From: Kennedy Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 01:01:19 -0400 Subject: xfc: REPOST: Coming Home 1/7 Source: xfc From: Kennedy I originally posted this story while in LA in Feburary. This was the first fanfic I ever posted and during the posting process some minor things, like the disclaimer and archive info, got lost. Recently I had the lack of disclaimer pointed out to me by someone who had their site shut down by you know who, and they suggested I might want to remedy that. Or at least be able to say I posted with a disclaimer in tow at some point. So, here we are. TITLE: "Coming Home" AUTHOR: Melissa Lee a.k.a. Kennedy kennedy@usit.net DISCLAIMER: I don't own them, don't want to make any money off this. No infringement is intended. They belong to CC, 1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. RATING: Strong R. CLASSIFICATION: MSR\Alternate Universe. KEYWORDS: MSR, Pre-XF continuing until the X-Files. SUMMARY: A teenage Dana and a twenty-year-old Mulder meet the summer before Dana starts college. Romance ensues, but alas, ANGST rears its ugly head. AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story came to me in an instant, and I just had to write it. Just hang with it. Special thanks to Chelsea, Glad to have met you. Also, to Ilana, who whined until I mentioned her in the credits. Well, she also edited this for me. Reply to: kennedy@usit.net. All comments welcome, but flames are used to roast big ol' marshmallows. ARCHIVE: Gossamer and Xemplary are fine. Others please ask first. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% March 6, 1992 Office of Section Chief Blevins "Agent Scully, while we recognize and value your work at Quantico, we also appreciate your desire for field experience. For this reason, we are assigning you to a division known as the X-Files. Your purpose will be to use science to debunk the work of agent Fox Mulder." Dana Scully sat stunned as Section Chief Blevins continued explaining her assignment to her. "Agent Scully, are you alright? By the look on your face, I take it you're familiar with Agent Mulder?" "Uh-yes sir. They used to call him Spooky at the academy." *Not to mention he's the only man I've ever loved* "Agent Scully? I said you're dismissed." A dazed Dana mumbled , "Oh, thank-you sir." As she made her way down to the basement, her mind drifted back to that fateful day so long ago. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% June 4, 1980 Martha's Vineyard "But I don't even like ice cream. It's not healthy for you." Grabbing her sisters arm and dragging her to the sidewalk, Melissa Scully replied "Don't be such a tight-ass Dana. I want to see Chuck, and you know this is the only way I can." "Well if you hadn't got caught with his hand down your pants, you wouldn't have to sneak!" Waving the ice cream truck over, Melissa hissed "How was I supposed to know Mom and Dad would come home early? Besides, if some people had been paying attention, we wouldn't have gotten caught." Before Dana could reply, the ice cream truck came to a stop right in front of them. Grabbing Melissa by the waist, Chuck O'Neil kissed her deeply. "Missy, Dana, this is my newest trainee, Fox Mulder. Fox, this is my girlfriend Melissa Scully and her bratty kid sister Dana." Shaking his hand, Dana noticed how cute he was. She took in his long, lean body, hazel eyes, and the shock of hair that hung stubbornly over his forehead. Fox was having similar thoughts about her. He noticed her petite form, creamy complexion, and her ocean blue eyes. He particularly liked her red hair. Dana and Fox were starring at each other when Missy motioned for Dana to come over to her. "Dana, would you mind going with Fox for the afternoon? I want to be alone with Chuck." Dana shot her sister a warning look. "What if you get caught?" "Dad's out to sea, Bill's on field training, and Mom and Charlie won't be back until tonight. Besides you owe me. Now go keep that cutie Fox company." "OK, but be careful." Chuck had had a similar conversation with Fox. As Dana climbed in the truck, Missy and Chuck disappeared into the house. "Look, I'm sorry you got stuck with me. You can let me off two streets over, and I'll go to the library." "Uh, if you don't mind, would you stay with me until I finish my route? I don't know my way around this area very well. Besides, Maybe I like being stuck with you." Dana sighed. "Well, ok, but then you have to take me to the library." Fox smiled at her. "What's so important at the library? Some cute guy meeting you there?" "Hmphf. I wish." *Why did I say that? Now he thinks I'm desperate* "I mean, there aren't that many guys around here that go to the library. Especially in the summer." "So why do 'you' go to the library in the summer?" "Today's the day the latest issue of JAMA come out. You know, the Journal of the American Medical Association." "Yes, I know what JAMA is. So I'm in the presence of a doctor? And here I thought you were all of fifteen or sixteen." Dana shot him an icy glare. "Correction. You are in the presence of a seventeen-year-old future doctor, who starts UC-Berkeley in the fall after graduating a year early. I plan on majoring in physics. 'I' have no intentions of driving an ice cream truck the rest of my life." Mulder smiled at her. "For your information, I also have no intentions of driving an ice cream truck the rest of my life. This is just a summer job until I return to Oxford for my junior year. 'I' am majoring in psychology." They sat in silence for the next few minutes. Finally Dana spoke. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply there was anything wrong with driving an ice cream truck. That was snobbish of me. It's just, well, most of the guys around here have no ambition. Some don't even finish high school. I just assumed you were like the rest." Fox gave her a genuine smile. "I didn't mean to over re-act. I sort of have the same problem as you. There aren't alot of interesting and intelligent girls around here." *And none as pretty as you* Dana returned his smile. "So. You're an Oxford man , huh? Why there?" "Easy. I'm on scholarship. Why UC-Berkeley?" "Same reason as you. I'll be on scholarship. Plus, Missy also goes to Berkeley. And in October, my dad will be transferred to Miramar Naval Base. Of course, they also have an outstanding physics program." Fox brought the truck to a stop in front of a group of kids waiting for ice cream. Dana helped him distribute the ice creams and collect the money. As they got ready to resume their journey, Fox noticed a little girl standing behind a tree. "Do you want some ice cream?" The little dark hairdo girl shook her head no. "Why not?" She mumbled "I don't have any money." Fox looked at her for a moment. "Here. I just happen to have an extra fudge sickle. Will you eat it before it melts?" Shaking her head yes, she took the ice cream and ran. "That was really nice of you Fox." Fox just shrugged his shoulders. "Sh-she reminded me of my sister Samantha." Dana noticed his expression clouded as he spoke of her. "I didn't know you had a sister. How old is she?" Fox looked away before answering. "She's sixteen. I haven't seen her since she was eight. Someone abducted her." Dana sat shocked for a few minutes before finding her voice. "I had no idea. I'm sorry." They rode the rest of the route in silence. Dana could sense that Fox was upset. She was surprised when he insisted on driving her to the library. "Hello Mrs. Jenkins. Do you have the latest JAMA?" As Mrs. Jenkins handed her the Journal, Dana turned to see Fox coming up behind her. "Mrs. Jenkins, this is my friend...." Before she could finish, Mrs. Jenkins finished for her. "Fox, hello. I see you've met Dana. I put your newspapers in the usual spot." Fox grinned before thanking her. Retrieving his newspapers, he pulled Dana to a corner of the library. "What are you doing?" "I believe I'm reading the London Times. Is that alright?" Dana just stared at him. Two hours later Dana looked at her watch and gasped. "It's after five o'clock! Mom and Charlie will be home soon. I have to warn Missy and Chuck!" Fox followed her out of the library, and directed her to his car. "It'll save time if you let me drive you." Dana and Fox ran into the house calling for Chuck and Missy. Dana ran down the hall and threw the door to their bedroom open. She shrieked at the site of her sister and her boyfriend right in the middle of having sex. At hearing Dana shriek, Fox came running down the hall. Seeing the site before him, he quickly shut the door. "Come on Dana, Let's go wait outside." Dana felt herself blushing, but didn't mind because Fox was blushing too. Once outside, Fox attempted to speak. "Do they. I mean...are they...is it...." Composing himself, Fox spoke. "Are they always so prolific? I mean, we've been gone for hours!" Dana gave a short laugh. "You mean do they always go at it like dogs in heat? Yes, I'm afraid they do." Just then Melissa and Chuck emerged from the house. They had their hands all over each other, and Dana and Fox looked away. "When can I see you again Mis?" Melissa Scully gave him her best 'come hither' smile. "Well, Mom's got to take Charlie down to Providence for summer camp tomorrow. She'll be gone until late tomorrow night. So, if we can get rid of these two...." They both looked at Fox and Dana. "Fox ol' buddy, can you help a friend out?" Fox glanced at Dana who was rolling her eyes at Missy. "Melissa Scully I'm telling you right now, I am not responsible if you get caught. In more ways than one." "Thanks sis! Chuck, come over about ten." Chuck and Missy finished saying good-bye as Fox and Dana looked on. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow Dana." He gave her an apologetic smile. "Yeah Fox, I'll see you tomorrow." Dana didn't speak to her sister again until she heard her mother and Charlie leave. Missy was fixing her hair as Dana came into their room. "I don't know why you're even bothering. You're only going to be in bed all day. Speaking of which, I hope you changed the sheets." Missy shook her head. "Only you would worry about clean sheets at a time like this. No I haven't changed them, and half the fun of fixing my hair is getting to mess it up." They finished changing the sheets just as the doorbell rang. Dana let Chuck in, and went out to where Fox was waiting. "Hi. Did Chuck make it in o.k." She snorted. "Yeah. Romeo and Juliet are probably doing it right now. How are you?" Fox laughed at her analogy. "I'm good actually. I packed us a picnic lunch. Hope you don't mind." Dana turned to find a picnic basket and blanket in the corner of the truck. "I look forward to eating it." They rode most of the morning in companionable silence. On the rare occasion when they did talk, conversation came easily for them. Right before lunch they spotted the same group of kids from the day before. Dana saw Fox's eyes light up when he saw the same little dark haired girl. "Hi. What'll it be today?" The little girl shyly replied, "The same as yesterday." As she handed Fox her money, he asked, "What's your name?" "Sarah Grace Roberts. What's yours?" Sticking his hand out he proclaimed "Fox William Mulder. And let me just say it's a pleasure to meet you Sarah Grace." The little girl giggled as she shook his hand, and then ran off. Dana noticed the sadness in Fox's eyes as he returned to the truck. "How about we find a nice shady spot, and have lunch?" They ended up in the local park. Fox was unusually quiet as Dana ate the tuna fish he had prepared. "You're thinking about her aren't you?" "Who?" Dana placed her hand on top of his. "Your sister. Samantha. You must miss her alot." Fox glanced down at her hand atop his. Turning his hand over and entwining their fingers, he spoke. "Yes I do. She was always there for me. When she was there, I never felt alone. I have to find her. I will find her." Dana felt an intense wave of compassion for him at that moment. "That little girl looks like her, doesn't she?" Fox withdrew his hand from hers and looked away. "Yeah. She does. Are you ready to go?" Dana knew that meant discussion over. They finished the route in peaceful silence. "I wonder if it's safe for you to go home? Do you think your sister and Chuck are-uh-satisfied(?) yet?" Dana shook her head. "My sister and her Neanderthal boyfriend will never be satisfied. It's only two o'clock. They'll be at it until at least seven or eight. I'll just have to find something to keep me busy until then." Fox checked his cash supply. Having enough he asked Dana, "Do you want to go see a movie? You shouldn't have to wonder around town for five or six hours. Besides, I don't have anything else to do. What'd ya' say?" *Oh my God! Did he really just say that?* "Well, if you don't have anything else to do, I suppose. What do you want to see?" *She said yes! Holy shit. Calm down and compose yourself.* Fox was using the toe of his shoe to kick at a rock while he considered what to see. Then it came to him in an instant. Giving her a devilish grin he answered "The Rialto is showing 'It Came From Mars.' How about that?" Dana looked at him with one eyebrow raised.*Is he serious? God I hate that movie.* "Uh-ok. Great. Let's go. If we leave right now, we can make the three o'clock." Fox could hardly contain his excitement. "You'll love the movie Dana. It's a cult classic. I've seen it twenty-three times!" Inwardly, Dana grimaced. "Great. I can hardly wait." *He looks like a little boy in a candy store.* Fox stopped at the concession stand, but told Dana to go get their seats. As instructed, she sat down near the front. Fox made his way to her carrying two large drinks, a jumbo popcorn, a bag of sunflower seeds, and a box of snow caps. Fox handed her the popcorn and her drink before starting in on his sunflower seeds. After a few minutes of Fox cracking the seeds, and spitting the shells out, Dana couldn't stand it anymore. "Fox, will you please stop cracking those seeds? It's not good for your teeth." Fox gave her an offended look. Putting the seeds away, he took the jumbo popcorn from her. "Hey! Give that back." "No. I have to have something to keep my mouth occupied." *Of course, you could keep my lips busy.* Before Dana could reply, the movie started. Fox was totally engrossed in the movie. Dana was totally engrossed in studying Fox. Especially his full lower lip. As she studied his mouth she reached in for some popcorn. Fox was reaching in at the same time, and their fingers touched. Both jerked back, but neither could deny the spark flowing between them. For the rest of the movie they stole glances at one another. * "Well I have tomorrow off." A hopeful Dana spoke up. "Oh? What are you going to do?" "I'm afraid I have to spend the day with my father. He wants me to accompany him to his lawyers office." Dana tried to hide the disappointment in her voice. "Oh. I guess I'll see you sometime next week then." Fox looked at her shyly. "Uh- well if, I mean, I was wondering if you...uh." Taking a deep breath he started over. "I have two tickets to the Red Sox's-Yankees game on Saturday afternoon. I'm going to Boston early Saturday morning. Thought I'd take in the New England Aquarium before the game. Then afterwards I'm going to the Boston Observatory. You're supposed to be able to see the rings of Saturn. Anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to go with me?" Fox had said all of that in such a rush, she wasn't sure she had heard him correctly. "Yes. I'd love to." She and Fox were smiling at each other as he took her hand and kissed it. Dana floated in the house and went straight to bed. "I hope you changed the sheets Missy. And could you open the window a bit? The smell of sweat is stifling." She was asleep before Melissa made it back to bed. Dana slept late the next morning. She had dreamed of Fox all night, and was slightly embarrassed by her dreams. She was thinking about one dream in particular as she made her way to the kitchen. "Good morning sleepy-head." Dana was startled by her mother's voice. "Good morning Mom. Did you get Charlie off to camp ok?" They passed a few minutes with idle chit-chat. "Mom, I was wondering about some- thing. A friend of mine has tickets to Saturday's Red Sox-Yankees game. They've asked me to go." She told her mother the plans for the day. "We'd be home late. I just wanted to make sure it was ok to go." "I don't see why not. It would do you good to get out and about. Which friend is this, Amy?" Dana bit her lip. "No. His name is Fox Mulder, and he's working with Chuck for the summer. I met him a few days ago." Maggie Scully sat her coffee mug down, and thought for a moment. "Ok, but he has to come in and meet me first. How old is he?" Dana sighed. "He's twenty, a psychology major at Oxford, he's never been arrested, and he even has all of his teeth. Happy?" "That's enough young lady. I don't want what happened to Missy, to happen to you. You tell him to keep his hands to himself!" With that, Dana went upstairs to get dressed. *Mom, if you only knew where all Chuck has had his hands, Fox Mulder would be the least of your worries.