Okay to forward to a.t.x.c. and okay to archive. Thanks! Title: No Longer Alone (PG) 1/2 Author: D. Street E-Mail Address: masonfan@aol.com Rating: PG Category: SR Spoiler warning: Set after Zero Sum Keywords: Scully/Skinner romance in the works Summary: What does Scully feel and do when she finds out about Skinner's deal with CSM... and his reasons for making the deal. I would appreciate any and all comments or criticism. Thanks! Author Note: Thanks go to beta readers: Kathy, Jo, Darla and Deb. This story takes place the morning after the events in the episode, "Zero Sum." The characters and situations of the television program "The X-Files" are the creations and property of Chris Carter, Fox Broadcasting and Ten-Thirteen Productions, and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit will be made. ********************************************************* No Longer Alone by D. Street Part 1 of 2 Walter Skinner stopped at the desk to ask where Scully's room was. He'd spent most of the night walking; the last thing he'd needed after his activities of the night before. His mind still fought to accept the things he'd done--things that a year ago... six months ago... he wouldn't have considered. Now, to buy Scully's life, he'd destroyed evidence and, he suspected, been the cause of a police detective's death. He stood waiting for the elevator, fists clenching and unclenching in anger. He'd been used to cover Cancerman's dirty work and then he'd been set up for murder. Again. He looked at his hands... there should be blood on them... something to remind him... shock him out of what he'd done. Skinner's hands fell to his sides as the doors opened. He stepped inside, a grim despair settling over him. It was too late to turn back; he was committed. Skinner walked swiftly down the corridor until he found the room. The door was ajar and he stepped inside. Scully stood with her back to him. She was dressed and as he watched, she replaced the telephone receiver. "Dammit, Mulder, where are you?" she muttered. "Can I help?" Dana started, turning around. "Sir--what are you doing here?" "I came to see how you are." He smiled and Scully noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the gauntness of his features. Even the wirerims didn't hide it. "Is... is Mulder all right?" she asked. It wasn't like her partner to turn his cell phone off and it occurred to her that their boss might have come to deliver bad news. "As far as I know." He swallowed. "I saw him last night." Scully frowned. Why did he look so uncomfortable? Something was wrong. "Well, can I offer you a ride home?" He stuck his hands in his coat pockets. *Walter, this isn't the prom. You just want to drive her home!* "If it's not too much trouble--" "No, of course not," Walter said quickly. "Are you ready?" "More than," she told him, walking out of the room. Skinner followed. They walked through the parking lot in silence, neither knowing what to say. "Will you be all right alone?" he finally asked. Scully smiled up at him. "I'm fine. I just need to get some real food. I'm starving." Walter opened his mouth, then shut it. But the temptation was too strong. "I could... would you like me to take you somewhere?" Dana wrinkled her nose. "I wasn't actually thinking of drive- thru." "Neither was I. Why don't we have an early dinner?" He watched her, almost shyly, and Scully found herself charmed.... a reaction she'd never felt toward the AD. "All right. Where?" Walter smiled, relieved. "You choose." Her acceptance made him feel curiously warm. They'd reached his car, and Skinner opened the door for her. "How about The Cafe?" A shadow flickered over the handsome features and was gone. "The Cafe it is," he agreed, rounding the car and sliding behind the wheel. Scully gazed sightlessly out the window as they headed back toward the Bureau. "Anywhere is fine, if it's too close aw work for you," she finally said. "No. It's fine." He was silent, then, "I haven't been back since..." He chewed his lip. "It's fine." Then she realized; The Cafe was where Skinner had been shot the year before when he'd refused to close her sister's murder case. It had resulted in someone putting a hit out on the AD. Walter had been lucky to survive. "I'm sorry. We can go anywhere. I just picked it because it's close." "So it is." Skinner pulled into the restaurant's lot. "We're here." As they neared the entrance, Scully could feel him tense beside her. An almost daily visitor of the small restaurant that featured good food, quiet atmosphere and subdued lighting, Skinner hadn't gone near it since the shooting. With the briefest hesitation, he grasped the door handle and opened it for Scully. "Two?" The waitress on duty showed them to a secluded booth. Walter had never been here for dinner. It had a