Title: Body Clock
Author: ReyesMyGrrl
Category: DRR saccharine, fluff and a hint of a case
Rating: Mostly PG but some R and NC-17
Summary: Reyes is in her early thirties, still young but after a recently solved case she is thinking about her own biological clock and whether the find of her life will eventually admit his interest in furthering their relationship or continue to leading her on.
BODY CLOCK by ReyesMyGrrl
She sighed as she watched the commercial on TV. It was for a jewelry store and showed an attractive, smiling man placing a glittering diamond ring on his equally happy fianc�'s finger.
Her shoes were off. They just fell to the floor as she slumped on the sofa, exhausted from the day and the past intense week.
There had been no time between flopping on the sofa and reaching for the remote to take off her jacket. It lay uncomfortably twisted around her body but she had no energy to stand and remove it.
The music rose to a crescendo as the man lifted the woman into his arms and they kissed. He twirled her in a circle before saying those three words that any girl wanted to hear.
Double sigh.
It was not like her to fret like that. Monica Reyes was a levelheaded person who approached life calmly and openly. Years ago she had made a pact with herself to not let the little things get her down. She had also told herself that she eventually would meet the right man and to stop willing it to happen.
Faithfully that approach had worked until a year into working with her partner on the X-Files.
More and more each week she was falling for him. The more time she spent with him the more she knew he was the one for her.
Apart from a few poignant moments where he displayed more than friendship she did not really know the inner workings of John Doggett.
Flipping the channel made no difference.
This time there was a couple in bed together. The music was romantic as they kissed and caressed.
Monica could not keep her eyes and thoughts off the man and the way his lips devoured his lover's and how his hand traced down her bare skin, taking the bed covers with it. It stopped at her bare thigh, slipped around her lower back and pulled her on top.
Triple sigh.
It was times like those, times of self pity and wanting something that was not there, maybe never would be, that she decided to immerse herself in reading.
As she pulled her heavy body off the sofa the phone rang in her kitchen.
Lately she could usually sense if it was him or not.
The phone gave two rings and then stopped.
When it started up again she smiled knowing exactly whom it was.
It was becoming a habit.
^^^^^
'Sir?" One hand held the receiver as the other began taking off her jacket.
"Monica, I've been thinking about you all day," came the quiet voice suggesting he was probably still in his office. "And I keep telling you to call me Walter."
"Thinking about me?" One sleeve hung limply by her side as she swapped the receiver to the other hand and shook off the jacket until it lay in her hand.
Assistant Director Skinner had been paying more attention to her lately and not just as a colleague.
Even though she knew it could go no further she enjoyed that he had asked her out a few times and the light-hearted chats they would sometimes have behind closed doors.
It was satisfying her need for male company.
"Thinking how good you looked today." It was still a whisper.
She smiled and bit her lip as she looked down at the outfit she had forgotten she'd chosen that morning. Her beige zipper skirt that rested just above the knees and her matching v-neck sweater were comfortable but the looks she received when wearing such an outfit made her feel like a woman.
"Now Walter, what exactly were you thinking?" she teased, knowing it was all just talk.
"That Agent Doggett is a lucky man to see you all day long." There was a break in his voice and a certain tone she had not heard before. At that moment Monica sensed that possibly her boss was thinking thoughts that he should not.
Walking to her bedroom with her cordless phone she threw the jacket on her bed and went to get a coat hanger.
"Oh?" She wanted him to elaborate, rather than her guess.
There was a slight cough from the end of the phone and an even quieter voice spoke,
"Can I see you tomorrow morning, in my office?"
"What is it Walter?" She pretty much knew what he wanted. Her senses rarely failed her.
Her boss wanted to take the next step with their relationship.
^^^^^
As she readied herself for bed there were a multitude of thoughts churning in her mind.
She wanted love. She needed to be loved.
Could Skinner give her the affection she so craved from Doggett?
Her biological clock was ticking at a faster rate than ever as she prepared herself a snack and took it too her bedroom.
As she sat up in bed nibbling the toast and reading the book she had selected, most of her thoughts were on what Skinner wanted from her.
One paragraph blurred into another as she continued to imagine how she would feel if it was Doggett who was the one admiring her clothing and saying how good she looked.
If he would only call her and speak in that husky voice of his she would jump at the chance to take it all further. She would be the one to initiate the next step.
When she had blurred her way through a love scene she knew she was definitely not up for reading. It only reminded her of the television scene earlier and that she was the woman and Doggett was the man on whom she lay.
Skinner wanted her Doggett did not.
Her mind told her that the decision was logical.