* Dana spent the day at the library trying not to think about Fox. Fox spent his day being ignored. His father was going over his estate with his lawyer, and discussing Fox's trust fund. His thought's often strayed to Dana. He wondered what she was doing, what she was wearing, how she smelled. That evening his father took him out to dinner. All was well until Mr. Mulder started drinking. His father was hammered even before dessert. Fox knew it was going to be one of THOSE nights. He drove his father home and tried to put him to bed. That's when it started. "Damn you Fox, it's all your fault! If you'd been a man instead of a cowardly bastard, your sister would still be here. Do you hear me?" When Fox didn't answer, his father grew more agitated. "I asked you a question you little pussy. Your damn mother coddled you. Your probably queer." Fox just sighed and tried to put his father to bed. That's when he felt it. His dad was hitting him with a belt across his back. Next came the punches to his face and body. "I'm sorry Daddy. I'm sorry I lost Sammi. Please believe me! Don't hit me please!" Bill Mulder suddenly passed out. Fox finished putting his father to bed, and went to get an ice pack for his face. Thinking of Dana helped him fall asleep. The blaring of his alarm clock drug him from his peaceful slumber. He'd completely forgotten about his bruised cheek until he went to shave. *God Dad, did you have to hit me in the face?* Having decided what to wear, he headed over to the Scully house. He waited nervously after ringing the bell. "Fox! What happened to you?" Lightly touching the bruise he stammered, "Oh...you mean this? I-uh, was in the bathroom in the middle of the night, and tripped into the door. You ready to go?" Dana pulled him into the house. "You have to meet my mother first." She drug him into the kitchen, where Mrs. Scully was having coffee. "Mrs. Scully. It is a pleasure to meet you." Fox offered his hand to her. "Mom this is my friend Fox Mulder." She regarded him with a look of neutrality, bordering on icy. "Fox? It's nice to meet you. Please have Dana home by eleven." It's not that she didn't like this Fox person, but she'd learned the hard way with her eldest daughter. She wasn't about to let some overzealous hormonal boy lead Dana astray the way that Chuck had almost gotten to Missy. She cringed every time she remembered walking into the house that night to find Missy and Chuck prone on the couch. Even worse was when she realized he had his hand down her unbuttoned pants. *He took advantage of my Missy. Dana won't let that happen. She's my innocent daughter.* "I'm sorry you had to go through that." "It's ok. She's your mother, and she loves you," he answered shyly. They made their way through the aquarium, and ate lunch at a pool hall across the street from Fenway Park. They ate burgers and fries, and then shot a few games of pool. About thirty minutes before game time, they made their way to the stadium. In honor of it being her first major league game, Fox bought her a Red Sox pennat. "Look at it this way, the Red Sox may have lost, but at least you got to see Carl Yazstremski play Fox!" Fox let out a dejected sigh. "I guess. Let's get going to the observatory." They got there about seven-thirty, and took in the planetarium show. After the show they went out to the observation deck. There was a full moon and the moonlight danced off Dana's hair. Fox took her face in his hands. *God I want to kiss her.* Dana could smell him, his scent. It was clean with a hint of muskiness. Hazel eyes bore into Dana with such intensity she thought he could read her thoughts. *Kiss me. Please kiss me.* Slowly he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. Dana shivered at the contact. "We better go if I'm going to get you home on time." The drive home was quiet, with each stealing glances at the other. Fox walked her to the door and said goodnight. As he turned to leave, Dana put her hand out to stop him. As he turned to face her, she stood on her tip-toes and lightly brushed her lips to his. It was a quick, tentative kiss, and she could feel herself blushing. Never had she been so aggressive. A blushing Fox said, "I'll see you tomorrow." Dana went in and said goodnight to all. The next morning she was up bright and early getting ready for church. "Come on Missy, you'll be late for church, and you certainly need forgiveness." Melissa Scully pulled the covers over her head. "Just wait, you and Fox'll be the ones needing forgiveness." Dana got up from the kneeling board to go to the restroom. As she was coming out a familiar hand grabbed her. "Shhh. It's me, Fox." Dana turned to face him, and realized he wasn't dressed for church. Reading her expression, he offered "No, I'm not here for church. I came to see you." Before she could respond, he pulled her into an embrace and lightly kissed her lips. "Meet me later in the park, down by the duck pond. Around one o'clock." A stunned Dana stood staring after an already retreating Fox. She brought her fingers to her lips. *I wonder what it would be like to really kiss him? Stop that thought. In church none the less. Keep it up, and you'll be back in confession.* She managed to make it through the rest of the service, and then hurried home to change. She found Fox feeding the ducks. He greeted her with a warm embrace. "I wasn't sure you'd come. I'm glad you did though." He looked at her shyly, and then gave her a smile that radiated through his eyes. He sat down on his blanket, and patted the spot next to him. They sat and talked for hours. Conversation flowed easily between them as they discussed everything from religion, to favorite foods, and rock bands. Fox had never felt as comfortable around anyone, especially a female, as he did with Dana. Dana didn't have much experience with guys, but she felt drawn to Fox. He was different from most guys. *He treats me with respect, listens to me and values my opinion. And those eyes. They seem haunted, but there's also a warmth in them.* *She's intelligent, but not boring. She listens to me, and my weird view of the world. I could loose myself in those baby blues. It's like she can see my soul.* The sun was beginning to set when Dana realized how late it had gotten. As she rose to leave, Fox scrambled to his feet. "Will you ride with me tomorrow?" "No. I mean, I can't. On Monday's and Tuesday's I baby-sit the McKinnon kids. I have them from eight until five." Fox looked flustered. "Would you like to go bowling tomorrow night? Maybe even do dinner?" *Dork! You just asked her to go BOWLING!? Loser.* "Sure! I love to bowl. I must warn you though, I'm pretty good." *Did I just say that? Real smooth Dana. Loser.* "You can come to my house for dinner. We eat at six sharp." "Uh-ok. You're sure your mom won't mind?" She nodded yes. The next morning Dana informed her mother that Fox would be joining them for dinner. Through out the day Dana's thought's wandered to Fox. Fox fought the same kind of thoughts about Dana. Fox arrived a few minutes before six with a bouquet of fresh flowers for Mrs. Scully. "Why thank-you Fox. Let's put them on the table." *Well that gets you a few points, but I've still got my eye on you. * They had pot roast and vegetables, mashed potato's for dinner. Cherry pie was for dessert. "That was a very good meal, Mrs. Scully. Thank-you." They went bowling, and sure enough, Dana beat him, 220-171. Fox didn't mind though, because he got a nice view of her butt. On the way home Fox pulled the car over to the shoulder of the road. "Fox? What are you doing?" Licking his lips, he began to speak. "Dana, I really like you. I mean alot. I know this is sudden, but would you mind if I kissed you? I mean really kiss you?" Dana was taken aback by this. One part of her thought that was the sweetest thing she'd ever heard, and the other part wished he'd just do it. "I think I'd like that." Fox leaned across the seat and pulled her head toward him. Their lips met tentatively at first, but grew more insistent each minute. She opened her mouth to give his tongue free access. Soon their tongues were dueling with each other. When Fox moved his hands down to her shoulders, Dana immediately broke the kiss. "Fox no! I can't. I'm not that kind of girl. I'm sorry." A confused Fox tried to gather his thoughts. "Dana? Did I do something wrong? I didn't mean to upset you." "I-I thought you were going to try and get me to sleep with you," she said shyly. "Dana Scully. You offend me. I am, as you put it, 'not that kind of ' guy." They both chuckled at that. "With looks like yours, I bet you have a harem at Oxford!" Fox snorted. "Hardly. I've never had a real girlfriend. All the girls at Oxford think I'm strange. Well, except for that slut Phoebe Green. She's been trying to get in my bed for two years now." Dana stared at him slack-jawed. "You mean you haven't taken her up on it? I thought all you guys had to have it?" "I'm not like other guys. I want it to be special when I finally do, do the deed." She couldn't believe her ears. "Are you saying...I mean..are you..., you mean you haven't?" Dana and Fox were both blushing furiously. In a voice barely above a whisper he confided,"No, I-I haven't." *I can't believe I just told her that! Real smooth Exlax!* Dana started laughing, until she noticed the look on his face. "No! I'm not laughing at you. It's just ironic. "I have no...well...experience either. Like the old saying 'Pure as the fallen snow.' I think it's great!" Fox released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He leaned over and gave her the most loving kiss he could. Their admissions to each other brought them to a new level of trust. They made plans for the next night, and almost every night for the next three weeks. They saw each other almost everyday. Either Dana would ride with Fox on his ice cream route, or he would keep her company while she babysat. They went to the library, went swimming and on picnic's. They would spend hours at the park just talking, and making out. Fox frequently had dinner at the Scully house. Most nights they would go for ice cream, or take in a movie, or prowl old bookstores. In those three weeks, the number of bruises on Fox's body increased dramatically, Captain Scully wired to say he would be home in time for the Fourth of July, and Dana and Fox fell in love. Their physical relationship had, by unspoken agreement, not progressed beyond making out. However, their making out had gotten so intense, they both realized subconsciously, the next step was inevitable. The window's of the midnight blue Chevy Nova had long been steamed up by the making out of the cars two occupants. Dana moaned as Fox's lips found a particularly sensitive spot on her neck. "Mmmm...Fox. That feels so good. Please don't stop." Dana ran her hands down his rib cage, and tentatively ran her hand underneath his shirt. She began making slow circles up his back, but stopped as her fingers came across a welt. She felt around and found his back was covered in them. "Fox? How did you get all those marks? And don't tell me you fell." Fox jerked as though he'd been burnt. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it." He turned around, and went to start the car. Dana's hand stopped him. "Tell me. Who did this to you? It's your father, isn't it?" With haunted eyes he faced her. "He doesn't mean it. He just drinks too much." She scooted across the bench seat of the car, and held him. She kissed his cheek. He started the car and drove her home. Saying good-bye, she entered the house. To her surprise, Ahab was waiting for her. "Ahab! You're home! When did you get here?" Breaking the bear hug he had her in, he looked down at her. "Got home five days early Starbuck. Your mother tells me you have a boyfriend? She said his name was Fox?" Dana blushed. "His name is Fox, for real, he's a student majoring in psychology at Oxford. He's really intelligent, and he treats me well. He respects me, and likes the fact that I'm smart. He's wonderful." Capt. Scully looked at his daughter for a long moment. He wasn't used to his tomboy daughter gushing about a boy. "You will invite him over for dinner tomorrow night. That shouldn't be hard, since I hear he eats here almost every night anyway. I want to meet this young man." *I hope your not falling in love Starbuck. You have much to do without letting a case of puppy love get in your way.* Dana hugged him goodnight, and watched as he made his way to bed. She raced up the stairs to call Fox, and invite him to dinner. The next day was spent together as a family. It was an unwritten rule in the Scully house that whenever Ahab came in from the sea, the next day was always spent with the family. Fox arrived a bit early for dinner, wanting to make a good impression on Capt. Scully. He brought Mrs. Scully a bouquet of carnations, and a single rose for Dana. *Please don't let me screw this up.* "Good evening Capt. Scully, sir. It is a pleasure to meet you." Fox extended his hand to the Captain. Bill Scully eyed Fox skeptically before shaking the offered hand. 1/7 Melissa Lee a.k.a. Kennedy "People, it's GOD-DESS, not goddess, when refering to Gillian Anderson. Learn it, know it, use it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I'm NOT Worthy." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I like my Bubble. It's a good place. Really." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Practice random acts of kindness; tip your delivery driver. "What is your name again, son?" "Fox. Fox Mulder." "Mulder. Hmmm. That's Eastern European isn't it?" "Yes sir." "Am I correct in assuming that you're either Jewish or Catholic?" "Well, yes. The name Mulder is Jewish, but my mother is Catholic." "So you're Catholic? Isn't it the mother who decides the religion of the child in the Jewish faith?" "Yes. I was Baptized in the Catholic Church, but I also had a pseudo bar mitzvah when I was twelve. I am familiar with both religions, but practice neither. I have a hard time believing in God." Dana winced as Fox said this. She didn't have a problem with Fox's lack of religion, but she knew Ahab would. Mr. and Mrs. Scully both stopped eating and looked at each other. Dana held her breath and waited for the explosion. Fox was oblivious, and continued to eat. Ahab decided to let the issue slide for now. *Atheist. He's a damn Atheist. God help us. Well, at least it's just a summer romance. It can't hurt anything.