Title: Lyrical Illusions

Author: RPcrazy

Category: SXR 

Rating: NC-17 (language, graphic sex scenes)

Keywords: Doggett/Scully, Romance/Smut, DSR  

Disclaimer: Characters are not mine - wish they were then I could make some 
money out of all this!

Summary: Scully and Doggett become instant family as they follow a case inside 
the music industry.

Notes: I wasn't going to write another Doggett/Scully story until I promised 
RPJDISHOT on the OS that if at least three people wanted to read it I'd write 
it. So here it is.


Chapter One 
Scully's Apartment

She looked across to him as he held her baby and smiled. The way William seemed 
at home in his arms, the way he looked down and spoke gently to him with that 
distinctive voice of his, filled her with a warm comfort she hadn't felt in a 
long time. She missed being with her partner since going on maternity leave not 
long before her delivery. The excitement and unpredictability of the X-Files 
cases had been traded for the quiet life looking after her first born. Sleepless 
nights and days on stakeouts had been replaced with fitful sleeps responding to 
William's needs at all hours. The speckling of lectures at Quantico relieved 
some of the monotony but she still craved more adult talk and touch.

What a wonderful Dad he must have been to his son. Her heart sank a little 
imagining how he could have felt losing his flesh and blood. Fleetingly, yet 
guiltily, she saw him as the surrogate Dad to this babe in arms and the three of 
them as a family. It seemed so natural yet so implausible. With even more 
censurable thoughts she visualized herself approaching and wrapping herself 
around this package of male-male bonding. No she would need to put this out of 
her mind for now. She had a lecture to deliver within the hour.

"You're sure it's okay John?" Scully rested a hand on his forearm in replacement 
for the smothering she really wanted. "I'm so sorry for the short notification. 
Mom didn't know an old friend would suddenly drop by and invite her out for the 
evening."
"Yes Dana, go. We'll still be here when you get back." She gave his arm a 
squeeze then kissed William on the cheek and said her good-byes. Doggett 
continued talking to the baby as she left her apartment for her Tuesday evening 
Forensics Pathology lecture.

Scully hadn't been gone five minutes when there was a ring of Doggett's cell 
phone. Holding William with one arm he went to retrieve the phone from his 
jacket pocket resting over a nearby chair..

"John Doggett." He rocked William as he spoke.
"John, it's Monica. Something's come up. Can you meet me?" He looked down at the 
cooing baby in his arms.
"That's a bit difficult at the moment." He smiled back and mouthed a few silent 
words.

"John, it's urgent that I talk to you in person."
"It's just that I'm baby-sitting." There was momentary silence on the other end. 
"Monica?"
"Yes, John I'm still here. So you're at Dana's?"

"Can you come over here?" Another pause, probably looking at her watch he 
thought.
" I can be there in fifteen minutes."

Twenty minutes later Doggett was greeted by a more serious than usual Reyes.
"What wrong? You look worried." She rushed past him and went to sit on the sofa. 
She patted the seat beside her in a gesture for him to sit too.

Her face softened for a moment as she realized who he was holding.
"He's grown. Won't be long and he'll be a teenager." Doggett smiled and nodded 
agreement.
"These little tackers sure grow before your very eyes."

"So Monica, talk to me."
"There's a case John. Skinner called me, something about a number of comatose 
patients in North Carolina."
"Okay," he said slowly. "Can you give me any more?"
"Only that they didn't become like that over night it happened over several 
weeks."
"Why is this an X-File, why us?"
"Because none of the these patients knew each other, they didn't seem to be 
related in any way and yet they're presenting with the exact same unusual 
symptoms as each other."
He did one of his eyebrow raises.
"When do we go?" He looked back down to a now sleeping William.
"We're not going this time John." He looked puzzled. "You do."
"Me? What about you Monica?"

"I've been agonizing over this but I have asked for some leave." This time 
Doggett was even more mystified."
"I have a very sick friend. She's been keeping her condition from me for so long 
but now that she knows it's terminal she feels obliged to tell her friends."
"Cancer?"
"Yes John, it may only be a matter of days now. I want to be with her during 
this time."

"I understand. Take the time you need. I'm sorry Monica."
"I know, it came as a bit of a shock but she'll be at peace soon."

When Monica had left he placed William gently in his crib and lay down on the 
couch thinking before ringing AD Skinner about travel arrangements to North 
Carolina. Remembering back to a few dangerous cases he decided that He did not 
want to go alone. He knew the obvious choice of partner. Someone experienced 
with the x-files and a doctor.

Chapter Two

"John, I'll have to talk to Mom first about looking after William and I'll have 
to arrange someone to cover for me in Quantico."
"You'll do it?"

"Comatose patients you say? Not related in any way?" Her voice could not hide 
her eagerness.
"Not that we know of yet." Scully was torn between the guilt of not seeing and 
tending to her baby for a few days and the excitement of being back on an X-file 
case. The fact that she would once again be working with this man before her 
swayed her judgement.
"I'll do it." She smiled at him. "That's of course if Mom can look after 
William."

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning at eight." Doggett was relieved too but 
endeavored to keep his emotions in check.

The next morning
8.00am

"I'm running a little late this morning. " Scully's packed suitcase was on the 
floor near the door. Her baby's bag was open on the tabletop still being filled. 
"Would you do me a favor John and get William for me? He's in the bedroom."
"Sure, can I do anything else for you? Does he need feeding? - Changing?" Scully 
smiled at this.
"When was the last time you changed a diaper John?"

"Oh, a long time but it's something that sticks with you."
"No, he's fine but I hope you'll take a raincheck on those offers." She laughed 
quietly as she imagined his solid, manly fingers fiddling with the safety pins.

Doggett entered the bedroom and heard William gurgling in his crib. He surveyed 
the room. It was sparsely furnished but it was tastefully decorated. The baby 
change table stood over to one side of the room. His thoughts went back to Luke 
when he was this age. It was hard enough two parents looking after a baby let 
alone a single mom. He wondered how Scully coped at all. William seemed almost 
happy to see him. Doggett positioned him over one shoulder, an arm under his 
cushiony bottom and went to leave the room. Something on the change table caught 
his eye. 
On closer inspection it was an opened letter with the envelope close by.

<Mulder's handwriting> he thought. Doggett was overwhelmed with curiosity. He 
was very tempted to pick it up and read but his training had taught him to be 
respectful of other's privacy. If Scully had something to tell him then he'd 
wait.

He had come to admire Scully since their first fiery meeting after Mulder's 
disappearance. That admiration had grown through their various cases together.  
He remembered back to when he'd first found out about her pregnancy. Why hadn't 
she trusted him enough to tell him? He would have been there for her. Even when 
he'd looked down into those wide pools of blue looking up at him there on the 
hospital bed, even though he'd said that it was all to find Mulder, that's all 
it ever was, it hadn't been entirely true.
He had felt more affection for her then than he wanted to let on. He was 
determined to find Mulder but an unusually selfish part of him hoped William's 
father would never come back. Well he was gone now but not out of Scully's life 
completely. There was always the chance that this whole conspiracy crap could be 
cleared up and then Mulder would be back in Scully's life. 

He stood at the door of William's room clutching the baby and just gazing at her 
determined face as she finished packing his bag. Her petite frame and angelic 
features belied the fire that was within her. She was a beautiful, intelligent, 
independent person, everything he admired in a woman. Looking at her tranquil 
expression and then down to her inviting lips his thoughts were verging on 
carnal. The feel of those lips on his was beginning to kindle a flame within 
him. He was rudely awakened by the squirming William on his chest and Scully's 
questioning voice.

"John," she said not lifting her eyes from what she was doing. "You've been 
standing there looking at me like a lost sheep, what is it?"
"Just wondering how you can cope with all this." He quickly replied knowing she 
had misread his facial expression. "Motherhood and a job? Necessity John. I'm 
just glad that Mom is happy to have him sometimes."

She smiled and reached for her son. Doggett handed him over and felt some 
wetness on his arm.

"Hey Dana, I think he does need changing." He lifted his bent arm in the air.

"Go put the bags in the car, we'll be right there." Scully smiled knowing she 
would love to see him change her baby's diaper but not now. They had to leave. 
They had a flight to catch.


Chapter Three
Winston-Salem, NC Police Headquarters

"So tell me more about this case." Scully mentioned as they were about to pull 
up in their rental car outside Winston-Salem Police headquarters.

"Skinner said there were six comatose patients so far and another three 
presenting with symptoms."

"Symptoms?"
"This is it, we're here." Doggett found a place to park near the front entrance.
"I don't know any more than that Dana. Skinner said Senior Detective Mallory 
would answer all our questions."

Doggett pulled the heavy front door open and Scully went through first. Mallory 
was there to meet them.

"You must be Agents Scully and Doggett right?" A large older man in a grey suit 
shook both their hands. 
"And you must be Senior Detective Mallory." Scully winced a little at his strong 
handshake. His enthusiasm on her squashed fingers had gone unnoticed.
"Yes, just call me Mallory. Come this way." He was being a little jolly for law 
enforcement. Scully thought he must be someone who actually enjoyed what he did 
for a living.

They were led past his secretary's outer area into a comfortable looking well 
appointed office and ushered to two low chairs in front of his large desk. 
Mallory chose not to sit behind the desk but on another chair nearby. Doggett 
was impressed by this and knew that this man could approach people from a more 
personal rather than officious level. He could see that they could warm up to 
him. So many people they had met in the past had seemed skeptical about what 
they did.

"I've heard you two have had an excellent success rate with your cases since 
you've been FBI partners." Mallory leant forward a little waiting for a 
response. Both Scully and Doggett looked at each other with raised eyebrows.

"You've been checking up on us Mallory?" Doggett mentioned first.
"Only the best is good enough for me Agent Doggett." Both Agents faces showed a 
mixture of surprise and pride.

<That's something Deputy Director Kersh had said to him when it was obvious he 
hadn't wanted Mulder back on the X-files.> Doggett thought.  He really didn't 
see it like that. If he was presented with a case he'd do his damnedest to solve 
it and that's what he'd done, nothing less was good enough.

"Well Mallory we're flattered. Now that's putting a burden on us with this case 
but I promise you we'll leave no stone unturned." Doggett was serious.
"I was hoping you'd say that because this one is going to be a toughy."
"A toughy?" Scully questioned.

"Yes, it's a real mystery. Why these people are in comas is anyone's guess." He 
turned to Scully. "That's where I hope your expertise as a medical doctor comes 
in Agent Scully."
Scully looked wide-eyed waiting to hear more.

"None of the doctors at Winston-Salem General Hospital has any clue. Maybe you 
can find something they've missed. After we've finished here I'll take you over 
there."
"I'll certainly do my best. What about the others?"
"The others? Oh yes, the ones who are presenting with symptoms but not in comas. 
Let me just talk to my secretary."
He stood up and pushed the button on his desk.

"Julia, bring me the list of those coma patients and the others will you? Thanks 
love." A moment later Julia was handing the list to Mallory. He glanced down 
then handed it to whichever agent took it.
Scully let Doggett take the piece of paper.

"You'll see names, addresses, phone numbers. They're expecting to be contacted 
by you. That is the ones who can still talk are waiting for your call." He began 
to giggle but when the agents didn't join in he stopped ending with a slight 
cough.

"Have these people said anything at all that will shed light on this, that we 
should know first?"
He slowly shook his head while he thought.
"No, not really. There is one thing I haven't told you and that is 
demographically speaking they're all in a similar age-group."

And what's that Mallory?" asked Doggett.
"Mid teens to early twenties."
Both agents committed that to memory and stood following Mallory's lead.

"I think it's time to take you to the hospital. You first." He ushered them to 
the door.

Chapter Four
Winston-Salem General Hospital

"Doctor Shearer, and you are?" Doggett and Scully had been waiting in reception 
for the doctor in charge of the six comatose patients.
"I'm Agent Doggett and this is Agent Scully. Senior Detective Mallory brought us 
here to see some patients of yours, they're in some sorta coma?"

At this stage Mallory approached them all a little breathless, he'd been running 
after parking the car.
"Oh I can see you've met the irrepressible Doctor Shearer."
Shearer looked a little uncomfortable. Maybe there was no love lost here between 
the two men. Doggett and Scully could see that a little too much joviality could 
be wearing after a while.

"Doc, this is Agent Scully I was talking to you about, you know the medical 
doctor."
"You reputation precedes you Agent Scully. I've heard all about some of the 
mysteries you've solved." Scully looked across to a Mallory who was smiling and 
rocking on his heels.
"I wonder where you could have heard all that," she said with a little amused 
sarcasm.

"Okay, let's do this. Follow me agents and I'll take you to our first patient."
Before they left Mallory leant over and said,
"I'll see you two a bit later. I have a few things to do, you can tell me your 
findings later maybe over lunch?"

They nodded then followed the doctor.

They entered room 302.
"This is Ian Guiness. He's 15 from Kernersville." As Scully went to the bedside 
Doggett looked around the room.
"What more can you tell us Doctor Shearer?"
"Well he's been like this for almost two weeks now. He was the first to arrive 
here. There are others."
"Is there anything at all you can tell us about the condition of these people 
that's different from other comatose patients?" Scully questioned.

"Well to put it in layman's terms for the benefit of Agent Doggett here they 
have had an unusually high level of brain activity, much more so than I've ever 
seen before in comatose patients."
"What do you suggest could be the reason for this?" It was Doggett's turn to 
question.
"Of that I'm not sure except that it could suggest they are playing through some 
sort of fantasy in their minds while lying here in a comatose state"

"You mean like dreaming?" Doggett spoke again.
"It's actually a higher level of activity even than dreaming and it's constant. 
With dreaming there are usually moments of quiet activity interspersed with 
rapid eye movements."

"So Doctor," Scully concluded. "It's almost like they are dreaming non-stop even 
without periods of sleep."
"That's correct. I've never come across anything like it in all my medical 
years."

"What do you think Agent Scully." Doggett fixed his gaze on her.
"What I think Agent Doggett is that we need to talk to some of the people on 
your list there. If they are presenting early symptoms maybe we can surmise what 
is happening here."