Like Morse code her heart pulsed a different message.
^^^^^
It seemed like the small hours of the morning when her phone rang beside her bed.
Waking with a start she first thought it was in her dreams until the next ring gave a stark reminder of reality.
Reyes knew who it was. How many people would ring her after hours and at a time that any normal person was in dreamland?
"Yeah?" She answered wistfully.
"Did I wake you?" Doggett was becoming used to Reyes seeming to know when it would be him calling.
"John, what do you want?" Her head fell back on the pillow, looking up at the darkened ceiling.
Her heart used to do a flip when she heard his voice on the telephone. That was around the time of him finding out about his son's murderer and being finally able to release those pent up concerns of not being able to do enough to prevent his son's death.
He needed her then and she was more than happy to give, emotionally as well as physically.
Her heart would still do a leap if she knew he was ringing to whisper sweet nothings in her ear or to ask her out on a date, a real evening out together.
"This recent case, I need you to sign the forms. Can I come over?" he sounded more apologetic than usual which could have suggested he had something else on his mind.
If only it was to say he had been wrong a couple of months back when he told her that they were getting too close and would need to back off for a while.
"Can't it wait until morning?" Reyes stifled a yawn.
"I just want to get this case over with Monica." She could hear the importune tenor in his voice and immediately empathized.
Rolling over to read the time on her bedside clock it was still before midnight.
"Okay," she hung up the receiver without waiting for a response and then sighed and stretched, wondering what else John Doggett would be mentioning that night.
Perhaps his heartstrings had also been tugged by the happenings in the recent case.
^^^^^
The knock at the door jolted Reyes from her dose.
She'd had all good intentions of getting up and dressed before her partner visited but had fallen back asleep almost immediately.
Quickly retrieving her silk robe she tied it around her middle as she glided to the door.
"Who is it?" Years of habit had the words falling from her lips.
"Monica, it's me," came the muffled voice behind the door.
The neighbors must have wondered sometimes how often that man would be allowed into her apartment all hours of the night. Doggett's voice was not always quiet enough for others not to hear. However, no one had complained.
Reyes opened the door with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. She must have performed the same gesture numerous times but on each occasion she hoped it would be as a friend and maybe a lover rather than under the usual umbrella of work.
"Come on in." Their eyes met and for the briefest moment she felt a connection. There was something in those eyes that was pleading as though he wanted her to extract his thoughts without him needing to talk. "John?"
As if it was his only intention he held up the file folder in his hand and headed for the living room sofa.
Reyes could not help but take in his form with her eyes. He was better dressed than she'd imagined. All in black he wore jeans, polo top and a short cropped leather jacket.
"John?" she repeated but for a different reason.
Flopping the file on the low table he turned to meet her gaze and then without any cue to his thoughts sat and opened the file.
"I need you to sign here." He produced a pen from an inner pocket of his jacket.
Reyes sat beside him and took in his scent. It was as though he had showered and changed especially for the visit.
"You going somewhere John?" Reyes questioned as she began reading through the report.
"I'll just get a cold drink while you read." Doggett's weight leaving the sofa made her need to adjust her center of gravity. Her gaze followed him to the kitchen.
Sometimes she just wanted him to be open with her as she was with him.
That short time a few months back returned to her thoughts.
It was a time she had hoped would continue. They had become so close.
Her fingers went to her lips remembering the first kiss. It had been a time when they were both vulnerable. He was still coming to terms with having discovered Luke's killer and Reyes had had a niece die from Leukemia.
It was a night they had laid in each other's arms, stroking, caressing and consoling. The comfort of his warm firm body so close to hers was difficult to shift from her mind so she decided to keep it there as a reminder of better times. It was when he was gone in the morning she had known why.
Their talk in the office that morning had been logical at the time but since then she missed his warmth in demeanor and bodily.
"Finished yet?" He sipped his glass of water and then roamed around the room looking at nothing in particular.
"John?" Reyes decided to question him about his thoughts on the case. "Tell me how you're feeling about all this." It had been a tough one that brought back memories of her niece's death and she could also tell that Doggett had been quieter and more introspect recently.
He turned looking a little exasperated.
"Monica, it's sad to be sure but we can't let it get us down." His expression remained the same giving no clues as to his thoughts.
"But it was a little boy. We failed John." She stood to make her point clearer and moved towards her partner, not caring that her robe tie was loosening.
"We didn't fail. We found him dead but we did all we could..." He bit his lip holding back the emotion she knew he needed to release. The look of pleading in his eyes reached her soul. All she wanted to do was hold him, lead him to her bedroom and repeat the night those months ago.
