If You Could Only See by Mulderslady Part of the What if stories universe DISCLAIMER: They don't belong to me, wish they did. Only Nickole Buchanan, Nora Simmons, Xada, Brianne, Amber, Mrs. Havers and Dan are mine. RATING: P.G.-13 to R CLASSIFICATION: S, Alternative Universe kinda, A, slight MT, MSR KEYWORDS: MSR, UST leading to RST, Mulder and Scully angst, AU kinda, slight Muldertorture. SPOILERS: Pilot, Squeeze, Nisei, 731 URL: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/5160/whatif.html FEEDBACK: Please!!! at damacia@home.com ARCHIVE: Oh yeah, anywhere!! SUMMARY: What if Mulder was born blind? Part of The What if Universe, a group of stories that ask the ever intriguing question, What if . . . ***********************%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%% If you could only see the way she loves me Maybe you would understand Why I feel this way about our love and what I must do If you could only see how blue her eyes are when she says, When she says she loves me If You Could Only See by Tonic **************%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% How did I get talked into being partnered with FBI pariah Fox Mulder? Fox Mulder, who had a brilliant profiling career only to leave it all behind to chase little green men. Oh well, at least I get to be out in the field and out of the classroom, she thought as she knocked on the door. "Hello" "Nobody down here but the FBI's most unwanted." "Agent Mulder, I'm Dana Scully, I've been assigned to work with you." "OH isn't it great to be suddenly so highly regarded." He said looking up at her, gold wire framed glasses encasing mystical hazel eyes. He had to be handsome didn't he, she thought as she appraised her new partner. Slightly shaggy Chestnut hair, hand combed away from his face, a strong jaw supporting a pleasingly plump mouth. He seemed to be looking just past her. He moved around the office effortlessly as he explained there first case, but Scully sensed something wasn't quite right about him. "Well lets get going." He grabbed his jacket and picked up what looked like a slim metal container. He whipped it out quickly to revel a guiding cane and he walked out of the door. He's blind? Spooky Mulder's blind? I never knew that! "Coming Scully?" Scully snapped back to reality and followed him. Oregon Scully laid on his bed, he sat on the floor seemingly looking out the window. "How long have you been blind Mulder?" "All my life." "The glasses?" "Transitions lenses so I don't have to worry about putting on sunglasses. A lot of light seems to bother my eyes." "You can't see anything?" "Forms and shadows." "Do you ever wish you could see?" "Yes. I really would like to know what you look like. You sound . . . I don't know never mind." "How do I sound?" "Bigger. Your what, about 5'3?" "Yeah, here." Scully climbed off the bed and sat in front of him, taking his hands in hers and placing them on her face gently. "Soft hair like silk, delicate jaw line, don't smile, strong chin, rosebud lips, roman nose, high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, what color are your eyes?" "Blue." "More description Agent Scully." "Blue around the outside bleeding in with green." "Pretty. Do you have freckles?" "Yes." "Where?" "Right here." Scully said moving his fingertips along the bridge of her nose and her cheeks. "Splashing your face with color. You have soft skin, your fair aren't you?" "Yes." "Redhead?" "Yes." "I can tell. Most people would just describe what they look like. Red heads and brunettes tend to be more tactile with me." "Have you had a lot of girlfriends?" "Plenty of girls as friends but not many girlfriends. Guess not being able to see them was a problem." Mulder said letting out a halfhearted chuckle. "Well can I be included in the pile of girls as friends?" "Of course." His hands slid down her arms and he felt her hands. "No rings? Not engaged or married Agent Scully?" "No." "Why not? You're a very beautiful woman." Scully blushed "Well I'm not as tactile with other people." "Doc Ice, the Ice Queen." "Yeah." "I thought Spooky was bad." Scully laughed and climbed back on the bed. "They call me Spooky cause I know when things are going to happen, I got like a sixth sense for things. I am one of the few profilers who can mirror their subjects. Some of the things I experienced I'm glad I can't see, and I'm glad I left when I did." "Have you ever considered a seeing eye dog?" "No, it . . . I don't want one I do fine on my own. I have for 32 years, I can till I'm old and gray." "I'm tired I'm going to bed. Sweet dreams my blind prince." Scully said kissing him quickly on top of his head. "Night Scully." 3 months later "Hey Scully." Mulder said dribbling the basketball in his hands, aiming and shooting a perfect swish. "Hey Mulder." "Chanel No. 5 and tone soap." "Huh?" "That's how I know it was you." Another prefect swish. "What you got?" "Case VCS wanted me to look at, but it sounds like an X-file. I just wanted your opinion." "Okay, I have a game to play I'll be right with you." "Hey Spooky, you playing or not?" A large man said, waiting for Mulder to join the game. "Spooky? You're kidding right?" "Yeah I'm coming." Mulder said walking over, and joining the game. "So the file." Mulder said coming out of the locker room, in a dark green sweater and jeans. "Your tags sticking up in the back." Scully said tucking it in for him. "3 Victims, livers extracted, looks like with bare hands. But here's the catch, no sign of exit or entering." "Can we go to a crime scene?" "Tomorrow." "Okay." "Mulder, how did you do that?" "Do what? Play Basketball? I counted my steps, keep count in my head so I always know where I am. It took me years to learn how to do that. I play for a community team during the winter." Scully smiled with admiration at her partner. He may be blind, but he refused to be held back by his handicap. "What are you doing for dinner Scully?" "My mom invited me over for dinner. You want to come? She wouldn't mind." "No, no thank you Scully. I'll be fine. Come on we have expense reports to do." He made a face of disgust and Scully laughed slightly as he whipped out his cane and started towards the door. Scully caught up with him and took her place by his side. He tentatively reached out and placed his hand gently on the small of her back, guiding her carefully. Scully reveled in the intimate touch as they walked down the hall. A group of VCS agents walked by, one kicked Mulder's cane out of his hand and another tripped him up. Mulder fell heavily to the ground and sat there a second stunned, his bearings out of whack. Laughter erupted as Scully bent down to help him. "You okay Mulder?" "Yeah Scully fine, thank you." Mulder said as he stood back up and dusted himself off. Scully handed him back his cane and they continued to their office. "Immature jerks. Now I remember why I didn't want to work in VCS." "Then why did you agree to take this case?" Mulder said, a slightly irritated tone in his voice. "Favor for a friend, plus it's really our jurisdiction. It's an X-file." Mulder smiled and nodded "Are people usually that mean to you?" "Worse, guess since I'm with a lady my punishment is lessened." "Punishment?" "For being blind, I'm used to it, just rolls off my back. Compared to some of the stuff that happened to me when I was a kid this is small . . . never mind." "No, continue." "Not yet, one day maybe." 