Chapter Text
Hoover Building was a monster housing several agencies and it had it's own underground parking garage, to which unfortunately she still had no access. She made a mental note to mention the need for one to the HR if she got the job.
She parked the car a block down the street, aware of the small fortune it would cost her, telling herself, no pain no gain while looking through the windshield again. The forecast said clearly, sky overcast, no showers at least until midday, but as her luck usually went when she wanted sunshine, she got rain. It was still early, she could wait for the rain to pass but gray clouds as far as the eye could see didn't fill her with much hope. She cursed Ethan again for not giving back the umbrella she kept in the trunk for a day exactly like today.
Being late for the interview was out of the question. The morning crowd flowed past her car, if she ran, she might get to the door fairly dry. Only problem was, she opted for high heels today, new shoes for a new job. She wished that running in heels was a part of the FBI academy training, but that wasn't her luck either. The rain grew lighter, angry staccato banging against the roof quieted to a faint hum of tiny raindrops.
Picking the briefcase from the passenger seat Scully put on a brave face and wrapping herself in dignity, stepped out of the car. She paid the fee and tried to ignore the water splashing over her stockinged feet. Just a block, you can do it.
The damp air was bound to ruin her hair. She saw herself looking like an angry Pomeranian sitting in that chair opposite Section Chief Blevins and cringed. She wanted to look as professional as she felt because she wanted this job, she wanted to do what she joined the FBI for. She was sick of being a professor, the geek locked up in her office grading papers. This wasn't what she trained for, what she left medicine for. And now was her chance to prove that she made the right choice.
Back straight, head held high, she infused her step with all the resolve she had. No rain would stop her, no cloud will cast a shadow over this day.
But as she thought that, a real shadow creeped in, saving her from the rain for a moment, she stopped abruptly and looked over her shoulder to see a man standing close beside her. Tall and handsome, young kind eyes, he smiled arm reaching out, umbrella in hand.
"I believe we're going in the same direction" he said smoothly, as the crowd split around them like a river meeting a rock in it's path.
"Do we?" she asked, surprised but holding her ground.
"Well, if not, at least let me escort you as far as that entrance" he nodded at the door, still half block away. The rain grew louder, drumming harder against the canopy above them "Please"
His light gray suit and a paper bag in hand made him blend in with the crowd, the ugly tie verified his story, he was definitely FBI.
"If you don't mind" she gave him a small smile in agreement and started walking again, noticing how readily he matched her pace.
"Not at all" he smiled back leaning down a little, brining the umbrella closer over her "just visiting?"
"Job interview" she corrected, taking a step over a puddle, swaying a little. His hand twitched, ready to catch.
"With whom?" he asked but her reply was drowned out by a truck roaring past, he instinctively angled his body to protect her from any splash that might come their way.
"Can we go faster?" she suggested, speeding her step.
"You're always so eager to be first in class?" he teased, following her long strides, feeling as if she was about to run.
"First impressions are vital" she replied without looking up, determination written all over her face was softened by a small smile he caught as she slipped past him when he held the door for her "Wouldn't you agree?"
"Definitely" he smirked when the door closed behind them.
Folding the umbrella he watched her give herself a once-over, smooth out her hair and skirt, then shake a few raindrops from her briefcase. She looked nice, very presentable, business-like.
"Thank you for your help" she beamed one last time, fidgeting with the strap of her bag, thrown over one shoulder "I hope we see each other again"
"Me too" he smiled back, ignoring the crowd around them.
"Have a nice day" she nodded and turned away, heading for the elevators. Bright red hair making her easy to follow amongst the dark suits and coats of fellow agents.
"See you later Scully" he said quietly, heading for his basement office, wondering if he should have brought a doughnut for her as well, while he was at it.