NEW DEBUT:Full Circle To The Truth Pt. 2 (NC-17)(7/10)
AUTHOR: Des
EMAIL ADDRESS: des826@internetconnect.net
Disclaimer in Section 1


"Goddammit Diana."
Several stories up, X had heard enough. "I've had it with this shit!"
he said. Her jealousy was becoming both annoying and dangerous.
She had seemed to calm down after that night in the rain and he
thought he had her back on track, but it seemed she needed
more convincing.
Even he had a soft spot for Mulder - hell, for Scully too - but
HE didn't let it stop him from taking care of business. He
couldn't trust her anymore. Her weakness for Mulder was going to
ruin all of his plans. No matter what he said she would keep
trying to come between them. He had to make sure that didn't
happen, and that meant only one thing.
It was time for Agents Mulder and Scully to cross the line from
partners to lovers.
If they passed this last barrier of trust, there was nothing
Diana or anyone else can do or say that will come between them.
It shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. If what Scully said was
true, all that was needed was for them to be alone, in the same
room. And even the *room* was negotiable, he thought, remembering
their encounter in the rain.
He needed to "occupy" Diana long enough for that to happen
without her interference. < That shouldn't be too hard either> he
thought wryly. Picking up his phone, he powered on his voice
scrambler and started making some calls.
It was time he had a talk with Special Agent Diana Fowley.
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While X was putting his plan into action, several stories down,
Mulder stood shaking his head in disbelief.
What the hell was wrong with Diana? First that stunt in the car,
then the uneasy feeling that she'd somehow orchestrated the
meeting in Kersch's office and now confronting Scully with facts
that were sure to cause problems, in a manner sure to hurt her.
He couldn't stop thinking about the fact that just a few weeks
ago, Scully finally admitted how she felt about him, and while he
was deciding what to do about it and how, Diana was trying to
destroy it.
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Scully blushed, humiliated. Though it hurt to hear of Diana's
past intimacies with the man she loved, she wouldn't show it -
even if it killed her.

Diana smiled. She could see that Scully was upset.

Finally.

"Fox isn't and never will be the easy choice," Diana continued.
He'll never be *comfortable*, *easy* or *predictable.* Since you
strike me as the type that likes easy and predictable, it's a
great accomplishment that you've lasted as his partner for six
years."

"You know nothing about what I like."

"I've seen how you look at him, so I'm pretty sure about one
thing you like. But do you have what it takes to get it? That's
why I used the word *guts* - like I said, he's not easy. He'll
always complicate your life."

"He's already done that, but I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Yes, and ever since I've come back I've been wondering why. You
don't believe in the work, and you probably don't believe
Mulder's sister was abducted by aliens. And yet you stay,
sprouting your scientific theories and ridiculing his ideas.
Tell me Agent Scully, how long were you writing reports on Fox,
and why do you think you were chosen to spy on him in the first
place?"

"I never spied on Mulder."

Diana laughed scornfully. "Whatever gets you through the night,
Agent Scully. You were brought in because you were known for
your...rigidness. If you want to shut him down, the best way to
do it is to find the most stringent person in the FBI and they
chose you."

"How do you know so much about us?" Scully asked suspiciously.

"Us? I've always kept up with Fox. But you? I checked you out.
The same as you did me. Surprised?" Diana said, noticing Scully's
shocked expression. "Don't be. I'm very thorough. Getting back to
my original point, why are you here? I thought at first that you
get some sort of pleasure out of proving him wrong."

Scully shook her head remembering that same accusation being
flung at her by a ghost...or not.

"But then I figured," Diana continued, "that you were probably
hanging around because, though you didn't believe in him-"
"I *do* believe in Mulder," Scully interrupted. "You don't know
what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh," Diana said, clearly disbelieving. "Well I do know
this...you want him. But with all your scientific expertise, you
never quite figured out how to get him into your bed. Well, maybe
I can clear that up for you. It takes honesty."

"Honesty?" Scully repeated incredulously.

Ignoring the implied insult, Diana plowed on. "Yes Agent Scully,
honesty. It takes being honest enough to admit you want him in
your bed - if only to yourself. Can you say that? The bottom line
here is, I didn't tag along behind him, only alluding to being
partners; I didn't play games or hard to get. I didn't walk
around with some virginal ideas about our relationship, like 'oh
the partnership will be enough'."

Moving closer, Diana lowered her voice. "Here's a tip, Agent
Scully. Partnership will *never* be enough for a strong, virile man
like Fox."

"I haven't heard any complaints."

"And you won't. That's not his style; but that doesn't mean he's
satisfied. At least I was smart enough to know that if he wasn't
in *my* bed, I was leaving him open for any woman to come along and
just steal him away."

