Title: Consequences
Author: Angel Leeann
Written: January 2003
You can reach me at turmoil04@yahoo.com.
Rating: PG-13
Category: M/O, S/O, M/S UST
Disclaimer: I don't own them. I don't make money off of them. Chris Carter has all the glory and cash.

Summary: Mulder's one-night stand brings with it consequences that will effect him for the rest of his life. Scully, of course, is willing to stand by him through it all.

Notes: I am not a doctor so don't take what I say has scientific fact.

Some of my stories are found under 'Angel Leeann', but some of them ended up under 'Leeann, Angel'. Just thought I would share.

7 March
J. Edgar Hoover Building
6:45PM

Her heels clicked softly as she made her way to the office. Checking her watch, she smiled to herself at her accomplishment. Maybe for once she would beat him to the office. However, her grin broadened when she saw the light seeping out from under door. Rolling her eyes at his obsessive dedication, she entered the room. "Good morning. What time did you get in today?"

Her smile died away when she saw what he was wearing: the same suit he had on yesterday. So, that's how he managed to be here so early today. "Mulder, do I want to know what kept you here all night? Usually when you spend the night at the office, the next thing I know we are on a plane to Timbuktu."

His reply was a grunt.

Scully shook her head and headed over to her own desk (yes, she finally had one), dumping her briefcase and purse beside it on the floor. "Did you sleep at all last night?" she inquired as she stepped over to him.

Her worry peaked to a new height when she saw the multitude of small, red sores aligning his mouth.

They had been there for six weeks, but she had been too embarrassed to question him on it. Now they were becoming to look more like a rash.

As though oblivious to the rash, Mulder chuckled.

"Yes, Mom, I had a good nap sometime between checking out UFO Websites and contacting the Gunmen about the latest JFK gossip. And, no, we're not traveling for our next case. It happens to be right here in beautiful D.C."

"And pray tell, what is our assignment?"

"To conduct an investigation into the alleged best Italian restaurant in the Western Hemisphere," he pushed his chair back so that he could lean back and prop his feet up on the desk. "Yet, until seven o'clock tonight, we have to waste precious FBI resources on the Quote Killer."

"Quote Killer? When did the VSC finally lose their pride and admitted that they need you on this case?"

"Well, they put their dicks away about an hour after you left yesterday. They didn't stick their tails between their legs too far, though. They sent a memo stating 'The case is virtually wrapped up, but there are a few dents that need smoothed over. Since you are not currently on a case, you have been assigned to look a thing or two over.' Can you believe that? 'Virtually wrapped up' my ass; they haven't even started a preliminary profile yet," he rubbed at his eyes, his focus seeming to falter.

Scully noticed that his cheeks appeared flushed. She couldn't resist the urge to press the back of her hand to his forehead. He instantly backed away, but wasn't quit fast enough for her to not have felt the heat.

"Mulder, you have a fever. Maybe you should go home."

"Go home? No way. The work day has just started."

"Well, the consistency you have to sleeping in the office is obviously making you sick. Why don't we cut a deal? If you go home, I'll let you take the Quote Killer file with you. You can work on it while lazing around in bed, uh, on your couch."

He nibbled on his bottom lip before flashing her an amused smile. "Is there a specific reason you're trying to get rid of me, G-woman? Are you expecting someone to drop by? Like...I don't know...Kenneth Mcallen?"

Scully had met Mcallen at a conference five months back. They had been stuck at the same far-corner table together and had hit it off right away. Mcallen was a doctor at St. Greg's. He specialized in diagnosing and treating diseases of the blood.

Scully enjoyed his company, but she couldn't picture herself settling down with the handsome doctor. He, though, had been dropping hints for the last couple of weeks. 'Hey, Dana, look at that church. I wouldn't mind getting married in a place like that.'

She shook herself out of her train of thought. "He's already met you, the pass or fail test is over. If the man can accept that I work with a lunatic especially if that lunatic is you, then it must be a match made in Heaven."

"Aww, Scully, that is so sweet." He stood up, his back cracking all the way up the spine. He stretched, a yawn escaping his lips. "Gee, I hope you don't mind if I take this file and head out. I know that you probably want me to stick around because you're so madly in love with my ability to munch on a whole bag of seeds in one sitting. However, I must leave you so that I can have a wild date with my couch and this file."

Scully found herself rolling her eyes once again.

Ever since meeting this frustrating, cocky, and wonderful man she'd been exercising her eyes and heaving plenty of sighs. Yet, as she discovered many years ago in the pouring rain amongst a tombstone, she wouldn't have it any other way.

Mulder was now slipping into his trench coat, the file dangling from his mouth: his mouth that was embraced by the healing sores and forming rash. She couldn't hold her tongue any longer. Scully took a deep breath and asked, "Mulder, what's wrong with your mouth? Have you seen a doctor about its condition?"

Mulder gently ran his fingers over the reddened skin. "I must have touched something I was allergic to. Then, when I ate, it must have rubbed off onto my mouth. Why?"

"Touched something? Let me see your hands." She reached out for his arm. There was a minor resistance before he went limp allowed her to inspect him. His palms, too, were covered in the rash. "How long have your hands been like this?"

"I noticed it last night."

"You've had sores around your mouth for about six weeks."

"Yeah? So? Where are you going with this? It's nothing!" He snatched his hands back.

