Title: Cats and Dogs
Author: RPcrazy
Category: DRR, Doggett POV, Reyes POV
Rating NC-17 - language, sexual situations
Disclaimer: The XF characters are not mine, neither is the dialogue 
from the first part, the rest is.
Summary: What if Doggett and Reyes had never met Audrey Pauley, what 
if Reyes was never in hospital, what if there was never a car 
accident? Maybe this is how it all could have played out.


Part One

Falls Church, Virginia

Doggett:

It's now dark out as Reyes pulls up outside my house in her car and 
takes her hands off the wheel with a contented intake of breath and a 
warm smile across to me sitting in the passenger seat. We've just 
been out for Friday evening drinks and a meal and are prepared for 
another weekend apart from each other. Weekends are long drawn out 
affairs for me nowadays. It's always the weekdays that go fast. Isn't 
that part of life? The good times go fast and the not so good go too 
slowly. I used to love weekends when I had a family. We'd go riding 
our bicycles together along the river, go on picnics, visit friends. 
We would laugh around the dinner table. Barbara used to insist on 
saying grace and Luke would put his roast pumpkin on my plate as my 
eyes were shut. I always knew he'd do that but I never let on. I'd 
just feign surprise at the magic of it all. 

That's all been gone for a while now. I can never see my life ever 
returning to normal. That's why I immerse myself in my work. It's my 
life. I love my work and I love working with my partner. Fridays and 
weekends to many are happily anticipated. To me they are another sign 
that I'm lonely. That's my lot in life I suppose. Some people are 
born to live alone.

My mind is still a little cloudy from the beers. I'd had one too many 
and Reyes had offered to drive me home. My truck would be safe until 
I could pick it up tomorrow. Reyes had a few beers too but she 
assured me she was okay to drive. Her judgment I have come to 
completely trust.

"Thanks for the beer." She smiles across to me. That smile I don't 
often see in our line of work but when I do it lightens my heart. I 
wonder if she knows what I think of her? Does she know that I live to 
see her face every work morning, that I lie in bed at night 
visualizing her and fall asleep with her on my mind? If she knows, 
does she understand why I can't talk about it with her?

"Thanks for the lift." I take another intake of breath to clear my 
head, needing more oxygen for the energy to get out of the car and 
continue the seemingly long journey up the path to my front door.

"So you have any big plans for the weekend?" She takes off her 
seatbelt. That must mean she wants to talk for a moment. Secretly I 
don't want her to leave. That would be two whole days without seeing 
her except in my dreams.

"Oh huge. Microwave pizza, satellite TV." I really don't want to give 
away that I'm lonely but she must see it, me living in that big house 
all alone. Yes I have friends but it's not the same as live in 
company.

Reyes smiles a toothy grin that makes her face light up.  "Wow, 
thanks for making my life sound so exciting." I know it must be more 
exciting than mine. We should go out for drinks more often. We don't 
talk about ourselves enough. I'd love to find out more about her, her 
friends, family, hobbies and other interests. Maybe we have something 
in common that we never knew about.

"Maybe we both need pets. They say people with pets live longer." Is 
she just trying to make conversation here? I get the feeling she 
doesn't want the night to end just yet either so I play along.

"I'm saying I might get a cat." I suddenly realize I said that a 
little too quickly. The idea of a pet had crossed my mind before but 
not seriously. Would a pet love me or would they reject me too? That 
was always the concern in the back of my mind, getting close to 
someone, something, and them leaving for some reason. The thought of 
being alone all over again is overwhelming in my mind. Additional 
pain in my already anguished life is not an option.

"There's dog people and there's cat people. You are a dog person 
John." The look on her face is priceless. Here I am going along with 
her conversation and getting some amusement out of it.

 "How do you figure?" Now this will be interesting. How's she going 
to come out of this one?

She laughs a little nervously but answers immediately.  "Well you're 
faithful, you're dependable, you're without guile, you're very 
comfortable to be around." Had she rehearsed this before or was it 
coming from the top of her head? I was speechless. How could I reply 
to something like that? To tell her how I felt about her now would 
seem just returning compliment for compliment and quite false. To say 
thank you would seem trite.

To cover my silence all she can do is continue. "So why a cat?"

"Low maintenance. They don't expect much from you so you can't 
disappoint them." What she says and does then floors me. I knew she 
has some feelings for me but I hadn't known to what extent. I just 
wish I could read women better.

"I don't see you disappointing anyone John." I had disappointed 
people but she was not to know that. I'd also disappointed myself on 
many occasions. Here she was looking across to me with what looked 
like love written all over her face but I cannot move. I see her lips 
shift slightly and think about kissing her. This is the perfect 
opportunity to reach in and feel her soft lips on mine, to run my 
fingers through her silken hair and give in to her totally, but I 
don't. It would be wrong to lead her on like that. This kiss would 
lead to others, which could lead to other actions and feelings, and 
before I know it I'd be disappointing her, the very thing she thought 
I couldn't do.

"See you Monday?" That's all I could think of to say, how dumb.

"Yeh, see ya." I know I hurt her at that point but that is a small 
sacrifice to pay for her continued happiness.

The door handle is heavy as I get out of the car. I look back to her 
with an expression that I hope she interprets as <I know what she 
wants but can't act on it now>.

She moves off without even a wave and I watch her pull away. As I 
walk to the door all I can see is her trying to keep her face from 
showing the pain she felt inside.

Reyes:

I pull away from outside his house feeling a little frustrated. 
Couldn't he see that I wanted him to kiss me? I gave him the perfect 
opportunity and he passed on it. I know he has feelings for me I can 
tell it in his eyes. Those amazing eyes and that adorable face hold 
so much emotion. Does he realize that I read a lot into his face? 
Something was holding him back. I just wish I knew what it was. Maybe 
he's been alone for too long and needs encouragement to love again. I 
also know that his work is very important to him. A relationship on 
the side may not be the wisest of choices. Love is more important 
than a job. I love John Doggett and I know he has feelings for me. 
Work is ephemeral. Love is lasting. Love far outweighs work. I would 
have to let him see this too.

Now the opportunity of the kiss is lost, when will it happen again? 
If there's another chance just like this one there's no guarantee 
he'll kiss me then either. I'm going to have to work on him. 

That's something I know I'm good at. Ever since I became self aware I 
knew I had a special gift. Empathy is not something to take lightly.  
Others can take advantage of empathic people. This time I will use it 
for selfish purposes. That will be a project I can work on, the help 
John Doggett love again assignment. I know he can love me as much as 
I love him.

"John, John, John!" I find myself saying aloud. Just then I see 
something up ahead quickly darting over the road. I screech my brakes 
to a halt to see a dog run in front of the car. It's chasing a cat 
that climbs up a nearby tree. I would surely have hit the dog if I 
hadn't seen the cat first. I smile at the irony. That cat had 
inadvertently saved the dogs life. I put myself in the cat's shoes 
and smile wondering whether cat people and dog people can get along 
and I feel an inward glow knowing full well I will be proving that 
right.

Just then my eyes dart up ahead to the cross street. A car speeds by 
so fast it's almost a whir. My mind goes into a spin as I realize I 
could have been at that intersection at that precise moment.
.............

Part Two

Doggett:

The morning light is playing tricks on the ceiling as I lie in bed 
contemplating the new day. The mingling of shadow and light eerily 
matches my life as I see it at the moment. The light is my work life 
and the shadow is the growing feelings I'm having for my partner. The 
shadow is swirling in and out of the light making it bend and twist 
at its whim. Thinking back to last night I can't help but feel a knot 
in my stomach. I know I hurt her but I don't know what else to do. I 
just had to get out of the car before doing anything I'd regret 
later. Thinking time was needed. Even one kiss could spark off a 
relationship that is just too dangerous to pursue at this time.

Should I ring her and talk? Looking at the time on the clock cements 
the decision. It is too early for her. How could we possibly get 
along anyway? I'm a morning person and a workaholic. She likes her 
leisure time and I see her as a late riser if she had the chance. 
Maybe if I just cool down and distract myself this weekend it could 
all go away.

I roll out of bed stretching and yawning. The cracks in my joints 
remind me of my years. I am no spring chicken but I'm not too old to 
make a new life for myself either. The floor feels cool on my bare 
feet and the tiles of the bathroom floor make me wince as I traverse 
their icy surface to the sink. The face that stares back at me looks 
tired. As my hands rest on the sink both faces converse.

"Would you risk your job for love?"
"That's not fair."
"How can you face her on Monday morning knowing she probably loves 
you?"
"That question's too hard."
"You need to talk to her you know."
"I know, I just don't know what to say without hurting her further."

The face in the mirror needs something to brighten his day and a 
distraction from these confusing feelings. I step in the shower and 
let the hot water run over my face and body awakening further the 
sleep-filled muscles. A bicycle ride would be just the thing. The 
wind in my hair and the blood coursing my veins would be just the 
remedy I need to start a Reyes free weekend.

Invigorated by the steam and heat I gingerly pull on my bike shorts, 
throw on a T-shirt and slip on my Nikes and head downstairs. After a 
glass of orange juice I get my bike and head for the door prepared to 
face the outside world. I never like to have breakfast before I go 
riding. It sits too heavily on my stomach.

I find myself traveling along 66 East feeling the effects of the 
freedom of this mode of transport. Crossing the bridge at Arlington I 
then precede north and then west. Before I really think where I'm 
going I realize I'm subconsciously headed for Georgetown.

Reyes:

`Yes I should get a cat, it wouldn't be fair to a dog when I'm living 
here in an apartment." Talking to myself out loud is just part of my 
day. There is enough silence in my weekend that a little vocal self-
chatter is a welcome change. Busying myself in the kitchen making a 
banana smoothie for breakfast I mentally plan out my weekend.

"Tomorrow I'll go and visit my friend Sally." I've put her off for so 
long with work as an excuse. I love here dearly but the conversation 
tends to divert to men and marriage, two topics I prefer to not dwell 
on at the moment.
"Must read that book I started last month." AD Skinner had put me 
onto it thinking it was right up my alley. Even though there are some 
parts interesting, for the most part it is slow going but he keeps 
asking me about it so I feel compelled to keep reading.

"That's my bedtime reading tonight. Mmm, this tastes good." I always 
like to have an energy drink before going for my morning run. A milk 
drink makes me feel I'm feeding my bones, which in turn gives me a 
wonderful feeling of well being. I'm at the kitchen sink as I drain 
the glass of the last few drops then head for the bedroom to put on 
my running socks and shoes. Passing my full-length mirror I take a 
glimpse of what I'll be presenting to the outside world. The top 
looks a little bit smaller than I remember showing the skin of my 
stomach. My shorts are a snug fit but feel just right for running. 
Reaching for my brush I pull my hair up and secure it with a flexible 
tie. Forgoing the makeup I elect to have the fresh-faced look. This 
always makes me feel more serious about getting fit rather than going 
out to be watched. Collecting my Walkman and securing my bum bag 
around my waist I open the door to the world. 

Running always gives me a sense of freedom and non-reliance on others 
to get me from one place to another. Sometimes I wonder why I have a 
car at all. It would be wonderful to discard that mode of transport 
and run to work, or the gym or to friends' houses. Unfortunately my 
life is too highly paced to allow for that luxury. With the 
unpredictability of the X-Files I'm often needed at a moment's 
notice. 

When running I usually head for the bicycle track along the river so 
that I don't have to avoid cars. Sometimes I need to dodge bicycles 
but they usually steer clear of me. Today the river smell felt fresh 
and the air was refreshing against my face. The blood pumping through 
my body seemed to pulse out the beat of the music in my ear.
Then I heard the song `Who Let the Dogs Out?' and it all came rushing 
back. My blood seemed to all fall to my feet almost making me topple 
over as once again I thought of John and last night. I'd been proud 
of myself for forcing him out of my mind for so long. His last facial 
expression as he'd turned to me before leaving the car made an 
indelible imprint on my retinas.

What had he meant by that sideways glance? I'd never seen it before, 
it seemed so not like John. What would he be doing now? It was too 
early for pizza and television. I did have to have a chuckle at that 
one. That did seem like John. Would he be doing housework? Maybe he 
would be tinkering with his truck? I'd never seen him use that bike 
he keeps inside. I'd never even thought to ask him about it before. 
My mind imagines his perfect body peddling that bike when I see 
something glittery on the path.  Bending down to take a closer look I 
suddenly find myself sprawled on the ground with both my wrist and my 
ankle in pain.

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

Part Three
On the way to Georgetown

Doggett:

So Georgetown is my destination. I know it's a long way but I'm in 
the mood for a good workout this morning. There's also a peaceful tow 
path there along the canal. My mind chose this place for the obvious 
reason that it's where Monica lives but no way is my body going to 
arrive on her doorstep. After thirty minutes of peddling there is now 
no more intention of talking to her this weekend on the phone or in 
person. The wind on my face and my blood pumping has pushed that 
thought right out of me. I will turn up to work on Monday as though 
nothing has happened. If she wants to broach the subject that's fine 
but I will stay tight lipped.

Nearing the outskirts of her suburb of residence, my legs peddling in 
a steady rhythm I feel the rush of air as cars whiz past me. In no 
time I find the start of the path and stay right of the center line. 
There are a few walkers and runners out today but by no means is the 
way crowded. 
 I ring my bell when I see some pedestrians then deviate around them 
when they do not look like moving.

On the left of me is the serene canal and on the right a good expanse 
of parkland before hitting the road that also runs parallel to the 
canalside. A few children are playing, some with sporting equipment, 
others are playing fetch with their dogs. 

