It's About Time
by Jessica (Jessica@angelfire.com)

Classification: Scully/Doggett friendship,
Post-Existence, Doggett POV 

Disclaimer: These characters are property of 
Chris Carter & Frank Spotnitz, 1013 Productions, 
FOX, and any other big X-Files hot shots.
Feedback: Keeps me going. 

Summary: Doggett visits Scully three months 
after the birth of William.

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I hadn't seen much of Scully in the past three 
months. After she'd had the baby, she really 
stayed more to herself. Not that I blame her, 
really. Considering the circumstances surrounding 
the birth, I can understand her discretion. She 
still hadn't returned to work, not that much had 
happened since she left. 

At this point, I know that Mulder is no longer in 
the picture. Well, I guess he is, but from what 
Scully told me about the threats and warnings she'd 
received, it seems he and the little one have run 
off together. I can't imagine how hard that must 
have been for her, but from what little I've learned 
about Dana Scully this past year, I know she's strongest 
person I'll ever know, and is sure to handle this as 
she has handled any difficult situation.

I stand now, outside her door, unsure what to do. I 
hesitate before knocking, not really knowing what to 
say to her. I've wanted to visit her for some 
time now, but I always made up some excuse not 
to go, knowing in my heart that I was just afraid 
of it being awkward or uncomfortable. Normally, I'd 
just toughen up and go. Very rarely do women 
intimidate me, but Scully seems to have an affect on 
me that no other woman has.

I don't really think it's a romantic thing. It 
can't be. I mean, I've been in love before, and I 
know that's not what I feel for her. I always 
considered Monica to be more of a sister figure, but 
Scully's not like that either. It's strange, I 
know how I feel about her, but I can't seem to put 
it to words.

"Quit being a coward, John." I mutter to myself 
before finally knocking.

After a few beats, I decide she must not be home. 
I am just about to turn and leave when I see the 
door slowly open. What I see next is a sight I 
will not soon forget.

Scully stands in the doorway to her apartment, 
makeup-free, hair un-styled, wearing nothing but 
her thick terry-cloth bathrobe. There are dark 
circles under her eyes, and her overall posture 
reflects complete and utter misery. 

While her appearance may reflect one thing, her 
voice reflects another.

"Hello, Agent Doggett." She says, sounding 
surprisingly happy to see me. 

"I uh... I would have come sooner but I... " I'm 
not sure how to finish. I don't need to.

"There's no need to explain." she says, and then 
steps aside as I enter her apartment.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We talked for a long time. Somehow we managed 
to move over to her couch and sit down. She 
told me about the first threat they'd received 
the night William was first taken home. It was 
an anonymous e-mail that simply said "Your child 
is in danger". At first, she told me, she and 
Mulder thought nothing of it, until another one 
came-- and another one. Soon what appeared to 
be warnings turned into threats and they decided 
it would be best for Mulder to take the baby 
for a period of time until they were sure it was 
safe.

"They've been gone for almost three months now... 
it's been so hard. Sometimes he'll send me 
pictures of Will and him, but I can never write him 
back." she explained.

"Why not?"

"We're afraid of being traced if we communicate 
too much. Every other week Mulder buys a new 
pre-paid cell phone so he can call me, and always 
gets a new e-mail address whenever he send me 
pictures. There's no way to contact him, so I 
have to wait for him to contact me."

I put my hand on her shoulder. 

"At least you can talk sometimes." I said, knowing 
my words were meaningless.

She takes a deep, shaky breath. "He hasn't called 
in a few days... I'm just so worried for them."

"Agent Scully... I can't imagine what you must 
be feelin' right now, but I hope you know I'm 
always here if you need to talk."

She looks at me. I find myself lost in her 
big, blue, sad eyes.

She reaches forward and hugs me. I hold her 
body to mine and she rests her head on my shoulder. 
I turn my face into her hair as my hand gently 
strokes her back. 

We hold each other much longer than we probably 
should have, but I know it was what we both 
needed. At least now I know I have my friend back-- 
truly back.

"Agent Doggett-- " she starts.

I look into her eyes.

"I don't know when Mulder will return... but I 
feel a lot better knowing that you're here."

I smile. I know she loves Mulder, but I'm glad 
that I have a little place in her heart too, 
even if it is the tiniest corner, it's still there. 

"I should go." I say, but she puts her hand on 
my arm before I can move.

"You can stay for a little while longer if you 
want... I think we could both use the company."

When I first joined the FBI, I had a hard time 
adjusting. I couldn't really get into the 
groove of things, but I was determined to find 
my place. It may have taken years, but I think 
I've finally found it.

End.

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Author's Note: I think it's clear that Doggett 
has a special place in his heart for Scully, this 
was my attempt to show that she feels the same 
way. Send all feedback to Jessica@angelfire.com.