"That's what you think is going on here? Some childish high
school notion that you've "stolen" him away from me, Agent
Fowley?"

"Well, look around you. I'm the one sharing the basement office
now, and you're up here on the first floor. Alone."

"And I'll remind you again, that was MY doing. You are his
partner because I allowed it - no other reason."

"Oh really? Well-"

"Talk is cheap Fowley," Scully interrupted, rounding her desk and
heading for the door. "Don't waste my time with tales of your and
Agent Mulder's glory days. It's not important who was occupying
his bed *before* I met him, nor is it my concern who's occupying
it now."

But that was a lie. She could only hope Diana didn't see through
it.

"Well, it can't be you occupying it then can it?" Diana asked
slyly.

"You'll burn in hell before you find out the answer to that
question," Scully said, and placed her hand on the doorknob,
sending Mulder scrambling for cover in the corner beside the
door. "But I will tell you this. Instead of trying to intimidate
me, you'd do better spending your time making sure nothing
happens to your partner, because that wasn't a threat I made in
Skinner's office Diana, it was a promise. Anything happens to
him, just one hair out of place, and I'll be coming for you."

"Protecting him is why I'm here."

"Right. Like I said Agent Fowley, don't waste my time," she said,
opening the door, "and don't let me keep you," giving Diana no
other choice but to leave.

Diana clenched her fists, livid with anger. The bitch always
managed to out-maneuver her. Close to violence, she walked to the door
before she did something she'd eventually regret.

"Stay...away...from...my...partner, Agent Scully. I'm not going
to tell you again," Diana said furiously, and stormed out the
door, slamming it shut behind her.
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Mulder heard Diana's angry footsteps heading for the door and
froze for a minute, unsure of what action to take. While Diana
stood just outside the door to Scully's office and took a breath,
Mulder tried to decide if he should hide or allow himself to be
seen.

But the minute he actually laid eyes on his current
partner, pure undiluted anger made him step out of the shadowy
corner where he'd been hiding and silently creep up behind her.
"I think it's time for a talk, Diana," he whispered harshly.

"Fox, I thought you were going to the evidence room," Diana said,
startled.

"Good thing I didn't. I would have missed the show," he said,
moving her up the stairs.

"What are you doing Fox?"

"Having a talk with my partner," he said, pulling her into the
hallway and into a vacant office.

"Just what the hell did you think you were doing down there,
Diana?"

Stalling for time, Diana took a seat in the first available chair
before she began. "Fox-"

"You had no right, Diana."

"I had every right. I'm your partner. Even if *you* don't care
about your job, I do."

"Don't bullshit me!" Mulder said.

"It isn't bullshit Fox! Kersch was serious up there and you
turned around and did the very thing you were warned not to do!"

"How many times do I have to say it, Diana? You aren't
responsible for my actions."

"You can't blame me for trying to protect you, Fox."

"Was that your reason for telling Scully about our relationship?"
he said, placing his hands on either side of her chair. "You were
protecting me?"

"I was angry," she said softly, lowering her head.

"So am I...why Diana?" he said, tipping her head up with his
finger as he spoke.

"I was trying to protect you from yourself."

"I thought you were going to tell the truth! The things that you
said down there were spoken deliberately to hurt Scully."

"They were the truth and you know it," Diana countered.

"And you haven't answered my question. Why?"

"I did answer you. I was angry and maybe I said things I
shouldn't have, but she needed to hear that we have history Fox.
You're so protective of her, aren't you? Yet she didn't know
anything about us. You never said a word. I could tell by her
reaction, so how much could she mean to you? And why are you so angry
now? Because I was honest and you couldn't be?"

"You spoke out of turn and in a way you knew would hurt her."

"I told her the truth, something she couldn't depend on *you* to
do. I ask you the same question Fox, why?"

"The time was never right," he admitted.

"Maybe you just didn't want to admit to her that you cared for
me."

"That had nothing to do with it, Diana."

"So what we had meant nothing?"

"Stop putting words in my mouth."

"You responded to me that day in the car, Fox. Are you denying
that?"

"No. I did respond - but to *what* is up for grabs."

"What's that's supposed to mean?" she asked, not knowing if she
should feel insulted.

"Diana," he started, as he walked to a chair and sat down, "you
said yourself that we have history and that can be a powerful
motivator."

"You responded because we have a history together?"

"Partly yes. And though we had problems physical intimacy wasn't
one of them; the chemistry is still there-"

"Now who's bullshitting Fox? I'm supposed to believe that you
responded to - to things - and not to me as an individual?"

"No, of course I responded to you. At one time you were a part of
my life," he said hesitantly, "and I still...care."

"That's insulting."

