By Sara B.
sabo727@tampabay.rr.com
 

Feedback:  Greatly appreciated including constructive
criticisms
Disclaimer:  The characters in this story belong to C. Carter and
Co., Fox and the wonderful actors who breathed life into written
words, most notably G. Anderson and D. Duchovny who where able make
us believe in the improbable.  The story belongs to me.
Spoilers: One Son
Category: Angst, A Little Alternate Reality
Rating:         PG 13 - naughty words
Summary: Frohike tells Mulder what he needs to hear.
Archive:  I would be honored. Keep my name attached and let me
know.
Gratitude:   To Kim Knight, for all she does and her unending
support.  To Dennis for who and what he is.  To you, the readers.

She Hides Behind Her Face

Tuesday 7:20 pm Percy's Pub:

Mulder and Frohike sat at the booth in the back of the bar.  Neither
was anywhere near drunk, in fact, they'd both had burgers and sat
nursing the same pitcher of beer for over two hours.  If the place
had been busy they'd have been kicked out ages ago. Percy's was not
on Washington's beaten path and only got busy during the weekends
and Monday night Football.

This was the first time they'd been together since Scully and the
guys had pulled up the `evidence' on Diana Fowley.  Frohike wasn't
quite sure why he was here except that Mulder had been his friend
for a long time and he felt he had to give him a chance.  If he'd
known the topic of conversation was going to be what a bitch Scully
was being he didn't think he'd have bothered showing up.

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Five Hour Earlier:

The phone rang and Frohike picked up "Lone Gunmen."

"It's me, turn off the tape."

Frohike shut off the machine and spoke "go ahead Mulder."

"I wondered if you would meet me at Percy's later."  Mulder sounded
chagrined.  It had been several weeks since the confrontation as
Mulder thought of it.  He needed to talk to someone about his
problems with Scully.  He first thought of Diana but if Scully ever
found out that he'd spoken to Diana about them he'd be toast.  That
left the only other one he ever confided in, Frohike.  They'd been
close right from the start and he was the one who got him through
his divorce.  He only hoped the man would come.  "I have a problem
and I need to talk about it."
 

Mulder's heart skipped a beat when he heard the little man say "what
time?"

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Percy's 7:25 pm:
 
Mulder was having a tirade about Scully.  Complaining that they'd
been fighting a lot lately and that no matter what he said she took
the other side.  The subject didn't matter, she just opposed
everything.  Frohike for his part sat silently and let the younger
man go on, his turn would come
later and when it did Fox Mulder was going to listen.  Not only was
he going to listen, Frohike was going to ensure he heard and
comprehended too.

"I just don't get it and I'm not the only one who'd noticed, Diana
was commenting on it earlier." So Mulder was still seeing Diana,
he'd have to make sure that none of them divulged any real
information to Mulder.  "Yeah,  Diana came in to ask my opinion on
some case and Scully walked in.  She didn't say anything just went
to her table grabbed something and left.  She never came back and
she didn't answer her phone.  What do you make of that?"

Mulder looked at Frohike waiting for an answer.  Could Mulder really
be that obtuse?  Frohike let out a breath.  "Mulder what did Scully
really see when she entered the office?"

"Well, Diana and I were talking," he paused as in thought then
added "Diana was brushing hair from my forehead.  Do you think it
was that, Scully's jealous?"  Mulder's eyes lit up with mischief and
delight.

Frohike chuckled "reign in the ego boy, this is so much more than
jealousy.  Dana walked in on you talking to a person she doesn't
trust.  A fact that she confronted you with not too long ago and
presented you with evidence to back up her suspicions.  Evidence
that you scoffed at."  He could see Mulder's attitude
changing.  "Don't you dare pull your shit on me Mulder.  If you
don't want to hear what I am going to tell you I will walk out of
this bar right now and before you can hit speed dial I'll have our
phone number changed and we, not one of us, will speak or help you
again.  Unlike Dana Scully, I don't have her, seemingly, unlimited
patience for you or your crap.  Now, what do you say?"

Mulder was visibly shaken and just nodded.  Frohike took that as an
indication to continue.  "Dana saw you talking with Diana after you
knew that she didn't trust her.  She saw the person she most
respects and admires disrespecting her and dismissing her claims.
You gave no credence to her instincts or her talents as an
investigator to stay away from Diana or even look into our
findings.  You were flaunting that woman in her face and in her
territory.  You asked if Dana was jealous, hell yes she is.  She had
to earn the trust you placed in her time after time. But simply by
her presence Diana Fowley is deserving of your trust?  You give no
reasons beyond that you `know her' and expect that to be enough.
Not once have you ever given Dana the benefit of just taking her
word because it was her word.  Earlier you said something about you
having earned the benefit of a doubt, well hasn't she?  How many
times does she have to pass your tests and how many times do you
think you can pull your trust back before she gives up?  If the
information we showed you had been about anyone else how would you
have reacted?  What if it had been Scully?"  Mulder blanched. "If it
was Skinner keeping you from seeing Cassandra Spender what would you
have done?  That night," he paused for a breath and continued only
when he was sure that Mulder understood what night he referred
to.  "That night you told her she was making this personal and I
have to tell you that was probably the most arrogant and insulting
thing I've ever heard anyone say.  You of all people know that it is
personal.  You lost your sister yes, but Scully lost hers too and
she knows that this side of death she won't ever see her again.  She
also lost a daughter and months of her life were stolen from her
during which she endured unknown horrors that she still suffers
nightmares about.  Her health has been compromised beyond a point
that conventional science can understand, beyond what SHE can
understand even with all her training.  But probably the worst is
that her future was stolen from her when they took away her ability
to have children.  Do you even begin to understand how all that has
to affect her?  But does she go around moping or complaining do you
see her giving up or," he watched Mulder's face closely to see his
reaction to his next words "giving in?"  Frohike knew Mulder had
almost done exactly that and waited for his reaction.  Frohike was
not disappointed, Mulder looked stricken recognizing the selfishness
of his actions that night.  Can you comprehend how she feels to hear
you defend Diana Fowley to whom the only thing done to her was a
promotion?"

 "Does anyone outside Dana's small circle even know what she's
sacrificed for this cause?  No because she hides behind her face,
her beautiful face.  She's trained herself to control her reactions
so that outsiders only see the stoic Special Agent Dana Scully M.D.,
but for those of us who know her, who are privileged to be let in,
it's all there, in her eyes.  One look in those eyes and you see the
hurt, anger and sometimes even despair."  His unspoken accusation
hung in the air `have you stopped looking Mulder?'

"You claim you know Diana Fowley, maybe you do, maybe you don't.
You do know Dana Scully, or at least you used to."  Frohike paused
and looked at Mulder closely, he thought that at least some of what
he said got through but he had one more kick in the pants for the
younger man.  "Mulder in the not too distant future you are going to
have to make a decision.  Who do you want by your side?  You can't
have both women and if you choose Diana let Scully go.  She deserves
so much more than just being your sidekick."  Frohike stood up
grabbed his jacket and left without another word.  He hoped that
what he said would have an impact on Mulder.

Mulder watched Frohike leave the bar.  He pulled out his phone and
hit speed dial.  Scully picked up on the second ring.  He only hoped
she would listen.

End