Authors: STGBT65 and ILuvScully
Category: SRR/DRR case file and romance
Rating: NC-17 (sex scenes, language, violence)
Summary: The tension in the X-Files basement office had been ripe with both Agents Reyes and Doggett not wanting to be the first to proclaim their feelings for each other, each having their own reasons. It takes Dr. Dana Scully to come up with a plan to get the two of them together. In the meantime she finds an intimacy of her own that fills a void that has been left by Mulder's absence and William's adoption.
Could it be something as simple as a touch that will bring two people together?
(ILS)
Dana Scully's eyes flung open taking a while to adjust to her surroundings. Her first sensation of the morning was the way she felt, clouded head, aching body, a tongue that felt like carpet and very thirsty. A very embarrassing jolt hit her as she tried to remember how she got into the situation she was in and how the hell did she get into that bedroom.
Slowly lifting the bedcovers her fears became reality as she saw her naked form and then quickly sat up looking for her clothes, which were strewn over the floor. Her eyes then went to her right and her head followed to realize her second fear. There was a dark haired sleeping figure in bed beside her.
Nausea hit her for dual reasons; the understanding that she had no recollection of how she got there and how she came to sleep with this work colleague of hers and that she had the worst hangover in history.
Quickly gathering a shirt she ran to the bathroom and stuck her head over the toilet bowl to heave. After a few moments she almost felt a little better as she stood up taking in the first true breath of the morning.
"Oh shit." She told herself. "How do I get out of this one?" Wary about looking at her mirror reflection fearing what she saw, instead she splashed some water on her face and then with eyes closed felt around for a towel to dab away the moisture. Finding a comb in the cupboard she placed it on the sink to use after putting on her shirt.
The bedroom was still quiet as she tiptoed out for the rest of the clothes. No way did she want the sleeping figure to wake and find out she had no recollection about the previous evening except for a few sketchy dance memories and some parts of conversations. She would need more time to piece the evening together before facing this person at work.
Feeling more presentable she slipped on her shoes and then scouted around for a handbag she must have brought with her. She saw the corner of the brown leather under the bed. The body stirred as she held her breath trying to edge it out from just under the part of the bed where her bed partner was dozing and beginning to wake.
Just for a moment she watched the face and smiled, more memories coming to the surface.
In the kitchen she found a small bottle of water that she began drinking as she made her way down the stairs and out of the abode.
"6.30 am," she told herself. "Still time to get home, shower, find fresh clothes and get to the office as though I have not a care in the world."
On the pavement she looked right and then left up the street for her vehicle.
"Shit!" Her plans were going to take a little longer to happen without transport home. There were two familiar vehicles in the street but not hers. She was racking her brains to remember if she even drove the previous night.
"Need a lift?" A low, rumbly voice sounded behind her. She turned suddenly and immediately tried to look normal.
"Agent Doggett, um, John. What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? I could ask you the same Dana." He was dressed in his work clothes and looked immaculate as usual. "I'm here to take Monica out to breakfast."
*****
(STGBT)
Two Days Previously
"John, I don't see what the big deal is. It's just a little fun." His partner stated with a smile.
"It's unprofessional Monica! We have to work with these people on a daily basis."
"So, that doesn't mean we can't have fun with them."
"But a strip joint," he looked at his partner who was starting to get red in frustration, "why couldn't they have picked a regular bar or something?"
"I don't understand what the big deal is John!" She rubbed her head, "Could you please take me home, I have a splitting headache."
"What about the case?" he asked wondering about the sudden illness. He hated playing these games with her, but he couldn't let his feelings get the best of him.
"We can work on it tomorrow." She stated as she turned her head to look out at the passing trees. She wanted him so much, but he was too thick headed to see anything beyond black and white, and that dam* FBI policy of no fraternization was killing any chance she would have with him.
XXX
The next morning in the basement of the Hoover building...
"Monica, you wanted to see me?" the small figure of the auburn haired woman stood in the doorway.
"Dana," she looked up from the desk, "are you going tonight?"
"I'm not sure." She hadn't been out in a while, and the idea of watching male and female strippers was not her idea of a good time. "I really don't know Adrian and Cindy that much."
"So what?" She looked at Dana and smiled, "Please, you should come, and besides, I could use a friendly face around tonight."
Dana could sense something was wrong by the way Monica was talking, and wanted to ask, but just then, John walked though the door.
"Agent Scully, Agent Reyes." He nodded as he entered.
Monica gestured to Dana with her eyes as if to say this means the world. Dana could see the anguish that was apparent on Monica's face, and nodded in acceptance. Pointing to her watch, she held her hand to her ear to let the agent with the dark tresses know to call her later.
"What was that about?" John asked as he leaned against the desk.
"Tonight, we were just figuring out our plans."
"Not this again." A huff escaped from his lips at the preposterous thought.
"You're the one who brought it up. Are we going to finish this report or not!" She exclaimed as she tossed the folder onto the desk top.
"Monica," John started, but the look in her eyes told him not to go any further, but to focus on work. He wanted to understand her somewhat carefree life, and how she could do something just to do it, but there was still too much Marine in him. Stiff, precise, and take no risks was how he lived his life. Glancing at her reading over their field notes, he secretly thought how great it would be for her to bring him out of his shell.
XXX
The following night:
It had been raining and the dark busy street glistened with the combination of rain and headlights. The sloshing sounds of the cars hitting the puddles in the gutters were somehow comforting. It reminded Monica that even if an errant spray hit her and she got wet and cold it wouldn't be any worse than how she had felt that day in the office.
Over and over in her mind she had wondered what would happen if she made the first move with John and told him her feelings but each time all she had to do was look at him working at his desk. The furrow in his brow, his undivided attention to the case, his seemingly lack of interest in her, all told her it was probably a no go zone.
Deep down going along this night was a way to show to him that she had a life other than work. Unlike him she wanted to live life not always wanting work as the basis of all their discussions, of all their liaisons. On the other hand it was a way to loosen the shackles of strict FBI life and live a night of fun, laugh a little with friends and even take a few chances; something she couldn't see John doing any time soon.
She looked across to Dana walking beside her, rugged up in her thick overcoat, which belied the sexy outfit underneath. What was she thinking? How often did she think about Mulder and his possible return? She seemed sad and more reserved lately, maybe even lonely after giving up William for adoption. Monica was glad when she found out Dana had also been invited to the girls' night out and immediately decided they should go together.
They were almost at the club after their few blocks walk from the hopefully safe parking garage. Of the people who passed them on the way, there was an eclectic mix of races, expressions and clothing ranging from ragged and old to high boutique wear. All this diversity displayed to them the overlapping of cultures from the life outside this district to the inner high life of entertainment, booze, sex and general partying.
As they reached the door Reyes stopped and took Scully by the hands.
"Dana," Reyes paused a moment making sure she had her full attention. She looked so beautiful this evening, her hair and make-up different from work and so much sexier. Reyes also knew what she looked like under that coat and felt proud that someone so appealing would be partnering her. "Promise me something."
"Depends what it is." Her wide blue eyes looked up.
"Tonight I want you to forget about work, put aside your worries and have a good time."
For a moment Dana was pensive and then replied,
"Monica, I still have apprehensions about all this but it beats a night home alone so that's why I'm here. Also I do owe it to Sally."
Reyes' smile was infectious and soon had Dana also smiling as they went through the door of Club Arlington.
*****
(STGBT)
Monica and Dana entered the bar with all the confidence of two women on top of the world. One, sure about her sexuality, ready to take on the challenges of the world, and the other ready to spread her wings, and explore new worlds.
The bar was dimly lit, with neon lights sparking to the beat of the music. The smoke was thick, and the smell intoxicating.
(ILS)
All around, the place was alive with talk, laughter and movement. The atmosphere immediately got into the bones and both ladies felt a rush of excitement and freedom.
"Can I take your coats ladies?" There was a husky voice beside them and they turned to see a tall attractive man with a nice smile. As Dana took off her coat she didn't see the eyes on her. Her outfit was a simple slim fitting white dress with thin strap and a V neck that showed some cleavage. Her shoes were kidskin leather sandals with O ring ankle straps. She hadn't known what to wear having never even entertained the idea of a strip club before.
