Destination Unknown Author: Jacquie (colbysgurl@shaw.ca) Summary: an AU version of "Drive"; Doggett is Scully's partner instead of Mulder- they're still on suspension by Kersh. Rating: I guess M Scully stretched a kink out of her neck as she completed her …she didn't even know how many autopsies she had done in the last eight hours. She removed her mask and her protective glasses to massage the bridge of her nose. It was only then she noticed Doggett in the doorway. "Hi." He came into the autopsy bay with her, frowning when he saw how fatigued she was. "How long have you been in here?" "Two weeks, three days, and eight hours..." She managed a wry smile. "You know what I mean," Doggett said gently. Without thinking, he reached out to rub her neck. Their eyes locked and for a heart stopping moment, time stood still. Scully attempted a smile to ease the awkward moment. "I think I'm done for the day." Doggett's body visibly relaxed as he returned Scully's smile. "Then can I interest you in getting something to eat? Think of it as a peace offering." "John…Agent Doggett, I've already explained to you that I don't blame you," Scully explained softly. Her hand was still holding on to his. "And I think I've lost count how many times I've asked you to call me John." Doggett's free hand touched her cheek. They were still staring at each other when they heard the footsteps of Quantico 's night security guard getting closer. Doggett quickly pulled Scully behind one of the autopsy tables, making her cry out in surprise. Doggett pressed a finger to his lips as he listened for the footsteps to fade off. They saw the feet of the guard stop in front of the bay. They heard his radio. Then he was gone. He smiled sheepishly. "I'm not even supposed to be here—I'm not Kersh's favorite person..." His warm breath was against her face. "Maybe we should get out of here. Just let me change." It took Scully a moment to find her voice again. Doggett wouldn't let her go. He had just discovered how hard Scully's heart was beating…not to mention there was a truth in her eyes that he couldn't ignore: Scully had chosen suspension because of him. She defied specific orders from Kersh not to follow him, but she did. "John?" The use of his first name only made him hold her tighter. Scully realized he was shaking. They sat there on the autopsy room floor flanked by three male corpses...but they didn't seem to notice where they were anymore. "It's alright…" They agreed to meet at his house. Scully couldn't help a second glance backward as she walked toward her car. Doggett grinned back at her before he climbed into his truck. Scully pulled up to his house forty five minutes later. "What took you so long?" Doggett teased her. He knew perfectly well that she had to take Washington Avenue and that was often full of traffic in early evening. Scully gave him a bemused look as she took grocery bags out of her car. "Keep it up, Agent Doggett. You'll be eating stale chips again…" She shifted the bag in her arms as she started to pass him. Doggett took the bag from her. "Here. Let me take that." "Thanks" Scully said slowly. She was obviously taken off-guard by Doggett's gesture. This despite the fact she had heard of past instances where he had helped elderly ladies across a busy intersection and even helped frazzled mothers who were trying to juggle squirming, cranky kids and baby strollers. Doggett opened the door with his free hand. Scully went ahead of him at his insistence. A mischievous twinkle came to his blue eyes when he pulled out the six pack of beer, nachos, and dip. "Just because I'm giving you this tonight doesn't mean that I'm going to eat this all the time." "Okay, Mom..." Doggett said dryly." Scully raised an eyebrow. "I'm trying to be serious." Doggett pulled her to him. She could feel his hot breath against her neck as he whispered, "So am I" Their hands met in the nacho bowl. Scully blushed as she tried to retract her hand. Doggett held onto it, entwining his fingers with hers. Slowly he pulled Scully towards him. His lips were just mere inches from her as he whispered "Don't pull away. Please." A shiver ran down Scully's spine as she allowed her skin to brush against Doggett's. Shocks of electricity went through them both. They groaned in unison. Doggett reached for the TV's remote control to turn down the volume. Scully grabbed his hand, putting it instead under her shirt. Their tongues danced together as Doggett's hands slid up to Scully's hair. They were breathless when they finally broke away. Scully took Doggett by the hand. Doggett's eyes looked at her questioningly. When she tugged gently, he got the message. "You're sure?" Doggett asked softly. "I've never been surer of anything in my life," Scully told him just as softly. Doggett took the chance to kiss her lips again. Scully cupped his face as she reciprocated. It was Doggett's turn to shiver when the kiss broke. NASCAR racing was still on when he carried her to the bedroom. Doggett woke from his peaceful slumber a few hours later. He had to blink a few times as the thought Did I just dream that? crossed his mind. The disorientation rapidly dissipated, however, when he felt the warm sensation across his chest. Dana… He couldn't help himself. He had to bend down to kiss her soft skin. A moan escaped Scully's lips, but she remained asleep. Doggett smiled affectionately at her before carefully removing her arm and slipping out of bed. This is as good a time as any… He padded on bare feet to the kitchen where he put on his shoes and grabbed his keys from the table. He carefully removed the teddy bear from the back seat of his truck, stopping to make sure that the solitaire diamond ring was still attached. He grinned to himself when he saw that it was. Suddenly, he had cold hard knots in his stomach. What if she says no? Doggett took a deep breath and jammed his keys in his free fist as he carried the bear into the house. Scully, who had noticed the bed was empty beside her, was waiting for him in the kitchen. Doggett got momentarily distracted by the fact that she was wearing one of his shirts. Scully's eyes had gravitated to the bear. "What's this?" Doggett was still staring at her so she said his name again... "John?" He blinked rapidly, blushing slightly. "Just a little something you might like." Scully's fingers grasped at the ring. "John……" Doggett untied the knot in the ribbon, sending the ring into Scully's palm. Her fingers ran over the diamond. Her eyes rose slowly to meet Doggett's. Doggett promptly dropped to one knee in front of her. "Dana…You know I've never been the kind of guy who makes eloquent speeches. I say things the way I see them." He was rewarded with an affectionate smile and nod of agreement from Scully. He took Scully's hand in hers. "I love you and I can't imagine my life without you. Will you be my wife?" "Yes," Scully whispered as tears of happiness spilled down her face. Doggett got to his feet again, leaning down to kiss her. He placed the ring on Scully's finger. Scully hopped up on the kitchen table where she had better access to Doggett's lips. Doggett chuckled against her lips. The chuckle turned into a groan when he felt Scully's tongue asking for entry his mouth. "Take me back to bed," Scully whispered. Doggett obliged her without being asked twice. They were on a new path now. One that they would be on together. Neither one of them would ever be alone again.