The conversation with Monica came back to me. So she thinks I'm a dog 
person. We used to have dogs when growing up with the family. I loved 
their playfulness, there liveliness pandered to my sporting, 
athletic, overactive nature but that was different. The whole family 
took care of them both physically and emotionally. I could not bear a 
dog expecting all its attention and love just from me, from the one 
person who has forgotten how to love. The thought of its sad face at 
the gate when I arrive home late from work or of its pining for my 
presence when on all night stake outs is too much to bear. A cat 
seems more independent. Cats know how to amuse themselves without the 
need for constant or even regular human contact. As long as they are 
fed regularly with a splash of attention every so often then they are 
happy.

I can imagine Monica with either a dog or a cat as a companion. With 
a cat she would open the front door and call out its name and it 
would come running. While it brushes against her leg purring loudly 
she would pick it up, snuggle it against her cheek and talk while 
getting some it some food. I see can it all so clearly.
With a dog I can it running up to her eagerly and wanting to jump up 
on her but she has trained it to stay down. She would bob down up 
give it a good rubbing and talk to it in a lower voice.

"Have you missed me today? I know you've missed me." The dog would 
lie on its back while she rubbed its belly.
Would a dog be as eager to see me? My mind wanders a little too far 
and I lose concentration of what I'm doing.

"Oh no!" In front of me a runner has suddenly stopped and bent down 
to pick something off the ground. There is no time to avoid her. I 
try to veer left but collect her and she topples over heavily falling 
on the path. My bike is temporarily out of control as I head for the 
canal. Managing to gain some sort of control just on the water's edge 
I must fall on my side on the grass to do this. My shoulder smarts 
for a moment but I'm all right. I nervously look over to the crumpled 
heap on the path. She must be hurt badly because she's not moving. 
Creakily and tentatively I get up and walk over to her. Spotting her 
slight body panic starts to overtake me. I've knocked her 
unconscious. Quickly thinking I tear off a strip at the bottom of my 
T-shirt and go and thoroughly wet it in the water. I then make my way 
as quickly as possible to the woman on the path. Her back is to me so 
her face is hidden. She is beginning to look vaguely familiar. I rush 
to her side and turn her carefully.

"Monica!"
................................

Reyes:

What just happened? I feel as though a ten ton truck just hit me. 
Where am I? My left ankle hurts like hell and my wrist feels broken. 
There'll be some scrapes on my face too. On the ground below me I see 
blood. Then I hear a familiar voice and feel something cold on my 
forehead.

"Mom?" My vision is as blurred as my brain.
"No Monica, it's me. Are you all right?"
"Me?" I still can't make out who it is. This person is holding me in 
their arms and a déjà vu feeling overwhelms me. I'm back in a 
hospital after being slugged by a gun.
"It's me, John, talk to me Monica." The fuzz starts to clear but the 
pain returns with full force. I sit up uncomfortably holding my head 
in my hands. My right wrist feels numb and won't respond to my 
signals.
"Can you stand?"  He helps me up but I fall awkwardly back down again 
as my left ankle is not responding either.
"C'mon Monica, let me help you."

"John?" My mind is adjusting to the once unfamiliar 
surroundings. "Why?" I cannot get out more than one word at a time.
"Just try and stand, I have to get you to a hospital."
"Hospital?"
"You've been banged up pretty bad. Looks as though you may have 
concussion and you've lost a bit of blood from that cut on your 
cheek." My hand immediately rushes to my cheek and I pull it away and 
see red on my fingers.
"Here." I once again feel the coolness on my forehead that helps me 
focus a little more.
"What are you doing here John?"
"Just let me help you up."
"What happened to me?"
"I'll tell you later but first we need to get you checked over. I 
think you may have broken your ankle." He moves away from me and my 
gaze follows him to the water's edge. 
"John, don't go."
"I'm here Monica. Just let me put this on your ankle." I feel 
coolness above my foot and look down to see John wrap some wet 
material around my ankle like a bandage. "This should stop the 
swelling a bit. Can you stand now?" He puts a strong arm under my arm 
and around my back. I put pressure on my good ankle but wince in pain 
as I'm lifted up. My wrist also hurts like hell.

"Good, you're up, now can you walk?" Leaning into him I try to hop 
but all I feel is throbbing pain throughout my body. "Okay - I'll 
carry you." I feel light as a bird as he whisks me off my feet. I've 
always wanted to be in his arms but I never thought it would be like 
this. My head rests on his shoulder as he carries me to the roadside.
"I'm going to put you on this bench seat here and I'll go get my 
bike, okay?"
"Okay, hurry back please John. I think I'm going to pass out."
"Don't do that to me Mon. I'll be right back."

My vision becomes blurry again and I feel my consciousness fading.
"Monica!"
"Huh?"
"C'mon, I'll hail a cab."

One comes in no time. John helps me lie across the back seat and I 
hear him say something to the driver about George Washington 
University Hospital as he gets in the front passenger seat. The rest 
of the journey is a blur.

NOTE: I've been told that the tow-path beside the canal in Washington 
DC is a dirt path with no lines, and the open area is quite a 
distance from the starting point...so I'm using some writers license 
here. 
...............

Part Four 
George Washington University Hospital 
Emergency Room

Doggett:

"Monica, sit here while I go talk to the doctor okay?" She does as I 
say and I glance around at her as I make my way to reception. I don't 
particularly want her to know yet that this is all my fault. When I 
find out she's going to be all right I'll mix that news with mine.

"You'll need to fill out this form. Wife is it?" The receptionist 
sounded a little disinterested.
"No just a good friend." The idea of someone mistaking Monica for my 
wife surprisingly made me feel warm inside.
"What's wrong with her?"
"I'd prefer to talk to the doctor if you don't mind." My voice is low 
and genuine.
"Well lovey, all in good time, we have a number of people here on the 
waiting list." She looks around the room impatiently.
"I'm not sure we can wait, I think she may have some broken bones and 
be suffering from concussion. She's been out to it a few times. She's 
also lost a bit of blood."
"How did this happen?"
"I'd really like to talk to the doctor."
"If you must." She humphed over to the intercom and spoke quietly to 
someone on the other end. I filled out the form as quickly as I could.
"Sign it there." She placed a chubby index finger in the obvious 
place.

"Now go take a seat, a doctor will be here shortly."

I turn to see Monica talking with someone on the seat next to her. 
Now there is a familiar face. 

I extend my hand to his. "Tom, Tom Mallory. Good to see you again."
"Hi John, I'm here with my friend. He's in there getting his broken 
arm plastered." I hadn't seen Tom since he was on a case with us a 
month back. We'd been undercover and he was there as my surrogate 
sixteen year old son. His real father was the Detective in charge at 
Winston-Salem Police Headquarters in North Carolina.

"So what brings you to Washington DC?" 
"I'm staying with a friend this week. He used to go to my school but 
moved here a few months ago."

I look at Monica who was still lucid but obviously in pain. My 
attention goes to her for a moment. "Monica, the doctor will be here 
soon." She nods lethargically.
"What happened to her anyway?"
"She was involved in an accident on the canal tow-path."
"How? Looks pretty bad." I pull him by the elbow out of earshot from 
Monica. 
"It was me. I was riding my two-wheeler and wasn't thinking and ran 
into her."

"What! You did this to her?" 
"Not so loud, she doesn't know yet. I'm going to break it to her 
gently."
"Oh John, you're going to have some explaining to do. I hope you're a 
good friend `cause you may even make an enemy over this one." I 
remembered what a smart ass Tom had been a month ago but that was 
what had endeared him to me.

"Oh, I know I'll just have to make it up to her somehow." I look over 
to her slumped over in two and I frown.  "For now I just want to know 
if she's going to be all right. Look Tom, I have to get back to her, 
she needs me right now."
"Well if you need anything more I'm happy to help."
"Thanks, I might just take you up on that offer." 
"See ya later." Tom walks off waving as I move hurriedly back to 
Monica and sit in the seat beside her.
"Mon, I'm here for you." She makes the effort to smile through the 
pain. 
"John, I know." Her face says it all. I remember back to when she 
talked about cat people and dog people. I don't care if I'm either 
person now, all I care is that she makes it out of this. It's all my 
fault and once again I think about the fact that I'll disappoint 
someone I care about in my life.  
I'm about to go back to reception and demand to see a doctor now when 
her name is announced as the next in line.

Reyes:

The way he talks just makes me weak at the knees. New York accents do 
that to me but this accent mixed with that husky voice makes me want 
to listen to him talk all day. I imagine him whispering in my ear 
that he loves me. He's also tells me what he'll be doing to my body 
when we get back to my apartment. After laying me on the bed he'll 
gently take off my clothes and kiss and lick every bit of bare skin 
he finds on the way. I feel his feathery but sure tongue on my 
stomach running circles around my navel. As he works his way north he 
lifts my sports bra over my arms pinning them to the side. His tongue 
does wonders on my bare breasts licking and sucking exquisitely every 
square inch. When he makes his way back to my lips, now with my 
sports bra on the floor, he gently drawls, "Monica my sweet, this is 
all to take the pain away." And it does.

"Monica Reyes." I'm startled out of my reverie by a distant voice.
"Over here Doc." I hear John say. 

"Hello Monica, I'm Doctor Day. Do you think you can walk?" I shake my 
head without speaking. I'm still numb from my carnal thoughts.
"Hi Doc, I'm John Doggett her friend."
"Well Mr. Doggett I think she'll need a wheelchair." He signals an 
attendant to retrieve one and John lifts me up placing me gently in 
the seat. 

It's all a dream, it must be. I get into a hit and run accident on 
the tow-path and John happens to be there at the right time like the 
true super hero I imagine him being. I'm so glad he's here to help 
me, and not some sleaze. What was he doing there anyway? This place 
is a long way from Falls Church by bicycle. That'll be a question for 
later. For now I just want this all sorted out. I want to feel normal 
again.
John wheels me to one of the rooms following the doctor.

"So what happened to her?" He checks out the cut on my face and looks 
into my eyes with his medical flashlight. "Looks like concussion 
alright and that cut will need a few stitches.  Monica, tell me how 
you're feeling?"
"I feel really light-headed and I'm hurting."
"Okay, I'll give you something for the pain." He feels my right wrist 
and I wince with the pain. "We'll need to x-ray that." 
"I think her left ankle's broken Doc."
"Hmm." He undoes the makeshift bandage. "You put this on her?"  John 
nods. "Good thinking there. It's probably saved her from more 
swelling. Looks nasty though. Okay, wait here. We'll need to get her 
to radiology."

John follows the doctor out the door but I can't hear the 
conversation.

Doggett:

"So what aren't you telling me Mr. Doggett?" I know he saw that I'd 
been uneasy about all this. "It's more than being her friend isn't 
it?"
"Look Doc she doesn't know and I'd appreciate it if you didn't 
mention anything. I have to find the right time."
"You did this? How?"
"My mind was a million miles away while riding my bike and she was 
suddenly there in my path. I tried to swerve but I clipped her. I 
think her ankle must have twisted up in the wheel spokes."
"Well I just hope she's an understanding friend. It would have been 
easier if she knew from the start."

"I know, " I say in almost a whisper. "It's just that she seemed so 
disorientated and in such pain at the time that I didn't want to add 
to it." He nods understanding.
"Just wait for her in the waiting room. I'll bring her out to you 
when she's done."
"Do you think she'll need to spend the night here?"

"Not at this stage. The concussion doesn't look too serious. She will 
need to have someone there for her 24/7 for the next couple of days 
though. Maybe that could be your penance for your misdemeanor?" He 
laughs and I know he can almost read my mind. How do doctors do that? 
I run my fingers through my hair as I reenter the room where Monica 
sits patiently on the bed. Even with a pained expression on her face 
and a nasty cut on her cheek she looks so beautiful. My thoughts go 
back to our conversation in the car last night.

"You could never disappoint anyone John." Well this certainly would 
prove her wrong. She must see my thoughtful face because she says,
"What's wrong John?" I walk over to her and go to take her hand but 
stop. She is still my work colleague. I just can't start fondling 
her. I notice she lifts her hand in anticipation but lets it drop 
when I don't follow up. I'm prepared to look after her and see that 
she is all right for the next couple of days but I must think of the 
future. In time the pain and memory of this accident will heal but we 
will still be colleagues and effective partners should not be linked 
romantically. I must keep my feelings in check here. I should just 
count my lucky stars that I'll be near the woman who has changed my 
life. Let's just feed on her proximity and bask in the feeling that 
I'm helping her out in a time of need.

"Oh nothing's wrong," I lie. "The doc's just organizing x-rays for 
your wrist and ankle."
"You should go home John." Do I sense she doesn't want me here?
"Mon, I can't just leave you like this."
"Yes you can. You have a life to live. The last thing you need is to 
be nursemaid. That's not in your nature John."
She does make sense. Am I forcing myself on her here? Maybe she does 
want me to go home.
"But the doctor said you may need someone to keep an eye on you for 
the next couple of days."

"And it doesn't have to be you. There are others who can care for me. 
We see each other all week, you need time apart from me." She was 
saying this all a little too coldly. So she wanted me to go. Here I 
am prepared to care for her, I want to nurse her back to health but 
she doesn't want me.

I nod slowly diverting my eyes to the floor then to the door. Looking 
back I say my final words to her.

"I'll call you." I quickly exit before she sees my stricken face. 

Reyes:

"John, John, John." That's the second time in two days I've felt the 
same way. Why does he make me feel like this? I know he went to take 
my hand but had second thoughts. Exactly what's holding him back? 
Surely a handhold would mean just comfort in a time of needed 
nurturing. It's not as though holding hands could suddenly lead to 
sex. <Perish the thought!> I was usually not one for sarcasm.