* After dinner, Fox and Dana went to see a movie. The theater was deserted except for the young couple. They never even saw the movie; they just made out. Fox was lost in the warmth of her mouth. His tongue dueled with hers, tasted the inside of her lips, and grazed the sensitive spot right behind her front teeth. That made Dana groan. For her part, she began nibbling on his neck and lightly sucking on his Adam's apple. She ran her tongue the length of his neck, and tasted the salt of his skin. Fox was already rock hard, but when she did that, he got even harder if possible. The absence of release became un- bareably painful for Fox. He had to pull away from Dana. "Wh-what's wrong Fox?" Fighting to regain control, he turned to look at her. Even in the darkness of the theater, he could tell she was flushed. "I need a minute to regain control." "Oh. Yeah." As he moved to put his arm around her, he grazed the side of her breast. Jerking back his hand, he began apologizing. "Oh God, I'm sorry. That was an accident. I swear!" Dana placed her finger to his lips. "It's ok. I know you weren't trying anything. But you know, it did feel pretty good. Y-You can touch me there again. If you want." The last part came out in a shy voice. Fox pulled her into his lap and began kissing her again. Slowly, tentatively, he ran his hand up her rib cage. He paused at her breast, seeking approval. She gave it by kissing him harder. Fox brought his long fingers around, and gently grasped her breast. He thumbed over nipple until it became a tightened peak. Even through the material of her shirt, his touch was like fire. Dana could feel his own tightened peak pressing into her behind. She sought out his nipples and rubbed them until they too became hardened. Dana could feel the beginning of moisture between her legs. Coming up for air, they rested their foreheads against each other. "I think I should take you home Dana," a breathless Fox choked out. They took a minute to compose themselves before leaving the theater. Fox walked her to her door and said good night. He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. As Dana entered the house, she found Ahab and her mother waiting up for her. "Mom, Ahab, what's up?" They motioned for her to sit down. Her father was the first to speak. "Did you have a nice time on your date?" "Yes. We saw a movie." *Well, we were in a movie theater, but I don't know what the movie was about.* "This Fox, he seems like a nice young man. He's very polite, courteous, and well mannered. *Probably a serial killer. Makes a good impression with flowers and all, then breaks some young girls heart. I'm on to him.* However, I am concerned about his lack of belief in God. A man needs something to believe in. Without that, he's nothing. Just be careful Starbuck. I don't want to see you get hurt." "Dana, your father and I are going away for ten days. We're going down to see Charlie at camp, and then on to New Haven. We want you to keep an eye on Missy. Chuck is not to be in this house. Period." Dana nodded in understanding. Mrs. Scully went to bed after that. Ahab motioned for Dana to follow him outside. "Now Starbuck, you and I both know that Chuck's hand isn't the only thing he's had in her pants. Now don't look so surprised. I try to keep an eye on my kids, even from the sea. Your mother doesn't suspect a thing, and I want to keep it that way. Missy is a grown woman. I respect that, but she's not going to bed down under my roof. So keep an eye on her." Dana nodded, and turned to go back into the house. Ahab stopped her. "Dana I'm concerned about this Fox person. He looks so....troubled. Almost as if he has a dark side. I don't want you getting serious with him. You're going to be a doctor one day, and you don't need any distractions. Now go to bed." Dana went to bed, but sleep never really came. She stayed awake all night thinking about what her father had said. The next morning the girls got up to see their parents off. After they left, Missy announced that she was going to New York with Chuck for the weekend. "Missy!" It was a warning. "Oh relax Dana. Mom and Dad'll never know. Just cover for me." Dana sighed. "Well answer on question for me please." "Shoot." "How do you know when you're in love?" "Is this about you and Fox?" Dana just looked away. "You'll just know. You'll think about him all the time, you can't imagine life without him, you want to make mad passionate love to him, and want to have his children." "Is that what it's like with Chuck?" Melissa thought about this. "No. I love Chuck, but I'm not in love with him. We just have great sex, and lots of fun. Are you in love with Fox?" Dana thought about this. "Yes. I guess I am." "Have you and he...?" "That is none of your business!" "Look, just be careful, ok? Do you want to go on the Pill? I can take you to a free clinic in Boston." "I can't use birth control. It goes against the Church! Besides, we aren't -you know." "Dana, you won't go to Hell for using birth control. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Now, I have to go. I'll see you Monday morning." Melissa kissed her sister good bye, and went off to meet Chuck. Dana was glad for the time alone. It gave her time to sort through her feelings for Fox. She came to the conclusion that she was in deed in love with him. Looking at the clock she realized that it was after two o'clock, and she hadn't heard from. *He always calls after he gets done with his route if I'm not with him.* She called the ice cream company, and found out he didn't show up for work. Thinking he might be sick, she called his house, but got the answering machine. She didn't know of any friends he might have, and started calling all of the hospitals on the Vineyard, and even in Boston. Having no luck with that, she started calling police stations thinking he might have gotten arrested. By eight o'clock she was about to go crazy. She was considering what to do next when the doorbell rang. Hoping it was Fox, she opened the door. "Fox!? What happened to you?" The man standing before her was bloody and bruised, and looked like he was about to pass out. "Dana. I. Need. Help. M-my father did this." Dana helped him into the house. Getting her first-aid kit she began cleaning the cuts and abrasions on his face and neck. "You have a cut on your scalp. How is your back?" Lifting his T-shirt, she gasped. "Fox your back is a mess. Take your shirt off." Cleaning his cuts, she examined the large bruise near his kidney. "Have you had any blood in your urine?" He shook his head 'no'. She got an ice pack for his black eye. "We need to get you to the hospital for stitches. Let's go." "No. No hospital." Dana thought a few minutes before calling the naval base. "Medic corps please. Yes, is ensign Bivens on duty tonight? I need to speak with him. Chad? Dana Scully. I need a favor." She told him what to bring, and returned to Fox. "When did this happen?" "I-I think last night. I remember getting home from our date and going to bed. Sometime later my father came stumbling into my room, and yanked me out of bed. He started cursing at me and kicking me. He told me it was my fault Sammi was gone, and that my mother divorced him. It was the same as always, only this time he hit harder. It was the anniversary of their divorce." Dana put her arms around his sobbing shoulders. "Shh. It's ok. You're safe now. Did you fight back?" "No. I mean, he's my father. You don't hit your father!" Before Dana could reply, Chad Bivens arrived to stitch up Fox. "My God Dana. What happened to him?" Dana quietly explained the circumstances, and ask him not to say anything. Chad nodded in understanding and left. Dana led him to her room and put him in Missy's bed. "Thank-you Dana." He kissed her hand and immediately went to sleep. Dana got ready for bed. Before turning in, she went over to check on Fox. Brushing the hair off his forehead, she bent and kissed his swollen lip. Fox stirred in his sleep, and pulled her down next to him. He was mumbling something. "....mmm Love you. I love you Dana." He put his arms around her and held her tight. Fox awoke in a strange place, with a strange person wrapped around his body, and someone's hand resting on his most private parts. Slowly he realized where he was, and who was wrapped around him. "Dana," he whispered. Gently he shook her awake. Realizing where her hand was, she yanked it back, and blushed. "You didn't have to move your hand. I rather enjoyed where it was." Dana pulled herself up to his face and kissed him on the lips. Fox deepened the kiss, and cupped her breast. Dana pulled back. "Doesn't that hurt your lip?" "Nothing hurts when I'm with you." She resumed the kiss, and began rubbing his erection through his boxers. "Dana!...Oh Dana. You don't...God that feels good...have to do this." "I'm in love with you Fox Mulder. I want to." Fox immediately stopped her hand. "Do you mean that?" Dana got very serious. "Yes I do." She held her breath, not entirely sure the feelings would be returned. "Dana I'm in love with you too. You're all I think about." Dana felt tears stabbing at her eyes. "That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me." They continued to kiss for a long time. Dana again let her hand find his erection. She resumed stroking him again, and he began rubbing her through her silk pajama shorts. As Fox found the right spot she started to squirm. Growing bolder, Dana slipped her hand inside his boxers. She could feel his hot, throbbing manhood. Taking his cue from her, he slipped his hand inside her panties. His hand was cool against her swollen nub. Dana started feeling the most incredible sensations. Her body jerked, and she cried out as her orgasm overtook her. She continued stroking Fox, until he exploded in her hand. Dana felt the warm, sticky substance covers her hand. "Oh God Dana, I'm sorry. Let me go get you a wash cloth." Dana removed her hand from his boxers, and stared at his essence in her hand. Fox returned with a damp cloth, and cleaned her hand for her. "Let me get you a pair of my brother Bill's sweat pants." "I think I'll take a shower, if it's ok." Dana took a quick shower in her parents bathroom, and was waiting on Fox when he finished his shower. "Let me clean your cuts while your shirt is off." When she finished, he got up to leave. "I better go home." An alarmed Dana shouted, "No! He may kill you next time!" "And just where do you suggest I sleep tonight?" Dana thought a moment. "You'll stay right here with me." "What about your parents?" "They'll be gone for nine more days. You'll stay here until they get back. Maybe your father will have calmed down by then." Fox had to agree that he liked the idea of staying with her and being safe. "O.k., but I'll need some clothing. I have to go get them. I'll be back in about an hour." Dana started to protest, but he kissed her quiet. Dana anxiously awaited his return. She glanced at the clock every five minutes. When he finally did return, she threw her arms around him. "I was afraid something had happened to you! I'd die if something happened to you. I love you sooo much." Fox kicked the door shut, as she pulled him into a deep kiss. Breaking the kiss, she informed him dinner was almost ready. "We're having Irish Stew." After dinner they laid on the couch and cuddled. Fox bent his head down and kissed Dana. It was a slow, sensual kiss, that soon had Dana turning in his arms to face him. Fox moved his hand to her breast, and caressed her through the material of her shirt. Breathless, she asked him, "Touch me please. I need to feel your skin on mine." Fox went about trying to undo her bra. Seeing that he was having trouble with it, she told him,"It's front clasp." Discarding her shirt and bra, he touched her with a sense of awe. Hesitantly, he took her nipple in his mouth. Her moan told him she was enjoying it. Wanting to feel more of his skin, she took his shirt off. She ran her hands over his broad chest, and played with one of his nipples. Fox stilled her hand and took possession of her lips. Never breaking the kiss, they shifted so Fox was on top of Dana. She could feel his erection pressing into the apex of her center. Fox placed a trail of kisses along her shoulder, and slid his hands down her stomach. Dana moaned, and shifted under him. Fox was now painfully erect. His erection was making contact with her enflamed clit, making her even wetter. "Fox...please..." Breathless and dazed, he pulled back. "You're right, we should stop." Dana wrapped her arms around him to prevent him from moving off of her. Looking confused, Fox said "What?" Flushed, Dana replied "Don't stop. Please." He regarded her for a minute. "Not here. The bed." She nodded. Fox scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom. Placing her feet on the floor, he set about undoing her shorts. In one motion he managed to remove them and her panties. He took in the sight of her, and she blushed. *She is beautiful. * Dana managed to get his shorts and boxers off, and then stared at his erection. "Th-th-that's awfully big." Fox tipped her chin up, and looked in her eyes. He saw fear, lust, anticipation, trust, and love. "We don't have to do this." She hugged him around the waist, pressing his erection between them. Standing on her tip-toes, she kissed him. "I want to. It's just...I'm scared." He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll be as gentle as possible. I promise." Taking his hand she smiled, and turned down the bed. Climbing on the bed she said, "I know. I trust you. I love you." Fox eased on top of her, as she shifted her legs to cradle his weight. "You are so beautiful." With that he kissed her deeply, and eased his tongue into her mouth. Dana ran her hands through his silky hair. Fox moaned at the sensation of her hands in his hair. Reaching down, he touched the dampness between her legs. He guided himself to her opening, and looked into her eyes, giving her a chance to stop him. Seeing only desire, he eased forward. Meeting resistance as he touched her maidenhead, he pushed forward with more force. Dana gasped and clutched his shoulders as he pushed through her maidenhead. Fox stopped to give her time to adjust to him. Tears trickled down her cheeks. "Are you ok?" She nodded yes and whimpered. "It burns, but please don't stop." He kissed away her tears, and began to move slowly within her. Fox continued to watch her face for any signs of distress. After a little while she relaxed, and her face softened. "Faster Fox, please," she whispered. She began to meet him thrust for thrust. Seeing and believing she was ok, he allowed himself to relax, and bury his face in her shoulder. Dana began to moan and thrust her hips wildly. Fox was nearing his own climax and went faster. "Can't wait m-much long-" "Fox-oh God!" Feeling her tighten around him, he lost himself in her essence. "Dana!" His orgasm seemed to go on forever, and when it finally ended, he collapsed on top of her. Dana made circular patterns on his back, and whispered words of love. Fox raised himself up on his elbows, and gave her the most exquisite kiss. "How do you feel?" "I feel ok. It only hurt for a little bit, and it actually felt pretty good there at the end," she answered blushing. Fox smiled down at her. "I really tried not to hurt you. I'd never hurt you intentionally. I love you." Dana stroked his face. "It did hurt, but not as much as it would have with someone I didn't love. Besides you're just too big," she giggled. Now Fox blushed. "I'm glad I waited for love, for you-Dana." Fox gently removed himself from her, and pulled her into an embrace. Dana got up to go to the bathroom, and realized she was still bleeding some. Fox got out of bed and looked from the bright red stain on the sheets, to her. "Are you ok? Is that normal?" Proceeding to the bathroom, she called back to him "According to Missy it is." *She should be an authority on that. * After finishing up in the bathroom, she came back out to find Fox sitting on Missy's bed. She noticed he'd put his boxers back on. "We actually did it! We actually made love!" Pulling the sheets off the twin bed she replied "Yes we did. And now we're going to change my sheets, but first hand me my pajama bottoms." They quickly changed the sheets, and put the 'soiled' set in the washer. That night they lay spooned together, and slept peacefully. Dana awoke feeling safe and warm in Fox's arms. He was looking down at her. "Good morning. How do you feel?" "Umm. Happy and sore. But a good sore." "Do you regret what we did last night?" Without hesitation she responded, "No!" They began kissing and exploring when suddenly Fox pulled away. "Oh my God! Dana we didn't use anything! You could be-oh shit!" "Hand me my calendar off the desk." She began counting days. "It's ok. I'm not ovulating." Fox was pacing the room. "I didn't think that was a very reliable form of birth control? I mean, how can you be sure?" Dana sighed. "Ever since I started my period I've been on a strict 28 day cycle. No matter how stressed I get, it's 28 days." Fox relaxed visibly. Dana pulled him back to bed. "Now where were we?" As Dana began kissing his neck and chest, he pulled away again. "Stop. We don't have anything, and I don't trust the rhythm method. We'll have to decide on something. You could go on the Pill?" "No! That goes against God and the Church! It's immoral. I will not use birth control at all." Fox was now up pacing and ranting. "IMMORAL! I'll tell you what's immoral. According to your God and church what we did last night was immoral! So quit being a hypocrite, and take the damn Pill or use a diaphragm! I don't need a baby. In fact, I don't think I even need you!" The moments the words left his mouth, he regretted them. Before he could apologize, Dana screamed, "Get out! I'm sorry I slept with you! Now leave!!" Stunned, Fox quickly dressed and left. Dana collapsed on the bed and let the tears fall. *I thought he understood how much my religion means to me. He is right though. It was wrong to have sex outside marriage. But is love wrong? Is expressing that love wrong? I don't think it is, but should you compound those wrongs by using birth control?