Title - Offspring
Author - Donna
Email address - donnah@donnas-stories.com
URL - http://www.donnas-stories.com/
Rating - PG-13
Category - MSR 
Spoilers - Emily 
Keywords - MSR, angst
Summary - They've been used, again. 
Feedback - Please 
Archive - Anywhere, just let me know so that I can visit

Author's notes at the end.

Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunmen and 
Skinner all belong to Chris Carter, 10-13 and Fox.  No 
infringement intended.



Offspring


The knock on the door woke him, but he took a minute to 
orient himself.  Then he stood, brushing a hand over his 
eyes as he made his way to the door.  He glanced at his 
watch; it was after two.  Who?  Scully?

That thought sped him up and he pulled the door open.  
No one was there.  Had he dreamed . . . then something, 
some movement caused him to look down.

What the hell?  Again he looked up and down the hall but 
the scenery didn't change.  The thin mewl from the box at 
his feet forced action from him and he reluctantly made 
himself bend down.

Shit, he needed help.  He picked the box up and entered 
his apartment, closing and locking the door behind him.  
He sat the box carefully on the coffee table.

He grabbed up the phone and pressed one on his speed 
dial.  "Scully, I need you over here, now."

*****

He answered the door before she finished the first knock.  
"What took so long?"

"I had to pick up some things."  She handed him the bags 
and moved past him.

She carefully moved the blankets aside and stared down 
at the infant.  It couldn't be more than a few hours old.  
But why the hell would anyone leave a baby on Mulder's 
doorstep?

"Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Scully, I haven't . . . "

"Oh good grief."  She unwrapped the child and took it in 
her arms.  "Bring me the diapers."

He hurried to obey her as she moved toward the 
bedroom.  Scully laid the baby on the bed and completely 
uncovered it for the first time.  The umbilical cord was still 
attached to the tiny boy.

"Get the alcohol, Mulder and some scissors.  Here, give 
me that."  She took the diaper and box of wipes from him.  
This baby hadn't even been cleaned from its birth.  
Mulder brought back the items she'd requested.

"A boy, huh?"  He sounded inane, but he was way 
outside of his comfort zone.

She nodded, cleaning the child and cutting the cord.  She 
diapered the boy, then wrapped him in one of the 
blankets and brought him to her chest.  He immediately 
began to root around, searching for her breasts.  

She looked up at Mulder, blushing.  "He, uh . . . "

"Yeah, I'll fix a bottle.  I can probably figure out the 
directions for that."  He looked away.  Maybe she hadn't 
been the right person to call, given . . . but who the hell 
else would he call?

The baby was fretful by the time he returned, but she 
seemed unfazed.  She took the bottle he held out to her 
and let a drop or two fall on the baby's lips.  He got the 
idea quickly and began suckling the bottle avidly.

She looked up at Mulder and smiled.  He tried to answer 
the smile, but wasn't sure he was successful.  This felt 
too . . . right, watching her with a baby in her arms.  He 
mentally shook himself; this was just a short-term thing.  
In the morning they would call Social Services or 
whoever you called for something like this.

She had looked back down at the baby, engrossed in 
watching it as she caressed the top of its head and 
played with its tiny fingers.

"Mulder, why here?  Why you?  I mean, if you're going to 
abandon a baby, you pick the most convenient spot.  You 
don't come up four stories and go to the end of the hall."

He shrugged; he'd wondered the same thing.

The baby lost his grip on the nipple as he fell asleep.  
She handed the half empty bottle back to Mulder and 
raised the tiny boy to her shoulder.  He gave a discrete 
burp, but didn't wake.

She started to rise from the couch and Mulder was there, 
his hand under her arm helping her.  "Thanks."

He just nodded and followed her back into the bedroom.  
She laid the baby in the middle of his bed and placed a 
pillow on each side, though she knew the child wouldn't 
be rolling around too much.

Scully caressed the top of his head one more time, then 
moved away from the bed.  She turned Mulder's bedside 
lamp on the lowest setting, then left the room, turning off 
the overhead light.  Mulder was right behind her and 
pulled the door almost closed.

"Okay, now we need to find out what's going on Mulder.  
This is how you found him?"

"Yeah.  He was in that box and just sitting outside my 
door.  All I did was bring him inside."

"Okay."  She leaned forward to check it out, removing the 
rest of the blankets one by one, preserving evidence.  
She heard a piece of paper crackle underneath the last 
blanket.  "Now maybe we'll learn something."  She took a 
tissue and lifted the note by the corner, bringing it closer 
to read.

She blinked and read it again, then looked up at Mulder, 
her face ashen.

"Scully?"  Something was wrong.

He reached for the note and she let him take it.  He was 
looking at her though, not the paper.  She didn't look well, 
but she wouldn't meet his eyes.

Okay, he looked down.  'Fox, your son was born earlier 
tonight.  No one knows, I knew he wouldn't be safe.  
Don't let them have him.  I know you'll know how to 
handle all of this.  I'll be in touch with you soon.  I love 
you, Caroline.'