"Are the sores inside your mouth, too?"

"Why?"

Again she sighed, but this time it was purely out of irritation. Why did this man have to be so difficult?

"It could be nothing. But it could be something. Are the sores inside your mouth, too?"

He glanced at the floor as if in shame. "Yes," he murmured. "I've had the sores, as you know, about six weeks. The rashes just started to appear last night. I think the ones on the mouth are already healing, though. They're not nearly as inflamed as they were a few hours ago. It's just...my hands."

"Do you have any idea what this sounds like?"

His head snapped up, his eyes wild. "No! No. It's nothing like that. Like I said, I must have just had contact with something I'm allergic too -- that's all."

"Will you at least go see a doctor? Even if it ends up being nothing more than an allergic reaction to bathroom cleaning solution, at least you'll be aware to steer clear of it. And how to treat it."

"Ok, ok, I'll stop in at the hospital on my way home."

He opened the door. "I'll see you later, partner. Stay out of trouble. Don't go snooping around on porn sites. And tell Ken I say hi."

"Ken's not coming."

"Sure, I know one of your fantasies is to strip him down, throw him on my desk, and screw his brain out."

Her punch to his arm only left him chuckling as he walked out.

7 March
J. Edgar Hoover Building
4:35PM

Scully glanced mournfully at her watch. God, only twenty-five grueling more minutes before she could technically call it a day. With her partner gone, she was stuck on paper detail. If she had to sign 'Special Agent Dana Scully' one more time she was going to end up in an asylum.

When the door creaked open, she didn't even have to look up from the expense report (the fourth one of the day to pass her desk) to know whom it was.

Nevertheless, she gave him her attention. "Why are you back?"

"I...I just wanted to get my mind off of things."Shit, he scolded himself, Now she's going to know something is wrong. Please don't ask me. Please don't...

"Get your mind off of things? What did the doctor have to say? You did go to the hospital, right?"

He pulled out a few seeds from his pocket. "Yeah."

He munched on the salty snack food, crossing over to the file cabinets. "So, how was your day?"

"Exciting. Four expense reports, two request forms, an autopsy, and an aide to a new agent in pathology."

She pushed her chair back. Standing, she questioned, "So, what did the doctor say?"

"Oh, that it's just a rash and I shouldn't worry about it. It should be healed within a few weeks," he flashed her a rewarding smile. "I told you it was nothing."

"You love to prove me wrong, don't you? Anyway, I'm going to bail out a little early." She strolled over to the coat rank. "You want to come over for some pizza?"

"Nah, I'm going to beg off. I've got a lot on my plate right now. I mean with the whole Quote Killer case. Besides, it being Friday, I bet Ken will be prowling around looking for some action," he winked at her disapproving scowl.

"Not that it's any of your business, but we're not having sex."

"I know we're not having sex, but I think it's safe to say that you and Ken are doing the naked the pretzel."

"I didn't say anything about us having sex! I said we're...God, Mulder, you're really something else." She headed out the door. "See you on Monday."

7 March
Scully's Apartment
10:00PM

The knocking on the door didn't surprise her, but the company on the other side did. She had been hoping that her partner had changed his mind and was behind the door with a box of pizza. However, it was Ken.

Her disappointment must have shown because he instantly stated -- with a smile, "Sorry I'm not the man you wanted tonight, but you're stuck with me."

"Oh Ken, it's not that," he followed her into the living room where they both settled down on the couch.

"It's just that I'm worried about Mulder. I offered for him to spend the evening with me, but he declined. I was wishing he would show up just so I know he's really all right."

"Well," Ken scooted closer, wrapping his arm around her. "You must understand that it is nothing personal against you. He's just going through a tough time. He's probably too humiliated to hang out with you. I bet he's tormenting himself with what you must be thinking about him."

"Ken, what are you talking about?"

"He didn't tell you? I was the doctor who performed the Vdrl. I must say, he was horrified when the test came back positive."

"What? He told me everything was fine! That it was just a simple rash! What the hell is a Vdrl?" She couldn't decide whether to let her boiling anger or intense concern to control her.

Ken looked ashen and torn. "You mean, he didn't tell you? Dana, it is no simple rash. Yet, I don't feel it's my place to tell you. First off, there's that doctor-patient confidentiality rule. Secondly, this is a very pressing, personal matter. I think you should take it up with him."

"Oh god." She glanced over at her phone on the side table beside the couch. "Ken...I'm sorry to do this to you. You just got here, but I have to go talk to my partner."

7 March
Mulder's Apartment
10:23PM

"Why the hell didn't you tell me! Ken had assumed that you were honest with me. So, he let slip that you had a far more serious condition than just a damn rash! However, he didn't tell me what was really going on: that's your job!"

Mulder shook his head angrily. "God, Scully, I can't tell you what's going on. I...it is...God, you don't want to know. You would never want to be near me again!"

"What is it! For Christ sakes, Mulder, you can tell me."

Tears welled up and he turned his head away. He murmured, "I had sex eight weeks ago with a woman I...anyway, I don't have HIV. Thank God for that. But...the sores...the rash...the fever...I have..." A lonesome tear slid down his right cheek "secondary syphilis."

"Syphilis?" she muttered, slowly lowering herself onto the leather couch. "That's not something I ever...you with a STD? Who gave it to you? She might not even know she has it. She could spread it to others. She needs tested! Then again, she may be having rashes on her mouth, too."