comfortable atmosphere. He began to relax. They made small talk during their first drink and salads. Skinner found it difficult to take his eyes off her. He knew exhaustion was numbing him, enhancing his perception, while dulling his guard. He sipped his Scotch. She was so beautiful. "You look tired. Are you sure everything's all right?" Scully asked again. "Mulder?" "Mulder's fine," Skinner assured her. "He's working on a routine case." Scully noticed that he wouldn't meet her eyes. "How did the tests go?" He changed the subject. Reluctantly, Scully let him. She couldn't remember him looking so ragged... not since that business with the hooker. "Um, I won't know for a few days." She ran a hand through her hair. "It's the waiting I hate." Without conscious thought, Skinner reached out to cover her hand with his own. It was a long moment before either realized. Skinner pulled his hand away; Scully felt a stab of regret. The waitress delivered their meals; both had ordered chicken. When she'd gone, Walter toyed with his fork, then looked up at her. "Why didn't you tell me?" "What?" Scully took a bite of food. "About the tests." "I didn't think I needed to." She shrugged. "I'm just an agent taking a personal day." "Not to me," Walter said quietly. The emotion in his voice startled her. Behind Dana, Fox Mulder entered the restaurant. He'd called the hospital and found his partner had been released. Figuring she'd head for the nearest good restaurant, he'd checked one of their favorites. There she was, with... his features hardened... Skinner. But their attitude was different. He could feel the tension from here. Something had changed; just now, if he was any judge. Had he told her what he'd done? Fingering the micro-recorder in his pocket, Mulder crossed the room. Scully was about to ask Walter why he was poking at his dinner when she saw him look up in surprise. She knew who was behind her without turning around. "Mulder." She smiled. Finally. "Where have you been, Agent Mulder?" Skinner asked. Mulder resisted the urge to say, 'Covering your ass, sir.' and settled for "Taking care of something." What he'd taken care of was Cancerman's driver, thus procuring a micro cassette of the Consortium member's conversations with Skinner. Their eyes met, then Skinner's slid away. "I need to check my calls." He rose. "I'll leave you two alone." Grabbing his cell phone, Skinner headed for the men's room. Scully watched him go, surprised at how much she enjoyed the departing view. Tight jeans definitely became him. She refocused her attention as Mulder slid into the AD's vacated chair. "How are you?" he asked. He picked up Skinner's empty glass and sniffed. Scotch. "I'm fine." "Fine?" He leaned forward. "Fine, how?" "Mulder," she said sharply. "Don't mother hen me." "I care, Scully." She sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I won't find out until Thursday." Mulder nodded. "Skinner looks awful." At Mulder's raised eyebrow, she searched for the words, "Drained. Like he hasn't slept." Mulder snorted. "Yeah, he's been a busy boy." She frowned, brow furrowing. "I only took one day, Mulder. What have you gotten yourself into now?" "I'm not the one in trouble this time, Scully. I took someone's advise, but they didn't listen to themselves." "Mulder, what are you talking about?" He pulled the little recorder out and laid it between them on the table. He pressed a button and Skinner's voice suddenly filled the air. *"Agent Scully is in the hospital. If you can do anything for her, I want it done now."* Scully gasped as the next voice filtered through; Cancerman. *"I'm fully aware of Agent Scully's progress."* The AD's voice came again. *"If anything happens to her, I'll expose you. I'll turn state's evidence. I don't care what happens to me."* "Where did you get that, Mulder?" Skinner's voice was ragged. Scully looked up, mind still reeling. "More importantly... what the hell are you doing?" Ignoring her for the moment, Skinner's eyes were locked with the younger man's. "Mulder?" "I'm just covering your butt again, sir. And a cute butt it is, too." Mulder turned to his partner, his tone conversational. "Don't you think so, Scully?" She flushed, remembering her earlier attraction to just that. She turned back to Skinner. "What did you do?" He swallowed, gaze sliding to the floor. "Why?" Her voice was hard and it hurt him. "I didn't feel I had a choice." Walter looked around. "Let's take this somewhere else." He paid their bill and the three went outside. "I'll follow you and Scully." He turned and walked across the lot. As she watched his retreating back, Scully felt fear begin in her gut. "Mulder--" "Let him tell it, Scully." Mulder led her to his car and they headed for the AD's apartment in Crystal City. End Part 1 of 2 No Longer Alone by