No sex, just lying in each other's arms and consoling each other back to sleep with long, languid kisses and comforting touches.
"John," she said with a whisper, her hand instinctively reaching toward his face and running her fingertips along his jaw line. "I know. Perhaps if he was not handicapped that way he may have found a means of escape."
His eyes of blue were almost teary as they looked into hers. He swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears he wanted to shed.
"Monica. I...," His lips closed as he thought and then opened to continue. "I want this as much as you but we can't."
Her thumb brushed over the lips as they spoke.
His words told her more in that last remark than they had in the past two months.
He wanted her too? He still wanted her?
"John, we are two grown adults who have emotions just like anyone else." The other hand moved down the leather of his jacket to link fingers with his. "There's nothing in the rules about consoling each other in the way we both know works wonders."
He began leading him to her bedroom but he stopped short of the door.
"Monica, I didn't come here for this." His husky voice trailed off.
"I know." She smiled as she once again turned to meet his gaze.
"I want to request a favor. It's a big ask and you can say no if you are uncomfortable." He left his hand in hers.
"What is it John?" Reyes knew she would do anything for her partner and friend.
"Not here." Seemingly for the first time he looked down at her clothing. "How about that hole-in-the-wall around the corner from here?"
How could she refuse? John was playing on the curiosity factor.
"I'll just go change."
^^^^^
Reyes slipped on her jeans and a red crew neck sweater. Not knowing the temperature outside she still decided to grab her black puff coat from her closet.
If it were anyone else but Doggett she would have suggested they speak in the morning. There was something about it being him that made her want to give him her all.
Running a comb through her hair she contemplated her mirror's reflection.
What did Doggett see in her? He had admitted he wanted this as much as she. What was 'this'?
"Monica?" Doggett's voice came from behind the door. She must have been taking too long.
On exiting the bedroom she could tell he was impressed with how she looked but he refrained from mentioning anything. Probably he was still in denial mode.
^^^^^
It wasn't a place she came to often, preferring to make her own meals but the food was good.
She ordered a small bowl of Chinese vegetables and rice with a pot of green tea.
Doggett must not have eaten that evening because he ordered a more substantial meal of Honey Chilli Chicken with Chinese noodles.
Reyes tried to read his mood but he was doing a good job of hiding his intentions. She was so curious as to his request but decided to let him bring it up.
"Were you working late tonight?" Reyes took a sip of her hot tea that had just been poured. "I thought you were going home straight after I left."
"I just wanted to finish the paperwork on this case." He looked down at the tablecloth as he spoke, not wanting eye contact.
"I know." She placed her hand on his and moved a little closer. "It's been hard on both of us."
Both agents looked around the room each wanting the other to talk first.
"It'd be hard enough looking after a Down Syndrome child let alone losing one." Doggett made no attempt to remove his hand. It felt good to be able to touch him that way.
"I've been thinking the same thing." It was the main reason her biological clock had been running on overtime. "Did you know that there's a one in three hundred and fifty chance of a thirty-five year old woman having a child with a disability like that?"
"Really?" He looked across to her with the first twinkle in his eye for the evening. "You've been thinking of having children?"
"One day I'd like children, when the right man comes along." She squeezed his hand and smiled, hoping her wishes would be conveyed through touch. "What about you?"
"I don't know what I want." He seemed agitated. "Look Monica, I really didn't come here to talk about children or to mull over the case. I have a favor to ask."
"You know I'd do anything for you John," she mentioned with a quiet tone.
"Just hear me out before you say that." He turned on an angle looking a little sheepish and apprehensive.
"Okay." She nodded slowly.
"My brother is coming to town with his wife and I've invited them to stay at my place," he explained.
"The brother from West Virginia?" That was the only brother that Reyes had previously met. It had been back in New York when he had visited, offering his condolences over the loss of Luke.
The conversation was halted while the steaming bowls were placed before them.
Reyes picked up the chopsticks and began eating. She was looking forward to the unique taste. She loved the way the Chinese cooked their vegetables to perfection.
"Yes, Carl and his wife Jane," he continued after a few mouthfuls of food and a sip of his beer.
"So you want me to go with you to pick them up at the airport?" Reyes popped a piece of broccoli into her mouth.
"You're partly right." He took a breath before continuing. "You know I haven't seen Carl for about a year. We've talked on the phone and all.." He trailed off noticeably hesitating before dropping the request.
"John, what is it?" Reyes did not often see her partner so tentative. He was usually to the point no matter how uncomfortable the topic. "Just tell me."
He took a breath, inwardly calming himself to come out with the inevitable.