I had just given him an out. Why should he feel compelled to look 
after me when he obviously has more important things to do than look 
after an invalid? More than anything in the world right now I want 
him to be the one to care for me but not out of a sense of duty. My 
eyes become teary as my whole being cries out to be loved by him.

He's left now and probably on his bike peddling out of the hospital 
grounds. I imagine him on his bike and wish it was me under him with 
those strong legs wrapped around me. Well a girl can dream and that's 
all I have of John Doggett now.

"I'll ring Sally," I say quietly to myself. She'll help me out a 
little. She knows I'm never a burden; in fact she'll probably do too 
much for me and make me feel uncomfortable with all the attention. At 
least I'll still get to see her this weekend. The time spent sitting 
and lying down can be well spent. It'll give me a chance to finish 
that book and get Skinner off my back. Maybe Dana could come over for 
a while to give Sally a break.

Radiology was uncomfortable and painful. I had to position my ankle 
and wrist is such a way that is hurt like hell.

"Well Ms Reyes," Dr. Day pauses looking at the x-ray results. The 
anticipation is killing me.
"Looks like a broken wrist, we'll have to plaster that, and just a 
badly twisted ankle. You're lucky. You won't be off your feet for as 
long as you might have thought."

"The plaster, how long will I have to wear it?"
"From the x-rays here you have a few broken wrist bones so probably 
about five or six weeks. The plaster will go from your hand to just 
short of your elbow and you'll need to keep it dry. Can you do that?" 
I nod and he continues.
"We'll go and give you a few stitches in that cheek of yours then do 
the plaster work. Tell that man of yours to look after you. He'll 
need to keep that ankle of yours strapped and clean. He did a pretty 
good makeshift job before."

"Man of mine?" I laugh and he looks on curiously. "I sent him home. 
I'll get my friend Sally to stay with me."
"Oh? He looked eager enough to help. I think you're making a mistake 
there Ms. Reyes. He seems to care for you deeply."  He does? Why does 
a doctor that has known him for all of fifteen minutes see that and I 
don't?

My left ankle is bandaged, I have three stitches on my face and my 
right arm has been plastered and put in a sling. The crutches I've 
been given are already hurting under my arms as I hobble my way to 
reception and to ring Sally to pick me up.

"Monica!" My heart leaps out of my chest as I see that adorable face 
looking up at me from his waiting room chair.
He walks up to me and this time does take my hand in his. The tingles 
this simple gesture gives me crawl up my arm like golden tendrils of 
pure pleasure.
"Monica," he repeats in that raspy, sexy voice of his. "I've been 
thinkin'." My face lets him know to continue. "I want to look after 
you this weekend. You may prefer someone else but I want to be there 
for you. If you really want someone else then I'll respect that and 
leave now."

"Okay John, if you mean it." For him still to be here when I'd 
clearly given him a way out must show he is genuine. John would be 
well on his way home now if he didn't want this.
"Of course I mean it. Now let me call a cab and I'll take you back to 
your place." Contentment pervaded my whole body thinking about being 
with this man for two whole days and not in a working relationship. 
This will be a wonderful chance to share ourselves with each other. I 
want to get to know the other side of John Doggett that isn't a 
workaholic.
..........

Part Five
37 Bennett Ave
Washington DC

Doggett:

"So why don't you have a pet Monica?" I unlock the front door and let 
her lean on me as she hobbles inside.
"I'd really like to get a dog but as you can see apartments are not 
fair to them. Maybe a cat but I'm just not home enough I suppose. I'd 
find myself wondering during the day whether it's lonely for me."
"I know what you mean. You could always get two cats to keep each 
other company." She looks at me with a funny expression.
"You've really taken that cat people and dog people conversation 
seriously haven't you?"
"Oh, it just made me think a little." I look around her apartment 
acclimatizing myself to the place I will be staying a couple of 
days. "So what do you want to do first?"

"I'd really love a shower." I nod and let her continue. "Don't know 
how I'm going to do it though. The doctor said I've got to keep this 
plaster dry."
"Do you have a plastic bag handy?"
"Yes I do."
"When I had a broken arm a while back I just wrapped it in plastic." 
I paused.  "You know something better?"
"What?"
"A bath. Do what you have to do for a moment and I'll run a hot bath 
for you."
"Okay." I can tell she's amused by my eagerness to please her.

I hear her moving laboriously around her apartment as the water is 
running. There's some bubble bath mixture on the side of the tub. It 
perfumes the air as I pour a dollop into the steamy water. Once 
filled I go out to find her sitting still on her bed deep in thought.

"It's ready. C'mon, I'll help you up." She lets me lead her to the 
bathroom and once there I give her some freedom.
"Want me to find you some fresh clothes?"
"Uh huh." I close the door and head for her room. The thought of 
going through her drawers for clothes seems a little intrusive but it 
is helping her out. Before I reach the door I hear a big thud come 
from the bathroom.

"Monica! Are you all right?" I say this just outside the door. There 
is a groan from inside so I open the door a little. 
"John, I need you." I enter the room to see her on the floor. She is 
just in her underwear but her shorts are around her ankles.
"I'm sorry John, I just can't get used to only having one hand and 
one foot. Please help me?"
"You want me to help you undress?" I feel a lump in my throat at her 
anticipated response. 
"Yes, I just can't do it with one hand."
"But Monica, I shouldn't...."
"Because you'll see me naked?" She finished the sentence for me.

"Come on John, we're friends here. It's not as though you will be 
touching me intimately. I need a favor." That word <intimately> 
really jolted something inside me. I did want to touch her 
intimately. I'm not sure I could keep my hands in any safe places on 
her body. "I can ring Sally if you want."

"No!" I probably said a little too quickly. "I'll help you." I begin 
by taking off the offending shorts from around her ankles then unwrap 
the bandaging. The black and blue swelling that confronts me is 
hideous. She moves herself away from the tub so I can get my arms 
under hers to lift her up. Once standing I realize we are so close 
that I feel her breathing on my face. The warm gusts brush across my 
cheek and rest on my lips making my mouth move involuntarily. Luckily 
Monica hasn't noticed.

I go for her bra clasp and undo it. What I'd really like to do is 
slowly take the straps from her shoulders and let the bra drift to 
the ground. I would then just take in the view of her perfect breasts 
and mould them with my hands. Instead I do not look as I take it off 
then feel for her underwear.

"John, you can open your eyes." I can hear her laughing. "You've seen 
a naked female body before. I feel like saying <But just not one as 
sexy as yours> but of course that would be inappropriate. 
"I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable Mon."
"I'm not, I just want to get in the damn bath." She laughed again. 
With her left hand she begins to pull down her underpants and I help. 
Now she is totally bare and she leans on me as she places her good 
foot into the water. 

Anywhere my hands touch on her velvety skin is making me want her 
even more. As she sinks into the frothy steam I can't help but notice 
her curves as a woman and not as a patient. I must use all the will 
power I have at the moment not to just stare at her angelic form.

"John, can you get that washcloth over there and the soap?" Her 
plastered right arm is lying along the rim of the bath and I can tell 
she is going to have trouble soaping herself with one hand. "Soap up 
the cloth for me will you?" I do so then decide it's probably time to 
leave.

"Where are you going?"
"I'll be just outside if you need me."
"I need you now John, would you wash me? I'm too sore to move much." 
If I say no then she'll probably use the Sally weapon on me so I once 
again get on my knees and begin washing her back with the washcloth.

"Hmmm, that feels good. I haven't had a bath in so long." The cloth 
finds its way over her shoulder and down her sleek back. I can't help 
but marvel at the golden texture of her skin. She lies back exposing 
her chest to me. Her breasts bounce in a tantalizing manner above the 
water. "Go on John." Is she enjoying this or just needing it? The 
cloth, with my left hand, moves over her neck then down to her 
breasts. She moans and I know she is feeling something sexual from 
all this. I have an overwhelming urge to strip off and join her so we 
can moan and heave together. That's my cue to leave.  

"I'll be back for you when you're ready to get out." I head for the 
door with the biggest throbbing in my pants I've had for a very long 
time.

"John, please." Her words fall on my seemingly deaf ears.

Reyes:

That feels so good. His hands on me are even better than I imagined. 
This is all very selfish. I could probably wash myself in some 
fashion with my one good hand but John is here so I'll test the 
waters. I have him eating out of my hand especially when I lie back 
wanting him to wash my chest. The feel of his eyes on my naked body 
makes me feel so hot for him it hurts. It's all just wishful 
thinking; I'm expecting him to stop at any moment. 

I try to look as though this is all natural but I find myself getting 
a little too excited by his touch. He must see this because he stops 
and says he'll be back later. I know I will need him to get me out of 
here. What would I do without him? I just couldn't cope.

As I lie in the hot liquid soaking my aches and pains away I wonder 
what are his motives. He was eager to leave the car last night for a 
weekend to himself and yet today he wants to look after me, he wants 
to be with me. This doesn't make sense.  He must have seen who did 
this to me? He seemed to have been there at the right time. Why 
hasn't he talked about it with me?

The water becomes cooler and I know it's time to get out of the bath. 
Before trying this myself I mentally map out how I'm going to do 
this. My left forearm rests on the side of the tub and I put pressure 
on my right foot and then push myself up. Almost in a standing 
position I realize I can't move any further. My good arm and good 
foot are anchoring me but I have nowhere to go from here. Slipping 
back in the bath again I hear him at the door.

"Monica, you need help?" He's heard the telltale splashing of the 
water. Frustration overwhelms me as John enters the room. "I'm here 
to help Monica. I don't want you hurting yourself more. C'mon, let 
me." Her grabs my bath towel and drapes it over one shoulder then 
leans down. With two strong arms around me he lifts me up. My good 
leg is now free to step out of the tub. Here I am wet and bare in 
John's arms. Do I feel him linger in this position for a moment? If 
so I do not mind. I would do anything he wants me to do now.
"You standin' now?" 
"Uh huh," is all my throat feels like saying. He slowly releases me 
then begins to towel me dry beginning with my shoulders, back then 
all the way down. He's doing this a little bit too seriously. He must 
notice I'm getting cold because he wraps the towel around my chest 
and urges me to leave.

"C'mon, I'll help you get dressed. I'll be back for your dirty 
clothes later."
When we reach the bedroom I notice he's found some clothes for me to 
ear. So this is what he'd like to see me in? For a moment I thought 
he may choose my old battered T-shirt and track pants but instead 
he's found my lilac three-quarter hipsters and matching snug fluffy 
sweater. I smile at him but all I see is innocence on his face. He's 
only found my best underwear too. 

"On the bed." As I sit down he gets the panties he's chosen for me 
and slips them carefully over my feet. As he moves them up my legs 
I'm sure I feel extra fingers feeling their way because it's sending 
messages to my body that I shouldn't be feeling now. When he gets to 
the base of the towel I untie it and let it fall to the bed then hold 
onto his shoulders to be able to stand. I feel a puff of air on my 
thighs as I do this and know this either turns him on or he has 
exerted himself a little too far, probably the latter. As his fingers 
reach my hips I can't help but let out a small moan which totally 
gives away what I'm feeling. Here I am totally exposed to this sexy 
man that I've wanted for so long and he is dressing me. His fingers 
are touching my groin and then my backside as he positions my panties 
just right.
If he does the same with my bra I think I'm going to faint. 

He mustn't know how I'm feeling because he gets my bra and begins to 
put it on me as if nothing has happened. My nipples are as hard as 
rocks and not just from the cold as those fingers feel over the skin 
of my arms, shoulder and then back.

"You smell good Monica," he says into my ear as he does up the bra 
clasp. I fall back on the bed at this point and not because of my 
ankle. 
"Mmmm, I've always liked that bubble bath," I say dumbly.
"You all right?" He does look genuinely concerned. He just hasn't 
realized how much my body is charged right now.
"Yes John." After helping me into my sweater he reaches for my pants.
"You gotta tell me if I'm hurting you here." He carefully threads my 
bad ankle through the pants leg then the other and urges me to stand. 
Once again I'm at his mercy as almost in slow motion I feel his 
fingers make their way up my legs with pants in tow. His thumbs are 
against my backside as he pulls them up the whole way. His fingers 
trace the rim around to the front where he does up my zipper. I 
release another moan as I feel pressure from him on my pubic bone. 
Surely he must know by now that this is all just turning me on? 

Once dressed he retrieves and fresh bandage and restraps my ankle 
adeptly. 

"My hairbrush is on the dresser John." I hold my hand out for it but 
he just shakes his head and gets on the bed behind me. I can't 
remember the last time a man brushed my hair but as his fingers undo 
my hair tie and he places the brush through my tresses I am in 
dreamland. I know he is lingering here. I feel him slow down every 
now and then and his fingers lightly touch my neck and ears. If we 
were at a sexual point of our relationship I'd be taking him on the 
bed this very moment but I have to be content with my dreams for now.

"C'mon Monica, I've made you some lunch."

Doggett:

Oh my god, that was the toughest moment of my life and I've been 
through many a tough time especially in academy training. I had to be 
so careful not to give away my feelings here. Her body is exquisite. 
I wonder if she knows that? I hope she didn't notice me holding my 
breath a number of times so I wouldn't give away my heavy breathing. 
Smelling her body and touching her is like heaven on earth. Her skin, 
her legs, her breasts, her hair are only some of the things that make 
me weak at the knees but I'm here to assist her not seduce her.