D. Street Part 2 of 2 Mulder parked on the street and they met Skinner in the lobby. They rode the elevator in silence, Skinner intent on the floor indicator while Mulder's eyes never left him. Scully watched them both, liking this less and less. Finally they were inside and Walter asked if they wanted coffee; they didn't. He started for the bar, then changed his mind and dropped into a leather armchair. "Why?" Scully repeated, her gaze uncompromising. Any resistance Skinner had drained from him, and Scully was taken aback at how vulnerable and beaten their boss looked. She leaned forward, voice gentle. "What happened?" Mulder stood near Skinner's chair. He was afraid the older man was going to pass out. But Skinner gathered himself and began. "When you went in to the hospital the fist time... for treatments... She nodded. "Mulder came to me, understandably desperate. He wanted me to set up a meeting with Cancerman. He wanted to make a deal for your life." Mulder flushed under her glance, then it returned to the other man. Fox sat on the sofa opposite him. "I refused." Walter related. "I told him if he compromised himself, the bastard would own him forever." They waited for him to continue. The room was still, both agents straining to hear Skinner's quiet narration. "I told him there were always alternatives." Mulder made a noise, but Skinner ignored it. "And so you did exactly what you hadn't let Mulder do?" Scully demanded, incredulous. Head down, Walter nodded. She was afraid to ask. "What does he want?" Knowing Cancerman, it could be anything from sexual favors to murder. "Let's just say I destroyed evidence in what should have been an FBI matter." The AD said quietly, eyes on the floor. They were silent for a long moment, then Scully spoke. Well, obviously nothing has happened. I was in for tests- -" "We don't know that!" Walter snapped. Both agents stared at him. "It's too late anyway," he said, regaining control. "If I pull out, he's got me for conspiracy and murder." "Not with your gun," Mulder told him. "It's clean." Skinner's head came up slowly and he met Mulder's gaze. "Why did you lie for me?" Scully looked at her partner, but his eyes were locked with Skinner's. "Because I don't believe you killed that detective." "But, you did." Mulder rose, angry. "Well, what was I supposed to think when I saw that video picture? You were *talking* to the guy!" Walter's eyes slid to the floor, then back to Fox's. "You could have trusted me." Scully heard the hurt in his voice. "Right. You might not have killed that man, but what about the evidence you destroyed? Were you the one who took the postal worker's body?" He was almost shouting now, and Scully reached out to touch his arm. "Mulder." "Dammit, Skinner! How can we trust you when you're Cancerman's errand boy?" "No!" Walter shot to his feet and Mulder had to fight the urge to step back a pace. "That's what it looks like to me," the younger man insisted, voice hard. Dana's quiet voice was a stark contrast. "Why, sir? I mean, I know you wanted him to cure me, but *why*? I'm jut one of your agents." "No, Scully. You and Mulder are much more than that." Skinner told her sincerely, eyes finding hers. "Still, why risk your career... even your freedom?" His eyes slid away once more and it was Mulder who spoke. "Go ahead and tell her." Walter's head snapped up. "It's not hard to figure out," Fox told him softly. Skinner shook his head. Scully looked from one man to the other. She desperately wanted answers and they were talking in riddles. "Sir?" she asked again. "What you do... what you both do... it's important." Skinner said without looking at her. Mulder shook his head. Time for them both to face the music. "He's in love with you, Scully." Mulder nailed the AD's gaze, daring him to deny it. He couldn't. "Mulder--" she started to object, but Skinner interrupted. "He's right." He spread his palms, heaving a great sigh. "As you say, why else would I jeopardize everything I am?" Skinner wanted to run. He didn't like being the object of the X-File pair's interrogation and he didn't want any more of his private life dissected. Unfortunately, he noted, they were in his apartment and short of leaving himself, he didn't see a way out. Skinner realized neither of them had spoken. He looked at each agent. "I'm sorry, Scully. I never wanted you to know. You were never supposed to know." He glared at Fox. "About any of it." "Love is rare, sir." Mulder told him. "For whatever reason, Scully deserves to know how you feel about her." "Why didn't you want me to know?" she asked, curious. Skinner looked drained and beaten. She felt a curious sympathy toward him and reached out to touch his hand. "Why didn't you want me to know?" she repeated. "Because I knew you'd be as angry as when Mulder had