Here's the Silence of the Lambs/X-Files crossover I promised. I don't either of them they belong to Tom Harris and Chris Carter respectively. Please read and review and tell me what you think. Reviews keep me updating :) I hope Scully's not too OCC I tried to keep her in character as best I could. Enjoy chapter 1 ~Serria Spell23.

Ch.1-A Favor

I walked into the BAU division of the FBI, heading to the office of Clarice Starling. I ran a hand through my red hair as I rested against her door. Mulder was in the field as always so I said I'd ask her a favor. I closed my eyes briefly, fighting the lingering fatigue.

I knocked lightly on Clarice's door. "Clarice?" The agent looked up, brushing a strand of auburn hair from her face.

"Dana, how are you?"

I groaned, "Ugh, I've been better. How are your chats with Lecter going?" Clarice smiled, rising to her feet, gesturing to the chair across from her. I sat down, my hands in my lap.

As well as can be expected, Dana. You know how he is." I nodded, watching my friend pacing the room. "Did you need something or did you come by to visit?" she asked sitting down. I hesitated slightly, wondering if I should inform her of my current medical condition or whether I should ask her for help on the case Mulder and I were working on like I'd planned.

"Yes, I do, Clarice. I need your help on a case."

"And what's the nature of this case?" Clarice questioned, a note of suspicion in her voice.

I grinned sheepishly. "Cannibalism." The agent shook her head, rolling her eyes.

"Of course why wouldn't it be? I'll see what I can do." If she was completely honest ever since the Buffalo Bill case where she first worked Doctor Lecter the infamous stigma of Cannibalism had followed Starling everywhere as well as Lecter. There wasn't a case that Crawford assigned her to that Lecter did not help her with.

We heard a soft knock on the door and without even getting up my friend called, "Come in, Mr. Crawford." He entered, glancing around.

"How's get going, Starling? Any progress?"

"It's very gradual but I'm working on it." He nodded his approval, gazing toward me.

"Hello, Jack Crawford," he said, extending a hand. Taking it, I smiled.

"Hello, Sir, Dana Scully I work with the X-files. I'm partnered with Fox Mulder.

Clarice raised an eyebrow at the mention of Mulder. "Why isn't he with you?"

I shrugged, "He's in the field like he always is." The phone rang a moment later, reaching over to grab it the agent spoke into the receiver.

"Starling…Mulder we were just talking about you."

"Hi, Clarice is Scully there?"

"Yes she is," my friend answered, handing the phone to me.

"Scully," said Mulder, "has Clarice agreed to assist us?"

I cracked a small smile that my partner didn't see. Glancing at my friend, I saw her nod. "Yes, Mulder, she'll help."

"Okay, Scully. See you later." I hung up the phone, turning my attention to Clarice. Closing my eyes again, I sighed, my head pulsing painfully. I rubbed my forehead, trying alleviate the ache. The other agent stared at me, studying me carefully.

"What's wrong, Dana?" Starling asked, reaching across the desk to rest a hand on my shoulder.

"Nothing, Clarice, I just have a migraine that's all. I'm sure it's stress-related."

I heard a teasing chuckle enter her voice. "When will you ever learn to take it easy?"

"When will you," I retorted, "we both have same problem, Clarice. We can't slow down." She laughed, shaking her head. Lifting mine from her desk, I stood up and met her eyes. "Thanks for agreeing to help that will save Mulder the trouble of talking to Lecter with me."

"No problem, Dana. It's nice to see you again." I walked over to my friend, hugging her tightly. The pressure of my secret weighing on my conscious. I wanted to tell Clarice I was sick, however I didn't want the shock to hurt her. I needed to shield her from more pain.

I left the office, sitting in a chair that was against wall and massaging my temples. A drop of blood dripped onto my hand and my heart sank as I realized my nose was bleeding again. I pulled a tissue from my pocket, wiping it discreetly. I wanted to cry but I had to be stronger than that. I had to fight. Sighing, I rose to my feet, collecting my emotions.

Walking back to Mulder's desk, in the X-Files division of the bureau, I saw that he had returned from the field. I collapsed into the chair across from him. "Mulder?"

"Scully, what is it? What happened?" my partner prodded, voice calm with an undertone of concern.

"I couldn't tell her, Mulder…I just couldn't. Clarice has enough pain in her life. It isn't fair for me to add more."

He shook his head, stroking my cheek gently. "She deserves to know, Scully from you. Just try to tell her before anyone else does."

I nodded, "Okay, I will." My co-worker wrapped me in his arms for a moment, running his fingers through my hair.

"It's going to be alright, don't worry," he murmured. I smiled at ease again.

"Thanks, Mulder." I walked toward the door, glancing over my shoulder, "you coming?"

He joined me at my side, his arm around me as a sign of support. "Of course, Scully." We left the building together and headed to his car. "I'll drive you home, okay?"

Mulder opened the door for me and I climbed into the passage seat. I grinned but stayed silent, stewing in my own thoughts. I worried that Clarice would react badly to the news and that I'd lose her as a friend, my best friend. I stared out of the car window, watching the newly pouring rain hit the glass. My eyes couldn't see anything in the darkness and I closed them in hopes of clearing my head.

After a few minutes, we arrived at my apartment. My co-worker got out, offering me his hand. "Mulder, I'm able to stand, you know," I teased, taking his hand, pulling myself to my feet.

"I know, Scully. I just figured you were worn-out after the day you've had today," he replied, a smile crossing his lips. Mulder escorted me to my door then met my slightly nervous gaze.

"Call Clarice and tell her, Scully just get it over with." I nodded, facing him as he stared into my blue eyes. Stroking my cheek again, he turned to leave.

"Mulder, wait!" I called, looking in the direction of my co-worker's retreating form.

"Yes, Scully?"

"Thank you for everything. I couldn't get through this without you."

"You're welcome, Scully. Goodnight, see you in the morning."

Once Mulder left, I went inside and did as he suggested. I found Clarice's phone number among a pile of case files took a deep breath and dialed.

"Starling," my friend answered.

"Clarice, it's me. I have something I need to tell you."

"What is it, Dana? By the way, do you want to come with me to chat with Lecter tomorrow morning?"

Momentarily, I forgot the reason I called, permitting a shakily laugh to escape from my lips. "Wouldn't he just focus on me then?"

"Maybe however two heads are better than one especially in this situation."

"I think you'll find that theory disproven rather quickly, Clarice," I joked, wishing I did not have to ruin her good mood with my news. "Um…" Glancing at the clock, I realized it was past midnight. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Clarice it's late."

"Okay, Dana, goodnight," the agent said, a smile in her voice. I hit the off button on the keypad, unshed tears of frustration shinning in my eyes. I chickened out this wasn't like me at all. I hated being vulnerable that's why I never allowed myself to become too emotionally close to anyone. I laid in my bed, attempting to sleep. Eventually, my body granted my wish and I slept restlessly for the rest of the night.