For Just One Night by Little JO

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For Just One Night (NC-17) by Little JO

New Year's Eve, 1995 Somewhere in Washington

Dana Scully felt a shiver pass over her as she stood outside in the chill night air. She had had the sense to grab her cloak before stepping out onto the ballroom's terrace, overlooking the Potomac. Through the closed French doors, the soft strains of music reached her still burning ears. Burning from the anger she felt at her date, a certain handsome, young agent named Rob Haskins, who, after a couple stiff drinks, had morphed into an octopus. Despite her protests, he had continued to manhandle her. So, Special Agent Dr. Dana Katherine Scully had punched him, right in his smug face. The effect was instantaneous, and very satisfying. Blood began to pour from his nose, staining his white shirt front a vivid red. Not wanting to wait for his reaction, she had fled to the ladies room, his curse still ringing in her ears.

"Fucking Ice Queen," he snarled as other hands restrained him from following her.

Remembering, Dana felt the heat spread from her ears to the rest of her face. As much as she tried to pretend that her Bureau moniker didn't bother her, it did. Especially tonight of all nights.

Tonight was supposed to be special. It was the Bureau's annual New Year's Eve bash. Dana had come expecting to have a good time, to relax and just be "Dana" for a little while. Instead, she had decked her date, who had gotten his revenge by leaving her stranded and alone.

Her hand reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose as she stared across the river at the lights beyond. She was sure every agent inside had heard about what had happened and was having a good laugh at her expense. Maybe if she stayed out here long enough, everyone would be too drunk to care. Then she could call a cab and get out of here with her dignity intact.

*Or maybe you'll freeze to death, in which case it won't matter, will it?*

Her thoughts were interrupted by a low voice, coming from behind her.

"There you are, Agent Scully."

Startled, she whirled around, coming face-to-face with Assistant Director Walter S. Skinner.

"Oh. Hello, Sir." Dana could tell she was frowning, and tried to smooth her features into an impassive mask. If Skinner had been looking for her, it meant he probably had heard about Haskins. Which also meant she was in for a lecture.

Hoping to head him off, Dana interrupted him as he opened his mouth to speak...

"Sir, I know what you're going to say. And you're right. What I did earlier was both unprofessional and inexcusable. I should never have allowed Agent Haskin's behavior to make me lose my temper like that. In fact, I have every intention of apologizing to Agent Haskins first thing Tuesday morning."

As she paused for breath, Skinner held up a hand to stop her from going on.

"Agent Scully, please. That's not what I wanted to say you."

"It isn't?" Now she was confused.

"No. If anything I wanted to let you know, as your A.D., that I thought your behavior was neither unprofessional, nor inexcusable given the circumstances. Further, if anyone is *owed* an apology, it's you. Haskins is an ass, Agent Scully. And anyone with an ounce of sense knows it. So, I wouldn't let this little incident ruin your evening."

As if this settled everything, Skinner turned and began to walk back inside. He stopped when he realized she wasn't following him.

Instead, Dana, was standing, rooted to the spot, too amazed to move. This was the last thing she had expected from her A.D.

Skinner's face visibly softened as he looked at the bewildered woman across from him. His voice gentle, he asked, "Coming?"

Dana fidgeted uncomfortably. "Ummm, Sir? Maybe it would be better if I just went home."

"Don't give them the satisfaction, Agent Scully," he said evenly.

Still unsure, Dana chewed on her lower lip considering her options. Finally, she made her decision. Walking over to him, she slipped her arm through his, offering him a soft smile.

"Thank you, Sir."

"There's nothing to thank me for, Scully," he responded gruffly. "And please. Call me Walter."

Her eyes narrowing, she tipped her head so she could see his face better.

"All right. But only if you call me Dana."

She was surprised by the shy smile that spread across his face.

"All right. I'd be honored."

Once they were back inside, Walter took her wrap from her, murmuring something about her "gown being too nice to keep covered," before disappearing into the crowd of New Year's revelers.

