* Disclaimer: The X-Files and all related characters belong to Chris Carter, Fox TV, and 1013 Productions, used without permission. However, the story belongs to me (copyright 1997). Also, the song lyrics ("Just Looking For Him" by Sunny Russ) are taken from Reba McEntire's album, What If It's You, and are used without permission.
* Notes: I loved the song, and thought that it would make a good X-File situation. Please forgive my French, I don't speak the language so I have no idea where what-his-face takes her to dinner.
X x X
She can concentrate on working,
until her work is done.
She can hold a conversation,
as well as anyone.
Special Agent Dana Scully finished typing the report for the just-solved homicide case. She would take it to VC on her way down. Placing it in the case folder with the other paperwork, she stood and retrieved her purse.
"Calling it a night, Agent Scully?" greeted another member of the investigation team. Matthews was his name, a bright, young agent, making his way to the top.
"I've got to get these to Rick," Scully waved the folder, and walked toward the elevator. "Nice work on figuring out those toxin structures."
"Thanks," Matthews grinned, following her to wait by the doors. "You did a great job yourself. I never would have thought to check the bloodwork."
"I guess there is an advantage to holding an M.D.," Scully smiled back. The elevator arrived. "See you tomorrow."
She'll fool you with sincerity,
and if you didn't know her well,
you would never see it.
You could never tell...
After dropping the paperwork off, Scully caught the elevator again. But this time, it wasn't empty. "Sir," she nodded to the Assistant Director.
"Agent Scully. It's been a while," he said, scrutinizing her. The tired circles under her eyes were nearly hidden by makeup, but her once sparkling blue eyes were subtly lacking something. "Are you on your way home?"
The lonely basement office where she was headed now had become more of a home than her empty, memory haunted apartment. Even though it held even more reminders, at least it contained a figment of hope. But she knew what Skinner meant, so she shook her head negatively. "I've got work to do."
She's just looking for him.
She's only remembering.
She might look like she's ready
to fall in love again.
But she's just looking for him.
"Scully," she said into the phone, using one hand to open the file cabinet. She was working in the basement office, as she always did after hours, but who would call this late?
"Dana? This is Ed. Do you know what time it is?"
She smiled slightly, as she pulled a new folder out and shut the drawer. "Yes. What are you doing up?" Ed worked in the lab, and in asking him to help her out occasionally, she'd made a friend. A few times he'd asked her to meet him outside of work, and she'd agreed, if only to satisfy her mother's desire that she eat a decent meal once in a while.
"Well," he hesitated. "I just wanted to ask, are you busy tomorrow night?"
"No," she said without thinking, thumbing through the papers in the file folder. "Why?"
"I've got reservations at Chez Tolet. I thought maybe you'd like to join me. Get out of the office for a while?"
I hate French food, she thought to herself, wishing that he had suggested take-out instead. Then, she violently nixed that idea. Only one person could bring her chinese food. Then, something in the file caught her eye.
"Dana?" His voice insisted she respond.
"What? Oh, sorry." She went over to the cabinet and searched through it for another folder. "That'd be fine."
"Great, I'll pick you up at your place. Eight o'clock, all right?"
"Sure," she replied absently, glancing through the second file. Without conscious thought, she placed the phone back on the hook, and went back to perusing the papers.
She keeps one eye on the road,
and one on the other lane,
looking for his car.
His memory's re-played.
She searches other faces,
trying to find that spark.
But no one new can reach her,
or fill her hollow heart.
"Dana?" Ed glanced across the desk at the pretty redhead. It was nearly midnight, and Scully was still sitting in the basement office, intently rumaging through a pile of files. "Dana?"
"Hmm?" She didn't look up, so he leaned over and grabbed her face. Pulling her close enough, he kissed her thoroughly.
Startled, she stared at him. "What did you do that for?"
"Just to see."
"See what?" she asked, unable to keep from turning her gaze back to the files in front of her. There was a definite clue in the cases documented, if only she could find it.
"Nothing," Ed sighed. "Nothing at all." He walked over to the door. "He's a lucky fellow, that Spooky."
Scully frowned. It was here, she felt it. This could be the one, the piece to the puzzle that was the mystery of her partner's disappearence. Marking the folder, she glanced up. "Ed?"
When had he left? No matter. Without distraction, maybe she could find the vital link that would bring Mulder back to her. And she turned her attention back to the files marked X.
She's just looking for him.
She's only remembering.
She might look like she's ready
to fall in love again.
But she's just looking for him.
--end--