Doggett loved the way her mind worked. At first it took a lot of getting used 
to. Much of the time he'd thought she was just making stabs in the dark with 
many of her seemingly absurd theories but he'd now come to realize many of them 
had been based in truth. He looked across to her calm exterior and knew that if 
it weren't for her heart belonging to Mulder he would go for her in a big way.

"Yes I agree," mentioned Mallory. "You may be able to piece together what is 
happening here by questioning these people. Want to see the other patients?"

"Not at this stage. We may come back though if that's okay Doctor?" Scully 
looked across to Doggett who nodded silent acknowledgement of what they'd be 
doing next.

The two agents walked down the hall towards reception. Leaving the doctor to 
check on his patient.

"So Agent Scully, what do you think is happening here?" They both stopped when 
they reached the front desk and Scully looked up to talk.
"I really don't know yet. I agree with the doctor that high levels of brain 
activity like this is very unusual. I also believe that there is a connection 
here." 
"What kinda connection?" 
"That I don't know yet Agent Doggett but I do know there is something here that 
connects all these young people together. We just have to find it."

Just then they saw Senior Detective Mallory taking on his cell phone. As he 
turned and saw them he quickly ended his call almost looking a little 
embarrassed.
Both agents looked at each other wide-eyed. They had both noticed this 
unexpected reaction to their presence.


Chapter Five
24 Mayberry Avenue
Kernersville, NC

They waited in the car outside the treelined street in Kernersville. The name 
Stephen Morris had been crossed off their list but he was not home as yet. 
They'd made a time of 3 pm to meet him yet there was no one in the house. He was 
a 21-year-old college student who lived with his parents. Apart from that tidbit 
of information they really didn't know much more about him. From the phone call 
they gathered he'd be still be making his way home from college.

This was a chance for some small talk. There hadn't been much time lately to 
just sit and chat.
"I saw you ring home earlier so how's William?" Doggett looked across to a 
serene Scully. He gathered she didn't often have time just to sit like this. 
Life as a single mom would be kind of hectic.

"He's fine John. Mom keeps asking when we'll be home but you never know with 
cases like these. Could be tomorrow for all we know. Let's hope we get a 
breakthrough when Stephen gets home."

Doggett looked across to the house and spoke,
"I don't know about you but I have a feeling Detective Mallory is keeping 
something from us, something important."
"You too?"
"There's something about this case that we're missing. Let's hope we stumble 
across it inside this house."

A few minutes went by without talk. The image of Mulder's letter resting on the 
baby change table in Scully's apartment came to mind and Doggett inadvertently 
looked over to his partner.

"What?" Scully noticed his pensive look. Should he or shouldn't he bring up the 
topic of this discovery. He decided to come at it a different way.

"You must miss him."
Scully nodded and continued looking out her window away from Doggett.
"Dana?" He heard a sniffle. "Dana, are you okay?" He touched her shoulder with 
his fingers and she turned to him her eyes full of tears.
"It's just too hard." A single tear ran down her cheek and she looked back out 
the window.
"Talk to me Dana, what's too hard?" He felt like scooping her up in his arms at 
that point but knew it was too soon.
It took a while for her to respond.

"Looking after William by myself. I'm feeling guilty because I'm enjoying my 
time away from him."
"That's quite natural. You need time to be you Dana, to do what you want."

She looked across to him again and he knew there was more to this teary episode.

"He's not coming back John."
"Who? Mulder's not coming back?"
This time the tears came more fluidly and Doggett knew. He reached across to the 
glove compartment and retrieved a Kleenex and handed it to her. Not missing the 
opportunity Doggett shifted over and extended an arm around her shoulders.
"Come here Dana." She accepted his embrace and moved into his sturdy arms 
resting her head on his chest. The feel of her soft auburn hair on his face was 
exquisite and he drank in its fragrance. 
"Wanna talk about it?" He felt her shake her head. There would be plenty of time 
to talk later. Comfortable in his arms Scully didn't want to move. She felt warm 
and safe for the first since she could remember.

When it came time to pull away she lifted her head and as she did Doggett looked 
down at her. Their faces were close, their lips almost touching. It was Scully 
who made the move. It just felt right to kiss him then. She'd wanted to for 
along time now but there were always those awkward moments before that first 
one. She thought about this perfect opportunity as she moved her lips on his.

Just then a car appeared in the Morris' driveway and someone got out. They 
hadn't noticed its arrival from behind them. He looked across to the agents' car 
and began walking over.

Doggett couldn't believe what they were doing. A big part of him said that 
Scully had initiated this so it was okay. A smaller part niggled away at him. 
Was she at a vulnerable moment and regret this action later ? He wasn't going to 
stop this kiss now, he wanted it badly. Not once breaking the kiss Scully moved 
around a little into a better position and their embrace became more heated. It 
was good.

Just then they were startled by a knock on the car window.

Chapter Six
The Morris House
Kernersville, NC

"Hello, is that you agents Doggett and Scully?" They heard the muffled voice and 
were quickly brought back to reality. Scully pulled back with a gasp and wiped 
her lips as Doggett turned to the source of the voice.

Scully was surprised how Doggett calmly wound down the window and responded.
"Stephen Morris?"
"Yes, that's me." He certainly had seen them kissing and it mustn't have looked 
very FBIish.
Without alluding to what they'd just been doing Doggett opened the door and 
stepped out of the car.

Both men shook hands as Scully got out of the car and brushed herself down 
before joining them.
"Sorry I'm late, traffic, but I see you two didn't seem to mind. You two married 
or something?"

Scully averted her eyes to the ground as Doggett changed the subject fast.
"So are we invited in Stephen?" 

He looked from one agent to the other then smiled showing understanding of the 
situation.
"Yes of course, come in."

Stephen unlocked the front door and ushered them inside. Doggett's first 
reaction was to look around, this was second nature to him now.

"Would you two like something to drink?"

"No thanks. Mind if I look around?" Doggett was heading towards the living room.
"Looks like you already are." Without turning he kept walking.

"Agent Scully tea, coffee?"
"No thankyou Stephen, we just want to get to the facts here. Mind if I ask you a 
few questions about your symptoms?"
"Not at all, fire away." Scully followed Stephen to the kitchen where he opened 
the fridge to retrieve some orange juice. He filled a tall glass.

"Your parents aren't home?"
"No, they're in Piedmont for the weekend visiting my grandmother. They'll be 
back Sunday evening." He took a few sips of the orange liquid and sat at the 
breakfast bar leaning an elbow on the tall bench. Scully remained standing.

"Tell me exactly how you've been feeling Stephen."
He thought for a moment then responded.
"I've been having these dreams, except they're too real to be just dreams."
"Tell me more about these." 
"They began about three weeks ago and only during the night. I'd have moments of 
complete clarity during my sleep. In the morning I would remember these dreams 
in every detail. That's never happened before in my life. I may have remembered 
a dream in the morning but not all of them."

"Can you tell me about the subjects of these dreams?"
"They're all set in a fictitious town. I'm me but living a completely different 
life to this one. I have no immediate family and I'm a member of a rock band 
playing lead guitar. That's so strange because I've never played a musical 
instrument but I play this guitar like a pro. It's all so weird."

"So what made you end up going to the hospital?"
"The dreams are becoming more frequent and are sometimes happening through the 
day. It could be in an hour long lecture and suddenly it's over once I snap out 
of my virtual reality dream."

Just then there was a burst of loud music coming from up the stairs. Just as 
quickly the sound was turned down.

"What's that?" Scully was startled by the sudden noise.
"That's U4mism."
"Euphemism?"
"Spelt U 4 mism. They're only the hottest band around at the moment."

He got up and Scully followed him up the stairs to the source of the sound. As 
they entered the bedroom they saw Doggett looking at the vast array of rock band 
posters adorning the walls.

"So Stephen you seem to like this band?" 
"Like them, I love them! During college break I followed them around on their 
tour of the country."
"You seem to have a bit of a crush on the lead singer." Doggett moved from one 
poster to another scrutinizing each one.
"Shirley-Ann? She's just the love of my life. I live for her. That's another 
thing about these dreams, she's part of them."
"What about the other band members?" Scully asked.
"Brian's on drums, Doug's on lead guitar, Steve plays guitar and a bit of 
keyboard."
"No, I meant are the other band members in your dreams too?"
"Just Shirley-Ann."

"Well Stephen," Doggett was obviously finished with his look around for now. "I 
hope we can contact you again."
"Yes, sure. I'll be here all weekend."

The agents said their good-byes and headed downstairs.

Once outside Scully spoke. 
"So what do you think John?"
"Something makes me think we're going to finds some similarities between these 
people. C'mon let's go"


Chapter Seven
Bill's Diner 12.30 pm

"Where's Agent Scully? She was here a moment ago." Mallory looked around with 
puzzlement.
"She's just making a phone call." Doggett was perusing the lunch menu.
"Checking up on the husband I suppose." He was fishing here and Doggett knew it.
"No she's not married. Her mother's looking after her baby boy."
"Oooh," Mallory was putting two and two together. There was an expression on the 
detective's face that Doggett couldn't quite make out. If Scully was here she 
may have been able to figure it out. This was something he would need to talk 
about to her later. There was something that Mallory was not saying, Doggett was 
sure of it now.

"The meatloaf looks good." Mallory ordered and went to find a table. Doggett 
ordered the chicken dish of the day and followed the detective.

"So Agent Doggett, I see you don't have a wedding ring either." Doggett gave him 
one of his stares.
"What does that have to do with anything? Mallory spit it out, there's something 
you're not telling us here. What is it?" Just then he looked up as Scully 
approached the table and sat.

"William's fine. Mom wanted to know when we'll be back. Of course I had to guess 
and say a few days." Scully looked across to the two men. "What?"
"Mallory here has something he needs to share with us."
"Oh really?" Scully's gaze shot across to the large detective.

"Okay, okay I do have something I've been keeping from you, I just wanted to see 
if you came up with the same conclusion." Both agents' faces displayed irritated 
looks.

"You mean you kept something vital from us? Evidence that may have aided us in 
our investigations?" Doggett's voice was raspy with annoyance.
"No, I thought if you came up with this independently then it would confirm my 
theories rather than clouding your judgements." He'd covered his tracks well 
here.

"Well what is it?" Scully questioned.
"I'd prefer you tell me first. I may have missed something. I'll add anything 
more if I have it I promise." 

"Meatloaf?" The waiter's voice could be heard above them.
"That's mine." Mallory's anticipation of this ordinary looking dish out weighed 
the food's appearance in Doggett's eyes.
"Chicken? Shrimp Salad?" 

In between mouthfuls Doggett and Scully spoke to Mallory about their findings 
after visiting the homes of the three teenagers who'd presented with early signs 
of this unknown condition.

"And it turns out that this rock band....," Doggett turned to Scully. "What was 
it again?"
"U4mism."
"Yes U4mism seems to be the connection between all these teenagers and young 
adults."
"I thought you'd say that." Mallory had a pleased expression. 

"So that was what you were keeping from us? This has something to do with this 
band's music? What is it? Some sort of subliminal message shit going on here?" 
Doggett looked from Mallory to Scully.

"We don't know about any sort of subliminal message scenario that would fit with 
these extreme symptoms Agent Doggett," Scully lightly touched Doggett's hand. 
This hadn't gone unnoticed by the detective and he smiled. Scully realized her 
inappropriate behaviour and quickly took her hand away flushing a little pink.

"So that's where your investigations must head Agents."
Scully was nodding.
"What would you suggest Mallory?" Doggett was interested to hear his response 
seeing he appeared to have all the answers anyway.

"I've been looking onto it and this rock band is in town as we speak." The two 
agents looked startled at the news. "They have been on tour and are staying in 
the Ramada Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem." He hesitated before adding the 
remainder of his plans.
"Agents how experienced are you with undercover work?"

"Very," both Agents said together.

"Then I have a plan."

Chapter Eight
Bill's Diner 1pm

"A plan?" Scully repeated.
"Come on Mallory, spill it." Doggett was getting frustrated with all the 
secrecy.

"Well you must have surmised now that this rock band U4mism attracts the young 
ones and forgive me agents but you two don't seem to me like followers of a rock 
band of this nature." Their heads shook slightly.
"Go on."
"So I thought how would two FBI agents go undercover and get close to the rock 
band? By having a son or daughter who was a fan of the band of course," he 
answered rhetorically.
Doggett and Scully just stared at him waiting for the next part. Mallory took 
the hint and continued.

"How do you feel about having an instant family?" Mallory beamed.
The agents looked very puzzled now.
"Instant family?" Doggett wanted more information than this.

"Ahem, I've booked you a two bedroom suite at the Ramada Inn where the band is 
staying for the next few days." The agents were now nodding silently saying <and 
the rest>. "The band has live concerts here in town tomorrow night and Saturday 
evening. Somehow you could get into their inner circle? I've talked to the hotel 
manager and he's going to do all he can to assist you."

"So we'd have to go uncover as a married couple you say?" Doggett's voice almost 
cracked and Scully flushed pink again. He had done a lot of undercover work in 
the past even to the extent of playing husband to a sham wife but this was 
different. This was Scully. He had no doubt he could pull this one off but where 
could all this possibly lead? He looked across to Scully and noticed her rather 
subdued reaction. What was she thinking?

Scully remembered back to the wonderful kiss in the car outside the Morris' 
house and wondered if there would ever be a repeat. She felt like touching her 
mouth where his lips had been but held her hand back. As husband and wife she 
could imagine them lightly kissing and maybe a cuddle in public but what about 
behind closed doors? Would they have to sleep in the same bed together? This was 
something she and Doggett would need to make clear beforehand.

"What's this about a son or daughter?" Doggett's voice broke the momentary 
silence.
"That's what I was just getting to." 

"I just happen to have a budding actor as a sixteen year old son and you'd never 
guess his favorite band." Mallory said with an impish gleam. "He loves U4mism 
and is very excited at the chance to see them close up."

"You've already spoken to him?" This was almost a statement by Scully.
"Look agents, I know this may be potential danger for my son and he knows it too 
but I have every confidence you will find out what's happening here. You need 
him. He is your key to pulling off this little charade."

Scully and Doggett couldn't believe what they were about to do. They were going 
to have to act out being parents of a sixteen-year-old rock band crazy boy. This 
was certainly going to test their undercover skills. 