* Without answering those questions, she fell into a fitful sleep. *I shouldn't have yelled at her. I understand about her religion, I respect that. Really I do. But why complicate things even more? I don't want to hurt her, or cause her pain. That's exactly what it would be if I got her pregnant. She wouldn't want a child with me anyway. That'd be a joke. The spawn of Fox Mulder. I'll give her time to cool off, and then apologize,* Hearing a car horn, he realized how long he'd been driving. Seeing a drugstore that had a grill in it, he went in to get something to eat. After picking at his food, he got up to leave. He went to get a new stick of deodorant, and that's when he saw it. Quickly a plan formed in his mind, and he raced to checkout. Coming to a screeching stop, he ran to her door and knocked. Dana came to the door wearing her robe, with her hair hanging damp. Seeing it was Fox she collapsed in his arms. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I-I can go on the Pill or get a diaphragm if you want." She looked at him hesitantly. Fox saw the tears in her eyes, and heard the pleading in her voice. "I'm the one who's sorry. I know what your religion means to you. You will not use birth control, understand?" He held her face in his hands. "But...you're right. We don't want to be foolish. We're not ready to be parents. Besides, I want to make love to you. I refuse to give that up." Fox kissed her. "I have a solution." He pulled out the box of condoms. "But that's birth control." Fox smiled. "Yes, but not for you. These can only be used by me. Since you have no control over what I do, and I'm not Catholic..." "Then I'm not going against the Church! Well, except for the sex part," she bubbled. "Wanna give it a try?," Fox leered. Since Melissa decided to spend the rest of the week at Chuck's, Fox and Dana continued to, as Fox put it, "play house." They made love as often as possible, always-using protection. Dana continued to ride with Fox in his ice cream truck whenever she could. They even found some creative uses for the truck. All to soon Mr. and Mrs. Scully returned home, and "playing house" was over. They continued to see each other as often as possible, and made love whenever possible. They had been "sleeping" together for about a three weeks when Missy cornered her sister. "So, what's Fox like in bed?" she asked Dana casually. "H-how...how did you know we were...you know?" Melissa smiled at her blushing sister. "I didn't until just now. So when did it happen?" Dana couldn't look at her sister. "The fourth of July. When you were in New York with Chuck." "Why do you think I went to New York? I'm happy for you. It's time you got your nose out of a book, and started living. Just tell me you're using birth control?" "I'm not...but Fox is." "I see. Getting around the Church huh? You are so Catholic, kid! Speaking of which, have you been to confession?" "As a matter of fact I have. *Of course I didn't confess anything beyond touchy-feely. * Oh Mis, we are so in love. He's even talking about transferring to Berkeley! Wouldn't that be great? I love him. I think he's the one." Melissa regarded her sister, and decided she really was in love. She just hoped her sister wasn't going to get hurt. That night at dinner the phone rang. Dana answered. "Scully residence." "Don't say a word just listen." "Ok." "My dad's out of town tonight. Can you s-spend the night? I-I really need to see you." Dana thought Fox was on the verge of tears. "Let me just check with my parents Amy. Mom, Dad? Amy's parents are out of town, and she wants to know if I'll come stay with her? Is it ok?" *Please don't let them know I'm lying. * "Sure Starbuck. Just finish your dinner first." *It'll do you good to spend some time away from Fox. * "I'll be over as soon as I'm done with dinner." Dana hurried through dinner, and went to pack. Missy followed her into the bedroom. "You're going to be with Fox, aren't you?" she whispered to Dana. "Something's wrong. He needs me." Melissa looked at her sister and got a really bad feeling. "Dana? Be careful, ok? And don't sleep with him tonight. I have a bad feeling." Dana rolled her eyes at her sister. "You are just being paranoid! See ya." 2/7 Melissa Lee a.k.a. Kennedy "People, it's GOD-DESS, not goddess, when refering to Gillian Anderson. Learn it, know it, use it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I'm NOT Worthy." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I like my Bubble. It's a good place. Really." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Practice random acts of kindness; tip your delivery driver. Arriving at the house she found the door slightly ajar. Pushing it open she yelled "Fox? It's me. It's Dana." She waited for a reply, but found none. Shutting the door, she made her way up the steps. That's when she heard what sounded like someone crying. She followed the sound down the hall to a bedroom. She had never been in his house so she hoped it was Fox's bedroom. Opening the door she found him in a fetal position facing her. "Fox. What's wrong? Are you hurt? Did your father hurt you again?" She saw a small cut on his cheek, but didn't think that would cause him to cry. "He-He hit me Dana. I-I just lo-lost it, and punched him. Who beats their own kids Dana? Especially one that's twenty fucking years old?! I may have broken his jaw. He was in alot of pain. You're not supposed to hit your parents. He's right. I am worthless. I'm just a sorry piece of shit. Everything he said was true." Dana sat on the bed and cradled his head in her lap. "Is that what he said to you?" Fox nodded. "He also said he didn't love me. That he never loved me. I was just an awful mistake, a problem." Dana's heart shattered into a million pieces. She moved behind him on the bed and held him. She whispered in his ear, "You are not an awful accident Fox. I love you. As for hitting your father, you were only defending yourself." Fox turned to face Dana. "Do you really believe all of that? I mean, how can you love me?" Dana kissed him deeply. "Let me just show you how much I love you." She rolled him on his back, and straddled his hips. She could feel the beginnings of an erection as she removed her shirt and bra. He became fully aroused at the sight of her perfectly round breast. He reached up to touch them, and she leaned down to kiss him. In one fluid movement, Fox had her on her back and was frantically kissing her. Quickly they discarded the rest of their clothing, and continued to kiss. Fox reached between them and stroked her swollen nub. Dana bucked her hips into his hand. She groaned. Fox took one nipple in his mouth and sucked mercilessly. "Fox...p-please! Now!" "C-C-Condom." He reached into the nightstand and found what he was looking for. Hurriedly he ripped open the package with his teeth, and shoved it on his throbbing erection. Entering her in one fluid motion, he let the ecstasy over take him. Dana felt complete, whole. Their lovemaking was frenzied, yet sensual. As they climaxed together, Dana felt as though she had left her body, and Fox felt like his body was on fire. Coming down from his orgasm, Fox said "Mine. Only mine." A breathless Dana answered "Yours. Only yours." They lay connected for a long time while whispering words of love, and promises of forever. Regaining the strength to move, Fox pulled out of her. As he went to remove the condom, he realized there was a gaping hole in the tip. Dana's eyes went wide as she realized what had happened. Fox went to dispose of it, and she started looking around for a calendar. Walking back into the room, Fox handed her what she was looking for. "I thought you might need this." She smiled at his ability to read her mind. She did the calculations in her head, and realized it was possible. "We might have a problem." Fox was up pacing when he heard her say that. "Don't say that! Don't ever say that! If there is a child, it won't be an 'awful mistake or problem.' Do you understand?" Fox was yelling by now. Seeing what his outburst was doing to Dana, he calmed down almost immediately. He pulled her into his arms and held her. Kissing her hair he murmured "We'll be fine. No matter what." Spooned together, they drifted off to sleep. During the next three weeks, they almost forgot about what might happen. They kept themselves busy doing what they had always done: riding the ice cream route, going to the library, and going to the movies. They hadn't made love since that night. It was almost as if they were afraid to tempt fate. In preparation for the worst, Fox started the process of transferring to Berkeley, and Dana started eating even healthier than normal. Melissa found her sister standing sideways, looking at herself in the mirror." "Trying to see if your chest is growing?" When Dana just looked at her with a forlorn expression, Melissa put it all together. "Dana? Are you-" Before she could finish, Dana started crying. "I should have started my period three days ago. You know I'm never late. Never." She told her sister what had happened, and waited. "Have you taken a test? I mean, it could be stress. *Though I doubt it. You're the most regular person I know. * Have you told Fox?" Dana shook her head no. "Ok, here's what we'll do. I'll go get a test, and you can take it tomorrow morning. If it's positive, I know a clinic you could go to for-." "No! Don't even suggest that! If I am, this baby is a part of Fox. I could never kill it!" Before Melissa could answer, Ahab was knocking on the door. "Girls? I thought I heard yelling. Is something wrong?" Melissa opened the door and answered, "It's my fault Dad. I started a silly argument with Dana, and it upset her. I think I should leave her alone for a while. Melissa hurried out the door in search of a test. "I'm ok Ahab. Really. I think I'll just go on to bed. Goodnight." "Dana? Dana are you asleep?" Dana sat up in bed. "No. I can't sleep. Did you get it?" Missy gave her a hug. "It will be all right. I promise." Dana suffered through a fitful night of sleep. "How much longer?" Missy looked at her watch. "About another minute." The girls were trying to get done with the test before their mother came back from her morning walk. "It's time." Melissa watched her sister for any sign of the answer. The look on Dana's face was neutral as she studied the results. Walking over to the phone, she dialed Fox's number. "Fox. We need to talk. Tonight is my parents bridge night. They should be gone by seven. Come over after that. Love you too. Bye." She turned to face her sister. Missy simply held her arms open and embraced her. "I'm pregnant. What am I going to do?" %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Dana, Fox just pulled into the driveway." Dana was curled up on her bed. "Just send him in here please." Melissa directed Fox down the hall before leaving. Fox knelt by the bed and brushed a few wisps of hair from her face. "Hey there. You're pregnant aren't you?" Dana nodded yes. "I'm sorry I did this to you." Fox kissed her gently. "I think I was there too you know. We'll be fine. As long as we have each other, we'll be fine." Dana held out her arms to Fox, who embraced her. "We're having a baby Fox. Can you believe it?" She put his hand on her abdomen. "Is that where my baby is?" Dana nodded. Fox placed a tender kiss on her lips. Dana opened her mouth and deepened the kiss. "I need you Fox. Please." Fox pulled back. "It won't hurt anything?" "No silly. I'm only pregnant, not made of glass!" Discarding their clothes, they made love. Dana noticed Fox seemed to have a special reverence for her body. Their lovemaking was slow and tender. They were unhurried, content to enjoy each other. Afterwards they lay in the security of each other's arms. They began sorting through everything, and forming a plan. "I've already started the process of transferring to Berkeley. I also spoke with me father's attorney about my trust fund. I have access to it when I turn twenty-one in October. It might be tight at times, but we'll get by." For the first time all day, she felt hopeful. Feeling at peace, they drifted off to sleep. "What the hell!? Get the fuck away from my sister!" Dana awoke to find her brother Bill yelling at Fox. Reaching over his sister, Bill tried to pull Fox from the bed. "My God! Put some damn clothes on!" Fox hurriedly put his boxers on. Dana managed to find her underwear and T-shirt. "What are you doing home?" "We finished maneuvers early. Did he hurt you? Did he force himself on you?" Bill was moving toward Fox with his fist clenched. Bill threw a punch that connected squarely with his jaw. "Bill stop it! He didn't force me to do anything!" Bill looked at his sister. "Oh I see. He took advantage of you, huh?" Fox used this distraction to land a punch to his midsection. Bill doubled over and Fox rushed him. Before she knew what happened, they were in an all out war on the floor. Dana stepped in to try and separate them, but got pushed into the wall by Bill. She hit with a thud. This caused Fox to go ballistic. "You son-of-a-bitch, don't you ever touch her again! She's pregnant for God's sake!" The room fell silent, save for a startled gasp by Mrs. Scully. "Dana! Is that true?" Bill sat stunned, while Fox went to tend to Dana. "Dana? Are you ok? Please answer me!" Fox was starting to panic when Dana started speaking. "Fox? Fox it hurts." Fox bent and picked her up, and placed her on the bed. "Mrs. Scully please call an ambulance. Please!" Mrs. Scully went to do that, while Bill Scully Sr. went to see what all the commotion was about. "What in the name of God is going on here?" Bill Jr. had finally gotten up. "This piece of shit got Dana pregnant. I found them in bed together." Captain Scully glared at Fox. "Is that true?" Without taking his eyes off Dana, he nodded his head. Captain Scully stood speechless as the paramedics came in. "She's pregnant. About a month. Her brother and I were fighting, and she got knocked into the wall. She said it hurt." The paramedics began checking Dana. Putting her on the stretcher, they asked who would accompany her to the hospital. When Fox said he would Bill Jr. protested. "Look, that's my child, and I love Dana. I'm going with her." The look on Fox's face was enough to end the discussion. She was taken to the Naval hospital, and a battery of tests was run. Fox paced the waiting room, while the Scully family sat huddled together. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor came out. "Dana and the baby are going to be fine. She has some bruised ribs, but that's all. Is there someone here named Fox?" Fox spoke up. "That's me. I'm the father." The doctor nodded. "She's been asking for you. You may go in." As he started for the door, Bill jr. blocked his path. "You're not family. We should go before you." The Captain spoke up. "Let him go. We'll straighten all of this out later." "Dana? Honey, can you hear me?" Dana stirred and opened her eyes. "The baby? How's our baby?" Fox grasped her hand and kissed her fingers. "The baby's fine. Now go to sleep." Fox reluctantly left the room so her family could see her. Capt. Scully stayed behind to talk to Fox. "Son, I am very displeased with you. However, I realize it takes two. You and Dana are both young, but you can overcome this. The Scully family handles their own problems. We will expect nothing from you." Fox couldn't believe his ears. "Captain Scully, with all due respect, I intend to take responsibility for my child and Dana. I have already started the process of transferring to Berkeley from Oxford. I have a trust fund I can access in roughly two months. We can live on that. It might be tight sometimes but we'll get by. I'd like to marry her. Since she's seventeen we'd need your and Mrs. Scully's permission. I love her sir." "Son your resolve is admirable. However, I'm not going to further let Dana ruin her life by marrying you. You have nothing to offer her. Marrying you would only cause her more pain. You two only think you're in love. It was just a case of hormones gone bad. You'll both get over this and go on to happy lives. Now I suggest you go home, and get some rest." Stunned, Fox did as he was told. Missy stayed with her sister at the hospital that night, so their parents could discuss the situation. "Bill, what are we going to do? How do we help her through this?" Capt. Scully took his wife's hand. "Maggie, I spoke with Fox tonight. He wants to do right by Dana, which I respect him for, but I can't allow it. They're young. They think they're in love. They don't realize what this is, what it means. And for God's sake Maggie, he's not Catholic, he isn't anything! I don't want my grandchild raised by an atheist. We'll take care of Dana and the baby. That's what I told Fox." Maggie Scully regarded her husband. She'd never seen him react this way before. Of course she reasoned, his baby girl had never gotten pregnant before. "You can't keep them apart. He has rights to his baby Bill." He bristled at this. "She is seventeen years old Maggie! He is twenty. Do you realize he could be arrested for statutory rape? If he doesn't co-operate, I *will* have him arrested." With that he turned out the light and tried to sleep. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Fox was trying to figure out what to do. *I could go to Dad for help. No, he'd probably hurt me again. Maybe I could call Mom. No, she's in Acapulco on vacation. She probably couldn't help anyway. Why would she? I'll just go see Dana tomorrow and then try to talk to her father again. Yes, that's what I'll do. * Fox tried to go to sleep, but it did not come. He arrived at the hospital around seven the next morning to find Dana awake. Missy went to get breakfast, giving them some time alone. Fox sat on the edge of her bed, and took her in his arms. "I was so afraid of loosing you and our baby. I love you." He bent and kissed her on the forehead. "I spoke to your father last night. It didn't go too well. I'm going to try again." Dana pulled his head down to meet hers and kissed him deeply. Fox responded in kind. "Can't you even leave her alone for a minute?! Isn't it bad enough you got her pregnant? Are you trying to screw her in the hospital too?!" Shocked, Fox and Dana broke apart. Before anyone could say anything, Capt. and Mrs. Scully came into the room. "William Scully Jr. control yourself, and show some respect for your sister!" Maggie Scully was livid. Capy. Scully motioned for the younger Scully to leave. "Dana how are you?" Fox moved out of the way for Mrs. Scully. Capt. Scully took Fox aside. "Son, I thought we understood each other last night? I asked you to stay away from her. I called your father, and the three of us will be meeting later today. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to get ready to take Dana home." Fox turned and left for home. His father was, as expected, waiting for him. "Fox, is it true you got that girl Dana pregnant?" Fox nodded his bowed head. "My God son! Didn't you know to use something?" Fox mumbled, "We did. The condom broke." Mr. Mulder continued to rant and rave. "Can't you even fuck right? Didn't you know how to put the damn thing on? The only good thing to come from this is at least I know you're not gay." At Fox's shocked expression, his father replied, "What? You do attend Oxford." Before he could reply, the door bell rang. It was Capt. Scully. After the introductions were made, they went into the living room. "Mr. Scully, my son says this child is his. I believe he believes that, but I'll need proof myself. You understand of course?" Capt. Scully bristled at the notion his daughter was loose, but before he could say anything, Fox intervened. "That child is mine! I'm the only one she's ever been with, and she is the only one I've ever been with!" Turning to face his father, he continued. "Furthermore, I can tell you exactly when this child was conceived. Remember when you went out of town?" Looking now at Capt. Scully he proceeded. "Sir, we took precautions. Or should I say, I took them. I chose to because I know she's Catholic, and I know what her religion means to her. Now if you'll both excuse me, I'm going to see Dana." Fox stormed out of the house leaving the two men discussing the 'situation.' They decided it would be best if Fox and Dana were separated. "From what I know, your son has a brilliant career ahead of him, as does my Dana. I don't think one indiscretion should change that." Bill Mulder readily agreed with that. They agreed to tell Fox and Dana, that he would be arrested for statutory rape, if they didn't stay apart. Capt. Scully informed Bill Mulder of his plan to keep them apart. Fox had gone over to the Scully house to see Dana, only to be told by Bill Jr. that she was resting. "You can't keep me away from her. I'll just come back later." Bill sneered at him. "We'll just see about that. Just leave her alone Mulder." As Fox was leaving, Melissa came running out of the house. "Fox!" He turned to face her. "I'll tell Dana you stopped by. Just give it a little while to calm down. It will all work out. Don't worry." Fox thought that was unlikely, but headed for home anyway. *Time to face the music Fox. * "What!? That's blackmail!" Fox was enraged when he found out he couldn't see Dana again without fear of arrest. "You can't do this! I have rights." Bill Mulder shook his head. "Not in this you don't. Do you want to go to jail? She was your first piece; there'll be others. In time you'll see this as a blessing." Bill Mulder left his son standing in the den, as he went out the door. It had been two days since he'd seen Dana, and Fox was going crazy. Finally, he had Chuck arrange a meeting with Missy. "Melissa, how is she? How is the baby?" Melissa gave him a sad look. "Fox, she and the baby are fine, but you can't risk seeing her. My dad is serious. I've never seen him like this. Just lay low until she turns eighteen, Or until the baby is born. Then you can come back for her. You can't get into trouble then. Dana loves you, but this is how it has to be right now. She doesn't need all this stress. Ok?" Fox thought. He didn't want to do anything to cause her more pain so he agreed. "Ok, but she'll come with me after the baby is born?" Melissa nodded. "Tell her I'm going back to Oxford, and as soon as the baby is born, I'll come get them. I promise. Waiting until after the baby is born is probably best. She can get better medical care here. Tell her I love her. Both of them." Melissa noticed he had tears in his eyes as he turned to leave. Fox returned to Oxford within the week. He had tried to reach Dana before he left, but Bill Jr. had always answered the phone, so he hung-up. Dana moped around for a few days after getting out of the hospital. Her thoughts of fox were the only thing keeping her sane. That Friday evening the Scully's had a guest for dinner. He was the son of an old naval buddy of Capt. Scully's. He was also an officer in the Navy. Since Missy was off with Chuck, it was just Dana, her parents and Ryan O'Malley at dinner. Dana thought he was cute with his blond hair, and green eyes. He was tall, but not as tall as Fox. Dana found herself comparing him to Fox all night. Her father suggested Ryan take her to the Officer's Club for dancing. Dana thought this was odd of her father, but welcomed the chance to escape the house. At the club they danced until well in the evening. Ryan escorted her home and said good evening to her. As Dana entered the house, she found her father waiting for her. In the days since he discovered she was pregnant, Dana felt as if he were avoiding her. "Dad. I-I didn't expect to find you up so late." "Dana we need to talk. Sit down." She did as she was told. "I won't tell you I'm not disappointed in you, because I am. Regardless, you're still my daughter, and I love you. That will never change. You're going to have a baby, and you'll come to understand that kind of love. I don't resent the child you're carrying, in fact I already love this baby. This baby needs a father, and it doesn't have one." Dana tried to protest, but was silenced by a look from her father. "Dana, the young man you met tonight needs a wife. He's twenty-five, a naval officer, and getting pressure from the higher ups to take a wife. It's an unwritten rule that officers have wives. For whatever reason, he hasn't found one yet. He is aware of your condition, but he doesn't mind. Dana, you'll turn eighteen before this baby is born. You will no longer be considered a dependent at that time. All benefits cease to exist for you." Dana sat stunned. She hadn't thought of all of this. "Dana, Ryan is going to ask you to marry him, and you will accept." Dana was outraged. "Do you expect me to marry someone I don't love or even know? I'll either be a single mother, or go to England and marry Fox!" Bill Scully gave his daughter a look that would have melted steel. "As for having this child alone, that is not an option. You will not ruin this family's name with an illegitimate child. This doesn't just reflect on you, it also reflects on me and my career. And as for Fox Mulder, if you have any contact with him, I'll have him up on rape charges faster than you can say 'hello.'" Dana turned and ran into her room. her sudden arrival woke her sister. "Dana? Dana what's wrong?" Dana collapsed on her bed and tried not to cry. In a voice choked with unshed tears she wailed "Oh Missy, it's awful! Dad told me I have to marry this Ryan O'Malley. He threatened to have Fox thrown in jail if I try to contact him!" Dana explained what all her father had told her to Missy. "What are you going to do Dana?" She moved to console her sister. "Missy, I love Fox and our baby, but I can't afford medical care for us. I have to do what's best for this baby, Fox's baby. I need to talk to Fox." "Dana, you can't contact him. Dad's serious! All I can say is do what's best for the baby. Only you can make that decision." The next morning Dana had made her decision. "Missy, I'm going to marry this Ryan person. As soon as the baby is born, I'll file for divorce or get an annulment. Then we can go be with Fox." "Dana are you sure? Isn't there some other way?" "I wish. I thought about it all night. I can't provide for my baby alone, Fox can't be a part of my life right now, and I can't stay here with mom and dad looking at me with disgust in their eyes." Missy nodded in understanding. Before dinner that evening Dana took her parent's aside, and informed them of her decision to marry Ryan. Her father breathed a sigh of relief, and her mother wore a mask of resignation. Ryan joined them for dinner, and afterwards he and Dana went dancing again. On the way home he brought up the 'arrangement' as Dana had come to think of it. "Ryan, I know you are aware of my pregnancy, and because I have no choice, I will marry you. I'd like to get married as soon as possible." Ryan pulled the car into an empty parking lot. Shutting off the motor, he turned to Dana. "Dana, I know this is rough for you, but I want to thank-you for agreeing to marry me. I sense that you love the father of your baby a great deal. I'm sorry you can't be with him." *Well I certainly wasn't expecting that! * Dana looked at him, and felt that for the first time she was really seeing him. "Thank-you for understanding. In the short time I've known you, you seem like a warm and caring person. How come some girl hasn't snagged you yet?" Ryan shifted uncomfortably and looked away. Sighing, he looked back at Dana for a long time. "Can I tell you something in confidence?" She nodded. "I come from a Navy family. My dad just made admiral, my oldest brother is in the JAG Corp, my next brother is a lieutenant, and even my sister is joining after she graduates from UC-San Diego. I like the Navy, but I don't love the Navy. It was just expected of me, you know?" Dana nodded. *I know how you feel. I was always expected to be the good girl, the smartest.* "I'm different Dana. I-um...I'm-ah-gay." Dana's mouth dropped open. "...Uh...I-a-I guess your parents don't know?" Ryan shook his head no. "Do you...I mean...are you involved with someone?" "Not at this time. There was someone in college, but I knew I had to join the Navy. I miss him." "So, you and he...I mean...you uh..." Ryan finished for her. "Had sex? Yes we did. Does that bother you?" Dana answered honestly. "I don't know." They sat in silence for a while. "Ryan, I'm curious, have you ever had sex with a woman?" Ryan chuckled. "Yes I have. Quite a few as a matter of fact. I guess I was trying to prove something to myself. To me the act of sex is the same, it's the emotions that make it different for me." Again they sat in silence. "What happens of you meet someone while we're married?" Ryan touched her face. "Dana, I'm Catholic like you. My sexual preference may go against the Church, but my beliefs and morals don't. I will not betray my marriage vows. I don't believe in divorce, but I thought after a year or so, we could get it annulled. If you want. If not, I'm in it for the long haul. We both are in a position to help each other. I can give you what you need during your pregnancy, you can give me the marriage that will make me more credible to my Commanding Officer." Dana smiled at him. "I must admit, I plan on leaving you after the baby is born. I *will* be with Fox." "Sounds like a plan." Ryan started the car and drove them to her house. He accompanied her in to talk with her parents. By the time he left that night, many things had been decided. Ryan said he had been transferred to the Naval base in San Francisco, so Dana would still be able to attend Berkeley. Mrs. Scully was relieved, because Missy would be there for Dana. Ryan informed them that he had put in for a two-bedroom house, so Missy could live with them. He reasoned Dana would need someone as the pregnancy progressed, and he would probably be out to sea. He was leaving for a three-month cruise in five days, so they were going to be married in three days. That would give them two days two catch a military flight to San Francisco. The next two days passed quickly, and on the night before the wedding Mrs. Scully had a talk with Dana. "Missy will you excuse us?" After Missy left, she began talking to Dana. "Dana, I know your heart is with Fox, but you are going to marry Ryan. It may not seem like it now, but it is for the best.