I don't know how we'll behave on Monday morning when we're back in 
our basement office but things will have changed between us. I have 
now seen an intimate side of her and she has felt the touch of my 
hands where not just anyone may go. I don't know where all of this 
will lead but I have to tell myself that I want her more now than I 
ever have and it scares me half to death. I can't put the burden of 
me and the baggage that comes with me, on anyone let alone Monica. 
She knows all too well some of the grief I've gone through in life 
but it's my grief not hers. If we were romantically involved now it 
would be automatic that she would share in some of that. I want her 
to be happy, not to be dragged down by me. 

We'll see how this weekend pans out. I've never spent a whole forty-
eight hours with her except on a case. When was the last time I spent 
this long with any woman since my marriage?

"Hmm, that smells good."
"Yes, hope you like mushroom and cheese omelets?"
"Love them but I can never cook them to perfection."
"Well try mine, it's a specialty. Do you want me to get your shoes?"
"No John, I usually go barefooted in my place. I don't think they'd 
fit on this silly foot anyway."

I take pride as she eats the meal I've cooked for her and I can tell 
by her face and not just by her words that she's really enjoying this.
"A home cooked meal by a man, I am impressed."
"Now that's a bit sexist even coming from you Monica Reyes."
"Just teasing John."

"Look Monica, I really need to have a shower and get an overnight bag 
together if I'm going to be stayin' here."
"Yes John."
"Do you think you can keep out of mischief for say about two hours?" 
I love the way she gives a small chuckle and I know what she's going 
to say.
"I'll be fine John."
"I could ring up Tom and ask him to come over?"
"No John, I'll be okay." I'm not convinced especially after the 
episode in the bath before. 
"I'm going to ring Tom, I'm not taking no for an answer." She likes 
her independence I know but the doctor did say she needed someone to 
care for her twenty-four seven. 

I go to pick up the phone receiver when the doorbell rings.
"Expectin' anyone?"
"No." Monica shakes her head. I open the door to see a familiar yet 
unexpected face. I can tell she feels the same way.
"Agent Doggett?"
"Dana, come in. What are you doin' here?" William is asleep in the 
pusher as she wheels it in through the door.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I'm looking after Monica."
"I heard about her." She walks in and must smell the air because she 
pushes William straight to the kitchen. "Monica, are you all right. I 
came straight over when I heard." Putting on the brake on the pusher 
she leaves it where it stands and moves over to her friend.

"Look ladies, if it's okay with you'll I'll take off for a couple of 
hours." Monica looks over to Dana.
"You happy to chat with me for a couple of hours? I'm meant to have 
someone watch me all the time in case I get into trouble." I see the 
look on her face and I smile as I open the front door.

"See you when I get back."

Reyes:

"I know, I'm feeling very clumsy at the moment. I hate being an 
invalid." I try to change the subject before it even starts. I don't 
know if I want to talk about it all just yet.

I look across to the sleeping William and smile.
"He's growing so fast Dana."
"I know, to me too. I was told by someone to savor these baby years 
because in no time they grow up. I'm starting to understand why."
"How are you coping Dana?"
"Oh I'm good. Mom is a godsend especially when I'm working. I love my 
boy but I love the time away as well, to be a person again for a few 
hours."

I take a deep breath. "So what brings you here Dana?"
"You actually."
"Me?" I know that the subject is once again going to be my accident.
"Yes, I happened to be at the hospital this morning checking up on 
some things for work and I ran into your Doctor Day a colleague of 
mine from a way back. I couldn't believe it Monica, how are you 
feeling?"

"Oh. I'm still sore and it's so frustrating trying to get around." 
She looks at the stitches on my face.
"He's done a good job of those, they shouldn't leave a scar." A scar? 
I hadn't even thought of that. That's not an image I want on my mind 
right now.
"Did you bandage this?" She looks at my ankle resting on a nearby 
chair.
"No, John did it for me." She looks back me as if she's impressed.
"So tell me about John. His face was the last one I'd be expecting to 
see at your door on a Saturday unless it's work related. He certainly 
wasn't dressed the part."

"Well you won't believe it Dana, he happened to be there at the right 
moment. Some loser had collected me on the tow-path and he was there 
to help me. He took me to the hospital and he's offered to stay with 
me this weekend."
"I am impressed."
"He's just riding home to collect some gear then he'll be back for 
the day and for tomorrow."
"I've never known John to do something like that since I've met him. 
He tends to keep very much to himself unless it's to do with work." 
My feelings for him are once again bubbling to the surface and I just 
have to say something.

"Dana, can we talk?" Scully looks on curiously. It wasn't often we 
had a chance to talk like this. The accident was almost a blessing in 
a way; both John and Dana were becoming a little closer.

"Yes of course, what is it?"

"How long was it before you realized you loved Mulder?" Scully moves 
back a little almost not believing what she's hearing.
"Oh, I don't know really. I suppose it wasn't too far into our 
relationship but I just kept putting it into the back of my mind. He 
was certainly not interested in me that way for a long time. For most 
of our years together we just kept our professionalism."
"What made you finally realize you loved him?" She looks at me 
wondering where all this is leading.
"There came a time when I thought I couldn't live without him and it 
all just clicked together."
"And now?"
"I still can't live without him but I have to cope for William's 
sake. Why Monica? Why all these questions? Do you love someone?" I am 
quiet for a while wondering whether I have made the right decision 
about talking. "Is it Brad?"

"No it's John." She just looks at me as though I'd spoken is Swahili.
"Dana, I'm in love John Doggett and I don't know what to do."
"Does he feel the same way?"
"You're looking at me as though you can't believe it. I know Dana, 
but I've always been a believer in opposites can attract." It's just 
now that I feel a little stiff from sitting so long and just have to 
get up and move.
"Are you all right Monica?"
"I'm just a little numb." The kitchen bench is a good place to lean 
as I feel the blood rushing back my unyielding limbs.
"You haven't answered me Monica, how does John feel about you?"
"That's just it, I don't know. We've had some moments."
"Moments?"

"Last night I really wanted him to kiss me, and just before...."
"Just before?" It's quite personal but I need to talk to someone.
"When he was dressing me..." I see that Scully is shifting a little and 
wonder whether I should proceed. "Dana, the way his hands touched me, 
no-one's ever touched me like that before but it wasn't as though he 
was making a move on me. It was as though he wasn't aware of the 
affect it had on me."
"Well Monica, all I can say is life is too short to keep speculating. 
You have to find out."
"Yes I know, I suppose I'm just scared that he can't love me as much 
as I love him."

"I think that this weekend is the perfect opportunity to find out."
"Oh?"
"Maybe you should just make him an offer he can't refuse!" My 
eyebrows raise and give a smile wondering what she has in mind.
"I have the perfect plan for you."


Doggett:
Falls Church

As I speed back home on my bike many images race through my mind. The 
wind on my face and through my hair helps clear my head. The growing 
feelings I've been having for my work partner Monica are beginning to 
concern me and I'm not sure I can last the weekend without acting on 
them. What's the harm in one small kiss? Did I just hear myself say 
that? That's not what was said as self-talk in Monica's car last 
night. Maybe I could try one kiss and that may satisfy my urges for 
now. I'm sure she wants it too but would she want more? That's 
something that would be unwise to pursue. 

The scene of the accident plays havoc on my mind as I pull into my 
driveway and wheel my bike to the front door. Will she ever forgive 
me? The thought of her reaction to the news that it was me who was 
the `loser' who `hit and ran' would probably put to rest any ideas of 
a romantic relationship. She just wouldn't talk to me again.
I'll have to tell her under the right circumstances to save her from 
any more pain than she's gone through in the last few hours.

I rest the bicycle against the wall and make my way upstairs. Maybe I 
could gently break the news over a nice home-cooked dinner tonight? I 
take off my top and feel a needed coolness across my chest. There's a 
supermarket on the way back so I could pick up a few things. Sitting 
on my bed I lean down to unlace and remove my shoes, then peel off my 
sweaty socks. Mustn't make it look too romantic though. Perhaps 
renting a movie would be the go and we could watch while eating. My 
pants are the only article of clothing between the shower and me. 
After peeling off my bike shorts I then gather all my dirty clothes 
and head for the bathroom.

The hot water running over my head and down over my body is a welcome 
feeling. It washes away all but the thought of that kiss. My fingers 
run over my mouth pretending they are her lips on mine. It is hot and 
wet just as I imagine her kiss to be. The streams of water running in 
rivulets down my body are her hands working on me just as my fingers 
did on her as I undressed then dressed her. As my mind works, my body 
is responding just as it did when I was washing her in the bath. This 
is too much to bear for one day and I just have to give in to what it 
needs or I will explode from pent up sexual energy.

Slumped against the shower wall regaining my energy I make up my mind 
once and for all that I will kiss her. The when and how will all be 
left to chance.
............

Part Six
Reyes' Apartment

Reyes:


"Monica, I'm back." John calls from the front door. "Your door's 
open."
"In here John." He soon appears at my bedroom door and sees me 
resting on the bed.

As John comes into the room I feel an involuntary intake of breath as 
I've been doing a lot lately when I see him. He's wearing all black. 
I love him in those clothes, black jeans, T-shirt and leather jacket 
slung over his shoulder. He's carrying his overnight bag. His hair is 
immaculately groomed. How does he do that to me?

"Where can I put these?" The look on his face tells me that he's seen 
my change of clothes to track pants and top.
"You've changed?"
"Oh these, I spilt some coffee so I had to change." I try to look 
suitably straight faced at his expression. He almost looks hurt that 
he wasn't here to help me dress.

"Dana's gone home?"
"About thirty minutes." He looks out the door then back to me.

"How long have you been alone Monica? You managed by yourself?"

That question I prefer not to answer just yet. "Your bag could go 
over in the corner there. There's a sofa bed in the lounge area you 
could sleep on tonight." 

"Monica, the doctor said you're not to be alone this weekend." He 
places his bag down on the floor where she indicated.
"I haven't been alone John."  Before he can react there's a voice 
from behind.

"Oh, Mr. Doggett." The voice is heard coming from the direction of 
the bathroom. "She's not been alone. I've been here since Scully 
left." John looks across to a smug as usual Brad Follmer with daggers 
as I've noticed he does often. John's probably never seen him in 
casual clothes and I can tell his mind is working overtime. He 
glances back to me looking as though he wants to talk but the words 
do not materialize.

"Brad came over to see how I am. Dana let him know about my accident 
and he's been checking up on me."
"Okay Follmer you've checked her and see that she's in good hands, 
now I'm sure you have a home to go to." John says rather coolly. Is 
there a hint of jealousy there or is it just loathing for and 
distrust of this man?

"Well Mr. Doggett I can see that I've spent all the time here I need 
to." He walks over to me, leans down and gives me a wet, soft kiss on 
the lips that doesn't go unnoticed by John. "I'll see you tomorrow as 
planned?"

Doggett:

That snake just kissed her on the lips. How can she possibly let him 
do that? I'm peeved that he gets to do that even before I've had the 
chance. I don't know if I want the memory of his lips on hers when 
I'm about to kiss her.

"Okay Brad, tomorrow." She smiles as her eyes follow him to the 
bedroom door. As he brushes past me he whispers something that only I 
can hear.
"You don't know just how sweet she tastes." He laughs and I just have 
to hold in all the energy that wishes it could escape and just deck 
him there to the floor. How does he get my hackles up like that?

I listen for the closing of the front door before speaking.

"How could you let him in here Monica?"
"Why John? What's wrong?" I go to sit on the bed next to her being 
careful to miss her foot. "I don't trust him as far as I can throw 
that bastard."
"John, he came as a friend caring about another friend."

"Did he help you dress too?" The picture of him helping change 
Monica's clothes was too much to bear. 
"John, please don't be like this." I know the feelings I'm having are 
unreasonable but if it was anybody else...

"So what's happening tomorrow?"
"You can have a few hours to yourself because he's taking me out to 
lunch." That's it. I have to leave now or I will show a side of 
myself I don't want Monica to see. Here I've been agonizing over 
whether I should kiss her or not and she's been getting kisses from 
Follmer and maybe something else too.

"I'll see you soon. Just going to do the laundry." She calls out as I 
leave.

"John, don't go like this. Please come back. We need to talk." You 
might need to talk but I need to get the hell out of here to calm my 
fuming thoughts.

I go to the bathroom to collect her dirty clothes from the floor and 
to let out the now quite cold bath water. Her laundry basket is there 
so I place the clothes inside, lift it and take it down to the 
laundry in the basement of her building. I don't usually do laundry 
to let off steam. It's usually a ride on my bike or shooting some 
hoops in the back yard but this is what I feel like now. It's almost 
a metaphor for washing away the gritty feeling I have seeing Follmer 
kiss Monica.

Placing all the clothes in the machine I have a feeling I'm missing 
something here. My hands rest on the edge of the machine as I think. 
The light slowly dawns not knowing what to make of it. 

"She said she'd spilt coffee over the clothes I dressed her in and 
yet they were not here." I think out loud. What's going on here? My 
mind goes nuclear imagining what really went on with Brad Follmer 
while I was away for those two hours. 

Reyes:

"We need to talk all right." I hear myself saying out loud as John 
leaves the room. I want to tell him that I've fallen madly in love 
with him and that Brad means nothing to me except as a friend and 
work colleague but he's stormed off.  I only accepted Brad's kiss in 
front of John to get him thinking. I didn't mean for it to make him 
mad.

Well this walking out on his part will just not work in his favor. 
He's going to need even more convincing to realize that he wants me. 
I'm going to have to put Scully's Plan B into action. If that doesn't 
work then I'll have to go ahead with the Plan C of going out with 
Brad tomorrow.