"I want you to pretend you are my girlfriend." His mouth closed abruptly and his expression was partly apologetic, partly relieved that he had finally made the request.
"John?" Reyes could not believe she was hearing something a teenager would say.
"Not thinking there'd be any harm in it I sort of told him I was attached." He turned away, avoiding her eyes.
"But why not just tell him the truth? You know truths are easier to remember than lies." Reyes felt like his mother but wanted to know why he would persist with a misconception. It was not like her partner.
"He kept nagging me that I needed a woman. I kept telling him that I was fine without one." He paused to swallow. "It just slipped out during one phone conversation and sort of just stuck."
"And you've kept up the charade since then?" Reyes was smiling from the inside. Had he thought about her when he had said it?
"So you won't do it?" He fingered at his beer glass.
Reyes wanted to reiterate that he should just tell his brother the truth. If he admitted as much then they could both have a laugh over it. The discussion could also be a sign to Carl he need not nag Doggett over his love life again.
For purely selfish reasons she held this back.
"How long are they staying?" Reyes decided to make him sweat a little longer.
"Just the weekend. There's something on at The Shakespeare Theater they want to see." Doggett took another mouthful of his chicken dish and chewed slowly, eyeing her while waiting for her decision.
"I think I could do a little hand holding and maybe some kisses for an evening." The thought of legitimately being able to behave like his girlfriend was exciting but also disquieting. "What about the Bureau?" He had been the one to remind her often enough.
Nodding, he swallowed the current mouthful, "I thought about that. I told Carl that it was not something I wanted to spread around just yet and that not even Mom knows."
"That was wise." There was a brief delay in conversation as the waiter poured Reyes a fresh cup of hot Chinese tea and asked Doggett if he wanted another beer. "So how well do we know each other?" Reyes was itching to ask him what he had said to Carl about her but she would probably find out from the man himself. It would be more fun to watch the usually straight faced, stanch Doggett squirm at the revelations.
Doggett slowed further what he was chewing and looked across with a soulful expression.
"You didn't say that!" Reyes emphasized the final word. She was becoming a little too good at reading her partner.
^^^^^
He swallowed and with an apologetic expression explained,
"I'm sorry Monica. It was when he kept on about me not getting any and it shrivelling up. It was the only way to shut him up." He laid his chopsticks down across his bowl for a brief rest.
"So we're having sex," she confirmed and with a twinkle in her eye smiled at her awkward partner. "Do we have to prove it?"
"Monica!" He chuckled for the first time that night at her typical Reyes-like comment. "You're partly right."
There he went making her guess again, "So we're sleeping together and living together?"
"It's just for the weekend, until Sunday evening when they go back home." He picked up his chopsticks and rummaged around in his bowl. "After that you'll be a free woman again."
Reyes could not believe after spending a weekend with her partner and sleeping in his bed that the relationship could go back to the way it was. How could Doggett think all would return to normal?
"Okay, so what do you want me to do?" Reyes finished off her green tea and the last piece of vegetable feeling a little better nourished than just the toast she'd had before bed.
"You could bring a few things over after work tomorrow. You know, a few things to make it look as though you're living with me." With only remnants of food left he decided he'd had enough and pushed the bowl a little further into the center of the table.
"A couple of family pictures, a few pink frilly cushions." Reyes chuckled as she spoke and noticed Doggett's mouth creep into a smile.
"I'm really sorry to put you through this." His voice lowered into a husky tenor. "And I promise I won't lay a hand on you in bed. I'll even sleep on the floor if you want."
"John, you really think I'd let you do that? Sleep on the floor while I take that queen size bed of yours?" She looked up, as a grinning waiter must have heard her last comment.
"You two want more?" came the female voice in broken English.
Reyes looked at Doggett who lightly shook his head.
"Can we have the check please?" Reyes had enjoyed the impromptu late night meal and company and wanted it to continue but knew deep down she would have to say her goodnight to the man beside her.
All the way back to her apartment they were silent, accepting each other's thoughtful mode.
What was Doggett thinking? If it was similar to she then it was wicked.
So he planned on sleeping with her but not touching her for the following two nights?
What she planned on wearing to bed no man could ignore.
^^^^^^^^^^^
Reyes' eyes sprang open at six in the morning. It had been years since she had used an alarm clock preferring to let her body naturally awaken. It was also better for her morning mood. The shrill tone of the alarm would sometimes have her wanting to throw it across the room. Having to think about the stop button was a surplus use of brain cells unwanted for early morning.
As she slipped under the jet of pure heaven that was her morning showe