5 months later, Mulder's apartment "Mulder, it's me open up." Scully heard footsteps then the locks turning. "Hey Scully sorry, I really need to give you a key. Watch it, I dropped a glass over there, I'm not sure I got it all up." Scully was mesmerized by his amazingly clean apartment and extremely boyish appearance, then remembered why she was here. It's a good thing he can't see me staring at him like this, she thought as she said "I was just going to get some lunch and shop a bit and I was wondering if you wanted to come along?" "Sure I'll come, it's just me and my TV today. No basketball for me since it's raining." Scully smiled and he touched her face lightly and smiled. "You have a pretty smile. You don't smile much do you?" "No I don't" "You should. Let me change real quick." She followed him to his bedroom, equally spotless, a garish tiger print comforter on a beautiful waterbed. "Can I sit on your bed?" "Sure" Mulder said pulling a pair of pants out of his closet. Scully laid back, looking to see herself. "Ah this is cool." "What?" "You have mirrors on the canopy of your bed." "Really? That does sound neat. Ready?" He said turning to her, she smiled slightly "Maybe you should change your shirt too." "Something on it?" "Looks like spaghetti." "Really? I was hoping that would come out." He said pulling out a shirt and slipping it on. "Better?" He said finger combing his hair into submission. The dark Blue T-shirt clung to his muscular torso nicely, the stone khakis slightly baggy. "Yeah that's fine." Mulder slipped on some navy blue Vans and walked into his living room, grabbing his wallet, keys and cane. Mall "Your very independent." Scully said stopping to look in the window of a jewelry store. "I had to be, my parents acted like I was a curse on their fine blood line. Then my sister was born and they kind of forgot about me." "Self educated man." Mulder chuckled "Your parents were nicer I hope." "Yeah, youngest daughter, spoiled brat." Mulder smiled and grabbed her hand gently and folded up his cane. Scully tensed, looking at him curiously. "You don't mind, do you Scully?" Mulder asked when he felt her tense. "Mind?" "Mind me holding your hand." "No, no I don't mind." I kind of like it actually, she thought as she linked her fingers with his, running her thumb gently along the back of his hand. "I hate this cane. I wish I could just see where I was going, see what I look like, what everyone looked like." "This always intrigued me Mulder, how do you match up your clothes?" "I have Braille tags sewn into my suits and stuff with the colors so I can match them up. It's such a pain though after a while cause I have to replace them when they get worn. You know what I'd really like to see though Scully?" "What?" "I'd love to see you smile." Scully smiled, blushing furiously. "I'm sorry, I'm babbling. Have we gone into a store yet?" "No there are certain stores I go into." "Oh, no browsing?" "I spend money I don't have like that." Mulder smiled "You have a beautiful smile too Mulder." "Thank you." Mulder said blushing slightly "You should smile more, you're a very handsome man." "Thank you, there's not much to smile about. Well until you came along. It's good to have a friend again." "What about the gunmen?" "They're good for poker and theory swapping and stuff. Not really good for talking about life and stuff. You have any good friends . . . well of course you do. I'm the only spooky one around here." He said with an amused tone. Scully giggled slightly "Yeah Nick and Nora." "Charles?" Scully snort laughed "No they're both girls. I've known them since med school, old roommates. They were supposed to meet us at Lerners." "Oh, I thought it was just you and me today." Mulder said slightly disappointed "No way! I have to bring you into the fold Mulder. That way we can have wild drunken orgies together. There they are; Hey you guys!" "Danes!" Two female voices said at the same time. "Who's the guy?" "Don't tell me you got a new boyfriend and didn't tell anyone?" "This is my partner Fox Mulder. Mulder, this is Nickole Buchanan or Nick and Nora Simmons." "Nice to meet you Mulder." The two women said again at the same time. "Same here." "Cool, he has a shoppers club! Now that's a shopper!" Nick said taking Mulder's cane out of his hand and wielding it playfully. "Even cooler it extends!" she said when it flipped out, Mulder laughed. "I never thought of it that way." "Oh yeah this is real cool. Do you need it back?" "Nick!" Scully said crossing her arms across her chest, taking Mulder's hand with hers. Mulder reveled in the feel of her breast against his hand. "What?! I could find some uses for this, especially in JCPenney's. I hear they have a 75% off sale." "For a doctor you can be so dense." Nora scolded "I'm a psychiatrist not a doctor there's a difference, remember that. So do you need it back?" "Not right now maybe later." "Your glasses are pretty, where'd you get them?" Nick said grabbing Mulder's other hand gently in hers "Lens Crafters." "Can I see?" She said removing them quickly. "Transitions, nice. You know, you have extremely mystical eyes. They like change color." "Thank you." Mulder said putting his glasses back on. "Easier than wearing sunglasses?" "Yeah I'd have to take them off in here. I like seeing the forms and lights. I can't see them with sunglasses on." "See Dana, Nora I'm not dense I noticed. I just chose not to acknowledge it. Say how do you snap this thing into a smaller club." Mulder released her hand and grabbed the cane, snapping it back quickly. "Oh really cool. Thanks." Mulder smiled and moved his hand from Scully's to its favorite place along her back. "Where we going? I thought Lerners had a sale?" "Yeah, a Bill gates sale." "Oh" "What's a Bill gates sale?" Mulder asked softly "A sale only Bill gates could afford a.k.a. not a good one." "Gotcha, oh wait can we stop here." Mulder said veering to his right. "Why?" Scully asked following "I'm out of my soap I like." "How did . . ." Nora started "The smell." "Wow, your own human blood hound. I like him