It's difficult to get off the bed but I need to do this before he 
gets back from downstairs. The estimate is that he should be back up 
here in about five minutes. That should give me just enough time. 
Reaching for my crutch I once again put it under my sore left arm and 
hobble to the kitchen. Once there I see that he's been shopping. 
There are a few bags on the kitchen bench. There's time to have a 
peek in the bags and my heart warms as I see many delicious 
ingredients for what obviously is going to be some meals he'll cook 
for me. This man is perfect and it just hardens my resolve to win him 
over.

A few footsteps can be heard and I hear the front door open. I pick 
up the phone and punch in some numbers then replace the receiver 
after a few rings the other end. I'm feeling a little nervous. The 
phone rings and I jump at the sound even though it had been expected.

"Hello, Reyes." 
"Oh Dana, good to hear you." John pokes his head into the kitchen to 
let me know he's back.
"Yes, John's back. He's just doing some laundry for me." I look over 
to him and nod that I've seen him.
"I know it's very domesticated. He's been so helpful." He comes back 
a little later and goes towards the shopping bags and as quietly as 
possible so as not to disturb my call he pulls out the contents and 
places the refrigerator items away first.

"Brad left a little while ago." Deliberately I watch John's body 
language and see him stiffen a little. "Yes, he's invited me out to 
**** at twelve tomorrow."
"Dana, I know but I need cheering up. Lunch out would be just the 
thing."
"John will probably be dying for the time off." I look up at him but 
predictably he's not returning my smile.
"No, I don't think I'm leading him on. He's a friend." John's 
movements have slowed and I know he's continuing to listen in.
"Okay he kissed me." I am trying as hard as possible to keep my voice 
at an even tone to not give anything away. "Yes, it was nice. Dana!" 
At this comment I turn away a little to look as though I'm a little 
embarrassed for John to hear this. "Look Dana, can we talk later? Yes 
I'll see you Monday. Bye." After an outlet of breath I replace the 
receiver.

"That was Dana." Full well I knew John had worked that out.

"Monica, why did you even let that snake in here? I can't believe you 
let him kiss you."
"John, I told you he's a friend."
"Do you kiss all your friends like that?"
"Some. John, if he was more than a friend then we'd be going further 
than a small kiss on the mouth." I was dying to get that line out. 
The cogs were working in his brain. Was Plan B beginning to work?
"I'm just trying to look after your best interests Mon. You know I 
don't trust him. I'm just concerned for you, that's all."

Just on cue the phone rings again.
"Hi there." I make sure I'm smiling as I answer. "Uh huh,....." John 
goes back to putting the shopping away but with one ear  listening in 
on my call. "Yes, I have something sexy to wear." He looks around and 
I feel my heart starting to pump out of rhythm. "You like black Brad? 
...... The one with the plunging neckline?...... Uh huh.... You know I can't 
wear a bra with that one." Out of the corner of my eye I can see that 
John is getting very edgy and my pulse rate is soaring in 
anticipation of what he's going to do. I hope to hell he's not going 
to leave but be proactive. 

It's taking longer than I thought for him to act so I keep 
improvising but in a lower voice.
"Yes Brad I still have them." My back deliberately turns as I 
continue the charade. "I told you I'd only wear them for you..... 
Mmmmm... champagne sounds lovely....." John is certainly a sucker for 
punishment. How much more do I need to say? "What? In the middle of 
the day? I'm not sure I could get into that position with my injuries 
and all....."

That's all it took. I felt the breeze next to me and the phone being 
snatched out of my hand. He lifts the receiver to his ear and spoke 
roughly yet oh so sexily.

"This phone line has been disconnected!" Then he slams it back down. 
The look on his face at this time makes me flush violently. It's a 
cross between anger and pure sex.  Ever so slowly he moves over to me 
wrapping him arms around me he lifts me into the air. My feet lift 
off the ground as he walks me over to the refrigerator. The 
anticipation is electric. He pins me against the fridge door then 
looks into my eyes like a wolf before taking the prey.

He slowly moves into me and rests his lips on mine almost wanting to 
judge my reaction but I do not move. It's only a moment before he 
takes my lips violently pushing my head back into the cool of the 
door behind me. I can't help but open my mouth and he does the same. 
The kiss is passionate, boundless as he presses his body close to 
mine. I am caught in his welcomed trap. His mouth moves all over mine 
changing angles every few seconds. His tongue roves my mouth and as 
mine touches his I feel my legs have gone totally numb.

He pushes his body further into me almost as though he's holding me 
up. There are no words to describe what I feel except that I'm not in 
this world. My good left arm finds its way over his firm back and I 
pull him in further as though he could be any closer.

The body that I've only marveled at from across the X-Files office is 
now enveloping me, filling all my crevices, and causing me pleasure 
beyond words. His mouth is still moving on and in mine and I never 
want it to end. He is hard against me and all I want him to do now is 
take me to the bedroom and ravage my body with his own.
When I think I can take no more of his hot body on mine he stops and 
looks into my eyes with an animal glint.

"Is that what you wanted Monica?" He growled. My mouth just hangs 
open.
"I hope that satisfies you." His crotch is still hard against me 
sending me into spasms of pure ecstasy.  All he would need to do now 
would be to give me a few strokes of my clit with those fingers of 
his and I would climax violently.

He releases his hold on me, once again lifts my body and walks over 
resting me again on the chair I was on before.

As he leaves the kitchen he looks over his shoulder with what looks a 
cross between closure and concern. I cannot read what he means by 
this. All I know is that I want this man forever. What I'd imagined 
all this time was nothing compared to the reality he's just given me.

Doggett:

If that doesn't stop all her Brad nonsense nothing will. What was she 
trying to do, make me walk out? Because it had totally the opposite 
effect. I know I'd be better for her than Brad and if kissing her 
like that was the way to convince her then this was the right time 
and place for the kiss I'd planned on giving her. If the relationship 
doesn't go further then so be it. Let her stew on it for now. The 
washing load's probably done anyway and will need to be hung up to 
dry.

As I approach the basement laundry and as my blood pressure slowly 
subsides the enormity of what I've just done begins to hit me. What 
if she liked that kiss? I was so close to taking her to the bedroom, 
stripping her bare and working on every square inch of her body with 
my mouth and tongue. How would she have reacted? The thought of 
licking and sucking those breasts I had washed in the tub then moving 
down to such her sex juices was making me hard again. I'd already 
needed one release today just thinking about her. I am now on the 
verge of needing another. I must think of something mundane. No, I 
can't, I need her! I want her! Will she want me? Now's the time to 
find out.

Leaving the wet washing in the machine my feet find their way back 
upstairs and walk through the front door once more.

"Monica!" I call out. I hear a small whimper form the kitchen and 
wonder what could be wrong. There she is in exactly the same position 
I had left her.  Her expression was choice, as though she is in shock.

"Monica, I'm sorry for what I'm about to do but you've asked for 
this!"  Her face is flushed and I know it's not from anger, 
embarrassment or fright. There could be only one explanation and that 
she wants this too.

I lift her off the chair once more but this time I head for the 
bedroom and place her on her bed. She does not resist any of this. My 
pants are so tight that I just have to release what is confined 
inside. As I undo my button and fly I see her breathing heavily and 
moving her hips seductively. My pants and underwear are now right 
down and off and feel a sudden freedom. There is urgency now and I 
bend down to remove her track pants and underwear. My fingers link 
with the stretch band and I begin to pull. She wants this too because 
she's helping. There is no time for preliminaries. As I hover over 
her she opens her legs wide inviting me in. The lower body I'd seen 
before as I undressed and dressed her was beckoning me inside.

"John, do it to me. Just fuck me!" I need no further encouragement. 
My thick shaft finds her sweet center and I push in slowly at first. 
She is thrillingly tight and hot. I almost feel the sizzling as I 
push in further. Her left hand kneads my butt as I press into her as 
far as I can go. I hold it there for a few seconds feeling the tight 
fit and her muscled clamp all around me.

"Oh Monica, I'm sorry!" It sounds dumb at a time like this but it's 
what I feel for causing her injuries. If what I'm doing now can erase 
even a sliver of that hurt them I'm a happy man.
"Keep going John." At these words I begin to pull out and then in 
again hoping she is enjoying this as much as I am. We don't need to 
be totally naked to make this the most amazing sex I've had.

"John, I want more." Her soft voice to my ears is enough to get me 
going faster. With all my willpower I hold off my inevitable orgasm 
the start of which is cloying to get out. As I feel her writhing 
under me I know she is building her momentum too. I move in such a 
way as to rub her clit too. That's when I feel her vibrate on me. She 
moans, groans and breathes then shouts out my name.
"John! John!" My waiting orgasm can wait no more and I burst out in 
side her. Through every pulse I feel I'm adding a bit of love to the 
one before until she is so full of love she's about to flow over. 

I Whisper, "Ohhhh," under my breath and feel her body below me as a 
bundle of pure pleasure.


Reyes:

He falls beside me on the bed still careful not to hurt me.
We lie on our backs for ages just staring up at the ceiling getting 
our breath back. The enormity of what has just happened hits me like 
a brick wall. I'd expected him to kiss me eventually but not so soon. 
Maybe after I'd gone out on the date with Brad tomorrow or after 
Dana's Plan D. This was not just any kiss, but a passionate, erotic 
embrace that had me spellbound. Then it had gone further than my 
dreams. He had just made love to me in a way I'll never forget in my 
whole life. I know he's thinking too and I wonder what about. Does he 
regret what he's done? I will never regret something that I've wanted 
for so long and these past moments will be unforgettable my whole 
life.

Maybe last night's conversation was a good thing. We'd been out for 
beers after work before but in the last few months we've been 
becoming closer. I know he cares for Dana deeply but I know he cares 
for me too. Was this something he'd wanted for a while also or was it 
my coaxing that pushed him over the edge? No matter what, we would 
need to talk about it and soon. From past experience when I haven't 
broached the subject with the man right away it has slipped from me 
and has caused difficult circumstances when I see his face again. I 
love John and I want this to happen again. This is not something to 
treat as a one off.

He rolls over and gently takes my face in his hand. This is a good 
thing; he has made the first physical contact after our wonderful 
union. His eyes are hiding his true feelings now and I wonder why.

"Monica, we need to talk." I could have told him that weeks ago.
"Okay." 
"Let's freshen up and go for a drive. We can talk in the car." I 
welcome the change of scenery. He gets off the bed and offers me his 
hand for support. 
"You freshen up first Monica while I quickly go hang up the laundry. 
C'mon let me help you." He flings my track pants over his shoulder 
and picks up my underpants then lets me lean on him to the bathroom. 
Handing over my clothes he then smiles and closes the door. The 
aloneness strikes me and I wonder only briefly if he'll come back for 
me. Is he happy with that union of our bodies or does he regret it? 
My head shakes to loosen that doubt from my mind. 

Once washed and dressed I have to hop to the bedroom to brush my 
hair. It's been a slow process in my condition so it's no surprise 
that he's already there and dressed, once again looking immaculate. 

"Do you want your crutch or will you trust me as your crutch?" There 
is a glint in his eye and I know there and now that he has no regrets 
about what had happened between us. If there were even one piece of 
doubt I would see it on his face.

We're driving and I don't care where. I'm just glad he wants to talk 
and I'm eager to hear what he has to say.

"Monica, I hope I didn't hurt you before."
"Hurt me?"
"You're injuries, I was too forceful with you and just didn't think. 
Your face when I kissed you." That hadn't even occurred to me. My 
hand goes for the stitches on my cheek and I feel the skin smart 
under their touch.
"I'm good John, you were just perfect." He remained silent for a 
moment and it made me wonder again what he was thinking.
"I, I didn't plan any of that to happen believe me Monica." I feel 
like saying <I did> but quickly swallow the words.

I shift to face him on an angle.
"John, I hope you don't regret what we've just done, I don't. It was 
wonderful and loving and sexy."
"Sexy? It was?"
"Oh yes!"

"We'll need to talk about the implications here Monica."
"Implications?" I much prefer him to talk about his feelings first.
"Do we stop this now and put it down to a whim or do we continue this 
and look at how it's going to affect our lives?"
"What do you want John?" He pulls over to the side of the road and 
takes off his seatbelt then faces me looking me squarely in the eyes.

"Monica, what I want is us." My body suddenly feels as light as air 
after hearing those words, the phrase I never thought I'd hear.
"Me too John, I want us too." 
"You don't know what you're taking on here. There's more here than 
just my body, there's my past, present and my future you'll have to 
deal with."
"I know John."
"You know?"
"John, I know more about you than you think. I want all of you no 
matter what." He still doesn't look too convinced but I know I can 
change that. This time it's my turn to kiss him. Not so easily I move 
into him and he meets me the rest of the way. Our mouths apply gentle 
pressure this time and his hand links through my hair and over my 
neck. We kiss forever before coming up for air. He smiles the 
sweetest grin I've seen in a long time then replaces his seatbelt 
smiling to himself.

"Let's get back. I have a great dinner planned for you tonight."
"John you spoil me."
"You deserve to be spoilt Monica Reyes." He doesn't realize how 
wonderful that last comment makes me feel.
...............

Part Seven

Reyes' Apartment

Doggett:

Monica is relaxing in a bath again that I ran for her. She promised 
me she'd call when she was done. I don't want her falling and 
injuring herself further. I'm actually taking secret delight out of 
looking after her. The weekend I would have had is nothing compared 
to this. For the first time in years I'm enjoying my time off work 
and I don't want the weekend to end. My mood lowers a little as I 
think about how I'm going to tell Monica it was all my fault that 
she's in this predicament.