He just stared at the note he held.  What the hell?  He 
looked up at her.  "Scully, Scully I don't . . . "

She rose then, unable to sit still, unable to meet his eyes.

He stood as well, "Scully, you don't believe this?"

"I . . . I don't . . ." She was rocked, unable to speak.

"Scully, that is not my baby in there.  You know that, don't 
you?  You've got to know that."

She didn't respond, so he moved closer and she flinched.  
Scully flinched from him!

"Scully, please, look at me."

"She calls you Fox.  She knows where you live."

"Scully.  I'm not . . . people know me, I'm in the damn 
phone book.  I don't know anyone named Caroline.  I 
swear to you I haven't slept with anyone named Caroline.  
Hell, I haven't slept with anyone!"

She turned away again, but not before he saw the 
devastation this was causing her.

"Scully, we can prove it.  You can run a paternity test.  
Then you'll know.  Please, look at me.  I can prove it, with 
your help."

"Mu . . . I should go."

"No!  Scully, you can't leave me here alone, not with . . ."

"With your son?"

"Listen to me."  He took her shoulders in his hands.  "I 
need you here.  And I need you to believe me.  I don't 
know a Caroline and I have not fathered any children.  
Scully please!" 

"I don't . . . I can't . . ."

He realized he was terrified.  He pulled her against him, 
needing to hold her, to be held by her, but her arms 
remained down at her sides.  After a long moment he 
released her.  He'd never felt so cold.

He stepped back and cleared his throat.  "Can you, could 
you run those tests tomorrow?"

"I don't know that a lab - " 

"What about the guys?"

"I suppose, if you want . . ."

"Anything that will speed this up.  That will prove to you - 
" They both heard the baby cry and he turned toward the 
door, but she froze.

"Scully, what do I . . . "

She brushed past him then and on into the bedroom.  He 
followed her at a total loss.

Scully lifted the child into her arms and cradled him to her 
breast again.  Mulder circled the bed and saw the tear 
that escaped her eye.

God, this was a nightmare.  Was it a nightmare?  Was he 
asleep on the couch?  If only.  He watched her sway with 
the child in her arms and felt a hunger, that she could 
know this for herself.

She left the room and startled, he followed her.  "Scully, 
what do you need?  I can - "

"I'm just getting the rest of his bottle.  I need to warm it 
up."

"Let me."  He took the bottle into the kitchen.  He needed 
to be doing something.  When he returned she took the 
bottle, then put the baby in his arms.

"Hey, wait a minute, I don't - "

"You should feed him.  Sit down."

"Scully, please.  You should - "

"I can't.  Mulder, please don't ask me to."

He closed his mouth; at least she was still here.  When 
the baby was asleep again, he placed him carefully on 
the bed.  When he returned to the other room Scully 
wasn't there.  For an instant he panicked, then he heard 
her in the kitchen.

"Scully, you should try to catch a few winks."

"There's no - "

"Take the couch.  I won't be sleeping."

"I should head on home, you can - "

"I can't.  Scully, I can't.  I'll call the guys as soon as it's 
light.  Please."

After a moment she nodded.  She removed her shoes 
and settled in on the couch, pulling the afghan over her.  
He knew she had closed her eyes more to block the sight 
of him than for any rest.  He also knew when she did 
finally fall asleep.  He could see her slip into dreams, and 
he saw the tears run down her face.  Damn it!
 
She woke, less than rested a couple of hours later, to the 
sight of Mulder, infant on his shoulder, watching her.

"Did he wake you?"

"No."  She looked away and he couldn't think of anything 
to say for a minute.  Finally, "The coffee's ready and I 
called the guys.  They should be here soon."

She nodded, and turned toward his bathroom.  When she 
heard the guys arrive, she forced herself to return.  The 
baby was back on Mulder's bed.

"Ah, Scully.  If I'd known you were here - " Frohike 
started, then he went quiet at the vibes in the room.

"Mulder, what's up?"  Byers moved closer.

"We have something we need you to investigate for us.  
We can't go through the Bureau."

"Of course, what do you have?"

"I'll, uh, I'll get him."  Mulder moved past her and 
Frohike's face grew grimmer.  Mulder returned with the 
infant in his arms.

"Hey, what the . . . " Langly stared at the baby, but 
Frohike was focused on Scully.

"We need you to do a DNA test on the baby."  Mulder 
spoke softly due to the sleeping child.

"And compare it to whose?"  Frohike sounded indignant 
already.

"Mulder's."  Scully spoke.

The look of outrage on Frohike's face should have been 
comical, but the stunned silence of Byers was more 
devastating to Mulder.

"And we need fingerprints from this."  Scully handed 
Byers Caroline's note in a plastic bag.  Byers read it 
quickly and glanced up at Scully, though he did not 
speak.

"You son of a - "

"He's not mine."  Mulder stated flatly. "That's what you 
have to prove.  We, I need these results as soon as 
possible."

"We'll get right on it."  Byers promised.

They swabbed the inside of the baby's cheeks and 
Mulder's.  "Take Scully's too."  He said impulsively as 
they were packing up.

"Me?"  She looked up.  He nodded, "There's no - "

"Please Scully."  After a moment she nodded.  Anything 
to make this nightmare move forward.

