Life Times: Best Friends With Benefits 1 Author: Agent Quetzel E-mail: powder_puff@hotmail.com Disclaimer: All characters and ideas from The X-Files belong to Chris Carter, Fox and Ten Thirteen Productions. Not me. Category: Alternate Universe, MSR, ANGST maybe. ;) Archive anywhere and every where! Rating: PG-13... some parts will be NC-17 and labeled. Summary: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, and Alex Krycek have been best friends since child hood. Dana has gotten engaged to 'the man of her dreams.' Will her two best friends be there to support her while she goes through a maze of emotions? I promise, this will be good! NOTE: I believe in my heart that Alex Krycek has a good side. Plus, he's really cute so he's a good guy! Don't bother being suspicious of him, it's a waste of time. He's a 100% sweetie! ROMANCE ~ MSR -------------------------- 23 Years ago: < She thought to herself as Pendrell stayed glued to her side. It was getting dark and half of the players had been called out, Dana was still hiding, and she had shot four of Fox's men already. Fox's warriors had all vanished and Dana was becoming tense. She had to get away from Pendrell, he was smothering her! When he wasn't looking, she walked off across the street, it was empty and no one was to be seen. For a moment she feared that they had ended the game and forgot to tell her. Wearing her silly crown, she walked alone down the avenue, trying to remain silent. she said to herself. A car came and went, the street became silent again. Out of no where, Fox's warriors jumped down from the trees where they had been cleverly hiding. They formed a circle around her and Alex and Fox watched in the back ground. She put her hands on her hips, "Guys, enough! You don't have to shoot me, there is no way I can escape!" However, the warriors had been anxious to use their weapons and showed little mercy for their enemy. Dana's warriors and her two nights came racing from the bushes, Pendrell threw himself in front of her, getting soaked, but it wasn't enough to save her. She was shot a dozen times by the time they were done. "GAME OVER!" Marcie screamed out, walking down the streets, informing everyone that Dana had been killed. Alex and Fox walked towards her, "Good game, Dana." Alex shook her hand. She pouted, "Wasn't there a rule about hanging in trees?" "Nope!" Fox laughed. Dana took of her silly crown, handing it to Marcie, "Thanks." Marcie nodded, "No problem. I'll see you guys tomorrow, it's time for dinner." She raced home, many of the other kids did also. Dana looked up at the sky, night was falling and the game had lasted hours. "Come on, Dana, we'll walk you home." Fox and Alex escorted her back to her house. Alex broke off to cross the street to his home, Dana and Fox lived side by side. "It was a good game, you hung in there longer than I thought. I mean, you had Pendrell on your team!" Mulder laughed. "He's okay, I guess." She made a weak attempt to defend him. "He's got a crush on you." Mulder teased her, bumping her off the side walk She playfully pushed him back, "No he doesn't!" "I can see it in his eyes when he looks as you!" Mulder mocked a dramatic and romantic tone. She blushed crimson, "Sure, fine... whatever." He walked her to her front door, "See you tomorrow, kid, same bat time, same bat channel." She rolled her eyes, "Night Fox. I want a rematch." "It's yours." He said as he crossed the yard to his own house, waving to her as he went. Mrs. Scully pulled her daughter inside, "Dear, you were out forever!" "We were playing." "Was Fox there? Alex?" "Of course, Mom." Dana said, walking upstairs to wash up. "Good. I feel safer when you're with groups." "Mom, I'm not a baby!" She said from the bathroom. "You're my baby, Dana!" Mrs. Scully teased her, returning to the kitchen to serve dinner.>> Present Time: Dana Scully glanced over the medical charts, looking down at her patient. "So, Billy, what have you eaten in the last twenty four hours?" The teenager winced with pain, "Everything but the tires on my mom's car!" She smiled, "Try to be a little more detailed. This is a bit more than an upset stomach, maybe even a bad appendix." The boy's eyes went wide, "Dr. Scully, will I need an operation?" She leaned against the wall, "it depends how the tests come back. You scared?" "No, I have a chemistry test tomorrow and I'd do anything to avoid it!" She laughed, "I wouldn't go THIS far to avoid a test, buster. You hang in there, I gotta check on some blood work." She left his small room and walked into the corridor. It had just rained and a gorgeous rainbow was in view from the waiting room window. She smiled, thinking pot of gold and walked to the receptionist. "Jason, what's new tonight?" She asked. "Well, the usual. Some nut case came in here thinking he saw a ghost, poor sucker had fallen down the stairs and bashed his hip." "Let Dr. Hayest take that one!" Dana said, smiling. "I have a possible bad appendix here. He wants an operation." "The kid wants an operation?" Jason skimmed through the boy's chart. "He has a test tomorrow." Dana laughed. Jason shrugged, "If I gave every kid who wanted to get out of a test an operation, I'd be rich!" Dana nodded, "Isn't it the truth. No one studies anymore!" "Dana, they're is your boyfriend!" Jason whispered, watching the tall man come down the stair case with a bouquet of flowers. Jason ducked into another room and left Dana and Mike alone. Mike handed her the roses, "Hey, gorgeous." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "Hey. When did you get back in town?" "This morning, I would have called, but I knew you'd be kindda busy, I wanted to surprise you. How about dinner tonight?" Dana glanced at her watch, "Sounds excellent, let me wrap up some things, I'll be ready in half an hour." "I'll lounge around here." He smiled, he was used to it... it came with dating a doctor. Dana kissed him, "Hope this holds you over until I get back." He pulled her back to him, giving another kiss, "I think I need more than that!" She blushed, "I'll see you in a few minutes, okay?" He let her go, watching her walk with her head high into one of the rooms, charts in her hand and in professional mode. Mike went into his pocket, fingering the box. Fox and Alex had been out playing basketball, they entered their apartment passing jokes and insults. "And what was that lame shot you did? I mean, a grandma could have made it from that line!" Fox went on and on. Alex shook his head, "Next time you should try it, pal!" Alex's eyes fell on the answering machine. One new message... "Hey boys, it's Dana. I have something to tell you, I'm going to be in the Mortimer Park tonight at ten, I know it's late for a meeting... but this is so important." Click. Fox frowned, "Did she sound okay to you?" Alex fell into his seat, "I hope she didn't get offered an out of town job! I like things the way they are, whoever said change was good was stupid!" Fox paced around the apartment, making a mental list of all the things that could be wrong. When ten o'clock finally rolled around, Mulder had already showered, changed and was half way down the stairs before Alex couldn't even sit up! "Slow down, buddy! She isn't going to run off." The two walked down the street to the park where they usually met. Adults meeting in a park was kind of odd, but since they were little kids, they always met in parks. Dana was sitting on the jungle gym, starring up at the sky. "What's up, kid?" Alex asked, climbing up beside her, Fox not far behind. Alex and Fox called her 'kid' to remind her how much younger she was than them. Now it didn't make much of a difference, in the old days it was just fun. She took a breath, "Um, something really big happened and I wanted to share it with you." It was kind of cold for April, Mulder wrapped his jacket around him tighter, "Is something wrong, Dana?" He was getting nervous. She smiled, "No, everything is perfect! I'm finally going to get what ever woman wants!" "I thought I was what every woman wants!" Fox joked. "No, Fox, you are not the dream come true every woman searches for. This is better-" "Better than me?" Fox cut in again. "Mike proposed to me less than two hours ago!" Dana blurted out. Fox practically fell of the jungle gym bars, "WHAT?" Alex fell speechless, "Um... wow." She turned to him, "WOW? No, this isn't just 'Wow.' This is amazing, perfect, fantastic, wonderful! This is a hundred thousand 'wows' Can you believe it? He wants me to marry him!" Alex regained his sensed, "Congrats, Dana, this is great! I'm glad you're happy." He gave her a hug, balancing himself on the bars at the same time. Fox was stiff, "Are you sure, Dana? I mean, how long have you known the guy?" "Almost a year, Fox, and I think I've loved him since the first date." He frowned, "Be careful, Dana, he could be an ax murderer-" She rolled her eyes at him, "Mulder, please, stop looking for something bad about him. He's the most perfect man I've ever met." "What about us?" Alex asked, mocking injury to his heart. "You boys leave the toilet seat up!" She scolded him. "We're bachelors, Dana, you must understand." Alex said seriously, a smile appeared on his face. Dana started climbing down, walking over to the bench, "What do you think of him?" "I think he's kindda suspicious looking-" Fox started. "I like him, I guess." Alex said. Dana looked from one to the other, "You guys are my best friends and I really want to know what you honestly think of him." "He's going to hurt you, Dana." Fox said seriously. Alex starred at him, but kept his mouth shut. Dana turned to Fox, "Do you seriously think that? What makes you think that?!" "Ever heard the saying 'too good to be true!' Dana, he's perfect now, but he might not be after the wedding." She crossed her arms over her chest, a look the guys had nick named, 'short stuff trying to look tough.'. "Fox, I really like him!" "Do you love him?" Mulder asked. He was a psychologist, and he wasn't sure what to say to get her to open her eyes. Alex sat on the bench, in a position that mirrored 'The Thinker.' "Maybe you should wait some time, so how it looks a few months from now." Fox walked around the bench, he had to burn some energy. "Dana, I have to tell you a secret about men, it may surprise you." "I'm listening." "Dana, all guys are scum bags! We know what we want and we do what we must to get it." She starred at him, her mouth open, "Mulder, he isn't like that!" She only called him 'Mulder' when she was upset with him. Alex put an arm around her shoulder, "Dana, if he hurts you, we'll break his bones, is that a deal?" "You guys are paranoid." She said, frowning. Mulder linked arms with her, escorting her back to her apartment, "Dana, being suspicious of the guys you date is a habit. And when one of those freaks asks you to marry him, I get worried." "Why do you think this?" She asked. "I know he must be hiding something. He's probably bisexual or something." Dana hit him on the shoulder, "Don't say that! Mike is for sure not bisexual!" Alex shrugged, "Whatever makes you happy, kid. We're just saying, you should maybe know him a bit longer." They walked her to her apartment building, said their good byes and went home. Alex looked thoughtful, "You know what, we've been walking her home for the past two decades. I wonder what Mike will think of that." His companion laughed, "Old habits die hard. It's gonna be impossible when Mike comes around." "Everything will change with her, you know." Alex said, opening the door to their building. They entered the heated hall, waking towards the elevator. "When she gets married, Mike is going to keep her all to herself. He might not approve that she has guy friends. I think he's the type to do that. He's a control freak, kind of." Fox frowned, "She doesn't know what she's getting into." Fox remained awake all night. The thought of his best friend getting married was disturbing. It was mostly because he didn't want things to change between him, her and Alex. He always knew the time would come when one of them would go off, get married and leave the others behind... he just wanted to delay it longer. He told himself, Alex was taking it pretty well, but his attachment to her probably didn't run as deep as Fox's. There was the physical attraction, of course, but she was such a great help to him. She gave him advice when he needed it, mostly on women and what they wanted from men. Mulder had almost died when she told him the answer to THAT one. A smile spread across his face, Dana was his buddy. He had never known anyone as long as her, besides Alex that is. Out of all the women in the whole world, Dana was the only one he could count on. Of course, he never considered her to be a 'real' female until she turned sixteen. That was when she had her first boyfriend, and was getting more into 'girlie things.' He hadn't liked that. He had watched her go from the small, freckled face kid with red hair to a woman. He remembered every second of the way, every step. The day he first saw her wear make up, the day she told them she had a crush on a class mate. There was the time when she had her first kiss, it was at a dance and Alex had teased her mercilessly on the way home. After her dates, she would tell them about it, she was closer to Fox and Alex than her girl friends. Mulder sighed, starring out the window into the cold night, he didn't want her to change. She had changed too much of the past two decades, it was enough. END of 1/? ------------- OKAY, here it is, by popular demand! I know, it's going a bit slower than expected, but give me time! I'm trying my best! It's hard to jugle school, sports and a writing career! All feedback is excepted with open arms! powder_puff@hotmail.com The next morning, after Fox had left for work, Dana called Alex. "Dana, I have a class to teach," he started, "I have two hours to get ready for the lessons!" "Maybe you should have done that last night instead of playing basketball!" She laughed. "Hey, I gotta relax some time!" "I never would have thought you'd become a teacher, I thought you'd had enough of school." "It's my way of getting revenge." He smirked. "Alex, what's wrong with Fox?" "Huh?" "When I told him last night about Mike and me getting married, he.... I dunno. It was strange." "Dana, he'll just miss you." Alex said honestly. "I'm not going anywhere!" She argued, it sounded reasonable to her. "Everything will change after you get married." "No it won't! We'll be the same as always-" "You know that isn't true. You're going to be working, then you'll have Mike to spend time with... maybe kids in a few years." "DON'T even get started on kids!" She warned him, the subject always made her jump for some reason. "Okay, fine. But things aren't going to be the same. It'll be you, us and Mike." "Why can't we have Mike in this group?" She asked. "It's a trio, Dana, not a quartet!" "Let's MAKE it a quartet!" "Dana... it's been the three of us always for twenty years, do you think it's going to stay the same after you bring Mike into it? Fox doesn't think you can divide your time between a husband, work and us. So you'll have to let go of us... kind of." "Alex, do you think that?" "I don't know what I think. But it's crazy to believe that we'll stay like this forever. Something's gotta change." "We've stuck together since we were kids at Century! Remember all those games, and how when one of us went away for the summer, it sucked like hell?" "And when you go away with Mike, it's gonna suck like hell." Alex said. She sighed, "I don't want it to go like this!" "Dana, we can try, okay? Now I gotta run, I don't trust high school kids unsupervised." He laughed. "Bye, Alex. I'll see you." She hung up, Alex starred at the phone. He thought of telling Fox about the conversation, but it was between him and Dana, so he wouldn't say a word. Not yet. A change was coming, they always got through change, but this was the BIG one. Dana had invited Fox and Alex to dinner. Of course, Mike would be there. Alex brought a date, the gorgeous Marita Covarubbias. Fox brought Bambi, a bug scientist with nice legs. They entered the restaurant, the four of them had come together. Walking in pairs, they approached Dana and Mike. Mike had his dark hair combed neatly and his blue eyes were bright, he was holding Dana's hand. She smiled at them, "Hey, guys." "Dana, Mike, this is Bambi." Mulder said, kept his smile wide, but he, Dana and Alex knew it was fake. Mike shook her hand, Dana smiled. "Hello, hi, Marita, nice to see you again." Marita shook Mike's hand, "Wonderful, Dana, when's the wedding?" Marita hugged Dana, the two jumped into wedding details. Mike shrugged his shoulders, "She wants the perfect wedding, I'm giving it to her." They sat down and ordered more wine. "So, Mike, what do you do?" Marita asked. "I'm a lawyer." He answered. "Oh, how did you and Dana meet?" Mike grinned, "It's funny, actually. One of my clients got mad that I didn't warn him about a witness I got, so he punched me out. Everyone thought my jaw was broken, so they rushed me out to a the cars. They took me to the hospital and I passed out at one point. When I woke up, there was Dana, looking like an angel." Dana turned him, "Angel? I was a mess!" He kissed her hand, "A gorgeous mess, though." Fox and Alex thought they'd throw up from the sweetness. Dana turned to Fox, "Fox, how did you and Bambi meet?" This was Dana's first time seeing Bambi, she had no clue Mulder was with anyone. "Um, we met at the grocery store. It was love on aisle nine." He smiled. Bambi playfully hit him, "Actually, my friend is Fox's patient. I was dropping her off and I met him... the rest his history." "Ancient." Fox added. Dana nodded her head, "How nice." The conversations dragged on for hours, it started to get annoying. Finally, Mike and Dana went to dance, Marita and Bambi ran off to 'powder their noses.' Alex and Fox sat alone, "I've had enough of Mike. Is it just me, or is sugar dripping off him?" Fox seemed annoyed. Alex kicked him, "Shut up, man, this is Dana's dream guy. We aren't going to ruin it!" Fox would have hit him with a witty comment, but Dana came back. "Who ate Mike?" Fox smirked. "He had to make a phone call, his pager rang. You boys aren't having much fun, are you?" "We're having a blast, Dana." Alex assured her. "No, we aren't, actually." Fox cut in, "Dana, how about the three of us go some where? It's getting late." "But what about Bambi?" She emphasized her name. Mulder frowned, "Do you have something against her?" "What kind of name is that? Are you Thumper or something?" She hissed. He lightly kicked her, "Sorry, reflex." Dana rolled her eyes, "Figures, she is