"No...hers wouldn't be as noticeable. I called her immediately after I found out that I had contracted it. She, too, got herself tested. It so happens that she has it inside her genitals. That's why she didn't know she had it. The sores aren't painful, so there's no reason she would have suspected something."

"Her genitals? But you have yours on and in your mouth." The instant the words were spoken, a deep scarlet colored her face. Obviously, Mulder wasn't shy under the sheets if he was willing to stick his tongue into a stranger's... "Do you have it...on your genitals?"

His back was suddenly facing her. "God, Scully, this is none of your business!" he roared. "I'll like you to leave now! Go!"

"I'm not going anywhere." Her features soothed over and she arose from the couch. "Mulder, I'm not afraid of this. Syphilis is a curable disease and can't be spread through casual contact." She gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "It's ok if you feel uncomfortable -- God knows I would be. But you don't have to be ashamed. I've always known you weren't a virgin; and with having intercourse comes the risk of contracting something. I'm not a virgin either. If I were to resume sexual activity then I, too, would be at just as high a risk as you."

Mulder brushed her off, marching further into the room before whipping around to face her. "I know all of that intellectually, but it doesn't help! God, I have a damn STD! It's different when you have sex and everything is hunky-dory afterwards compared to when you wake up to find out the cost of having a good fuck was so damn high!"

She inwardly flinched at the word 'fuck'. She'd never heard him be so crude. "I can't pretend to understand because I've never been in your situation. However, I can try to imagine what you're going through and believe me, I'm not trying to minimize the issue at hand. Yet, it could have been a lot worse. What if she was carrying HIV or some other incurable STD? At least this won't be with you for the rest of your life."

"Yes it will," he grumbled. "You'll never be able to look at me the same way again. When you look at me, all you'll see is the man who had syphilis. Now I'll never be able to get you to lo-..." he gazed at the floor in the hopes that one of cracks would open large enough to suck him through.

"Never get me to what?"

"Nothing. Look, I'm really tired. I'm going to crash out. If you want to stay: fine. You know where my bed is," he flopped down on the couch.

Unsure of what else to say, Scully simply strolled down the hall to his bedroom. The room was spotless, which didn't really surprise her. He rarely came in here except to get one of his suits. Then her eyes fell on the waterbed.

Is this where he got syphilis, she wondered, eying the bed suspiciously. For some reason, she highly doubted it. This was Mr. Paranoid himself. He wouldn't bring a one-night stand home. Is she a one-night stand? The itch of curiosity grew maddening. Should I ask him? a moment of considering gave her a simple answer. No. It's not my business. Besides, he doesn't grill me about Ken.

She crawled under the warm covers and inhaled deeply.

She was shocked to smell Mulder's cologne and soap.

I thought he didn't use his bed? Maybe he did bring her here...No. It's doesn't smell of sex. This information relieved her beyond words and she was able to drift off into a peaceful sleep: A peaceful sleep that was interrupted two hours later by the shrill of the telephone.

She groaned, answering the phone groggily, "Scully."

There was a pregnant pause before a quiet, feminine voice replied, Scully? You mean Agent Dana Scully?

"Yes. May I help you?"

I'm...I'm sorry...I didn't know...Mulder didn't tell me...is he there? I need to speak with him right away.

Scully was confused. Why would someone call her then ask for Mulder? Then it dawned as the memories of the previous day filtered into her sleep deprived brain.

"May I ask who's calling?" She knew damn well who it was -- she just didn't know the woman's name.

Dana Quincy. Is Mulder there?

"Yes. Let me go get him." Scully slipped out of bed, carrying the cordless with her to the living room.

She knelt beside the couch, shaking her partner.

"Mulder. Mulder...the phone's for you."

His hand snaked out from under his head to take the phone. "Mulder."

I...it's me...Dana.

He could hear the tremor in her voice and he shot up now fully awake. "Dana?" He glanced at his watch.

"It's twelve thirty in the morning. What's wrong?"

I..., her voice cracked. I don't know what to do. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before! I'm so scared. She started to cry.

"I know what you mean. I've never been through anything like this either. But everything's going to be fine. We've started treatment before it reached the final stages, so there won't be any long-term effects," he peered over at his partner. She started to leave to give him privacy, but he stopped her with a touch to her waist. He mouthed the word 'stay'.

It's not that. Dana was now openly sobbing. I'm pregnant.

Mulder nearly dropped the phone. He stared stunned at his partner dumbfounded. "What?" he managed to choke out. "Did you just say you're...you're..."

Pregnant! Damn it, Mulder, what are we going to do?

"We?"

Oh God. You're going to leave me all alone to deal with this aren't you? You're going to knock me up and run!

"No, no, no...I just...are you sure?"

It's been eight weeks! There's no way to even pretend anymore. I ignored the symptoms until today, but I new in my heart it was true. And it's definitely yours.

"I don't...this is...a lot to take in." God, what else can you do to punish me? "But...no, I'm not going to bail. I don't know what we're going to do, but I'm willing to take my share of the responsibility."

Oh thank God! I was so scared and nervous and...and...Do you think we can meet for lunch tomorrow? Noon? My house? I don't want to discuss this in public.

"Yeah. Sure."