Their three friends quickly finished up and moved out.  As 
soon as they were gone, Scully put back on her shoes.  
"Mulder, I need to leave for a little while."

"Scully, please - "

"I won't be long.  I need a shower and some things.  I'll 
be back."

"Will you?"  He was watching her closely.

"Yes.  I'll pick up some more formula."  He nodded, but 
the thoughts of her leaving actually frightened him.

"Scully, should we, do you want to call Social Services?"

The question surprised her, but she tried to hide that.  
"No, not now.  I need to go."  She let herself out, ignoring 
his fearful silence.

*****

Scully called Skinner from her car, leaving a message 
that Mulder had a family issue to be resolved and she 
was assisting him.  Let Skinner believe it had to do with 
Mulder's mother's estate.

She did hurry, whatever else was going on, she couldn't 
abandon the child.  Mulder needed her support right now, 
and that was her job.

The look on his face when he opened the door for her 
didn't bear close analysis, but seemed to settle in the pit 
of her stomach.

"Did you have any problems?" She finally found her 
voice.

"Not with him."

She nodded and moved into the kitchen with her supplies 
and the lunch she'd gotten.  They didn't talk much, 
neither knowing what to say.  But her presence, even 
now, gave him hope and he was willing to settle.

She froze when the phone rang and he answered.  "It's 
Byers." He turned to her and she moved closer to hear 
him.

"Mulder, there are no prints on the note.  In fact, no hand 
oils on the thing at all."

"You mean . . . "

"Whoever wrote it was wearing gloves.  Or they didn't 
rest their hand on the paper when they were writing.  
That's not likely."

"No, it isn't." Mulder was watching Scully, but she didn't 
speak.  "What about - "

"Mulder."  Byers sighed.  "The other is going to take 
some time."

"I know.  Listen, I . . . thanks."

"Yeah.  We'll be in touch."

Mulder hung up and watched her.  They continued their 
nearly silent dance, unable to clear the air between them, 
but not able to separate either.

Finally she turned to him, "Mulder, why don't you try to 
get some rest.  I was able to sleep some this morning, 
but you haven't  . . . "

"I don't think I could."

"Try."  After a moment he nodded and made his way to 
the couch. He slept for a couple of hours, not completely 
peaceful, and woke to what looked like an empty 
apartment.  He hurried to his feet and, after a quick 
glance in the kitchen, looked in the bedroom.  She was 
there, asleep herself, her body curled slightly around the 
sleeping infant.  The sight threatened to topple the 
tenuous hold he had on his emotions forcing him to 
retreat from the room, closing the door.

He'd eaten lunch, but it was a distant memory and he 
assumed she must be getting hungry herself, so he 
ordered dinner.

*****

It was a long night, and an even more uncomfortable 
morning.  She wasn't entirely sure why she was still 
there, but she couldn't force herself to leave, to abandon 
the child to his care.  She felt like she was in limbo, a 
captive of this 'Caroline' and her accusations.
 
She answered the phone when Byers called the next 
morning.  If he was surprised to hear her voice, he didn't 
mention it.  "We have some information.  Don't want to 
talk about it over the phone.  We'll be over in a few 
minutes."

"We'll be here."  And she hung up the phone.

"Was that the guys?"

She jumped slightly.  She hadn't heard him come into the 
room.  "Yes, they're on their way over."

"Could they have . . . "

"Theoretically, if they weren't working on anything else."

"They weren't."  He watched her walk away from him and 
urged the guys to hurry in his mind.
 
They really didn't take too long to arrive.  Scully had just 
finished feeding the baby and had him on her shoulder 
when Mulder answered the door.

"Everybody doing okay?"  Byers asked into the awkward 
silence.

"Depends on what you have."  Mulder responded.  "Do 
you have the DNA?  Can you tell her I'm not the father?"

Byers sighed, "The tests were inconclusive."

"Incon . . . damn it!  What do they say?"

"The results actually raised more questions than they 
answered.  A portion of the DNA matches yours exactly."

"That's impossible!  Scully, it's not - "

"Mulder."  Byers interrupted, "and a portion matches 
Scully's exactly."

"It does what?"  Scully moved forward then, passing the 
baby to Mulder as she reached for the paper.  Mulder 
took him, but his eyes never left her.

"How?  I didn't . . . "

"Neither did I Scully. Do you believe me now?"

"Mulder, these . . . the results are . . . "

"They've been read by three labs, Scully.  We pulled in 
some favors."  Byers answered her next question before 
she could ask it.

"Th . . . three?"

"Scully."  Mulder took her arm and led her into the 
kitchen, away from the others.  "Scully, you didn't give 
birth to Emily either, but she was yours.  Why couldn't 
this baby . . . "

She looked stricken.  He glanced up at the three men 
standing awkwardly in the living room.  Mulder placed the 
child back in her arms and returned to them.

"Guys, we need a little time.  Can you protect this 
information?"

"Yeah.  These are your copies.  Listen, Mulder, if you 
need . . . "

Mulder nodded, then he turned to Frohike, "Do you 
believe me now?"