Dana stood waiting for him to return, noting with satisfaction that most everyone was in varying states of inebriation. Realizing she could use a drink herself, she looked longingly across the ballroom floor to the wet bar beyond. To get to it, she'd have to run the gauntlet of dancing couples. Gathering her courage, she was just about to strike out across the dance floor, when she caught a glimpse of Skinner. He was coming towards her, two glasses of champagne in his hands. Cocking her head to the side, she found herself watching him as he moved easily through the crowd, admiring the lines of his body. He was truly an impressive looking man. Big shoulders. Big chest. Big...Dana gave herself a mental shake.

*Where the hell did that come from?*

Stopping by her side, Walter handed her a glass. "I ran into a waiter on the way back," he said by way of explanation at her raised eyebrow.

To Dana's surprise, he didn't leave her, but stood, quietly sipping his champagne and watching the couples on the dance floor. Even more surprising, she realized, she liked his presence. Somehow, by standing beside her, he was sending the message to the rest of the agents that he was on her side. And that felt nice. Very nice.

Seeing she had finished her champagne, Skinner gently removed the glass from her hand, setting it, along with his own, on a small table by the French doors. As the orchestra began a slow waltz, he turned to her and extended his hand.

"Care to dance?"

Dana's blue eyes widened in shock. Her and Skinner? Dancing?

Seeing her reaction, Walter couldn't help but smile. "I promise I won't step on your toes. Much."

Setting aside her reservations, Dana gave him one of her rare, sweet smiles. "I'd love to."

Momentarily transfixed, Skinner stood, a flush creeping across his features. He then took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor, making a point of ignoring the stares and whispers. Taking her slight frame in his arms, he began to gently guide her in the waltz.

Even in her high heels, Dana barely came up to his shoulder. One large hand rested lightly on her waist, while the other gently cradled her much smaller hand against his chest. Moving to the music, their bodies were so close, yet barely touching. Still, Dana found herself acutely aware of the man holding her. The heady scent of his cologne, the powerful lines of his body...

...Dana suddenly felt a rush of heat suffuse her body. Looking up into his dark eyes, her breath caught in her throat. There was no mistaking what she saw in them.

Almost as if she had been burned, she stopped dancing, quickly stepping away from him.

"Ummm, I think I need some fresh air."

Despite her pounding heart, Dana managed not to run from the dance floor. Although she did end up standing in a corner of the terrace, for the second time that evening, but without her cloak. Wrapping her arms around herself to stop her shivering, she drew in a long shaky breath, repeating to herself, "I will not think unclean thoughts about my boss. I will not think unclean..."

Her mantra was interrupted by gentle hands carefully wrapping her cloak around her shoulders.

"I thought you might like this," Walter said, his breath warm on her ear. Another shiver ran through her body, but not from cold...

"Thanks."

As she turned around to face him, Walter began to run strong hands up and down her arms to warm them. Dana instinctively leaned towards him, her body seeking his heat. She was only marginally aware that his hands had come to a stop, resting on her shoulders, as her face pressed into his chest. Taking her chin gently between his thumb and index finger, he lifted her head so he could look at her.

The sounds of the others counting down to midnight floated out to them on the breeze.

"Ten-nine-eight-seven"

"Would you like me to take you home, Dana Katherine Scully?"

"six-five-four-"

There was no misunderstanding what he meant. Dana swallowed, then nodded imperceptibly.

"three-two-one!"

Smiling, Walter Skinner covered her lush, red mouth with his own...

"Happy New Year!"

With a sigh, Dana's mouth opened to his, their tongues sliding over each others hungrily. Breaking contact, Walter's hands cradled her face as he placed nibbling kisses along her jaw, capturing her ear lobe between his teeth. Dana tried unsuccessfully to keep a moan from escaping between her lips. Looking down at her, Walter smiled at her response.

"Maybe I should go get the car," he said, his voice husky. "Meet me out front in five minutes?"

Not trusting her voice, Dana just nodded.

Turning, Walter walked quickly from the terrace.

Once he was out of sight, Dana slumped against the balustrade. Huddling inside her wrap, she made a conscious effort to ignore the little voice in her head that sounded suspiciously like her eighth grade teacher's, Sister Agatha.

*Dana Katherine...Just what do you think you're doing?*

After a brief confrontation, in which Sister Aggie was told in no uncertain terms to mind her own business, Dana casually walked through the ballroom and into the hotel lobby. Once outside, she looked around for Walter. He was standing by his car, a black BMW, patiently waiting for her. Sliding into the passenger seat, Dana felt a thrill run through her as she fastened her seat belt...