"Okay, we'll do it." Scully spoke for both of them. "What's your son's name?"
"Thomas, we call him Tom and he's expecting us home any moment now." (That's for 
you HB! :))

Chapter Nine
Outside Bill's Diner 1.45pm

After paying for their meals they headed towards their respective cars.
"You realize agents that going undercover means you'll have to be very 
convincing as a family. I hope you two are comfortable enough with each other to 
be husband, wife and parents to a sixteen year old boy."

Doggett tried very hard to remain calm. The prospect of having to be more than 
friendly with Scully made him inwardly very excited. The thought of what they'd 
have to do as spouses to make this arrangement convincing made him a little 
nervous. He just hoped he'd be able to get back to a normal working relationship 
after all this acting. <Acting> he thought and smiled, this would come very 
easily to him. He wondered how Scully felt about this assignment.

The two agents were following Mallory's car back to his home in Greensboro.

"So what do you think Dana?"
"Think?"
"How far should we go with this?" Doggett glanced to his right trying to gauge 
Scully's expression. Often she would keep her thoughts to herself and it was 
hard to read her expression. This time however she was smiling.

"You heard the detective John, we must stay in character the whole time to be 
convincing."
"I hope you're comfortable with this Dana because if you're not we can come at 
it another way."
"John," Again she placed a hand on his arm. "This is a good plan. It shouldn't 
bring any suspicion on us as to why we are hanging around near the band. Our 
teenage boy loves them."

"Okay then," Doggett nodded and looked back to the road. "Do you realize we'll 
have to sleep in the same bed?"
Scully laughed. "It's been a while since I was in bed with a man but I think I 
can handle that."

Doggett knew he should broach the subject of the kiss. There may not be another 
opportunity when they were alone.

"I'm sorry what I did earlier. I shouldn't have done that, not when you were so 
upset." He remembered back to how she'd felt in his arms, vulnerable, warm and 
soft. Mulder's letter and her reaction to whatever news it held seemed to be the 
catalyst their relationship needed to move forward. The joining of their lips 
and her mouth opening up to his were almost symbolic of her opening up to him as 
a man rather than just a partner.

"John, it was wonderful. It was just what I needed. That kiss made me realize 
there is life after having a baby." She paused wondering whether to say what she 
was thinking. "..and John, I want more."
"Oh Dana, you don't know how long I've wanted to hear you say that." He felt 
like stopping the car in the middle of the road and giving her more just like 
she wanted. This was going to have to wait. They had a case and they needed to 
keep an eye on where Mallory's car was taking them.

Mallory pulled into the driveway of his house and went towards the front door 
without looking behind him. He was obviously going to give his son Thomas some 
warning that they were all there.
Doggett stopped in the street outside the Mallory residence and looked across to 
Scully who seemed the most serene he had seen her in a while. At that moment all 
he wanted to do was kiss her again and he could tell she want to also. She moved 
across towards him, expectation all over her face.
Her hand went under his left arm and rested on his shoulder blade drawing him 
closer. He took her cue and wrapped his arms around her. Once again their lips 
caressed. It was a soft, heartfelt kiss knowing they needed to extract all the 
feelings it held in the little time they had.
Doggett's cell phone rang.

"Damn." That was the second time they'd been interrupted. Scully just laughed 
and sat back in her seat.
"John Doggett." He gave Scully a <whoever this is it had better be good> look.
"Monica.... That's too bad.....I'm sorry to hear it......Yes, she's here with me 
now." Doggett raised his eyebrows towards Scully. "No Monica, you don't need to 
be here, Dana and myself have it all under control.... Okay then.... We'll see 
you later. You look after yourself....Bye." He hung up and Scully waited 
wondering what he was going to say about the call.

"Her friend died this morning."
"That's sad."
"Monica feels it was a blessing, she was in a lot of pain in the end. Let's go 
in." They both exited the car and began walking to the house.
"It sounded like she wanted to be here with us." Scully was fishing.
"Yes, but it'd spoil our plans having an extra adult along. I'm still not 
convinced she's going to stay in Washington though.
"She could be Aunt Monica." Scully quipped. They both laughed as they approached 
the front door.

Chapter Ten
Mallory Residence
Greensboro, NC
2.30 pm

Thomas was almost as tall as Doggett with wavy dark blond hair and certainly 
didn't have the physique of his father. He was lithe and looked as though he may 
be a good sportsman. <He must take after his mother> Doggett thought.

"This is my son Thomas." Mallory beamed.
"Good to meet you Tom." Doggett shook Tom's hand. "I'm John and this is Dana."
"Hi, but I think I'll have to get used to calling you Mom and Dad if you don't 
mind." He said with his deepening voice. He looked from one to the other of the 
two agents. They all chuckled a little nervously.

"Well Agents I'll leave you for a moment to talk over the case with my son, I've 
got to make a few phone calls."

This was so strange. Here was the boy that they would be calling their son until 
the case was solved. Neither of them was experienced with parenting a boy of 
this age but at least they'd had some experience as parents to draw upon for 
this role-play. 

"Please, take a seat Mom and Dad."

"So you like acting Tom?" Scully asked as she sat in the comfortable sofa. 
"Yes, I've done a bit of acting at school. I was in our recent production of 
"Fiddler on the Roof". I suppose I just caught the bug. I do like music more. 
Did Dad, ahem, I mean my other Dad tell you I'm in the school orchestra playing 
trombone?"

"No, he didn't, how long have you been learning?"
"Since I was in Year 6, I'm now in Year 11."

"So tell us more about your love of music and why this band?" Doggett asked as 
he leant forward resting his forearms on his knees. He wanted to get to the 
point here.
"I've loved rock music since I was little and I've followed U4mism since they 
started. I just love the music they produce I suppose. I'm not into head-banging 
stuff all the time. Don't get me wrong I also like bands like Limp Biskit and 
Metallica but U4mism has different music and quite a variety of styles from 
ballad to almost heavy metal."

Doggett remembered back to the posters that lined Stephen's wall and mentioned,
"... and the lead singer is pretty cute too." Scully slapped Doggett's arm.
"John!"
"What's wrong with that? Just admiring an attractive lady." He said in a higher 
than usual voice. Not expecting an answer he turned back to Tom.
"What's her name again? Shirley...?"
"Shirley-Ann. Yes, I wouldn't mind getting close to her." The men exchanged 
knowing smiles and Scully just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Now you understand Tom that it may be dangerous what we're getting into here." 
Doggett sat up straighter and moved back in his seat indicating the change of 
mood. "You've heard about the coma patients?"
"Yes, Dad told me, I know the danger." This time Scully spoke.
"Tom, there's more to it that just that. These people were all presenting with 
symptoms before they became comatose. There are some out there that could lapse 
into comas if we don't find and stop what's happening here."

Doggett continued,
"Apparently these people have been having very vivid, virtual reality type 
dreams that have been gradually affecting their everyday lives. If you ever 
experience anything even vaguely like this you have to promise to tell us okay?"
"I promise, anyway, how do you know it's something to do with the band? Could it 
be something else?"

"No Tom," Doggett spoke softly and nodded. "We know there's something here. All 
nine teenagers and young adults are U4mism fans."
"In fact we found out that all nine had followed the band on their current tour 
of the states." Scully paused to let it really sink in. "There's no doubt that 
the band and/or their music is causing this." Doggett then finished her speech,
"And our job is to get close to the band members to find out. That's where you 
come in my man." 

He smiled because he knew this was the chance of a lifetime to see and talk to 
his favorite band and that he would have one hell of an adventure doing so. His 
face then changed to a wistful grin. It was his turn to lean forward striking 
the same pose as Doggett had just had.

"And tell me Mom and Dad," His face turned to mock seriousness. "Do you think 
you can handle being my parents. I mean for all you know I could be a rebel and 
stay out till all hours."

Doggett said also with mock seriousness, "Then young man we'll just have to take 
you right home with us and you'll be grounded for the next month."
They were all laughing as Mallory came back into the room.

"Okay, it's all set. You can settle in tonight at the Ramada then tomorrow will 
be your chance to snoop around. The Ramada manager has happened to get tickets 
for tomorrow and Saturday nights' concerts for all three of you. He's even 
managed to get some backstage passes. I hope you have earplugs agents, they play 
some pretty raucous stuff."

"Da-ad, it's not that bad. Even Mom likes them."

"Okay, it's all set then." Doggett looked at his watch then spoke to Tom. "How 
about we pick you up at six. That'll gives us time to unpack at the Ramada and 
have some dinner and perhaps catch a movie before all the hard work begins. What 
do you think Mom?" He looked towards Dana who pursed her lips slightly. 

"That sounds perfect Dad. A night out with the family."
This was going to be of the most interesting cases they'd ever worked on.

Chapter Eleven
Ramada Hotel
6.45pm

The two-bedroom suite at the Ramada Hotel was larger than any they'd stayed in 
on their cases together. Scully imagined Mallory having pulled some strings to 
get this one. It would have cost a fortune. Nothing was too good for Mallory's 
son. They dumped their bags on the floor and began looking around. Tom was off 
down the hall and into the bedrooms. His exclamations of delight could be heard 
sporadically as he glided from room to room.
Eventually when he came back to join them in the lounge area he was almost 
breathless.

"Hey Mom and Dad," the look on his face was puckish. "You've got a four-poster 
kingsize bed." The thought had crossed their minds that they'd have to sleep in 
the same bed but they hadn't had a chance to discuss this. To keep up 
appearances it would be a necessity however. Scully d the implications of this 
and blushed. Doggett was more worried about how he was going to control himself 
in bed next to the beautiful, sexy woman beside him. He would just have to try. 
After all if they did do anything more than sleep in that bed it could have 
negative implications for Tom. If he were to find out that his FBI pretend 
parents were having sex then that would just not be appropriate.

Doggett broke the awkward silence and picked up their bags.

"Okay Dana, Tom let's get settled in here then we can go downstairs for dinner." 
He headed for the main bedroom and placed the bags on a nearby chair.
"Dad, I'll just be in my room okay?"
"...and Tom, nice clothes for dinner okay?"
"Okay." He was obviously excited and Doggett smiled at the pleasant feelings he 
was having with an instant son. 

He'd often wondered what it would have been like to see his son Luke grow up. 
His heart saddened thinking of the life he could have led if Luke was still 
alive. Maybe his family would still be intact, possibly he could have had more 
children by now, siblings for Luke. Thoughts went back to discussion with his 
ex-wife about having a girl too. They had tried to have more children but it 
hadn't eventuated. 

"You're quiet." Scully appeared around the door.
"Just thinking."
"About?" He tilted his head and moved over towards the bed.

"I know I don't talk much about Luke but I miss him Dana."
"... and Tom brings back these feelings of lost opportunities." 

Dana saw his worry lines and quietly shut the door. Moving up to him she wrapped 
her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest.
"I know it's not the same but you're still young enough to have more children of 
your own." He placed tentative hands on her back. 
"Dana, we shouldn't be doing this."

She lifted her head to look into his face.

"John, we're meant to be husband and wife, we're going to have to do this. We 
need to get into the role soon." She took him by the hand and led him to the 
bed. "Come on,  I've never been on a king-size bed with a man before. Come and 
lie down beside me and we can talk. You must be as tired as I am after today." 
Doggett couldn't help but comply. The look on her face was angelic and enticing, 
he followed her like a man in a trance. Scully flipped off her shoes and climbed 
onto the bed and lay on the far pillow and patted the bed where she wanted him 
to lie.

He took off his shoes and rolled over next to her. Why was she doing this?  
Scully looked into his eyes and smiled. She moved in even closer so they were 
touching and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

"I want you John. I want you to make love to me."
"Dana, we can't." Doggett's worry lines returned and she moved up closer to 
plant small kisses over his forehead.
"Tom's in his room, there's at least an hour before we go for dinner, we have 
time." She tried to convince him by moving the kisses down over his cheek to his 
mouth. There she worked on his lips and lifted up his shirt running a hand over 
the warm bare skin underneath.

He groaned quietly as she opened her mouth and ran her tongue along the contours 
of his lips. His resolve weakened at this point, she could feel him physically 
give in to her. This kiss was even better than the two others they had shared 
that day. It set them on fire. Scully broke the kiss as she undid Doggett's 
shirt buttons and urged him take it off. She took off her shirt and let it glide 
to the floor.

"Oh John, I want you so much." She went for his belt and couldn't help feel the 
welcome bulge in his pants. Her eyes widened and exploratory fingers moved over 
it through his pants. Doggett took a quick intake of breath and the bulge became 
even harder. Her whole hand traced over the alluring hardened mass and she felt 
the warm glow between her legs.
"Dana, we shouldn't be doing this, not here not now." He didn't seem to mind as 
she undid his belt and began slipping his pants over his hips. Once off she 
moved in closer grinding her crotch into him and linking a leg through his. 
"This is so good John, I want you inside me." She kissed him again, a deep, 
passionate kiss.

Just then there was a knock at the bedroom door and a head poked inside.

"Dinner time yet? I'm starv....." Wide-eyed Tom saw what they were doing. "Ahem, 
okay I'll come back later." He just as quickly exited.

Scully just giggled but Doggett went a shade of red.
"Now I'll have to go talk with him. We can't have him telling his father about 
this."
"Calm down John, he probably thinks we were just acting."
"You're kidding right?" He got out of bed and pulled his pants back on and left 
the room to find Tom.

Scully knew there would be time for this to happen without interruptions, she 
would just have to be patient.

.....................

Chapter Twelve
Blue Bandana Bistro
7.30pm

Through the advertising material in their hotel suite they'd found an ideal 
place to eat. The Blue Bandana Bistro served a buffet 'all you can eat' on 
Thursday evenings, just perfect for a growing boy.
The place was buzzing when they arrived, so much so that they had to wait at the 
bar until the next table became free.

"What'll it be?" The bartender asked all three. Doggett looked at Scully first.
"Um, a Chardonnay would be nice." The bartender nodded then looked to Doggett.
"What would you like Tom?"
"I'll have a beer," Tom smirked. Doggett gave him a stern look and he quickly 
changed his order. "A Coke would be good." He laughed as both Scully and Doggett 
looked at him wondering what this boy was going to come up with next that would 
surprise them.
"I'll have the same as my wife here." With a nod of his head the bartender moved 
off to tend to the order.