"Mulder, I'm . . . " Frohike shook his head.

"Yeah.  You know don't you, I'd never betray her."

"I'm sorry."

Mulder nodded and watched the three leave.  After 
locking the door, he returned to her.

"He can't be mine Mulder."

"He can't be mine either.  But the DNA . . . "

Scully closed her eyes and held the baby close to her.  "I 
need to go over the information."

"Scully, I . . . yeah, go over the information."

He left her alone, taking the baby into his room to change 
him and give her a little space.  When he couldn't stand it 
any longer, he returned and watched her from the door.  
She didn't seem to notice, though he saw her swipe tears 
from her face.

"Scully?"

She looked up then.  "This makes no sense.  There are 
pieces of your DNA, pieces of mine and then all these 
others.  What I'm seeing isn't scientifically possible."

"But you . . . you believe me."

She looked away and his blood pressure rose.  "I don't 
know what happened, but the note is beginning to look . . 
. " She shrugged.

He sank into the nearest chair.  "Yeah."

"Mulder, there are things we need to do.  The baby needs 
to be checked by a pediatrician, he has to have a PKU 
test and . . . and I don't know what all he needs.  It's not 
my field.  I need to run out and get him some things, a . . 
. a car seat, some clothes.  He can't wear a diaper and 
blankets for the rest of his life."  She gave Mulder a half 
smile.

The relief kept him in his seat.  She wasn't sure, she 
needed more scientific evidence, but the gloom that had 
pervaded her since reading the note seemed to be lifting.

"It's okay Mulder, I won't be long."

He nodded, "Okay, he . . . we need you."

That slight smile was back.  "I'll hurry.  Then we'll take 
him to the clinic where Sherry works.  She'll look him 
over."  She turned to get her purse and his hand touched 
hers.  She let her fingers encircle his and squeezed 
slightly.

*****

She did try to hurry, but she hadn't anticipated the crowd 
at the baby store on a Saturday morning.  To be honest, 
she hadn't remembered it was a Saturday morning.  
She'd gotten a nice car seat and a couple of outfits.  
They'd need more later, after decisions were made.  A lot 
of decisions needed to be made.

Traffic had gotten crowded suddenly and then she saw 
the police cars and the ambulance . . . outside of 
Mulder's building.  She went stone cold and pulled into 
the nearest opening.  She was out and running toward 
the building, everything else forgotten.  Her badge got 
her inside.  She didn't wait for the elevator, knowing this 
affected her on a personal level.

She was right, the door to his apartment was open and 
the police spilled out into the hall.  Again her badge was 
out, but the words died in her throat as she saw the 
paramedics working on Mulder.   The place was 
destroyed.  He'd obviously put up a hell of a fight.

She moved quickly toward the bedroom.  It had been 
taken apart as well.  The blankets, the diapers, hell, even 
the box he'd arrived in was missing.

"Agent?"

"I'm . . . Agent Mulder is my partner."

"Do you have any idea what happened here?"

"Uh, no, I was . . . " The paramedics caught her attention 
as they started for the door.  "Excuse me." She hurried to 
his side.
 
"Sorry ma'am, we need to move."

"Where are you taking him?"

"The Trauma Center.  Please lady." She'd taken his 
hand.  "We really need to move."

"Yes.  I'll meet you there."  She watched them rush 
toward the elevator and took hold of the doorjamb to 
steady herself.
 
"Agent Scully, this had to be a robbery, a home invasion.  
Would you know if anything were missing?"

"Missing?"  More than this man could ever know.  "Uh, 
no, I don't live here."  Everything was missing, the 
information the guys had brought, the supplies she'd 
brought . . . and the baby.  "I need to go."  She turned, 
then stopped.  "How did you get here?"

"Neighbor called."

She nodded and let herself out.

*****

"Doctor Scully?"  A nurse touched her shoulder.  "A Mr. 
Skinner is here to see you."  Scully blinked up at her.  
"We're keeping a very close eye on him."

"I . . . thank you."  Scully rose, a little stiffly, and made her 
way out of the ICU.

"Dana?"  AD Skinner was waiting just outside.  "You 
should have called me."

"How did you . . . "

"The police notified me when there was no family.  I 
guess they didn't make the connection that you were 
already here.  How is he?"

"He's slipped into a coma.  They, uh . . . he was very 
badly beaten."

"It was, what?  A home invasion?  I don't understand."

"We, Agent Mulder and I were exploring a new case at 
his home rather than the office.  The evidence was 
there."

"This is about an X-File?"

"Yes sir.  But all of the, the evidence was taken."

"Do you want me to have someone - "

"No.  No, you can't help.  These people . . . I need to get 
back to him."

"I don't have to leave.  Why don't I get you something to 
eat?"

"No, I - "

"Dana, I know you're here for the long haul.  You're going 
to need your strength."

"I can't leave."

"Fine, I'll go get you something light.  Stay with him, I'll let 
you know when I'm back."

She nodded, her attention already back with him.  She 
didn't allow herself to think about the child.  That's what 
they'd come for and Mulder had defended him, nearly to 
the death, but she knew these people, they had made no 
mistakes.