Good. I...I better let you go. We'll talk tomorrow?

"Yes. Bye," he clicked the phone off, stood up, and hurled it across the room. It shattered against the TV, the battery covering flying off. "GOD Damn it!"

Scully leapt at the outburst, but quickly regained her composure. "What is it, Mulder?"

"she'S Fucking Pregnant!" He kicked the coffee table over, the glass covering exploding into pieces.

Magazines, case files, and miscellaneous objects were strewn across the room. "What the hell!" He slammed his fists into his stereo system, one the speakers lost its balance and crashed to the floor. He took one quick scan of the mess, then stormed out of the room, the front door slamming behind him.

8 March
J. Edgar Hoover Building
5:15PM

Mulder had not shown up for work that morning, but that had not surprised her. What did surprise Scully was when he came bursting into the office with two cups of steaming coffee. He placed one in front of her then went briskly to his desk.

"How'd it go?" she asked tentatively.

He shrugged. "Weird. I never...I mean...me? A father? I just can't grasp it. It feels so...surreal. I never thought much about being a father. Now I'm going to have this unwanted baby forced on me," he shook his head. "How can I be even half a decent father to a child I don't even want? God...I'm going to be the worst father to have ever walked this earth. And that's really saying something: look at my own father."

"Have you told her all of this?"

He chuckled, took a sip of his overheated coffee, and then shook his head again. "No way. I didn't want to cause her anymore stress or worry than she's already having. I think I have problems? She's the one who has to actually experience it all."

"So...you've decided to keep it?" She felt a twinge of jealousy rise up. Here she was, willing to become a mother, but unable. Then there were her partner and Dana who were able, but not willing. Life was unfair.

"Yes. Even though neither of us ever wanted something like this to happen, neither of us could live with ourselves if we aborted it. It's just...killing an innocent life. It's not his or her fault that she's pregnant. It's completely mine and Dana's."

"That sounds weird, you know: 'mine and Dana's'. It sounds almost as though you were talking to someone about our baby."

Oh God, why'd you say that!

"Nah, if I were talking about our baby then I would have said 'mine and Scully's'." His warm smile touched her heart. He was easing the awkwardness with his light bantering and she loved him for it.

"So, are you going to make an honest woman out of her?"

"No. That would be a huge mistake. Our marriage would hardly make it past the honeymoon," he leered at her. "Looks like you're still stuck with me."

Two Months Later
6 May Dana's House
11:35AM

Scully was having mixed feelings about this encounter.

This would be the first time she would come face to face with the woman carrying Mulder's baby. She was apprehensive, yet excited at the same time. She squeezed Ken's hand tighter as they walked around the house to the backyard (it was where they were told to go).

"Jeez, Dana, are you trying to cut off my circulation?"

She smiled at him, but there was no real emotion behind it. She liked Ken...she really did. But...there was always this tingling in the back of her heart telling her that she should just cut him loose. But not yet. I'm not ready to be alone again, yet.

"Scully!" Mulder jogged over, his smile beaming.

"Did you find the place ok? Dana was worried that you would get lost. She got so paranoid that she was about to have me run out and pick you up myself. Then she started crying. Damn the hormones."

He shook Ken's offered hand. "Hey, Ken, how's it going?"

"Good. How about you?"

"Better now that I don't have to be here alone with Miss Psycho Hormones."

"Mulder! I heard that," Dana came sauntering out of the kitchen with a bowl of fruit salad. She was radiant from her sleek auburn hair, tiger green eyes, and slender face. Even the small hump of her stomach looked attractive.

Scully tried not to hate her at sight.

Mulder rushed over, stealing the glass bowl from her hands. "I told you I would get it! Will you please go sit down!"

Dana giggled, rolling her eyes heaven ward. "My God, Mulder, I'm pregnant -- not invalid." She waved the two guests over to have a seat with her at the patio table. "I fear the road ahead. I'm only three months pregnant -- imagine him when I'm nine months and having false alarm contractions."

Ken smiled politely, leaning forward. "So, Dana Q., what do you do for a living?"

"That's cute: 'Dana Q.' Is that how you're going to tell Dana and I apart? Anyway, I'm after your money. But I'm not a bloodsucking lawyer."

At Ken's confused look, Mulder chimed in: "She's an IRS agent."

"Well," Scully muttered, "does sleeping with an agent reduce your taxes?"

Mulder and Dana exchanged a look that Scully didn't understand. And this pissed her off. Only she and Mulder were supposed to have that silent communication amongst them selves.

"No, Dana," Dana responded curtly, "it doesn't." She grinned at Ken. "Though, I think I'll find away for him to pay more in exchange for my nine months of service." She patted her abdomen for emphasizes.

"I think that's a brilliant plan. Now, have you picked out names yet for your little bundle of joy?"

"Yes. And we came to a great compromise." She flashed a smile at Mulder. "If it's a boy, we'll name him David Fox Mulder. And if it's..."

"Whoa!" Mulder began shaking his head vigorously.

"No way. Dana, I said not to attach my name to his in anyway! This isn't the 'great compromise' we discussed."

She ignored him and continued. "And if it's a girl, we'll name her Karla Samantha Mulder."

"No!" Mulder yelled, waving his arms in a 'stop' gesture. "No way! I told you I don't want her named Samantha and I mean it! Absolutely not!"