your type, though." "MY TYPE?" "Yeah, nice legs, pretty, sweet as sugar." "Speaking of sweet as sugar, is Mike artificial sugar or what?" Dana crossed her arms over her chest, "At least he isn't named after a deer, animated!" The insults would have gone on, and on, unfortunately, the three missing members of their party returned at the same time. Marita had a head ache, which was obviously a lie. And Mike had just been called into the office, "We just got a big break, I'll take you home." "No, that's okay! I'll take her home." Fox assured him. Mike smiled, "Thanks, Mulder. I had a great time, guys, see you." He made formal adieu and raced off. Marita sighed, "Come on, Alex." Bambi stood up, "I can give you a lift, Marita, I know the guys live on the other side of town, we're in the same area." Marita liked this idea, if it meant she could go home faster. She kissed Alex good night and said her good byes, then she and Bambi left. "Now the party begins!" Mulder grinned. Dana rested her head on her hands, "This was a nightmare." "Maybe you and Mike shouldn't get married-" "Shut up." Alex and Dana chorused. He fell silent, "Fine, let's go, Darwin's is open until dawn." Dana's mouth fell open, "At this hour, you want to go clubbing?" "We're dressed with no place to go, why not?" "Some other time, boys, I'm not up to it." Alex pouted, "Oh, pleeeaase! It'll be fun, you'll enjoy it." She glanced at her watch, she wasn't expected to come in tomorrow until noon... "A few hours, got it?" The two men looked at each other and smiled, "Deal." The clubbing had taken longer than they thought, and Dana had to come in later than she thought. While racing into the hospital, her pager went off. "Mulder!" She sighed, reaching for the phones at the receptionist desk. "Mulder." He answered. "Fox, what is it? I'm in trouble." "Oh, well I just had some news. Sam is coming into town." "REALLY? When?" Samantha and Dana had always been friends, at one point Dana talked to her more than anyone else. "Tonight, actually. It's her surprise, little brat. Anyway, we're having a small gathering at my mom's house, want in?" "Um.. I don't know about tonight, Mike wanted some time alone." "Dana, Sam hasn't seen you in ages, come on." Since it WAS Samantha Mulder, she decided to go ahead. "Sure, I'll be there." The day came and went and Alex barely made it through. His students were being pains in the ass today, he had to admit it! A science experiment had gone wrong, and a fire had resulted. It wasn't a REAL fire... just enough smoke to set of the damned alarms. After an ass kicking by the assistant principal, he was finally free to go home. Mulder had left a note on the counter, "Sam is in town, get your ass to my mom's house by six." He glanced at his watch, "Two hours, great." Sam always had perfect timing! He remembered as kids, they'd always harass her. << The little girl with the braids walked towards them on the porch, "Whatcha doin', Fox?" "I'm making plans to take over the world." He said dully." "Can I help?" Alex laughed, "No, this is big kid stuff." "Please?" "Sam, let's play hide and go seek." Fox said seriously. "Now?" "Yeah, you go hide, and Alex and I will come and find you." She smiled, "Kay." Racing off into the back yard, the two older boys burst out laughing. She searched frantically for a hiding space, and found it under a trash can. The two boys had agreed to search for her in half an hour, and had gone off to play baseball with Dana. However, dinner came and went and Samantha was never found. Tina Mulder became frantic, "FOX WILLIAM MULDER! What did you do with your sister?" He gasped, "OOPS!" Alex stopped his smile, "We'll find her." He raced into the back yard where he had last seen Samantha go, and called out her name. "Sam?" The crickets answered them, but Samantha was no where. Fox got worried, "The game is over, Sam! You win!" "DO I REALLY?" The trash can toppled over and she came out. Alex sighed, relieved, "Yeah, you win." Mr. and Mrs. Mulder came out, "Sam!" She cried, lifting her daughter into the air, "Darling, where were you?" Alex tried to keep her silent but she revealed it all. "Alex and Fox and me were playing hide'n'seek. I won, mommy!" She turned to the boys, "Really? Fox, Alex... in the kitchen." Mrs. Mulder was practically Alex's mother, because his own mother was never home. If Alex wasn't at Fox's house, he was with Dana. Samantha sat in a chair, "Boys, as punishment, you're going to give her a bath... you've ruined her clothes." Fox whined, "Mom! It was a joke, if you think about it... it's really funny." She rolled her eyes, "Take her to the tub and give her a bath. The five year old Samantha was take upstairs by the ten year old boys. Alex waited outside the bathroom until she was submerged in bubbles, then came in. "This is great." Fox sighed. "Sounded like a good idea at the time." Alex pointed out. "What wrong?" Samantha asked, she had no clue that she had landed them in trouble. Fox was about to give her a long list of things when Alex stopped him. "She's just a kid, she didn't know. Let's hurry up before we turn her into a prune." "NO!" Samantha gasped, "I don't like prunes!" Fox splashed her, "Shut up." She splashed him back, "no." The two siblings started a water fight and Alex stood back to avoid getting soaked. Mrs. Mulder came in, shouting, "FOX!" He slipped and fell into the tub with Samantha, full clothes and drenched. Alex laughed, falling to the floor the gales of laughter were uncontrollable. Samantha smiled, "You need bath, too?" The bathroom was soaked, and so was Fox. "Alex, your mother wants you home, we'll see you tomorrow." Mr. Mulder said from the hall. He said good-bye to the Mulder family and raced out of the house, not wanting to hear the lecture Fox was going to get from his parents. >> The family was sitting in the dinning room waiting for Samantha. Mr. Mulder had gone to the airport, even though she insisted that she was going to take a taxi. "No, I'll be there in half an hour, just hold on." Fox and Dana arrived together, she gave Mrs. Mulder a hug, "How are you, Dana?" She smiled, "Excellent. I have some news... but I'll wait until Sam gets here." The dinner was set on the table, and it was almost seven. "I hope they're all right." Mrs. Mulder sighed. "Sam wouldn't know punctuality if it bit her in the face." Fox laughed. His mother shot in a glance and he fell silent. The door burst open and Mr. Mulder walked in, carrying a black bag. "Here she is." Alex wasn't sure what he was expecting, last time he'd seen her, she'd been going off to college. With freckles and braids... now... it was totally different! She looked like a model almost, long slim legs, her hair waved around her shoulders and cut short. She was wearing light make up and a tight white blouse with a short skirt. Her legs were clad in black tights and her feet dressed with high heeled shoes. "Mom! Fox!" She ran to her mother, throwing her arms around her. Alex hadn't seen her in years, and he was amazed! "DANA!" She cried, giving Dana a huge hug. The two women laughed, "You look wonderful!" They chorused, laughing again. She turned to Alex, "Wow, you grew up!" He smiled, "So did you." He gave her a brief hug, feeling the silk of her shirt. She grinned, "I hope you act more mature than you used to." She said to Alex. "He doesn't." Dana assured her, "He's teaching high school biology! Can you believe that, Sam?" She starred at him, "Bio? Wow, I would never have thought..." Fox threw an arm around his sister, "So brat, what's up?" His mother threw him another look, she disliked it when he called his sister 'brat.' They sat down to dinner and caught up, finally Dana decided to give her news, smiling at Fox and Alex. "Well, I've been dating this lawyer for a while now. Mike Russel. He and I are getting married!" Samantha shrieked with joy and gave Dana a long hug, "This is amazing! I can't believe it! You're getting married! Can you believe it, Fox?" She turned to her brother. He faked a smile, "Its' great." In her joy, Samantha gave Alex a hug for no reason, "Our little Dana is getting married! Just think... when is the wedding?" She forgot about Alex and turned to Dana. "We haven't planned, but I want all of you to be there." Alex stood up, "Excuse me for a second." He and Fox walked out to the backyard, starring up at the sky. "So, isn't she something?" "Who?" Alex asked. "Sam. I expected her to look like a teenager or something. I know exactly what mom is going to do, she's going to try and set her up with someone." Alex laughed, "She did it for you..." "Don't mention Phoebe." "Got it." Alex chuckled. The women sat in the living room chatting about wedding plans and everything else. Alex's watch went off, signaling the hour. It was getting late, and he had to prepare for the class tomorrow. "I gotta get out of here, but I'll see you back at the apartment." Mulder nodded, "Sure, later." Alex went into the living room and said good-bye to Mrs. Mulder, giving her a brief hug. He gave Dana a peck on the cheek, "I'll call you in the morning." He said, turning to say his farewell to Samantha. She smiled at him sweetly, "I'll be stopping by tomorrow, is that okay?" "Sure, great. See you then." Things were awkward around Sam, he just didn't know how to act around her anymore. Taking his jacket, he went out to the car and started the engine. Samantha came running out after him, "I need to ask you a favor." She whispered. "Yeah?" He was kind of surprised that she came out. "What's wrong with Fox? I mean, he's been acting a little strange." Alex shrugged, "Bad week, I don't know. He'll be fine in a few days, count on it." He flashed her a brilliant smile. She nodded, touching his hand, "Thanks, I'll see you tomorrow." She walked back to the house. Alex sighed and turned on the radio, pulling out of the driveway and going home. He'd have to have a chat with Fox later tonight. Alex had suckered Dana, Samantha and Fox into coming in for 'career day.' He really had to plan for a lab project... but that could wait. He sat in front of the class, writing down things on the board, "I want you to read chapter 20 on biomes and habitats. Tomorrow when I quiz you on it, I expect you to know at least SOME of it!" "Mr. Krycek, are we going to take the lab outside?" He turned around, "I can't really trust you guys outside! I let you do ONE lab project, I get my rear hauled in for starting a fire! Until you prove to me... you stay in here." A knock on the door caught his attention and Mulder walked in, Dana and Samantha behind him. "Hey, guys, I'll be there in a second." "Who's the red head?" Joseph Prescott whispered to his friend, Max. The boys started whispering amongst themselves and Alex cleared his throat, "Prescott, can you repeat to me what I just said?" He smiled, "No." "Test on Thursday thanks to Mr. Prescott!" Alex announced smiling. Dana sighed, "Isn't that being a little rough?" She whispered. "I'll talk to you outside." He smiled at her, turning back to the class. "Mr. Krycek, who are your friends?" "All your teachers will be bringing in people for career day. Today, I got a doctor, a psychologist and a fashion designer. These are my friends, Fox Mulder, he's the psychologist. He profiles for the FBI every now and then. The class burst out in whispers and 'wows' and 'do you have a gun?' "This is Dr. Dana Scully, she works down at Memorial. And here we have Samantha Mulder, Fox's sister, she's in from Paris." Two of the girls who were interested in fashion burst into questions, much to Samantha's delight. Each took turns talking, most of them seemed interested in Mulder. "Where did you meet them, Mr. Krycek?" Someone asked when the class was over. He turned to the student, "We grew up together, Fox and Dana are my best friends. We used to torture Sam, but she's cool." He packed up his things to get ready to go home. "Are you only teaching one class today?" The student was getting on his nerves. "Yes, my friends and I have some things to plan. I'll see you tomorrow, be ready for the test Thursday." He took his case and walked out, his companions waiting in the hall. Samantha grinned, "Wow, little Alex Krycek a teacher. As I recall, you used to skip school all the time in high school." "Yes but you see, my teachers were hard on me, so I'll be hard on these kids." Dana rolled her eyes, "He's actually won the district's 'teacher of the year award.' He hides it in his closet." "Serious?" Samantha asked. "Sure, we'll show you later." Fox opened the door to the building and they walked out to the parking lot. "No, we will not be showing that stupid award." Alex insisted, trying to remember exactly where he had hidden it. "He's just humble." Dana laughed. "Um, how about Dana and I take my car, you and Sam take your car?" He suggested. He was trying to get Dana alone so he could talk with her. "Uh, sure." Alex held the door open for Samantha and she entered the car, "Thanks." "I'll race you to Salanger's!" Fox laughed. "You're on." Alex got into the car and quickly started the engine. "Boys and their toys." Samantha sighed, starring out the window. "What does that mean?" He asked, pulling out of the lot. "The male ego is fascinating, really..." "Don't go there, Samantha." She grinned, "Sure, whatever 'ya want." "How's life treating you, Sam?" He asks seriously. They hadn't had a serious conversation... ever! She crossed her legs, smoothing out her short white skirt. "Great, the money is pouring in, I'm doing what I love... except for the man part, I'm all set." "Man?" "I find your species frustrating," she started, "I was dating this French small time designer. He's a nobody, he'll never make it... but he was cute. But selfish. He had a nice smile. But he never thought of me first." "I hate guys like that." Alex chuckled. She leaned back in her seat, "I haven't had a serious relationship since Donny Redmond." "REDMOND? That ass hole! C'mon, Sam, you can do much better than that! I don't get why the guys aren't flocking to you! You're gorgeous, you have brains, you're successful and kind hearted. Maybe you're being too picky?" She turned to look at him, "I'm gorgeous?" His mouth fell open, "Yeah, compared to your teenage years!" He laughed. She turned to face the window, "Huh." She had that pout, the one that always got her what she wanted, "Sam...you are pretty. You always were." "No one ever said anything before." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I always thought you were." He turned left onto the highway. "You always thought I was pretty?" "Yeah, how about those Knicks?" She smiled, "Alex... why didn't we ever talk? Like how you and Dana talk?" "I.. don't know. You're younger than we are." "There isn't much difference between me and Dana. We could have been great friends." "Could have been?" "Well... I dunno. We still can be." "Thanks for coming in today to talk about the career thing, pal." He playfully hit her. She hit him back, "Yeah, no problem, buddy!" END of 2 ------------ OKAY! I want to first of all thank LYNN and BEC for helping me out! I owe U 2! I also want you guys to note that if I know someone is reading, I tend to write faster some times. ;) Feedback excepted, also money and marriage proposals! powder_puff@hotmail.com Are there any guys on this list who read MSR? BEWARE! NC-17 in this part! Mulder was glad to finally get her alone. He had been thinking all day, and he decided that he was scared of the change. Losing her friendship because she had to fall in love with that no good lawyer. "Dana, we need to discuss something." "Yeah, we do." "This isn't easy... I mean, having to deal with the concept that you're getting married." "Why, Fox? Didn't you notice that I was a woman? Didn't you notice that I-" "Yeah, of course! I know all that... but it's been the same way for years. You, me and Alex. The three musketeers every day of our lives! I don't know how I'm going to handle having to give you up." "Fox, you don't have to give anything up. It isn't going to be THAT different. I mean...we'll still see each other and-" "You'll be married. You'll be busy. You know there isn't a way to avoid it." "Maybe there is a way to make it easier..." "Like?" "A pact. I swear that I'll always have time for you." "Don't make promises you can't keep, Dana Katherine Scully." He said as he turned the car into the parking lot. She frowned, "You don't think it's possible? You guys are practically family to me!" "I know it's going to change, but I don't like it. I will eventually deal with it, but it's harder than you think." She put her hand on his arm, "What's wrong?" He shrugged, "I never liked change, unless it was getting a raise." She smiled, "I know the feeling. Come on, there is Alex." She pointed to the other end of the lot, where Samantha was getting out of the car. Mulder sighed and took off his seat belt. He had to go home and do some serious thinking. It wasn't often when Samantha's brother talked to her about serious things, and when he did... it was really serious. If he was talking to her, it was probably about Dana, because she was usually his sounding board. "So, what's up, Fox?" She threw herself down on the sofa, looking up at her big brother. Alex had left for a teacher's meeting, so it was just the two Mulder kids. "I have a problem-" "Dana." She finished. He frowned, "Am I that perdictable?" "Nobody knows you like your sister, spit it out." "I don't like the idea of her getting married." Samantha sat up, "And why is that, Dr. Mulder?" "Sam... I'm losing her to that jack ass lawyer! I can't lose her to him! She's my Dana, why should she-" "Excuse me... but did you say, 'My Dana?' Fox?" He looked her in the eye, "Did I say that?" "She isn't anyone's Dana, she isn't an object." Samantha started the speach. "I know she isn't an ojbect! But she isn't his." "She is still going to be your friend." "I don't care, I want things to stay the exact way they are now." "Wouldn't that mean stopping time?" She ajusted her pillow. "Sam, you aren't making this easier!" "Look, here is a sceenario. Just tell me what you're thinking. Mike and Dana get married, things get a little different, not so much that you're miserable, though. Anyway, Mike is offered a job in another state, so he packs up Dana and their stuff and hauls it. What would you feel?" "I'd feel like breaking his nose! She wouldn't want to leave!" "Sure? I mean, when you're in love, don't you do anything for that person?" "I guess." "Don't you miss that person when they aren't there?" "Yeah." "Aren't you miserable when they aren't happy?" "Yes." "Fox, are you in love with her?" "Yes" There was a long pause and he hadn't realized what he just