*****

In three days his condition had only deteriorated.  He was 
on a respirator, but she refused to give up, or leave.  She 
was wearing surgical scrubs now and had allowed herself 
only ten-minute showers, eating at his side.

She returned from her latest break and checked the 
monitors; if anything he seemed a little weaker.  She took 
his hand again.  "Don't you leave me Mulder.  I'll never 
forgive you if you leave me too.  Do you hear me?"  She 
sank into the chair beside him.

Finally she dozed with her head on his bed.  She wasn't 
quite asleep when his hand twitched in hers.  She was 
wide-awake instantly.  "Mulder."  She leaned in to 
whisper in his ear.  "Mulder, it's me, it's Scully.  Can you 
hear me?"

The curling of his fingers around hers couldn't be a 
coincidence.

"That's right.  Come on back to me."  She was pressing 
the button for the nurse as she spoke.

His eyes opened and his head turned slightly toward her.  
"You're on a respirator Mulder.  Don't fight it.  I'm right 
here and they'll remove it as soon as they - " She was 
interrupted by the arrival of the doctor, followed by the 
nurse.

"I was at the station.  Well, look at this.  Glad to see you 
awake Mr. Mulder."  The young doctor was looking 
closely into his eyes.  "I need to do a few simple tests.  I 
promise not to hurt you, okay?  I'm Dr. Griffin, by the 
way.  We'll shake later."

Scully managed a small smile.  Dr. Griffin was even 
younger than she and fortunately had enough unorthodox 
ideas to have allowed her to stay by Mulder's side, 
regardless of policy.

The doctor shined a light in his eyes, had him track his 
finger.  Mulder responded to some easy questions by 
squeezing her hand.  "That respirator's really bugging 
you, isn't it?  Okay, we'll remove it, but if you don't 
behave . . . " Mulder's eyes lightened for an instant.  The 
doctor smiled back at him.  "Okay, Dr. Scully, if you will - 
" the alarms went off as Mulder's pulse rate skyrocketed.

"Mulder, please, I'm not - "

"Mr. Mulder it's okay.  I'm not asking Dr. Scully to leave.  I 
just need her to move to the foot of the bed.  She'll be the 
one playing with your toes.  Okay, do you understand?"

Mulder relaxed slightly and Dr. Griffin nodded to her.  
She transferred her hand to his leg, maintaining contact 
and squeezing his toes.  "I'm right here."

His eyes didn't leave her, though he followed the doctor's 
directions, coughing to aid in the removal of the respirator 
when asked.

"Okay, we're going to want to do some more extensive 
testing in a little while Mr. Mulder, but you just rest for 
now.  Is there anything we can get you?"

"Scully."  The prone man croaked.

Dr Griffin smiled, "I think you already have that."

When they were alone finally, she leaned in and kissed 
his cheek.  "You scared me."

"I see that.  What happened?" He rasped.

"I left to get some things and - "

"You were at my apartment?"

She looked at him closely then, "Yes, earlier.  Mulder, 
what do you remember?"

"Nothing.  I don't even know what day it is or where I am.  
We weren't on a case?"

"Uh, no.  We're in DC.  You were attacked at your 
apartment.  I . . . I returned and, and the police were 
there."

He closed his eyes and sighed, "Thank goodness you 
weren't there.  So what did happen?"

"The police are investigating.  You just rest, that's all that 
matters."

He nodded, not opening his eyes, just tightening his grip 
on her hand.

She sank into the chair.  Oh god, he didn't remember.  
The child was gone and he had no . . . she closed her 
own eyes and ignored the tears that escaped.

*****

He was moved to a regular room late the next day.  
Skinner and the gunmen were there to visit.  While 
Skinner went on into the room, she met with the three out 
in the hall.  "He doesn't remember.  Don't mention what 
you were working on."

Byers moved closer to her and whispered, "He doesn't 
remember the baby?"

She shook her head, "Not at all.  He's still too weak to be 
worrying about it anyway.  We just . . . there's nothing we 
can do.  There's no proof that a child was ever in the 
apartment.  No one saw him but you, and if the people 
that took him could do that to Mulder, you . . . I don't want 
you hurt."

"Dana, I'm sorry."  Byers touched her shoulder.  Langly 
nodded, and Frohike took her hand, squeezing it.

"Scully, we aren't scared of - "

"You should be.  You know as well as I do what these 
people are capable of.  Don't say anything to Mulder.  If 
you still have evidence, make sure it's not where it could 
ever be linked to you."  She looked over at the door, "I 
need to get back in there."

The three nodded, and Byers handed her his 
handkerchief.  She managed to smile at this chivalry and 
dabbed at her eyes, then nodded.

Mulder was watching her as she returned and tensed at 
the evidence of tears, but held his comments for now.  
He exchanged jibes with the other three men and 
assured them that Scully had once again saved his ass.  
Their visit was short, due to his weakness, but Skinner 
motioned for Scully to walk him out.

"Is there something I should know?"

"Sir?"

