Gossamer | Story: "Generations 29: Melissa (1/3)" by Evenstar, Eowyn & MacspookyThe Gossamer Project Author - Title - Date - Spoilers - Crossovers - X-Files - Adventures - Stories - Vignettes Other stories by: Macspooky - Evenstar, Eowyn Hi again. Here is another "Generations" saga from the magic word processors of Eowyn and I. I want to thank Lezlie S. for editing for us. Hope I have corrected all the errors she found. I also want to thank B. Lorch for providing me with the lovely name of Aislinn Amara, which, she tells me, means Immortal Dream in Irish. This story is rated R. I mean the people in it are married after all and do what marrried people do! We finished it on July 2, 1996. The Xfiles still belong to Chris Carter, Fox, Ten Thirteen, etc. We really are only having fun with our alternate universe and do not intend to step on anyone's toes or cost anyone any money. We, of course, aren't making any. This is purely fun and actually costs a fortune in on line time to do! All comments can be sent to Eowyn at 72620.3447.compuserve.com or eowyn7@ix.netcom.com or to the Macspookster at macspooky@erols.com or macspooky@erols.com. We enjoy mail! "Melissa" Chapter 1 by Eowyn and Macspooky Fox Mulder collapsed gratefully unto the blanket and stared up at the sky glad that he had worn his sun glasses. He placed one little body across his chest and held the other in the crook of his arm and then closed his eyes and let the haunting Irish music pass over him. Last year they hadn't been able to make the annual Irish Folk Festival at Wolf Trap and he had missed it, but this year the entire family had decided it was worth the effort to come, the entire larger family. Getting the babies baptized earlier in the day had been a real circus. There were so many of them. Brenda, Patrick, the little Fox, Bill's youngest Emily who had been put off too long, and even Melissa's little guy Wills. Lis hadn't wanted to baptize him, claimed she didn't believe, but had finally bowed to pressure from her mother and mother-in-law. Straightening out God parents had been a real trip too since at least one Catholic was required for each, but eventually they had sorted that out too with his twin sisters Amy and Jen as delighted Godmothers.... Dana's idea... Fox smiled slightly. Had the priest worn a look of relief on his face when the entire clan had filed out the door after the ceremony was over? Probably. He knew that he and Walter sure had. The Scully's seemed to take the organized chaos of a larger family in stride but he and Walt were struggling. He remembered trying to get them all together to go into the ceremony, he'd wanted everything to be perfect and had started to get really frustrated. Suddenly he'd felt Walter lean up against him and whisper in his ear. "Calm down, Mulder, don't be such a tight ass." He'd looked back over his shoulder and the grin on Walt's face had relaxed him and he'd been able to take the rest in stride. Even to having to change Wally Wolf at the last moment because he'd made a smell that they really couldn't live with through the whole service. Brenda, in her long white Christening robe stirred a little on his chest. She lifted her head to look at him and then shoved a thumb in her mouth and fell asleep. He could feel Patrick playing with his feet beside him. Had it been only two years ago that the loneliness had so gotten to him that he had contemplated his gun as a way out. He shuddered at the thought. He didn't use to believe in God, at least that is what he'd told himself, but Margaret Scully's call had come just in time to save his life and he'd never looked back from that moment. And sometimes, especially on days like today, he began to believe that maybe God hadn't deserted him at all, that maybe even though somethings in his life had gone terribly wrong, someone was up there looking out for him. He sure would bet, if he allowed himself to believe in those things, that Mary McBride and his great Uncle Wolf were watching him now. Because on that very day that he had stared long at the barrel of his gun, in this very same place he had made his insane proposal to his partner..... the one he hadn't even meant when he said it? Fox Mulder hadn't dared mean it, because when she said no, he knew his heart would break if he had admitted to himself that he did want it. But she had shocked him and herself and said yes and he had not been about to let her change her mind after that. How very much had happened since then. How his life had changed! A wife, who loved him so much he could barely believe it; a parrot, three damned dogs, two children, oh God two wonderful