"Look Diana, what do you want from me?" He said, starting to get
annoyed. "You're the one that walked away."

"You're never going to forgive me for that, are you?"

"Considering the fact that you never explained why you left, I
think it's amazing that you expect forgiveness."

"Is that what it is?" She asked. "OK...what happened-"

"Forget it Diana," Mulder interrupted. "It's not important nor is
it a question of forgiveness. That's the past. What I'm having a
harder time with is the assumption that you can come back after
all these years, and expect to pick up where we left off; that
just because you're my partner, you should have rights that only
a lover would have. We used to be lovers Diana, we're not
anymore. You no longer have the right to act like one."

"You think I'm acting like a lover?"

"Possessive, yes. That's the only reason I came up with to
explain why you said the things you did."

"I told you, I was angry."

"Dammit Diana, stop playing games! I know you weren't angry when
you decided to go into her office! You went in there to
deliberately antagonize her."

"Why are you always defending her!!?" She yelled. "Does she believe
the way you do? You started the X-files because you thought an
extraterrestrial entity abducted your sister. It's the heart of
who you are! The heart of the X-files. In the six years that
you've been partners, has she EVER given you any indication that
she believes that? Has she ever ONCE considered it as a realistic
possibility? Be honest Fox! I haven't known her long, but even
*I* know she doesn't believe! And yet, you defend her tirelessly.
Why?"

"Because she's my partner!"

"I'M YOUR PARTNER!" she screamed, "NOT HER! WHY DO I HAVE TO KEEP
REMINDING YOU OF THAT?"

"You can't just throw away six years like it was an old shoe
Diana. It takes time."

"You deserve better Fox. The best."

"The best is exactly what I had."

"You are unbelievable! You put this woman on a pedestal, and why
Fox? All she does is argue and fight with you! Never able to open
her mind! Don't you get sick of always hitting that brick wall!"

"ENOUGH DIANA!"

"No, it's NOT enough!! How long will it be before you start
doubting yourself altogether? Before her constant skepticism
kills the sense of wonder and passion that makes you who you are?
No matter what you say, she doesn't believe in you."

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about, Diana. Don't
confuse not believing in my theories with not believing in me.
She does."

"How can she believe in you and NOT what you stand for? What kind
of partner is that, Fox?"

"The BEST partner I've ever had," he said determinedly.

"The best partner? Fox, *I* was your partner!" Diana said indignantly.

"Yes...you were more than just my partner" he answered.

"Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"Of course it does Diana, and it always will"

"Then why is Scully the best Fox?

"In the six years we were partners,  Scully always supported me; in
spite of her personal misgivings , and in spite of any possible damage
to her career or her person."

"I supported you too Fox" she reminded him.

"No. You walked away Diana" he said quietly.

< So did Scully> Diana thought and opened her mouth to say it, then
reconsidered, sighing in frustration instead. He was immovable. If she
pressed any further,  she could possibly do serious damage to an
already strained relationship. It was still a defining moment for her
though.

This was the moment when Fox's former partner went from being an easy,
somewhat annoying obstacle to be overcome.....to a hated enemy.

"Let's be clear about this Diana. Scully is a subject we will not
discuss. I don't want you antagonizing her anymore. Do you
understand? Are we clear?"

Diana searched his eyes for any hint of softness, and only saw
anger. Defeated, for the moment, she silently nodded her head.

Without another word, Mulder turned to walk out.

"Fox, wait..."

Though he stopped, he didn't turn around.

"Are you in love with her?"

"Yes," he answered softly.

"Does she know?" she asked.

Mulder thought back to the day he'd finally told her, and her
rejection of his words. Even so, how could she NOT know?
"I-I'm not sure" he said, choosing to go with the more honest answer.
Then walked out the door.

Diana waited a minute, then got her second wind, running out the
door and into the hallway. "Fox-" she started, only to be
interrupted by Matt, who was hurriedly walking down the hallway
toward her.

"Agent Fowley," Matt called, "you are wanted upstairs
immediately!"

Scanning the hallway, Diana spotted Mulder turning the corner.
Knowing that there was no chance of catching up to him, Diana
turned her attention back to Matt and asked, "by whom?"

"All I was told was to let you know you were wanted now," and
told her the floor and office she was supposed to report to.

Diana relented and walked to the elevator. She'd have to repair
the damage later.
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Mulder headed back to Scully's office, intending to do some
repairing of his own, then stopped at her door, torn apart by
what he heard.

"Scully," he moaned.
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Scully stood, her back against the door, and tried to curb her
anger. If she got through this without doing Diana Fowley some
serious damage, she should have a halo on her head!
< HER partner?> Scully thought, indignant.
"In your dreams," she said aloud.