Dana heaved a frustrated sigh. "Well why the hell not? It's a very pretty name. And I put it as her middle name because you refused to call her Samantha. I thought that was a considerate compromise."

"Let's leave it out all together," he demanded.

"Why? What do you have against it?"

"Nothing. I just...not that name, Dana, please."

During the exchange, Scully came to a shattering truth: Dana Quincy didn't know about Samantha Ann Mulder. She stared at her partner's pleading face and felt a sense of pity wash over her.

"Mulder, who is having this baby?" Dana demanded. "I am. I'm the one who has to carry it for nine months. I have to put up with the bloating, vomiting, swollen ankles, back aches, tender breasts, constipation, weak bladder, cravings, hormones, looking like a whale, contractions, labor, delivering the placenta, having stitches, soreness in the vagina, exhaustion, breast feeding..."

"Ok, ok...Dana, I understand all of that, but I just really don't want to use Samantha."

"Why? It's what I want."

Mulder glanced at Scully for understanding and support. She gave him a faint smile. "Dana...I...Ok, if it's really what you want," he resigned.

Dana's mouth fell open. "You're giving up the fight?" she teased. "Now really, what's wrong with Samantha?"

Mulder stole a look at Ken and Scully. "Dana, can we talk about it some other time? I think we've given our guests enough of a show. What do you say we eat?"

They loaded up their plates, but just as Scully was about to put her fork of Caesar Salad in her mouth, she noticed that the couple across from her was in prayer position. She set her utensil down and followed their lead.

"Dear Father," Dana began. "Thank you for allowing Dana and Ken to make it here safely. Please let them return home just as safely. Please bless this food that we are about to eat so that it may strengthen and nourish us. We pray for these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Silent 'amens' were murmured from the other three.

Dana picked up her glass of milk, taking a sip. "From your expressions I can tell that Mulder never mentioned that I'm religious. I'm actually more strict than most. I've never experimented with drugs, smoked, or drank alcohol."

"But you have sex," Scully accused before she could restrain herself. She instantly looked mortified.

"I'm sorry...it's none of my business...I mean...what you do in your personal life is...well..."

Dana shook her head sadly. "No. You're right -- sort of. To be truthful...Mulder is my only."

Mulder began coughing excessively -- choking on the bite of hot dog he had just taken. His face turned a deep shade of red as he reached for his glass of iced tea. After taking a long swallow, he exploded.

"What? I'm the only one you've been with? I can't believe this! We had sex once and 'BAM!' you're pregnant -- and you were a virgin!"

"Yes," she muttered, wringing her hands in the hem of her shirt. "I don't know why I did it. I've never had a problem telling men no before. But I...you were just so charming and intelligent and witty and handsome...I just figured: 'What the hell? I have to have sex sometime. Why not with someone like him?'"

"God, Dana, it wasn't worth it! I was a one-night stand."

"I think it was worth it," she whispered. "You were more considerate than I ever imagined a man to be.

You were so focused on pleasing me that I really got the impression that you wanted me to enjoy it just as much you were. It was the most sexually exhilarating moment of my life. You left me craving your body for these past three months."

A blush crept up Mulder's neck, spilling out onto his cheeks. "Ok. Enough said. Who wants another hot dog?" He leapt out of his chair and over to the grill.

Wait, he thought, But her syphilis was inside her. How could that have gotten there if she was a virgin?

He glanced over at her skeptically.

"Dana, can I talk to you inside for a minute?" He rushed past the table, grabbing her arm as she got up, and dragged her into the house. "How can you be a virgin if..."

"I knew you were going to ask me that. I just didn't want to say anything in front of the others. The truth is...I'd been...raped." She stared at the sink in disgrace. "That's why I decided to have sex. I guess it was a way of coping. I didn't want my only experience with sex to be my rape. Can you forgive me?"

He enveloped her in a hug, burying his face in her hair. "There's nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong. I'm glad you told me, though."

One Month Later
8 June
J. Edgar Hoover Building
6:57AM

"Is it hotter than hell in here or am I just experiencing menopause?" Mulder joked as he strolled into the office, his smile inviting.

"It's summer. It's hot. It's not menopause. You're a man."

"Well I'm glad you finally noticed," he quipped, stripping off his suit jacket and draping it over the back of his chair.

"Whatever." She continued tapping her foot against the linoleum as she typed furiously on her keyboard.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She risked a glance his way and sighed at the determined expression painted on his face. "Ok, I dumped Ken last night."

"And now you're wishing you hadn't?"

"No. That's just the thing. I feel...relieved. I no longer have to pretend. It's just...well...it was nice to have a man notice me."

"I notice you."

Scully chuckled softly to herself brushing back a strand of hair. "No. You see me as a partner, a friend, and maybe like a sister. But you don't notice me the way a man notices a woman."

"Yes I do."

Scully's head snapped up. "You what? No...you must be confused with your feelings. There is nothing romantic between us."

"I beg to differ," he switched his weight to his other foot somewhat nervously. "Scully...Dana...we have this relationship that exceeds friendship, but doesn't take on a physical role. However, must sex be present in order for people to be lovers? Does love only exist when sex is involved?"

*Ring*

Scully thought as she instantly retrieved the telephone. "Agent Scully."

Five Months Later
5 November
St. Greg's Hospital
2:45AM

"Come on! Hold on for just another fifteen minutes!"