On looking around there was a large collection of clothing varying from neat casual to evening wear to very little, showing more skin than she would be able to do in public.
Monica took off her jacket to reveal a black strapless very chiffon, very ruffled, very sexy whether stirred or shaken cocktail dress with a smocked top and layers of ruffles. On her feet were black sling back sandals. Both ladies smiled as they felt hungry eyes on them.
Making their way to find the other girls they passed various arenas where there were semi clothed exotic dancers and admiring men and women.
*****
(STGBT)
Dana's eyes widened at the sight of all the bare flesh walking around and bouncing up on stage. She was definitely out of her comfort zone, but was going to make the best of the night. Through the hazy room, her eyes spotted some of her peers sitting at table against the wall. She turned to tell Monica but noticed the intense stare pointed at one of the male dancers on stage across the room.
"Monica, there's plenty of time for that later." She said as she pulled on her arm to guide her towards the other agents.
"This is going to be a good night!" Monica exclaimed as she gazed at a leggy female dancer while following Dana.
"High Cindy," Dana said as she took a seat, "is Adrian here yet?"
"She's on her way. Had to make a pit stop first. She should be here in about ten minutes. What do you two want to drink?"
"Um, a screwdriver sounds good." Monica answered first.
A male waiter, clad in tight leather pants and just a black bow tie covering his neck took their order and walked away. Besides Monica, Dana, and Cindy, there were three other agents with them.
After Adrian and her bride's maid arrived, the real fun started. The ladies were downing shots like a cowboy in a salon, and chased them with a variety of mixed drinks. With each round, Monica and Cindy moved closer and closer to the main stage, and would hoot and holler as each new dancer come on stage. Although not drinking as fast as the rest of the women, Scully
was starting to get a small buzz, just enough to make her happy. After a quick look around, she saw Monica motioning her over. Grabbing her glass, she took a seat at the table, and just as she settled, a tall dark male stood in front of her, and starting rocking his hips.
A smile of embarrassment spread across her face as he moved in closer to her. As he continued his seductive dance, Monica was urging him onward, and stuffing dollars into his bottoms.
"That's it Dana, have some fun with him!" Cindy screamed above the music.
"Dana, that's a nice name." The dancer said as he sat in her lap.
"What brings you here tonight?" He asked as he took her hands and rubbed them on his chest.
"My friends getting married." She managed to get out as she blushed and giggled, trying not to look directly at the man.
"Well, Dana, my name's Rocco, and I'll be around all night if you'd like a more private dance." He told her as he rose and gently kissed her check.
As he walked away, Dana was trying to catch her breath and relax from the excited stage she was in. Cindy leaned over and suggested that she get that dance later on, and Scully simply responded with a smile and an uh ha.
When she finally regained her composer, she realized Monica was no longer at the table. She scanned the place and spotted her sitting at a small booth, with a petit brunette half naked wiggling her behind into Monica's crotch.
Dana was a little shocked at the sight, and seeing how Monica was enjoying her treatment. She knew Reyes lived an alternate lifestyle, but never thought about it until now. She gingerly made her way over to Monica.
When she got there, the female stripper was gathering up her cloths and moving on to her next client. Smiling, she stated, "Well, she sure is pretty."
*****
(ILS)
"Monica, what was all that about?" Dana went to sit in the booth opposite her friend and work colleague.
"What was what Dana?" Monica had her head in the clouds as she watched the stripper heading through a door behind one of the stages.
"Did you actually give her money to do that?"
"It's her livelihood, I gave her a tip in appreciation." With a calm, contented expression Monica looked over to her auburn haired friend. "Dana, the female form is beautiful, I was just admiring it."
As Monica spoke, Dana for the first time began to see her inner self, her inner beauty. Monica was someone who had a softness about her, a gentleness not just in features but in her whole being. Dana admired that in a person and could see her being a true friend, one who would never betray a confidence, never say an ill word about anyone. Those traits in people were rare in today's society.
"You must have thought about why men are so attracted to outer beauty when they first meet a woman." Her tender expression made Dana smile. Not often in recent times had she had cause to do that but she was becoming comfortable in this woman's presence.
"Yes I have, but I've never dwelt on it. I'm a firm believer that deep down beauty is so much more important. I think men can be attracted to intelligence, security and wit also, someone they can be confident to be with in public and in their private lives."
"I believe that is so too Dana, but tell me," she paused, gathering her words. "Why did you dress the way you have tonight: a sexy hip-hugging dress, a little cleavage, make-up, your hair done differently?"
"Because I'm comfortable this way." Dana was a little quick to reply with the obvious.
"Is that the only reason? Could it also be that you might attract some attention, some interest that you crave and have since Mulder had to take leave?" Monica was certainly one for introspection and Dana couldn't deny she was right.
Dana Scully just looked at Monica for a long minute understanding that she really didn't know much about the woman before her except as work colleagues. Monica Reyes, on the other hand, knew much about her life, as it was part of the X-Files since the two women had first met on that cliff with Doggett and Skinner.
"You don't talk much about your past relationships, or any relationships really." Dana didn't want to pry but she wanted to know if Monica's love interest was more than just with women.
"Well there was Brad." Monica looked across to Dana whose mouth was a little open. "You look shocked."
"As in Assistant Director Brad Follmer?"
"I thought John might have told you."
"No he didn't."
"Never mind, that was a while ago now."
Scully waited for more information that was not forthcoming.
"So is there anyone now you have your sights upon?"
Monica just smiled a little, knowing full well that it would not be appropriate timing to give the information away that she was in love with her male work colleague.
Saved by the start of some loud music with a catchy bass riff and the thumping of a strong beat the ladies looked over to the main arena where they had left their friends. The lights had been switched on indicating the show was about to begin.
"Let's get back, Dana." Monica took her hand briefly and led her back to sit close by to all the promised action.
*****
(ILS)
Cheers rang around the room when he appeared from behind the curtain. Here was a striking looking man, possibly in his mid twenties, with neat dark hair and a smile that had the ladies whistling and shouting. He was dressed conservatively in a dark suit, pale blue shirt and striped tie. He wore dark rimmed glasses that had the women imagining Superman's Clark Kent.
As the music pulsed he began to move up the stage, casually at first and then with a little more of a hip swing as he began slowly taking off his tie. The cheers and whistles around the room were constant. Monica found herself transfixed by those pearly whites and the perfect jaw line and began wondering what was underneath that package. She knew she would be finding out in due course.
After the tie was flung into an appreciative audience he seductively took off his suit coat, all the time moving from one side of the stage to the other, sometimes keeping to the strong beat of the music. It was becoming more and more evident as the layers came off, that this man had a body to die for. The muscles just poked through the material if his shirt. He slid the belt off decisively and left it in the pile with his coat.
As he undid each button of his shirt it became more evident that there was something blue underneath and Monica knew exactly what it was. When the buttons were undone he turned away from the audience and there was a small lull in the cheering, in anticipation.
The music reached a crescendo and he turned exposing his chest displaying a big yellow S. As the audience screamed, he strutted around the circumference of the stage taking off a bit of his shirt with every second step.
There was a chanting of 'more, more, more' when he flung his shirt into the crowd, took off his glasses and then ripped off his pants revealing a full Superman costume. The screams from the observers were almost deafening, especially as he began to flex those muscles of his. The costume revealed all, his bulky biceps, his strong chest and thighs like a god. When he moved around the stage to let every grateful spectator ogle, Monica was in awe of how delectable his butt was.
Monica momentarily looked around to see an also captivated Dana. When Monica looked back there this god was, right in front of her, hand outstretched, beckoning her on stage.
"Me?" Monica's mouthed because he wouldn't have heard with all the cheering. She felt a push from behind and Sally was urging her to go along with whatever was going to happen. A little nervously but also caught up in the action she accepted his hand and smiled all the way to center stage.
Those pearly whites and that jaw line were then right in front of her and she felt her heart rate spark up. He took both her hands and urged her to follow his dance movements. If it wasn't for the cheering then they could have been in their own world, the audience was hidden from Reyes' vision.