"He and I both saw that you were upset when you 
returned to the room.  If there is anything I can do . . . "

She managed to smile, "No, really.  He's much improved, 
already asking when he can be released.  That's the 
most important thing.  I plan to come by the office later 
today - "

"Don't worry about that.  I had Kim get your expense 
report to Accounting."

"You didn't have to - "

He looked down at her.

"Thank you.  Things will get back to normal soon."

"Normal?  That would be a nice change.  Listen, if you 
need something, please call me.  I'll be speaking to the 
police later today about their investigation.  I will tell you 
there doesn't seem to be much we can do at this time, 
and since Mulder doesn't remember . . . " The big man 
shrugged.

"Maybe that's for the best."

That brought a look of surprise to his face, but he made 
no comment, for now.  "Get back to him.  If you need a 
break, want to go home . . . "

"Maybe later.  Thank you."  She turned then and returned 
to Mulder's room.

"Are you okay?"  He was asking before the door closed 
behind her.

"Of course.  Lie back Mulder.  That was probably too 
much company at once for you."

"I'm fine, but I'm worried about you."

"About me?"  But she didn't quite meet his eyes.

"What is it?  You were crying."

"No I wasn't."

"Scully, you don't have to protect me.  The doctor told me 
I was . . . did he tell you something - "

"No.  Mulder you are healing very well.  I wasn't crying, 
maybe they were just being so . . . so geeky sweet it got 
to me."

"You're developing a thing for Frohike, aren't you?"

She laughed her surprise.  "We were trying to keep it low 
key."

"I can still take him."  He made a show of trying to rise 
from the bed, but her hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Everything is okay, really."

"Everything but you.  I can see how tired you are.  Look, 
as much as I enjoy your company, you really should get a 
decent night's rest tonight.  Go home, take a shower, 
read a book, eat something recognizable.  I'll be okay."

"Did you insult me somewhere in there?"

He shook his head, "Never.  Go on, I'll be fine.  Nurse 
Godzilla is on tonight.  She'll keep me in line."

Her uncertainty was poignant to him.  "I guess I could use 
a real shower and a change of clothes."

"See?  I promise to be right here where you left me in the 
morning.  You can call to tuck me in and give me phone 
sex."

At that she rolled her eyes.  "If you're feeling that much 
better, maybe Nurse Godzilla should stay with you."

He grimaced, then pulled her closer and down to him.  
"Go home."  He kissed her forehead, then her nose and 
finally, after a tiny hesitation, when she didn't pull away, 
her lips.

"I'll be back - "

"In the morning, Scully.  Really, it will be okay."

Finally she nodded and left the room.  She couldn't tell 
him that staying here kept her mind away from things she 
didn't want to face.  Scully squared her shoulders and 
went to find her car where Frohike had told her it was 
parked.  

Her packages and the car seat were gone.  Byers had 
offered to return everything when they left the hospital, 
and part of her was relieved to be spared the sight of the 
things.

She did go home and take that shower, fixing a small 
meal in the comfort of her robe.  She talked to him for a 
few minutes and he reassured her that he was fine and to 
get a good night's sleep.  

Falling asleep wasn't easy.  Alone here she could give 
into her grief about the child that she had finally come to 
realize, to truly believe she would never be able to find.  
His DNA and hers, once again manipulated in the 
cruelest way.

She ended up curled around her pillow and cried herself 
to sleep.

She was possibly more rested when she awoke, but felt 
the pull of him as she hurried to dress and return to the 
hospital.  The day nurse spotted her when she got off the 
elevator and approached.  "I'm glad you're here."

"Is he all right?"  Scully asked quickly.

"Yes, but he had a bad night.  Nightmares, restless.  I 
didn't think he'd tell you."

"No, he wouldn't.  Thank you."

The young woman nodded and returned to the desk.  
Scully squared her shoulders and went on in.  "Morning."

"Hey, what are you doing here so early?  I thought you 
were going to try to get some rest."  He chided her.

"I did, but I not as much as I get in that chair.  Mind if I 
stay here again tonight?"

He looked at her wonderingly, "You want to?"

"Yes."  She said simply.  "I'll have to go over to the office, 
at least check our messages, but I think I'll sleep better 
here tonight."

He absorbed that, and decided to just be grateful.

Two days later he was released, into her custody.  Her 
insistence that he stay at her apartment didn't meet with 
much resistance.  From what he'd heard his apartment 
wasn't liveable anyway.

She held the door open as he entered leaning on his 
cane.  He would need to continue physical therapy, but 
he was alive.

He moved toward the couch, but she forestalled him.  "To 
bed mister.  You've been up long enough."

"Ahh, you're true colors huh?  Always trying to get me in 
your bed."

"In your dreams, Mulder.  Now lie down before you fall 
down."  She took his arm and led him toward the 
bedroom.

He sat heavily on the side of the bed.  She wasn't far off, 
though he hated to admit it.

"I'll fix dinner, then - "

"Then I'll come to the table and eat it.  I need to see if I 
remember how."

She smiled, "Okay.  Rest for a little while now and I'll call 
you when dinner's ready."