*This is wrong,* the voice whispered.

*No, this is right,* she thought, glancing at Walter as he took the driver's seat.

Thirty minutes later, they turned into the driveway of an old, white brick, Colonial. Opening the door for her, Walter gently held her arm as he lead her up the walk and inside.

Pausing in the well lit hallway to take in her surroundings, Dana then followed Walter as he walked into the room on the right. Comfortably furnished and spacious, there was a large fireplace against the far wall.

Tossing his coat over a chair, Walter walked over to it and quickly got a fire going. Straightening, he turned to see Dana staring at him, with wide eyes, her cloak still wrapped around her shoulders. Moving to her, he gently removed it, adding it to his own on the chair. She shivered slightly as he took her hand.

"Your hands are like ice. Come sit by the fire."

Depositing her in the chair nearest the warmth of the now merrily leaping flames, he turned to get them something to drink. Her hand closing on his wrist stopped him. When he saw the look of uncertainty in her eyes, he kneeled down in front of her, taking her face between his hands. Looking into her eyes, he tried to gauge her feelings.

"Dana, you...we...don't have to do anything you don't want to." He meant it to be reassuring, to let her know that he wasn't trying to take advantage of her, that she could leave any time.

Dana leaned against him, pressing her face against his shoulder. Lifting her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes, he smiled. Tentatively, she reached out a hand and caressed his clean shaven cheek. He watched her, holding his breath, as her fingertips traveled down his throat, finally coming to rest against the knot of his bow tie.

"I'd like to stay," she said simply.

With a smile, he drew her forward and kissed her, repeating the earlier exploration of her mouth with his tongue. Dana felt her breath quicken as he slowly kissed his way down the side of her neck, dropping kisses on her shoulders and chest, coming to a stop where the tops of her breasts peeked out from the bodice of her blue velvet gown. Nuzzling their softness, he reached behind her to ease its zipper down, only to have her stop him.

"No...let me."

Standing up, Dana slowly unzipped the dress, letting it slide over soft curves to the floor. Walter's eyes widened at what she was wearing underneath. A strapless, black push-up bra and matching lace panties...sheer black silk stockings covering shapely legs and fastened at their tops by a garter belt.

Walter kneeled, mesmerized by the image she made. Backlit by the fire, her skin flushed by the heat, she looked beautiful.

Dana could see the admiration in his eyes as she kneeled back down in front of him. Murmuring, "We're a bit overdressed, aren't we?" Dana quickly, and efficiently, divested him of his jacket, tie, shirt and cummerbund. Trembling at the feel of her hands as she stripped him of his clothing, Walter remained perfectly still, until she ran her hands over his chest, nails gently scratching his nipples. Groaning aloud, he jerked, then reached for her, drawing her to him and easing them both to the floor. Dana could feel his erection, though the thin cloth of his slacks, pushing insistently against her thigh.

As his mouth hungrily devoured her own, he reached behind her, unhooking her bra. Pulling back slightly, he lightly caressed and squeezed her breasts, admiring their soft fullness. He then bent, alternately closing his mouth over one, than the other, rosy peak.

Dana gasped as the heat and wetness of his mouth sucking and tugging at her breasts created a dull ache between her thighs.

Kissing a wet trail down her belly, he undid the fasteners of her garter belt, slipping the thin silk first from one then the other leg, lazily squeezing and messaging her muscular calves and slender ankles, sensitive fingers, caressing the backs of her knees and inner thighs. Bending his head, he placed a kiss at her opening, pausing when a gasp escaped her mouth.

"So sweet," he sighed, the feel of his soft breath sending a shudder through her body. He began to trace her outer lips with his tongue, drinking in her slightly musty, intoxicating smell, nuzzling her clitoris with his nose.

Dana writhed against him, the ache between her legs becoming almost unbearable, the tension coiling tightly in her womb.

"Oh, please..." she whimpered, as he parted her with his thumbs, thrusting his tongue inside her. Her hips bucked helplessly against his mouth as he suckled her clitoris, massaging it with his tongue, nibbling its sensitive tip. Dana almost screamed when he inserted first one, then two fingers inside her and began stroking in and out, never breaking contact with his mouth.