"More! More! More!" chanted the crowd and the male stripper took Monica's hands and moved them to his waistline where she knew to grab the hem then pull it up and over his head. As his Superman top came off she was afforded a close-up view of his golden hairless solid chest. She just wanted to touch it. Under normal circumstances she would resist the urge but the whole atmosphere of the setting told her to go for it. With a determined grin she placed her hands on his pectorals and began running them all over his chest as they moved as one.
His eyebrows rose and his smile widened seemingly enjoying the attention. Then his hands took hers where she knew they would probably go, to the bottom half of his outfit.
Monica thought she heard a 'Go, Monica!' from crowd and it spurred her on. With his help she stripped him of his tights leaving the man just in a sexy black G-string.
The 'woohoos' from the people were enervating letting Monica reach unknown heights of exhibitionism. When he took her in his arms she knew he was going to kiss her. She was more than ready for it. Not even thinking she may have regretted it later she rested her arms on his shoulders and pulled him down into the kiss. The screaming from the crowd grew as the kiss became deeper. It was a fully-fledged passionate session when he opened his mouth and pushed a tongue to pry open very willing lips. As they kept up their heated embrace a hand went to her ass and rubbed over it and then the hand slipped to the back of her leg lifting it so her knee was up near his hips.
His crotch was literally in hers, grinding and growing. At that point some sense took hold and even though Monica knew she could keep going with this man it was not right and probably not meant to be.
As gently as possible and still smiling widely she thanked the man for the attention and still holding his hand until the last moment she went back to her seat. Before she sat, she turned to see him blowing her kisses.
"Way to go, Monica!" Adrian gave her a pat on the back and as she turned to smile at the encouragement she saw someone standing against the wall. It was someone with fiery blue eyes, clenched fists, gritting jaw and a stiff body hiding an animosity that Monica knew she would have to deal with, and soon.
*****
(STGBT)
John had struggled with this whole bachelor party thing all day. He didn't see the necessity of hanging around a club with naked bodies. To him, this should be a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of men. Christian had asked him several times if he wanted to go, and until he heard Monica's decision and outlook on it, he had no intentions of being seen at an establishment such as that.
He wanted Monica, but the FBI rules and regulations hindered his advances. The thought of her at a strip club sent fantasies though his head. He would be the one dancing for her as she stuffed dollars into his g-string. He shook his head and cleared any thought of the two of them together. No sense in sitting around all night doing nothing he thought as he called Christian to tell him he would join the groom to be this evening.
The guys had gathered for a few rounds before the inevitable was mentioned. "Who's ready for nakedness?" The rest of the men whooped and hollered at the suggestion. They picked a club that was close by. It had a reputation for being a high class establishment with a relaxed atmosphere. Still uncomfortable with the idea, he tagged along hoping it would be over quickly.
As he paid his entrance fee, he glanced around, taking in all the scenery. Immediately he noticed that there were both male and females dancers, which did nothing to ease his conscience. When the last agent was through the door, they began to splinter off. A group of three headed to the restroom, another small group found a couple of tables, and two headed towards the bar to order drinks. Unsure which way to head, he was distracted by the extreme screams of "More, more, more," coming from some ladies. The male brick swaying on stage blocked his view.
What he saw next infuriated him. The dancer pulled a lucky girl on stage and it became a seductive dance. As they turned, his eyes popped out at the sight of Monica running her arms along his chest. As the two inched closer, his blood boiled from the jealousy racing through him. Stunned, he waited to see how far she would take this. As Monica's lips met the dancers, John about burst with anger. "How could she do that! That should be me!" he thought as his fingernails dug into his palms from the tight clenched fists.
*****
(ILS)
"John?" His friend Tony appeared having returned with two beers, one for each of them. Unlike his usual fairly temperate behaviour he took the beer and slammed it down in one go and with the back of his hand wiped the froth from his upper lip. "You look peeved buddy, what's got into you?"
It took all his strength to not just glare at Tony too, but he had to control his emotions and not let on that he wanted that kiss of Monica's and that body touching to be on him, not some low life male stripper. How could she do that? Monica was an upstanding FBI agent and she was out making a fool of herself in a strip club.
She had seen him over by the wall before she sat back in her seat and began to move over in his direction. Not wanting any of this he turned to leave.
"Look Tony, thanks for the beer but I think I'll go home, not my scene." As Monica approached, dodging chairs and cheering bodies he mentioned one last thing to his male friend. "Tell Christian sorry for me?"
"Okay pal, but don't you want to talk to your partner?" He had seen Monica approaching then looked at John knowing nothing of the situation. All John did was roll his eyes and leave the empty glass on a nearby table as he made his exit. No way did he want to discuss with her anything about the situation then or ever. Hoping he could out walk her he headed for the street and then the parking garage.
"John!" She called after him. "John, wait!" Pretending not to hear he kept walking. Hopefully she would get the message and go back into the club and continue her kind of fun. When he heard the patter of her shoes behind him he knew he couldn't get out of it. The frustration of not being able to tell her how he felt about her weighed heavily on his heart. He stood at the road's edge, his back to her, the swishing sounds of the cars as they made their way over the wet pavement, the only sound before her soft voice spoke. "John, talk to me."
Then there was the touch.
It was just a light touch on the elbow but the one she had used whenever she wanted to get his attention. It always worked. The way that hand just added the right pressure, the way it stayed planted as he turned to listen, the fingers gently playing through the fabric of his shirt always made him weak kneed. How something as simple as a touch could undo the tough Marine in him he would need to consider, but deep down he knew. It was Monica's touch and no other that had that affect on him.
Oh, how many times he had fantasized about those fingers touching flesh and working over his naked body but they always ended in him shaking his head knowing it just was not to be.
Did she see the need in his eyes as he turned?
"Monica, just let me go home," he whined.
"No, we have to talk. Come back to the club with me." Her eyes were imploring. "We need to discuss what just happened."
"What do we need to talk about Monica?" His voice was a little loud and they received a few pointed stares so he immediately lowered it, looking into her eyes with that icy blue stare. "That you Monica Reyes, my X-Files partner was seen almost coupled with a stripper? What reflection would that have on the FBI?"
Her hazel eyes saddened but never wavered from his.
"So it's the opinion of the FBI you're worried about?" Her lips shifted with a little uneasiness while he took a deep breath and replied,
"Yes Monica, what else would it be?" He continued his cool stare as he moved a little backwards then turned to make his way to his car and back home for the night.
Her jaw shifting and her eyes verging on tears, Monica's gaze never left her partner as he turned a corner and was out of sight.
*****
(STGBT)
The next morning:
Monica walked into the building with her head hung low. After John had left the bar, she was so upset that tears flowed like the falls of Niagara.
After she composed herself, she rejoined her friends and colleagues inside. Sensing something was wrong, Adrian ordered another round of shots, and so the night continued, round after round, until she no longer could remember why she was crying in the first place.
But it had all come back to her with the all to early ringing of the alarm clock. Now, she not only had to deal with John and what was obviously going to be a touchy subject, but also had to live through the headache that pounded through her cranium.
As she approached the office door, she could hear the muffled sounds of John and a woman. The closer she got, she recognized the female voice as Dana's, and could hear them talking about her. From what she made out, it sounded as if Dana was trying to convince John to take it easy on her today in light of the rough night, and that something upset her the club. John stayed silent in response. She wondered what was going though his head as Dana's words entered his ears. Was he sitting there with a look of disgust or one of compassion?
Not wanting to let Dana fight her battles, she opened the door to see John, head buried in papers, just nodding at Dana.
"Good morning Agent Reyes." Dana spoke first, looking at the pain screaming from Monica's face.
"Agent Scully," she moved over towards the desk, "and Doggett."
Without looking up, John just grunted in acknowledgement. Feeling the tension in the room, Dana shifted her eyes and tilted her head as a sign that she should probably be leaving. As she exited the room, she told Monica to give her a call later on.
"Agent Reyes, we have to start on this before Kersh has our asses."
"So now it's Agent Reyes?" she asked in disbelief.
"This is a professional office, and, " he stopped himself, "we have work to do. Unless you want to down a few more drinks."
She huffed at his condescending remarks, and was about to lose her temper. Only if he really new what was going through her head, he might have a different attitude about things. Not wanting to get into a serious argument that would only aggravate her condition, she moved closer to take a look at the files on the desk.