He nodded and lay back on the bed, sighing.  She 
brushed the hair off his forehead, then left the room.

She checked, her mother had been here and left some 
things.  Scully made her decision and began cooking.

She was tossing the salad when he joined her in the 
kitchen.  "Mulder, why didn't you call me?  I could have 
helped - "

"Just what I need, you watching me struggle to even get 
up out of a bed.  No thanks."

"Mulder, stop it.  You were nearly killed; you have to work 
your way back.  Please, don't push too hard." 

He sank into a kitchen chair.  "You know, that's the part 
that confuses me the most.  Why me?  Why my 
apartment?  You know the place, there's nothing there 
worth stealing.  I know Skinner thinks it could have been 
guys on PCP, but I don't know, it doesn't feel right.  
There was just nothing there worth - "

Scully had turned away and now he looked at her closely, 
was she crying?  He struggled up from the chair, and 
moved toward her.  "Scully?  Scully, what?"  She was 
crying.

"Nothing, I just - "

"Scully."

She buried her face in his chest.  "Nothing, I . . . I came 
so close to losing you."

He didn't speak for a moment, just caressing her hair.  
"You didn't lose me.  You won't lose me."

"Promise?"

He chuckled, "Yeah, I promise.  You okay?"

She sighed, "Dinner's ready; have a seat."

After dinner, he sat in the living room watching a little TV 
while she cleaned the kitchen.  She joined him shortly.  
"Haven't you been up long enough?"

"Probably, but I like it here.  Your place feels good, 
homey."

"Really?  I always thought it was kind of sterile.  Your 
apartment has a more lived in look."

"I could leave my socks on your floor."  He offered.

"Gee, thanks.  I'll pass.  Come on, you really do need to 
get your rest.  I want you back to full strength as soon as 
possible."  She rose and started to take his arm.

"Nope, let me do it.  Really, I need to do this."

She took a deep breath and stepped back.  Her hands 
twitched to help him, but he finally made it to his feet.  He 
gave her a rue smile, then took the cane she handed him 
and slowly walked down the hall.

"Mulder, go on in the bathroom.  I'll get your things."

He nodded, but didn't speak.  She tapped on the 
bathroom door.  "Come on in."

He was looking through his kit bag for his toothbrush.  
She put his sweat pants and t-shirt on the shelf.  "Do you 
need any help?"

He leered at her for an instant.  "What kind of help?"

She rolled her eyes, "I'll be in the other room."  His smile 
dropped away when she left.  He didn't know what she 
was keeping from him and he needed to find out.

He made his way to the bedroom, to find that she had 
turned down his side of the bed.  "Scully, you haven't 
slept in a bed in days.  I could - "

"There is no way you would get comfortable on my 
couch.  It's plenty long for me."

"The bed is big enough - "

"Mulder, go to bed.  I'll be right out there."

He carefully lowered his body and winced as he lifted his 
legs to the bed.  She pulled the covers over him and to 
his surprise, placed a chaise kiss to his forehead.

"Rest and grow strong, Mulder."

"Yes Mom."  She turned off the light and let herself out of 
the room, pulling the door nearly closed behind her.

She leaned against the wall, willing herself not to cry 
again.  It upset and confused him.  He didn't know what 
had happened, what had been taken from his apartment.  
Knowing would do no good now.

She got ready for bed herself and tried to read for a little 
while, but finally gave up and stretched out on the couch.  
She heard him a little later, restless, but not crying out.  
She moved into the bedroom.  He was talking in his 
sleep, but at least it didn't seem to be a full-fledged 
nightmare.

"Mulder?"

"No.  Don't take . . . he's Scully's, don't - " He woke then 
and saw her standing over him, her mouth open, her 
eyes wide.  "Scully?  What?  What's wrong?"

"Noth . . . nothing.  I, I heard you talking."

"What did I say?  Scully, what's wrong?"

She shook her head.  He moved slightly to the side and 
patted the bed.  "Looks like you need more comforting 
than I do.  Come on Scully, talk to me."

She sank onto the bed beside him.  "You should be 
resting."

"I rest better when you're beside me.  Stay in here, then I 
won't talk or dream.  And I promise not to jump you."

She looked down with a nervous chuckle.

"Come on.  You slept beside me in the hospital all this 
time.  Why not get comfortable too.  Please, you could be 
my security blanket."

"And you could be mine."  She spoke so low he almost 
missed it.  He decided not to pursue it for now.  Instead 
he moved farther over to give her room.

*****

She heard him before she got the door open.  Scully 
dropped the bags just inside of the door as she slammed 
it with her foot, then raced to the bedroom.  She shouldn't 
have left him, but they'd needed a few things.

He was flailing around, crying out, "No!  Don't ta . . . ours!  
Scully's . . . no!"

"Mulder, Mulder wake up.  It's okay."  She caught his 
hand before he could hurt himself.  "Mulder."  She eased 
onto the bed beside him, her hands touching his face, 
wiping the hair from his brow.  "Mulder, wake up."