Could I tell her over dinner tonight? Maybe I could ply her with wine 
and broach the subject when she's a little tipsy? No doubt about it I 
have to tell her some time or it will just plague my brain. I found 
the right time to kiss her, I'm sure I'll find the right time to tell 
her this too. It's gone on far too long just to mention the topic out 
of the blue.

The kitchen bench is now set out with all the ingredients to make 
tonight's dinner. This is something I learnt to cook when I dated an 
Italian girl one time. It always used to smell wonderful and I would 
rest my head over her shoulder while she stirred the meat sauce in 
the pan. Lasagne was now a specialty of mine and I would often cook 
it to impress the ladies. It's also great heated up as leftovers the 
next day.

I find a tablecloth in one of Monica's cupboards that inspires me to 
set a romantic table for dinner. She has some crystal wine glasses 
and some Wedgwood plates that will be perfect for what I hope is the 
perfect meal. The thought of dinner in front of the television is now 
passé. Now that our relationship is on another plane maybe it's time 
to talk without the sounds of a movie as competition.

The meal is now cooking in the oven and it's time to check on the 
patient.

"Monica, can I come in?"
"Yes John, you've seen me naked enough today to not even have to 
ask." Why does that comment make me flush a little? The glow in the 
steamy room and her angelic body in this tub produce an inner sparkle 
that I'm not often afforded. Squatting next to the bath and resting 
my arms on the rim I just look at her admiringly.

"What?"
"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
"No." She chuckles a little.
"Well now I'm saying it. You're beautiful Monica Reyes."
"Even with stitches on my face, a plaster cast and a hideously 
swollen ankle?"
"Especially with those."
"Well John, I'm going to have to be banged up more often so I can get 
complimented like that." I just grin at her and then get her towel.
"C'mon, dinner's almost done."
............................................

Reyes:

"This tastes divine." I take my second mouthful. "How did you learn 
to cook John?"
"Oh necessity I suppose."
"Well `necessity' should open a cooking school. This is delicious." I 
love the way he gives a small chuckle and then fiddles with the rim 
of his wine glass. He's deep in thought now because his finger 
movements slow and his brow furrows.

"What is it John?" He's not used to opening up to people so I give 
him room to take his time to reply.
"Us."
"Us?"
"Yes, do you think this is all just a little too sudden? I mean, 
we've rarely spent leisure time together and we see each other for a 
whole day and we've already slept together.

"Not to mention seeing me naked more times that not." We both laugh 
which lightens the mood. "John." My left hand finds its way to his 
hand and our fingers link. " I want this. I want you. There are no 
regrets on my side except that this didn't happen sooner. Are you 
regretting this John? Is that it?"

"No, but..." Again I give him time to think through his reply. "I don't 
know what you see in me Monica. I'm just a hardened ex cop now FBI 
agent who hasn't loved in a long time, who has been afraid to love."

"Because all that you love dies or leaves you?" I know I hit a nerve 
here but it has to be said. He hasn't known how much I've seen of his 
pain, how much I've just wanted to hug him tightly to share that pain 
with him, to lighten the burden somehow.
He doesn't need to reply because I know it to be true.
"John, I don't mind. I've seen your pain believe me and I want to 
share it with you."

He looks at me in the eyes with that vulnerable expression which 
makes me want to mother him. 
"Look at it this way. Think of any female you have known in your 
life, apart from your Mom, and tell me which person knows you for who 
you are. Which person can you be the most open with, who do you trust 
the most?" This is brazen of me but if it's a way to get him to think 
about this relationship that I badly want then it's worth it. 

I wait for what seems like an eternity squashed up into a few seconds.

"You." That's the genuine answer that I wanted to hear and that's the 
adorable face I expected to see. He moves in closer and lifts his 
hand to run delicate fingers through my hair and behind my neck. This 
send waves of pleasure down my body. He then draws me closer for an 
exquisite kiss. Our mouths lock for minutes in thanks for our newly 
defined relationship.

"Now Mr. Doggett, we have to be fair here. You've seen me naked 
today, now it's your turn. I want to run my hands all over you to 
prove you are actually here with me and it's not all some elaborate 
dream."

"Oh I'm here with you. A certain part of my body has felt it a few 
times today."
"A few times?" I smile at the thought.

"What about the cleaning up?"
"We can do that in the morning John. There are more important things 
in life that dirty dishes."

"And they are... dirty thoughts?" He laughs at his joke and I smile 
wickedly, taking his hand and leading him to the bedroom.
..............................

Part Eight

Reyes Bed, Early Sunday Morning

Doggett:

Paralyzed, unable to move any part of my body, I feel the unknown 
force make its way up my naked prone body. In the dimness I can only 
make out its dark elongated form. With all my concentration I try to 
move my arms just to force it off me but they will not budge. All my 
training has taught me to stay in control at a crisis time like this 
and think through possible escape scenarios but time is limited. The 
hard massed creature irritates my skin and pulls on my body hair as 
it crawls over my abdomen then over my chest. Blood courses my veins 
like a raging torrent as the creature makes its refuge on my neck 
cutting off most of my breathing.

When I think I am going to suffocate I suddenly wake up in a darkened 
room, beaded sweat on my brow, unable to recognize my surroundings. 
Where am I? As my head clears I am in fact in Monica's apartment and 
her bed. With the realization that it is all just a dream and that 
Monica's plaster cast is lying across my throat I breath a labored 
sigh of relief. As I carefully remove her arm so I can breath 
properly again she moves slightly and I can feel her warm skin by my 
side and her tepid breath on my arm. After a few deep breaths my 
blood pressure is almost back to normal. When was the last time I had 
slept with anyone over night let alone someone else's bed?

She moves again, her throat purring, as she lifts a leg and drapes it 
over my thighs. She must be in semi wake because she nestles into me 
and I feel a slight smile on my upper arm.  To keep myself as still 
as possible so as not to wake her I think back to our wonderful 
lovemaking after she led me to her bed for the night. Unlike the 
first time, this time we made sweet, slow love, exploring each 
other's bodies with slow precision. I went first, tasting her skin 
from head to toe, lingering on the spots that made her wild. No 
wonder she is so contented now. The way her body responded to my 
touch, the way she came over and over, on my fingers, on my tongue, 
with me inside her makes me feel so at home here in her bed and in 
her arms.

Yesterday morning I was alone with my thoughts, this morning I have 
no more thoughts of being alone.

She moves again and rolls over away from me and then groans. It 
sounds a distressed sound. Is she still sleeping? Then she moans.

"Monica?" I whisper to see if she's awake. It sounds as though she's 
in pain but she's still asleep. She didn't take her pain medication 
before she brought me to her bed and she must be feeling twinges of 
tenderness in her sleep. What should I do? Should I wake her and get 
her medication? The memory of my guilt at her predicament keeps 
haunting me. Her groans are becoming more urgent and she's moving 
more erratically.

Suddenly I feel a sharp thump on my chest that almost winds me. 

"Fuck!" I yell out as a reflex action. The inappropriate volume of my 
expletive hits me and I cringe wondering if I've shocked my companion 
out of her fitful sleep. Monica moves in her sleep as her broken 
wrist sits heavily over my groin. She is immediately forgiven because 
she's just missed that part of me that has given her pleasure this 
weekend.

Worried about further injury and feeling the urgent need to visit the 
bathroom I slowly get out of the bed.

"Brad."  Her voice feathers the bed sheets. What? Did she just say 
what I think she said? She rolls over again and occupies the space 
I've just left. "Brad, ahhhh." 
.................


Reyes:

There is a storm brewing in the distance. I can hear the low rumble 
of the thunder and see occasional flashes of lightning. I feel so 
alone and cold in the middle of this vast ocean on my small raft. The 
waves around me begin to make my raft bounce which in turn builds up 
the tension knotted inside me. Will I once again survive this storm? 
Last time Brad had set me adrift and I had made it by using my 
instincts. This time it was John. The will to survive was deep within 
me but the powers around me were unpredictable. Just one big gust of 
wind could send me hurtling into the chilly brine below. My body 
shivers from the cold and uncertainty as the storm nears.

My only hope of rescue would be a passing ship but none would be out 
in this weather. I cling to the side as my raft pitches violently. My 
fingers grasp the edge and my whole body is racked with pain as I 
desperately cling onto life. Then it is all over as I slide off what 
has been my refuge through the calmer days and into the dark green 
depths of my future.

The further down I go the calmer I feel. The storm is left behind and 
I find tranquility as I sink into the void. Just when I think my life 
had ended along comes something huge. A sea creature swallows me 
whole.

"Monica." I jar awake and double over feeling pain all over my 
body. "Monica, are you all right?" A hand is caressing my shoulder 
and I look up to see John standing beside my bed holding a glass of 
water. "Here take this." Dutifully I take my medication and my head 
begins to clear.
John sits beside me and I can feel his warm body close to mine.

"Monica, you were dreaming."
"I was?" I know I dream often throughout the night and rarely do I 
remember the scenarios but this time it is all clear.
"Want to tell me?"
"John, it's nothing." 
"Nothing? Then why did you call out Brad's name?" His voice is low to 
match the quiet and darkness of the room.
"I did?" 
"I need to know what your relationship is with him. Do you have 
feelings for him? If you do then now would be the time to tell me." 
Do I sense coolness in his voice?
"Of course I have feelings for him." John's hand stops its 
caressing. "He's a friend. We had a relationship back in New York and 
I can't just pretend he's not a part of my life. Look John, please 
get back into bed with me." He didn't move at first probably needing 
a little more encouragement. I take his hand in mine and say in as 
sweet a voice as I can, 
"I want you as more than a friend." He seems to accept this and lifts 
the covers to once again lie beside me.

"So what was all that talk on the phone?"
"You were listening into my phone conversation?" 
"It was hard not to hear <You know I can't wear a bra with that 
one.>" He knows that I'm laughing. "What's so funny?"
"John, John, John, don't you know it was all for your benefit?"
"My benefit, Monica, you're making no sense."
"I said it all for you."
"You were leading Brad on all for me? Monica, you're going to get 
into trouble if you keep doing that."
"It wasn't Brad I was talking to."
"No?"
"It was Dana." I know I have to come clean eventually or it would 
prick my conscience. I wait for the lecture.
"So you baited me, is that it?"
"Hook, line and sinker!"
"You wanted me to do what I did?"
"Oh yes! Put it this way John, would you have kissed me yesterday 
anyway? Would you have made love to me like this? You'd be sleeping 
on the couch now if it wasn't for that phone call."

I can tell he sees the funny side because he's laughing now and wraps 
his arms around me.
"C'mon, let's sleep now. I promise I'll give you suitable punishment 
in the morning."
"Oh, is that a promise Mr. Doggett."
"Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Don't say that."
"Okay I won't die just yet. I now have everything to live for." What 
a lovely way to drift off to sleep, in the safe arms of a wonderful 
man who obviously cares for me deeply.


Doggett:
Her face is even beautiful first thing in the morning even with the 
stitches on her cheek. My body needs to get out of bed because that's 
what it has been used to all these years; up at dawn, shower, dress, 
maybe go for a bike ride. My mind wants to stay beside this sleeping 
angel and watch her till she wakes. Then I want to make love to her 
again in gratitude for changing my life.

Glancing over to her bedside clock I realize that it's still quite 
early. Monica's never struck me as a morning person and it is Sunday 
morning so I let my body take over and get out of bed. I'll surprise 
her and have last night's dishes all done and the kitchen clean 
before she wakes. Yesterday's washing may also be dry by now. 
Grabbing a T-shirt and track pants from my overnight bag I head for 
the shower.

Morning shower is my thinking time. It's the time I get all my best 
ideas. I've solved cases as I've relaxed under the hot beads running 
over my face and down my body. There is one case I need to work on 
and it's not an X-file, it's Brad Follmer. I need to get him off my 
case and leave Monica alone. He needs to know to steer clear of 
Monica's personal space once and for all. How can I give him the 
message to butt out of our private lives without giving away what our 
relationship has become? As I soap up my body and rinse the lather 
away my plan becomes clearer.
It's very brazen but I'm sure Monica will love being a part of it.

The dishes are done, the washing has all been put away and I've just 
finished tidying the kitchen when I hear stirring from the bedroom. 
It sounds as though she's trying to get out of bed without my aid.

"Monica, let me help you."
"I don't want to burden you. You've done so much for me already."
"Doctor's orders, I'm to look after you for this whole weekend." She 
seems to concede.
"Could you grab me a T-shirt from the drawer over there?" I help her 
on with her top and assist her to the bathroom.

A moment later she is back out and hops over to me.
"I should check that ankle of yours. You might be able to leave the 
bandage off today."

"Before you do any checking you need to keep that promise of yours."
"Promise?"
"My punishment remember?" How could I possibly forget. I wrap my arms 
around her and lift her over my shoulder.
"So where are those hand-cuffs?" Trying to sound serious I take her 
to the bedroom and lay her down.
"What did you have in mind exactly?" Her expression is one of 
delightful anticipation.
"A little bondage for your crimes."
"Hmm, I like the sound of that but I don't think the hand-cuffs would 
be big enough to fit over this." She holds up her plastered forearm.
"In that case I'll just have to shackle you with my body. I have some 
special equipment here that will pin you down good."
"Oooh, I like the sound of that. Punish me all you want for deceiving 
you."
 I lean down and kiss her and when I feel her responding we kiss more 
fully.

It's as though we were born for each other. Who would have believed 
two people so opposite in beliefs and personalities could be so right 
romantically. Her body compliments mine exactly. I let my emotions 
fly me away to another realm.