Silently she read through the multiple police reports that had been filed over the last couple of months. In a small town in West Virginia, there had been reports of mysterious beings roaming the wilderness. Witnesses had claimed that they take half human, half animal shape, and have been spotted in areas where several bodies have been discovered.
In all the cases, which seemed to be four separate incidents, had occurred in high altitudes that had rarely seen human contact.
She peered though the files slowly, wanting to see if John was going to break the silence between them. When she could take no more, she started,
"John, do you want to talk about it?" she asked as she placed the folders next to his hand.
"Well, it looks as if someone is playing games. My guess, kidnapping and then dumping the bodies. All we have to do is find out why and who." He pushed his chair back trying to put distance between them.
"There's time for the case as we head to West Virginia, I was talking about last night." She sat on the edge, making sure that he had a full view of her stocking clad legs. She wasn't going to make it easy for him to escape this time. And if this gesture couldn't stir some emotion in him, then maybe she was just wasting her time.
"One, we do not need to be in West Virginia for a couple of days, so there's no hurry, and second," he stood as if he was going to leave again, "what ever happened last night is between you, the girls, can't find a real job dancer man, and whom ever you pray to. It's none of my business!"
She reached for him and took light hold of his arm. There it was, that simple touch that he could not escape. He felt it guide him back to the chair. "John, this is obviously upsetting you for some reason, why don't you want to talk about it?"
"I told you, your behavior was unnecessary and unprofessional, and it is a bad reflection upon the FBI, and not to mention your own reputation." His face was getting hot from the anger and frustration that was bubbling.
"Well, it never seemed to bother Brad!" she lashed out at him.
*****
(ILS)
"I heard my name being called?" Just at that moment a familiar, largely unwelcome face appeared at the door, cutting the tension somewhat. "What never seemed to bother me?" Startled by the sudden unexpected appearance both agents looked over to see the pious look of Assistant Director Brad Follmer just standing at the door looking as though it was natural for someone of his rank to call unannounced.
It was enough that Monica had just reminded her partner of her affair with Follmer but to see him standing there, so full of himself, made him just want to get up and leave. John's fiery soul was hard to hide, it seemed to have a way of showing outwardly through his frosty, intense gaze.
"What do you want Brad?' Monica decided that what the assistant director missed out on hearing she was not going to fill in. Being a trained agent himself he would have already sensed the apparent tension. He strolled further into the room, hands in pockets and walked around looking at nothing in particular as he spoke.
"Assistant Director Skinner is on a few days leave and as you know he has asked me to fill in just in some areas, one of which is the X-Files." John and Monica knew all too well of the circumstances and had wondered how this would affect their working lives. The rival feelings between John and Brad had not gone unnoticed by Monica.
"Cut to the chase sir," said John a little impatiently. "Why this rare visit to the bowels of the Hoover Building?
"This West Virginian case of yours. The local law enforcement would like you there first thing Friday morning, that gives you today and all of tomorrow to read the files and clue yourselves in on the case."
The agents nodded and understood but then wondered why he chose to remain.
"What else Brad?" Monica sat just on the edge of her desk, choosing not to look in John's direction.
"Monica, we need to talk." Without any more words he gestured for her to leave the room and he followed. Halfway to the elevator he stopped her with a hand on her forearm. She turned with cool eyes knowing that what he was going to say she didn't want to hear.
"It's last night isn't it?" She had a way about being able to read expressions.
"I heard about your little soiree with the stripper"
"Not you too, Brad. I've already been over this with John," she sighed.
"What got into you Monica? From what I heard you did everything but have sex on the dance floor." Brad was behaving more like a jealous lover than a superior admonishing her behaviour.
"It was all in fun. We were all there to let our hair down and have a good time."
"Well I want to hear you tell me you'll be more careful in future." At Brad's comments she began to boil.
"So even on my nights off I have to act like a nun?" her voice was becoming louder. "Monica Reyes has to act like a sexless being just because it might reflect poorly on the FBI. Well Brad, if the circumstances presented themselves again I would do the same. Stuff you!" She was brave with her admonishment.
As she began to move away, the conversation over, Brad's eyes looking stunned at this forceful woman, she made one last comment that summed up her total being at that time,
"Stuff all men!" She hoped John had heard in their nearby office.
*****
(ILS)
That Evening:
She couldn't keep working this way. The sexual tension in the air that day at work had been thicker than brick. After re-entering the office she had rested her head in her hands and closed her eyes trying to think of her calming yoga exercises. It wasn't often she got that upset but two stubborn, pig-headed men in her life was too much for her. John had sensed she didn't want to talk about it and it was just as well the topic had not been revisited or her colleague would have found an errant paperweight hurled in his direction.
With her bag and jacket flung over the coat stand just inside her apartment door, she went to the kitchen for some fruit juice to sip while she sat unwinding on her living room couch. With some gentle guitar music in the background she took a sip of the sweet liquid and then closed her eyes trying to imagine those waves crashing on the shore, ebbing and then rhythmically returning to keep repeating the tranquil pattern.
With every incoming wave there came a faint part of a jigsaw. Her subconscious mind was moving in on her relaxation technique but it was still peaceful and somehow made her unwind more. It was a face: cheek, then jaw, an ear. As the waves kept up their cadence, slowly the jigsaw fitted together until she saw the whole face. It was calmer and more handsome than she had seen that day. It was the face that in her dreams she yearned for John to show her.
She had noticed that for the remainder of the working day he had not spoken but looked up every so often from his research to look at her. Deliberately pretending not to notice, she did sense some small remorse in how forceful he had come across. That wasn't enough. To truly make amends for his attitude to her he would need to be outright with her. If he had any feelings for her he would need to make them plain. In the meantime she would get on with her life and not let some obstinate man get under her skin.
Her eyes opened and directly looked at the small table before her and the women's magazine she had bought on the way home. She would not often buy magazines because of her limited time for reading but an article title had captured her attention.
"Is another woman what you really need?" She read out loud.
Flipping through the page numbers she settled into the couch and began reading.
"Has your man got you down? Tired of him not being able to 'read' your wishes? Sad and alone while you're waiting for him to make the next move?" It must have been fate that Monica happened to see this article advertised on the front of a women's magazine she didn't often buy. She thought it uncanny that there should that day of all days be some reading material that fitted her situation so perfectly. After another sip of juice she tucked her legs up on the couch and leant further back to keep reading.
"Does your man seem distant and need a kick start without have to spell it out? Then girlfriend, what you need is another woman." The brunette smiled as she continued reading the amusing text.
The article went on to talk about the virtues of a female/female relationship starting with just friendship then through the degrees to verging on sexual. One whole column was devoted to the assets of just holding and touching alone. As Monica was engrossed in the images portrayed by the article, her hopes for a little more happiness and hope began to surface. Why should she wait around for a man who was probably hiding his feelings behind FBI protocol by not pursuing a relationship? Maybe she could help the situation along by letting him see her inner passionate self in the presence of a woman.
As she read through one of the anecdotes, the previous night's image of Dana dressed to the nine's came to mind. While thinking about the possibilities of she and Dana working on deepening their friendship, the chime from her cell phone sounded from her jacket pocket. If that was John again with another after hours work request she would scream
*****
(ILS)
"Monica?" the familiar voice made her unusually excited. "It's Dana."
"Hi," she waited for the red head to continue.
"Sorry to bother you at home but it's to do with the case."
The last thing Monica wanted to hear was anything work related but because it was Dana she let her go on.
"Yes?"
"I was examining one of the bodies from West Virginia and found something interesting in the blood work."
"What's that?"
"I wonder if I could come over there and show you the charts?"
Monica had been resolved to being home alone for the evening but it would be kind of fun to be able to chat to another female. She and Dana didn't spent enough time together just socially.
"Of course Dana, have you talked to John?"
"To be honest Monica, I wanted you to see this first. We can show John tomorrow."
Before she let Dana off the phone she had a quick idea spurred on by some events read in the magazine article.
"Dana, how about we discuss this over a few drinks at Georgio's? Wednesday nights is two for one drinks if you bring a friend."