proposed the same thing to me." Neat, thought Fox. He's side-stepped the question. But Scully wasn't distracted. "I mean about you... caring, for me... " She bit off the 'sir' that automatically followed. Skinner removed his glasses, laying them on the table, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Because I have no right to those feelings." He met her eyes. "I knew you wouldn't return them..." He stood up and strode to the window. "I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable around me." His chest expanded with breath. "I didn't want to jeopardize the X-Files." "It's always the X-Files," Scully murmured. The AD half-turned. "It has to be." Mulder winced at the agony he saw in the older man's face. Scully was silent. She couldn't tell him she was attracted to him... had been since the first time they'd met. Or that in the past year that attraction had grown into something else. Mulder knew, she was pretty sure of that... but she couldn't tell Walter until she was sure of her feelings. She couldn't hurt him any more. And it would be such a risk. "Scully?" Mulder's gentle voice broke into her thoughts. She refocused her attention. "How are we going to get you out of this?" Skinner's brow furrowed. "With Cancerman?" Scully nodded. "I'm not getting out of it. Not until you're out of danger." He turned to face her. "I didn't enter into this lightly, Scully." "You can't risk your position with the Bureau; your reputation... maybe your life!" Walter turned back to the window. "It may not come to that." Scully rose and went to stand behind him. "Walter--" She touched his back. Mulder saw him flinch. "I won't let you. It's not worth it--" Skinner whirled, forcing her back a step. "None of it is as important as you," he stormed. "Not my reputation or my freedom or even my life." His eyes smoldered with emotion and it took Scully's breath. "Don't you understand?" he demanded. "You have to survive, Scully. You and Mulder have to continue your investigations. If you don't, no one will, and they'll get away with it." The quiet intensity in his voice bore into her. "How much good are we gonna be without you to watch our backs?" Mulder asked. Skinner looked at him. He'd almost forgotten the agent was there. "You'll find a way," he said. "And I don't think I'll lose... he doesn't hold all the cards." Scully met his gaze, eyes appealing. "Please... not for me." She reached out to clasp his wrist. "You're a good man... you don't deserve to be destroyed because I have cancer!" "What more do you want from me, Scully?" Skinner's voice was rough with desperation. "How much more of my soul do you want me to lay at your feet?" He drew a ragged breath. "How much more of my insides do I have to rip out before you trust me?" She stared at the tortured eyes, shiny with unshed tears. "No more," she whispered. "Let us help you." Mulder watched, fascinated, as they stood frozen for a moment, then Skinner grabbed her and crushed her to him, lips seeking hers, devouring her with his mouth. And then he was gone. "Scully?" Mulder leapt to his feet and hurried to his partner's side. She was stunned, staring out the window; the memory of her superior's lips, hot on her own, tongue invading her mouth, was kaleidoscoping in her mind, charging her senses. "Scully?" She looked at him, eyes wide and dazed. "Mulder, we've got to find him!" She started for the door, but Mulder stopped her. "He'll be back, Scully." He grinned, gesturing around them. "We're in his apartment. She moved to the door and threw it open, hoping to find him just outside, feeling too foolish to admit he'd bolted from his own home. The hallway was empty. She closed the door. "Mulder, he didn't take a coat or his keys..." She gestured to the end table. "He doesn't even have his glasses on!" "He'll be okay, Scully," Mulder soothed. "He'll walk around the block and realize he's got to come back." She nodded. "I guess." "Come on, I'll fix some coffee and we'll wait." "I'd rather have a Scotch," she told him and he veered to the bar. "Straight up." Mulder's brow rose but he refrained from comment. If the situation wasn't so deadly on both sides, he'd really enjoy watching the two of them figure this one out. "Mulder..." Scully sat on the sofa, shoes off, feet drawn up under her. She accepted the tumbler Fox handed her. "How long have you known about this?" "What?" He settled into Skinner's vacated chair, sipping his drink. "Either." She took a deep pull on her drink. Mulder cast his mind back, trying to remember when he'd first decided the AD was in love with his partner. "I guess I figured it out after he'd been shot." He looked at Scully. "After he reopened Melissa's case." She nodded, brow furrowing. "How come?" He shrugged. "Just his attitude, the way he acted around you after