Doggett leaned across to Tom speaking softly,

"You scared us for a minute there."
"Lighten up you two, I'm sixteen remember. Us kids do stuff like that." He 
laughed again.
To save the situation they were approached by someone who looked as though they 
would show them their table.

"Table for three was it? Come this way please." There were more people on their 
feet than at tables it seemed. This was a different atmosphere than Scully and 
Doggett had been used to before but Tom looked as though he was quite at home. 
After dodging a few people with plates piled high they sat down and placed down 
their drinks they'd retrieved from the bar.

"Who wants to go first?" Tom was eager to eat.
"You go first Tom, then Dad and myself will go when you get back." He was up off 
in a flash.

Scully ran her hand down Doggett's arm and linked fingers with his. He knew this 
was part of acting out being husband and wife so responded by giving her a brief 
kiss on the lips.
"So John, what did you tell him after..," she looked around to see if anyone was 
listening then continued. " After he caught us." He looked a little 
uncomfortable before he spoke.
"Ah, I just said that we were talking about having to be more intimate as a 
married couple and it went a little too far."
"Do you think he believed that?"
"I think I was fairly convincing." He said nodding.
"Anything else?"
"I also told him to knock then wait for us to tell him to come in." He gave 
Scully's hand a little squeeze.
"Doesn't he know to do that already?" Scully glanced around again to see if 
anyone had heard her.
"Apparently not. I think we're teaching him something here."

Just then Tom came back and sat down quickly.
"Oh my god Tom," Scully's eyes widened. "Do you think you have enough on your 
plate there?"
"I'll eat all this and then I'm going back for more." Doggett just grinned 
remembering back to when he was around sixteen. 
"Okay Dana? Let's go." He kept hold of Scully's hand and they walked over to one 
of the buffet tables.

Their plates had been taken away after first course and Doggett was over at the 
bar ordering more drinks for all of them.
"So Tom, enjoy your food?"
"Very nice, I think I'll wait a while before dessert though." He blew out his 
cheeks and placed his hands on his stomach. Scully wondered where all the food 
went.

"Hey, look over there!' Tom was pointing to a far table.
"What?" Scully tried to follow Tom's pointing finger but still couldn't see.
"It's the boys from the band."
"Where?" Over there beside the family with the four children." This time she did 
see.
"Oh, I see them."
"Tell me about them Tom." Still looking across clearly itching to go over there 
and talk to them he spoke,


"Brian's the one on the right. He plays drums. Doug's plays lead guitar and he's 
the one in the middle. Steve plays guitar and a bit of keyboard."
"Isn't there a girl too?"
"Yes, that's Shirley-Ann. Dad and myself were talking about her earlier."

Just then Scully's eyes looked up to the bar and saw Doggett being a little too 
friendly with a very attractive woman dressed quite provocatively. She had on a 
short tan leather hip-hugging skirt and a matching halter-top that showed her 
bare back and midriff. Her hair was dark red. <Obviously from a bottle> thought 
Scully. She vaguely recognised her. Scully found herself feeling miffed about 
this interaction. They were laughing and smiling together in a light hearted 
banter.

Tom looked around to see where Scully's solemn eyes led and he gasped.
"That's her! That's Shirley-Ann! What's she doing talking to Dad?"
<I'd like to ask the same question.> Scully thought. She remembered back to 
Doggett's comment about the lead singer being cute and her heart missed a beat.

"Mom, I'm going to go over and talk to the guys, okay?" Scully was deep in 
thought. "Mom?"
"Oh, okay." Tom was gone when Doggett was saying his good-byes to Shirley-Ann. 
She was leaning a little too heavily into Doggett's personal space for her 
liking. He turned to come back and Scully could have sworn she touched him on 
his ass. 
<No> she thought. <This is silly to feel this way. John's with me.> As he came 
back to the table she decided to plead ignorance.

"Who was that you were just talking to?" Doggett still had the wide grin she'd 
seen while he was at the bar.
"That was U4mism's lead singer, remember her picture from all those posters 
we've seen today?" Scully was silent. "Isn't she just great. I can see why she's 
a heartthrob to all those fans, and that English accent. Don't you just love 
that English accent?"
"I don't know, I haven't heard it." Doggett just looked at her with a puzzled 
look then continued, 
"Anyway, I told her that my son is a big fan of hers and that we've traveled all 
the way from Washington DC to go to two of her concerts."
"Uh huh."
"She said she might be able to upgrade our tickets to front row seats."
"How thrilling." Doggett still hadn't caught on about Scully's mood.
"And Dana," He leaned in. "She says she thinks married men are sexy."
"Oh?" 

Scully was still in a brooding mood when Tom came back to the table his white 
shirt covered in writing.
"Mom, Dad, look what I've got." His shirt had three signatures, clearly being 
the autographs from the band. Without taking a breath he went on. "..and Dad you 
know who you were talking to over there before?"
"I sure do." The boys were as excited as each other and Scully was not amused.

The look on Tom's face when he found out about the front row seats was 
priceless.
"C'mon Mom and Dad, let's get back to the room. I want to sleep so that tomorrow 
comes faster."
"What, no dessert?" Scully questioned.
"I couldn't fit another thing in." He blew out his cheeks again.

All the way back to the hotel and their suite Doggett and Tom talked like a 
couple of schoolboys. Scully felt a little on the outer but was warming up to 
seeing Doggett so at home with his surrogate son.

Chapter Thirteen
Ramada Hotel
10pm

Tom was in his room now and they could hear the television going. Scully and 
Doggett were getting ready for bed. Doggett had on just his boxers and she 
looked across at his bare back fondly as he cleaned his teeth looking into the 
bathroom mirror. "What are you staring at?" He showed his toothpaste smile in 
the mirror's reflection.
"Oh, at just about the most handsome man in the world right now?"
"Not the most?"
"Well, the most then." Dressed just in a short pale blue nightshirt with buttons 
opened to show a hint of cleavage Scully walked over to him and ran fingers over 
his shoulder blades and down his spine. His back arched and he whimpered. This 
encouraged her fingers to follow his ribs to the front. Exploratory hands felt 
over his chest then down to his abdomen and the hem of his boxers.

He quickly spat out the last of the toothpaste and rinsed his mouth before 
turning to see the stunning, sexy woman leaning into him.
"Dana, what are you doing?"
"What any wife would do who found their husband just as juicy as you."
"We're not really married Dana."
"Oh?" she pouted with mock disappointment. "We're not?" Her hands went to his 
boxers hem again and she began to run a finger just along the inside rim. He 
whimpered again and she knew this was turning him on.

"John, we need to make love. You know you want it just as much as I do." He 
hands went to the front of his boxers now and she felt the obvious signs of his 
excitement.
"We can't Dana, not with Tom awake in the next room." He then went to just 
beside her ear. She could feel his warm breath on her face. "I want this, I 
really do. You don't know how much I'm aching for you but we can't do this with 
him within earshot."
"We can be quiet."
"I don't think I could be quiet Dana."
"Oh? I like that. A noisy man during sex just turns me on further." She was now 
rubbing him in long strokes from the base up through his boxers. His chest was 
heaving. He took stock before she went too far.
"Stop Dana!" When she didn't he went to pick her up and unintentionally lifted 
her nightshirt exposing bare skin underneath. His arms now were on her naked 
ass. Without deterrence he lifted her up and in doing so she wrapped her legs 
around him.
"Oh John." She felt his hard-on lightly touching between her legs and was 
overcome with sexual energy. "I want you now, please."

He took her to the bed and laid her down then rolled over beside her. He thought 
for a while before speaking.
"If you think you can be quiet then I'll give you the release you need. If I 
hear any sound at all I will stop. Okay?"
She wanted him inside her but clearly he was not going to do this now. She 
wondered how he could have so much control when she just knew he wanted her 
badly.

He moved in to kiss her first then maneuvered his hand underneath her nightshirt 
and over her bare ass.
"Dana," he said breathlessly. "You are so sexy." He kept kissing as he lightly 
traced between her ass cheeks. His hand then followed the line of her leg down 
to her behind her knee and lifted it to rest on his hip. His fingers then traced 
her labia and she groaned in his mouth.

He stopped what he was doing.
"Dana, I said no noise! If you're going to be noisy I'll stop. Do you want this 
or not?"
"Oh John, I want it please," she pleaded. He once again began where he left off, 
kissing her sweetly on the lips and touching between her legs. When he thought 
she was suitably ready his fingers teased apart her labia and felt the hot, 
wetness inside. Scully was finding it extremely hard not to cry out but his 
kisses helped occupy her mouth.

Two fingers moved along her swollen clit and Doggett could feel her heightened 
breathing through her nose. He ran his tongue over her just as his fingers were 
rubbing her below. This was so erotic and she wondered where he learnt to do 
something this sexy. He rubbed his two fingers either side of her clit and she 
gave a small whimper.

Again he stopped.
"John, please.  No more sounds, I promise." He seemed to believe her and 
continued. This time he used his thumb on her clit and lunged two fingers deep 
inside her vagina and began moving them slowly in and out.
"This is so good, more."
"Shhhh."
He added a third to this finger-fuck session and that's when she couldn't hold 
on any more. She exploded from within. Fireworks took over her body as she came 
with a gush almost forcing Doggett's fingers away.

"Now that's better, no noise." Scully hardly heard, she was in another world. No 
one had ever finger-fucked her quite the same way. If he did this so well what 
would a real fuck session be like with this man. She was going to find out no 
matter what, but for now the need for sleep overtook her body and she found 
herself in the moments between wake and sleep brought on by the most amazing 
orgasm in her life.

Chapter Fourteen
Ramada Hotel
4.30am

Doggett woke in the small hours of the morning to a gentle arm draped across his 
chest and a warm body snuggling into him. He couldn't help but react to this in 
a physical way. He'd held back his sexual feelings as much as he could bear. The 
feel of her arm shifting on his bare chest and the contented gurgles coming from 
her throat were thrilling him beyond control. The hard-on he had now was 
painfully throbbing in his boxers. The elevated blood flow to all parts of his 
body expressed its calling in his pulsating neck. He thought his pulse was about 
to explode and spray all over the bed.

He was not used to this much need for control before. There were two reasons he 
should not act on this. The first was that their surrogate son was in the room 
next door and may hear through the paper-thin walls. The second was he still 
didn't know what was happening with Mulder. Scully had said that he was not 
coming back but he would need more information before treating this as a totally 
foregone conclusion.

He wanted to make love to her, no, he wanted to fuck her.  There was plenty of 
time for lovemaking later. Thoughts of the feel of her soft naked skin next to 
his were too much to bear. All he wanted to do now was to roll on top of her, 
spread her legs wildly with his knees and plunge his turgid mast up her hot and 
steamy canal and pump away. He wanted her to shout out his name as she 
experienced lovemaking like she'd never felt before.  His cock was almost 
jumping as his mind was awash with these devilish thoughts. No, he'd have to get 
out of bed. Even though it was still dark this situation required a cold shower. 
His mind play was not enough now to quell these overt sexual feelings.

Carefully he tried to pry her arm off his chest and roll out of bed without 
waking her. This reminded him of his pre-married days when after an unfortunate 
one night stand he'd tried to leave without being noticed. Now those were 
memories from the past! He tried not to be too amused by this or he'd be 
laughing and maybe wake her.
She made a low rumble in her throat and her arm moved slowly down his body. 
Doggett stayed stock still just hoping she would very soon stop her arm's 
progression down his sexually alive body. Was she dreaming of Mulder as she did 
this?
Her head moved around so that her nose nuzzled under his arm and her warm breath 
teased his erect nipple. He considered just getting out of bed quickly but he 
really didn't want to disturb her from her sleep and alert her to his now 
extremely urgent condition.

If only there was never a Mulder in her life, he would be on her and in her now. 
He would be giving this small body next to him the fuck of her life. As he tried 
to move further towards the edge of the bed he felt her arm traverse further 
down. Her hand struck his very erect penis and then he knew he couldn't continue 
to try to get out of bed.  His eyes crushed and his fists clenched hoping she 
would not wake and  what her arm was resting against. To no avail he willed his 
stiff board of an erection to die down.

Scully moved on his hot body and made more whimpers.
"Oh!" Is all she said then she moved exploratory fingers over his now sweaty 
abdomen. <She's dreaming> he thought. Her tiny yet strong fingers wrapped around 
his tumescent cock underneath his boxers and began to massage. He was still not 
sure whether she was awake or not or even aware of what she was doing. Did she 
know what she was doing? Did she know that she was sending him over the edge 
with every move of her hand? Did she know this wasn't Mulder beside her? Her 
fingers on his balls and her fisted fingers fucking his dick were about to make 
him eject his cum. This was too much, asleep or not, dreaming or not, composure 
now was too much to sustain. 

"Dana, I'm soo sorry!" he whispered not wanting Tom to hear. 
"Hmmmm." He could feel her smile on his hot skin then lick and suck his nipple. 
Her hand still worked on his cock as she brought up a knee to rest on his thigh. 
Then her toe latched onto the edge of his boxers and pulled then down over his 
hips and down his legs. He found himself helping her do this and once totally 
bare her toes met his in a kittenish dance. His heaving chest rose and fell with 
playful abandon. This was torture.

"Dana, we can't do this, not now." By god he wanted to just fuck her silly. His 
mind was telling him to get out of the bed but his body would not comply. 
Scully's knee made its way over his hips and she lifted herself to lie on top. 
He then knew she was awake but was she aware enough to know it was him and not 
Mulder she was about to fuck? She quickly took off her nightshirt so they were 
both totally naked. Before he could say anything her mouth was on his and his 
rock hard cock teetered over her wet, dripping cunt. If he didn't find released 
soon it would be dangerous for his health. As they kissed hungrily Doggett found 
his dick slowly entering her. She was deliberately inching down on him. This was 
it, the point of no return. Even though she was well lubricated his size and 
state of sexual excitement made the journey long and deliberate and oh so sexy.