"He's ours.  Don't take him.  He's . . . " He opened his 
eyes to see Scully's shocked face.  "Scu . . . Scully?"  His 
eyes widened then, as memory overtook him.  "The baby.  
Oh god Scully.  How could I . . . "

"Mulder, you were severely injured, you - "

"What are they doing to find him?"  He started to rise 
from the bed.  Her hand on his chest stopped him.  
"Skinner, is Skinner - "

"Skinner doesn't know.  Mulder, Mulder listen to me.  
They aren't looking for him.  No one knows he was there.  
There's no proof that there was ever a baby in your 
apartment."

The look of total disbelief and, and horror caused her to 
look away.  "Mulder, they nearly killed you.  Think what 
they would have done to Byers and . . . There were no 
pictures, no fingerprints, no footprints on a birth 
certificate.  I couldn't -  " He grabbed her arm.

"You're not even looking for him?  He's ours, yours and 
mine!  How could you - " She jerked away, pulling her 
arm free, and raced from the room.

He shuddered when he heard the door slam, coming truly 
awake with a jolt.  Oh god, what had he . . . He struggled 
out of the bed, ignoring the pain and not bothering with 
the cane, moving as fast as he could.

The bathroom door was shut, but not locked.  He opened 
it quickly, needing to see her.  He spotted her on the floor 
beside the tub, hugging her knees to herself, her chest 
heaving and tears flowing down her cheeks.

"Scully, oh god Scully."  He lowered himself painfully to 
the floor beside her.  "I wasn't, I didn't . . . "  He pulled her 
against him, even though she tried to pull away.  He held 
her until the tears became hiccups.

Finally she did pull away and he reluctantly allowed it.  
She rose from the floor silently and moved to the sink to 
wash her face.  He sat where he was, partially to watch 
her, partially because he wasn't sure he could get up.

She turned and moved to help him, but he shook his 
head.  She retreated as though stung and he regretted 
his actions on some level.  He managed to lever himself 
up enough to sit on the side of the tub and then on to his 
feet.  He followed her out of the bathroom and moved 
around her.

He lowered himself carefully to the couch.  She opened 
her mouth to protest, have him return to the bed, but he 
looked her in the eyes and motioned for her to sit beside 
him.

After a moment she did, not sitting close enough to 
accidentally brush against him.  It pulled at his heart that 
she seemed afraid of him on some level.

"Scully, tell me what happened.  All of it."

She stiffened her spine and he nearly reached out for 
her, but he needed to hear this, really listen, and not be 
distracted by the feel of her.

"I left to get some things, a car seat . . . "

He nodded when she paused.

"It took longer than I thought it would, and when I . . . 
there were four police cars and an ambulance.  I knew it 
was your place.  Mulder, " she looked up again, unshed 
tears shining in her eyes, "They didn't think you'd make it 
to the hospital.  I saw it in their eyes.  Your apartment 
was destroyed.  I glanced in the bedroom, but they didn't 
want me walking around.  They took everything, even 
your garbage to ensure there was no evidence that . . . 
he had ever been there.  No one saw them. There were 
no fingerprints or loose ends.  Mulder, they were 
professionals, they didn't make any mistakes."

"They made one.  I'm still alive."

Her breath shuddered then and new tears escaped down 
her face.  "Mulder, you can't  - "

"There has to be some - "

"I've read the police reports, the guys were over there.  
They broke in and searched the place too.   We can't 
prove the baby every existed."

"The guys could have - "

"Mulder, look what these men did to you.  What would 
they have done to Langly?"

He stopped then; as much as he hated it, she had a 
point.  "Okay, but I'm out now, I can - "

"Mulder."

"I can't just let them have him Scully!"

She dropped her face in her hands again and he 
softened, touching her shoulder.  "Scully, I'm - "

"Don't you think I've thought about this?  There was 
nothing else to do while I sat there praying for you to live.  
There's no place to start.  Your neighbors heard nothing, 
saw nothing.  If they hadn't left your door open, the man 
down the hall wouldn't have looked in. He wouldn't have 
called 911."

"So they wanted me to live."

She blinked at that.

"Scully, professionals could have finished the job just as 
easily."  She looked away then, but he saw the shudder 
that ran through her.  "I know the trail is cold, but 
somewhere someone knows something.  Part of him is 
ours Scully.  He's our child and I have to find him."

"And you hate me for not searching for him."  She stated 
flatly.

His look of shock stopped her.  "Hate you?  I could never 
hate you Scully.  I understand how you had to handle 
things.  I'm sorry, but the memory was so abrupt, I . . . " 
He reached out for her again, but she just looked at him.  
"Scully, please.  I need you, I always need you."  He 
pulled her closer and she came then, her arms going 
around him as his encircled her.  She rested her head on 
his chest, listening to his heartbeat.  "We'll find him 
Scully.  He's ours and somehow, Scully, somehow we'll 
find him."
   



Author's notes:  I started this one before the whole 
William thing and the way it was handled.  I put it away 
because I didn't believe Scully could let a baby go.  Then 
CC did his thing.  A friend found this last weekend in my 
stack and demanded I dust it off.  Here it is...


=====
Donna
http://www.donnas-stories.com/

"A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something."

Frank Capra