even more. Can you sniff me out a millionaire who can cook and clean?" Nick teased "I'll see what I can do." "What's the name of it?" Scully asked, Mulder shrugged "I don't know, it's over here." Mulder picked up the box of soap and sniffed it nodded approvingly. "Yeah this is it, what is it called?" "Coconut and Chocolate. So that's why you always smell so good." "My one indulgence, expensive soap." 8 p.m. "Bye Mulder, oh here see I was about to take it. That was really handy around that 75%off rack in JCPenney's" "Thanks bye Nick, Nora." When they left "Is Nick always like that?" "Always. Sometimes it's overbearing, but she's a great friend, can really cheer you up in a pinch." "I'll bet. She has chestnut hair, doesn't she? Really light brown." "Yep." "Nora's a black head?" "Yep, your good with that." "Thanks. Scully? Thanks for inviting me to come with you." "It was my pleasure Mulder I really want to get to know you better. You are nothing like what I thought you would be." Scully pulled up in front of his building and stopped the car. "Bye Scully see you later." He sat there a minute and chewed his pouty bottom lip slightly. Should I or shouldn't I? Why not? What would it hurt? He thought as he leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. He felt her smile and pulled away. "Bye." "Bye Mulder." He got out, whipped out his cane and walked into his building, smiling to himself. 2 years later 11 p.m. Mulder's apartment Scully and Mulder roared with laughter as they watched MST3K. Scully leaned on his shoulder, recovering. "God I love this one, it's so classic. *"But we have no food" "Oh we have food old man."* the characters on the TV said. Scully started laughing hard again till she felt Mulder's hand on her face. "You are so beautiful Scully." He said tenderly, bringing his other hand to rest on her thigh, where it massaged seductively. Scully smiled and leaned close to him, running her fingers through his silky hair and letting her fingers trace down his face. He purred slightly as he leaned into her touch. "So are you." She said softly. Mulder pulled her into a gentle kiss then pulled away. His fingers traced her lips lightly then he moved back and kissed her hungrily. Her hands slid down his chest, caressing it through his shirt and stopping at the button of his jeans. She stopped and pulled away from him breathless. "Let's take this somewhere more comfortable." Mulder smiled and stood up quickly as Scully lead him into his bedroom. He pulled her into another kiss, slanting his mouth over hers, his tongue invading her mouth, tasting her. "Strawberries" He said breathlessly "What?" "You taste like Strawberries and creme. I love it." He said as he eased her on the bed. He removed his shirt quickly and started to undo his jeans when he felt her hands over his. "Let me." She said as she slowly freed him of the cotton cage and slid then down. He kicked them off, climbing over her, his hands sliding up her body from her firm calves to her waist where he pulled off her pants gently. He unbutton her shirt, kissing her smooth cool skin after each button till she was bare before him. He licked and kissed her collarbone as she slipped completely out of her shirt. He gently caressed the front of her bra and smiled when he discovered it had a front clasp. He undid it, throwing it off her as he caressed her breasts with his fingers and tongue. Scully sighed and moaned with pleasure as he continued his seduction. She grabbed him by the ears and pulled his face up to hers and attacked his delicious mouth, suckling his bottom lip into submission as he started to grind against her. He pulled away and nestled his head into her neck, placing soft kisses on it as he rubbed against her like a cat. He groaned loudly and started to suck and nip at her neck "Condom Mulder. Mulder?" He groaned again and kicked off his boxers, grinding his now free erection against her thigh. She could feel the pre cum dripping on her thigh. Oh boy he's ready. "Mulder, Mulder condom." Scully said holding his head between her hands gently, trying to refocus him "Condom?" He said softly, slightly dazed "Yes, condom." "Ok." He reached for his nightstand and rummaged around till he found one and slipped it on. She felt his lips return to her neck as his fingers toyed with her panties. She covered his hand with hers as they pulled off her panties. He put his hands on her thighs and massaged them slightly as she opened to him. He placed his hand gently on her center and Scully looked at him strangely. What is he doing? She thought as he removed his hand and entered her quickly, burying himself to the hilt. He put his fingers in her mouth, they tasted sweet. "Told you, you tasted good." He said, his voice a deep growl as he thrust into her slowly. Scully licked his fingers clean and kissed his fingertips, he moaned loudly, joining his hands with hers. "You feel so good Scully. I never thought it would be like this. You taste good, smell good, you feel so good." He groaned as he increased the angle and intensity of his thrusts ravaging her mouth with his. Scully tore from his lips to kiss his neck. She looked up at the mirrors on the top of his bed. Their images reflected back. Mulder on top of her, the muscles in his sweat covered back moving gracefully as they made love. Their joined hands and bodies, her fingernails leaving little virgin scratches on his back. It was so arousing to be able to watch, it seemed like she was across the room looking in. Her head swirled in sensation as she looked back at him. His unseeing eyes focused just past her as his lips descended on hers. Scully cherished the sheer ecstasy of being loved and worshiped, as he pulled away from her lips and screamed her name as he came hard and long. He collapsed on top of her, desperately out of breath "Sorry, I'll get off in a minute." "It's okay, stay here as long as you want." Mulder caught his breath and pulled out of her, rolling to her side. He pulled her to his chest and kissed her tenderly, sighing heavily. Next morning "He must still be asleep, come on Nora, let's wake him up. He's so cute when he just wakes up all disorganized and stuff." "You are sadistic. I think I'll wait here." Nora said, making some coffee. Nick tiptoed over to his bedroom and opened the door. The room smelled heavily of sex, Nick walked over to the bed to investigate. She grinned madly when she saw Mulder's head cradled against Scully's chest, there clothes strewn about, used condoms that just missed the trash can. Nick walked out quickly "What?" Nora asked suspiciously. It could only mean trouble when Nick smiled "Go see for yourself." Nora walked over, her eyebrows quirked up "Well, it's about dang time they figured