said. Samantha sighed, sitting up. "You love her?" "It's complicaited, she's a best friend to me!" "Would you rather she married someone else? Like.. Alex for example." His head shot up, "ALEX? What the hell for? She had no feelings for Alex what so ever!" She smiled, "Well, if she married Alex, it could still be the three of you." "Sam, what the hell are you talking about?" "I dunno, I lost track." She got up to get a drink. "Sam! What do I do?" "Tell her." "What?" "Tell her the real reason why you don't want her to get married. Tell her that you'll be miserable. Fox, personally, I've been cheering for you and Dana to get together since you were in high school. You're such an idiot, but I can't blame you, you are a man." She took a sip of her juice. He raised a brow, "What does that mean?" "It means you have rotten timing! She's going to get married soon! I think you should have said something when she was dating Mike! Didn't it bother you?" "Yeah, but he never really entered MY life until recently." "Is Mike the enemy?" "YES!" "That was a quick answer. So it isn't really Mike's fault, though, it's just any guy who looks at Dana?" "Yes!" "Pig!" Samantha smiled. He fell back into his chair, "I should tell her?" "Yes. You're the doctor, don't you know that you have to get the feelings out in the open?" "Fine then, I'll tell her." She nodded, "Good, deep down you really wanted to do this, you just needed an excuse." He laughed, "Thanks, Sam." Mulder, however, lost the nerve to race over to her appartment and discuss it with Dana, so he pondered his next move for a day. Alex had gone to teach his little class, Dana was at work and Mulder had stayed home. Samantha was staying with their parents, catching up and things like that. He sat in the appartment, wearing a T-shirt and shorts. God knew what would happen if he told Dana. It was so complicated, nothing was ever easy. He was in so much distress. Samantha had called, shattering his thoughts. "Eh, hello?" "It's Sam, Fox. Did you talk with her?" "No." "Coward!" She accused. "I can't just yet. I have a speech planned out..." "Okay, now it's official... you're a geek. Just talk to her." "After she comes home from work." "Fine, fine. I was hoping that I could come over today, is that cool?" "Um, sure. When?" "Around seven." "You driving?" "Mom and dad need the car, can you come and get me?" "I won't be in at seven, I have an errand to run for a college. But I'll have Alex pick you up, okay?" "Fine, that works. I gotta go, mom wanted to discuss my wedding." "WEDDING?" "This whole Dana thing has gotten her into searching for a husband for me. You can talk her out of it later. Bye." "See you." He put down the phone, then dialed Alex's number at school. It was noon, so he'd be on his lunch break. "This is John Clacy's High, how may I direct your call?" "I need to speak with Alex Krycek." "Give me a second." The secretary was too perky. "Hello?" Alex's deep voice came on. "This is Fox, what's wrong?" Alex sounded bitter. "I took the class out for a little trip, we went to a pond to collect specimens. Anyone, two of the boys thought it'd be funny to get the girls soaked, so they pushed 'em in. Now I got four angry girls in wet T-shirts demanding action. And my ass is the one getting hauled in." "Sorry, pal. I was hoping you could do me a small, itsy bitsy favor." "What?" "Sam needs a ride. She'll be at my parents house and I won't be able to pick her up for dinner, if the four of us are going, you need to get her." They were meeting for dinner at eight, so Alex was their only hope of getting her a ride. "Sure, meet you at eight thirty?" "Deal, Darwin's restaurant. Reservations all set. See you." "Bye." He hung up. On his way home from work, Alex stopped by Mr. and Mrs. Mulder's house to get Sam. Tina Mulder let him in, "Alex, how are you?" She smiled cheerfully. "It's going great, Mrs. Mulder." He answered. Samantha's voice called from upstairs, "I'll be down in a second!" Alex laughed at waited patiently. He and Mrs. Mulder made small chat until Samantha came down. She was wearing a very tight blouse and a tight short skirt. Most likely a Paris style. His mouth fell open and he couldn't believe what a figure she had! "Hi, Alex. Thanks so much for giving me a lift, I owe you one." She flashed him a million dollar grin. "Yeah, no problem. Set?" "All ready, let me get my purse." She went into another room and picked up her small hand bag, then came back into the living room, checking her bag for all the supplies a girl needed. Make up, mirrors and a wallet. Her lip stick fell out and she bent over to pick it up, giving Alex a perfect view of her back. He immediately turned around and concentrated his thoughts on dissecting frogs.... there was nothing arousing about that! Samantha turned to him, "You look pale, are you okay?" "Great!" His voice cracked. He opened the door for her, said a farewell to her mother and led her to his Toyota Camry. "Um, so what did you do all day?" "Mom dragged some friends over, we talked... it was boring." He opened the door for her and she grinned, getting in, his eyes falling on her shapely legs. He winced, "Damn it." Dana picked up the phone, "This is Dr. Scully." She answered. "Hey, baby, it's me." A voice answered her. She grinned, "Bradley, how are you, honey?" "BRADLEY? WHO IS BRADLEY?" Mike got stiff on the other end of the phone. She started laughing, "You're so cute, Mike, really..." He sighed into the phone, "I want to see you tonight. Just us, my apartment." "Oh, not possible, Mike." "Why not?" "Fox, Alex and I are going to dinner with Fox's sister." "Dana, you see them all the time! A night with me is too much to ask?" "I promised them." "You broke two dates with me to go out with them! Dana, you should get some female friends... it's not proper to be hanging around those two all the time. People get ideas-" "They're my friends, and I love them like brothers. And who are you to tell me that I can't be friends with them?" "Dana-" His temper started to flare. "Mike, I will stay friend with them for the rest of my natural life. And my FRIENDS AND I are going out to dinner, so I'll see you tomorrow." "DANA!" He shouted. "You're like an attention wanting child." Dana commented. He slammed the phone down on her, leaving her only with the tone. She starred at it in surprise, "How dare he!" Since it was only seven, and the dinner was until eight thirty, Alex had enough time to change. He got Samantha a drink and vanished into his bedroom to get his suit. "Alex, I can't believe how wonderful it's been seeing you guys." Sam said from the living room. "Yea, I've enjoyed seeing you too." He said behind the closed door, changing out of his shirt into a new one. "It's amazing how much you have all changed, especially you." She found a seat for herself on the leather sofa. With a slight tug, she raised her skirt just enough to cross her legs. He came out of the bedroom, wearing a silk shirt and trousers. She leaned forward a bit, he got a good look down her shirt. Cautiously, Alex sat beside Sam. His eyes were trying not to look into hers. She had a glint in her eyes that scared him. "Alex..." "Sam, I wanted to thank..." She reached up and took hold of his jaw. Her fingers turned him slightly to line up their lips. Alex jumped slightly. He might have kissed her earlier, but something inside him told him to stop. "Sam, we can't" "Oh God! I'm sorry, I don't know what I'm doing." She sat up, her face turning red. He looked up at her, "What was that?" She blushed crimson, confessing the whole story. "I've had the biggest, silliest crush on you since I was thirteen and I just.... have no idea what I was thinking!" She turned her back to him and closed her eyes, biting her lower lip. "A crush? On me?!" He stood up and walked towards her, putting a hand on her shoulder. He felt her body go stiff under his touch, and he wasn't sure what he was going to do. She turned around, "We can forget it happened? Right?" He took her arm and sat her down on the he sofa, being very serious. "You are Fox's sister and he's going to kick my ass!" She leaned forward and kissed him again, catching him off guard. He grabbed her hands, "We can't, Sam!" She managed to pull one hand away and place it over Alex's lap. "Feels like you can." "Your Fox's baby sister." She pulled her hand completely away and stood up to pace. "Why bring that up? Some excuse! I'm my own people, Alex. I'm not just his baby sister. I know we've known each other for most of our lives, but were grown and matured. I'm not the awkward teenager I was the last time you saw me. I'm not a virgin." Alex turned slightly as she said that and made a move to stand up. "I hate to tell you that, Alex. Actually..." She stopped for a second to laugh. "I did wait a while. For you." "Me?" Alex turned back to her. He noticed she had taken a seat in the arm of the sofa while he had moved behind it. A shield of sorts. "I had a huge crush on you. Rather foolishly, I thought that someone three years my senior would look at me and like me. I thought that would show all those girls that made fun of me. I guess... I guess I never out grew it." Alex did not know why but he moved to stand in front of Sam. She looked up as he tipped her chin towards him. Suddenly her lips felt his on top. Not a simple kiss, but a soul-baring gift. She gasped slightly and allowed his tongue to slip by. Her arms wound around his neck as she felt his move back. Fearing that she had made a mistake, her heart rate sped up. He moved her curls from her face and kissed her cheek. Led by his hormones, he lifted her up and carried her to his room. She felt like she was in a romance novel, a man had never done this for her before, carrying her off to the bed! He set her down, kissing her softly. Sam moved out of his arms when she realized where they were. "Sam. . . These last few days have been a mess for me. I've felt strange being around you. I meant it when I said you were beautiful." "Alex, Shut up and make love to me." She pulled him with her onto the bed. She knelt in front of him as she pulled off her designer blouse. A smile developed on her face as she watched Alex's eyes enlarge. She pulled his hands from his sides and placed them over her breasts. "I remember hearing you talking to Fox about making out with Becky Fisher. You told him how she let you run your hands over her chest. I sat there wishing it were me." Alex stared at his hands, feeling almost like he was back in the eleventh grade and fumbling around in the back seat of the car with Becky. He didn't know what to do then and he was forgetting everything now. He remembered the day he told Fox, he had no idea that Samantha was listening! "I remembered her bragging about it as well. Mostly complimentary. She was such a slut that I guessed she knew what she was talking about." Alex looked up at Sam's face. "She was flat compared to you." "Well, she did describe these amazing pecs you had." Sam worked her way down Alex's shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. "Damn was she right." Sam placed her hand on him, feeling how fast his heart was beating. She looked up and saw his eyes shine back towards her. Suddenly they were kissing against with a fervor that almost burned the clothes between them. Practically ripping the clothes off each other, Sam and Alex fell onto the bed. Their hands touched everywhere they could as his body crashed into hers. She had to bite her lips, which worried him slightly. "Sam? I'm not hurting you...?" "God, no. I've just gone for so long... I love how you feel." She let out a whimper. "Took the words from my mouth." He pressed against her repeatedly amazed that this was Samantha in his bed. She was incredible around him and she moved as much as he did. It was a perfect merging. * "I can't believe Sam didn't show." Fox told Dana as they walked down the hall. "Perhaps she had a date... like Alex." Fox looked back at Dana with a credulous look. "My sister might have grown up, she would not just go out with some guys he just met." He slipped the key into his door and unlocked it. The two walked into the main room, Alex was no where in sight. "Hey, we're here, Alex!" He called out. Alex was supposed to pick her up, when Mulder had called his mother, and she had informed him that Samantha and Alex had left hours ago, he had gotten worried. Thoughts of car accidents filled his brain as he looked around the apartment. He opened the door to Alex's room, not expecting to find him, but what he did find blew his mind away! The first thing he saw was a woman's blouse on the floor, next to it a skirt, Alex's pants and his shirt not far off. He saw on the blouse a rose pin that their mother had given Sam. "Sam?" Suddenly the two people in the bed turned back to see Fox standing before them. Alex pulled back slightly from Sam. That was the wrong thing to do. "Oh my god!" He shouted getting Dana's attention. She walked over to see what Fox was looking at. "Oh!" She covered her mouth, looking at Alex and Sam in bed. Sam tried to cover herself with the bed sheet. "What are you doing in bed with my sister?" He asked, his voice booming. "Fox..." Sam tried to said. "What the fuck are you doing in bed with my sister!?!" "Fox, look..." Alex moved to the bedside trying to pull on his boxers. Even if both Mulders had seen Alex naked, in different context, Dana Scully had not and Alex didn't feel like compromising that. He stood up walked towards Fox hoping to talk to him separately. Samantha tried to explain, only Fox didn't want to talk. Alex found that out when Fox's fist connected with his jaw. END of 3 ----------- The NC-17 part was provided by Lynn! If you'd like to e-mail her and send coments on her style or whatever, I'll forward all messages for you. ;) Wasn't that a pretty cliff hanger? Write me! I luv to hear from readers, if you'd like to know the fate of Alex Krycek, write to powder_puff@hotmail.com ~ Agent Quetzel Okay, this is kind of NC-17ish, so don't say I didn't warn 'ya. By the way, those NC-17 scenes were written by Lynn! Thanks! Dana raced to Alex, who had been thrown to the floor by an out of control Fox. "Mulder, are you nuts?" She snapped at him. Samantha pulled her clothes on in a second and was helping Alex up. She was pulled away by Mulder. "Sam, I'm taking you home." She yanked her arm away, "You're such a jerk, Fox!" Ignoring her pleas, he dragged Samantha back home and dropped her off with their parents. If she chose to tell their mother and father what had happened, that was her business. He for sure wasn't going to say anything at this point. He dialed the apartment number from his cell phone, "Dana?" She sighed, "Fox Mulder, you are truly mad." "I'm furious, actually. Do me a favor?" "What is that?" She sighed again. "Get me a bag of clothes.... I'm not staying in that apartment tonight." "Fox, you and Alex need to talk." "Fuck him! I am not sharing my living quarters with that ass hole! Just do me this favor?" "How is your hand?" She asked, changing the subject. "It's swelling a little." He admitted. "I guess you should stay at my apartment so I can check out the injury. Meet me there, you have the keys?" "Yeah." "Fine, just let me patch up Alex. Bye, Fox." Alex was on the sofa, holding the ice pack to his jaw. "Think you'll live without me?" She asked, leaning down beside him. "You aren't staying to take care of me?" He was surprised, Dana was always staying to keep him out of trouble. "Ah, no. Tell me, Alex, what the hell were you thinking?" He winced, "It wasn't all my fault! You know how these things go, Dana..." She sighed, "I guess. Anyway, Fox is staying at my apartment." "ARE YOU TAKING HIS SIDE?" "I'm not taking anyone's side. But you need to think about what you're going to say, because you'll eventually have to deal with it." He sat up, "I know..." "Alex, you didn't just have a one night stand with Samantha, did you?" "NO! How can you think that, Dana?" He was truly surprised that she thought he was like that. "I know you've done it before," "Never to Samantha, Dana! I wouldn't do that to her!" She put a hand on his shoulder, "I'll be by to check on you in the morning. Call in sick, okay? Don't want your students seeing you like this." She kissed his forehead and was off in a second to go tend to Fox. He sighed, falling back onto the sofa. He'd have to talk with Samantha and Fox.... he was screwed! Fox had already made himself comfortable when she got there. He, like Alex, was on the sofa fuming. She went to the fridge and got some ice for his hand, "You look like shit, Fox Mulder." She said, entering her living room. "Dana, shut up." He sighed. She touched his forehead, smoothing out his hair, "What was going through your mind?" "He had his hands on my sister! Dana, she's still-" "No, she isn't a child. Deal with that! You can not control her, Fox! Damn, you did the same shit to me, and it isn't all that fun." He smiled faintly, remembering a time when he and Alex had been like big brothers to her. << It was Dana's first date with a high school football player, until that night, she had only gone out with average guys. But this was a sports hero! "Jeff.... it was fun." She said honestly. He had taken her to a carnival, something original for her. He leaned forward, kissing her softly, "I had fun, too." She pulled back, breaking the kiss of and looking up at him. Then, giving him permission, she let him kiss her again. Fox and Alex had been hiding behind the porch, and they came loudly up the steps. "Dana, we were just dropping by to see if you wanted to watch a movie." Fox gave Jeff a dirty look. Jeff, not really fond of Alex and Fox, gave her another kiss. "I'll see you later, babe." He started walking away. "Don't call her babe." Alex shouted after him. They wanted to talk to Dana, but she had slammed the door in their face, "I'll see you in the morning." She shouted through the window. The two boys had starred at each other, "Boy, she's mad." Alex smiled. "We saved her, though." Fox started the short walk home. >> They were her shadows, and it was going to be strange if she got married. "Dana..." "Yes?" "I-... I can't feel my hand." She pulled the ice pack off, "Little swelling, you'll be fine." He looked up into her blue eyes, "Thanks, Doc." She sighed, putting her hand on his chest, "You are a pain in the ass, you know that?" "But you love me, right?" "Yeah, who couldn't?" She got up and walked to her bedroom to change into jeans and a T-shirt, while she was away, the phone rang. "FOX! Answer it, please." She called from the bedroom. He reached over and snatched up the cordless. "Hello?" "Who is this?" A male voice asked. It