It only took a few moments for Dana to agree.
XXX
Monica had deliberately chosen Georgio's Bar because of the largely gay and lesbian clientele. She enjoyed the carefree atmosphere and she would often decide to go there when she felt like some female conversation. There were always friendly people who were happy to talk to a lonely soul.
The ladies had agreed to meet there at seven but Monica arrived a little earlier to secure a booth for them and make sure Dana could see a familiar face when she arrived. Monica's eyes lit up when she saw her colleague enter and survey the room. She wore faded tight fitting blue jeans, a soft pink cashmere cardigan with the top few buttons undone. A few sets of eyes watched as Dana saw Monica and began walking over. The brunette hadn't often seen her so casually dressed and it suited her, she appeared unstressed and even a little content.
From over her shoulder she took off her bag and rested it on the seat next to her and passed a manila folder over to her female friend.
"Hello Monica, here's what I wanted to show you, but we can look at it soon." She got comfortable in her seat when a decidedly gay waiter came to ask for their drinks order.
"Chardonnay," Monica mentioned.
"Make that two," Dana smiled and then did a small tilt of her head that showed a little shyness. When the waiter left she continued talking, "So how are you feeling? You didn't look too good today in the office."
Monica fiddled with a drink coaster while she responded,
"I'm better than I was. It's my own fault for my self abuse last night." Her fingers then went to the corners of the manila folder making one edge into a dog's ear. It wasn't like Monica to fiddle as she spoke; she was usually very calm.
"Want to talk about it?" It was usually Monica who was the listener.
"About what?" Without thinking she just blurted out the lame response.
"You were plainly upset last night. I saw you follow John out of the club. After your return was when you began your 'self abuse'." Dana reached out and placed her hand over the hand that was still bending the folder. Monica looked up at her friend's face filled with genuine concern. The touch of her hand was surprisingly comforting and they stayed that way as Monica spoke.
"John was really upset with my behaviour last night. He said that it was a poor reflection on the FBI."
"Well he does have a point." Dana's words were unexpected.
"Dana?" She moved her hand out from underneath her friend's and straightened her body in the seat.
"I don't mean it as an admonishment. Yes, it could be construed as a bad example but last night, who was to tell we were agents? We didn't exactly go in flashing our badges." She took Monica's hand again and this time linked fingers with hers. It sent a surge of comfort through her that had been missing for so long that day. Dana gave one her small smiles but left her hand in the same position.
"Ladies, your drinks," the waiter announced and placed the glasses on the table as Monica reached for her wallet.
"I'll get these Monica." She paid the waiter and then went straight back to talking. It almost seemed that Dana wasn't there to show her some findings about the case at all but she also needed to talk. They both took sips. "You need to talk to me. Are you and John having problems?"
"No Dana, we work well as partners." Monica wanted to tell her about her feelings for John but was also concerned as to the repercussions.
"To me it's more than that. You're in love with him and you need a way to find out if he feels the same way?"
"How...?" Monica looked confused.
"I'm a woman Monica, women can tell these things." She picked up her bag as she continued speaking. "I've been thinking all day about this, ever since John's reaction when I was talking to him this morning." She unclipped the top flap.
"Thinking about what?"
"Also the way you two greeted each other, or didn't greet each other as the case may be."
"We need to work on a plan to give him a nudge in your direction."
From her bag, Dana flipped out a copy of the exact magazine that Monica had also bought that day.
*****
(STGBT)
Monica was surprised at the sight of the paperback that Dana now handed over. It wasn't the kind that says, "What's this?", but rather one of coincidence. Though their relationship was strictly professional up until the previous night, they seemed to be on the same wavelength when it came to the situation with John. As she thumbed through the pages, she wondered if Dana had some of the same thoughts that ran through her head just hours before.
"Dana, what exactly is it you want me to look at?" She asked with grin that only she knew the meaning of.
"The entire magazine is based around friendship," she cleared her throat in hesitation, "friends, same sex friends who become closer, and the way it can attract the man of your desires."
"What are you suggesting exactly?" the dark haired beauty asked while stopping on the page with the article about female to female relations.
"Maybe John needs to see you in a different manner, and that your free lifestyle is something he could accept and perhaps experience." As she spoke, she glanced around, looking for something, but not sure what.
"Dana, he'd never go for this. And even if I could get him in the same room with another lady, he'd freak. And I fear worse then the other night."
Something was different here, but she just couldn't place her fingers on it.
"Monica, I'm not saying you have to have sex with another women in front of him, but if he can see the love you can give to a friend, maybe he could see himself as that friend, and his position would change.
As Monica thought about what Dana had said, she flagged the waiter down to order another round of drinks. She wanted to take it slow, especially after last night's events, but the feel of Dana's hand on hers, and the images that the articles conjured up were pushing her in a direction that bordered on the need for sexual release. "Dana, what, or who are you looking for?"
"Monica," she leaned into the table so she could speak in a low tone, "Have you noticed that there are a lot of same sex partners dancing and conversing in here, and not a lot of straight couples."
Monica let of a soft laugh at the innocent quips of her friend, "Dana, I thought you knew what this place was." She tighten her interlocking finger just enough to send a simple message that she hoped Dana would pick up on.
"It has a, how do I put this, a tendency to cater to gay and lesbian couples. It's a quiet place that offers them, and anyone else, a chance to relax and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere."
Dana was a little taken aback at Monica's suggestion to meet here, but after the show she witnesses last night, she wasn't surprised. "Do you come here often?" she asked with a small, child like giggle.
"Occasionally. It's a nice place to come and clear my head after a long day. Is it making you uncomfortable?"
"No, just not used to it. Now back to John. Is there someone you know that could help you along?" She questioned as she finished the last of the liquid in the glass.
Monica's brain went wild with ideas. Yes there was someone! Someone who is friendly, caring, compassionate, and looks might fine in anything she wears. Yes, that someone is sitting across the table from me now. But how could she bring this up to her, to let her, Dana, know that she would be perfect.
Before she answered, the waiter arrived again asking if they needed anything, and taking the time to formulate her thoughts, she asked Dana if she wanted to order more drinks. As Dana talked, Monica's thoughts fumbled with the delicate situation.
As the server left, Dana spoke quickly, not wanting Monica to change the subject. "Monica, what about taking him back to the strip club, and having him watch you with a female dancer?"
"I doubt that would go over well, and besides, it should be with someone who is mutually comfortable with me. I wouldn't want it to be a one night stand sort of thing. If it is to truly have John see my romantic and passionate side, then it should be someone I know on a personal level."
*****
(ILS)
Tidying up his desk he sighed and then took a deep breath, stretching his arms in the air to loosen the muscles that had cramped in the same position for the last two hours. Agent Doggett was spending far too much time at work lately and he was the only one who couldn't see it.
Lifting his right hand he looked at the late hour his watch indicated and then went for his suit coat. Taking one last look at the office to make sure he'd left it in pristine condition he chuckled a little looking at Monica's desk. Generally she was a tidy person but that day had not been a good one for her and she had gone home earlier than usual, leaving the unfinished files open on her desk.
As he went for the elevator he toyed with the idea of ringing her just as a courtesy, to see how she was feeling. He was concerned with her change of behaviour recently and her declining health. It was not like Monica to complain about anything, there was clearly something wrong other than the way he had come at her because of her behaviour at the strip club. He was beginning to regret that he had come down on her so hard and needed to call and try to repair what he saw as a rift in their relationship. They needed to work together cohesively, that had not been occurring recently.
Deciding to call her when he arrived home he went to push the button but looked up to see that the elevator was unexpectedly on the way down to him.
The doors opened and John once again formed his steely stare.
"You seem to be making a habit of this Assistant Director," John decided to step into the elevator as a gesture that he was not wanting to return to his office. "Unannounced twice in one day?"
"I need to talk with you Agent Doggett." Seeing that John wasn't going to talk in the basement office Follmer pushed the button to the floor of his office making sure the male agent noticed.
"Something important sir, something that can't wait until tomorrow?" It had gone seven and he was hungry and emotionally tired from the day.
"It's about the case. If you were still here I was going to mention it and seeing you're still here...," he left the statement for John to fill in the gaps.