Just when Dana thought she couldn't bear it, that she would explode in ecstasy, he stopped. A groan of disappointment escaped her as she felt him pull away. Her chest heaving, she stared up at him, her eyes black with need. With a sly smile, Walter slowly unbuckled his pants, sliding them, and his boxers off, along with his shoes and socks. As his erection sprang free, Dana bit back a moan. He was...well...*very* impressive. Licking her suddenly dry lips, Dana managed a hoarse, "Please..."

With a growl, Walter sank to the floor, and roughly seized her by the hips, pulling her underneath him. Dana cried out as he thrust deep inside her, filling and stretching her, his cock bumping painfully against her cervix. The pain quickly turned into pleasure as he began to move, drawing his straining cock almost all they way out, before sinking back into her heat. Dana wrapped her legs and arms around him, her hips curling to meet each stroke, her hands caressing the muscles of his shoulders and back, kneading his ass, licking at his chest and shoulders as he moved inside her.

She came long and hard, emitting a high pitched keening noise as powerful muscles gripped his cock like a fist, triggering his own orgasm. As his searing hot come poured into her, she was racked by aftershocks of pleasure.

*I'm going to pass out,* she thought, gasping for air.

His body jerked once before finally coming to rest on top of her. Gently rubbing his lips against her neck, he raised himself onto his elbows, not wanting to squish her.

Grinning down at her, his eyes twinkled mischievously.

Smiling, Dana lightly smacked his shoulder. "Don't look so smug."

His smile only broadened. "Oh, I don't know. It's not often I make a woman scream in ecstasy."

Dana felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I was kinda loud, wasn't I?"

Turning serious, Walter gently brushed her lips with his. "I've never been so turned on."

Dana's face burned even hotter, only this time with pleasure.

Rolling off of her, Walter stood, extending his hand. "Let's go get something to eat. I'm starved."

Laughing, Dana took his hand and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. Feeling a little self conscious, she grabbed Walter's shirt, buttoning it as she followed him out into the hallway and to the kitchen. Large, with plenty of counter space, it gleamed with all new appliances. Watching as Walter walked over to the huge refrigerator that hummed in the corner, Dana once more tipped her head, admiring the lines of his body. He was built like linebacker--broad shoulders, trim waist, narrow hips. And a truly lovely ass.

Walter unself-consciously stood, hands on hips, looking at his frig's contents. Obviously unimpressed by what he saw, he checked the freezer next. Dana, moving to stand behind him, peeked around his shoulder to see inside. With a yelp, she reached under his arm, snagging the container of Haagan Dasz (tm) double Dutch chocolate ice cream.

"Spoons?" she asked, looking around the kitchen. Homing in on the top drawer closest to the sink, she opened it. "Ah ha!" she said triumphantly, retrieving the desired utensil. Leaning against the counter, she ripped off the lid and tore into the contents. A satisfied sigh escaped her lips as she took the first mouthful.

Walter stood, watching her with a bemused expression on his face.

"Do you think I could get a bite of that?"

Dana stared at him with wide, innocent blue eyes, the spoon, loaded with ice cream arrested in mid-air. Then smiling, she proffered the spoon.

Walter sauntered over to where she stood and bent his head, taking the cold, creamy substance into his mouth. Dana took another mouthful, feeling suddenly very warm, despite the ice cream. Swallowing, she stood on tiptoe, leaning up to kiss him, flicking her tongue teasingly between his teeth. Shuddering, Walter deepened the kiss, feeling her cool mouth open to his, tasting the chocolate on her tongue. Breaking the kiss, he took the ice cream and spoon out of her hands, filling his mouth again before setting it down. He then gently lifted her and set her on the counter's edge. Breathing heavily, Dana stared at him, her pale blue eyes no longer innocent. Unbuttoning her shirt, he leaned forward, gently taking her nipple into his mouth. Dana moaned as a delicious shiver ran down her spine at the feel of his cold mouth and tongue on her heated flesh. Shrugging the shirt off her shoulders, she wrapped her arms and legs around him, feeling his cock harden as she rubbed her body against his. Nibbling on his ear lobe, she leaned in and whispered, "Take me, Walter."