it out." "Yeah at least they practiced safe sex, though his jump shot could use some work." Nick said, sitting on the couch and turning on Sally Jesse. "Well go ahead and wake them Nora." "Not me." "Fine." Nick said, putting down her cup of coffee and rushing into the bedroom, shouting "Come on Lovebirds get up! We have lots of shopping and little time." Mulder bolted awake sitting straight up, blinking several times. "Told you precious." Nick said to Nora as she ruffled his hair "Come on, Chop chop." "Has anyone told you how annoying you can be Nick?" Mulder groaned "I love you too Mulder. Here are your boxers, get going. You too Danes, I see you under there, no use hiding from me. Get your butts in the shower. Hey, where's my shoppers club Mulder?" "In the living room." He said slipping into his boxers and sitting on the edge of his bed trying to clear his head. "Watch out for your clothes on the floor." Mulder nodded and navigated himself safely into the bathroom. Nick put a pair of fresh boxers by the sink and roused Scully. "They did it at least 6 times last night." She said to Nora with a satisfied grin as she went back to her coffee. Nora rolled her eyes and sat on the couch watching the talk show when a loud groan erupted from the shower. "Oops! I sent them into the bathroom at the same time!" Nick said moving to the kitchen so she wouldn't hear them making love. "Man there horny. Round seven?" Nora said blushing slightly "Two years of pent-up sexual tension does that to you. Well at least it's not a one night thing." Outlet Mall " Shoppers club. I'm going in for soap." Mulder said reaching out for his cane. Nick handed it to him and he walked into Bath and Body works "Ok spill." Nora said "Yeah we have to know" Nick said "Well he's very . . . well he's . . . he's great!" Scully finally spit out. "I bet he knows the exact places to touch you too. I'm so jealous." "I always knew he was interested in you. So what started it off?" Nora said "A laughing fit while watching The Mole Men on MST3K last night." Nick snort laughed "You're kidding? You two are too weird." "Talking about weird, where is soap boy going?" Nora asked as Mulder emerged from the store and started walking towards the courtyard. "Mulder?" Scully asked concerned as they ran to catch up. "What?" "Where are you going?" "I was going over there. I'm sorry, I smelled something familiar. I'll be right back." He said, pulling away from her gently as he continued to follow the scent. "I tell you he is part blood hound." Nick said as they followed him loosely. He walked over to a white-haired woman who was chatting with another older woman on one of the benches. "Mom?" the woman looked up at him quickly, his eyes intently focused across the room, a heather gray turtleneck and khakis on, his hair short, neatly combed, parted towards the middle, the bothersome cane in his hand. "Mom? Hi." He said again "Fox William hello, didn't expect to see you here." She finally responded "Same here, I didn't know you were in town. How have you been . . . oh I'm sorry I'm interrupting your conversation." He said sensing another presence. "My you have grown up to be a handsome young man Fox William." The other woman said "Mrs. Havers, hello thank you." "Mulder?" "Hey Mulder come on many sales await." Mulder reached out his left hand and said softly "Scully come here and meet my mom." "Oh Fox William I don't . . ." His mother started "No it will just take a second mom." He said caressing Scully's hair gently as she came to his side "Mom this is my girlfriend Dr Dana Scully." "Hello nice to meet you. Mrs. Mulder." Scully said shaking her hand gently "Same here." "I'll see you later mom, nice seeing you again Mrs. Havers." "Nice seeing you again Fox William, nice meeting you Dana." Mulder closed up his cane and linked his fingers with Scully's as they headed back to Nick and Nora. Nick snatched his cane from him and Mrs. Mulder started to get up and protest when she heard "The Shoppers club is mine!! Come on Lerners is having a real sale today!" Nick said as she ran off, Mulder and Scully following quickly. "Dana, Mulder slow down, I'm old and decrepit." Nora said, jogging behind. "It's nice to see him out having fun." Mrs. Havers said "I know, I spent most of his childhood defending him." "Why didn't you tell me he'd gotten so handsome?" "Slipped my mind." I haven't seen him since he came back to the states from Oxford, Mrs. Mulder thought. I sent him as far away from me as possible, the beautiful boy who was imperfect, bane to the family line, his father's whipping boy. "Amber will be upset, She always loved herself some little Fox William." "Hey where did Mulder and Dana . . . oh never mind." Nick said as she saw them locked in a passionate embrace. "Hey love birds!" They broke apart. "Two more stores okay?" Nick said amused "Good I'm getting hungry." "Jeez, your worse than a Hoover vacuum boy, come on." That night Mulder thrust into Scully hard and fast, a look of pain on his face. "Mulder? Mulder, you okay?" He came quickly and collapsed to her side. "Mulder?" "I love you Scully." "I love you too." "Scully I need to tell you." "Tell me what?" "Why I'm the way I am. Was I rough with you?" "A little, you looked like you were in pain. Are you ok?" "Physically yes. She wouldn't have said a thing. She would never have let me know she was in town. I love my mom Scully, but she doesn't care if I live or die. I want to be loved, I was never loved." He said kissing Scully hard, his tears falling on her cheeks. His kisses became more insistent and they were soon having sex again. Mulder nestled in Scully's arms and she stroked his hair, running her fingernails lightly up and down his arm reassuringly till he fell asleep. Next morning "I'm sorry about last night." Mulder said as Scully entered the kitchen. "It's okay, you were upset. Want to tell me now?" Mulder nodded and sipped his coffee. "My mom she's always ignored me, she's always tried to keep me safe from other's kids taunts, but she tried to isolate me, send me away. My dad . . . my dad was frustrated that his only son was imperfect and wouldn't be able to do all the things with me that he wanted so when ever he got upset or anything he'd take it out on me, especially after my sister was born, perfectly healthy and intact. It didn't help that I was smart either. The other kids would play awful tricks on me. I tried to fit in the best I could, but when I was eight they . . . I never did tell you why I had a phobia about fire did I?" "No, not really." "We were supposed to be playing Marco Polo, who better than a blind kid to play that with right? They led me into this old shack and locked me in from the outside. Told me to count to 50 and come