But she knew it was all
bravado. Dana closed her eyes and turned around, leaning her
forehead against the door, fighting tears.

Diana had drawn blood this time.

She'd somehow found the chink in
her armor. It was only the years of practicing control and
discipline that saved her from revealing how painful her words
had been.

Did it take courage to open your heart? To let another in?

To finally not be so alone?

She was just so unsure. She'd always been more comfortable with facts,
logic, and science than instincts, feelings, and emotion. With this
combination, how
was she going to pull this off?

After all these years, why hadn't she told him how she felt? She was
pretty sure that she loved him from the first and wanted him too. But
she didn't really admit
that to herself until now. Even when she decided what action she
was going to take, telling Mulder that she loved him never
figured in her original plan.

Was this a type of courage she lacked?

What's worse, if Fowley hadn't shown up, she was pretty sure she
would have let things continue this way.
Silent.

Alone.

Not able to go back, but unwilling to move forward.

Apparently Ms. Fowley didn't have that problem.

Suddenly an image of Diana laying naked in Mulder's arms - sweaty,
exhausted...and
satisfied, had her pressing her palms against the door with a
groan.

"I don't think I can do this," she whispered. It hurt so much to
think of him responding to her. But that didn't stop the images
>from playing in her head.

"Mulder," she cried softly.

Abruptly, the pain was too much to bear, and tears rolled down
her face as she sobbed quietly.
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< God> Mulder thought, < she's crying.> He just couldn't take that.

Mulder raised his fist to knock, then stopped, knowing that he
couldn't go to her right now. Not while
she was hurting like this. If she knew that he was witness to
what just happened and to her behavior - her tears - it would
make her feel worse than she already did.

So he stood...helpless.

Why was this happening? Everything was fine. They were
partners...friends. He was content - if not completely satisfied. And
if, in the wee hours of the
morning, he couldn't stop himself from wanting more of her - all
of her - it was a small price to pay just to have her in his life. He
considered himself lucky.

How did things get so bad so fast?  What could he do or say to make
things right?

"I don't think I can do this," he heard her whisper. < Can't do what,
Scully?>

All he had were questions and an unbelievable weakness for her.
Her sobs became momentarily louder, then muffled, and he knew
that she had put her hand over her mouth to hide the sounds.

But they tore at him anyway, taking his breath away, weakening
his knees, and bringing tears to his eyes.

"Scully," he cried, his voice barely a whisper, feeling her pain as
well as his own.
Then heard her anguished cry- "Mulder," she sobbed softly.

"I'm here...Scully...I'm here," he whispered, trying not to claw at
the door and wishing he could go to her.

Mulder leaned his forehead on the outside of the door, and wept
quietly, not even noticing at first, the tears steadily rolling
down his face. He'd cried more these last weeks than he could
remember doing his entire adult life, he thought, listening to
Scully's soft sobs.

So close to each other, with only a door separating them, yet
each feeling miles apart from the other and alone.

He just wanted things back the way they were. Not having her
around was slowly eating away at him. But he was at a complete
loss as to how to change that.

Wiping his eyes, he turned toward the stairs. The first thing he would
do is head back to his original destination - the lab - to have the
evidence analyzed.
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X sat in his office, more than a little annoyed.
Why the sound of Scully in tears would affect him the way it did
was beyond him. He supposed it was because she'd always seemed so
strong and was the one player in the game that wasn't completely
prepared for it's consequences. There was an...innocence about
Scully. An innocence that Diana had long since lost - which gave
her the upper hand in this situation.
Diana was simply more adept at playing the game than Agent Scully.

But in his few clashes with her, Agent Scully had shown spunk and
fire. He'd developed a grudging respect for the petite agent, who
turned into a tigress at the first sign of any danger to her partner.

So why in hell was she letting Diana fuck with her mind? She didn't
have time for tears!

"Dammit Scully," X said, under his breath, "get up off your ass
and fight like the good little soldier I once told your partner
you were."

And, as if she'd heard him speak, he heard her rummage around the
office opening drawers, blowing her nose, and then walking
quickly out of the door.
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Mulder stepped on the elevator, perplexed. After sending the
evidence to be evaluated, he was told that there were no
fingerprints on the telephone. None on the vent either, though it
was agreed that it was tampered with.

It was beginning to look like someone had some unfinished business
with him and his former partner. But why? < And how did they even get
into the building?>
he thought, moving to the back of the elevator to make room for
the people getting on. Maybe they came in through the front
door...someone within the FBI.
And maybe he was just being paranoid, he chuckled, settling into
the corner as he heard the doors open and looked up.

Right into the blue eyes of his former partner.

End of Part (7/10)
Continued in Part 8