Reyes:

I love this man kissing me right now. I still have the need to pinch 
myself to believe it is all real. Yesterday morning I had no inkling 
I would spend the night with any man let alone John Doggett. These 
are not the actions of someone who just wants sex. He wants all of 
me. My legs go wider wanting him to sink right into me and pin me 
like he promised. I will our clothes to be already off so we can just 
feel and move. I crave his skin on mine, our chests and stomachs 
touching, his crotch close to mine grinding into me, sending me over 
the edge. My hands find their way under his shirt and claw his back 
wanting to let him know it's still me below him just in case he's 
dreaming too. 

Does he know it's me here kissing him like there's no tomorrow? Each 
kiss has been so different so far, sweet, forceful, loving, hungry, 
passionate, steamy, sensual. No dictionary could accurately describe 
his mouth on mine, the way it tastes, the way our juices mix in the 
sharing that only lovers can partake. I know I'll never tire of his 
body and mouth near mine. For some reason he makes animal sounds in 
his throat and applies more pressure for what seems like minutes. 
Then I realize it's because we've reached the next step. He wants me 
to keep feeling the tingle of his kiss on my lips as he strips me 
bare. I hardly feel him removing my T-shirt and don't care where it's 
gone. All I care about is that he's now back on top of me once again 
kissing. As his tongue moves in my mouth I feel him move his hips and 
welcome him inside me. It is just as sexy and erotic as the first 
time but so much better than my dreams. How does he do this to me? 
How does this man make me lose all sense of time and place? How is it 
that he's kissing me with so much emotion and probing me below at the 
same time with such precision and sensuality? Would any other woman 
with him feel the same way or is it that we were designed for each 
other? 

I've never had sex with a man where he's kissed me continually all 
the way through. This is so erotic that my pulse is throbbing wildly. 
My mind is not focused on my mouth alone or down below but on the 
sensation of our whole beings uniting.
I'm reaching that point where my body is relaxing, my mind is numb 
and I'm beginning to tingle. I have every faith that John is feeling 
me give way and that he too will relax and give me the gift of his 
release in unison. I crave the hot, pulsing sensation inside me and 
the knowledge that he is giving to me something he's reserved for me 
alone. 

I love him so much now as I feel my body shudder with delight and 
feel contentment that he has responded too with all that I had 
expected. The tactile sensations abate but the love does not. We 
wallow in each other's arms knowing that just like words and 
sentences can be arranged on a page so can love making between two 
lovers be new and exotic no matter how many times and combinations.

This time in each other's arms I embrace. I want this to imprint 
itself on my brain and stay all day. Who knows what tomorrow, Monday 
will bring. The feel of his breathing under my cheek is calming, very 
much unlike the bobbing of the stormy sea waves in my dream. Why is 
it that I fail to remember many dreams and yet I picture that one so 
well? 

"So was that suitable punishment for the trick you played on me?" The 
way he looks at me with those sexy clear blue eyes always melts me.
"If that's the punishment then I'll play many more tricks in future."
"Talking about tricks. I have a proposition for you."
"Oh?"
"How about we go out and get some breakfast. You know that place on M 
Street, the one in the basement?"
"Yes, I know it; the one with the most heavenly Eggs Florentine. 
What's this plan?"
"I'll tell you over some coffee and heavenly eggs."
"You're on."

There's no hurry to get up. I know John will be here all day and 
he'll be here for me.


M Street basement café

Reyes:

"Here we are." Doggett looks over his shoulder to see me peering 
through the shop window next to the entrance to the basement café.
"Look John, aren't they cute." He walks over and stands behind me 
closer than close so that I can feel his chin near my ear. I'm 
looking in the window of a pet shop at the two most adorable white 
fluffy kittens in the world. "Look at the one with the stroke of 
brown on its ear and those gorgeous eyes."
"They are kinda cute. I like the one with the black on its paw." 
"I wonder if they're family."
"I'd say so. Why don't we go in and ask?" John holds my hands and 
helps me climb the stairs to go inside the pet shop.
"We're just wondering what you can tell us about the kittens over 
there in the window." The assistant is a large middle-aged man.
"Sure, wanna hold them?" We both look at each other and know that 
it's what we both wanted. He gets them out one by one and gives one 
to each of us. 
"Oh they are just so cute and soft." We can hear minute meows coming 
from their tiny open mouths. I put the one I have next to my face and 
feel its soft fur on my cheek. John has his in the crook of his arm 
and is patting it.

"The one with the brown is the boy and the one with the black his the 
girl. They are brother and sister."
"Okay, thankyou. We'd better be going." I hand the kitten back to the 
assistant before I completely fall in love. John does the same, we 
say our thankyous and John helps me down the steps.

"So I'm a dog person hey?"
"Yes, you're a dog person John but I can see how a cat could bring 
out the gentler side in you. I like that." He just smiles at me and 
takes my arm for the slow descent down the stairs.

"So when are you going to break off the date for lunch time?" Has 
this been eating away at him all this time?
"Date?"
"To Paolo's with Brad."
"What and give up the chance to have a free meal at a great 
restaurant?" His reaction is unexpected.

"Maybe we could use this to our advantage and have a little fun with 
Brad."
"You mean you want me to still go for lunch? So you're convinced he's 
not out to maul me."
"No, not quite yet but..." I give him a small shove of the shoulder. 
"You were the one talking to me about not leading him on. Tell me 
what's on your mind John."

"I just thought that he's bound to find out about us and our growing 
relationship. You know how he seems to know what's going on when the 
rest of us are in the dark.  Well why not bite the bullet and tell 
him?"
"Tell him John? You mean get ourselves fired?"
"No," he laughs. "There may be a way for him to find out without us 
telling him directly and we can have a little fun at his expense."
"Do tell, I'm listening."

Throughout breakfast we discuss the finer details of this plan of 
John's and I become more and more excited by the minute.


Part Nine

Sunday lunch

Doggett:

"Monica, you look wonderful."
"Why thankyou Brad."
"You wore that dress. You know how that makes me feel Monica. Do you 
know what black on you does to me?" 
"Brad." He still hasn't seen me standing there.
 "Going to invite me in?"
"Of course." Monica steps away.

"What's he still doing here?" Brad brushes past Monica and makes his 
way to the living area.
"I told you, John's looking after me for the weekend." Follmer looks 
around the room.
"So where did he sleep? You know there are rules about fraternization 
between partners."
"Fraternization, Brad? John is a friend who is helping another 
friend. Is there a rule against that in the FBI?"

"Monica, I really don't think that's any concern of his." I turn to 
Follmer. "If you're going to take Monica out you better take good 
care of her. She's been hurt badly." 
"Hmm." He's thinking. "Did you ever find out who did this to you?" 
"No."
"Because I will find out. You know me Monica, I have my ways." That 
last statement worries me. I know full well that I will have to tell 
Monica the truth but I am also concerned she may find out before I 
can safely tell her. There was no one else around when it happened, 
I'm sure of it but I also know that in investigative work there are 
always clues to be found. Would Follmer stoop so low as to look into 
this further than need be?

"So Doggett, where were you exactly when all this happened to Monica? 
Did you see anything? You were certainly at the right place at the 
right time if you ask me."

"And that's just it Follmer, no one is asking you. Just lay off it 
and let her recuperate in peace." Brad does
 one of his looks from me to Monica and then decides to leave the 
topic alone for now.

"You ready to go Monica?" The way he sidles up to her and invades her 
personal space riles me up. What a viper he is. He'd better not put 
his hands on her. Anyway, even if he does that's going to make it all 
the more satisfying to see his reaction to the plan we have in store 
for our Mr. Follmer.

"I'll just get my bag." I go to help her but she shakes her head. 
Immediately I know she wants to act more independently around 
Follmer. She doesn't want to show him just how much she's relied on 
my help the past couple of days.
Once out of earshot Follmer looks over to me and talks quietly.

"So you thought you'd just give up a whole weekend to be nursemaid to 
your partner." He is fishing here so I'm not giving him much 
satisfaction. "You know there are people who are paid for that 
nowadays."
"The alternative was probably a hospital stay and I owe her."
"You owe her?" He looks surprised.
"She's been there for me a number of times when I needed someone so 
I'm here for her now, it's all swings and roundabouts."
"There are also swings and roundabouts in a playground. I hope you 
haven't been playing here Mr. Doggett because I will find out."
"If I have been playing Mr. Follmer it's not an FBI matter."
"Who said it's an FBI matter?" His voice becomes lower still and he 
moves over to me. "I like Monica a lot and I don't think you're her 
type." There's that smug look again that makes me want to punch his 
lights out.
"Not her type. What's that meant to mean? Are you her type Follmer?" 
Just then Monica hobbles back geared up for lunch out.
"What are you guys talking about?"
"Oh, typing." I say just as smugly all the while staring at Follmer. 
He does a sideways smile then takes Monica's elbow and leads her to 
the door.

Over her shoulder she speaks,
"Bye John, see you when I get back?"
"I'll be here." She sees my wink and smiles.

Reyes:
Paolo's Restaurant lunch

Paolo's is a hive of activity. I haven't been here before, a little 
too expensive for my taste but certainly it is well frequented on a 
Sunday. I've been out with Brad a few times since settling here in 
Washington DC. It's usually to some bar for a drink. I've been happy 
to have the company. We have talked about the possibility of our 
relationship once again going past friendship but I have my 
reservations. The topic of John Doggett has come up a few times. He's 
very eager to find out about our feelings for each other and has 
tried to probe a few times. I keep insisting he's just a friend and 
work colleague but today that will change at the appropriate time.

We are led to a table for two and the waiter holds out the chair for 
me then offers to take my crutch. We are offered the menus and we 
peruse as we talk.

"What do you think you'll have Monica?"
"I'll have to go for something I can eat with one hand." Brad laughs 
and smiles.
"Luckily Italian cuisine is easy on the hands. By the way how are you 
feeling?"
"Nice of you to finally ask Brad." I half laugh at him. "I'm still 
feeling a bit sore and sorry for myself and frustrated I can't walk 
properly."

"So what has Doggett been doing for you? It's so nice of him to give 
up his weekend."
"Do I hear a hint of jealousy there?" I lean in as I say this. "Would 
you have done the same?"
"You know I'd jump at the chance to help you Mon." I know him better 
than that. "So you haven't answered me. What's he been doing for you? 
Holding your hand?"
"Something like that."  The look on his face shows me that my 
response wasn't expected. "He's been cooking for me and doing my 
laundry."
"Oh, I am impressed. What else?"
I am in just the mood to feed his imagination.
"Brad, it's difficult doing everyday things with one arm and one leg. 
He's had to help me with everything." His mind is working and he 
looks over my face for more clues.
`Everything? So has he been showering and dressing you too?" This is 
really prying now but I had been expecting him to give me the third 
degree. It wasn't every day I had a live in man to look after me and 
especially one as eligible and attractive as John."

"I told you he's been helping with everything." Just then the waiter 
comes along to take our orders.
"I'll have the Ravioli Fettuccine." To Brad I say. "At least I can 
eat that with one hand and you won't have to feed me." 
"Mmmm, I might have liked that Monica." I just shake my head as he 
orders. 
"Linguini Carbonara, with a Caesar salad." The waiter nods and once 
again we're alone.

He leans forward and whispers, "Does he help you into bed too, you 
did say everything?" He must see me blush at this because he probes 
further. "So where did he sleep last night?" He begins fiddling with 
his fork as he waits for my reply.
"Brad, if you're asking if John slept with me last night then he did."
 "And you're here with me today, why?" He sounds hurt. 
"I'm here to tell you that I love John and I want you to use 
discretion at the Bureau for us."
"How can I do that? You know as well as I that this cannot be. You 
cannot sleep with your partner."
"It's more involved than that Brad."
"More involved? How can it be more involved.? How long's this been 
going on?"
"I've loved him for a long time now."
"How long?" His voice is becoming a little heated.

His eyes look up and I notice his expression become angrier.
"What's he doing here?"
"Who Brad?" I turn around but don't immediately see who he's looking 
at. 
"And who's that boy with him?" Looking again I see John coming into 
the restaurant with a teenage boy.

"Did you know Doggett was going to be here too?"
"No." I lied.
"Do you know that boy? I haven't seen him before."
"Oh that's Tom."
"Tom?"
"Yes, it's just what I was talking about Brad. John and myself have 
known each other for a long time now. We even go back further than 
New York."  Brad is speechless. He hadn't known any of this. "Tom is 
our son."
........................

"Did I hear you correctly Monica? Did you say your son?"
"Yes you heard correctly. Tom is John's son and mine."

"But why didn't you tell me all this and why now?"
"I met John when I was sixteen. He thought I was older than I was and 
with my fixation on older men I was besotted with him. One thing led 
to another and we slept together on a number of occasions." Brad is 
still open-mouthed. "I found out I was pregnant and we both decided 
that we would put the baby up for adoption. We talked about it and 
decided that I was just too young to look after Tom well enough and 
John was too often away from home, he'd be far better off in a stable 
home."

"So why now?" Brad stutters.
"Part of the reason I came here to Washington DC was because we were 
both wanting to see if we could track down where our son went. We 
wanted to see him again if he'd see us."
"I knew nothing of this. I had no idea."
"I know Brad and I'm truly sorry if you're shocked. I just hope you 
can understand that until now this was a painful issue for us. We 
missed him so badly."

John finds a table for them both them waves off Tom to talk to his 
Mom.

"Hi Mom." Tom stands tall beside us. I try to stand myself but he 
sees that it's difficult and bends down to give me a hug and a kiss 
on the cheek.
"Hi Tom, it's great to see you. I've missed you so much."
"And I've missed you too Mom, there's so much to catch up on." Brad 
is getting fidgety.
"Oh, by the way, this is Brad Follmer. He works at the FBI too."
"Hello Mr. Follmer. Are you Mom's boss?"