"Oooh, that's good," she growled. She moved so that his dick filled her totally. 
He couldn't describe what he felt then. Here he was in bed with someone he had 
loved for a long time and he was inside her for the first time. Her movements 
and sounds became more rapid. The state of her heated sexual excitement was 
notable but he was past all caring whether anyone heard. He was now going to 
make fucking sure that they both enjoyed this first physical union. His thrusts 
met hers now as they continued kissing breathlessly, hands wandered desperately 
over her soft back and delectable ass. Needing more action now he sat up with 
her so she was in his lap. The bedsprings were noisy but neither of them noticed 
as they kept up their vigorous bouncing. 

"Hmmm, oooh," Doggett just knew Scully was about to come so rolled her over onto 
her back so he was on top. This gave him more leverage to give her one last 
pounding before she experienced her second heavenly orgasm with him.
"Oh Jo-ohn!" That did it. Feeling her throb uncontrollably on is dick and 
knowing that she indeed knew it was him finally made him lose all control.  This 
was the most amazing orgasm he'd ever felt. It seemed to last for eternity, 
maybe time stood still, he didn't know His pulsing dick inside this woman was 
almost painful as he gushed his seed everywhere it would reach. He wanted to 
stay like this forever, inside her warm, inviting body feeling his body flushed 
with the afterglow of fucking great sex.

"Oh Dana," is all he could muster as he moved off and fell into a deep sleep 
beside her.

Chapter Fifteen
Ramada Hotel
7.30am

"Hmmmmm." Scully edged closer to the still sleeping Doggett and snuggled against 
his warm skin. An arm snaked its way over his chest and her head nestled on his 
shoulder. In semi wake she remembered back to during the night and smiled 
contentedly. She just knew that lovemaking with this man would be divine and she 
was not disappointed. She began to giggle making his chest vibrate when she 
thought of all the noise they'd made.

Oh well, Tom was sixteen and would probably know what they'd been doing if he'd 
heard. Doggett sighed and rolled over towards Scully and looked through sleepy 
eyes.
"Good morning." His gravelly voice was even more alluring this time of morning. 
"How are you feelin'?"
"Good, in fact better than good." Turning her head she began to give him small 
kisses over his shoulder working her way over his chest. Her feathery fingers 
moved down his side and over his hips.

"Hmmmm., and what makes you better than good?" he croaked luxuriating in the 
feeling of her lips and fingers on his bare skin.
"You John." Her kissing worked its way up his neck to his ear where she traced 
its contours with her tongue.
"Me?"
"Uh-huh." She continued making a line of kisses over his cheek feeling his 
morning stubble. This was so sexy, this man made her weak at the knees.
"What have I done to deserve your elevated feelings this morning." Doggett 
turned his body more to meet hers and found her mouth with his. They shared 
their first morning kiss when there was a knock at their bedroom door.

"Shit!"
Quickly the couple rolled onto their respective pillows and pulled the bedcovers 
up to their necks. Being parents could be a frustrating job sometimes. This time 
however the door remained closed.
"Come in Tom," Scully spoke.
The door opened tentatively and his head poked inside the room.
"Mom, Dad, I heard you two talking so I knew you were awake." Both of them 
wondered how much he'd heard but soon d that was only their paranoia at work.
"Yes Tom, what do you want?" Doggett asked.
"I thought I'd give you some peace for a while and go take a look around the 
hotel."
"You're up early Tom, aren't teenagers meant to sleep 'til all hours in the 
mornings?"
He laughed and nodded,
"Yes we do but I'm just having too much fun to sleep."
"All right, but be back in an hour and we'll go and have breakfast somewhere and 
talk about plans for today." 

Doggett paused and looked him up and down. "What are you wearing?"
"Oh these, they're my low rider pants." Doggett raised an eyebrow and continued.
"Is it the trend too to show off your boxers underneath?" Tom just smiled and 
looked down on the floor at the foot of the bed.
"I see Dad, you have nice boxers too." He quickly shut the door before either of 
them could speak. As their eyes rolled they could hear him laughing all the way 
to the front door. It wasn't until they heard it close behind him that they 
could talk.
"Shit, I'd forgotten about that and he would have seen your clothes too Dana. 
Well that leaves nothing to the imagination." Scully could tell Doggett was 
slightly annoyed and tried to placate him.
"John, what we've been doing has been wonderful, better than I could ever have 
imagined." She rolled on her side and elevated herself to look into his eyes. A 
lone hand brushed across his chest. "We'll need to talk to him John. He must 
know that we're doing this not out of lust for each other but love."
"Love?" Doggett looked over her radiant face and knew she meant it.
"Yes John, I love you." In response to this he ran his fingers through her hair 
then pulled her in for a deep kiss.

When finally they broke to replenish their air supply Scully spoke,
"We have an hour of freedom, what do you want to do Mr, No Noise man?"
"Oh," he thought for a moment and a jaunty grin occupied his face.
"I think I'll just get dressed, make myself a cup of tea and see what's on the 
television." A grin appeared across Scully's face and Doggett knew she was about 
to call his bluff. As she began to get out of bed she spoke,
"All right then, I'll have a shower and meet you for that tea and TV." With the 
most lithe and seductive body movements she could muster she moved out of the 
bed and began walking to the bathroom door her head looking back over her 
shoulder to see his reaction.
Mouth open Doggett looked over her sleek naked body bathed in the morning glow 
from the nearby window and just had to relent. 

"Come back here Dana."
"Oh? Why? I've had enough sleep. I'm ready for the day."
"Dana, please," his voice pleaded. She went right into the bathroom and waited 
for a whole long minute still hearing and laughing at his pleas from the bedroom 
before she came back out. 

"Okay, I'll get back in bed with you and give you the release you need if you 
promise to be as noisy as you indicated last night."
"Dana, I get the point. I am now suitably chastised, now get back here and make 
love to me." Scully adored this side of the man. This forceful part of him was 
so seductive.
"No!"
"No?" Doggett knew this was a game.

" I don't want to make love." She began her way back to the bed displaying mixed 
signals between her words and actions. When she reached the edge she lifted the 
covers and slipped underneath. All this time Doggett didn't take his steely blue 
eyes off hers. This made her even hotter for him. Climbing on top she knew he 
was very ready for her. With his unshaven cheek on hers she whispered in his 
ear.
"I don't want you to make love to me I want you to fuck me John." With no 
further ado Doggett kissed her forcefully and she returned the gesture with 
equal energy. They let out all their emotions in this kiss. They surrendered to 
each other fully. Doggett rolled Scully over and gently lay on top still kissing 
hungrily. 

"You want me to fuck you? Be prepared lady."
Finding her more than ready for him he locked her legs apart with his own then 
rammed himself inside her. She cried out in ecstasy,
"Oh John, fuck!"  He had her in a leg lock. His knees held her legs apart and 
his feet were around her ankles. He grabbed first one wrist and then the other 
and pinned them behind her head so she couldn't move. With each powerful push 
inside her he gritted his teeth and let out low grunts. The fact that she 
couldn't move, not even her hips, and that this man was truly fucking *her*, was 
so mind-blowing.

"Is this what you wanted?" he growled. "Is this what you had in mind?" Scully 
felt the first wave of a mighty big orgasm coming along. She hadn't had rough 
sex for so long, and the fact that it was with this man was the stuff only from 
dreams.
"Answer me damn it! Is this the fuck you wanted?" 
"Yes." Scully could only bleat the reply.
"I couldn't hear you."
"Yes John, YES!" All her energy reserves were diverted to that response.

Still pushing violently he moved down to her face and once again roughly kissed 
her open lips. Scully's blood pressure was rising rapidly now and Doggett felt 
her beginning to reach the pinnacle. His lips moved to beside her face and he 
whispered seductively,
"Come for me Dana. I can feel deep inside you. Let go for me." His hot breath on 
her face and his libidinous words in her ear sent her soaring. Doggett felt the 
deep waves of her passion and her body tremble beneath him and knew that his 
lover was experiencing an orgasm even stronger than her two others the previous 
night and this morning. The small earthquake he felt on his cock inside her made 
him involuntarily shoot out his more than ready seed.

"Oh Dana! You're so beautiful," he huffed as the last embers of their mutual 
orgasm sizzled. Their bodies still latched in blissful union, their eyes also 
locked and contented smiles appeared on both their faces.

"I wish we could stay like this all day." Scully spoke softly as Doggett began 
to release his restrictive hold on her legs and wrists.
"Well maybe we could if we're taken over by this mind control coma shit or 
whatever it is." Doggett chuckled.
"That's right, we're here to solve an X-file case. I almost forgot," she 
laughed.
"We are? I thought we were here to have a dirty weekend together."
"If we play our cards right we might be able to have both."
"Oh, I like that." He gave her one final light kiss on the lips. "Want the first 
shower shift?"

Chapter Sixteen
Ramada Hotel
8.30am

"Hi Mom." Tom was certainly having some fun from this little family charade. 
Doggett was still showering as Scully made a cup of tea when Tom had come 
through the front door.
"Hello, what did you find?" He came over to the kitchenette and sat down on a 
chair.
"Oh, I saw the rooftop swimming pool. Do you think we'll have time for a swim 
later?"
"I certainly hope so. Want a tea?" She had two cups on the bench and went to get 
another.
"No thanks, I don't really like tea, I had a coffee in the cafeteria. Dad gave 
me some money so you don't have to pay for me."

"Good." Scully smiled at him and then went thoughtful.
"Tom, we need to talk." She poured a cup for herself.
"About what you and Dad were doing in the middle of the night?" Scully almost 
overflowed the teacup and Tom noticed.

"Look, you don't have to hide it from me, I'm just puzzled, that's all."
"Puzzled?"
"I thought you were meant to be partners. I was under the impression that ...." 
He lowered his voice for the next part. "...FBI partners were not usually lovers 
too." Scully was wondering just how much Tom had heard and flushed pink at the 
thought.

She took a sip of her tea thinking how she would word the explanation. In a 
quiet voice she proceeded.
"Tom, we've both just recently found out we feel the same way about each other. 
I'm sorry you had to hear us last night."
"It's just funny, it reminded me of being in a movie. I didn't believe that 
there really could be squeaky bedsprings." Again Scully lowered her eyes and 
felt a warm flush over her face.

"You have a baby don't you?"
"Yes, William."
"Is he Agent Doggett's baby?" This was the first time Tom had been out of 
character since they'd arrived at the hotel and it surprised her.
"No." Scully found herself becoming teary at the thought of Mulder and where he 
was now. She didn't particularly want to explain that it was the baby of her 
previous partner. That would complicate this already delicate issue.
"Tom, I really don't want to talk about that right now, I hope you don't mind."
"Okay, where is William now?"
"He's with my mom."
"You must miss him. My mom stayed home to look after me while Dad went to work. 
So the baby's father, does he help out?"

Doggett came out dressed in jeans and a dark blue T-shirt and his wet hair was 
groomed back. They were a family on vacation so a suit would have been too 
formal.
"What's this about the baby's father? Oh hello Tom."
"Hi Dad," he sounded cheery.
"I just thought you may be the baby's father, that's all."

Doggett just laughed and went over and stood next to Scully and poured himself a 
cup of tea. Leaning down he whispered in her ear,
"Did you tell him?"
"No," she replied quietly. Doggett was anxious to find out about the Mulder 
situation but knew Scully would apprise him when she was ready. His thoughts 
went back to waking up with her that morning. He hoped that this was the first 
of many mornings like this. It still niggled at him about what would happen if 
Mulder came back and wanted Scully again. After all he was the baby's father. If 
Scully had to choose he knew who it would be. 

Still looking pensive he went to sit next to Tom.

"Well family, we need to work out a plan of action for today."
Tom shuffled excitedly in his chair clearly eager for some activity.
"What do you want me to do?"

"Mom and myself," he raised his eyebrows in her direction. "We'll go see the 
hotel manager Mr. Roberts. You my man, can do some research for us."
"Research?" His eyes lit up.
"Maybe find out where the band has been on tour, a bit about their backgrounds. 
Anything that you think might shed light on this situation then report back to 
us." Doggett flashed his serious blue eyes in his direction. 

"Sounds good to me. On my travels I saw that the hotel has an Internet room off 
the lobby. It's not cheap though, something like five dollars for the first 
fifteen minutes then fifty cents for every two minutes after that."

Scully smiled at his concern for finance.
"Tom, take all the time you need. It's FBI money. Lives are at risk here, we 
need your kind of expertise to help us solve this case." Scully moved around to 
come closer to her surrogate son. She rested a hand on his shoulder. "We really 
appreciate your enthusiasm here."  Even while sitting Tom was almost as tall as 
Scully.  As he stood up she followed his gaze upward.

This boy was only sixteen and yet he was so tall. Her mind for a moment looked 
to the future and what William would be like at this age.  It was so impossible 
to predict how William would turn out, how tall he would be, what he'd be like. 
Her head shook it off. This boy in front of her was verging on precocious but he 
had an endearing quality to him. She thought about the first meeting with his 
father and how he'd been almost charismatic. She could see the potential in this 
boy. If he had the looks of his mom and the investigative qualities of his Dad 
this boy would go far.  

"I suggest we get started after breakfast." Doggett broke the spell.
Tom rubbed his hands together.
"I like this FBI work. I wouldn't mind being in the Bureau when I'm older."
Doggett smiled.
"And if you do a good job on this case Mom and myself here might even put in a 
recommendation for you." 

His spirits lightened even more as he got up and headed for the door.
"Coming? I'm starved."

Chapter Seventeen
Ramada Hotel 
Manager's office
10am

"I'm Agent Doggett and this is Agent Scully."
"Glad to meet you two famous agents."
"Famous?"
"Well that's what Mallory said." The hotel's manager laughed and the agents just 
looked at each other with half amused expressions.

"I'm Andrew Roberts the Ramada Hotel's manager." He held out a hand and shook 
each of theirs. "Please take a seat."
When they were comfortably seated he continued,
"So you're undercover as a family to investigate the rock band staying here?"
"Yes, Mr. Roberts, and I'm sure you'll keep that under your hat." Doggett leaned 
forward with a deadpan expression.
"Of course, between you and me I want this solved. I'm hoping word doesn't get 
out to the hotel's clientele. Personally I'd prefer they weren't staying here 
but kicking them out would bring unnecessary attention to my hotel." 