Her words drove all rational thought from his mind. Lifting her slightly, Walter impaled her on his throbbing erection. Dana whimpered, burying her face in his shoulder as he began to slowly rotate his hips, thrusting upwards into her. Grasping a handful of her hair, he forced her head up, pressing demanding lips to hers, driving his tongue between her teeth in synch with their increasingly frenetic pace. Dana came almost painfully, her body jerking against his, his mouth swallowing her cries of pleasure. Feeling the tension building in his balls, Walter slowed down, then withdrew, not wanting to come just yet. Over her protests, he lifted her, carrying her over to the kitchen table. She squirmed as he lay her down on its cool surface, then mounted her, lifting her legs over his shoulders, and entering her once more.

"Oh, yes, yes, yes," she chanted over and over as he plunged hard and deep inside of her, lifting her hips into his every thrust. She had never been penetrated so deeply. The ache between her legs began to build again. Walter, driven wild by her cries, felt his balls tighten and then he was coming, pouring himself into her, pinning her beneath him. His cock spasming inside of her pushed her over the edge. Dana jerked in his arms as another powerful orgasm ripped through her, nails digging into his back as she sank her teeth into his shoulder to keep from screaming.

The pain of her "love bite" triggered a smaller orgasm in Walter. Crying out, he lunged forward, then lay still, completely spent. Feeling Dana stir under him, he raised his head with effort to find her gently tracing the broken skin left by her teeth, a slight frown creasing her forehead.

"Sorry."

Grinning weakly, he responded, "Not a problem." They lay like that for a while, too exhausted to move. Finally, Walter withdrew from her and stood. Dana sat up with a groan.

"I won't be able to walk tomorrow."

Chuckling, Walter helped her off the table. Slowly and wearily, the two made their way upstairs to his bedroom. Dana collapsed on the bed, falling asleep almost instantly. Smiling, he lay down beside her, tenderly gathering her into his arms and pulling the covers over their bodies. However, he didn't fall asleep immediately. Laying awake, Walter gently stroked her hair, watching as the dawn's light slowly crept into the room through the partially open blinds, deep in thought.

FBI Headquarters Washington, D.C. January 3, 1996 5:50 p.m.

Dana sat at her desk, absentmindedly scrolling through the data on her screen. She and Mulder were just wrapping up their last case. Which meant that a summons from the Assistant Director was imminent.

Walter Skinner. The thought of him brought a slight blush to her face. Ducking her head, she feigned interest in the open file resting on her lap, her red hair forming a shield against Mulder's astute gaze. She knew he knew something was up. Because, for the last few days, Dana hadn't exactly been herself. Her mind kept wandering. She had misplaced files. Worse, she had spaced out while Mulder was talking to her about a case. She had felt a pang of guilt at the hurt look in his eyes when he realized she wasn't listening.

All because she kept thinking about where she had been exactly three days, 14 hours and...

10 minutes, she thought, glancing at her watch,

...ago. And what she had been doing. And with whom.

She knew she was obsessing. But somehow, Walter S. Skinner had gotten under her skin. Which alarmed her. She liked being in control. But her control had definitely slipped since their "encounter."

So she sat, trying to sort out exactly what she was feeling.

A little voice in her head whispered sourly, *I think it's called lust, Dana.*

Lust. Was she in lust with Skinner?

Dana was startled out of her reverie by the phone buzzing on Mulder's desk. So startled, her hand jerked, hitting the coffee cup she had ill-advisedly set on the edge of her desk. It crashed to the floor, splattering its contents on it, Dana's shoes and her cream colored slacks.

Leaping to her feet, Dana let out an explosive "Shit!" just as Mulder answered the phone.

"Mulder...Um, I'm sorry Sir, what was that?...Yes, Sir. Agent Scully and I are on our way up." Replacing the receiver, he sat for a moment staring through hooded eyes as his usually self-possessed partner frantically dabbed at the stains on her suit with a handful of paper tissues.

Realizing Mulder was looking at her like she was a lunatic, Dana stopped and turned, hands on hips. "What?" she growled.

"That was Skinner."

"And..." she prompted, feeling herself flushing even redder.

"He wants to see us. Now."

With a snort of disgust, Dana tossed the tissues in the waste basket by her desk.