"So what is it sir?" John looked impatiently straight ahead choosing not to look at the man directly. He was still curious as to what Follmer had said that day to Monica to leave her in such a bad mood, but refrained from asking, that was not his style.
"I'll tell you in the office."
There were some stiff silent moments as they reached Follmer's floor and walked to his office. His secretary had long gone so Follmer opened the door to usher him inside.
"Here, take a seat." The assistant director sat behind his desk and took out a manila folder and handed it to John. "Scully gave these to me before she left for the day. They are copies of her initial findings on examining two of the bodies discovered in the wilderness in West Virginia."
John looked up to Follmer with a quizzical look and then opened the folder to see a one page report and a set of photos.
"You want me to read this now sir?"
"Look at the photos." That answered John's question. "As you will see the bodies have various grazes, over varying parts of the torso. Scully says that so far they fit a pattern."
"Which is?" John was one to prefer to get the medical opinion first and then add his own ideas later.
"There are no marks anywhere on the faces, hands or feet of the victims."
John began nodding as he perused the photos.
"Which means?"
"It means that there were cuts a grazes all places on the body where there was fatty tissue."
"I still don't understand." He kept looking at one photo at a time, some close ups, other of the whole body.
"Scully will be able to explain it better to you tomorrow but what she told me was that these wounds look as though they are bite marks."
"Bite marks?" For the first time since looking at the case folder John looked up. "What kind of bite marks?"
"That, she is yet to determine." Follmer held his hand out for the file. "That's my copy, I believe you will get your own." John handed it over, clearly thinking this all through.
"So she thinks these wilderness creatures did this?" John sat back more in his chair looking at the man across from him.
"She doesn't know for sure and that's where you and Agent Reyes come in. We want to see if you can get more information, maybe even capture one."
John began shaking his head,
"Capture one?"
"We'll send a team with you." Follmer sensed John's incredulity about the whole sighting. "If it's human, you are trained to find them. If animal then we'll send in some experienced trackers."
John sat there confused but knew it was late and his brain was tired.
"Sir, I'd like to get home and think about this in the morning?" he asked permission to leave.
"There's one more thing before you leave." Follmer leant a little forward over his desk and to John's experienced eye he knew it was going to be something personal. "It's about Agent Reyes."
*****
"What about Agent Reyes?" Myriads of thoughts went swirling in his mind. Was it to do with what she and the assistant director had talked about in the hallway that afternoon? She had clearly been annoyed with Follmer and with 'all men', which had also included him. It was said for his benefit. Why she had been so emotional about it when she was usually calm he had no idea except that she was either ill or something else he didn't even want to contemplate.
He had seen the signs before in his ex-wife when they had been married and before Luke came into their lives. Could it be that Follmer and Monica had rekindled their relationship and she was pregnant? That thought sent a wave of panic through his being. If it were so then it would kill any chances he would have with his partner. He would once again be a lost man.
"I just wanted to know if you have feelings for her." Follmer leant his elbows on his desk and clasped his hands almost like he was praying.
"Feelings?" John needed clarification.
"Romantic feelings." Follmer just waited there, not giving any clues as to his intentions.
"What does that have to do with you?" He didn't want to discuss the matter with the man and was becoming decidedly antsy at the direction of the conversation.
"I've just noticed there's been a change in the way you two have been working together. You know that romantic relationships between working partners are frowned upon in the bureau?" It was more of a statement.
"I don't think that is a concern of yours." John was becoming red faced as his annoyance grew. "Don't you think I know the rules? You make it sound as though I am banging her in the basement."
"Hey, hey Agent Doggett, calm down. Why do you feel the need to come in with two guns blazing? I just asked a simple question." Follmer was annoyingly smug.
"It's none of your concern what I feel for Monica. We do our job and we do it well. The records show it."
"I know," he placed his hands face down over the table and moved them in a calming gesture. "I just want confirmation that you and she are not pursuing a romantic liaison. Call it, asking your permission."
"Asking my permission?" John did not like the sound of those words.
"Monica and myself ended up on the wrong foot in New York. We had a good relationship. I want those times back so I'm asking you if you would mind if I asked Monica out again."
John was dumbfounded; he hadn't seen that coming. Confusion set in. How was he to handle it? He was tired and run down from the little disturbed sleep he'd had the previous night and the edgy day at work. He wasn't thinking clearly. How could he tell this man that Monica was his? He hadn't pursued a romantic relationship and yet he felt she belonged to him, not Follmer. How would he feel knowing that Follmer was the one giving her the flowers, smothering her with kisses and even sleeping in her bed?
It was all too hard to think about. He couldn't say 'no' without giving a damn good reason. He couldn't say 'yes' because it was just not acceptable.
"Do what you have to do Follmer," the words came out pained but they were the only option. "With your permission I'd like to go home now." John stood as though he would leave anyway.
John could see the pleased, introspective look of Follmer's as he left the office.
All the way home he churned over what Follmer would do to win back Monica. Would she want him back? With his good looks and that charming way about him, John could see the women swooning after him. As he turned into his driveway he took a deep breath and resigned himself to the fact that this could all be a test. Maybe, with the help of Follmer's pursuit she would see where her true feelings lay.
He just prayed that she would eventually see that there was this other man wanting her, needing her, and would always be there for her. He knew he loved her but she had to come to realize that she loved him.
Throwing his jacket over the coat stand and heading up to his room, he sat on his bed and reached for the phone.
"Monica? It's John." His body slumped as he was greeted with the mechanized sound of her answering machine. Perhaps she was in bed? It had just gone nine but she had felt unwell that day. Not wanting to wake her he left a message,
"Monica, we need to talk. Something has come up about this case that we need to discuss. I'll be around tomorrow at seven and we can talk over breakfast somewhere." He signed off and then lay back on his pillow in the darkened room and closed his eyes.
What a bad day it had been. Surely tomorrow could only be better.
*****
(STGBT)
Time was slipping away, and neither woman had realized it. As they sat and discussed the possibility of allowing John see Monica with another woman, their thoughts were starting to focus on the same thing, but neither of them knew it just yet.
Monica wanted to take it easy, but the atmosphere and company had calmed her down enough that she was drinking just more then casual. In the hour or two they had spent there so far, she had finished about six glasses and had entered her happy stage. As Dana continued forward with trying to find someone suitable for Monica, she never picked up on the hints that the dark tressed woman was sending out. Every so often, her hand would squeeze Dana's a little harder, or she would swipe some stray auburn hairs from Dana's forehead.
As Dana went though the list of co-workers at the FBI, the alcohol was flowing through her body like a child down a waterslide; smooth and delightful. The more she searched for the perfect companion for her friend, the more she kept putting herself in the picture. She wasn't sure, but
something about the way Monica was looking at her, the flashbacks of seeing her receive that dance, and the cliental that was all around, was stirring something inside of her. Something that she would have brushed off only a day ago.
Monica excused herself to go to the restroom. Before she left, she leaned over and told Scully not to pick up anyone while she was gone. Dana just looked up and laughed. She watched Monica walk away, and became flush as she pictured her naked frame strutting through the room. She was beginning to see what Monica had meant about the female form.
After a quick splash of water across her face, Monica stared into the mirror and wondered how far she would be able to take her thoughts with Dana.
As she formulated a plan, she checked her messages just to make sure nothing pressing was happening. As she heard John's voice echo through the phone, a feeling of disgust came over her. This was perfect she thought. John wanted to have breakfast. Well, he would get a little surprise of his own when he came to pick her up.
She walked back to the table with a purpose now. Still a delicate situation, she knew she was going to have to be a tad sly to make this work. As she sat back down, she noticed Dana was a shade redder then usual,
"Are you all right?" She asked as she reached for her hand.
With a light laugh, Dana answered, "Yes. While you were gone, that woman over there asked me to dance."
"Why Agent Scully, it seems someone has taken a fancy to you!" She exclaimed as a smile ran across her face.
"Apparently so, but I told her I was with someone, who wouldn't be to happy to see me with an other woman." She told Monica with a playful look.
"Well, then, I'm going to have to put her in her place." Monica joked as she started to stand.
"Monica, what are you doing?" she hurriedly tried to get her to sit again.