"Not exactly." It's still too much for him to take in.
"Mom, I'll leave you two to talk and I'll be with Dad. See you 
later?" I nod. "Bye Mr. Follmer. It was good to meet you." Brad's 
eyes follow Tom back to sit with John on the far side of the 
restaurant. To him they must seem on very good terms.
"So Brad, can you see now that we'd like you to keep this under wraps 
for now? We're really not ready to talk about this."
He leans forward to me again. But just as he does our food arrives.

"The ravioli for you Senorina?"
"Yes thankyou, looks delicious." The aroma of the dish is exquisite.
"And for you Senor the Linguini." As soon as the waiter leaves Brad 
leans forward again.

"I can't hide the fact Monica that I'm disappointed, not that you 
would hide the fact that you have a child but that you would not tell 
me about Doggett and his role in this. All that time in New York when 
you were sleeping with me, were you sleeping with him too?"
"No Brad, it wasn't like that."
"Oh, tell me, what was it like? You've been leading me on all this 
time when it's been Doggett you've wanted in your pants?" He was 
becoming more angry and frustrated.
"Please Brad don't take this personally. I slept with you because I 
wanted to. Don't make me out as some type of whore." He sits back 
straight in his seat trying to put all the pieces together.

"Okay Monica, I will keep quiet for now but you have to work all this 
out. You know the regulations. It's not in your best interests to be 
partnered with someone you're so involved with on wider level."
"Why not Brad? I never did understand that rule."
"Monica, rules are rules, who are we to question them?"
"And that's what I can't understand about you. In New York a locked 
office door would be you turning a blind eye to regulations. What's 
so different here? You know me Brad. You know that no matter the 
personal relationships I have with my work colleagues I will continue 
to work at my peek. You know that!" I feel my cheeks flush again 
making my point. His body visibly relaxes as I add more softly. "And 
Brad, John and myself will never have a locked door."

The cogs are working in his brain and I know my words have had an 
affect on him.

"Come on, let's eat." I once again smell the wonderful aroma of the 
food before me. "You're a good friend Brad, you know that."
.............

Part Ten

Reyes Apartment

Reyes:

He places an arm in the small of my back and escorts me inside.
"Thankyou for doing this Brad."
"My pleasure, anything for a beautiful lady."
"Yes, thankyou for taking me out for lunch, it was delicious but also 
for agreeing to keep quiet for now."

"You know Monica you have some sort of magic over me. If it was 
anyone else." He trails off.
Heading for the couch we both sit and talk for a moment.

"If that loud-mouth, stubborn ex-cop ever ditches you, you know I'll 
always be here."
"I know. Anyway, they'll be here soon. Do you want to stay?"

"Oh no, I think I'll head off. I don't want to come between a happy 
family." There is a hint of sarcasm but I feel that Brad accepts what 
has occurred. He can go and stew on it at his place. As he walks to 
the door he mentions,

"We'll find out who did this to you Monica." 
"Brad, I really don't care that much now. If you find him so be it 
but please don't go to any trouble. I just know that what happened to 
me yesterday has changed my life."

"Changed your life?" I suddenly realize I'll have to explain.

 "Life is not all planned out for us. Life puts obstacles in our 
paths that we need to deal with."
"I've heard it before."
"Having John with me this weekend has made us realize that we must 
deal with our feelings for each other and our new situation. We can't 
keep it a secret forever. However we do need a little more time and 
that's where your discretion comes in."

"I can't hold my tongue for too long Monica and if this ever affects 
your work on the X-Files I'll feel the need to act."
"I understand and I promise it won't."
"Let's hope so." He takes an intake of breath as prelude to 
leaving. "See you tomorrow?"
"I may be an invalid this weekend but I still have one good typing 
hand for paperwork."
"Tomorrow then." With that he is out the door.

There is a faint glimmer of remorse of what we had to do for Brad's 
silence but it is only faint. As I make my way to the kitchen for a 
glass of water I hear my front door open and some cheerful talking.

"Is he still here?" John's voice is a welcome sound.
"No, you just missed him. I'm surprised you didn't see him on the 
stairs."
"We went the back way." Tom appears sprightly. The unconventional 
method of gaining entrance to my apartment was probably his idea. 
They both follow me to the kitchen still talking.

"So how did it all go?" I haven't seen John quite so happy. He 
obviously enjoys this boy's company. It had been a month ago I'd met 
him but John had had more dealings with him than I. He had to play 
John's son then too in an undercover case.
"It went well." They see my smug grin. "It went better than expected 
in fact."

"Woah man." Tom was definitely in a good mood. "That's awesome. Look 
guys, I have to shoot. This has been fun and all but my friend Eric 
wants me back there. Wants to shoot a few hoops but for the life of 
me I don't know how he expects to do that with one hand. His broken 
arm has plaster from his wrist to his shoulder."

"Well Tom, I sort of know the feeling, us invalids can only take so 
much looking after then we crave our independence." I smile at John 
who gets the message and chuckles under his breath.

"Okay guys, if you ever need another son or a sixteen year old proxy 
agent just give me a call."
"Do you need a lift back Tom?" John begins to follow him.
"No. I'll just run, it's only a few blocks over. Anyway I can see you 
two need to talk, and other things."
"Tom!" He laughs then disappears around the door. "Where did you find 
that boy?"

"Son of a larger than life senior detective, what can I say." John 
comes over and wraps his arms around me and lifts me into the air and 
around in a circle. "So tell me everything. Our plan obviously 
worked."

"Yes, it did work." I suddenly need some freedom, some fresh 
air.  "Look John, can this wait a moment?"
"Wait? What do you mean?"
"For many weekends I've had only myself as company and I suppose I'm 
just not used to someone being here all the time."
"And?" He looks at me questioningly.
"And would you mind if I went for a walk?" I pause then add, "By 
myself?"
"No, of course not. Is everything all right?" Even though he looks 
concerned I'll just leave that doubt in his mind. I want him to think 
while I've gone. This is going to be a big step for both of us. When 
I get back I want him to have thought about us and how we're going to 
handle the new situation.

"I don't know John, I just need to be alone with my thoughts for a 
little while."
"Okay." I can still see his look of concern but I make my way past 
him then out the front door without looking back.

Doggett:

What's wrong here? One moment Monica seemed on top of the world then 
all of a sudden she seemed as though she was having regrets. Now she 
is walking somewhere by herself and I feel alone again. This is not a 
welcome feeling. My watch tells me it's three in the afternoon.  She 
said she wanted to be alone with her thoughts for a little while. 
Does that mean thirty minutes, an hour? I know this is silly but I am 
concerned for her, I love her, I want the world for her.

Is it something I've done wrong? Maybe I've been too protective and 
she wants her space. Examining my motives I wonder how I would have 
reacted this weekend if it was someone else who had run over Monica. 
Would I have been so quick to jump in and help? If I'd received the 
phone call at home that she was injured would I have come running or 
is it just that it's all my fault that I'm here at all? She should 
have been told earlier than this. After all she confessed to me of 
her trick to get me to kiss her. 

Remembering her warm mouth on mine and her soft skin in bed next to 
me, dreaming of being above her and intimately touching sends shivers 
of pure delight down my body. I know this is right, I know she is my 
reason for living right now. The decision to tell her as soon as she 
gets back is final. Now I must busy myself until her loving face 
appears before me.

From my overnight bag I retrieve some reports that need reading. Yes, 
I'm a workaholic and I'd promised myself a work free weekend but this 
situation calls for concentration on something other than the absence 
of Monica. 

All track of time is lost as I become immersed in the reports that 
are now covering Monica's table. Jolted out of my X-File clouded mind 
I realize that Monica is still not here. My watch says five pm. It's 
been two hours. Where could she be? Hurriedly I straighten the papers 
and folders then stack them in one pile. Grabbing the apartment keys 
I head out the door front door, slamming it behind me and fly down 
the stairs to the street.

There are a few passers by but no Monica. Two hours is not classed 
as `a little while' in my book. What could have happened to her? 
Maybe she's collapsed somewhere? Could she be back in hospital after 
falling and injuring herself further? My mind is working overtime.

My mind flashes back to Friday night's conversation in the car about 
cats and dogs and I see and hear her saying, "You could never 
disappoint anyone John." Well I have disappointed her. Clumsily I 
have caused her injuries and then kept it from her. I have 
disappointed myself too. Deep in thought my feet make there way back 
up the stairs and into Monica's apartment once more. They make their 
way to her bedroom and I drop on the bed just staring up at the 
ceiling.
.........................

What seems like moments later I hear the front door open and jump to 
a sitting position. I must have dozed off because the clock says half 
after five. It's been two and a half hours since she left.
"Monica?" I quickly get off the bed and make my way out. "Monica?"
"Hello John."
"Monica, where have you been? My mind has been working overtime."
"Good."
"Good? What's so good about being frantic?" Why is she just smiling 
and what's that in her arm? She sets the package down on the floor 
then makes her way over to me and now it's her turn to wrap her arm 
around me. Once again her proximity melts me. I am not alone.

"So what have you been thinking about while I've been gone?" She 
carefully leads me to the couch and urges me to sit. Then she places 
herself next to me but drapes her legs over mine nursing her still 
painful ankle and hugs me tightly.

"Thinking about? What a silly question. You of course."
"Me? What about me?"
"That I was wondering where you were all this time and I was 
concerned."
"Just concerned?" She hugs me a little tighter.
"Well worried then. You had me thinking all sorts of scenarios. Where 
have you been Monica?"

"Before I answer that I think you have something to tell me first."
"Something to tell you?"
"Uh huh." She nestles into my shoulder waiting for me to reply. Then 
it dawns on me. She knows.
"How much do you know Monica?"
"Everything , but I want you to tell me." Remorse runs rampant 
through my body.
"I am so sorry Monica, I never meant...." I have to take stock with a 
few deep breaths before I embarrass myself and cry. "I never meant to 
hurt or deceive you. It was me."
"You John?"
"I was the one who ran into you on my bicycle. It is because of me 
that you have these injuries. How can I ever say enough apologies for 
being such a deceitful bastard." My voice is sounding emotional and I 
know she is lapping this all up. "I am sorry I have disappointed you 
and if it means you think less of me so be it, it's deserved."

She lifts her head and looks as me straight in the eyes. She has the 
most angelic expression I've seen on her and she speaks softly,
"John, I told you that you could never disappoint anyone and I still 
mean it. You have more than made up for this accident of mine and I 
know if it hadn't been you but someone else on that tow-path then I 
just know you would have still been here for me John. That's just the 
person you are." I look into her eyes and see that she is full of 
love for me. "And John, I also meant it when I said that you're 
faithful, you're dependable, you're without guile, you're very 
comfortable to be around. This weekend has been the most comfortable 
in my life. I love you and want that comfort to last always."

A huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders. We are finally 
honest with our feelings for each other and it is the most wonderful 
sense of freedom, of euphoria. We snuggle together and begin to feel 
the need to be closer. I can tell she wants this too because she's 
nestling into me and making cooing sounds on my chest. I feel her 
fingers feathering my chest.

Just then I hear a sound. It's very faint at first.
"What was that?" I ask her.
"What was what?" There it is a gain. She lifts her head from my chest 
and lets me follow the sounds to the package she'd brought back with 
her. Looking over to her I get silent approval to open the box.

What I see inside makes me weak at the knees. They are the two most 
adorable fluffy white kittens in the whole world. I lift them up and 
know that they are the same ones as we'd seen and held in the pet 
shop that day.

Monica is overjoyed by my reaction. I bring them over as she talks,
"The one with the brown I want to have, that's the boy. The girl with 
the black on her paw is yours."
"They are adorable Monica." She takes one and snuggles it into her 
chest leaving me with the other ball of fluff. "You bought these?"
"Yes, and the pet shop man's coming over later after closing time 
with all the other accessories we need."

"Monica, but what about all the times we'll be away on the job? I'm 
concerned they'll be lonely."
"John, that will just be an excuse to bring them together. Brother 
and sister can keep each other company say if we're away overnight." 
She pauses and shows an impish grin. "Or if we stay together 
overnight."
"Hmm, I like that. The kittens can play together while we play in the 
bedroom."
"You've got the whole idea Agent Doggett." Again she waits while she 
thinks. "Brad has given us some time to work out our arrangements 
John. I've assured him that we can work professionally together and 
still have a romantic relationship. He's not going to stay quiet 
forever but we'll be given enough time to make plans."

"What about Tom? He's going to have to know it was all a trick."
"That's all worked out John. I can handle Brad. That'll be no big 
deal. We've both shown this weekend we can have devious minds when we 
want to." We both have a chuckle over that thought.

"So Agent Reyes, seeing it's a `professional' working day tomorrow 
and we still have some leisure time how about we let these kittens 
play while we spend some quality time in the bedroom." We place our 
kittens together on the floor and they immediately head for each 
other, comfortable in each other's company.

I lift my lover up off the couch and we head for the bedroom.
"Who would have thought that a conversation about cat people and dog 
people would end up like this," Monica mused.
"With what I'm going to do to you I'll have you purring in no time 
Ms. Reyes."
"Oh, I hope that's a promise Mr. Doggett" My grin is suitable 
playful. "Then I'll just have to do things to you on that bed that 
have you growling for more."

"Hmmm." I lift her up again as I can wait no longer to be made love 
to by her. I never want to feel alone again and this woman in my arms 
has made my pain go away.

The End