* At least I hope.* You will have to be a wife to Ryan. That means you'll have to have sex with him." She stopped as Dana let out a disgusted laugh. "Well *Mother* I'm glad to see you're not above selling your daughter like a common whore." "Dana Katherine Scully! Take that back!" "It's the truth. I'm being forced to marry someone I don't love to save the family name, and provide for my baby! By the way, I don't want you or the Captain there tomorrow. Missy will be my witness, and Ryan is asking a friend to be his." Mrs. Scully sat stunned. "I thought you wanted your father to walk you down the aisle?" "That was for a real wedding, not this. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go to bed. We're tired." Mrs. Scully paused at the door. "I love you Dana. Please remember that." Missy came into the room and hugged her sister. "I heard what you said. I'm sorry this is happening to you." Dana gave a small smile. "The only thing good to come out of this is our baby. We'll be fine. In about eight months we'll be with Fox, you're to be with me, and I'll have my baby. I better go to bed." The next morning Dana awoke before anyone else and finished packing her stuff. As she finished packing she went to the kitchen for breakfast. it was here that she found her father. She didn't speak, but merely ate her cereal in silence. As she was putting her bowl in the sink, her father spoke. "Dana, sit down, we need to talk." Dana turned to face her father, but didn't sit down. "The time to talk was ten days ago when I needed my father. Not now. Not when I'm being forced into a marriage. Not when you've separated my baby from its father. Not now that you can't stand to look at me. The way I see it, we have nothing to discuss. I assume mother told you I don't want either of you there?" Captain Scully merely nodded. Dana went to her room. Dana looked at herself in the mirror. She had chosen a light blue dress for the wedding. "You look nice Dana." "Thanks Mis. You know this is going to be just fine. Thoughts of having my baby, and being with Fox will pull me through." The doorbell rang, and she knew it would be Ryan. "You ready to go Missy?" Dana gave Ryan a kiss on the cheek. "We'll come back after the ceremony to get my stuff." The ceremony itself was uneventful, and lasted less than ten minutes. The Naval Chaplain married them. Upon returning home, Mrs. Scully had prepared a lunch for them. Ushering them into the dining room, they joined Capt. Scully, Bill Jr., and a newly returned Charlie for lunch. Bill Jr. stood and shook Ryan's hand. "Welcome to the family Ryan. I know you'll take good care of my sister." Dana shot her brother a cold look. Small talk was made, but lunch was a tension filled event. Finally Capt. Scully spoke directly to Dana. "You look lovely in that dress Dana. Light blue is a good color for you. I'm curious though why you chose that color?" "Well, I couldn't very well wear white now could I? Being a tainted woman and all." Capt. Scully was furious. "Watch your mouth young lady! You will show respect in this house; is that clear Dana Katherine Scully?" "O'Malley. It's Dana O'Malley now. I'm married, remember? Ryan are you ready to go?" Ryan nodded and they went to get her stuff. Melissa followed to check on her sister. "Dana are you ok? Please don't leave like this." As Dana turned to answer her, Missy could see the tears in her eyes. She refused to let them fall. "I'll be fine. It just... well it hurts that they'd treat me and my baby this way. This is their grandchild after all. Even if they don't like Fox, it's still a part of me! None of that really matters now though. I have done what is best for my baby. You know, everything changes when you get pregnant. You can't just think about yourself anymore. You're carrying a little life in you. Everything from now on will revolve around my baby. And there's nothing I won't do for this child." Melissa hugged her sister. "I'll see you in two weeks. Let me know if you forgot anything, and I'll bring it with me." Ryan came back in to get the last of Dana's things, and she followed him back out to the car. She said good by to her family from the car. As they drove away, Maggie Scully let the tears fall. "Bill, what have we done?" Still looking for the car that had long since disappeared, he answered, "I'm not sure, but I think it was a mistake." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Dana are you ok?" Ryan glanced at her as he drove. She nodded. "Thank-you Ryan. You are very kind." At the airbase they boarded their military flight for San Francisco. Once airborne, Dana drifted off to sleep, and dreams of Fox. She was oddly comforted by her dreams. Retrieving their bags and boxes, they headed for the naval base. Ryan checked in with his Commanding Officer, and then drove them to their house. Ryan stopped Dana from entering the house. He scooped her up and carried her across the threshold. "What was that for?" Ryan shut the door and pulled the blinds. "Dana we have to make this look real. Remember that we're young newlyweds on our wedding day. People have to believe I got you pregnant on our wedding day. You know Military housing isn't any different from any other neighborhood. Prying eyes, gossip, etc. Understand?" Dana looked at him. "We'll have to make this look good." She started unpacking, and Ryan began sorting through the boxes she had brought with her. Together they put the sheets on the queen sized bed. Dana changed into something more comfortable, while Ryan went next door to order Chinese food. After making the introductions and ordering their food, he called her parents. "Hello? Dana?" It was Mrs. Scully. "Mrs. Scully , this is Ryan. I just wanted to let you know we made it here safely. Dana will call as soon as our phone is connected." He quickly gave her their address and ended the call. Returning to their house, he found Dana in her pajamas reading a book. "Hi. I called your parents and gave them our address." Dana pinned him with a look of hate. "Why?" "Dana no matter how you feel right now, they're still your parents. This rift will heal eventually. Besides, it's not good for you to carry anger around while you're pregnant. Think of your baby." "I always think of my baby. That is why I married you after all." "I didn't mean to imply you didn't. Just think about it ok?" After eating they decided to go to bed. Ryan climbed into bed next to Dana. "What are you doing?! "Going to bed, Dana. You didn't expect me to sleep on the couch did you?" Turning over he said, "Besides, you're not my type anyway." The next day they didn't leave the house at all. The next afternoon they ventured out to go grocery shopping, and to the bank. Ryan insisted on having Dana's name added to his saving's account and checking accounts. Dana had protested at first, but relented when Ryan pointed out she would need things her scholarship stipend wouldn't cover. Especially as the pregnancy progressed. "Dana, I trusted you with my secret, and I trust you with my money." The next day Dana drove him to his ship, and acted like any other Navy newlywed seeing their husband off for three months. She pulled Ryan's head down to meet hers, and gave him a long kiss. When he pulled back he whispered "Thank-you" in her ear. As he turned and walked up the ramp, his C.O. nodded his head approvingly. The next two weeks passed by in a blur. Dana went to orientation at Berkeley, and went about fixing up their house. She had called her parents' house only once to give their phone number to Missy. She had purposely called when she knew her parents wouldn't be home. "Missy! It's so good to see you. I'm glad you're here." Once they brought her things in, they had dinner and began to talk. "How are you doing Dana?" 3/7 Melissa Lee a.k.a. Kennedy "People, it's GOD-DESS, not goddess, when refering to Gillian Anderson. Learn it, know it, use it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I'm NOT Worthy." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I like my Bubble. It's a good place. Really." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Practice random acts of kindness; tip your delivery driver. "I'm fine. I have a roof over our head's, food in our belly, a clean place to live. I miss Fox, but I can't do anything about that right now. Under the circumstances this is all I can ask for. What about you?" "Well, Chuck and I broke-up. He wanted to get serious, and I didn't. The house was strange after you left. Mom and Dad weren't really speaking all that much, Charlie was confused, and Bill was being a dick as usual. I'd sometimes hear Mom crying at night. Dad has been spending alot of time at the Officer's Club. Other than that, all is fine. I do need to call and let them know I made it here. Do you want to talk to them?" "No. Not yet." Dana left her sister to make the call, and went to put her pajama's on. Having changed, she began writing in her journal. "Whatcha doing Dana?" Dana took her glasses off before answering. "I've been keeping a journal of my pregnancy for Fox. I write in it every day so he'll have an idea what this pregnancy was like." Melissa gave her a sad smile. "So, how's Ryan with all of this?" "He's been really understanding, and supportive of me. He has a kind heart. He knows what my plans are, and he doesn't mind." "I take it you and he didn't do it?" "Missy! Of course not. I can't just have sex with someone I don't love. Besides, I am committed to Fox. Now I'm going to bed." Melissa left to get ready for bed. The next four weeks passed rather quickly. Both Dana and Missy settled into school, and Dana began having terrible morning sickness. She finally went to the base doctor to get the 'official' news. Melissa went with her. "Come on Missy, I need to send Ryan a telegram." Melissa looked confused. Dana whispered "We have to make this look good. Remember, I'm just now finding out I'm pregnant, and we're newlywed's." She sent the telegram to Ryan, and then they went shopping. "Oh Missy, look. Isn't this just precious?" Dana was holding a tiny pair of pajama's. They were white foot with a collar trimmed in mint green. Dana rubbed the terry cloth fabric to her cheek. "Why don't you buy that Dana?" She thought about it only a moment before making the purchase. Later that night Dear Fox, Sept. 5, 1980 Today I bought the baby's first outfit. It's the most adorable pair of pajamas! It's a white terry cloth footy pj's with a little collar trimmed in mint green. I want to bring our baby home in this outfit. I have started having morning sickness, and I've gained three pounds! We miss you. We love you. Dana and Baby Mulder Feeling exhausted she went to bed. Life proceeded this way for the next six weeks. Dana went to school, threw-up, and slept alot. Missy cooked for them and acted as a go between for Dana and their parents. She also insisted on taking Dana's picture once a week. "Don't you want Fox to see what you look like carrying his child?" A few days before Ryan's ship was due in, Dana received a letter from her mother. My Dearest Dana, Oct. 17, 1980 It has been roughly two months since I have seen or heard from you. It's been the longest two months of my life. I know you're angry with us, and you have every right to be. I could never admit this to your father, but he was wrong. I think he was blinded by his fury that someone had touched his Starbuck. He loves you Dana, please don't shut him out. I love you. Mom Dana was crying as she finished reading the letter. She started as Missy came into the room. "Dana? What's wrong?" Dana tried to catch her breath before answering. "It's this letter from Mom. I want to forgive them, but I can't. It hurts too much. I feel like they turned their backs on us." Missy read the letter then sat rubbing her sister's back. "Shhh-it'll be ok. Everything will work out as it should. Why don't you write her back, and tell her what you told me?" "...Mmmh. Maybe." She turned that thought over in her head until days became weeks, and eventually a month had passed. Ryan had been home for three weeks, and they had played the part of happy newlyweds. They dined with his C.O. and his wife, and made all the socially acceptable rounds. Dana was now four and a half months pregnant, but because of her size, she looked as if she had only gained a few pounds. Even Missy had managed to be discrete with her paramours. Life was almost normal. Almost. Having finished her lab, Dana headed home. As she entered the house she heard Missy on the phone. "Ryan, who is she talking to?" Ryan looked up from the newspaper and mouthed, "Your parents." Dana just shook her head and waited for her sister to finish. A few minutes later, Missy came in the room. Sensing the sisters needed privacy he went to the Officer's Club. "Out with it Missy. What did they want?" Missy began to pace. "Thanksgiving is in a week. They wanted to know if we were all coming home. Mom's beside herself Dana. Please say you'll come?" Dana went into the bedroom and shut the door. She took an unfinished letter from her backpack and studied it. "Missy, I can't, I won't go to their house. But, I will have a letter finished for you to give to Mom. If you would?" Missy hugged her sister. "Of course I will. I just wish you'd come with me, but I understand." As they went to bed that night, Ryan asked about the call. She explained it to him, and asked if he wanted to go to his parents for Thanksgiving. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to stay here. You don't have to cook or anything." Dana turned to face him. "Nonsense. I can cook us a Thanksgiving meal." With that they slept. The next few days passed quickly, and on the night before Missy was to leave for San Diego, Dana handed her the letter she'd written for their Mother. "I know you're leaving after class tomorrow, so I'll give it to you now." Dana and Ryan had a small dinner, and drove across the bridge into Oakland. Sitting at the foot of the bridge, they looked out at the bay. "How are you? Really?" "I'm fine. Really. The baby's well, school is challenging, and Missy hasn't been too wild." Ryan just gave her a knowing look. "Yeah, and I didn't want to go home for Thanksgiving because I was tired. Be honest Dana." She averted her gaze. "Ok, I miss Fox terribly, I'm still having morning sickness, I'm still angry with my parents, and any day I'll have to start wearing maternity clothes. Is that what you wanted to hear?" Ryan gave a short laugh. "Well, it's a start. Look Dana, we both have issues with our families. I'm not comfortable around mine. I'm afraid if they ever found out about me, they'd disown me. At least your parents won't hate you after the baby's born. I'm not saying forgive them, ....you need to have a relationship with them for the baby." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Scully House "Mom, Dana asked me to give this to you." Maggie Scully took the letter and read it. Dear Mom, Nov. 20, 1980 It has taken me a month to write this letter. I need to tell you how I feel. You and Dad turned your back on me and my baby. We are your flesh and blood, yet you turned us away. Fox would have been there for me and our child, but Daddy threatened him. Why? Because he dared to make love to his Starbuck? I'm a woman. I have been for a while now. Please see me as such. I don't like being separated from you. It hurts. I need you now Mom more than ever, but I can't forgive you yet. Just know all is well. Love, Dana Margaret Scully teared up after reading the letter. She handed it to Capt. Scully to read. "Oh Starbuck." "At least it's a start Bill." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% O'Malley House As Dana was going to bed, she let out a swift "Ohmph!" "What is it Dana? Are you alright? When she looked at him she had unshed tears in her eyes, but was smiling. Grabbing Ryan's hand, she placed it on her stomach. "Do you feel that? It's the baby moving. That's the first time I've felt it!" Ryan smiled. "Wow. It's real, isn't it? As she lay there trying to sleep, her thoughts drifted to Fox. *You should have been here with me, not Ryan. I know you would have been if you could.* She tried to keep the tears from coming, but failed miserably. Ryan wrapped his arms around her, and she didn't resist. "It's ok Dana. You'll be with him soon." Dana drifted off to sleep. The next day she wrote in her journal. Dear Fox, Nov. 23, 1980 Yesterday I felt our child move for the first time! It was incredible. It made this baby feel real. I just wish you could have been here to share this moment with me. I'm counting the days until you come for us! Love, Dana and Baby Mulder The next month passed by in a blur. Dana was busy with final exams, Christmas preparations, and she was still throwing-up alot. She was also constantly battling fatigue. It was all she could do to make it through the day. The day Missy finished her last exam, she returned home to find Dana retching in the bathroom. "Dana? Are you alright?" She took in her sister's flush face, sweaty hair, and dark circles under her eyes. All Dana could manage was a feeble "s' Ok. I think I must have a virus." Missy put her sister to bed and then called their mother. "Mom! It's Missy. I think something's wrong with Dana. She's been throwing-up alot the last few days, and she won't take anything. She's afraid it will hurt the baby." "Missy, get her to the hospital on base. She could be dehydrated. Call Ryan, and have him meet you there. I'm on my way." Naval Hospital Missy and Ryan waited in the waiting room for news about Dana. "Mr. O'Malley?" Ryan recognized the man as Dr. Hagood, her OBGYN. "Your wife is suffering from severe dehydration, fever, and extreme exhaustion. The fever is undoubtedly due to her loss of fluids. The body is trying to cool itself down. I've started her on IV fluids, and given her a mild sedative. I've also prescribed some anti-nausea medicine. It won't hurt the baby. I'd like to keep her for forty-eight hours. Don't worry though, she'll be home in time for Christmas. I've also ordered an ultra-sound for tomorrow morning, just as a precaution. I understand you are to leave for a three month cruise the day after Christmas. Is their anyone who could stay with her for a few days after you leave?" Melissa Scully spoke up. "I'm her sister, and our mother is on the way here. We can stay with her." The doctor nodded. "You may both go in to see her, but please be brief. She'll probably sleep through the night. I suggest the two of you go home and get some rest." The doctor had been right. Dana was in a deep sleep, and never knew they were there. Ryan and Missy went home. Sometime during the night Maggie Scully arrived at the hospital. "I need to know what room Dana O'Malley is in please?" Easing into Dana's room, she realized Dana was in the middle of a nightmare. "...No. Don't make him go. Please! Daddy no. The baby...Fox...save the baby. I love you Fox." Maggie stroked her daughter's forehead, and she settled into a peaceful sleep. *My God, what have we done? Oh Dana.* Mrs. Scully spent the rest of the night at the hospital. Dana awakened the next morning to her mother's face. "Mom? Wh-What are you doing here? The baby! Is the baby ok?" Dana started frantically tossing the covers aside to see her belly. "Dana stop, or you'll pull out your IV. The baby's fine. You're dehydrated, and exhausted. Your sister called me yesterday frantic about what to do. I drove up last night. Your father and Charlie are coming tomorrow." Dana looked at her mother and tried to absorb everything. Before she could say anything, the orderly came to take her down for the ultra-sound. Dana lay there with her stomach exposed to the cold air. *God it's cold in here. * The tech came in and explained everything to her, and then spread the gel on her belly. *That. Is. Cold. You'd think they could warm the stuff up. * "Mrs. O'Malley, do you want to know the sex of the baby?" Dana shook her head no. "Do you want to at least see the baby?" She nodded her head. Seeing the image on the screen she reached out and touched it. Tears stabbed at the back of her eyes. "Let me print you out a picture so you can show the father." *Unless you can get me to Oxford, that's not likely.* When she returned to her room, she found Ryan and Missy waiting for her. "Where's Mom?" "We sent her back to the house for some much needed rest. Missy brought you some things." Dana showed them the ultra-sound picture. "The doctor said everything was ok. The baby is a good size, and appears to be developing normally." Ryan left to return to the base. "Here Dana, I brought you this." Missy handed her the journal she was keeping for Fox. "I'm going to get lunch, and then run some errands. After you finish that, please get some rest." Dana smiled at her sister. "Thanks." She opened the journal and began to write. Dear Fox, Dec. 23, 1980 Well, I'm in the hospital, suffering, from de- hydration and exhaustion. I saw our child for the first time today. I had an ultra-sound, and got a picture of the baby. The tech asked me if I wanted to know the sex of the baby. I said no. If you can't know the sex, then neither will I. Mom came up from San Diego. This should be interesting. Love, Dana and Baby Mulder Dana closed the journal, and drifted off to sleep. When she woke up, it was dark outside. As she strained to make her eyes adjust, she caught the outline of a form in the corner of the room. *Fox!?* "Dana. It's Mom. Go back to sleep." The next time she woke up, it was Christmas Eve morning. "Good morning Dana. Are you ready to go home?" Dr. Hagood was smiling at her. "Uh-yeah. I mean yes." "Your family is waiting outside. I'll go sign your discharge papers, and I'll have my office call you with an appointment for next week." "Thank-you doctor." Ryan and Missy had come to pick her up. "Where's Mom? "She went to get your father and Charlie a room. They should be here by eight tonight. Do you feel like going to midnight mass?" "I'm really tired Ryan. I don't think I'll make it. Will you stay with me tonight Missy?" "Sure." Dana rode the rest of the way in silence. *Great. I'm spending Christmas with my parents, who basically sold me into bondage. Well, maybe not bondage, but still. * %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Oxford, England Fox Mulder's Apartment Fox Mulder was trying to wrap the silver piggy bank he'd bought for the baby. He'd had it engraved 'Baby Mulder.' He'd bought Dana a sterling mother and child pendant. *Next year. Next year we will be together. * He was struggling with the tape when there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" "Foxy! It's Phoebe. I've come to make your Christmas merry. Now open up." *What part of 'no' doesn't she get? * Fox made his way to the door carrying the piggy bank. "Phoebe, go home, or where ever it is you dwell. This isn't a good time." Phoebe waltzed her way into his apartment, and took off her long coat. He almost choked when he saw she was wearing a red teddy-and nothing else. "Put your coat on! And you can leave!" "Why Foxy, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to get rid of me." She leaned up and kissed him. Fox pulled away. "Stop it!" Phoebe saw what he was holding and looked at him expectantly. "Something you want to share with me?" "Not really." "Is there a little Fox or ...Samantha on the way? I never knew you had it in you." She ran her hand up his crotch. Reflexively his body responded. *Dead nuns. Dead nuns. Think of dead nuns. It's been so long. She's not Dana. Not even close. Exactly. * "Get. Out. Now." "Am I doing something wrong?" "Yes you are. I am committed to the mother of my child. Sorry." "And just where is the little mother to be?" She began looking around the apartment. "Or has she left you? Not surprising really. Too much emotional baggage. Women don't like men who are damaged. At least, not for long. And you Foxy boy, are damaged. Are you even sure the baby's yours?" "The mother of my child, and I know for a fact it is my child, is in the states. Not that it's any of your business." She gave him a coy smile. "Oh, I get it now. You deflowered her. Or should I say you deflowered each other?" Fox couldn't help but blush. Phoebe found the pendant he had bought Dana. "How...quaint. I'd have thought you'd give her an engagement ring. Unless you....Never mind." Phoebe ran her hand back over his crotch and gave a squeeze. "Call me if you ever want a real woman. I can take you places a virgin never could. Merry Christmas." And just like she was gone. *Damn her. She doesn't know a thing about Dana and me. I'm not damaged. Well, maybe a little, but she still loves me. And there is nothing wrong with my choice of Christmas gifts for them. Nothing at all. I hope. * "Merry Christmas Dana, and my little baby Mulder." He had tears streaming down his face. O'Malley House Dana arrived home and went straight to bed. She hadn't realized how tired she was until her head hit the pillow. When she next awoke, her mother was in the room with her. "Hello sleepy-head. Welcome back to the world of the living. I brought you some soup." Dana sat up in bed and began to eat. "What time is it?" "It's just after ten." "Oh. Are Dad and Charlie here yet?" "They're in the living room with Ryan and Missy. Do you want me to get them?" "No. Not tonight. What time are you guys leaving for Midnight Mass?" "They're going to leave around eleven o'clock. I'm going to stay with you if that's alright?" "You never miss Midnight Mass! Besides, I'd prefer Missy stayed with me." Dana couldn't help but notice the look of hurt that crossed her mother's face. "Oh, ok. I just thought...maybe...we could talk?" "I'm not ready for that yet. It's still too painful." Finishing her soup, she went back to sleep. She awakened the next morning to see her father standing over her. "Merry Christmas Starbuck." "Father. Where is Missy? Please go get her for me." *Father? What happened to Ahab?* "Just a minute. I'd like to talk to you. Your mother has been so upset since you left, and especially since you refuse to talk to us. It wasn't her doing Starbuck. It was mine. She needs you, and you need her. I'll go get Missy." "No, what I need is Fox. Now give me a few minutes, and I'll be out." Through out the day her thoughts often went to Fox. As the evening came to a close, she said good-bye to her father. He had to make the long drive to San Diego. He was scheduled to leave on a three month cruise the twenty-seventh. Her mother and Charlie stayed behind. Dear Fox, Dec. 25, 1980 Merry Christmas! We are well. I have been sleeping alot, and having dreams of you. Some are quite embarrassing! This time next year, we'll be celebrating our baby's first Christmas. I can't wait. Love, Dana and Baby Mulder Missy had taken Charlie into San Francisco to see the Christmas lights. Dana made her way into the kitchen to take her prenatal vitamins. Her mother was having a cup of coffee. "I remember having to take those. Do they still taste terrible?" Dana nodded. "How long do you plan on staying?" "Two weeks. I'm sending Charlie and Missy back to San Diego the day after tomorrow. I think we need to spend some time together." Dana simply nodded. "I'm going back to bed." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% After seeing Ryan off on his cruise, Dana spent the next week basically sleeping and eating. She tried to avoid her mother as much as possible. On New Year's Eve her mother came into her bedroom. "Dana let's watch the ball drop in Time's Square with Dick Clark." "I'm really tired. I think I'll go to bed." "Stop it. Just stop it. Do you think you're the only one suffering here? I regret not standing up to your father on this. I know what it feels like to be separated from the father of your child. When I was pregnant with Bill Jr., your father was gone for six months. It was my first baby, and I was miles from my mother. Please let me be here for you." "You got to be with daddy. At least you knew he was coming back. I love Fox. He is my world. You helped take that away from me. How could you?" Maggie Scully took her daughter in her arms. "I'm sorry. I should have been stronger. You've always been your father's favorite. This just threw him for a loop. He thought he was doing the right thing. I love you Dana." Mrs. Scully was crying. Dana laid her head on her mother's shoulder. They stayed like that until the baby kicked. "Oh! Was that the baby?" Dana nodded. "This baby has the strongest kicks. It doesn't like not being the center of attention. It's ok little baby." Dana ran her hand over her stomach soothingly. Feeling the baby move again, she grabbed her mother's hand. "My grandchild." She smiled at Dana. "I love you Mom. I-I can't forgive you, but I'm willing to try." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% New Year's Eve Oxford, England Fox Mulder sat in his darkened apartment listening to the couple next door have sex. He could hear the moans and the headboard hitting the wall, as well as the sound of bodies slapping together. *Damn, how long can they go at it.