beautiful babies, in all his life he's never dared to hope that he might have children; and finally someone he could call dad, who cared for him not for what he could do but just for who he was, someone who was proud of him and didn't hide that pride in a locked box at the back of a closet. "Hi, Spook, I know you're awake....." He opened his eyes as his wife sat down beside him and smiled at him. "Where are the girls?" "Off chasing down an autograph I think," she grinned. "Some Bodhrain player they thought was cute." "Well, that will give my mother and Ed fits...." he chuckled. "They are off watching some step dancers." Dana laid down next to him and bent over and kissed him. It wasn't long until Brenda was lying between them and the passion of the kisses was increasing proportionately with the amount of time they were lying there. Their hands were still behaving for the most part but... "Hey, man, you two keep that up and there will be another set of twins in nine months and I'll be running the Xfiles after I arrest you for fornicating in public." "Both...." They both sat up and smiled. "Worse things could happen, Both..." chuckled Mulder. "Yeah, you're not the one pushing them out," replied his wife. The thought of another pregnancy made her shudder just now. She was still trying to get back into the routine of work. "I meant than leaving Both in charge of the X-files...." He kissed her. "Oh, they are always doing that mushy stuff," said Michael passing by. "We've learned to ignore it...." He snatched up his frisby and disappeared. "Glad you could come.... realize it is rather an odd Christening party." said Fox. "I warn you, this gang can be a little overwhelming." "Well, this is my friend Denise. The Christening was beautiful, by the way, in spite of all the crying. Much nicer than the ones my mom used to force me to attend when I was a boy. The priest always took it as an oportunity to encourage procreation. When I hit puberty mom didn't make me go anymore. Guess she figured that a teenage boy didn't need any encouragement in that direction. Denise, Fox Mulder, Dana Scully Mulder, Brenda and my Godson who goes under the ridiculous name of Wally Wolf...." Dana smiled. This Denise person was very very pretty and she looked familiar although Dana couldn't quite place her. "Ouch...." said Mulder, "I must have slipped..." He cursed himself silently then grinned evilly at Both, "That gets out around the Bureau, Bothrington, and you'll be an X-file. Especially if Skinner hears it, we'll both end up as X-files or in Alaska." Dwayne only grinned in exchange and saluted. Couldn't say he blamed the man....Wally Wolf indeed. The trouble was that as he was coming to know the eccentric Mulder, he realized that it was classic. The guy was nuts but likable if you could overlook a lot, and he had found himself very pleased to be asked to be a godfather to one of old Spooky's children. As for ending up in Alaska... he sincerely doubted it. He'd worked on a case with the AD and Mulder working together as partners, and he'd seen the look on Skinner's face when he thought Mulder was seriously injured. 'Oh yeah, Mulder could get away with quite a lot where the AD was concerned.' And no one, but no one, had better try to hurt Fox Mulder while AD Skinner was around. The only time he'd ever seen Skinner lose his cool had been when a supervisor had taken Spooky's saftey as being unimportant. Both had thought that the AD was going to hit the man especially since earlier that same day Bothrington had watched Skinner lay out a man who had shot at Mulder with one punch, breaking the man's jaw in the process. But all the same he'd keep his mouth shut 'cause 'Wally Wolf' getting out would definitely piss both Mulder and Skinner off and it looked like he might be working closely with one and under the direct supervision of the other quite a bit now that he was assigned to VC in Washington. Melissa sat with Will alone watching her sister and her husband. She could have gone off to see any number of shows with her brothers. She might have gone with her mom except, of course, Walter was there. Walter was always there. She could have gone with Amy and Jen.... real characters those two.... For an instant she smiled remembering her own 17th year just before graduating. The prom, the boyfriends... Melissa sighed. She really just didn't have the energy and to do much of anything lately except take care of the baby. Laughter came from the Mulder blanket, and Fox reached over and kissed her sister again. She wondered what it felt like. Fox was such a good looking man. Weird, but judging by the way her sister had