Taking Dana's hand, she placed $60 bucks on the table to settle their bill.
"Come on Dana, let's head back to my place so we can discuss the case more in detail without interruptions." She had no intentions of talking about West Virginia, but figured this was the best way to get Dana in a more private setting.
All the way home, they discussed the details of the case and Dana's findings. When they arrived back at Monica's, she offered a drink. Scully was feeling a bite tipsy already, and apologized for just wanting a water.
At Monica's insistence, she took one more glass of wine instead.
They were sitting on the sofa, when Monica switched the topic back to John and magazine article. Her thought was that the more they talked about it, maybe Dana would see the light. Every so often, she would place carefully thought out touches on the fair skinned woman next to her. One on the shoulders, another on her knees, and yet another on her cheeks. Each one gentle and inviting, but not threatening.
As they talked, and the wine took its tool, they began to inch closer, but not enough to make the other suspicious.
"Monica," Dana bowed her head, "Do you think that you and John will ever end up together?"
"I don't know Dana. But right now, I'm not thinking about John. I'm thinking about someone else." She placed her fingers under Dana's chin to lift her face into eye sight.
"A woman huh? Must have been all this talk about the magazine" She gazed into her friends brown orbs.
"In fact, yes, a woman." As the words escaped, she slowly leaned forward and delicately laid her lips onto Dana's.
With initial shock, Dana moved away quickly, "Monica, I'm flattered, but this isn't exactly what I had in mind."
"Dana, what could be more perfect then this. You are a beautiful woman, I trust you, and most importantly, I feel comfortable with you."
As she thought about the words that she just heard, her own loneliness crept up. Mulder was gone, William was gone, and at that moment, it seemed as though there was no one to fill the void. She closed her eyes to think about the situation, and what Monica was suggesting. All night, it had been crossing her mind. Deciding that a new experience was better then another night of nothing, she opened her eyes, and with a look of passion, placed her hand behind Monica's head, and welcomed the tall ladies lips to hers.
It started slow, just lips, with hands massaging each other's necks and face. As they continued, their kiss became more passionate. Dana's mouth opened as Monica's tongue eased it's way past the rosy rows of flesh.
As their appendages met with a swirl, a moan rose for Dana's throat.
*****
For what seemed like an eternity, their tongues clashed like two Gods fighting to control the heavens above. As they did battle, Monica's hand made it's way up Dana's leg and past her waist. On it's way to its intended target; it paused briefly to pull her partner in closer. Inch by inch, she slowly raised it so it was resting on top of one of Dana's firm yet supple breasts.
A small groan of pleasure exasperated into Monica's mouth as her hands massaged the mounds in front of her. Wanting more, she placed her hand under Scully's shirt to feel the warm flesh as it heaved in her increasing breathing. Rolling a nipple between two of her fingers, she spoke,
"Dana, you're very excited!" She finished with a smile.
"Yes Monica, I am." Was all she managed to get out before engaging Monica in another torrid kiss.
Deciding to take this further, she raised Scully up by her elbows, being careful not to break the seal around their lips, and guided her to the bedroom. The two fell into the bed with arms wrapped each other in a loving embrace. Monica took the initiative and turned Dana onto her back. Leaving the safety of her head, she planted little wet presents down Dana's neck as she lifted the shirt above her head. Once it was removed, she began to work on Dana's bra. As she tossed it aside, her mouth glided across the burning skin, sucking on one nipple, and then focusing on the other. She dragged her fingernails teasingly down Scully's waist until they rested just above the top of her jeans. Slipping one underneath the material and clasping the metal button, she worked until she could easily pull the zipper down with her mouth. Looking up and smiling, she tugged the cotton pants down, and removed her socks at the same time so nothing was covering Dana's body except her panties.
With her head resting on the pillow, she opened her eyes at the feeling of two fingers moving inside of her underwear. As one reached the growing bud, she let go with a moan of inviting ecstasy. Her head began to feel flush and burning as the wetness in her core intensified. Suddenly, there was a cool wisp of air against her most sensitive parts, and then a warm, moist touch. She arched her back and tilted her head forward so she could see what was happening instead of just feeling it. As she watched the brown covered head of Monica become intimately personal with her clitoris, one hand sat atop it while the other skated around her own body.
"Oh Monica, that's it, right there." She screamed as Monica repeatedly swiped her tongue across the open folds of Dana's most private of parts.
Panting heavily, a recently unfamiliar emotion began to spread throughout her body.
She was starting to get light headed, as the fire blazed hotter and hotter, and little quivers made their way down to her center. As she reached her pinnacle, Monica eased a finger inside which sent Dana over the edge. Trashing around, and holding onto Monica's head, wave after wave soared through her body. Moaning and screaming, her suppressed frustration vanished in orgasmic tidal waves.
Her breaths were becoming more relaxed as she regained her composure.
"Oh, Monica," she pulled her lover up so they were face to face, "that was incredible. I never thought that a woman could make me feel like this."
She ended by madly kissing her partner.
"Glad you liked it, and I must say, you tasted so sweet. No wonder Mulder is so in love you." She talked as her hands traced circles around Dana's back.
Wanting to return the favor, and wanting to experience what Monica found so enjoyable, she rolled over so she was atop Monica. "Monica, I'm not sure how to..." she was cut off.
"It's ok, just do what you think is natural."
With those encouraging words, she began her journey into uncharted territory. To help to uncomfortable feeling, she closed her eyes as she made her way around Monica's body; she imagined it was Mulder she was about to pleasure. It was working until she touched Monica's own fleshy orbs.
Hesitating just for a moment, she thought of all her work on the X-Files, and how in that time, she had learned to open herself to new possibilities.
With the attention of a child with a new toy, she began her exploration of Monica's frame. Following the patterns that were previously used on her, she made her way down the light brown skin as she removed the articles of clothing that were between her and her goal.
Thinking about what she liked, she moved her tongue and hands around as if she was doing it to herself. With each passing minute, and encouraged by the increasingly louder sounds emanating from above her, she quickened her pace, and applied more pressure with her fingers and tongue. Soon Monica was realizing her own orgasm brought on by the once timid red head that was nestled between her legs.
In a sweaty heap of bare flesh, the two laid in each other's arms giggling about the tryst they just shared. Having forgotten all about their intoxicated state, they chatted as their bodies and minds were in a heightened state of bliss.
*****
(ILS)
The following morning
As Scully stood there on the pavement looking for some sort of transport home, memories and images of the previous night's events came flooding back. She felt a little awkward at what she and Monica had done together and wondered whether it was the drinking that had made them sleep together. As she remembered her excessive imbibement a wave of nausea spread over her body. After a few deep breaths and a swig of the water bottle still in her hand she concentrated on not making a fool of herself in the gutter.
Once the dizzy spell quelled and after a few more sips of the water, she began thinking again about what she and Monica had done together. Never before had she been with a women and had rarely entertained the thought but it had been something truly special. The way she had touched her was so memorable. It was amazing that something as simple as touch could bring people closer. The thoughts of them sleeping side-by-side, skin touching and shifting all night resolved her to the fact that she wanted more.
Monica and she had planned out how to get John to notice her and finally tell her his true feelings but Scully wondered then if she truly wanted to go through with it. A taxi cab flew by jolting her out of her daydream. She must get back home soon or risk being late for work.
"Need a lift?" A low, rumbly voice sounded behind her. She turned suddenly and immediately tried to look normal.
"Agent Doggett, um, John. What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? I could ask you the same Dana." He was dressed in his work clothes and looked immaculate as usual. "I'm here to take Monica out to breakfast."
Breakfast? Monica hadn't told Scully anything about that. It was starting to become clearer. Maybe this was all part of the plan. If not then she could certainly make it look like it.
"I was just dropped off here to give some case files to Monica. My cab must have left," she lied unconvincingly.
"You on your way to work like that?" He looked her up and down; eyes wide open at her neat casual attire from the previous night.
"Um," she deliberately hesitated as though she was trying to think on her feet. "I'm stopping back home before I go to the office."
John seemed to accept that but Scully knew his sceptical stance by then.
"Case files you say?" he reminded.
"Yes, about the bodies..."
"The bodies with the bite marks." He finished her sentence.