wasn't Alex, that was for sure. "This is Mulder." "Oh." There was a pause, "What are you doing at her house?" "Spending the night." Mulder had not even bothered to think of what his reaction might be. Dana entered the room, "Who is it?" "Mike." He handed her the phone. "Hello?" "Dana, what is he doing at your apartment?" She left Mulder in the living room and went to her bedroom, closing the hallway door behind her, and her bedroom door. "Mike, he was in a fight and I had to make sure he was okay." "Dana, are you his mother or what? This is why you couldn't go out with me today? You had to take care of sweet little Fox?" "Mike, you are really over reacting! You hung up on me last time!" "You deserved it! And I'll do it again! Dana, everything I do and plan for you gets ruined by that... by those ass holes!" "MY FRIENDS! They are not ass holes, Mike! How dare you call them that?" "I had a perfect dinner planned for us, and as soon as Mulder calls, you go running. Who are you going to spend the rest of your life with, Dana? Him or me?" "Mike, you-" For the second time, he slammed the phone down on her. She threw the phone to the bed, furious! She cursed as she cleaned up her room, them she remembered Mulder out in the living room! "Fox, you can have the guest room." She handed him some pillows. He pulled himself up, "Dana, what's wrong?" She wiped her eyes, "Nothing, why?" "You're eyes are red!" He walked towards her, touching her face slightly. She pulled away, "Allergies. No big deal. How is your hand?" He held it up, "Not as bad as I thought." "That's good." She starred at the floor. He touched her hand, "I have to tell you something before I lose the guts." "Pardon?" He pulled her to the sofa, a very nervous look on his face. "This goes without saying, we have a really tight relationship. I've known you most of our lives, and it's been awesome. I love having you around, to help me when I get into trouble." "Like tonight?" "Yeah... tonight. Anyway, before you start planning your wedding with Mike, I need you to know that... he's the luckiest man in the world. To have a treasure like you. And I'd kill him." "What?" She had lost her thought, only half listening. He leaned forward and kissed her mouth, softly. "I am so in love with you I can't sleep at night. You're perfect and wonderful and I don't want to have to live without you." She starred at him in shock, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" She starred at him for a moment, "I need to sit down..." "You are sitting down." He pointed out with a smile. She laughed uneasily, "You're right." "Dana, I'd do anything for you!" He took her hand in his. She remembered Mike, he never acted like this. He was actually full of himself some times. She made a mental list of all his bad qualities and her blood started to boil. She grabbed Mulder by the collar and kissed him hard, not thinking, giving up all her mental functions. He took this as a sign to continue, so he kissed her back, easing her down to the sofa. He nibbled on her neck, smothering her with more kisses. "I love you." Dana looked up at him, her eyes wide with desire. Mulder wet his lips waiting for her reaction... "Are you sure?" She asked him timidly. He nodded, not at all hesitant. When she said nothing in response, the subject was changed when he slipped his hands into her shirt. Their lips crashed against one another in a messy display of a primitive need for satisfaction. Dana pushed lightly against Mulder's chest, but made no movement to pull away. In fact, she was the one to open her mouth to something deeper. Fox opened his eyes slightly amazed at how Dana had converted her views from thoroughly surprised to extremely libidinous. However, he was not a man to question strange phenomenon. He pulled her to his body hoping to convey without words how much he wanted to be with her. He knew she had gotten the message when he felt her gasp against his lips. "Oh god." She whimpered, burying her face in his neck. Fox nodded numbly. He moved to the other side of the sofa to give her some space. She tipped her head back, resting her head on the pillows. "You're really jealous of Mike?" "I can't help it. I love you. Sam told me to just do it and you... I could think of another way to get my point across." "You certainly did." She fanned herself with her hand, suddenly flushed by the memory of a kiss. "I remember back in our ninth grade year. At Joey Anders party. We were playing truth or dare and Mitzy Tanner dared you to French kiss me in front of everybody." "That was my first kiss." He whispered, brushing her red strands of hair away from her eyes. "Mine too. I'm... not at all sorry it was you, Fox." She stood up briefly, her fingers dancing over the couch as she went around it to be near Mulder. "You could have any girl you want, Fox. Why me? You had girls like Phoebe Green bragging about how good you were!" Mulder looked up at her as she sat down on the arm of the sofa. Fox looked at her face, the lines on her forehead were creased in thought. "Would you like to fuck me, Fox?" She turned to him, her face a mask of sadness. She hated that term, but it took all the feeling and commitment out of the act. "No." She watched him stand up in front of her. "I want to make love to you. Slow and sensual. If you're still going to marry that bastard, I want you to remember how lousy he is compared to me." He knew he was provoking her anger, but it was it only way to keep from taking her on the couch. "Okay." She was reluctant, not thinking. She smiled, kissing him again. He felt so good, his lips were softer than she expected, her body hard and strong. Fox's eyes widen. He hadn't expected that! He stood up, making her way around the beautiful woman and into her bedroom. Dana couldn't help it, she followed out of sheer curiosity. He sat down on the bed and called her over with her finger. "Truth or dare?" She started, a faint grin on her face. "Truth." "How long have you wanted me?" "Every day of my adult life." He licked his lips as he thought. "Truth or dare?" "Dare." She leaned in closer, taking in the scent of his cologne. "I dare you. . . to ... take off you shirt." He ran his hand up and down her arm, to her back and he wasn't sure if he could feel her bra under it. Dana nodded reaching down to the bottom hem of her sweater and crossing her arms to pull it off. She brushed back her mess hair with a hand. Fox was stunned. First that she had actually done it and second... that she wasn't wearing a bra. "Truth or dare?" "Truth." "Is the real reason you don't want me marrying Mike because you want me all to yourself?" "Yes." He looked up at her and saw the smile spread on her face. "Truth of dare?" She took another turn, even though she should have let him have one. "Dare." "Touch me." She whispered, moving closer to him. His jeans becoming more and more uncomfortable every second, he raised his hands to her breasts, molding them in his hands. She let out a small moan and he pulled her into his lap. "Do you want me?" He asked in a small voice. " Want... yes." Dana had started to feel slightly lonesome being the only one topless. She was unbuttoning Fox's shirt and pushing it down his arms. "True or dare?" "Dare." "I dare you to ... make me scream you name in ecstasy." Fox pulled her close against his chest and because to kiss her passionately with everything he had. She gripped his shoulders trying to somehow become him. Their bodies pressed against each other and somehow managed a moan simultaneously. "Fox... Please do this. I know we should take it slow, but if I don't have you now..." "I agree." Fox reached down and eased the cotton boxers off her body. She helped him remove the ass-clinging jeans when she discovered he too had forgotten an undergarment. "Quite a rebel to go bare-assed, Mr. Mulder." "Actually, Alex was suppose to do the wash tonight. I get the feeling he might not get to it." "So will you ever except Sam for the woman that she is?" Dana had to ask. "No, and I hate the idea of Alex Krycek having his hands on my little sister." Mulder started to get angry but pushed the thoughts of breaking Alex Krycek's nose away. He concentrated on the naked woman in front of him, on the bed. Her skin was a pale shade and her hair stood out against the white and blue bed covers. Dana stroked her hand against Mulder's hip, trying to ease him closer to her. He took the hint, but decided to turn the tables. His arms managed to pull her on top of his body. "I'm afraid of hurting you, so I'll let you..." He nodded toward his lower appendage, which Dana seemed to begin taking interest in. "Quite a piece of work, Fox. I know..'You've seen one, you've seen them all'. Boy, is that a shit-faced lie?" "Am I as good as Mike?" He asked, his beautiful puppy dog eyes begging for a positive answer. She let out a moan and he took it as a yes. "I don't know where to be offended you'd compare me or flattered you're saying I'm the better man." "I didn't go that far. You still need to prove it." Dana eased herself down on Fox, gasping slightly at the feel. "Definitely working some terribly unused muscle." Fox sat up to look her in the face. "Well I plan to fix that." He turned her on her side and began kissing her neck as he thrust into her. She was stunned. Nothing was required on her part, except to feel. Her hands were gripping his back in a vain effort to slow her reactions. She did warn herself that Mike, the only lover she had had in the past few years, was not the size of Fox. His movement was quite a shock to her and she was lost. When it comes to making love, Fox Mulder helped Dana make a new personal record. "Fox!!!" She crying past a parched throat as her body tighten around him. Not just internally. Her arms and legs hugged him to suffocation, but he only moved to hold her closer. She curled up beside him and he kissed her temple, whispering 'I love you' a thousand times, but she said nothing in response because she had fallen asleep. He sighed, kissing her small hands. He was so tired... Dana was feeling very warm and fuzzy inside. She turned over to avoid the light coming in through the window. Wishing that she had closed the curtains before she went to bed, she pulled the covers over her. That's when she felt it. A strong arm go around her waist. She smiled, "Mike." Turning her head, she saw that it was not Mike in her bed tonight. This was Fox Mulder! The bile rose in her throat and she reached for her robe, pulling it on and racing to the bathroom. He was still asleep, and did not hear her. When she had washed her face, she came out and starred at him. His naked body wrapped in her sheets. She couldn't believe what she had done. Memories of last night came back in a flood of emotion and she fell against the wall, "Oh, my God." She couldn't understand WHAT she was thinking last night! She loved Mike! And she... really shouldn't have let Mulder do this! She felt as if he'd taken advantage of her or something, although she knew that wasn't entirely true. It wasn't as if she tried to stop him. Deeply ashamed of herself, she ducked back into the bathroom and sat in the steaming shower, sobbing silently. When Mulder heard the door bell ring, he reached for Dana's warm body, but found cold sheets. He moaned and pulled on his boxers, getting up to get the door. Only half awake, he walked to the door and opened it. Mike had a bouquet of flowers in his hand, very expensive looking roses. He starred at Mulder, his face blank. "What are you doing here?" He starred at Mulder. Dana came out, wearing a robe, her hair wet. She seemed to be in a daze and her eyes fell on Mike. "Oh, God." She whispered. Mike threw the flowers to the floor, "AND YOU TOLD ME A THOUSAND TIMES AGAIN AND AGAIN THAT NOTHING WAS GOING ON!" She raced to him, "Mike, please! I can explain!" She said to herself. Mike shook his head, "You've been messing with me since day one, Dana, I have had it. How long have you two been sleeping together? Through all those double and triple dates we did, how could you live with yourself, Dana?" Mulder's fogged mind woke up, "Get out of here, Mike." He said through gritted teeth. Mike looked from Dana to Mulder, "Give me back my ring, Dana, that was my great grandmother's." He held his hand open for it, and Dana, with great embarrassment and shame, placed it in his hand. "I'm sorry, Mike. I love you!" "If you really did love me, you wouldn't be having sex with him!" He pointed to Mulder, walking out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Mulder looked up at him, "You love him?" He felt as if he'd been kicked in the chest. She nodded weakly, "I do love Mike." With a great sob she raced back to her bathroom, leaving Mulder out. He gathered his clothes. What could he do now? Alex was mad at him. Samantha was mad at him. Dana couldn't even face him! He decided that he'd have to get his clothes from the apartment, gathering his small bag of things that she had packed, he told her that he would come back to talk with her. She begged him to leave, and he was gone when she came out. END of 4 ------------- Will Mulder and Dana ever speak to each other again? Will Alex ever speak to him again? Is Samantha going to continue her relationship with Alex? Find out in part 5! I like to thank Bec for helping me edit and giving ideas... and Lynn for helping me write the NC-17 scenes, actually, she did most of THAT work. powder_puff@hotmail.com Note: Sorry this has taken so long, I won't do it again! Anyway, in the last part, Fox and Dana spent a night together. Now, much to his dismay, Dana has rejected him and can't sort out her feelings. Does she love Mike? Or Fox? Oh, also, Sam and Alex spent a night together and Fox punched Alex out! THE SAGA CONTINUES! Alex had been slightly worried about going into school. The last thing he wanted were the kids to be asking questions about how he had gotten a bruised jaw. One of the female teachers, Mrs. Bridenbaugh, had suggested that he use make up to cover it. At one point, he seriously considered! The marine biology class was the only real reason he came in today. They were to be dissecting clams... and the last thing he needed was a substitute teacher messing up with the kids. "Everyone, sit down. We are on assembly schedule, so class will be a little short. Did everyone do their homework?" He acted as if it were business as usual, but the class was frozen as they starred at him. He moaned, "Well, you should have seen the other guy!" He started. One of the boys cut in, "Was it in a bar, Mr. K?" "No." He answered. "Was it over a girl, Mr. Krycek?" A blond girl from the back asked, she had a dreamy look in her eyes. "Ah... in a way." "Was it her ex-boyfriend?" "WHAT does THIS have to do with Marine biology?" He asked, setting up his lap top computer on the desk. The kids looked at each other, but all were more interested in the details of Alex's injury than clams. "Shut up and get working." He yawned, "OR, I could put on that movie about the jelly fish!" "Not that one!" One of the boys exclaimed from the back. "Move it. Whoever does not have this assignment done by the end of the period has a date with me after school." One of the girls up front, a brunette with green eyes, was looking different. "Angela, is something wrong?" He asked. She blinked, and he saw something on her eye lids. After starring for a second, he realized they said, 'I love you.' He turned around and winced, "Great." Fox, fearing that Samantha would hate him after what he'd done, went to go speak with her. They sat in the living room of their parent's house, her arms were crossed and a blank look on her face. Fox propped his elbows on his knees, "Look, Sam, I know that you're upset about what happened-" "THAT is the understatement of the year!" He bit his lower lip, "I... it's your fault!" "MY FAULT?" She starred at him. "Yes, if you hadn't been messing around with my best friend, we would never have gotten into this mess!" She stood up, her small hands in fists, "I am a grown woman! Believe it or not, Fox Mulder, I have had many dates and many boyfriends! Alex is a nice guy.... and what he and I do is none of your business!" "LIKE HELL IT ISN'T! Of course it is my business! If I don't protect you from him, who will?" "I'm sure he's an ax murderer." She sat down again, crossing her legs. Fox rolled his eyes, "I had this conversation with Dana before... guys are scum! Alex is a guy, therefore he's scum!" "Please, Fox, shut up! You can fight me all you want on this, but if I decide to peruse a relationship with Alex Krycek, you can't exactly stop me." He looked up at her, "Sam, I'm trying to look out for you!" "I don't need it anymore! I'm sorry, but I grew up a long time ago!" She reached for his hand, "I'm not the baby sister." Mulder stood up, walking back and forth in front of her, "Alex tends to hurt the people he dates.... he doesn't know how to have a relationship." "I'm ready for that." She said confidently. He looked down at his sister, the young woman who was on a little girl who needed him. She was on her own now, a successful fashion designer and an adult. "All right, I'll talk to him and apologize." She smiled, "Good boy." Around three o'clock, Alex got the phone call. It was Fox. Fearing that he'd be chewed out, he prepared himself for the worst. "Look, in the past twenty four hours, I've pissed off you, Sam and Dana." He started. "What did you do to Dana?" "I have to discuss that with you. It's really important, Alex." Hoping that It wasn't a trap, Alex agreed to meet Mulder at the Tower Cafe. He sat in the booth, wearing a black NIKE hat. Mulder entered, clad in black jeans and a leather jacket. "Sorry, man, I got out of control." Mulder raked his fingers through his hair. Alex nodded, "I understand you're really protective of Sam... sorry you had to walk in on that display." "How's the jaw?" Mulder asked. "You got one hell of a punch, Mulder. With friends like you, who need enemies?" "Are we cool again?" Mulder asked. "Yeah, on one condition." "You get to see Sam?" "Of course." "I... don't like it- but she is her own woman and I can't really forbid her to do anything." He smiled, "You're right. I'll take it as a yes. What's next on the agenda?" Mulder bit his lower lip, "I spent the night at Dana's." Alex didn't find this unusual. They usually stayed with Dana if something was going on at the apartment between room mates. "No, not like that. I spent the night WITH her... in her room, in her bed." "You slept with her?" Alex hissed. Mulder buried his face in his hand. "I told her I loved her... I'm so dumb! This morning, Mike walked in and got really pissed. He made Dana give back the engagement ring. She was really upset, she wouldn't even face me when I left her apartment." Alex rolled his eyes, he couldn't believe it! Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. His two best friends! The thought of Mike walking in on them made him wince, "Man, you are messed up." "What do I do?" He asked. He had to, that's why he was here. "I have no fucking clue! So it's over between her and Mike?" "Yes, as far as I can tell." "Do you want to move in on her?" Alex asked. "This isn't just some girl I picked up from a bar! This is our Dana here!" Alex starred at him, "You ass hole! You had to go THAT far? Couldn't you just say it and go?" "I-" "Shit... is she okay?" "I don't know, she isn't talking to me." Alex stood up, "I have to see her and make sure she's all right." Fox looked up at him, "What am I going to do?" "We'll talk about it later." He walked out of the cafe, racing to Dana's house, which was only a short block away. Dana had called in sick, so she wouldn't be at the hospital. She curled up on her sofa, she couldn't stand to sit on the bed. The bed where she had once made love to Mike, and last night it had been Fox. She cried, she had to. Alex could hear her sobs, but she wouldn't unlock the door. He used his key marked 'Scully.' and entered her apartment. Seeing her in the fetal position, sobbing like a child, broke his heart. He moved towards her, wrapping her in his arms. "Dana, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Come here." She didn't usually break down, it reminded Alex of the first time he'd seen her cry. <> Dana pulled back, wiping her tear. "Alex... I made an awful mistake." He pushed the red curls from her eyes, "Shh, it's okay. I know what happened." "What?" "Fox told me.... have you heard from Mike since he left?" "No... I doubt Mike will ever speak to me again! I cheated! I can't believe what I've done!" Alex hugged her tight, "You two need to talk." "I'm never speaking to him again!" She sounded like a child. He smiled faintly, "Not possible, my friend, you two have gone through too much together. I think you should talk." "It's not that easy, Alex!" She pulled away, her eyes red. He pressed his lips together, "He said he loves you." "He is mixed up! Fox always falls in love with girls on the spot, this time it's me!" "Dana, I have a feeling that it isn't like that this time." "Right. Whatever. He took advantage of me while I was vulnerable! Mike and I have been fighting non stop for a while now! Mulder just used this against me!" "Do you think all he wanted was to get you in bed? Dana! You've known him as long as I have! Do you seriously think he'd do that?" "He says so himself, all guys are scum!" Dana got up and stormed to her kitchen, taking out a carton of ice cream. "This is a nightmare! I could have had the perfect life with Mike and Mulder fucked it up for everyone!" "So he was being selfish?" Alex said. "Exactly!" "You are so wrong, Dana!" She crossed her arms over her chest, "Stop defending him! You weren't here! You don't understand at all!" Alex thought to himself. Dana burst into another flood of tears, but instead of accepting comfort for Alex, she insisted that he leave her be. "You shouldn't be by yourself, Dana-" "Go home, Alex. I can't think with you here." After a short argument, Alex finally left the apartment. Dana was still in a state of emotional distress and he couldn't convince her to speak with Fox. When Alex couldn't get through to her, Mulder called upon his sister for aid. Dana really shouldn't have been surprised that evening when Samantha showed at her door. A sorrowful look filled her eyes, "I don't want to hear it. I'm tired of everyone defending him!" Samantha pushed her way in, "I know. My brother is an idiot! A real fool! But he loves you to death, Dana." "Did he tell you to say that?" Dana asked, leaning against the back of the door. "No. I'm just telling you what I see. When he heard that you and Mike were going to get married-" "He doesn't have to worry about that now! Mike hates me! Is that what he had planned all along?" "OF COURSE NOT! Dana Scully, you think you're the victim, but you aren't! If anyone got used, it was Fox! I doubt that you actually tried to stop him! If you weren't serious, then you shouldn't have let it go as far as it did!" "HE USED ME! Mike and I have been having problems lately, and after what Fox did, that just pushed Mike through the roof!" "Fox had no idea that you and Mike had problems! He has been in love with you for the past five years!" "AND JUST NOW HE DECIDED TO TELL ME?" "It's hard to understand how his mind works, Dana, but it's obvious that he loves you. He is worried about you. He-" "He betrayed my trust!" "You betrayed his, so it's even! He thought that you two would get into something serious!" "We did! And now the man I wanted to marry hates me! It was bad enough that I was friends with Alex and Fox, now he finds out that I slept with Fox!" "If Mike really loved you, he wouldn't care WHO your friends were! And you have to admit it some time, Dana, you have feelings for Fox also!" "NO! You are so wrong! I had my life on track! And with his one move-" "He didn't do it alone, part of you must have wanted to!" Samantha fired. Dana fell silent, much to Samantha's satisfaction. "He loves you, and he's hurting as much as you are. He thinks that he finally has a chance with you, and the night after you shove it in his face!" Dana starred at the ground, "I need to think." She whispered. Samantha gathered her coat and gloves, "He's going to continue loving you no matter what, unlike Mike." With those as her final words, Samantha left the apartment and Dana sat in silence. The sound of her pounding heart was deafening to her ears. Fox Mulder, for the first time in years, cried himself to sleep. He had lost her. He had acted too fast. He had made a mistake and Dana would hate him for the rest of his life. Alex tapped on his door, "You okay, man?" "I'll live." He sighed. Alex, not knowing what to do, offered a word of advice. "Speak to her face to face." "She won't let me." "Fight for her, Fox!" Alex closed the door and Mulder was left alone in the dark room. He leaned over and picked up a picture from the dresser. It was a gift Dana had given him. Four pictures of her, him and Alex. The first one was about a year after they met. The second one in high school. The third one in college. The last one was taken only last year. He watched as Dana turned from the small freckled face girl into a beautiful woman. Right before his eyes. Quicker and smarter every day. He held the picture close to his chest, "Dana." He whispered into the dark room, wishing she were with him. He would give anything to go back in time, to tell her he loved her as soon as she started dating Mike. It was a mistake not to. He felt the tear fall down his face, but he didn't wipe it away. ONE WEEK LATER: Dana had been in so much pain that she had called for her sister. Melissa decided to take a short vacation and visit her family the second Dana phoned, telling of the disaster. The two red heads sat around the kitchen table, their mother beside them. "Mom, what am I going to do?" Margaret Scully starred her daughter in the eye. She had always thought of Fox as another son to her, and at one time, she had secretly hoped that Dana would get together with him. But Dana had shown no interest and Margaret had given up on that idea. "Sweetheart, what are you feeling?" "I'm hurting, mom! I don't understand why this happened! What was I thinking? I let it happen!" Melissa offered her advice, "Dana, don't you care for Fox?" "I don't know what I feel for him! I'm so angry that... we did what we did!" Deep down, a part of Margaret had practically seen this coming. "Look, Dana, you have to discuss this with him! WHAT is it that you actually want?" "I want Mike back." Dana said after a moment of thought. "Would you like to salvage a friendship with Fox?" Margaret questioned. Dana shrugged, "Too soon to tell, Mom." "Honey, you and Fox have been through so much together. You probably can never get that back." "I'm so confused." Dana buried her head in her arms. Melissa patted her shoulder, "Are you considering Fox's feelings? Yeah, he is a man, but he still has feelings." "He does." Dana sighed. "You both leaped into something neither of you were ready for. Dana, is Mike more important or Fox?" "Mi-.... I don't know." She stopped. Margaret held her daughter's hand, "There is nothing we can do, Dana, you have to take it into your own hands and salvage whatever relationships you can! Talk to Fox first and see how you feel." "Mom, I don't think I really love either of them." She froze at her own words. "Oh, God. I think I used them both!" Melissa wrapped an arm around her little sister, "Go to Fox, talk with him." Samantha made a life changing decision while Dana contemplated her future with the men in her life. Samantha Mulder decided that she had spent enough time in Paris, and it was time to come home.... to stay. Alex was part of her reason for staying behind. She left the company in Paris to work at Xhilaration Fashions. With her resume, she was embraced with open arms by the fashion company. Samantha, excited about her new life, invited Alex to see her apartment. It was huge! With a view of the river from her living room. The furniture looked like it cost a fortune, there were Persian carpets all over and Samantha was very pleased with her interior decorator. Alex was surprised, "So you're staying forever?" She nodded, a huge smile on her face. "I already have a new home, and you are welcome here any time you want to come." She reached for his collar, pulling him in for a kiss. He kissed her back, wrapping her into his arms, "You feel so good." He sighed, kissing her neck. "Do you want to try out my new bed?" She said with a wicked grin, leading him into the hall to the bedroom. Her bed was a canopy bed, something she had always wanted since she was a little girl. It reminded her of a princess bedroom. Alex gently laid her down, running his hand up her silk stocking clad leg, up to her knee, to her thigh and beyond. She bit her lower lip with anticipation, kissing him hard. "Alex, as a fashion designer, I must say you have wonderful clothes.... but I prefer that you not wear them when we're in the bedroom." With a laugh, he shed his leather jacket and his shirt, letting her run her hands over his chest. They would have continued with the jeans but the phone rang, stopping them. Samantha sighed, snatching the phone up from the side table. "WHAT?" "Samantha? This is Melissa Scully." Samantha shot up, "Melissa? Hi! Um, how are you?" "I'm good.... I have something serious to discuss with you." "And that is?" "Fox. How has he been doing?" "It's been almost three weeks since she stopped speaking to him... he's really depressed." Alex laid down on the bed, stretching out beside her. Samantha ignored him and continued, "Is Dana going to talk with him?" "I want her to, she... I dunno what's going through her head." "I know Fox is devastated. I think he misses her." "Really? Dana's gone through an emotional maze! I'll try to get her to talk with him. I gotta go, Samantha, I'm at work." "Oh, okay. But one question." "Yeah?" "Do you think that... what happened between them was a big mistake?" She paused before answering, "I think that Dana needs to sort out her feelings before makes another move. I always thought that... I dunno, Fox and Dana had more than just a platonic relationship. Maybe I see things that aren't there, but I'm going to try to get Dana to talk to Fox." "Good... we can only do our best." "Bye, Sam." "Bye." "See you, thanks." Melissa hung up. Alex watched Samantha put the phone away, "That was?" "Melissa Scully." "Melissa? What did she say?" "Dana's gone through an emotional maze. Melissa is doing what she can from her end to get Dana to speak with Fox. She's just being stubborn." "I think Dana is really hurt." Alex sighed. Samantha moved on top of him, pinning his hands down. "Let's not talk right now." He opened his mouth to say something but she silenced him with a kiss, moving her hands down to his jeans. He went stiff, "I gotta go speak with Dana!" She frowned, "WHAT?" Alex gently touched her face, "I promise, I'll come back later." With a final kiss, he got up and got dressed. Samantha let out a groan of disappointment, "ALEX!" "Dana and I have been friends for a long time, she's going to need someone right now." Samantha leaned back in the bed, "Fine, but I'm waiting." "With a smile, he gave her another kiss. "I'll be back tonight, Sam." She watched him as he got dressed, admiring his broad shoulders. He flashed her another smile, made the promise to return that evening and was gone to comfort Dana. If Samantha hadn't known how tight he and Dana were, she would have been jealous, even insulted. But this was different. Mulder took a deep breath and knocked on the apartment door. The door man had been told not to allow Mulder upstairs, but the usual door man was gone, so he jumped at the chance. "I'll be there in a minute!" Dana called from inside the apartment. He took a calming breath and silently pleaded with God to not let her slam the door in his face. She had just gotten out of the shower, because she was wearing a robe and her hair was soaked. He starred at her, the circles under her eyes and the paleness of her skin told him that she was not well. She looked up from her magazine and froze, "What are you doing here?" "I have to talk with you." He said, his voice almost quivering. She shook her head, "You are in no position to make demands." She was about to close the door when he pushed it with his hand. "Look, Dana, I have been going insane for the past few weeks! I feel like I'm slowly dying and if I can't discuss what happened with you, I'm going to lose my mind." She lowered her eyes and held the door open, allowing him inside. He entered the apartment. Since he was last there, she had redecorated. The furniture was rearranged and there was more room. He turned to look her in the eye, "You don't believe me when I say I love you, do you?" "That was blunt, Mulder." She said, sitting down in the chair. She felt uncomfortable, she was anxious to get this over with. "I do love you. I'll say it until the world ends, I love you!" "You are confused, Mulder. You thought you loved Kristen, and Janet, and especially Phoebe! You fall in and out of love so fast, you probably don't know what real love is." He wanted to touch her hand, to express to her silently how much he loved her, but she wouldn't allow it, he wasn't going to push it. "Dana, you are all that matters to me. We have to discuss what happened between us!" "I thought we would stick as friends, Fox. I thought I'd marry Mike and have a fairy tale life! It didn't happen that way, did it? Isn't life a bitch?" He frowned, "I had no idea that you and Mike were fighting, Dana. I thought you... did what you did because you had the same feelings for me as I had for you." She wet her lips and said nothing. He continued, "Can you honestly say to my face that you have no feelings for me?" She looked up at him, "Look... you and I have been close friends for so long. It's not easy to just forget all that we've been through!" "I don't want to forget ANY of that, Dana. You've stuck with me through the best and worst, and don't want that to change." "A little late, isn't it?" She whispered. He stood up, "You and I can argue this for the rest of our lives, but the fact is... I will love you no matter what happens between us. And I miss you. It kills me to know that I caused you pain-" "Fox, please don't do this." "No, I have to say it. I'm begging you for a chance. Tell me Dana that you have no feelings for me. Tell me and I'll go, be honest." She looked him in the eye, "I have.... it's strange, Fox. How can I not have feelings for you?" "Do you feel the same way I do?" He asked in a whisper, moving to her side. She shook her head, "I have no idea what's happening to us, Fox. We're over, I can't just forget what happened!" "Do you love Mike?" "I don't know." She answered honestly. "Do you hate me?" "I don't know." He sighed, "Dana-" She suddenly rushed up and raced to the bathroom, the door slamming behind her. He heard her losing her dinner and the sound of running water. Quickly, he ran to help her. "Dana?" He pushed the bathroom open and she stood in front of the sink, washing her face. She coughed, covering her face. He put a hand on her shoulder, pulling her up. "Dana, what's wrong?" She let her head fall back, "Flu." She was hit with a wave of dizziness and had to sit down on the bathroom floor. Mulder lifted her up and helped her to her bedroom, gently setting her down on her bed. She was still in her robe, so he searched her closet and pulled out her cotton night gown. When he tried to pull her shirt off, she jerked back, her eyes wide with alarm. "Shh, I just want you to go to sleep, but you can't in a robe." She shook her head, "Go away, Mulder." He ignored her and helped her out of the robe, underneath she wore a bra and underwear, a matching pair of white satin. She blushed and tried to cover herself. Mulder quickly slipped the gown over her head, "It's not like I haven't seen you before, Dana. Even before... you know." She turned her face away, "Right..." "Come on, lie down." He fluffed her pillows and pulled the sheets up. She looked like a China doll, so pale and fragile looking. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Good night." She watched him leave, shivers going down her spine. "Thanks." "It's okay." He locked the apartment door behind him and decided to check up on her in the morning. Her last thought before slipping into sleep was Alex ran into Mulder as he exited the building, "What are you doing here?" They chorused. Fox started, "I came to check up on her. She has a flu, she doesn't look well." Alex frowned, "Stress maybe." Fox moaned. "I'm worried about her." "Did you two get a chance to talk?" "Yeah... she's unsure about a lot of things." Alex nodded, "Should I go up?" "She just went to bed." Fox informed him. "Want a ride home?" Alex asked. "No, I got my car out front. Where are you going?" Fox asked. Alex wasn't about to say 'Samantha's apartment!.' Fox had already had a hard day. "Errands. I'll catch you later." "Actually, I'm going to hang out at my parent's house. I'll see you." The two said good byes and Alex ran a few errands then headed for Samantha's. Alex walked into the living room, first he thought nobody was in there. The room was only lit by its firplace and then he saw her. He had to catch his breath by the beautiful sight of her. Samantha was standing before the terrace door, the light breeze waved her silk blue night gown just around her legs and her silky brown hair danced to the soft breeze. The fire reflected on the otherwise tight silky dream and he could see every contour of her beautiful body. He couldn't take his eyes away and approached her with a dreamy light in his eyes and softly said her name, " Sam." Samantha was just looking at the tall dark figure coming towards her in his black leatherjacket she adored so much to see him in. He came to stop just some inches from her and slowly he touched her face with his right hand, caressing the cheeks and the soft smile on her lips. Samantha could see the light from the fire dancing in his green eyes, darker now than she used to see them. Slowly he bent his face and kissed her trembling lips with the lightest touch. The kiss turned soon to fire of a passion barely held back. Finally they seperated to take breath and Samantha saw his eyes darkened of desire. She reached for his jacket and let it slid down to the floor with the scarthest of movements. With a faint smile on her lips, Samantha took his hands into her smaller ones and led him once more down the hall to her bedroom. They were going to finish what they had started earlier. She pulled the handle of the door and pulled him inside. The room was lit with candles, the canopy over the bed seemed to look like a ghost in the dim light. Alex let out a faint sigh, "Oh, Sam." ... He took her into his strong arms and and went further into the barely lit bedroom. Gently he places her on the large canopy bed. Her hair was spread over the light blue silk pillow in contrast to her light brown hair, and the darkblue nightgown. Just left in his dark jeans he disposed of it in a sensual way and let it fall down to the floor never taking his eyes from hers. He saw her dreamy eyes travelling over his naked body while leaning over her. He kissed her again softly first while running his hands over her sensuous body, over her breasts over the silky velvet feeling her already taut aureole and suddenly he couldn't stand it any more and raised the hem of her gown and slowly reveilled her shining body inch by inch. Forgotten and discarded he let the silky fabric silde to the ground taking company of his black jeans. She was so beautiful he had just to kiss her again. His tongue traced around her soft lips and just with the tip of it he gently explored her velvet mouth and danced with her tongue in a growing passion sucking and nibbling his way to her throat and found a sensitive spot just between her throat and the beginning of her shoulders. He felt her tremble and giving a last lick to the spot for now, he continued his voyage to her breast and took one nipple between his lips and sucked softly on it while with the hand he reached for the other caressing her breast sofly, then he trade place with the other nipple and gave it the same treatment for a while. His right hand descended lower to her most secret place and he could feel the moisture and heat. He instroduced one finger slowly into her, feeling the hard knop with his thumb and brushed over it in a slowly motion. Feeling her trembling he withdrew and heard her moan. He travelled back to kiss her mouth flicking his tongue into her velvet heat battling with her tongue while positioning himself over her. Slowly they rocked to the oldest dance of the world. They held their hands and squeezed them tightly while speeding up. His thrusts became more frantical by the minute Samantha could hardly stand it and heard him moan in exstasy in rythmn to hers. They trembled finally, crying out to the release, their bodies sweat bathed. Alex almost crushed her with his weight but when he wanted to roll away she held him tight. "Don't," was the only thing she could say. And he relaxed for a while burying his head to her neck crook. Finally he rolled around so she came to lie over him. End of 5 ---------- Okay, it's been a while, huh? Much thanks to Marianne, who wrote a scene for me (the one I didn't know how to write). Remind me to build her a temple. Oh, And all feedback is welcome! powder_puff@hotmail.com Disclaimer in part I. Feel free to archive. Alex sighed as dawn came. He was feeling very content. Samantha laid curled up beside him, running her hand up and down his chest. "I didn't know I had all those muscles." He laughed. She smiled, "Glad I gave you a work out." He gently kissed her temple, "You're gorgeous." She thought for a second, "Alex.... is our relationship just a physical one?" "What? Where did that come from?" She sat up, holding the blanket to her chest, "I feel like most of this relationship is spent in the bedroom." "You're right. We should spend time in the living room, on the sofa... maybe even the kitchen. If you want to get real adventurous we could do it in the laundry room on the washer while it's running." She playfully hit him, "Alex!" A smile spread across his face, he ran his fingers up and down her arm. "Yeah, a physical relationship isn't enough for me, either. But it is fun, isn't it?" She rested her head on his shoulder, "So what do we plan to do about it?" He kissed her hand, "We don't really talk about anything except Fox and Dana." "Right. So what are we going to do next time we get together?" He turned over so he was on top, "I'll surprise you." He leaned in for a kiss. Samantha smiled, "Okay, I can live with that." An alarm in Alex's wrist watch went off and he glanced at is. "OH MY GOD!" He jumped out of the bed, scrambling for clothes. "What's wrong?" She asked, caught off guard. "SCHOOL! My class starts in twenty minutes! I'm screwed!" She smiled, leaning back against the pillows, "Tell them you'll be a little late. Go take a shower and go home to change." "Sam, I can't just-" She handed him the phone, "Come on, Mr. Krycek, you can't go to work looking like THAT! It's obvious what you were doing last night." She smiled. He quickly dialed the number for the school and flashed her a grin. After showering and getting dressed, he kissed her good bye. "I'll see you tonight." It was approaching six weeks since Fox and Dana had spent a night together. Her flu bug was coming and going, much to his alarm. Finally, he had called her and asked her to see a doctor. "I AM A DOCTOR!" She snapped. "You don 't sound well, are you still sick?" "I'm fine, Mulder. Good night." He was calling more and more every day, and the conversations were always short. She was getting frustrated with him. Slowly, things were going back to the way they used to be, but it'd never be the same again. The damage was done and too late to repair. Alex was also checking up on her, she felt like she had two body guards! At the hospital, Dana did her rounds and took her break in between. While going over charts, she was hit with a shock of dizziness. A friend of her, Doctor Liz Wong, watched her run in. "DANA?" While Dana lost her lunch for what seemed like the fifth time that morning, Dr. Wong got her something to drink. When she returned to the ladies room, Dana was splashing cold water on her face. "Dana, take this." She handed her the drink. Without asking, Dana swallowed it. It settled her stomach and she was able to relax. "Thanks, Liz." "So, you have any idea what's wrong?" Liz leaned against the wall, watching Dana with a critical eye. "Flu bug, I think." "Some doctor you are! When was the last time you had your period, Dana?" "Huh? LIZ! No way! Don't even GO THERE!" Dana was about to walk out when Liz grabbed her arm. "It's obvious, Dana. You don't want to see it, that's why you missed the signs." Dana starred at her, "You think I'm...." "Pregnant! That's the word, it's not a dirty word, Dana." "Liz, I can not be pregnant." "So you never have sex, that's it? Oh, well then... must be the flu. But just for the record, when was the last time you had your period?" Dana paused for thought, "I don't know." "When was the last time you had sex?" "Liz! None of your business!" Liz pulled her into one of the examination rooms. "Remember how last week you wanted tests done to see why you were so sick? These are the results." She handed Dana the charts. Liz watched as Dana's face went from calm to shock. "Oh, God." Her hand went unconsciously to her stomach. "It's okay." Liz wrapped an arm around her. "I can't believe it! Oh, God." "Mike?" "It can't be Mike! He and I always used protection...." "Then who?" "Someone else. I gotta... oh, God." "Take the rest of the day off, go and rest. We'll talk later." Liz send Dana home for the rest of the weekend, much to her relief, Dana went without protest. Mulder got the call around midnight. "I have to talk with you." She said. He recognized Dana's voice, "What's up?" "In person, this can't be done over the phone." "Sure, I'll be right over." He scrambled from his bed to grab his jeans. When he went to the hall closet to get his leather jacket, Alex was sitting at the desk working on some papers. "Fox, where the hell do you think you're going at this hour?" "What are you doing up?" "Grading the last science test. Where are you going?" "Dana wanted to see me, it sounds serious." "Should I come?" "Nab, you just hurry up and go to bed." He grabbed his coat and raced out to his car. Dana had left the door unlocked, and he had slipped inside. The first thing he saw was her small frame, curled up on the sofa under a blanket. He gently touched her shoulder, "Dana?" The tears were running down her face and his heart tore for her. "Dana? What happened?" She sat up, wrapping the blanket around her tighter. "I've been really sick lately... and we just found out what's wrong." The first thing he thought was some fatal disease. "What's wrong?" He reached for her hand, kissing it. "I'm pregnant. That's why I've been so sick. Hormones." It took a few seconds for the news to sink in. "PREGNANT!" She jumped, scooting back. He grabbed her shoulders, "Are you sure, Dana? This isn't a mistake." "Positive." "Who's the father?" It could be either him or Mike. "You. You're the only one that I've... been with since my last period. And Mike and I always used protection.... we didn't." It occurred to Mulder for the first time that they hadn't used anything! "Oh... how do you feel?" "I don't know. What about you?" He pulled her into his arms, laughing, "Oh, God this is amazing!" She pulled back, "You're happy?" "We'll be the best parents in the world, Dana and-" "Be realistic, Fox! I can't have a baby! I mean, I barely have control over my own life! How am I to take care of a child?" "We'll get married and-" As soon as he said the words her mouth fell open. He quickly fell down to his knees, "Marry me, Dana. I want to have this family and-" "No." It was like being punched in the stomach. "What?" "I said no. I am not going to marry you. The only reason you asked was because of the baby! You don't love me like a husband should love his wife. Get out, Mulder." He couldn't believe it. "Haven't you been listening every time I said that I loved you? This baby is a bonus to me! I want it all! And I want you! I want this family!" "We don't always get what we want." She whispered. Not believing what was coming from her, Mulder stood up. "What will you do?" "I haven't decided." "Dana.... talk to me." "I'm not ready to talk yet. We'll discuss it later." He was practically pushed out of the apartment into the hall, leaning against the door. When Alex heard what Dana had done, his first thought was to rush and talk with her. Fox had been against it, "She wants to be alone." However, they did call Samantha over to discuss it with her. A woman's point of view was what they needed. Fox had an early patient tomorrow, but he had to get this off his chest. Otherwise he'd never sleep! Samantha entered the apartment, giving Alex a quick kiss on the lips, "Hey." He put his arms around her waist, "Hey. I missed you." He kissed her neck. "Sorry our date got canceled." She sighed, "I had to be at that meeting." "I get it." He kissed her again. "Where is Fox?" "In the kitchen. Fox, Sam is here." He entered, looking as if the world had fell on top of him and everyone was laughing. Samantha gave a sympathetic look, "What's going on?" "You're about to become Aunt Samantha." He sighed, plopping onto the sofa. She starred at him, "What?" "Dana's pregnant. She's sure I'm the father. She won't let me marry her." Samantha became angry, "What is with that girl? She's so insane! I'm gonna go talk with her-" "No, Sam!" Alex held her back. Fox buried his face in a pillow, almost wanting to suffocate himself. "She isn't ready to talk with anyone yet. I think I ruined her life." Samantha sat beside her brother, "Fox, she's blind as a bat! When she comes to her senses-" "I don't think she wants to be with me anymore." He whispered. Alex sat down across from the brother and sister, "I've known Dana as long as you have known Dana. She's really confused right now, I can't exactly blame her. Give it some more time, we'll see how it goes." Dana splashed the cold water on her face, another day of morning sickness. It wasn't even morning anymore! It was bedtime! She hated this! A hand went to her stomach. Life. A child was growing inside of her and she was going to be a mother. Fox had asked her to marry him! Four days had passed since he had fallen to his knees asking for her hand in marriage, and she had crushed him like a bug. Dana winced, "That was mean of me." Crawling under the covers, she felt cold. She had never felt more alone in her life. Of course, she had her family, she had friends, fellow doctors, she had Alex... but she didn't have Fox.. Mulder. Fox. Mulder. Fox. Fox! She reached for a pillow, pretending it was him, wrapping her arms around it. She had made mistakes, perhaps more than he had. She slowly wiped her tears away, "Fox." She had to admit, she missed him. She missed his jokes. She missed the way they used to talk on the phone late at night. How he'd bring her lunch at the hospital. Dana rumbaed the night they had shared in this bed... she hugged the pillow harder. That was her last thought before falling half asleep. Suddenly her head shot up, "OH MY GOD!" Love him? She should have said that she loved him! "Dana, you're such a bitch!" She said aloud to the empty room. She had to get some fresh air, she had to go and think. Her favorite 'thinking spot' was in the park. She grabbed some warm clothes and a sweater, then took a walk down to the park. It wasn't too far, the boy's apartment was half a block away. Dana felt the drops of rain on her face, she didn't care. Walking towards a tree where Alex had carved their names in a triangle, she sat down in a dry spot. The rain poured down harder but she felt detached. She had been awful. She didn't know what she wanted. Well, now she did know. She wanted to talk to him. She got up and started walking around the park, part of her didn't notice it was raining. Didn't notice that it was almost midnight and the park was deserted. She didn't care. Mulder had been walking back from the pharmacy when it had started to rain. He decided a short cut through the park would save him a few minutes, so he walked through the park gate and headed home. He saw her. Sitting not too far from 'their tree.' He wasn't sure it was her at first, but then he saw her face when she leaned against the tree. It was her, and she hadn't seen him. When she stood up, his eyes followed her as she walked around the play ground. He wet his lips, this was no place for a pregnant woman. Especially his Dana. Wrapping his rain coat around him tightly, he approached her. She didn't hear him, she didn't know he was there. She looked up at the sky, as if she were seeking heavenly guidance. The rain drops mixed with her tears and her face, as well as the rest of her, was soaked. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she whirled around in panic. For the first time realizing that she was begging for trouble, even though it was a safe neighborhood. He was there. A sad look in his eyes, one that tore her apart. "Fox." She sobbed. He reached his arms out to her, and she gratefully leaned against him. He hugged her tight, "Shh, it's okay. Shh." He shed his rain coat and wrapped it around her, she was shielded with only a soaked sweat shirt. He wiped the tears and rain drops from her cheeks, "You need to get dry, you'll really catch the flu now." "I guess I should go home-" A boom filled the air as lightning lit the sky. She jumped, "Oh, God." He sat her down on the stone park bench, an arm still draped around her. "What are you doing out here?" "Th... thinking." "Dana, couldn't you pick better weather to think in?" He joked. Her lower lip quivered, "I didn't realize-" She quickly stood up and faced him. "What are you doing out here?" "I was going home. Had to get some medication." "For what?" "Allergies, Dana. You better get inside soon." He saw her shivering. The lightning hit again and Dana saw a flash from the corner of her eye. She was so startled that she fell back, Fox pulled her into his lap. "Shh, it's just lightning. Remember that summer in the beach house?" She rested her head against his soaked shoulder, "Yeah..." > Fox was so tempted to kiss her, but they were still walking on egg shells. She laughed, "We were so stupid!" He lifted her up, setting her down to her feet. "Well, I don't feel like getting hit by lightning now. You have to get inside." "I guess it is time I went home." "You can't go home in this weather, Dana, our apartment is much closer." She looked up at him, a blank look on her face. "I promise, I won't try anything." He led her to their building. As they entered, the first thing Fox saw was a note from Alex. "Went out, call you later." Fox tossed the note aside, "You better get cleaned up. Take a hot shower, first." Dana, still shivering, walked towards his bedroom where the bathroom was connected. Alex has his own bathroom in the hallway. While she showered in the master bedroom bathroom, he took Alex's bathroom. After getting dressed and seeing her soaked clothes on the floor, he realized that she'd have nothing to wear. As appealing as this was, he knew he had to get her something. He pulled a long sleeves white shirt from his closet and a pair of black silk boxers from the drawer. He searched the bottom drawer looking for something that he had forgotten to return to her. Ages back, when their washing machine had broken down, they had done laundry at Dana's. One of her satin panties had gotten mixed with his shirts. He thought it'd be too embarrassing to return it to her, so he decided to forget about it. Setting her clothes out on the bed, he pulled a