"Well, let's go then."

"Don't you think you should change, or something."

*Oh, I'd like to do "or something," all right,* she thought grimly. Instead, she waved her hand, dismissing the idea.

"All I have are my workout clothes. And I don't think spandex would be appropriate attire for a meeting with Skinner."

"Oh I don't know. Skinner might enjoy that," Mulder said, leering at her.

If it were possible, Dana turned an even deeper shade of pink.

"Muuulderrr."

"Okay, okay," he soothed, getting to his feet and pulling on his suit coat. "We'd better get upstairs."

Mulder politely waited for her to proceed him out the door. Locking it behind them, he followed her down the hall, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Walter Skinner was standing, looking out the window when a knock sounded on his door. Turning, he barked...

"Come."

Scully walked in, with Mulder close on her heels. Although she had calmed down considerably on the way upstairs, she still was feeling a bit off-balance.

Which might explain why, when the heel of her shoe caught on the A.D.'s carpet, her ankle suddenly twisted underneath her. Mulder and Walter watched in horror as, with a cry of pain, she crumpled to the floor. Mulder stood rooted to the spot, too amazed by his partners sudden onslaught of klutziness to move. So it was Skinner who got to her first.

Squatting down in front of her, he asked, "Are you all right, Agent Scully."

Dana fought down the urge to snarl, "What do you think, butt wipe?" deciding that would be an unwise response given to whom she was speaking. Instead, her eyes watering from the pain, she gasped, "I think I broke my ankle."

Mulder, recovering from his initial shock, also squatted down beside her. Between the two of them, they managed to get her right leg, which had twisted underneath her when she fell, straightened out. Her ankle was already swollen, the skin turning a mottled purple.

Dana sat, gnawing on her lower lip to keep from crying from the pain, as Mulder and Skinner discussed how best to get her to the hospital. Mulder had brought his car. Skinner had parked, and then ridden into the city on the Metro. She was only half listening to this exchange, when she heard Skinner insist that he would carry her downstairs while Mulder went to get his car.

With a start, Dana began to protest. "No! No, really, it's okay. I'm perfectly capable of getting downstairs on my own. Mulder, if you'd just give me a hand, I'm sure I..."

"Disregard that request, Agent Mulder," Skinner ordered. Pinning Dana with a stare, he continued, "Special Agent Dana Scully, you will remain right where you are. I will not have you further injuring yourself on FBI property. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sir," she squeaked, her blue eyes huge in her pale face.

"Good. Agent Mulder. Go get the damn car."

Mulder, glad for something to do, muttered "Yes, Sir," before hurrying out the door.

Once he was gone, Walter's face relaxed. Bending, he easily lifted her into his arms, apologizing when she stiffened with pain.

"Sorry."

Dana gingerly placed her arms around his neck, resisting the urge to press herself against his body.

As they made their way to the elevator, Dana was acutely aware of how the muscles in his arms, shoulders and chest felt as he moved with her in his arms. His close proximity was like an aphrodisiac. Closing her eyes, Dana tried to tamp down the wave of heat that washed over her.

Sensing the effect he was having on her, Walter quietly said, "I think we need to talk, Dana."

When his observation was met with silence, he looked at the woman in his arms.

"Maybe I'll stop by this evening?"

Her arms tightened around his neck.

"Do you think that's wise?"

"No. But we have to...talk," Walter insisted, his dark eyes capturing her gaze and holding it. The temperature in the elevator definitely rose by a few degrees.

They were still intently studying the other when the elevator's doors opened on the first floor. Licking her lips, Dana's eyes slid away from his intense stare.

"Mulder's waiting, Sir."

"I'm aware of that, Agent Scully," he said hoarsely.

Mulder anxiously stood by the car as the two of them came outside. Settling her into the passenger seat, Skinner said, "See that she gets to the hospital safe and sound, Agent Mulder." Without a word to Dana, he turned and strode back inside the building.

Staring after the A.D. for a moment, Mulder mumbled, "Curiouser and curiouser," before walking over to the driver's side and getting in.

Dana Scully's Apartment Later that Same Evening

It took her almost half an hour to convince Mulder to leave. He was finally satisfied that she'd be all right, once she promised to take a pain pill, prop up her leg and get some rest.