"You 'hold on for just another fifteen minutes' you fucking asshole!" Dana's face was flushed and dripping with sweat. "I don't want my baby born on the Witch's Hour anyway!" She panted, moaned, and then gave a bloodcurdling scream.

Mulder pressed the cool, wet washcloth to her forehead. "Would you like more ice chips?"

"Forget the damn the ice chips and get me some morphine! Or better yet..." more panting and moaning, "just shot me between the eyes!"

The nurse beside Mulder chuckled. "Sorry, Ma'am, but I'm not authorized to do either of the two. So, I'm afraid you're stuck with the ice ships."

Mulder handed her the plastic cup that he had refilled with ice chips from the bucket at his feet. "Here, Dana, suck on some of these and try to relax. You're doing great."

"Oh shut the fuck up you fucking bastard!" She yelped as another contraction hit. "I'd like to see you have a damn baby. Then we'll talk about being relaxed!"

"Ok, Dana, we're almost there. I'll like you to give me the best push you can," the doctor gently instructed from his position at the foot of the bed.

"One...two...three...Push!"

"Ahhhhhhhhhrrrrshiiiiit!" She fell back against the pillows, tears streaming freely down her exhausted face. But as soon as the cries of her baby were heard, her heart filled with joy.

"Congratulations! It's a handsome boy."

Dana gave a weak smile, her eyes dimming instead of lightning up. She gritted her teeth as the placenta emerged, then went eerily still.

Doctors and nurses leapt to activity, shoving Mulder out of the way. "She's going into shock!"

"She's losing too much blood!"

"Get me Doctor Hemming Stat!"

"Docter, she's turning blue!"

A nurse rushed over, pushing Mulder out of the room.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you're going to have to wait out here. We'll do everything we can for your wife."

Then she disappeared back into the delivery room. in all the commotion all he could think of was, She never got to see our son.

One Week Later
12 November
Hill Side Cemetery
11:30AM

He was numb from head to toe. He tried to blame it on the bitter wind that swept across the top of the trees and swooshed along the tombstones, but he knew better than that. It was the sort of numbness that occurs only when one as died and you're left wondering 'now what?'

He cradled the newborn closer to his chest, covering the infant completely from the fall air. He had originally decided not to bring David because he knew it was dangerous to his health. However, in the end, he realized that the baby belonged here -- to say goodbye in whatever a way a newborn could. Besides, the ceremony had been held in a church. It was just the lowering of the casket they were out here to witness.

Scully stood passive beside him, her hand occasionally wandering over to smooth the baby's legs. She never imagined that it would end up this way. She had seen Mulder and Dana standing before a priest with golden rings.

Finally it was time to go and they turned away from the headstone to trek up the hill back to their cars.

Scully watched silently as Mulder buckled David into his car seat with such tenderness that it yanked at her heart.

Mulder shut the passenger door, walking around the car to the driver's side. He paused, his hand on the handle. "What am I going to do, Scully?"

"You're going to take care of that baby. You're going to watch him grow; potty-train him; teach him how to play basketball; help him with his homework; give your advice on his first car; warn him about women; pay a huge tuition fee so that he can fulfill his dreams.

And the all time, I'll be here when you're at a loss."

"Like you are now?"

"Yes." She smiled, "like I am now."

II.

23 December
Mulder's Apartment
5:35PM

Mulder stepped back to inspect his handy work. He hadn't decorated a tree since he was eleven and he instantly had grown aware that the perspectives of a little boy and a grown man were acutely different. He titled his head from one side to the other then sighed. "Well, David, it's not the most magnificent tree, but I guess it works."

A key in the lock brought a smile to his face and he turned just as a woman stumbled in. "Hey, Scully, you're early," he greeted. He scooped up David from his bassinet and strolled over to his partner. "Look who wants to say hi."

Scully outstretched her arms as she cooed at the month and a half-old infant. Mulder allowed her to take him then went off to get her a glass of wine. "Hey, David. Guess what Aunt Dana brought you." She reached into her jacket, pulling out a brown teddy bear with a red bow around its neck. "You can't quiet sleep with it yet, but we'll put it up on a shelf until you're older."

Mulder offered her the glass then gestured for them to take a seat on the leather sofa. "So, when do you have to be at your mom's?"

"I don't have to be there until noon tomorrow," she began rubbing the baby's back. "You know Mulder, my mom's offer still stands. And I really would like you to go."

Mulder bit his lower lip, leaning farther back into the cushion. "Scully, we've been through this. Your mother is already going to be swamped with people especially since your brother Charlie is coming home for Christmas. Bill will be there and that will just cause tension. It's a time for family and David and I aren't family," he chuckled softly. "How many more excuses do you want?"

Scully sighed with disappointment. She lowered the baby from her shoulder to cradle him in her arms.

"You are family to me. And mom's only seen David once. She really wants to see him again. And you've never met Charlie. Here's your chance to win at least one of my brother's approval."

"Scully, I just don't fit in with that kind of family structure. Hell, I don't fit in with this one," he pointed to the content infant who was drifting off.

"I just think it'll be better this way."

"Mulder, you fit in David's life better than anyone could. You're a wonderful father. You just don't give yourself enough credit." She stood up to pace around the room. "Will you please come? If not for yourself then for me?"