towel from the closet. When the shower stopped, he tossed the towel into the bathroom, over the shower bar. "I set some clothes out for you, I'll be in the living room." He waited for her to get dressed and when she opened the door, she was bright red. "Fox... how did you get those.... my..." "I didn't steal your underwear, Dana." He defended himself. Her blush deepened, "Yeah." "You're laundry once got mixed up with mine when I was washing clothes at your place. Good thing I had them around. You comfortable?" She nodded, "Thanks." "You and I need to talk." He said softly. She nodded, "We do." He moved over so she could sit on the sofa, "How do you feel?" She put a hand on her stomach, "I think we're doing fine." He took a breath, "That's good." "Fox, I was out thinking tonight because I realized something." She confessed. "What?" "I realized that I don't hate you. All the shit that we've been through in the past few months has been because of me! Not you, none of it is your fault. I don't know what I want, I don't know what I feel. Well, I didn't know. I kind of know a little more now." "What does that mean?" She was starting to talk in riddles. She reached her hand out and touched his chest to feel his beating heart, her doctor's opinion told her that it was going a little faster than normal. "Fox, I made a big mistake, and I got really mixed up. Still, that's no excuse. I caused you to go through hell and I'm so sorry." She pulled her hand away. "And?" She smiled faintly, "I miss you." "Do you want to go back to the way things were before?" She laughed, "Right. No way, Fox. Especially not with this little guy on the way.... or girl." He bit his lower lip, "What do we do now?" She moved closer to him, pressing her forehead against his, "We take it slowly. First of all, let me say that I love you. And I hope that you can forgive me for putting you through all that angst." He smiled at her, "I could never hold anything against you." She sighed and covered a yawn, "I wouldn't blame you if you did." "But I don't. And you, mommy, look really tired." He lifted her up into his arms. She let out a cry, "What are you doing?" "I read some where that expecting mothers should get a lot of rest." He carried her to his bedroom, setting her down on the mattress. She looked up at him, "Fox, I'm don't think I'm ready to go this fast and-" He hushed her with a soft kiss, "I don't plan on rushing you into anything, Dana. We're just going to sleep. He switched off the lights and crawled in beside her. Dana felt him wrap her in his arms, snuggling up beside her. She smiled, it felt so nice to have him with her. He put his hand on her stomach, "This is where our baby is?" She nodded, then realized he couldn't see her in the dark. "Yeah, that's where our baby is." He kissed her shoulder, "We gotta start buying things." "I don't want to think about it now." She yawned, closing her eyes. Safe in his arms, she finally slept peacefully for the first night in seven weeks. He hugged her tighter, whispering a thanks to God or whoever was out there helping him. Six days went by. Six days of his pampering. Six days of morning sickness. Six days of his hugs and kisses. Six days of nausea. Six, wonderful, fun filled days with him sleeping beside her. They hadn't made love yet, she had asked to go slow, and he wasn't even thinking of rushing her. He always made sure she ate, he dropped in to see her at the hospital like the old days... it was all perfect! Her stomach had only become slightly rounded, from what she could tell, she was fine. Liz was taking extra special care of her at the hospital, it was her favor to Fox. "His parents sure knew what they were talking about when they named him." Liz whistled as he walked out the hospital doors. Dana frowned, "Don't even think about it, Liz." "Hey, I wouldn't touch your man, Dana." Liz smirked before leaving. Dana smiled to herself, When he brought up the subject of his proposal, she had avoided it. "Dana, I know how your father is! He'll be really upset and-" "Are you scared of my father, Fox?" Dana had asked while folding laundry with him. He refused to let her work at home. He had suggested hiring a maid. "Please, you gotta keep the strain off-" "Fox, what do you know about giving birth? Now shut up and hand me the towels." He did as requested, "Well, don't you want to get married?" She paused to think for a while, "It's not important right now. Plus, I don't want to walk down that aisle like a blimp! Imagine the wedding dress." "We'll get married soon, before you really start to show." "No point in keeping this baby a secret, Fox. A little late right now." He moaned, "Oh, Dana, I want to do this right! Stop fighting me!" She shook her head, "Just let me think." "This baby will be born by the time you make up your mind." He moved over so he could rest his head in her lap. She leaned back on the sofa, running her fingers through his soft hair. "Stop nagging me. If we get married, you'll probably nag me all the time." She yawned. He sat up, "Isn't it the wife's job to nag?" She hit him with the pillow, "I would watch that mouth of yours, I am a trained doctor and I know how to do an autopsy. Doesn't matter to me of the subject is dead or not." He winced, "Geez." She yawned again, forcing herself to get up and prepare dinner. He beat her to the kitchen, "I'll order dinner. You go and take a nap." "I am not sick, Fox, I'm pregnant!" He ran his hands up and down her arms, kissing her lips softly. "Go get in that bed.... or I'll drag you there." "Right, Fox." She pushed her way past him. He came up behind her, snatching up the phone and dialing the number for the Pizza Hut. He ordered all of Dana's favorites, then hung up. "Didn't I said go to bed? It'll be an hour anyway!" "Give me a second-" He came up from the side and swept her into his arms, "FOX NO!" Being careful not to bump her head, he led her to the bedroom and set her down on the mattress. "You are going to stay here until the pizza arrives. Doesn't matter if you sleep or not. You still need rest." He moved the blanket aside and kissed her belly, where the baby was. After a short discussion/fight, he finally won and closed the door behind him. Dana came out of the room, sitting beside him on the sofa. "What are you doing up?" "I want to watch TV." She snatched the remote from his hand, switching channels. He rested his head against hers, "I gotta go and get some clothes from the apartment. I'll be back soon. The delivery boy should be here in twenty minutes." He kissed her cheek and left shortly after. Half an hour later, the door bell rang. She pulled out her wallet and opened the door. Expecting the usual teenage delivery boy, he was surprised to find Mike standing in front of him. "I need to speak with you, Dana." He said grimly. She wet his lips, "Now isn't a good time... Mike." Mike pushed his way past her, marching towards the living room, "This can't wait." Dana chased after him, "Did you leave something behind? What do you want?" "Just you, Dana." She starred back at him, her eyes wide. "Mike.... what are you doing here?" "I need to talk about something. I looked for you at the hospital but couldn't find you." "I'm on vacation now." She whispered, thinking how Fox has suggested they spend time together. Mike stalked towards her, grabbing her mouth in a kiss, "I still want to marry you. We can forget about what happened and wipe the board clean." She pushed him away, "You can't be serious!" "I still love you." He whispered, pushing her back against the wall and kissing her hard. End of 6 ------------ OH NO! MIKE RETURNS! WHat will Dana do now? Feedback is loved, I just might end up taking a long time with the next part if I'm not motivated! (hint) powder_puff@hotmail com I luv feedback! Write to me! Legal stuff in part I. WARNING: I warned a few of you, this is a bitter sweet ending. MSR confirmed, don't freak. Please stick with me, I hope you like it. The last part is really cute, I think! Last time, Fox and Dana had just realized what they felt and darling little old Mike came in and kissed Dana! AHhh! He had watched Mike enter the building, and Fox had chased after him. However, Mike had made it to the elevator and it had closed before Fox could make his presence known. Now, standing outside the door where Mike and Dana were talking, he took a breath. "Dana?" "Please leave!" She snapped. Fox froze, "What?" She whirled around to see him, "Fox. Good, you're home." Mike's mouth turned into an 'o'. "Is he living with you now?" "Get out, Mike. I don't feel comfortable having you here." "I'm giving you a chance to make things right, Dana!" He insisted. Fox watched in silence. Dana, once more, would make her choice. Actually, she'd never made one the first time, Mike had made it for her. Dana crossed her arms over her chest, "Fox and I are going to be parents. And we're going to get married. I think you're a little bit late, Mike." He seemed surprised. Throwing a curse at Fox, he turned for the door. "Damn you moved fast." He hissed. Fox slammed the door behind the bastard, "He was wearing your lipstick, or was that just my imagination?" "He kissed me." She sat down on the sofa, resting her elbows on her knees. "Oh. Did you kiss him back?" "No. Of course not!" "Good." Fox walked into the kitchen for some water. He ran the brief conversation over in his mind. He dropped the glass in the sink and raced out to the living room. "We're getting married? You're saying yes?" She tired to conceal a smile, "If the offer is still on the table...." "Of course it is!" He raced to her and practically knocked her over. She smiled up at him, running her fingers through his hair. "Well. That's wonderful." She kissed his lips. "Dana, are you sure you have no feelings for Mike? I don't want you to be making a mistake-" She seemed surprised that he had actually said that, "Fox William Mulder, I don't want anyone except you. I can survive without the rest of the world, but I couldn't stand to not have you in my life. I really love you and have no doubt in my mind." "So it's official? We're going to get married?" "Yes... but I'm still keeping my last name professionally." She smirked. Alex was gathering his books and papers when Fox came in the next morning. He looked up at him, "Spent the night at Dana's?" "Yeah. Um, I got some news." "Make it quick, buddy, I'm late again." Alex grabbed a steaming cup of coffee and took a slug. Then he spit it out into the sink, "SICK! How old is this shit?" Fox smiled, "Stand still and listen. Dana said she'd marry me." Alex was rinsing out his mouth, "Huh? WHAT?" "I want you to be my best man." Alex stood up straight, "Really? You and Dana are getting married?" "Be my best man?" "Of course!" Alex held is hand out for a shake and gave his friend a brief hug. "So, what have you planned?" "Nothing at all. But Dana wants it done before the baby comes and everything." "Of course." Alex said, "Shit! I have to feed Bleeper." He reached for the cabinet and took out a small container. Fox frowned, "Bleeper?" "The rat. We're going to use him for science. But I have to keep him with me for a few days." Alex took the rat food into the living room. On the book case, Bleeper lazily sat in his cage. "Damn! That sucker is huge!" Fox gasped. "He is, isn't he? He sure as hell eats a lot." An alarm in Alex's watch rang, "Now I'm really late! Congratulations, Fox. I'll talk to you later." He grabbed his lap top computer and raced out to his car. Fox laughed to himself. "He's gotta get more organized." It was seven and Fox had to get ready for work. He couldn't let his patients down. With a smile on his face, he faced the bright world, a very happy man. He was going to be a husband and a father. Dana called Fox on his cellular phone, "I have a small favor to ask... and if it's a bother, just let me know." "What?" He asked while cleaning up his bedroom. He found a slice of pizza that was as hard as a rock. With a wince, Fox tossed it into the trash. "My building is getting sprayed for ants.... can I stay with you?" "Of course, Dana! You didn't even have to ask. Come over whenever you need to." "Today?" "Yeah, that's fine." "What about Alex?" "You're his best friend, too. I doubt he'll complain too much." "Okay, I'll be over around eight..... I love you." "I love you, too." He whispered. It felt so good to tell her! He felt whole. Alex carried his new rat into the kitchen, "I feel really bad about having to dissect this poor thing next week." Fox starred at the rodent in horror, "Get it out of here! Dana is coming over!" "She loves Animals." Alex pointed out, slipping the rat into his cage. When Fox thought of Dana and the rat in the same room, the word 'Plague' came to his mind. "She's pregnant! God knows what reaction her body will have to that fuzz ball. Just stash him in your room, Alex!" Alex turned to his friend, "You're paranoid, Fox." He carried the cage out of the kitchen. Fox plopped down on the sofa, he'd have to take extra good care of Dana. He faint smile spread across his face, Dana had come over straight from the hospital. She had her clothes in a bag and was set to stay a few days. She had never been so tired in her life. She took out her key and unlocked the door to the apartment. "Fox? Alex?" The smell of sea food invaded her senses. She suddenly realized how hungry she actually was! Walking into the kitchen, she saw Fox wearing an apron that said, "Kiss the Chef!" She snuck up behind him, pinching his butt. He whirled around, "God, for a second I thought you were Alex and I got scared!" He teased. She smiled, "You look good. When we get married, you're going to do all the cooking." "That's what I get for being a renaissance man of the 90's?" He asked. She flashed a brilliant smile, "I carry the children, the least you can do is cook." Being reminded of the little one, Fox moved towards her, hugging her tight. "This is so amazing." She kissed his temple, "So, what are you making?" "I know you love sea food, so I did shrimp, fish, potatoes and salads." "You're too good to me." She whispered. "I'm all yours." He kissed her lips softly. She pulled back, suddenly self conscious, "What happened to Alex?" "He and Sam went on a date." Fox said, returning to the dinner. Dana raised a brow, "You're not upset?" "No. Alex is my buddy, and I figured since Sam is a big girl, she'll take care of herself. And I'll stay out of it." "How very mature of you, Fox. Now who are you and what have you done with the real Fox Mulder?" He laughed, giving her a shrimp to taste. "It's the new me. Now tonight we're just going to talk about us. No work, nothing." She nodded, "How nice." Fox dished out the dinner, refusing to let Dana help. "I will wait on you hand and foot until I decide you're fit." "What does that mean?" She faked insult. He kissed her cheek, "I heard that women should be pampered during their pregnancies." "God bless the person who told you that." She laughed. He set her plate down in front of her. "I hope you like it." She picked up her fork and took a taste of the fish, amazing. "Fox, this is delicious!" He smiled, pleased that he had made her happy. "Great." "So, what's for dessert?" She asked while he poured her juice. He grinned, "We can go to the bedroom and find out." Samantha, wearing her jeans and a sweater, followed Alex up the mountain. "Please tell me where we are going!" She called after him. He turned back to look at her. She looked so beautiful to him, her hair in a pony tail, wearing casual clothes. No make up. She put her hands on her hips, "I am not moving another inch until you confess what you're up to." He sighed, walking down the rocks to stand by her side. "A while back, I went up here with a class for an environmental science field trip. The teacher leading the trip showed us this.... place. It's a surprise, but I know you'll love it." "Alex, just tell me." She sighed. He held her face between his two hands, "You were the one saying that our relationship hardly ever leaves the bedroom. I wanted to show you something no one else has shown you before." "Alex, I can't help but be suspicious." "What!?" "You asked me to come out here in the middle of no where. You told me to bring an extra pair of clothes. So what's your plan? Are we going to make love in the woods or what?" She smiled. He rolled his eyes, "That's just more sex, Sam. And believe me, it's one of the best parts of a relationship. Especially with you." He punctuated his words with a kiss at her neck, "But you will need the clothes for something else. Come on." He took her hand and led her up the rocks. She followed him dutifully, starting to get annoyed. After perhaps another ten minutes of hiking, something caught Samantha's ear. She paused to listen. Alex grinned at her, "Hurry up." They walked towards the sound of the rushing water, and Samantha started to feel a little excited. Alex looked like a little boy again. Soon the sound of water was roaring in her ears. Alex pointed, "Look." She saw it, a small water fall. It was beautiful! With all types of flowers growing and birds chirping. He turned to kiss her. "You had to see this." She smiled at him, "Thanks for showing me, Alex." Together, hand in hand, they walked towards the water fall. A few yards away from where the water crashed to the rocks, there was a huge stone. Big enough for the two of them to stand on. Samantha held Alex's hand and the stood in each other's arms and water sprayed them. The sound was deafening and they were drenched already! She hugged him tight, "I love you." Her words were lost in the wind, and Alex started to unbutton her shirt. "The water is fairly warm. Wanna go for a dip?" She laughed at him, "Now? What if someone comes?" "No one comes out here, Sam." The thought of being naked with him where anyone could just walk in was exciting. It took little coaxing from Alex to get her to do it. She shed her drenched sweater and tossed it onto a bunch of rocks. "Fine. Let's do it." They raced to see who could shed all their clothes the fastest. Alex won that race. She felt as if they were Adam and Eve! He moved down so his ankles were in the water, he lifted her into his arms and she shrieked! "ALEX KRYCEK! What are you doing?!" He slowly released her into the water, it wasn't too cold. She wrapped her arms around him, "I have never done anything like this before in my life!" He ran his hands over her breasts and taunt nipples, "Doesn't this feel amazing?" She grinned, "It does...." He wet his lips, "Touch me, Sam." She blushed slightly, running her hands over his chest. "I thought I was." He took her by the wrists and led them lower, down his chest, past his naval and