out." Scully braced herself for what was coming next. "They doused the shack with gasoline and set it on fire. It started getting warm, the door was hot, I couldn't get out. I was screaming for help and no one would help. I heard there laughter as they ran off. I was frantically trying to find a window to break out, there weren't any, so I sat in the middle of the room and waited to die. Next thing I remember was being in the hospital, my mom scolding ME for being in there. I was 8 when I decided it was better to do things alone, I went and got a cane for myself. I set up appointments so I could learn how to use it, and to develop other skills I'd need. I was 8 when I last really talked with my mom. I was always polite, but I remembered how they didn't care, they didn't understand how I felt." Scully sat shocked a second then reached out and petted his hair tenderly. "I want to love my mother. I want her to love me. When Sam died of leukemia when I was twelve, I . . . I didn't care. I was like good riddance, now you know how it feels. That's not how I should've felt. It's been a long time since I loved someone. It's been a long time since someone loved me Scully." "Well I love you Mulder and I'll always love you, no matter what." One year later, Mrs. Scully's house. "They're going to love you Mulder don't worry." Mulder fidgeted and smoothed his shirt. "I look okay?" Mulder asked Scully quietly "You look fine well . . ." she ruffled his hair lightly, smoothing it till his stubborn cowlick blended in with his hair, "There, now you look okay." Mulder smiled, leaning down and kissing her lightly on the temple as her mom opened the door. She smiled, mentally planning a big catholic wedding as she said. "Dana, long time no see." She said, hugging her daughter tightly then looking at Mulder. "Mom this is Fox Mulder." "Well nice to meet you, I've heard a lot about you." Mulder reached out his hand and said "Same here Mrs. Scully." He looked straight ahead a moment then looked down at her, but he wasn't looking directly at her, he seemed to be looking just past her. She thought it odd, but brushed it off as he stepped into the house. "5 steps to the right couch and side table with phone, 5 steps to the left stairs, 10 steps kitchen." Scully said to Mulder in a whisper as they walked into the kitchen "Everyone's out back, Bill's been waiting for you two." "Waiting to pounce on me huh?" Mulder said with a smile. Mrs. Scully smiled up at him, well at least he has a sense of humor. "There you are Danes, about time you showed up." A large red-haired man said hugging Scully tightly "Bill hey." "So this is Mulder?" Bill said giving Mulder the once over. "Yes." She touched Mulder's arm lightly to make him focus, "Fox Mulder this is my older brother Bill, his wife Tara, my sister Melissa, my little brother Charlie, his wife Brianne and their daughter Xada." Scully said, introducing her family to him. "Nice to meet you." He said shaking hands and receiving hugs. "Okay now we can eat. How you like your steak Mulder?" "Medium." "Oh I like him already." "So what do you think Charlie?" Mrs. Scully asked her youngest son as they watched the rest of the family out in the yard playing Frisbee. Charlie tapped the cast on his leg gently. "I think I have to get out of this cast soon before I itch myself to death. Mulder? He's a nice guy. Quiet, but he's probably just nervous. I like him and I think Bill does too, which is surprising." Mrs. Scully smiled and nodded "I don't know there's something about him. He . . . I think something's wrong . .I don't' know what." "What do you mean?" "The sunglasses, his eyes, he doesn't look directly at anyone. I don't know." "Dana said his eyes are extremely sensitive to light. She says he usually wears those transition lens, but since he knew he'd be outside all-day he just wore sunglasses. You're looking too much into things." Mulder reached out and caught the Frisbee, quickly throwing it towards Bill. His pager went off and he looked down just as Bill threw the Frisbee back at him. Oh no, he's distracted, Scully thought as she started to warn him. Mulder threw his hand up and grabbed the Frisbee quickly out of the air. Scully breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll be right back." "Who is it Mulder?" "My mother." "She has your pager number?" "I know." Mulder said, throwing her the Frisbee and heading to the deck and dialing his Mom's number on his cellphone. "Hello?" "Fox William? Hello." "Hi mom is something wrong?" "No, no I just wanted to talk with you. I . . . we haven't talked since you came back from Oxford. I'm sorry if I hurt you by not calling sooner." "Mom I'd love to talk, but I'm going to have to call you back. I'm . . . Dana and I are . . . I'm spending the day with her family. I'll call you when I get back home ok?" "That's fine Fox William, you two have fun." Mulder hung up, sighing heavily. "Something wrong?" Charlie asked concerned "No, not really. My mom and I haven't really spoken in years. Now she wants to talk and I can't. Sorry too much info." "No I understand not everyone's family is as close knit as mine." "Hey Mulder come on, Dana says you're a pretty good Basketball player." Bill said rushing up on the deck "Pretty good." "So modest, whip his tail Mulder. Here give me your cell and pager." Scully said taking his phone and pager from him. "Half court or full?" Mulder said as he started down the deck stairs. "Half, don't want to wear you out." "You coming Charlie?" Charlie looked at him strangely, slightly amused "No he's got a broken leg." Bill said a laugh in his voice "Oh I didn't notice." Mulder said softly. "What are you blind?" "Yeah." Bill burst out laughing "Man you're a riot, come on." He really didn't know, Charlie thought as he watched Mulder beat Bill unmercilessly at Basketball Scully was chatting with her mom and sister, while Mulder listened to Charlie relate old Scully family stories. Xada climbed up into Mulder's lap and took off his sunglasses. He looked down at her and smiled "HI." "Hi." She said softly. She touched his face lightly and looked into his eyes. "You have pretty eyes. Why do you hide them?" "The sunlight hurts my eyes." She moved back and forth slightly, but his eyes didn't move. She moved her hand in front of him and his eyes followed it very slowly. "Can you see me?" "No I can't." She moved till she was inches from his face and whispered "Can you see me now?" "No." he said softly. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her cheek. He smiled and lightly ran his fingers over her face. "You are very beautiful Xada." Xada smiled "So are you." He ruffled her hair gently and kissed her forehead. She snuggled into his chest and sighed heavily. "Uh oh Xada's found another snuggle bunny." Brianne said as she looked over at Mulder. Mulder smiled "Yeah is that a good thing or a bad thing?" "Depends" Scully came up behind Mulder and ran her fingers through his hair playfully as she said "Mom says your in town for a while Charlie." "Yeah till this leg of mine heals up I can't go back to sea." "Great, come down and visit me then. Mulder can get you some tickets for all the museums and stuff." "I think were going to have to, Xada's made a new friend." 6 p.m. As Scully pulled out of the driveway, her mom smiled at her other children "So what do you think of your sisters newest beau." "He was nice, I like think he's a good guy for her." Melissa said starting her car up. "Yeah, does whatever she tells him to do, plays great B-Ball, great guy." Bill said enthusiastically. "He can't see." Xada said suddenly. "Huh? Oh honey of course he can see, he was just playing with you." Her mother said, in an amused tone. "But . . ." the other adults ignored her protest as Charlie put her in the car and closed the door. Next week "Mulder could you get that? It's just Charlie and them." "Ok," Mulder said opening the door slowly. "Hi." "Hey Mulder how are you?" Brianne said smiling at him. He obviously spent the night, she thought as he responded "Fine Brianne." "Uncle Mulder." Xada said clamping onto his leg tightly. "Hey Xada, up you go." He said picking her up. She snuggled into his shoulder and sighed. Charlie looked at Mulder, a little shocked by his lack dress, only a pair of silk pajama bottoms. "He spent the night?" He whispered to Brianne as they walked into the apartment. "Oh grow up Charlie." "Oh Mulder you shouldn't do that, not till your backs better and that ear infection clears up." "I don't have much of a choice." He said sitting on the couch with Xada still in his arms. "I got them tickets for the Holocaust museum. They can go while you're at work. How's your leg Charlie?" "Still broken. You're not coming with us?" "No he needs to rest his back and stay out of the weather till he's better." "The doctor has spoken. I'll watch Xada for you, the Holocaust museum isn't really for small kids." "I'll be home by 2 p.m. Mulder be good." "I'll try, Bye Charlie, Brianne." "What happened to his back?" Charlie asked as they headed to the cars. Please don't say rough sex, he thought as Scully said "Long story involving a train, and NSA agent, piano wire, and a bomb. I'm just happy he's alive at all. He pulled a muscle in his back." "Well plenty of excitement in your lives." 2:30 Charlie and Brianne walked into Scully's apartment "Look at that. Xada asleep, no fuss were going to have to take him home with us." Brianne said as she closed the door. Mulder's eyes were open staring straight ahead. "Mulder, how'd you get her to sleep so good." When Mulder didn't answer, Charlie leaned closer to him and heard him snoring softly. Mulder blinked rapidly and shifted slightly, still asleep and closed his eyes. "He does have beautiful eyes, doesn't he?" Brianne said extracting Xada from his arms. "Huh? Did you see that? He was asleep with his eyes wide open!" "He does that a lot, freaks me out. How'd you like the museum?" Scully said walking into the living room and putting her stuff down. She touched Mulder's forehead gently "Good, his fever's down." She said caressing his hair. "Mulder hey I'm back." "Hey." He said, his voice groggy from sleep. "How you feel? Feel up to eating a non-soup item?" "Most definitely." He said slowly getting off the couch and heading to the kitchen. Later that night Mulder climbed into bed next to Scully and snuggled into her side. She lightly ran her fingers through his hair, down his arm and side, making Mulder purr softly "How's my tiger?" she asked softly "Sore, can you rub my back?" "Sure baby, you took a Tylenol 3 right?" "Yeah it should kick in soon, can I go shopping with you guys tomorrow?" "If you feel up to it." Mulder rolled on his stomach as she straddled his hips, slowly kneading the muscles in his shoulders. Mulder started a steady purr as she continued. "You love being touched just like a cat." "See my mom knew what she was doing naming me Fox." Next morning Nick burst through the door and looked around. "Not up yet, time to wake them." She said smiling evilly at Nora as she walked into the bedroom. Mulder was laying on his stomach, Scully draped over him clutching him to her tightly. "Hey you two. Time to wake up and shop." Mulder stirred slightly and stretched as Scully got off his back. "Charlie and them up?" "Nope little Charlie's in town?" "Yep he broke his leg, he's in town till it heals." "Well we'll wake them up too. Where's my shoppers club Mulder?" "Living room." Mall "Lerner's JC Penney, oh and Structures are having sales. Make sure we hit those." Nick said, linking her fingers with Mulder's "Heard about the train thing." "Man Scully!" Mulder whined "You didn't think I wouldn't tell Nick and Nora did you?" "Now why did you have to be so hard headed? She told you to drop it and not jump on that train." Nora said sternly. "Yeah I know." "What were you trying to find?" "The truth. It was on that train, part of it any way." "Well next time don't take flying leaps at moving trains with bombs on them." Nick said softly "I won't, Scully chewed me out at the hospital. Shoppers club, I smell Cinnabuns." "No need coming with you." They all said, as they headed towards the pastry shop. "Here you go sweetie." Mulder said handing a hot gooey bun to Xada "Thank you." she said softly, blushing slightly. "You have a new girlfriend? I thought I was your one and only." Scully said teasingly. "You know me, I like younger women. Where to?" Mulder said stretching a kink out of his back. "Lerners, they had that Grey jacket I wanted." Scully said grabbing his clean hand and heading in the right direction. He started to lick his fingers clean on his other hand when Scully took his hand, sticking one of his fingers in her mouth and licking it clean. Mulder groaned slightly, melting into her as he licked all his fingers clean. He swooped in and kissed her soundly on the lips, letting his tongue invade her mouth. "Hey , hey concept of other people." Nick said amused. Mulder smiled down at Scully as she pulled away. "I'd kiss you too, but I don't want you to get in trouble with Scully." Nick rolled her eyes and laughed. "Oh I need soap, shoppers club." Nick handed it to him as he tore from Scully grasp and he flipped it out as he headed into the store. Charlie and Brianne's mouths dropped open "Whoa, whoa he's blind?" Charlie was finally able to ask. "Yeah." Scully said incredulously "But he . . I mean . . ." Brianne stammered "He was playing Frisbee, he . . He beat Bill at Basketball, I