that." He smiled slightly. "Did you know we were the only ones who visited him while he was in the hospital?" Her frown deepened. "His assistant told me. She went after work once and the doctor told her he was concerned that Skinner seemed to be so alone." "What about his ex-wife... or friends?" "From what little he's ever told me, Sharon Skinner wouldn't have cared if he'd bought it that day." "Mulder, that's not true. She was worried about him--" "Yeah. Well, things apparently degenerated during their reconciliation," he said dryly. "Oh." Scully sipped her drink. "And," he continued, slumping back in the chair. "I don't think he's got a lot of friends." "Well," she argued. "I don't see him falling in love with you..." She stopped, realizing the futility of that particular argument. "All right, so, do you think he's just grateful because I saved his life in the ambulance? Like a doctor/patient thing?" "No, I don't." Mulder said patiently. "Scully, the man's in love with you. You're a beautiful, wonderful woman and he's in love with you." Mulder grinned at her. "Live with it." She made a face and drained her glass. "Don't you feel anything for him?" Mulder peered at her face, trying to decipher her look. He'd felt for some time that his partner felt more than respect for their superior. If she did, now was the time to admit it. "Scully?" "I don't know, Mulder, all right? And I'm not going to encourage him when he's vulnerable and then find out he's a father figure." "Do you think of him as--" "No!" Scully shifted on the couch, glaring at him. Mulder crossed his arms over his chest in triumph. "I just need time, Mulder. This is a really new concept for me." The agent glanced at his watch. "Well, I think we should go. I've still got some evidence files to go over." "Mulder, we can't leave," she reminded him. "We'd have to leave the door open for him." "Well... " He squelched the devilment that rose in him. "I guess you'll just have to wait for him." "Mulder!" "Scully, I *have* to go over the rest of those files tonight. I'm worried about him, too. Somehow we've got to get him away from Cancerman... but not tonight. One of the reasons he did what he did was so that we could go on investigating the X-Files." He stood up, watching her. "Now, that might not have been his primary, driving reason for selling his soul--" "Mulder don't say that!" He shrugged. "Wait for him. He'll be back." He stopped, hand on the doorknob. "The two of you could use some quality time together, anyhow." He slammed the door before the sofa pillow reached him. ***** Walter Skinner would have felt incredibly stupid having essentially fled his own apartment to get away from two of his agents, had his mind not been so occupied with said agents. Mulder had truly done it to him this time and there was no going back, now. Scully knew. His worst nightmare was realized; Dana Scully knew he was in love with her. How long would it be before she began replaying their meetings in her mind... reading true feelings into his looks, the light touches on her back as he'd guided her out of the office... had he driven her away from him for good? She wouldn't request a transfer... she'd never leave Mulder. But would she be too self-conscious around him to function? Visions of Mulder delivering each case report alone flooded his mind and depressed him. Was he doomed never to see her wonderful light again? So dark were his thoughts, Skinner didn't notice the equally gray clouds that formed overhead, or feel the sharp drop in temperature. He hadn't brought a coat... or anything else.... with him, but he was too focused on his inner misery to notice something so physical. The first pelting drops hit him before he squinted up, into the night sky. Shit. Turning around, Skinner headed back to his apartment at a run. He glanced at his watch; he'd been walking for almost two hours. Surely they'd have gone home by now. He strode past the front desk, to the elevator. He hoped that the agents had left his door unlocked. He cursed himself for running out without his keys... or his glasses.... or his dignity. Skinner sighed and reached for the doorknob. The door swung open and he stepped inside, breathing a sigh of relief. The relief was short-lived as he started at Dana Scully, asleep on his sofa. His glance swept the apartment, but Mulder was no where to be seen. Tentatively, he knelt beside the couch, studying Scully as she slept. He didn't realize she'd opened her eyes, so intent was his study, until she blinked at him. "I'm sorry.." She sat up, running a hand through tousled hair. "I didn't mean to fall asleep." She gestured to the door. "I mean, we couldn't just leave the door unlocked..." she trailed off, the man's condition finally registering. "Walter... you're soaking wet." He