much lower. She gasped, he was so hard! "Alex!" He took a breath, "I want you to feel comfortable around me. You can touch me whenever and where ever you want." He watched her reaction carefully. And it was not what he expected. Tears ran down her cheeks and she moved away from him. "SAM? I'm sorry.... I didn't mean to make you cry. Sam?" Samantha shook her head, wiping her eyes. "I just think that.... it's so sweet of you. You're so much more than I deserve." "Sammy, why are you crying?" He couldn't understand what had triggered so much emotion in her. She hugged him close to her, "I'm so happy. You just made me really happy." She kissed his lips, running her hand up and down his smooth back. He hugged her back, "I'm glad you're happy." He kissed her tears. They stayed in each others arms for a few moments, then he pulled back to face her. "Sam? I love you, too." Her eyes went wide, "You heard me?" "I love you, too." He repeated. She laughed, "Oh, my God. You love me?" "Sam, what man can look at you and not fall in love with you?" Dana let out a whimper as he suckled her nipple, he quickly pulled back. "Am I hurting you?" "Oh, don't stop, Fox! You can never hurt me." He froze for a second, "Dana.... is this okay for the baby?" She chuckled, "Of course. Fox Mulder, you worry too much." He looked down at her with concern, "I can't exactly help it." She paused to stare at him, "Oh, Fox. I didn't mean to tease you. Come here." She held her arms open for him. He rested his head against her bare chest, resting a protective hand over the spot where their baby was. "I just.... don't want anything to happen to you." Dana was naked from the waist up, and she had a skirt on. Fox bit his lower lip, "I worry." She covered his hand with hers, "It's official, I don't deserve you." She sighed. He looked up at her, "It's the opposite. I don't deserve you." Her eyes brimmed with tears, "You.... are the most amazing man in my life. And I'd hate to imagine living without you." "I want to know everything about you." "Okay." "Not just how you feel, cause you feel wonderful. Or how you look, because I knew from the first word on of your mouth you were beautiful. And you smell like a peach. But I've only been privy to your sound once. And I've never gotten to taste you." Dana's eyes darted down. Fox was telling her things she really didn't know how to approach. She was not loud in bed; the only time she had screamed was with him. The . . . taste . . . part, that was never an issue with anyone else. Her other lovers were not much into other's satisfaction. Fox, however, was slowly inching the crepe skirt she wore to reveal her thighs. Her eyes slipped shut as she thanked god she was not wearing stockings. "I've dreamed . . . several times in fact . . . about doing this, Dana. Will you let me?" "Please, Fox, I . . . I've never . . .? "Never?" He asked incredulously. "None of the men I've been with had oral fixations." "You've missed out." Fox slipped down to his knees before Dana and finished pushing her skirt up to her waist. Beneath the bunches of fabric in his hands was a pair of bikini briefs that hid treasure beneath. Fox leaned in and bit down on the top of panties. Pulling them down with his teeth, Dana leaned back, unsure what would happen. Then . . . nothing. She raised herself up on her elbows to see Fox looking back at her. "Are you okay?" "Yeah." She shut her eyes unsure of what to expect. A barely noticeable kiss below her navel was not it. Her eyes opened, staring up at the ceiling as she noticed the kisses trail down. Lower and lower until they were . . . "Ohmygod!" A smile. She could feel him smiling against her skin. In between the flicking of his tongue, she knew he was smiling. "Fox . . ." "I want you, Dana. Beside me in everything." Her eyes opened to see the man she loved hover over her. His eyes were golden twinkles that beckoned her lips to his. Hands caressed and caught clothing. Soon they were unclothed and one. A rhythm that many lovers take years to perfect was set in a matter of moments of bonding. "Oh, Fox . . . I'd beg you to give me a child, but you've already done that." "Dana." His voice turned to a growl as he pressed his hips to hers. She gasped once and clung on as he tried to get the reaction again. "FOX!" Dawn was beautiful. Together they sat at the window and watched the sun rise. Fox got up to prepare breakfast. "You have to get to work soon." She commented. He moaned, "Let's play hooky today." "No. I have patients, so do you." She slipped into her new clothes. Fox leaned against the wall to watch her dress, she blushed. "What?" "Just noticing how great you look." He leered. "Fox, I won't look so good in a few months." "I'll always think you're hot." He kissed her hand, "I'll get breakfast." She finished getting ready to go to the hospital and met him in the breakfast room. He handed her juice, "Fox, I prefer coffee." She said, reaching for the mug. He pulled her hand back, "I know that women who are pregnant shouldn't have coffee." "Fox! My mother had coffee every day of all her pregnancies." She pointed out. Fox moved towards her, "Please don't. I'm asking you...." She looked down at the floor, "Fine." She picked up the juice, which did her no good. The nausea hit her after breakfast and she spent fifteen minutes in the bathroom. She informed Fox that he was to stay out. He waited for her to come back, and she looked so pale when she did. "Dana, is that normal?" She nodded, "Totally. I gotta go. They get mad if we're late." She picked up her purse and headed towards the door as if everything was normal. "Dana." "Yeah?" "Don't work too hard." He smiled. She grinned, "Bye, Fox." Saturday finally came and Fox insisted that Dana spend the night once more. "Fox... I can go back to my apartment now. You can come, too." She grinned at him, sitting down in his lap. He grinned, "I just feel like staying here..." "Alex?" "It's fine. He spends most of his time out anyway, he and Sam..." Dana rested her head on his shoulder, "One more night." "Good." Samantha had come over to spend the day. "My apartment's getting lonely." She admitted. Alex gave her a secret smile, and she smiled back. Fox rolled his eyes, "I'm going roller blading. Anyone care to join me?" He looked at Dana. She shook her head, "I'm too tired." She moved towards the bedroom. Fox approached her with concern, "Are you feeling okay?" "Yeah, you go on. It's Sunday, you're day off. You need to go to something fun. I just want a nap." He put his hand on her shoulders, "Okay. I'll see you in a while." He gave a kiss. Alex had decided to go roller blading also, so the two got their blades and like obnoxious teenagers, raced to the elevator. Samantha couldn't help but smile. Alex was so cute. Dana came out of the bedroom, "I can't sleep. Want to play chess?" Samantha laughed, "I hate chess, how about cards?" They played a few rounds of poker, finally Dana turned on the TV. The news was depressing so she changed it to SIGHTINGS. "Fox finds this UFO stuff interesting." Dana sighed, leaning back. Samantha grinned, "I know. It's freaky." Dana got up and walked towards the kitchen, "Do you want something to drink, Sam?" "Um, sure. Do they have coke?" "Yeah..." Samantha had become lost watching crop circles when she heard a crash from the kitchen and Dana scream. Leaping to her feet, she raced to see what was happening. Dana fell against the counter, "OH, GOD!" She wrapped her hands around her stomach and moaned. Samantha panicked, "Dana, what's wrong?" "It hurts so much...." Dana whispered. Samantha turned around when she heard door opening, Fox and Alex had taken off their skates and were walking in wearing socks. "FOX! Dana's hurt!" Samantha screamed. He dropped his blades and ran, "Dana?" Dana was now crumpled on the floor, the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Dana!" He sat on the kitchen floor and pulled her into his arms, "What's happening?" Dana let out a strangled cry, "I'm losing the baby..." She whispered. Alex snatched up the phone, calling 9-1-1. Samantha held Dana's hand, "It's okay, you'll be fine." Dana looked up at Fox, her eyes filled with tears, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry." "For what, angel?" He hugged her. Her clothes were now stained with blood and it was alarming. He thought he was going to lose her. "I know how much you wanted this baby.... please forgive me, Fox." He kissed her head and rocked her back and forth, "I know this isn't your fault. I just can't lose you...." END of 7/8 ------------- STICK WITH ME! It's not as bad as you think! Have faith my fellow Philes! all feedback to: powder_puff@hotmail.com And that NC-17 scene brought to you by Lynn, not me! The trio sat in the waiting room while Dana came out of surgery to repair whatever damage had been done. Two of Dana's friends, Doctor Jason Edwards and Liz Wong, came out to talk to them. Jason raked his fingers through his hair, "I'm sorry about the baby, Mr. Mulder." "Is she all right?" That was all that was on his mind. He could deal with everything else as long as she was all right. Liz nodded, "Dana will be fine in a few days. She's resting, you can see her in a bit." "Why.... why did she lose the baby?" Fox asked, his voice quivering. Samantha reached for her brother's hand, giving silent support. Liz pressed her lips together, "Well, there could be a number of reasons. I know Dana is in good health, we've recently given her an examination. This is just nature at work. I think that.... I know that Dana can have healthy children. But I suggest you wait a few months before trying again. Fox turned to Sam and Alex, "Can you guys leave us for a second?" He asked. Alex took Samantha's hand and nodded, "Yeah, get you something to eat." After they were out of ear shot, Fox turned to the doctors. "Could she have lost the baby because...of something I did?" Jason raised a brow, "Dana's also a doctor, would you rather ask her or us?" Fox considered it for a second, "I'll ask her." He probably would ask her, but part of him wanted to consult another doctor. Jason gave Fox a pat on the shoulder, "I think I know what you're thinking. Excuse us, Liz." Liz turned on her heels and went to see Dana in the hospital room. Since Dana was a doctor at this hospital, she was getting VIP treatment, thanks to Liz making a few threats and calling in favors. Jason sat Fox down, "Are you wondering if she lost it because... you had sex too early?" He worked the muscles in his jaw, nodding. "I don't think so. Like Liz said, this is just nature at work." "I don't understand why it happened." He whispered. "It happens. We'll run more tests, but I think that Dana is fine, and you two can have lots of kids. But we want you to wait a few months, for her safety." Fox nodded, "Can I see her now?" Margaret Scully raced into the waiting room, "Fox?" He stood up, "Mrs. Scully.... Dana's in the room.... would you like to go see her?" Jason stood up, offering to give Mrs. Scully any information she wanted. Margaret shook her head, "No, thank you. I just need to see my daughter." "Sure. Mr. Mulder, you two can go in together." As soon as they were alone, Margaret asked the question, "Your baby?" He nodded, "Yeah." His voice was a whisper. Margaret crossed her arms, "So.... what were you two going to do?" "I finally convinced her to marry me. We were really..... happy about it. God, this is a nightmare. I have to see her." He raced out of the waiting room. Dana sat in the bed, her face as pale as the pillow case. Fox sat down in a chair beside her, "Hey, gorgeous. How do you feel?" She shook her head, starring off into space, "I feel.... fine." He touched her hand, "You're going to be fine. They said we can try again in a few months." Dana turned to him, "You want to try again?" "Well, whatever you want. Whenever you're ready. I'll give you a thousand babies if you really want them, Dana." She touched his face with her hand, "You ready for all that, Fox? I don't exactly what a thousand... more like two or three." He laughed, kissing her cheek. "Yeah, I think those are good numbers." Dana took a breath, "Are we still getting married?" "Why wouldn't I want to marry you?" "I don't know...." "Dana, let's set a date. Right now. This very second! When do you want to become my wife?" She felt a lump rise in her throat, "It's May now..... is September too far away?" "If you want September, you got it." He kissed her mouth. "What day?" "September 8th." She beamed. "And what's so special about that date?" Margaret asked, entering the hospital room. Dana reached a hand out for her mother, "It's the first day of school... when I met Fox." Margaret kissed the top of her daughter's head, "That's sweet, Dana." Fox looked up at Mrs. Scully, "Well, we better start planning a wedding." Margaret reached her arms out for Fox, "Congratulations." Fox hugged her, then Margaret hugged Dana. Soon Alex and Samantha were led into the room, and the announcement was made. Five months from now, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully were going to get married. Samantha threw her arms around her brother, "That's great, you two!" Fox kissed Dana's hand, "I love you. I can't wait to make you Mrs. Mulder." She grinned at him, "I'm keeping Scully professionally, just want you to know that." He laughed, "Yeah, of course." "Doctor Dana Scully... and Mrs. Dana Mulder. I like the sound of Dana Mulder." EPILOGUE FIVE YEARS LATER: They were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. Dana had wanted a nice evening at home, but he had surprised her with a huge party. She didn't mind. Their daughter, Starr, came running into the kitchen wearing a blue dress. Fox had picked out the name, "She is a Starr, Dana. Please? Can we name her Starr?" Dana, seeing the look on his face, couldn't help but agree. "Sure." Their baby girl was beautiful. She was the spitting image of her mother, red hair, blue eyes that could stop you in your tracks and a sweet little face. Dana had walked into the house, expecting it to be empty, but surprised to find that all of her family and friends had come. Friends from the hospital, Samantha, Alex, both sets of parents, Dana's brothers and sisters. Fox had even dressed little Starr in a frilly dress. The kind she hated, but her father had convinced her that everyone would love it. Starr held a wrapped package out for her mother, "Mummy... for you and Daddy." Fox's mouth fell open, "You got us a gift?" The four year old nodded proudly, "Open!" Dana unwrapped the package, her face turning pink with pleasure. "Sweetie, it's perfect!" Carefully placed in a frame was a drawing. Starr was a real artist. She had an image of Fox. One of Dana. One of herself. And a fourth image, her new brother... who was still on the way. "You like?" Fox picked her up, giving her a hug, "We love it." "Where did you get a frame, Angel?" Dana gave her daughter a hug. She pointed at Alex and Samantha, "Uncle Alex." Alex smiled, "Just cut the cake." Dana gave Alex a brief hug, "Thanks." Fox and Dana held the knife together in their hands, cutting the cake as they had on their wedding. Everyone clapped, Starr's dog, Starbuck, had barked, begging for a slice of cake. She snuck him a spoonful of frosting, much to her mother's dismay. "No, Starr. You know he can't have that." Starr led the dog outside and raced to her Aunt Samantha. "Aunt Sammy, can I hold the baby?" Samantha grinned. "Yeah, sit back on the sofa first, honey." Starr anxiously waited to hold her new baby cousin. Five month old Christopher Krycek. Alex and Samantha had gotten married two years after Fox and Dana. Samantha was still doing fashions at Xhileration, and had become leading designer. Alex was still teaching science, he had even bought Starr the dog that she loved. "I couldn't let him go to the pound, Dana." Alex explained to his friend. Dana raised a brow, "Where did you find him?" "In the parking lot..." Starr had become very attached to her new pet, "Mommy, can I keep it?" Dana moaned, "Sweetie, you'll neglect him." "No I won't! What neglect mean?" Alex laughed, "C'mon, Dana. Give it a try?" She looked at Starr's smiling face and cursed herself for her weakness. "Fine." Fox cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "I'd like to make a toast. To my beautiful girls, Dana and Starr. I'll always love you." Dana wrapped an arm around her husband, Starr holding onto her father's hand. Pictures were taken, gifts were opened and the cake was half finished. Everyone gave their congratulations and by that evening, the house was once again silent. Well, as silent as it can be with a four year old around. Fox carried his wife up the stairs, "Was that fun or what?" She smiled, "It was. Thank you, Fox. You're so sweet." He gently laid her down on the bed that they had shared for five years. "It's no problem. How does my wife feel?" "Like giving you a kiss." "Hum?" She pulled his head down to hers, "Are we always going to be like this?" "Like what?" "You KNOW what I'm talkin' about." She smirked. He grinned at her, "Yeah, we'll always be like this." He kissed her again. A soft tapping at the bedroom door caused them to jump apart. "Yes?" Fox called. Starr pushed the door open, "Daddy, I want to sleep here." He turned to his daughter, holding her favorite blue blanket and wearing a white night gown. He opened his arms to her, "Come here, kid." She leaped onto the bed, placing herself between her parents. "What scared you, Starr?" Dana asked. "Nothing. Just want to sleep with Mommy and daddy." She rested her head against the pillow and yawned. Fox smiled at his wife, "Sure. Good night." Dana smiled, "Night, Fox. Good night, Starr." "Night Mommy, Daddy." She yawned again and closed her eyes. Dana reached for his hand, "I hope we're always like this." THE END ------- If you like it, write to me at powder_puff@hotmail.com! I love to get feedback and I'd be very pleased to hear from you. If you were pissed at me because Dana lost the baby, I SAID THIS WAS BITTER SWEET! And it was happy in the end, right? RIGHT? TEASER for Life Times IV!: Dana is part of a royal family living in the 1600's, she lives in Cortia (I made that up!) When King Pendrell, who is married, falls in love with her, the royal counselors banish her to Auguston. Here she lives with their royal family, and during her first few days meets a man named Fox. He pretends to be a gardener, while he is actually a prince. For weeks he keeps up this charade, making her think that he is just a gardener! The King is killed and Fox is accused of the murder! Will the young prince be able to save himself befor he is the next to die? I promise this will be fun!