can't even do that with two good legs." "He's extremely independent, his other senses have take over well, he's compensated nicely. I . . . you really didn't know?" "No mom said there was something strange about him, but I didn't think he was blind. How long?" "From birth, let me warn you now, don't treat him differently or you'll hear about it." "Hey Blood hound where you going?" Nick asked as Mulder popped out of Bath and Body works and headed away from them. "I smelled something sweet, what is that?" "Auntie Em's pretzel shop." "You're kidding?!" "Nope." "Wow I have to have one." He said snapping up his cane and reaching out his hand for Scully's. "After we finish shopping." Scully said linking her fingers with his as they continued to Lerners "Man the way you eat you should be bigger than you are." Nick said as she jogged to catch up with them. "Should be, here I know how you get in Lerners." Mulder said handing his cane back to Nick as they headed to Lerners. Later that night A loud thwack and a groan came from Scully's bedroom. "What was that?" Charlie asked concerned. "I don't know I'll go check." Brianne said, throwing on her robe as she headed to Scully's room and she opened the door quietly, smiling slightly when she saw them. Mulder was on top of Scully thrusting into her gently, kissing her hungrily. Scully broke from his mouth with a moan and nuzzled his hair with her nose. Mulder attacked her neck lovingly with his lips and tongue "I love you Fox Mulder, I love you so much." "I love you too Scully, you're my world. I don't know what I'd do without you." He said as he moved to kiss her on her lips again. Brianne closed the door and went back to her bedroom. "What was that?" Charlie asked as he looked curiously at Brianne's smiling face. "They're making love." "Oh." "I see a wedding in there foreseeable future." "Huh? Now you sound like mom Bri, good night." 2 days later "What are you doing up Mulder? You need to rest." Scully said as Mulder sat across from her at the kitchen table. "I wanted to give you something Scully." He said scooting a small box across the kitchen table. "Oh Charlie here we go. I think he's going to propose." Brianne said peeking over the couch, watching them. "What's this . . .oh this is beautiful Mulder thank you." "It was my mom's." "Really?" "It was my mom's engagement ring." Scully looked up at him quickly. "Mul . . ." "I love you so much Dana, I . . . Scully it would be such an honor if you'd let me be your husband. Please marry me." Scully looked at the emerald and diamond ring then at Mulder. He was looking just past her. He's blind, Dana, I know it hasn't mattered to you before but . . . what will my family think when they find out? Could I handle being married to a man who can't see me, whose world would be forever dark? Mulder took her hand in his letting his fingers caress and warm hers. "I know it's been hard for you to adjust and I understand if you say not for a few years but, I just want to know . . . I just want be the man you marry when you are ready." He said quietly, his voice full of understanding "Mulder . . . I love you too and it would be the highest honor for me to have you as my husband." Mulder smiled brightly as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her palm gently "Thank you. You just made me a very happy man." Scully put the ring in his hand and guided it to her finger. He placed the ring on her finger and reached across the table and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Brianne squealed with joy. "Xada really can call you Uncle Mulder now! Congratulations you two. Charlie you have to call your mom and tell her!" Mulder smiled at Brianne and then turned his attention back to Scully. "I wish I could see you when you smile Scully. Are you smiling now?" he asked quietly. Scully placed his hand on her cheek. He smiled and let his fingers run down her face in a caress. 3 weeks later "Mom!" Scully said hugging her mom tightly "Hey sweetheart. Oh let me see this ring. It's gorgeous." Mrs. Scully said hugging her daughter again then turning and hugging Mulder "Come on we're in the living room, the guests of honor are here." Mrs. Scully announced as the rest of the family screamed congratulations "So when's the big day?" Tara asked excitedly. Mulder squeezed Scully's hand gently and looked towards her. "I don't know yet, still undecided, definitely next year though." Scully said as they sat on the couch. Scully gently guided Mulder's hand towards the champagne glass Bill placed on the table beside him, making sure he didn't knock it over. "Danes he can get his glass without your help." Bill said amused, "Hey Mulder, I want a rematch before I ship out. Full court this time." "Ok you're on." "You don't mind a big catholic wedding do you Fox?" Mrs. Scully said "No ma'am." "Mom, you can call me mom now sweetie." Mulder smiled, flushing slightly. He felt for the table beside him and placed his glass down. "Lets get a little more light on the subject." Bill said quickly turning on the overhead light. Mulder winced, and took off his glasses, rubbing his closed eyes in obvious pain. "Mulder you okay?" Scully asked concerned. "Bill turn that light off it's hurting his eyes." Mrs. Scully said, sternly, Bill obeyed quickly "Sorry Mulder." "Mulder, honey you okay?" Mulder winced again and rubbed his temples. "Mulder you're worrying us, are you alright?" Mulder nodded, putting his glasses back on and opening his eyes slowly "I'm fine Scully. I didn't mean to worry you, but that just really hurt. Where were we?" "Cana classes. They are scheduled . . ." Her mom started again. 2 days later "Man, you even beat me full court. You and Dana's kids are going to be killer athletes." Mulder froze, kids? They are a natural part of marriage. I never thought about that. "Hey tell me something though, is that light sensitivity thing you got with your eyes genetic? Cause if it is I gotta get used to it, you know with your kids and all." Bill said, taking a swig of his water. "Yeah it's genetic." "Mulder, come on, I want you to come with me to pick out my dress." Scully said handing him a fresh shirt. "Hey isn't it bad luck for him to see your dress before the wedding?" Bill teased. "He won't see it." Bill gave her THE LOOK and waved at them as they left. "Tara!" "Stop whining Bill. You'll be at sea for your little sisters wedding, the least you could do is see her dress." "That's what pictures are for." "Bill!" "Fine." "Be good ok?" Tara warned as they walked into the bridal shop. "Are your hands clean Mulder?" Scully asked as she came out in another dress. "I think so." "Here let me see. Ok go ahead, what do you think?" Mulder ran his hands lightly along the lines of the dress