders never cease?* Scully 
thought amusedly.

She smiled remembering the "date." They had spent most of the 
afternoon printing out the reports on the basement printer to be sure 
they were ready for today. The evening ended with a bad sci-fi movie 
at her place. He had left pretty late, but insisted on going back to 
his place instead of crashing on her couch. No need to tempt fate 
again.

"I've got it all here. You wanna check it or do you just want to go 
take our lumps?"

She paused to catch her breath, "I checked it over enough last night 
when I printed it out. Let's just go in." He nodded; she took two 
more deep breaths and they walked in.

******************************************

Skinner quietly looked over the reports. The only sound was the 
rustling of paper as he turned the pages. He looked over the top of 
one page at the two agents sitting in front of him. They looked 
rather frazzled this morning. And very nervous. *Good, he thought*

He turned back to the reports in his hands, but his mind wasn't on 
them. 

He had heard all the rumors and he had his suspicions. He now was 
pretty sure they were true. *But then, it wasn't any of his 
business, he told himself, as long as it didn't interfere with their 
work. And as long as his superiors didn't find out.*

He decided to let them off the hook and broke the 
silence. "Everything looks to be in order," he said, dropping the 
paper he held on top of the small stack in front of him. He sat 
forward. "However, I would ask both of you to remember in the future 
that the workday begins at 8am."

Both agents nodded and Scully swallowed nervously.

"You're dismissed, Agents," Skinner set the report aside and opened 
another file he had on his desk.

Mulder and Scully looked at one another, stood, and left quietly.

Skinner looked away from the unimportant folder in front of him and 
stared at his door. *If I were a betting man-* He shook his head 
and left the thought unfinished. It was none of his business.

***********************************************