started looking after her marriage, he must be something else in the sack, and he probably wouldn't even think of touching another woman. God, it was enough to make you sick the way he was always touching her, slipping an arm around her, and the way she looked at him in total adoration half the time... Melissa realized she was jealous. Chuck hadn't even bothered to show up yet. He'd said he had something to do after that stupid baptism they had insisted on and that he'd come later on. Yeah, right... he had to go screw that car saleswoman... at least that was who she thought it was... this time. Chuck had promised to love her forever... yeah, right... Her mind slipped into an overwhelming sadness again. "Hi, Melissa... my Wills looks cute in his Christening suit. "Hello, Aunt Sophia..." said Missy non plussed. The woman held her hand out to Melissa to help her up. "Come along, Lis.... You've simply got to see the display of Irish crystals they have in the craft tent. They are the most beautiful I have ever seen and there is one that is just perfect for you." She had all she could do to keep from rolling her eyes. Besides, the woman kind of scared her. There was something about Sophia that wasn't what it seemed, and she always seemed to know more than she should about people. Plus she had an uncanny ability to read auras. Melissa really didn't want to go anywhere, but she was too tired to argue so putting Wills in the Snugli she got up and followed Mulder's crazy aunt to go and look at crystals. Margaret watched them go off, glad that Sophia had gotten Lis up off the blanket. She had been concerned about her daughter, and Chuck hadn't shown up. Before she had much chance to think about it, however, Eileen was asking her where the drinks were and her thoughts were taken elsewhere. Jenny and Amy came bouncing back giggling with their autographs in their hands. Michael and various companions strolled back toward the blankets. It wasn't long before the clan had come together for lunch. Ruth and Ed each picked up one of the babies. Dana was pleased to see that Ruth actually picked up Patrick. She didn't suppose she'd ever have really warm feelings for her mother-in-law, but at least on this trip she wasn't mooning around worrying that her son was either going to spoil or abuse her grandson, or maybe that he wouldn't. Dana shrugged the woman off and handed a bottle of Harp to her husband after taking a slug out of it. "Hey," he said. "What's the matter, Mulder? Afraid of a little bodily fluid?" she whispered. "Marry me, Scully, and I'll show you how afraid of bodily fluids I am...." he whispered back. She looked at him and her eyes lit up. "Are you nuts, Mulder... I could end up with a house, three dogs, a freaking parrot, a tacky yellow convertible and two kids by next year." He threw his head back and laughed and then his hands went to her shoulders and pulled her to him and he was kissing her again. No one really understood this little outburst, so they just ignored it. Sometimes Fox and Dana could be really out there. He whispered in her ear, "Ah but you love the car... I can still remember the reward you gave me for bringing it home. Made me want to buy a new car every day. He laughed as his wife blushed then she smiled at him with a sexy little smile. "Maybe after the twins are tucked in I'll reward you tonight as well." 'Damn, it had suddenly gotten hot,' Fox thought to himself. He quickly took a swig of beer to cool himself off. Walter was watching from his and Meg's blanket and grinned at Mulder's sudden discomfort. He couldn't hear what they were saying but he could make a sure bet as to the general subject matter. Dana might have been a virgin on their wedding night but she had obviously been a quick study and was a match for him now. 'Actually,' he thought, 'If it was like mother like daughter more than a match.' Finding himself suddenly hot he grabbed a beer to cool off and leaned over and gave Meg a long kiss. He'd looked up to find Michael getting too rambunkous with his sister and seeing that Bill was tied up with the baby a ways away had called him down. "Sorry, Uncle Walter." Had been the boy's sullen reply. Then he had looked up at the returning figure of Melissa with a little concern and Lisa had misread it as annoyance. She started calling him a tight ass for worrying all the time. Margaret just patted him fondly on the butt and whispered in his ear that that was how she liked it. Then he was blushing because his wife had left little doubt as to what she was refering. Margaret was not as conservative as he had first thought. 