and nodded no. "Too Fairy princess." "'K be back." "Hey Mulder." Tara said bending and kissing him gently on the cheek. "Hello Tara and Bill." "Hey, seen a good one yet?" Tara asked sitting next to him on the bench "One or two, nothing eye catchingly perfect yet." "Ok Mulder what about this one?" Scully said coming out in a form fitting dress with a flared bottom. "Wow I like that one, what do you think Mulder?" Tara asked him, eyeing the dress with wonder. "I don't know yet haven't see it. I'll tell you in a second." Tara looked at him confused and watched him gently trace the lines of the dress. "So what do you think?" Scully asked, waiting for the verdict. "Perfect." "Great, this one." Scully said turning to the salesperson. "Meet me at the counter Mulder." Mulder stood up slowly "Tara could you hand me that?" He asked her, looking straight ahead, while pointing to his cane under her seat. "Sure here." "Thanks." He said as he flipped it out and made his way to the register. "I don't believe it!" Bill bellowed "No way, he can . . ."Tara chimed in "What's wrong?" Scully asked as she emerged from the changing room. "Why didn't you tell us he was blind? Dana!" Bill hissed, at her quietly "You didn't know?" "No we didn't know! This is impossible, he's seriously beat me in Basketball twice and he can't see?!!" "No he can't" Scully said walking over to Mulder and touching his arm lightly "Ready Scully?" "Yeah, you hungry?" "Yeah, what you got a taste for?" Mulder said handing her, her dress. "Italian, coming Bill, Tara?" "No um . . . we need to get packed up. See you later Dana, Mulder." Later that night Mulder touched Scully's arm gently as he climbed into bed. "Mulder? Where do you want to stay when we get married? I think . . ." "We should get a house." "Really?" "Yeah, Scully?" "What?" "Do you want to have children?" "Yeah I do." "Oh." Mulder said quietly, sighing softly "Why? What's wrong Mulder?" "I . . . there is a possibility that our children will be blind." "I know Mulder that doesn't matter to me." Scully turned to him and touched his face gently. "Doesn't it bother you that I can't see you Scully?" "You can see me Mulder. I love the way you see me. I love how your hands feel when you look at me." Mulder smiled and captured her lips hungrily, his hands caressing her soft skin. "I want an explanation Tara. She deliberately didn't tell us." Bill said storming to Dana's apartment door. "Bill! Mom, can you talk some sense into him?" Tara asked exasperated. "I want an explanation too honey, I'm sorry. Here I have the key." Her mom said opening the door. The apartment was dark and Mrs. Scully turned on a lamp. A loud groan and thump followed by a soft whimper came from the bedroom. "What was that?" "Um wouldn't do that." Brianne said knowingly, as Bill started for the bedroom door. "Why not?" "I . . .you may see something you don't want to see." "Nonsense." Bill said opening the door. Brianne and Charlie cringed as the others gasped, blushing wildly. Mulder was on top of Scully thrusting into her slowly, caressing her everywhere, devouring her mouth with his. He groaned again as he moved to kiss her neck and Bill shut the door quickly. "Ok um . . ." "Told you so." Brianne said "We should let them finish and came back in the morning." Mrs. Scully said getting ready to leave. "No this needs to be settled tonight." Bill said sitting in an armchair and waiting. 2 hrs later "Jesus!" Bill exclaimed "He has will power if nothing else." Charlie said with a smile "I wonder what that's like." Melissa said "What?" "To be made love to for 2 hours straight." They were answered by them coming loudly. "From the sounds of things really good." Brianne said, Charlie snort laughed. "Give them a few minutes to cool down Bill." Tara said as he started for the bedroom door. He paused briefly and knocked on the door. Scully appeared moments later "We need to talk Dana right now." "Bill? It's 2 in the morning." "And it can't wait. Living room." Scully turned to Mulder "Stay there I'll be right back." Scully closed the bedroom door and came into the living room. "Ok Bill what's on your mind?" "You deliberately didn't tell us Mulder was blind!" "No I just thought you knew. I mean it wasn't it obvious? He never seemed to quite look at you. He tended to touch and feel for things. You didn't know?" "Well of course not. He was too busy whipping my butt playing Basketball, playing Frisbee with us. He seemed like a normal guy. We thought he just had a light sensitivity problem." "He does, his eyes are extremely sensitive to bright light and sunlight." "Dana, this doesn't change my opinion of him, I just wish I could have known sooner, I would have . . ." Her mom started "What would you have done? Make everything Mulder safe? That's not what he wants. He wants to be treated like a whole person, not like some cripple. He's tried hard to fit in and he's done a great job. Do you know how much he's picked on and taunted at work? Do you know how long it took him to learn to play Basketball Bill? Years! He has to count his steps so he knows where he is at all times. He plays on a community team, do you know how hard it must have to be to mentally count and keep track of your steps and guard and block some one? I admire him for that, for the work he's put into being the way he is." "Dang it Dana he is blind. He is handicapped, think of your kids . . ." "He would give anything in the world for him to be able see, but he can't. You know what he told me he wished he could see most, he wished he could see me smile. I have never had anyone who loves me as much as that man and I refuse to let him go cause my family can't handle the fact that he's blind!" "What about your kids?" "What about them? What if one of our children is blind, so what? Don't ask me for something I can't give. I can't give him up. Please don't' ask me to." "We're not. I just want you to think Dana. Think. For the rest of your life you will be with a man who will never, ever see you smile, never see you or your children period. Can you live with that? Can you? If you can, then you have my blessing. Fox is a beautiful person and I would be proud to have him as a son in law. I just want you to be sure. I want you to be sure this is what you want." Her mom said smiling "I am sure Mom." "Fine, good night sweetheart. Now go back to your blind prince ok?" "Thanks mom." Scully said hugging her mom and throwing Bill an icy stare as she went back to her bedroom. "Mom I wasn't fin . . ." "Yes you were let's go now." "Scully?" "Yes Mulder?" "Did you mean what you said out there. Do you really love me that much?" "Yes, yes I do." "I wish I could see how blue your eyes are when you say that." "Say what?" "That you love me."