Damn her, he thought. She has done so much for me ever since David's birth and Dana's death...I owe it to her. "Ok," he resigned. "I'll go, but if I start feeling the strain then I'm leaving."

"At least give it an hour."

"Fine. Now give me back my son."

"Forget it, G-man, he's staying right where he is."

24 December
Mrs. Scully's Residence
12:30PM

Mulder shifted from foot to foot as they stood in front of the cherry oak door. He was nervous as hell, but was determined to try to make this bearable.

Finally, the door swung open to reveal a delighted older woman.

"Dana! Fox! You made it." She ushered them into the foyer. "I was just going to call you to see what was holding you up." She bent down to be level with the baby in the car seat/carrier. "Hey, there little one. Merry First Christmas."

"I'm sorry mom," Scully stripped off her coat. "We left on time but half way here David started to fuss up a storm. We had to pull over and change his diaper at a Mcdonald's. Well, to put it more correctly, I had to change his diaper. Mulder feigned needing to use the bathroom to get out of the diaper detail."

Margaret laughed, taking her and Mulder's coats and hanging them up. "Your father used to do the same thing. I tell you, the things men will do to escape changing a diaper."

"Hey," Mulder pouted, "I've changed more diapers than probably any other man in this house. It's not like I have a wife to pass the wonderful duty to."

Margaret nodded her agreement. "Well, then we'll just have to change that won't we?" She winked at her daughter. "I know this beautiful, single, intelligent woman in need of a family man."

Dana rolled her eyes. "Please mom, spare us the match making." She glanced over as she felt a presence walk up to her from behind. "Charlie," she squealed leaping into the arms of her younger brother. "You made it! Oh god it's so good to see you. How are you?"

He bellowed out a hearty laugh, swinging his sister around in a bear hug. "I've missed you too, Danes."

He set her down and put her at arms length to scrutinize her. "God you're looking great. How are you?"

"Great now that you're here." She motioned for Mulder to come over. "Charlie, this is my partner and friend, Fox Mulder." The two men shook hands. Dana patted the baby Mulder was holding securely in his arms. "And this little cutie he's holding is his son, David."

Charlie peered down at the adorable infant. "My god he's beautiful," he playfully punched Mulder in the arm. "Way to go, man." He looked around as though trying to find someone. "Where's your wife?"

Time seemed to halt.

"Well, uh," Mulder lightly bounced the baby. "I'm not married. David's mother however...she past away after giving birth."

"Oh man, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. I'm not clued in on the family happenings very often. That's just part of being a traveler I guess."

Family happenings? Mulder thought with confusion.

He didn't even know the guy and already he was considering him family? No, it must just be the only way Charlie could describe it.

"Well, let's get one thing straight," he reached into the diaper bag draping from his shoulder. "In case you haven't heard: don't call me Fox." He handed David a colorful set of rings. David smiled gleefully and waved the toy in the air for all to see.

Charlie tossed his head in another hearty laugh. "No problem, Mulder. If I were named Fox I would be hiding behind my last name, too."

"Hey, why does the party seem to be in the foyer," asked a blonde woman from the dining room entryway.

"Mom, Dana, Charlie, Fo-Mulder you all get in here. Matt is starving and so are we." She patted her rounded stomach for emphasis.

"Oh my god!" Dana screamed, rushing over in amazement.

"You never told me you were pregnant again! How far along are you?"

Tara giggled. "Bill and I decided not to tell anyone. We wanted it to be a surprise. So...surprise! I'm six months along."

The rest of the group had made it over to them by now and Tara beamed at David. "Hey there little one. I'm your Aunt Tara. We haven't met yet, but I already love you." She kissed his cheek. "My you are a handsome boy."

A large man stepped out from around the corner and froze. "Hey, Dana, glad you could finally make it. I was worried that you had been called away on a case. I mean, that's what usually happens."

Dana walked over and gave him a tight squeeze. "I missed you, too, Bill." She pecked his check.

"Congratulations on the baby. Now I want you to meet David." She took his hand and dragged him over to where Tara was still fussing over the infant.

"Bill, this is Mulder's son David." David glanced around at the sound of her voice. "David, this is my brother Bill." The baby finally located her and gave her an all-gum grin.

Despite Bill's intense dislike for his sister's partner, he couldn't help but be drawn to the baby.

He took the infant's hand and gently shook it. "Hey, David, nice to you meet you."

"Isn't he gorgeous, Bill?" Tara petted the thick brown hair and gazed into the mystifying hazel eyes.

"He has Mulder's hair and eyes. Thankfully, he got his mother's nose," she teased.

"Speaking of his mother. Where is she?" Bill eyed Mulder and Scully suspiciously.

Mulder sighed, peering over at Scully. He looked back over at Bill. "She past away after giving birth. Yet, I distinctly recall Scully telling you."

Tara's smile faded. "Oh my god. I'm so sorry. That must be horrible. Bill never told me about her passing." She glanced over at Scully then back at Mulder. "You're raising him yourself? Or does your mother help out?"

Pain etched across his face and he shook his head sadly. "No. My mother passed away a couple of years ago. Scully, though, she's been a great help."

"Oh, yes, now I remember. I did hear about your mother's passing. I'm sorry I forgot." She grinned at Scully. "But I'm thrilled that Dana has been there."