"Mr. Roberts," Scully spoke this time. "We need to keep this whole thing low 
key. If we're going to find out what's going on here we don't need any 
suspicions." He nodded at both of them and leaned back in his chair.

"So how would you like me to help?"
Doggett looked across at Scully for silent approval to speak then looked back to 
Roberts.
"First of all we need your staff to be aware of the situation and to be very 
discrete about it."
"Done, and secondly?"
"We want them to be vigilant. Anything they see that might help with 
investigations we need to be contacted."
"Done also. I'll need your cell phone numbers if that's okay. Reception can tell 
you which rooms they're in and we may be able to find where they hang out so 
your small family could pay a visit." He looked either side of the two agents. 
"So where is this son of yours?"

"Tom's doing some research for us. He's a good kid." Doggett smiled over to 
Scully.
"I wouldn't mind meeting this son of Mallory's. If he's anything like his father 
he'll make one hell of a detective."
Doggett nodded and got up indicating this meeting was over and that they were 
anxious to get going.

They all headed for the door.
"Okay agents, expect some calls from me today. I'm sure we'll be able to find 
out where they like to visit in the hotel."

By the time they had found out the band's room numbers and become familiar with 
the layout of the hotel it was almost time for lunch. With about fifteen minutes 
to spare before they'd arranged to meet Tom they headed for the cafeteria. It 
would be nice to just sit and chat together playing husband and wife before 
their son arrived. Doggett's cell phone rang.

"That must be Roberts." Doggett answered the call.
"Doggett."
"Hi John, it's me." He looked over to Scully who mouthed,
"Who is it?" He responded to her question with the reply.
"Monica? What's up?" 

Scully couldn't help but feel Reyes was a spanner in the works. She accepted 
Reyes as Doggett's partner but these calls she was making when she was meant to 
be on leave were telling her something. Did she have a fascination with her 
partner that went beyond professionalism? There was that paranoia bug again. She 
put it out of her mind by imagining the wonderful sex they'd shared since 
arriving here. His prurient eyes looking over her naked body that morning and 
then his firm arms around her in bed were enough to push negative thoughts out 
of her mind. They were not the actions and words of a man in love with someone 
else. Scully was not silly though, what woman wouldn't want this strong, 
handsome, sexy man before her. She found herself smiling that she was the one 
who had all his emotional and physical attention.

"I've found out some information for you that might help in this case."
"Monica, you're meant to be on leave. Go and relax will you! Agent Scully and 
myself have this covered." Scully raised her eyebrows wondering what Reyes was 
saying.
"Okay, what is it then?"
"You know the coma patients, well I looked up in the FBI files and I found a 
similar case back in 1999." Doggett phrased his replies so Scully could 
understand the nature of the call.
"A similar case? Was it also to do with a rock band?"
"No John." He shook his head at Scully.
"It was at a university in South Carolina. The only reason I found the 
connection was that the coma patients all presented with the same symptoms as 
these new cases."
"Tell me more."
"Why don't I just fax the details over to you. Do you have a fax number there? 
Better still I'll bring them myself."
"No Monica! As I said, we have this covered, you just relax......... Damn!"
"What is it?"
"She hung up. I told her not to come."

........................

As they walked to the cafeteria Doggett was almost mumbling to himself.
"Damn stubborn woman she is!" Scully almost had to run to keep up with him.
"Tell me she's not coming here. She knows not interrupt a case, it's an FBI no-
no." 
"I only hope that she'll reconsider and just fax the damn information."
"How about I give her a call?"
"No Dana, I know Monica, she's not that impulsive. She'll see reason."
Scully knew that expression on Doggett's face and it wasn't one of complete 
confidence in the words he'd just spoken. She also wondered just how well 
Doggett knew his partner. He hadn't spoken much of his past association with 
Reyes except they'd worked on the case with his missing son. That was one 
conversation she was bristling to initiate, at the right time of course.

They reached the cafeteria doors and looked inside. There were a few tables 
still vacant but it seemed as the though the place was filling fast. Doggett 
turned to Scully.
"We'll have to be husband and wife in here. Too many people could be watching 
and listening." When he'd received facial acknowledgement he took her hand. His 
commanding fingers linked with hers felt wonderful as he directed her to a table 
for three.

As they sat down Scully noticed the music in the background and instantly 
adhered to the throbbing pulse and the lyrical quality of the vocals.

<<Don't cry these tears anymore, there's no way she can kiss you the way that I 
do, I heard that you miss me, Oh you should be careful of who you keep talking 
to.>>

"Who's that?" Scully asked as Doggett looked around him.
"No!" She playfully pushed his arm and grinned. "The music. Who's the band?" Her 
eyes looked up as though the music was in the air around them.
Doggett just looked at her with a <fucked if I know expression>.

"I like the music."
"I didn't think you were into music." 
"Doesn't everyone like music? I suppose I'm just not up with the latest. That's 
where Tom comes in I suppose."
Doggett was also listening and nodding his head.
It was still about five minutes before Tom was due to meet them.
"I have to go to the bathroom. Will you miss me?" Scully stood up and kissed him 
lightly on the lips and gently touched his hand.
In a husky, sweet voice and with a contented smile he replied,
"Don't be too long."

He followed her profile on the way to the restroom doors. The song was still 
playing

"Hello handsome." Doggett felt the hand on his shoulder prior to hearing the 
words. Even before he turned his head he knew who it was by her distinctive 
voice. "So you like the music do you?"
"Yes, I'm not quite used to a large range of today's music but I like this. You 
know the band?"
"Sure do. Mind if I sit?"
Deftly Doggett pulled out the chair for her and she sat. Resting her elbow on 
the table and her head on her palm she looked into his eyes. 
"I love that accent of yours. Where are you from by the way?"
She sat straight in her chair.
"You're the one with the accent." She laughed. "I'm from Cambridge, England but 
I haven't been back in a while."
"Oh, why not?"
"Touring with the band for the last few months and before that recording our 
third album." 
"Third album?"
"Yes it's called U4misms 'Lyrical Illusions'."
"I'm still just getting used to this scene. My son was very keen for us to bring 
him here to see your concerts."

The music played.

 <There's no way she can kiss you,
The way that I do. 
I heard that you miss me....> 

All this time Doggett was watching her mesmerized. She certainly had striking 
good looks, not in a pretty girl way, the way she wore her hair and her milky 
skin caught his eye.

Then the intriguing woman before him began singing softly with the song.

"Oh you should be careful of who you're talking to.
Long nights without you have taught me to be strong...." 

The light dawned on Doggett's face.
"That's you? That's your band?" By this time there were a number of curious 
onlookers.

"Uh huh, and you'll hear that song and more at our concert tonight." She took up 
the same position as when she'd first sat down, her head resting on her palm. 
"You know John, you're far too cute to be married. Run away with me." He just 
chuckled and smiled.
"Shirley-Ann?" Doggett and Shirley-Ann looked up to see an eager faced sixteen 
year old boy looking at them.
"So you are?"
"I'd like you to meet my son Tom. He's quite a fan of yours."
"Good to meet you Tom" She extended a hand for shaking. "As handsome as your 
father I can see."
Tom pulled the other chair and seated himself. He could hardly talk. Here he was 
in the presence of his rock band heartthrob and she had been flirting with his 
surrogate father.

Scully had stopped still at the restroom door just watching the scene at her 
table. Was this woman following them or something? By the look on her face she 
had an obvious attraction to Doggett. Rather than consider feelings of 
resentfulness she thought about the positive side. Shirley-Ann's interest in 
Doggett was getting them closer to the band, just what they needed for this 
investigation.

Scully appeared beside them. Shirley-Ann stood to give her back her seat without 
acknowledging her presence. With her hand resting on Doggett's shoulder she 
spoke to him only. 
"I'll get those front row tickets that I promised. How about I leave them at 
reception for you." 

Three pairs of eyes followed her as she went back to her table and her company.

Chapter Eighteen
Ramada Hotel 
Swimming Pool
2pm

"Thankyou so much Dad. I've been looking forward to a swim."
"I thought a little recreation before the onslaught would be fun." Doggett found 
three spare deck chairs and placed his towel on one.
"Where's Mom?" Tom looked back to the door they'd come through.
"She didn't pack a swim suit so she's out buying a new one. She'll be here soon. 
Come on let's do a few laps."
Both men undressed from their tracksuits.

There was a sprinkling of people about, some on deckchairs, others swimming. 
There was plenty of room in the pool for the father and son to each take a lane. 
Tom was in first and a third of the distance to the other end when Doggett dived 
in. They were both strong swimmers but Doggett had the edge on the teenager. 
After a few laps he had caught up. They reached the far end of the pool together 
and stopped for a rest.

"Good swimmer Tom."
"Thanks, I love swimming. I actually made the school squad this season. 
Freestyle's my strength, I also love diving. I came second in the latest inter-
school swim meet."
"Impressive, a musician and a sportsman." The water splashing up against their 
heated bodies had a calming affect.

"So Tom, now would be a good time to talk about your findings. If anyone hears 
us they'll just think you're telling me about a rock group you like."
"Okay, I looked up where U4mism has toured lately. In January they were in 
Australia performing at the 'Big Day Out."
"Big Day Out?"
"It's a concert that happens in Australia each January. Mainly local bands play 
but there are usually some groups from other countries. They went to the Gold 
Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Before that they were touring with 
U2."
"U2, love their music. Where else?"

"Since Australia they did three shows in Japan, one in Tokyo. Since returning to 
the States they've been from coast to coast."
"Well they have been very busy. Must get from you again the names of all the 
places they visited. I might ask Monica to do some research for me. She needs to 
be a little busy at the moment."
"Monica? You do get around Dad. How many women do you have?"
"It's not like that Tom. Monica's my partner. She's taking leave at the moment 
so that's why Dana's here."
"Oh, and if Monica was here instead as my mom what would you have done in bed 
last night?"

Doggett just gave him an icy glare but Tom was not phased. 
"C'mon Dad I've seen how these women look at you. I just wish I had half the 
charisma." Before Doggett had time to respond Tom very cleverly acted.
" C'mon I'll race you."

They were both out of breath when they reached the end. Tom just had enough of a 
head start to reach the finish before Doggett. In a flash he was out of the pool 
and heading for the deckchair for some relaxation.

Scully had been admiring the pair from the entrance to the swimming pool room. 
Her heart felt warm as she imagined Doggett as the father to her baby boy. 
William needed a father now more than ever. Mulder was not coming back. That was 
final. Doggett was showing he could be a wonderful father. This was just the 
chance for her to observe.
Tom was walking to the deckchair when Scully was about to make her presence 
known. Something stopped her though. It was Doggett as he was getting out of the 
pool. Her heart skipped a beat as she witnessed this athletic body all wet, 
dripping and glistening from the filtered light through the windows. As he 
pushed himself up she saw all the muscle definition in his arms and legs. She 
knew he worked out to keep in shape but the details she would have to find out. 

They were the arms that had held her close in bed the previous night. Those were 
the legs that had linked with hers in the early morning in the best sex session 
she'd had in her life. She found herself flushing with sexual need. As he walked 
over to retrieve his towel the sight of his ass in the dark blue tight swim 
shorts made her weak-kneed. She was mesmerized as he toweled himself dry.

"Did you know Mom's been over by the door watching you?" Doggett first looked at 
Tom then over to the pool entrance. Scully knew she had been caught ogling and 
diverted her eyes to the ground momentarily. "You two so need to get a room 
right now. I don't think I could stand anymore of your gooey eyes fpr each 
other."

Scully shook herself out of her embarrassment. She had planned on making an 
entrance and she would go through with it confidently. Both males stared open 
mouthed at Scully as she paraded towards them. Her dark green towel was around 
her waist and tied on the side revealing a thigh all the way to her hip. The 
skimpy sea green strapless bikini top barely held her breasts in place. They 
bounced in mesmerizing rhythm as she approached the two fawning males. On 
nearing them she slowly untied her towel revealing high cut matching bikini 
bottoms. It was as if she'd never had a baby, she was trim and alluring. 

Doggett still holding his towel had to move it strategically over a certain part 
of his anatomy hiding more than just the growing emotions he was having.
"I can tell you like my new swim suit." She did a three sixty degree turn and 
Doggett had to physically hold his breath as he was afraid of embarrassing 
himself by letting out the large gulp in his throat.

"Very nice Mom." Tom decided to break the spell. They didn't seem to hear him 
say that he was returning to the pool.
"So what do you think? Good choice?" He raised his eyebrows and looked down 
admiringly over her body.
"Are you trying to hospitalize me or something?"
Scully grinned and knew that her performance had been appreciated.
"Come on, let's go for a swim, this swim suit's meant to get wet you know."
"It is?" He said in a higher than usual voice. She dropped her towel on the 
chair, took his hand and led him to the edge of the pool.

Doggett dived in first then beckoned Scully to join him. She was a little rusty 
on the diving so sat on the edge with her legs dangling in the water then 
slipped the rest of her body in. Doggett was there to catch her in his arms and 
they were left gazing into each other's eyes.

"You're so beautiful Dana." His face softened as he said this and her desire to 
kiss him was overwhelming.
She ran random fingers over his wet back then pulled him in closer so their lips 
barely touched. If anyone was watching this they didn't seem to care. Softly 
Scully brushed her lips over his, then she began to taste them with her tongue. 
Gliding over his top lip first then the bottom she felt his mouth open up but 
still let her lead.

She moved her head back to look at his expression and saw that his eyes were 
closed and his lips glistened from her attention.
"Dana," he weakly mouthed wanting her to continue. She moved back this time 
pressing her lips more solidly on his. This is when Doggett responded and kissed 
back moving his tongue around in her inviting mouth. The hands went down over 
her back to the rim of her bikini bottoms and fingers then whole hands went 
underneath resting gently on her bare cheeks. She was perfect he thought as he 
pulled her in closer for a deeper kiss.
Doggett's shorts were too tight and wet for her fingers to slide underneath so 
she settled on the outside.

If they hadn't heard what they thought was a voice beside them the lovers could 
have almost shed their clothes in the pool and had sex in front of all eight 
open-mouthed onlookers.