"You've been talking to Follmer. What else did he tell you?" It was a little early to talk about work and all Scully wanted to do was go home and shower and fully wake up. To keep up the pretence she needed to look in work mode.
"Not much really, except there's another body and the bite marks tend to be in similar positions on all three bodies."
"There's more. I discovered something else unusual after I wrote those reports."
"More?"
"Look John, let me go home and get ready for work. You have your breakfast with Monica. I'll meet you at the lab this morning and I will show you what I mean." She looked up to him with open eyes imploring him to agree.
"Okay," he said slowly, trying to fathom what this new evidence could be. "The offer still stands. So do you want a lift?"
"Thanks, but I'll hail a cab." In other circumstances she would have accepted but John needed to see Monica. She chuckled to herself wondering how Monica would greet him at the door.
"Okay then, see you around ten."
Scully eyes followed John as he made his way up the stairs to Monica's apartment. When they were partners, if she hadn't been so caught up in Mulder's disappearance and her own pregnancy she probably would have noticed how attractive her then partner was.
At that moment she saw what Monica saw in him and remembered the times when if it wasn't for his courage, strength and determination she would have been dead by then. Scully could see that he would protect Monica with his life just as he had done her.
A flood of emotion swept over her body wishing with all her heart that Mulder could return and give her a man's love that she yearned for.
A cab stopped roadside and the driver called out to her if she wanted a lift. Walking over she opened the back door.
"Georgetown," she mentioned as she sat and closed the door and looked up to see John at Monica's front door watching her leave.
All the way back to her apartment she closed her eyes and saw that image of him, handsome, strong, resolute. Scully could see why Monica was so in love and she could also see that if Monica were to touch John the way she had touched Dana the previous night then he would not be able to resist her advances. If only he would lighten up and give her the chance.
The next thing they had planned to plant that seed in John's mind made her smile widely.
*****
As John watched Dana move off in the cab his gaze never left the vehicle until it was out of sight. It was all part of his nature to make sure that his friends and colleagues were safe and happy. There was something though, that Dana wasn't telling him. It was something she wanted to say but for some reason was keeping it hidden. Was it to do with what had just transpired between she and his partner inside?
Giving a quizzical look in the direction of the cab's departure he then turned to open the door to Monica's apartment block.
All those questions he had asked himself the night before and that morning came back as he climbed the stairs two at a time to Monica's loft apartment.
Where had she been last night and why hadn't she returned his call? Why had she been so on edge lately and what was the deal with the headaches and having to go home early? Then there was the question of Dana and why she would bring over a file early morning and catch a cab rather than drive her own car?
These were questions he wanted to ask but in a setting that was comfortable and conducive to talk. The basement office had become more of a battle zone lately; they needed neutral territory.
He couldn't bear the thought of Monica in turmoil. He wanted his Monica back and needed to know what he could do to help. They couldn't work effectively if they continued to clash.
John was about to knock on her door when the image of her face came to him as she had opened the door in his dream. He had dreamt it all in his night's fitful sleep. It was all wishful thinking, his waking dreams mixed with the nocturnal. She had opened the door and only wore a robe loosely tied at the waist. Her face was radiant as she smiled at his presence then took his hand and led him to the bedroom.
As she walked he could see the shape of her naked body underneath and feel her warm hand shift in his. In the bedroom she turned and her hands went to the tie and slowly unravelled it and let it flop to the ground. The robe fell open giving him a view of the heaven underneath. The dream had gone on with her slowly undressing him in between kisses and touches.
All thought of going out to breakfast was then a distant memory because all had been resolved. She loved him and was showing it with her actions. As they kissed, their nakedness and skin on skin contact was making him want to be one with her.
His hand poised at her door ready to knock he blushed remembering dreaming of lying on top of her naked form and staring into her loved filled eyes and then kissing her intensely as he entered her for the very first time. He had dreamt a lot lately and mostly with Monica as the main figure. Each time they would end up making passionate love and sleeping together, touching and feeling each other all night long.
John wanted this all to be real but was too practical to believe that fantasies like that would come true. He wanted to act on them but the consequences were just too great and played on his mind like an 'angel and devil on the shoulders' scenario. If Monica did answer the door the way she did in his dream he knew he would just give in and go along with it all.
Taking a breath he knocked and waited. It took a second knock for John to hear her coming to the door. He didn't want to call her name and wake anyone in the neighbouring apartments.
"John?" Monica looked surprised but not as stunned as John when he saw what she was wearing; a light blue satin robe loosely tied at the waist.
*****
(STGBT)
His eyes just about popped out of his head. He wanted to reach out and grab her at the sight of the robe around her. His dream was standing within reach and though his heart was telling him to take hold of her, his brain was scrambled at the coincidence and sudden confusion.
"John?" she asked seeing something in his eyes.
"Ah Monica, breakfast..." he shook his head to regain his composure, "I called last night."
"Oh yeah, come on in while I get ready." She led him in the room and as she shut the door, smiled at his obvious amazement. After she got him a glass of water, and making sure he was comfortable, she slowly, and deliberately walked into the bedroom, taking care to accent her shape with each step. If this doesn't get to him, nothing will, she thought.
As he sat sipping the cool liquid, he could hear the pressure of the shower.
All he could do was imagine her naked body, lathered up with soap, standing under the jetting stream of water against her slender frame. The more the images lingered, the more aroused he became. His throat was dry, and head light from the thoughts that were running around his brain. "If she only knew what I was thinking, she'd have my head on a platter" he whispered to himself. His hazy state was broken by her voice coming from behind the thin door that was slightly ajar.
"So, where are we going for breakfast?" she asked as she finished dressing.
"Anywhere's fine. As long as we're at the office by ten to meet Dana."
He yelled back at her. "Did you look over the files she brought you this morning?" He was trying to bait her.
"A little," she grinned knowing he saw Agent Scully leaving her place this morning and wondered what he was thinking, "She caught me right as I was waking up." Actually, they had woken up together, and before she knew it. Dana had freaked out a bit and had done her best to run out as quickly as possible.
"I'll fill you in while we eat. You almost done yet?" His heart was pounding with the sexy thoughts of her.
"Yep," she quipped as she walked up to him, "Here are the files."
The two drove around, John not really sure where he was going. To help ease tension that had surrounded them lately, he wanted to take her somewhere she would enjoy. Perhaps a place with lots of fruits and light eateries.
"How about here John?" She pointed out a little morning caf� that was down the block from her place.
Looking over the menu, he knew he was going to have to eat an early lunch. The two ordered as she read over the files to keep up the fa�ade of Dana's arrival earlier that day.
"Monica, has everything been alright lately?" He asked, wanting to get to point.
"Yes John, why do you ask?" She made sure to look him directly in the eyes.
"It's just you seem to have been different the last couple of days. The coldness in the office and the whole bachelorette party, it just doesn't seem like you." He tried to be as positive as possible.
"I'm fine John. Maybe you're just seeing a side of me you didn't know existed." She was baiting him, and by the look on his face, it was working.
"Monica, I know you have an adventurous side, but kissing a stranger on stage in front of people you work with! That's a little far." He was doing his best to keep his cool.
"John, when will you understand that the world is not all black and white, and it's the grey that makes it worth living in. Why's it bothering so much anyway?"
"We're FBI Agents, and we have to work with those people on a daily basis. Not to mention that someday you might be their superior, or vice versa. You have to think about your career." As he talked, he stared at the meagre meal in front of him. 'How does she eat this stuff,' he thought.
Laughing at the absurdity of his words she rebutted his comments, "It's all harmless fun John. No one that was there is going to think any less of me, and I'm not going to think any less of them. Is this what you're worried about, or is there something else that's on your mind."
Finishing off the small plate, he thought about the way she looked on stage kissing that dancer, and how she looked that morning in nothing but a robe.
Wanting to tell her what was really on his mind, he decided to keep it hidden.
"That's all. We should be getting to the office soon."
Disappointed at the lack of confidence from this normally strong willed man, she gently wiped the fruit juice from her mouth and grabbed the files.
Walking behind him as he went to pay the bill, she wondered what it was going to take for him to catch on to her feelings, and finally let his out.
*****