Scully nodded her agreement. "Yes, David is an angel. I love helping out. He's probably the closest I'll ever get to having a child of my own." She clamped her hand over her mouth and snapped her attention to Mulder. God, why did I say that?

Mulder just grinned back at her. "And you're probably the closest thing David will ever get to having a mother. So, I guess it works out for all." He handed her the baby. "Now I have to use the restroom. Excuse me."

After he wondered up the stairs, Bill glared at his sister. "Dana, don't tell me the two of you are involved."

"We're not, Bill. But even if we were it wouldn't be your business. Mulder is a wonderful man and a devoted father. You better treat him with respect or we'll leave." She peered down at David. "I won't let you treat him any other way. I love him and David too much. Mulder is the greatest friend I've ever had.

And David is the child I never got to have. To me they are family and you will show my family the same courtesy I show yours."

Margaret cleared her throat. "I agree with Dana, son. Please, at least for the sake of Christmas, let's all be civil towards each other."

"Mom!" Six-year-old Matt came bounding into the room. "Are we going to eat yet? I'm dying of hunger!"

Tara waved the boy over. "I want you to meet your cousin first."

"Cousin?" Bill roared. "The baby isn't Matt's cousin! That baby belongs to Mulder and Mulder isn't a part of our family."

Tara glowered at her stubborn husband. "Mulder is family to Dana. Therefore, he is family to us too. Besides, who wouldn't want this charming baby apart their family?"

Bill stomped off.

An hour later, the family was at the table. Margaret and Tara were discussing the unborn baby. Charlie and Bill were exchanging Navy stories. Matt just kept heaping spoonfuls of pudding onto his plate. Mulder and Scully sat next to each other talking. David's carrier was on the floor nestled between their chairs.

David kicked his foot up and grabbed at it in the attempt to stick it in his mouth. Scully laughed at his tactics and shook her head. "Gee, Mulder, do you think he's hungry?"

"I hope not. I just fed him twenty minutes ago," He stared down at his son. "What is it, bud? You want more of that apple sauce?"

Scully laughed and David looked over at her with his toothless grin. "No, you don't want more apple sauce do you? I just think Daddy wants it." She shook her head at Mulder. "Don't think I don't know that you steal a few spoonfuls now and again."

Mulder stared at her in awe. "Daddy? You just called me Daddy to him. You know what, that's probably really important. If you always call me Mulder around him, then he'll grow up calling me that, too."

"I know. That's why I decided from now on when I'm talking to him, I'll refer to his father as 'daddy.'" She placed her hand over his. "It's what you deserve to be called. You're a remarkable daddy."

He ducked his head with embarrassment. "Who would have ever thought, uh?" He took a sip of his iced tea. "You don't make a bad substitute mommy either."

By now the others had grown silent and were listening in on their intimate conversation. Bill was gritting his teeth, but the rest seemed genuinely happy.

Finally Charlie chimed in, "So, you two going to move in together?"

Mulder choked on his tea. "What?"

"Well, it makes sense to me. Dana is over all the time anyway, right? She's absolutely in love with David. You two get along great. Why not just buy a house together?"

"Because that's not how things are done," Bill snapped. "They're not married. Hell, they're not even dating. And no matter how they pretend David is not her kid! In truth, he's a bastard child. Aren't I right Fox."

Mulder and Scully simultaneously leapt out of their seats and slammed their palms onto the table. Mulder, however, beat her in voicing his anger. "How dare you, you fucking asshole! Yeah, so his mother and I weren't married -- whip-de-fucking-do! That doesn't give you the right to criticize him! He's still my son and I love him. If you have a problem with how I'm raising him keep it to your damn self because it's none of your fucking business! I don't call your son names nor do I tell you how to raise him. So do me the same favor and shut the fuck up!"

The room was as silent as a tomb before Bill finally jumped up and bellowed, "You watch your language around my son, Agent Mulder! I think for us to finish this we should take it outside!"

"Like hell!" screeched Scully. "Bill, I love you, but you have gone way too Damn far this time! Any one of us adults in this room could have ended up in the same predicament as Mulder. We've all had sex before marriage therefor we have all been at risk at having a child out of wedlock. so get the Fuck OFF his Back!"

Once again a blanket of silence fell over them. Tara stared shamefully down at her plate as though her husband's outburst was her fault. Charlie kept glancing from face to face while Bill glared hotly at Scully and Mulder. Margaret was the one too finally interrupt the stillness.

"She's right Bill," she murmured.

"Oh come on Mom! Of course you're going to take her side. I swear sometimes you..."

"Bill...I wasn't a virgin either when I married your father." She held her head high, but the guilt was obvious in her eyes. "And you want to know a secret? You were the product of our first union. So, does that mean you deserve scorn?"

All three of her children gaped at her stunned. Bill swallowed, looked around, then whispered: "You and Dad got married because of me?"

"Yes. I was only nineteen and still wanting to explore the world. Yet, it was different back then. Women who were pregnant and not married were seen as dirty. Married women with children were to stay at home. It wasn't what I wanted, but I had no choice.

"At least Fox and his girlfriend didn't feel obligated to marry. What kind of marriage would that have been if they felt they had to do it out of responsibility and not love?"

She wasn't even my girlfriend, Mulder thought wistfully. How would she view me if I told her that one? Dana was only a one-night stand.