However, he paused just inside her front door, turning to look at her as she lay on the couch, her leg in a cast, dressed in a pair of baggy, old gym shorts and a fitted, long-sleeved T-shirt. Clyde the Pomeranian happily perched on her chest, watching Mulder with soft brown eyes.

"You know, I'm always just a phone call away if you need anything. Even if you just want to talk."

Unsure what he was driving at, Dana decided to play it cool,

"Thanks, Mulder," she said softly.

With a nod, Mulder left, the door locking behind him.

Still pale from her ordeal, Dana slumped back against the pillows, utterly exhausted. "Well, Clyde, what do you think? Should I kill myself now, or wait for Mulder to do it when he finds out about Skinner?" Clyde's response was to stretch his little body forward and earnestly lick her chin, whimpering softly.

"Yeah, you're right. Deny everything. Besides...it was only for just one night..."

She was surprised when this admission did *not* make her happy. She assumed that Skinner was coming by to tell her that whatever had happened on New Year's Eve was a mistake--a momentary lapse in judgment. That it would never happen again. To think otherwise was completely irrational. A clandestine affair with a subordinate wasn't his style. And they were both consummate professionals. Weren't they?

Still, she couldn't stop thinking about him. And she couldn't stop thinking about him because she wasn't sure what, or if, he was thinking about her. Had she gotten under his skin the way he had under hers? If that look in the elevator was any indication... Her train of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. Dana let out an "ooof!" as Clyde launched himself at it, using her stomach as a spring board. Dana struggled to her feet, leaning on her crutches as she hobbled over to look through the peephole. Walter Skinner stood on the other side in her hallway.

"Damn it, Clyde," she hissed, "you're not making my life any easier." The dog excitedly kept circling around her legs, threatening to get tangled in her crutches with each pass he made.

"Clyde, sit," she ordered, undoing the dead bolt and opening the door. Clyde obediently sat, his tail going a mile a minute as Walter walked into the room.

"Sorry to get you up, Agent Scully," he said, scowling down at the little ball of red fluff sitting at his feet.

*Oh, oh,* she thought. *Not a dog lover.*

"That's okay. I've been expecting you."

Carefully making her way back to the couch, she lowered herself into a sitting position, laying the crutches on the floor beside her. With a grimace of pain, she resettled her plaster encased leg on a pile of pillows.

Noticing Walter standing awkwardly by the door, she gestured towards the other end of the couch. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

As he sat down, Dana noticed Clyde politely waiting for her to give the okay command.

"Good boy, Clyde. Okay, come."

The dog happily bounded over to them, choosing to hop into Skinner's lap. Dana released an internal sigh of relief when the A.D. began to gently stroke the little dog's fur.

Propping herself up against the couch's arm rest, she sat, watching him gather his thoughts.

After what seemed an interminable silence, Dana grew impatient.

"Walter..."

"Dana, I..."

They both stopped. Walter gestured for her to go on. "You first."

Taking a deep breath, Dana decided to plunge ahead, adopting her best no-nonsense tone of voice.

"I know what you're going to say, Walter. And I agree 100%."

Surprised, Walter looked at her.

"You do?"

"Yes. I know you don't think any less of me because of what happened. And I want you to know that I still have the deepest respect for you."

For the second time in recent memory, Walter held a hand up to silence her.

"Dana, please. That's not what I came here to say."

Dana felt a sense of deja vu as she said, "It's not?"

Smiling, he shook his head.

"I don't regret what happened between us. In fact, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

Dana flushed with pleasure. "Really?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

*Geez, Dana, act like a 12 year old why don't you.*

Walter set Clyde on the ground and turned to face her, resting his hand lightly on her good leg. Dana felt a shiver run through her at his touch.

"Yeah," he said, tracing a lazy circle on her knee.

Swallowing, Dana tipped her head to the side. "So, what now?"

Leaning forward, Walter took her hand in his. Turning it over, palm upwards, he pressed a kiss into its center. "What do *you* want, Agent Scully?"

Licking her lips, Dana said huskily, "I think I'd like to keep my options open."

Smiling, Walter reached up and caressed her cheek.

"Good," he said softly. "So would I."

The End. (Or is it..?)

Continue to For Just One Night? II