"Mom! Dad!" The sound was louder. "Do you have to do that here?" Tom then 
lowered the voice. "Go on back to the room, you obviously need to get this out 
of your systems. I promise I'll stay here for at least an hour before I come up. 
You two need some serious time together."

"Really?" Scully looked expectantly at Doggett's face. She needed to have sex 
with him, the feeling was almost primal. If she didn't do it soon she would 
explode.
"Let's go!" The urgency in his voice matched her own.
Knowing his aroused condition she got out of the pool first and retrieved both 
their towels and brought them poolside. With a little bit more difficulty than 
before he exited the water then wrapped the towel around his middle.

Scully took Doggett's hand but instead of leading him out the door and back up 
to their suite she took on another path to the pool change rooms.

"Dana, what are you doing?" She did a sweep of the room and on seeing no one 
dragged him in further. She kept a firm grip on his hand and dragged him into a 
changing room cubicle.
"John, if you make me wait until we get back to the bedroom I will scream. I 
need you now!"
She toyed at his shorts and he laughed at her anxious fumbling.
"Let me do that." He gently moved her fingers away and undid the stiff button. 
That wasn't all that was stiff in that region. As Scully peeled down Doggett's 
sodden shorts a very stiff erection popped out sending Scully into even more of 
a frenzy. She peeled them right down to his feet then let him flip them off with 
his toes.

She couldn't help but want to touch him. With one hand cupping his balls the 
other encircling the thick shaft she worked on him eliciting small groans as her 
hand moved up and down the engorged surface. A small part of his consciousness 
told him that his partner was still clothed. A hand went to the strapless top 
and undid the front clasp causing the flimsy material to drop to the ground. His 
hands made a line over her stomach to the rim of her bikini pants and hooking 
his thumbs in the narrow band he slid them over her soft, shapely hips. She 
gasped as her panties pulled away from the slippery wetness which had massed 
between her legs. She wanted this man so badly. Her body shuddered with hyper-
arousal as she imagined the thick erection in her hands deep inside her body.

There was a sitting shelf nearby. Doggett leaned against the wall and Scully 
straddled him with her feet planted on the seat.  Her hands firmly held the 
overhead coat hooks. This was the perfect set-up for some hasty sex and swift it 
would have to be because she was on the brink of the precipice. Doggett held 
himself steady with one hand on the wall beside him and one under her butt. He 
moved his erection over her hot wet opening and as she moved down he moved up 
causing him to plunge deep inside her to the hilt.
Scully cried out in ecstasy. This is what she had imagined feeling as he entered 
her. She thought she would burst as he pushed into her. Both of them thrusting 
added the detonation to their already chemically charged bodies. Dana could take 
it no longer. She was putty in his arms as once again she experienced celestial 
bliss with this man under her. 

Doggett began moving down the wall, not being able to stand, and causing 
Scully's hands to let go of her anchors. As she did so he grabbed under her ass 
catching her, allowing her knees to have time to find their new home on the 
shelf where Doggett was now sitting. At the height of her orgasm she felt as 
though she was falling not realizing she was actually moving downwards. She just 
surrendered to him and where he wanted to go. Her embers were crackling as she 
felt the final fleet movements of his body and his rapid puffs of hot air in her 
hair. The fusion of pool water and sweat outside their bodies didn't compare to 
their sweet mixture of juices inside her. One last kiss was what they needed to 
get themselves back to reality again.

Scully impishly looked into Doggett's glazed eyes.
"Ever do it in a ladies' change room before?" They both then heard some whispers 
outside. Doggett put a gentle finger to Scully's lips and they waited until the 
sounds subsided.
"Well I think we've been suitably caught." Doggett's words were mixed with mock 
seriousness and humor.
"Now we just have to get out of here without anyone seeing us."
As they both dressed and retrieved their towels from the floor both of them 
gleaned guilty pleasure from knowing that all eight people at the swimming pool 
would know exactly what they had been doing and where.

Chapter Nineteen
Ramada Hotel
Two bedroom suite
4pm

"Damn!"  He pulled the cell phone from his ear and with more than usual pressure 
dialed in another number. He waited for an answer for what seemed an eternity.
"Shit!" Then he punched in a third number and waited a similar amount of time.
"Fuck!" He threw the phone on the bed in disgust.

"John, language! Tom's in the other room." He looked at Scully as though she was 
from another planet then d what he'd said.
"Oh sorry, forgot. I'm just so damn angry. If Monica's on her way here I'll be 
so annoyed."
"What makes you think she's coming here?" Scully was proverbially crossing her 
fingers this wouldn't be so. Shirley-Ann's attention was bad enough but another 
woman taking time away from her man and partner was not a welcome thought.

"I just rang the office, her home and then her cell phone - no answer. Her cell 
was switched off."
"Maybe she's at a movie or a meeting and has it turned off?"
"No, I just have a feeling...," he trailed off.
"You have a feeling?" He laughed realizing the duplicity of his comment. 
"Yes Dana, even John Doggett gets feelings some times." He then went more 
serious. "She's done this before. Dana, it's like a vulture to the prey for her 
when it comes to the unexplained. There's no reason in her mind to take the rest 
of her leave now. She'll be here. Damn!!!!"

Doggett did seem a little more agitated than usual with the thought of Monica in 
his presence, she sensed something more.
"What is it John?" She linked fingers with his and moved him over to sit on the 
couch. They sat side by side closely and Scully edged her shoulder into his arm 
urging him to talk.
"I wanted her to look into something for us. When you were in the shower after 
swimming and ...," His eyes softened as he remembered what they'd been doing.  
With a quieter voice he continued. "I got Tom to write out a list of the tour 
places the band has been since the start of the year. I wanted Monica to somehow 
find out if there was any connection."

"Maybe try again in thirty minutes?"
"Okay, but if there's no answer we're going to have to call on someone else."
"You mean the Lone Gunmen?"
"I was hoping it wouldn't come to that. Damn, I hope she doesn't come here and 
spoil our plans."
Scully knew that Monica was probably on her way it was only a matter of when 
she'd arrive.

Tom had extracted himself from the television long enough to come and help 
himself to a drink from the bar fridge.
His head was bobbing to the music playing in his mind and he hummed as he 
searched for what he wanted.

"Hi guys, what's up?" He'd seen them talking on the couch.
"What was that you were humming?" Scully asked.
"Oh, it's a song off 'Lyrical Illusions' called 'Cup of Coffee'. Why?"
"It's just that I thought I recognised it." Scully pondered.
"I think I know." Doggett mentioned and both Tom and Scully looked at him 
bewildered. "Okay, I'm no music buff but I think that was the song playing in 
the cafeteria." Doggett suddenly seemed to have a thought then got up and went 
over to Tom.

Scully couldn't hear what he was saying but saw him write something down on a 
piece of paper and open his wallet to give him some cash. He spoke further then 
came back over to the couch.

"What was that all about?"
"Come on Dana." He reached out for her hand and pulled her up. "I'll tell you on 
the way."
"The way where?"
"To the manager's office." He turned to Tom. "We'll meet back here in about an 
hour?"
"Okay Dad. See ya in sixty minutes guys." 

Chapter Twenty
Ramada Hotel
Manager's Office
4.45pm

"What can I do for you agents?" Roberts went to sit at his desk and Doggett and 
Scully took their original seats.
"Some information has come to our attention that we need a certain expertise 
that we just don't have access to here."
"Hmmm, and what would that be?" The manager looked curious but Doggett wasn't 
about to give that much information away.
"Let's just say we need to contact someone. Does your hotel have video 
conferencing at all?" It was Scully's turn to speak. 
He nodded from one agent to the other before replying.
"Yes, I have access on my system here." His head pointed toward  the computer on 
his desk and he began to type in a command on the keyboard.
Neither agent wanted Roberts listening in on their private conversation but 
neither did they want to go somewhere else more public. This room was the 
perfect place for some privacy.

"There, it's all set up." He moved away and directed a hand to the monitor as a 
gesture for them to look. Both agents moved around to the front of the desk.

Roberts stood behind them and showed no sign of moving away. All Doggett had to 
do was look at him with his steely composure and he got the idea.

"Okay I'll leave you too alone. It's my break time, I'll be back in about thirty 
minutes or so."
Doggett nodded to him and watched as he left the room and closed the door behind 
him.

"Dana, let's do this." 

In no time they were talking to and could see two of the Lone Gunmen, Byers and 
Frohike.
"What can we do for you two this fine Friday afternoon?"
"You're in a good mood Byers?" Doggett looked at the screen with a deadpan 
expression. He was beginning to understand the worth of these guys but he still 
found their quirks a little odd and needed getting used to.
"Where's Langly? I thought you guys were inseparable?"
"Oh he's out getting a haircut." Frohike said matter of factly. Doggett and 
Scully both showed similar expressions of incredulity.
"Haircut? Langly?"
"Ha ha ha, no just kidding. I don't know where he is, he just said he's going 
out. We don't keep tabs on each other all the time." 

"Scully? What are you doing there with Doggett?" Byers asked in his soft, smooth 
voice.
"Yes, and why are you standing that close to him?" Scully couldn't tell if there 
was a hint of jealousy in that comment. She made an involuntary move away from 
him.
"I just thought you'd see us both better if we were close," she lied.
"Do you see Byers and myself rubbing shoulders together?" 
"Now that would be a sight. Come on boys we need a favor." Doggett luckily 
changed the subject.

Poor Frohike. Scully knew he had an unrequited affection for her. Now that she 
was with Doggett it would stay that way.
"Well favors are our specialty, spill it." Frohike was back to his normal self 
and Scully had found her way back to rubbing shoulders with the man beside her.

"We have something we'd like you to look into. Have you heard of the bang 
U4mism?" Doggett asked.
"Yes," answered Byers quickly. "That's the band who has that cute English lead 
singer. Love their music. Haven't they recently been touring the States?"
"Yes they have and they're staying here at this hotel." Doggett went on to 
explain about the case of the comatose patients. "We have a list," He held it up 
for them to see. "..of all the places they've toured this year and wondered 
whether you'd take a look and if you can come up with any connections." He gave 
the paper to Scully who then proceeded to use the fax machine on a far bench.

"Scully's just faxing the list to you now."
"Is that all?" asked Byers.
"There's one more thing. It looks as though this could be some sort of 
subliminal message thing perhaps through their music. We have a son....."
"A son?" Frohike choked out the words.
"Yes, we're a family staying here at the same hotel."

"You're married?" Byers had to speak for the flummoxed Frohike.
"Relax guys, it's all a sham. We've borrowed a sixteen-year-old son for this 
case and as we speak he is buying their latest album. He'll then send you a copy 
of 'Lyrical Illusions' to you Fed Ex. Guys we want you to analyze it for us. Do 
your hocus pocus or whatever you do to see if there is anything in the music 
that could be causing this."

Byers was looking somewhere off screen.
"Your fax is coming through now." He left the screen to retrieve it.

"All right Doggett, we'll look into this for you. How can we get in touch." 
Frohike watched Byers as he came back reading a piece of paper.
"You have my cell phone number. I'll have it on until the concert this evening."
"Concert? You're going to a concert?" Frohike laughed.

Doggett chose not to respond to that dig.
"We'll talk later guys." They switched off the conferencing facility.

"So Dana, we have a few hours to spare before the concert, what would you like 
to do?"
"Hmmm." She nestled up closer to him and wrapped her arms around his middle.
"Do you have to ask?"

Chapter Twenty-One
Ramada Hotel
Manager's Office 5.15pm

"Dana, you're going to wear me out." He leant down to kiss her. Just then the 
door opened and in came Roberts back from his break.
"Ahem you two, let me give you a tip. Couples who've been married as long as you 
don't usually go around as lovey dovey as that. You don't want to bring unneeded 
attention to yourselves. I can tell you from experience."
The agents' embarrassed looks quickly changed realizing they hadn't actually 
been caught out.

"Well thankyou Mr Roberts." Scully mentioned as she took Doggett's hand and 
exited the room. "Looking back she added, "Your help here has been appreciated."
"Any time."

"I suggest we go back to the room," Doggett nodded towards the elevators. "Tom 
should be back by now. We may need to talk."
"And I should really ring Mom. I feel as though I'm being a neglectful mother." 
Doggett placed an arm around Scully and led her to the elevator.
"Don't say that. You're a wonderful mom and I've seen you with Tom. William is 
lucky to have you."
Scully looked up at him smugly.
"Why thankyou John."

"What's this?" They'd reached their room and an envelope had been stuck to their 
door. Scully tore it off and handed it to Doggett. "It's for you?" Scrawled on 
the front was John's name.
They both walked through the door before Doggett decided to open the note.
"Tom, are you there?" Scully called out to the seemingly empty suite. "He must 
be here soon. So what does it say?"

The look on Doggett's face was one of concern. "It's from Shirley-Ann."
"And, what does she want?" Scully was really taking a disliking to this woman 
who seemed most interested in her man.
"She wants me to meet her. She's included her room key." He held up a white key 
card.
"You're not going to go are you?" Scully's half question, half statement was 
mixed with a sliver of jealousy.
Doggett looked thoughtful as he slowly paced the room.
"Dana, this may be an opportunity to find out more about what's going on here," 
he said in all innocence.
"John, she just wants to get into your pants, I know the type."
"What?" He was genuinely surprised by her comment.  "No. She's probably got 
something she needs to say."

Scully shook her head. "When does she want to meet you?"
"Now."
"Okay." Scully was uncomfortable about all this but she also knew Doggett was 
right and they didn't need any enemies here. "How about I come and rescue you in 
say thirty minutes."
"Rescue me? You sound as though I can't handle myself around her."
"Let's just say I've met her kind before. I'll wait here for Tom. You go."

....................

"John, glad you could make it." There was that charming English accent again and 
this time she had her hair tied up off her face. This made her look younger and 
very attractive he thought. The way she wore her clothes too was so alluring. 
This time she had on a short finely knitted pale pink skirt and sleeveless 
matching top. She seemed to like clothes that showed off her midriff. Shirley-
Ann caught him looking and smiled, lifting an eyebrow.