* His thoughts drifted to Dana, and eventually to the night their child was conceived. The memory sent a burning sensation to his crotch. He began rubbing his growing erection through his boxers. Images of Dana filled his mind. Some how, this made him feel dirty. *Stop it. You shouldn't be thinking of Dana while you're doing this. Don't taint the memory of your lovemaking with her. Those memories are special. Find something else to see in your mind. * His erection began to wane. He glanced over at the movie projector his old roommate had left behind when he moved. He went to the closet and started digging around looking for the 16mm copy of "Deep Throat" that had belonged to his roommate. Setting up the projector he began to watch the movie, and started masturbating. He climaxed with Dana's name on his lips. Cleaning up the mess he'd made, he went to take a shower. *At least that was better than drawing on past experience. That was special. She is special. I could never think of the night we made our baby, and jerk off. I'll just imagine its Dana doing these things to me. * %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Dana and her mother spent the next week trying to repair their relationship. They shopped, went to movies, and they talked. By the end of the week they had made much progress toward repairing their relationship. By the time Mrs. Scully left, they were almost back to normal. Dana had even agreed to trying to forgive her father. Soon the new semester of school started, and Dana was now six -and-a-half months pregnant. "Do I look huge Missy?" Missy rolled her eyes. "You are the smallest pregnant woman I've ever seen. You just look like you have a little pouch." "Promise?" "Yes." "Do you think Fox would find me attractive?" "He would find you attractive no matter what. He loves you, and you're carrying his child." Dana sighed. "He's all I think about it seems. I even have conversations with him in my mind." Missy patted her sister's back. "It won't be much longer." Dana smiled. Time seemed to creep by to Dana. Finally, January gave way to February. It was around the first of February that Dana started writing her father a letter. By the time Valentine's Day rolled around, she was half-way finished with the letter. That night in bed her thoughts were of Fox. *Happy Valentine's Day Fox. If you were here I'd make love to you. I long to feel your body against mine, your mouth on my breasts and to feel you buried deep within me. * She felt herself getting wet, and began to stroke herself until she came. Hard. "Fox. I love you." She drifted off to sleep with sweet dreams. It wasn't long until her birthday rolled around. Her eighteenth birthday. O'Malley House Feburary 23, 1981 "...Happy Birthday dear Dana. Happy Birthday to you!" "Happy birthday sweetheart." "Thanks Mom. I'm glad you and Charlie could come." Missy was cutting the cake. "How big of a piece do you want Dana?" "Not too big Missy." Charlie handed her his gift. It was a package of baby booties. "I wasn't sure what to get, but Mom said you could use them. Anyway, I hope it's a boy." Dana hugged him. "I'm sure I can use them. Next!" Missy handed her a good size box. "What in the world?" She gasped as she looked inside the box. She found diapers, sleepers, bibs, bottles, and a rattle. "You shouldn't have. I'm glad you did, but this must have cost you a fortune. Thank-you." "I intend on spoiling my niece or nephew." Mrs. Scully was next. "I have two gifts. One for you Dana, and one for the baby." Dana opened the box carefully to find her baby afghan, and a jewelry box. Opening the smaller box she found a mother's ring. It contained an amethyst for her birthstone; an opal for Fox's birthstone; and an empty setting for the baby's birthstone. Tears spilled down her cheeks. Sniff. "Thanks Mom. I-I love it. It means alot to me." Her mother motioned for Missy to take Charlie and leave. They left under the guise of going to get ice cream. "Mom, why...." Mrs. Scully put a finger to her mouth. "The afghan should be handed down, and your father suggested the ring. And no, he doesn't know I put Fox's birthstone in the ring." "But...." "No buts. He is the baby's father, no matter who you are married to." "Thank-you." Dana went in to go to bed. As she was about to drift off, she heard the phone ring, and her mother answer. "Hello?...Hello?" Getting no reply she hung up. "Wrong number?" "Yes Missy. Well, I suppose, they never said anything." Dana awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. "Mom, did I hear the phone last night?" "Yes. It must have been a wrong number, they hung up." "That's strange. Oh well." Dana proceeded to go take a shower, and then she and Missy saw their mother and Charlie off. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Oxford, England February 24, 1981 Fox Mulder was pacing. He was angry with himself, and his life. * I should have asked to speak to her. Dammit. She's eighteen now. What are they going to do to me? Besides, I went to alot of trouble to get that number. Speaking of which, where is she living? Damn registrar's office. Wouldn't give me her address. Only her phone number. I should go get her. Just go and camp out at UC-Berkeley asking if anyone has seen a very pregnant, petite, redhead. Yeah, right. You can't fly a pregnant woman halfway around the world. It's only another month-and-a-half. IF she still wants me. I mean, maybe she's changed her mind. No, she wouldn't. Would she? I gotta quit thinking about this. I need something to distract me. * Walking over to the package wrapped in brown paper from Sweden, he tore it open. Out tumbled three movie reels. "Sticky Fingers," "Inner Sanctum," and "Oral Encounters of the Threesome Kind." Fox picked up "Inner Sanctum," and moved to the projector. As the images and moans filled the room, he began to stroke himself. As the last of the film wound through the projector, and he'd climaxed; he cried. *I'm sorry Dana. God I need you. Not much longer. * He was filled with self-loathing. He was ashamed of what he'd done. Stripping off his clothes, he stood under the near scalding shower, and tried to get clean. He scrubbed his skin raw with soap. Crying, he stayed in the shower until the water ran cold. Shivering, he trudged out to the couch and collapsed into a fitful sleep. "Dana...." %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Berkeley, CA Early March 1981 "Come on Missy. You promised." Begrudgingly she followed her sister into the community center. "I can't believe you want to do this naturally. I can't believe I agreed to be your coach." Dana arched her eyebrow, and glared at her sister. "Alot of people are doing it this way now. It's what our forefather's did." "Don't you mean our foremother's? Besides, alot of them died in childbirth. Natural childbirth." "This is much better for the baby. I don't want my child to enter the world all doped up." Missy smiled thoughtfully at her sister. "You are going to make a great mother. Let's go." Midway through the childbirth movie, Missy left the room looking rather green. She didn't return until the class was over. "Are you ok?" "Yeah. I can handle all the breathing and stuff, just not...that. How many more classes?" "Just five." They headed home. "Missy? Can you come in here?" Her sister appeared at the bedroom door. "Yeah?" "When it's time, promise me you'll call Fox. Do you still have his mother's number?" "I have it memorized. I'm going to call a few days before your due date. Just to be safe." Dana smiled at her sister as she picked up her journal. Dear Fox, March 13, 1981 Today I started my Lamaze classes. Missy is going to be my coach. I wish you were here. Maybe the next one. No, definitely the next one. I'm already planning the next one, and I haven't even had this one! I feel like a house. I hope the baby has your eyes. We're tired, so I'll go now. Love, Dana and Baby Mulder %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% By the fifth class, Melissa had gotten used to the thought of what she was going to see. She didn't even flinch (Well, not noticeably anyway) when they watched another birthing film. "I'm proud of you Mis! Now I don't have to worry about you fainting on me when the time comes." Missy rolled her eyes. The next couple of weeks passed by quickly, and Dana started nesting. She had washed all of the baby's sleepers, repeatedly sterilized the bottles, and packed her bag for the hospital. She continued with her studies, and had to contend with swollen ankles. And she loved every minute of it. All she had left to do was wait. Ryan's ship was due in April second, and her father's ship was due in April fifth. Her brother Bill was going to spend the entire month of April on Temporary Additional Duty at Hunter's Point Shipyard, in San Francisco. It was the thirty-first of March, and Dana's due date was April eighth. Things were getting close. Very close, and Dana still hadn't finished the letter to her father. She was working on the letter that night when Missy came bounding into Dana's bedroom. "Watcha' doing?" "Trying to finish this letter to Dad. I want it done by tomorrow morning. That way I can mail it, and it will be waiting on him when he gets home." "Oh, ok. What time does dillweed get in tomorrow?" "I assume you mean Bill? His plane is supposed to land around seven p.m. I'm fixing dinner for us all." "Dana! You know the doctor said to stay off your feet as much as possible. Besides, why do you want to cook for that moron?" "I'm fine. I'll be fine. Besides, I refuse to stoop to his level." "Whatever." The next night Dana was just about to put the bread in the oven, when she heard the door open. "Missy?" There was no answer. "Missy, that you?" Still no answer. Dana began to feel uneasy. *Oh no. What if it's an intruder? Please God, don't let it be. Keep my baby safe. Please. I need a weapon. * Dana got the biggest butcher knife she could find, and eased toward the living room. As she tried to make her way to the phone, she was startled by her brother Bill. "Boo! Gotcha'!" he yelled before collapsing into a fit of laughter. An angry Dana lashed out at Bill with venom in her voice; "What the hell do you think you're doing? Sneaking around my house, you scared me! You could have been an intruder. I could have killed you with this." She was waving the butcher knife around in the air. "Oh, come on Dana. Can't you even take a joke? Don't be such a tight-ass. I thought you might have loosened up since you got some." Dana slapped him as hard as she could. "You apologize to her right now Bill!" Melissa had walked in the house in time to hear his comment. Bill simply asked, "when's dinner?" He then flopped down on the couch and started watching television. "Come help me in the kitchen Missy." Dinner was a subdued affair. Missy glared at Bill, who was sulking, and Dana was just trying to ignore the situation. Bill was the first to break the silence. "How about I take you two out to dinner tomorrow night?" "Thanks, but we have my last Lamaze class tomorrow night." "Oh. Well, how about I pick-up dinner and have it waiting for when you all get back?" Dana and Missy exchanged glances. Missy shrugged her shoulders, and Dana thought for a moment. "Alright Bill. We should be home by eight-thirty." Bill made a hasty retreat after dinner, pausing only long enough to get the spare key from Missy. "I can't believe he said that to you! I'm glad you slapped him." "It was rather low, but it'll only be a little while longer. I guess that's why it doesn't bother me too much." After doing the dishes, Missy settled in to watch television, and Dana went to finish her letter. Finishing it didn't take as long as she thought it would. Afterwards, she wrote in her journal. Dear Fox, March 31, 1981 I have my last Lamaze class tomorrow night. I guess that's good because my due date is April eighth. Mom was afraid I might go into labor early, but it doesn't look like it. Only one more week, unless I'm late (yuk), then we can be together. Missy has already called your mom and gotten your phone number. I'm just awaiting our child's entrance into the world. I have such plans for our child! I want this child so much! I hope you'll still find me attractive, I've gained twenty- seven pounds. But it's all worth it. I'm very tired so we're going to bed now. Love, Dana and Baby Mulder The next morning, Dana waddled out to the mailbox to mail the letter to her father. She then eased into the car where Missy was waiting. "You look lower, Dana." "Lower?...Do you mean I've dropped?" "Uh...I guess." "Yes, the baby has definitely dropped. That just means it's getting into position for birth. Won't be long now." "Oh. Great." They rode the rest of the way to Berkeley in silence. After having lunch together, they went their separate ways. For Dana, the rest of the day was miserable. Her ankles were swollen, she was sweaty, and she didn't feel too well. After her last class, she made her back to the car to wait on Missy. They headed home to deposit their books and change clothes, then left for Lamaze class. While Dana and Missy were reviewing how to breathe, brother Bill was letting himself into their house. After putting the prime rib in the oven on warm, he wandered around the house idly picking up the trinkets and things. He wandered into Ryan and Dana's bedroom. Making his way over to her desk, he picked up her journal. Reading the first entry, he sat on the edge of the bed. Dear Fox, Sept. 1, 1981 I am keeping this journal for you. Though we are apart, I know we will be together after the baby is born. You will miss out on so much, but hopefully this will let you know what the pregnancy of our little baby was like. It will be a long seven-and-a-half months, but we will be together. As a family. Love, Dana and Baby Mulder Bill was so engrossed in the journal, and it's meaning, that he didn't hear his sisters come in. "Missy. I didn't hear you guys come in. Let's eat." "Not so fast mister. What are you doing in Dana's things? What gives you the right to invade her privacy?" Missy's voice had gotten louder. "I wasn't invading anything. I was just looking...well somebody has to look out for her. It's bad enough she got knocked up by the likes of that idiot, but to find out she's planning on running away with him? God help us." "What are you two yelling about?" Dana became livid when she saw her journal on the bed. "Did you read that? Did you?" Bill just lowered his head. "You bastard! How could you? That wasn't meant for you. You are a low life, son-of-a-bitch!" She hurled a book at him that just missed his head. "It's your fault things turned out this way. You and your macho marine routine. Gotta protect Dana. Gotta protect her virtue. Don't you realize I have needs, wants, and desires? Don't you?" Bill Scully was now angry with his sister. "Wants? Desires? We all have those Dana, but not everybody acts like a whore! Not everybody acts like Missy. You're both used, dirty. I don't know who'll want either of you now. The only difference in the two of you, is that Missy was smart enough not to get knocked up. Not to bring a bastard into the world." Hearing her child called a bastard, caused something to snap in Dana. "You're right Bill. I am a slut and whore. I like it when Fox stuffs his ten-inch dick into my hot, wet pussy! I love it when he rides me hard and long, and I especially like watching his face contort just before his balls explode. I love the way he makes me come. But I really love it when he is slow and gentle, and showers me with kisses. My favorite is when he calls my name as he empties into me. You see, sometimes we have sex, but most of the time we make love. If something so natural, and God given makes me dirty and unclean, then so be it. I'm a whore. Now, if you'll please leave, I don't feel so well." Bill Scully stood stunned, ashamed, and angry. "Bill, she doesn't look so good. I think you should leave." Defeated, he turned and left the house. Dana was trying not to cry, but wasn't having much luck. "How could he say that about my baby? Why is he so mean?" She was sobbing now. "I don't know. He's an ass. Why don't you lay down, and I'll bring you some soup." Dana nodded weakly. By the time Missy brought her the soup, Dana had managed to compose herself. "He brought prime rib, if you'd rather have that." "I don't want anything from him. Get rid of it." By the time she finished her soup, it was close to ten o'clock. "I'm still not feeling well, so I'm going to bed Missy." Dana was so exhausted, that she fell right to sleep. She awakened around two a.m. with some back spasms. They were infrequent at first, and she continued to doze off and on until four a.m. It was then that she was awakened by a searing pain. She cried out, and called for Missy. "Dana! Are you...oh God...oh God...uh?" Seeing Dana's face twisted in pain, and realizing the front of her gown was wet, she knew it was time. 4/7 Melissa Lee a.k.a. Kennedy "People, it's GOD-DESS, not goddess, when refering to Gillian Anderson. Learn it, know it, use it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I'm NOT Worthy." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I like my Bubble. It's a good place. Really." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Practice random acts of kindness; tip your delivery driver.