shrugged, sheepishly. "It's pouring down rain. I also didn't take a coat." She chuckled and his gaze came up to meet hers. None of the discomfort or anger he'd expected to see in those eyes were there. Instead, he saw humor and acceptance. "Scully--" he began, but she stood up, pulling him up with her. "First you get out of those clothes and take a shower." she ordered. "Then we'll talk." He opened his mouth, but she held up a hand. "I promise. We do have to talk about it, but I don't want you catching a cold." She shooed at him. "I'm a doctor, remember?" Scully went to the kitchen and started coffee percolating. She heard the shower start as Skinner's phone rang. Scully hesitated, then picked up the receiver. It was probably Mulder, checking to see if the AD had returned. "Hello?" "Scully? You still there?" She made a face. "Obviously. How's the file search going?" "Slow. Did Skinner come home?" "Yes. He's in the shower." Silence. "Oh." "Mulder," she threatened. "I didn't mean anything. So, are you gonna--" "Mulder!" "Okay, okay. I'll see you in the morning. I just wanted to make sure he was okay." "'Night Mulder." "Listen, it's pouring out... and you don't have a car--" "Don't worry about it, Mulder. I'll get a ride." She could hear the smirk in his voice. "Right." "Mulder... thanks." "Sure." She hung up the phone and heard the water stop in the bathroom. Taking a breath of courage for what was to follow, Scully poured them both coffee and went in to the living room to wait. Skinner reappeared wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. Scully watched him from the kitchen. *Interesting reaction,* she thought as her stomach clenched. *Don't get carried away, Dana Katherine.* The AD spied her and stopped, chewing his lip. "Hi." Scully giggled softly and turned away, getting the two mugs of coffee. She crossed to hand him one, then sat on the sofa. Skinner went back to his armchair. "So... " he began, but floundered. "Um..." Scully nodded. "Yeah, I'd say that's about it." She sipped her coffee. "The most important thing is to figure a way to get you away from Cancerman." As he started to object, she held up a hand. "But we need Mulder here for that and he's running files." She took a breath. "Sooo, I guess the next order of business is us." She chewed her lower lip. *Us.* That sounded odd on her tongue. Odd, but nice, too. Skinner was holding his mug as if he might strangle it. "I can't help what I feel, Dana. I love you. I've loved you for a long time, even before I admitted it to myself." He met her gaze. "I can't help that." "Aside from not thinking I'd return your feelings, why were you so against telling me?" she asked curiously. Walter looked surprised. "Well, because I'm your superior... we'd be crucified if anybody found out. The X- Files already has a reputation... you having an affair with your boss would seal it." "Is that what it would be?" She cocked her head. Skinner felt the room shift. "I don't understand." "An affair? Is that what you want?" "I... no... I..." He floundered, staring down at his mug. "I can't have what I want." He shot to his feet, setting the mug on the kitchen counter. "What do you want?" Her voice trembled and he turned to frown at her. He searched her eyes for some clue to her feelings, but she was too far away. "I want you," he said simply. "I want to love you and protect you and heal you." Walter ran a palm over his head. "I realize I can't do either of the latter, but it doesn't keep me from wanting it." Scully sat her mug down and rose, moving to stand before him. "I can't say that I'm in love with you because I'm not sure," she began slowly, carefully picking her words, "But I am attracted to you and I have been ever since I met you." She took a breath. "So many things are happening right now... I need time--" "I know." He cupped her face, fingertips gently stroking her ear. "Shhh, don't worry about it." He drew her to him, sighing gently as her body molded to his. "I'll be here if you find you want me. I've been alone for most of my life. A little more time isn't going to matter." Dana snuggled closer, arms going around him. "Thank you for what you tried to do." She smiled. "But don't ever do it again." "All right," he agreed, kissing the top of her head. "I will always be here for you and Mulder, Dana," he told her solemnly. "And I'll be here for you... for whatever you need from me." "Thank you." It was a whisper. Reluctantly Skinner pulled away. "It's late. I'll make up the guest room for you." "Okay." Scully giggled and he turned. "What?" "Mulder will never believe I slept in the guest room." The AD laughed. "Let him wonder." Hand in hand they started up the stairs. End Part 2 of 2 The End Any and all comments or criticism can be sent to the author at: masonfan@aol.com Thanks!