"I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here." She went over to the couch 
and sat patting the seat beside her. Doggett took the cue and followed her but 
instead of sitting next to her he chose a different seat.

"Why is it that all the damn sexy men are married?" She looked down at the ring 
on his finger. He followed her eyes and smiled remembering back to when Mallory 
had said to him not to lose it.  Shirley-Ann had a gleam in her eye as she got 
up and moved over to sit on the arm of his seat. Doggett sat still as she lifted 
a hand and lightly traced the line of his jaw. 
"So do you love her?"
"Who? Oh, yes I do love her?" Doggett tried not to gulp as her hand moved to his 
ear and lightly tugged on the lobe.
"How long have you been married, too long I hope." Shirley-Ann was keeping her 
voice low and sexy. It was evident that she was trying to come onto him 
especially as she moved her fingers to the back of his neck and felt under the 
neckband of his T-shirt. He hoped she hadn't noticed how warm his neck was 
becoming.

She leant down close to his ear and almost whispered.
"I always get what I want you know."
"You..... do...?" Doggett stammered as her fingers moved down further under his 
T-shirt. At this time he found the energy to stand and move away from her.
"Shirley-Ann, I don't know what you're doing but I'm a married man, we can't do 
this."
"Do what John? What are we doing?"
"I don't know, you tell me." If it wasn't for his feelings for Scully and that 
they were undercover on this assignment he could actually go for her in a big 
way.

"I was just about to get you a drink." Standing, she brushed herself down 
seductively and walked towards the kitchenette. As she bypassed him she lightly 
breezed against his body.

Doggett found himself imagining what he'd have to do to stay in this woman's 
good books. He wouldn't be able to avert her every move.
"John, champagne?"
"Huh? Oh, yes." He watched as she unpopped the cork and filled two tall glasses. 
"So what did you ask me here for?" He was a little tentative that the reply was 
going to be <for sex>.
"All in good time John, do you  we can get six glasses out of this bottle." 
Doggett felt that lump in his throat again.
"Shouldn't you be rehearsing now, or setting up the stage now for your concert."

As she gave him his glass her free fingers traced his hand. They both took a few 
sips before she replied.
"That's why we have the technicians. We've done this show quite a number of 
times now. Myself and the boys usually get there about an hour before to warm 
up." Her glass was already empty and she was pouring her second then topped up 
Doggett's.
"You know what the best thing is before a concert?"
<Uh oh> Doggett thought as once again she stood in his personal space. She held 
his hand and led him back to the couch.
"What?" He braced himself for the response. She leant into him and purred,
"Sex."
.....................

Doggett coughed nervously.
"Look Shirley-Ann, you're a beautiful sexy lady but I'm in love with someone 
else."
"Oh?" She didn't seem at all hurt. This was a lady who was used to getting what 
she wanted. "It was worth a try, you sexy hunk. I just hope your darling wife is 
giving you what you deserve."
He looked a little relieved but not out of the woods yet. He smiled knowing that 
indeed his *wife* was giving him everything he needed.
"So apart from sex why did you ask me here."

"Um," She became more thoughtful as she once again sat down. "I don't know who 
else to tell. I'm afraid."
"Afraid? Of what?"
"Look John there's something strange going on behind the scenes with the band." 
When he was sure her mood had changed and he was safe he sat beside her on the 
couch. 
"Something strange? What is it and why tell me?"
"I'm telling you because you're going to the concert tonight and will be coming 
back stage. I'd like another pair of eyes and ears. There have been people going 
missing."
"Missing?"
"Yes. Technicians, behind the scenes people, roadies. Since this tour started 
none of these people has stayed more than three weeks on the job. They just stop 
turning up. We've tried to contact them but get no replies."
"Why me?  Why not go to the police?"
"I want to be sure there's something going on here. If it's all-innocent then it 
could reflect badly on the band. The last thing we want now is bad publicity." 
"Why me?"
"You're on vacation, you seem an intelligent, strong man. I just thought maybe 
you would see something that I'm not." He was inwardly flattered by her 
comments.
"I'll see what I can do. Can you give me the names of these missing technicians? 
I have a few friends who might be able to help." Doggett noticed her 
apprehension. "No, they will be very discreet I promise you." She visibly 
relaxed.
"Yes, I'll ask my manager to send them to you."
"So that's why you've been coming onto me, so I will help you?"

Her face once again changed to a Cheshire grin.
"Uh uh!" She shook her head.  She moved to his ear and whispered something that 
made his face light up. This was her opportunity. On the way back from his ear 
she caught his mouth with hers. Just as she was kissing him the door opened and 
there stood Scully, white key card in hand.

Doggett looked up just in time to see the pained look on Scully's face and her 
run off down the hallway.
............

Chapter Twenty-Two
Ramada Hotel  6pm

"Dana!" Doggett knocked on the locked bathroom door with desperation. "Open up, 
we need to talk!" He heard quiet sniffling from behind the door. "Dana." His 
voice was pleading as he kept knocking. "It's not what you think."

This was not working. He needed to explain to her that it was Shirley-Ann doing 
the kissing not him. This was not something he wanted to say through a closed 
door. What was he to do? In frustration he flopped down on the bed with his 
hands under his head staring up at the ceiling.

"Dad?" Tom's voice was questioning and tentative behind the half open door. "Can 
I come in?" When there was no reply he stuck his head around the corner to see 
what was happening. "Dad?" With still no reply he went to sit on the end of the 
bed. "I heard you and Mom. Please tell me what's wrong."

Doggett had been only half aware that Tom was present until he felt the bed 
move.

"Tom, I hadn't realized you were here." 
"Yes, I've been back for a while now. Mom said you were visiting with Shirley-
Ann. Is that why she's upset?"

Doggett was in two minds whether to tell him anything. It was an adult thing. It 
was between Dana and him.

"Why would she be upset? I thought it'd be a good thing to be close to the band, 
for the case and all," he questioned in all innocence. Doggett thought about 
being a real father and how he would respond to a question like that from his 
real son. He would be honest. All the details didn't need to be revealed but as 
a life lesson and to be open with him he decided to talk.

"Dana is upset because she caught Shirley-Ann kissing me."
"What?!" Tom got off the bed and ran fingers through his hair and paced the 
floor. "Oh my god Dad! You know what many males of this world would do if they'd 
been in the same position as you?"

Doggett was confused. Tom sat back down on the bed.
"And? Tell me what was it like. You could sell your story for big bucks, you 
know that?"
"To-om!" Doggett was initially baffled as to Tom's reaction but in a way the 
unexpected part of it helped him see the funny side too.
"So did you kiss her back? What was she wearing? How did she smell?"
"To-om!"
"Okay Dad," he laughed. "I know, you're in love with Mom and it was all a 
mistake." This boy was certainly more aware of life than he gave sixteen-year-
old boys credit for. He put it down to greater freedom of the media and 
television of today.

"So what did she want? Just you?" Doggett thought this was being a little too 
forward but he was coming to expect it from this boy. He remembered the list of 
the missing roadies that Shirley's manager would give to them.
"Apparently Shirley-Ann and the rest of the guys know something is going on 
here. There have been some technicians missing." Doggett explained everything to 
Tom who listened intently.

"Maybe I could follow this up while you guys make peace?" His face showed he was 
eager to help in both ways.
"Okay. Perhaps you could talk to Shirley-Ann about getting in contact with her 
manager." His eyes lit up with the prospect of this task. Doggett rolled over to 
the bedside table and retrieved the pen and notepad there.
"Here's the phone number of some friends of ours. They already have the list of 
coma patients and they should have that CD I asked you to send."
"Oh them? So they'll look into this?"
"Yes." He finished off writing and handed over the paper. "I'm hoping for some 
information soon. Maybe they'll having something for us when you ring."

"All right Dad, I'll do this but first...."
"First?"
He got off the bed and walked to the bathroom door and lightly knocked.
"Mom," he paused. "Dad says he wants to take you out for a nice dinner as an 
apology." Doggett frowned and mouthed a silent <what?>. Tom just smiled. "He 
says he loves you and wants only you." Doggett couldn't believe that his 
surrogate son was saying this.

"I think that'll work." As he tiptoed to the door he added, "I do that to my mom 
and dad all the time."

Chapter 23 - alternate universe - LOL

Scully woke up in her hospital room feeling very disorientated. Her gaze went up 
to the white-coated man beside her bed.
"Mulder." The man looked behind him then back to Scully.
"Mulder?" 
"What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming back."
"Ms Scully, my name's not Mulder it's Doctor Benjamin Dover. You can call me 
Ben."
"What?"
"I'm your doctor." This was very confusing.
Just then three people entered the room, two adults and a teenage boy. Scully 
looked over towards them."John? Monica? Tom?" The three looked confused."No Ms 
Scully. This is Mr and Mrs King and their son Wayne.""Hello there," Mr King 
greeted the incredulous woman in the bed. "I'm Joe and this is my wife Faye.""Hi 
there." The teenager sounded jovial.The tall dark-haired woman spoke next in a 
quiet, calm voice."We found you on the road. It must have been a hit and 
run.""What?" Scully tried to get up but her arms and legs felt leaden."Don't try 
to move just yet." The doctor placed a hand on her arm. "Your body has been 
through an ordeal.""An ordeal?""Yes, you have just woken from a coma." Scully 
couldn't believe what she was hearing from Mulder. It must have been a 
joke."Come on, where's the camera?" She tried to laugh."No cameras Ms Scully. 
You're just confused. You've been comatose for two weeks." Her laughter turned 
to uncertainty. This did seem real. No way could Mulder act like that and not 
have laughed by now and what was John doing with his arm around Monica?There 
were two more faces entering the room. Mallory and the hotel manager Roberts 
came to the foot of the bed."Thank goodness Dana, we were all worried about 
you.""Mallory, Roberts, why are you here?"
The two men looked at each other blankly."No Dana, I'm Gilmore Anderson, your 
school Principal, remember?""School? But I'm an FBI agent.""Dr Dover laughed and 
mentioned,"Since when did elementary school music teachers have delusions of 
grandeur." The others all smiled.Scully found herself wondering, if Mallory 
wasn't himself then who was Roberts?"Remember me Dana?" Roberts looked a little 
concerned. "I'm your fiancée.""But I'm not getting married to you!" Scully tried 
to get up again but her body would not respond. The man looked forlorn. These 
were not the faces of people playing tricks."Where's my baby?" The Mulder 
lookalike looked sad."Ms Scully, this must all be in your mind, you're confused 
right now.""I'm confused? Tell me I've been an FBI agent for the last eight and 
a half years!""No Dana," mentioned Anderson. "You've been a school teacher for 
the last fifteen years." She shook her head."You all are making no sense 
whatsoever." "Ah," mention the doctor. "Here's Nurse Green." A woman with the 
striking resemblance of Shirley-Ann came to the other side of the bed."Hello 
Dana, just call me Theresa.""Okay everyone. Nurse Green is going to attend to Ms 
Scully, let's leave them in peace.Nurse Green's gaze followed them out the door. 
When the last one had gone all Scully could remember was an evil wink and 
everything fading to black.The End  - tricked you?Chapter Twenty-ThreeRamada 
InnScully's and Doggett's Suite, 6.30pmThe bathroom door opened tentatively and 
Scully looked out. She saw her partner's puppy-dog expression as he lay on the 
bed and couldn't help but forgive him there and then. She'd seen this expression 
on him before and it just melted her heart. How could she possibly believe that 
the kiss would have happened on purpose. She was the one that had boasted that 
she'd seen Shirley-Ann's kind before. Why couldn't she have just trusted 
John?Doggett held his arms out to her and like a magnet she was drawn to 
them."I'm so sorry John." Tears once again came to her red-rimmed eyes. She fell 
into him and hugged him tightly resting her head on his chest. "I just didn't 
expect to see....""That's okay Dana. She's all you said she was but she did have 
some important information for us. Tom's working on it now.""Oh?""I'll tell you 
soon, just hold me for a moment." Scully felt warm and safe in his arms and soon 
found her fingers working their way over the hard muscles of his stomach through 
his T-shirt. His warm breath breezed through her hair and her head lifted with 
every rise of his chest. This was almost mesmeric. As she twirled absent 
fingertips around his navel she heard small growls from deep within him. This 
was turning him on. She decided to experiment further mapping out down his 
thigh, over his jeans, with the same fingers. After making a few circles around 
his kneecap exploratory fingers walked up his inner thigh falling just short of 
what was then growing in his pants. Scully had all the power and felt good 
knowing she could make this man hot for her.Playing further her hand went to the 
other leg and repeated the same slow actions down his thigh, around his kneecap 
and up his inner thigh. The rise and fall of his chest was more pronounced. 
Scully had the urge to see his facial expression but she didn't want to give 
away her intentions. Edging out his T-shirt from his jeans she slid eager 
fingers underneath to touch the heating skin. He expelled urgent air as she felt 
beneath the rim of his jeans."Oh Danathat'sgood." His words ran into each other. 
She found the button of his jeans and undid it and went for the zip. Being 
careful not to hurt him she unzipped over his then delectable, rock hard bulge. 
Once free of its constraints Scully massaged his balls with her fingers and 
rested her palm on his swelled cock.As she fiddled with his balls she moved her 
head down from his chest and began to kiss the hot skin of his stomach, running 
her tongue over and around his navel. She was inwardly thrilled that she had so 
much control of his emotions at that point. His hand made random movements on 
her back as she moved her mouth further down until it was perched just above the 
pulsating head.As her tongue teased the head he spoke with long drawn out 
words,"Da-na... yo-ou.......don't... ha-ave... to......" She just gave a few 
throaty chuckles and continued her oral application on the male appendage that 
had given her so much pleasure in the last couple of days. With her head resting 
on his abdomen she moved just a fraction closer to fit the head of his penis in 
her mouth. His hand was now feeling along her side from her shoulder down to her 
hip. Did he know what he was doing?Her mouth moved further down and she wondered 
if he felt her smile as he shifted and groaned. It was time then to relocate her 
body to be able to take more control. She wanted to do this for her man almost 
as an apology for her recent helpless paranoia. With long, deliberate, wet 
movements she worked her way up and down his delectable shaft filling her mouth 
as much as s