'Sheesh now he was going to be all hot and bothered until tonight. Maybe little Fox would take a nap when they got home.' He smiled at the thought. Meg who had been watching the expressions play over his face demonstrated a bit of her mother's ESP and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "I'm sure we can get JF to take a nap when we get home." With that she had given his ear a nip with her teeth and he suddenly had to shift because his jeans were too tight. Lisa, his sister, who had been covertly watching this exchange suddenly laughed. Marriage was certainly losening her brother up, at this rate she wouldn't be able to tease him much longer about being uptight. Meg had been wonderful for her brother. Anne had been a lovely woman but she was shy and reserved and her health had made her very dependent on him. It had aged him beyond his years; now with this new wife and baby she would swear he was fifteen years youner. He certainly looked younger and she could tell he was happier. He laughed a lot more. She found herself wondering about his relationship with Agent Mulder. For several years he was the person at work that Walter had mentioned most, but the references were rarely positive. Lisa had thought that he considered him to be the most irresponsible agent and biggest problem of his job as Assistant Director. When Mulder had married Dana, Lisa had been afraid that their conflicts would make his new family life difficult and at times that had seemed to be the case, particularly last Christmas. Mulder and Wally had apparently had a disagreement at work that had carried over and neither were speaking to the other. They had both behaved as gentlemen and not allowed their fight to mar the Christmas celebrations but it had been obvious that they weren't getting along. She had therefore been very surprised when she visited the hospital after the birth of Walter's son to find that the boy's middle name was Fox and that Mulder was apparently watching out for her brother. She hadn't missed that Wally was upset about not getting to hold his son but figured that he was just being a worry wart as usual. She had been surprised to see Mulder help him slip away and then run interference so that he could spend time with little Fox. Later when she had told Wally that she thought it was sweet of him to let Meg name the baby Fox he had looked embarassed and mumbled something about that being his idea. Watching them today she had come to realize that whatever he had been saying over the last several years had only been a cover for his real feelings. 'Guess I should have known but Wally had gotten really good at hiding how he felt.' Anyway she now realized that Walter was very fond of Fox Mulder and probably had been all along. She was even more surprised to realize that the strange young man felt the same way. Only two people were paying attention to the Mulder's at this point. One was an approaching, Melissa with a crystal that she had been forced to acknowledge was lovely. She had left Aunt Sophia and Wills in the tent while the eccentric woman was trying to make up her mind what would suit that ugly pommypooranian puppy the best. Sheesh... talk about nuts! The other was a tall graying man behind a tree smoking a Morley. He came to a decision. He waited... waited until they were all eating and then made his appearance. It was obvious that Margaret Skinner had not been apprised of things for she smiled at his approach. So did that flake Ruth. Good heavens, that Bill should marry such a woman! Well, she had been a pretty little thing once. Yes, very pretty and compliant, compliant up until the time a choice had had to be made. Perhaps it had been fortunate that she had been more prone to a breakdown than fighting... He pushed the thoughts away and looked down at Mulder. "Congratulations......" Fox Mulder looked up and glared. Cancerman sat down and looked at the two babies. He acknowledged Ruth with a nod. "I'm sorry, I can't remember your name....." she said ever the polite society woman. She knew he was one of the men in the pictures that Fox had shown her when he had come back from New Mexico, but she also remembered him as the man who had made baby Fox smile. Skinner handed Margaret the baby and approached the Mulder blanket cautiously. The smoking man shrugged. "John will due." 'If I told her my real name Mulder would probably vomit.' Cancerman laughed to himself. A smile appearing in his eyes, he didn't allow it to reach his mouth. "Well, can we offer you some lunch?" Ruth asked graciously as Fox rolled his eyes. 'God his mother was so clueless sometimes.' "Now that would make a lovely domestic scene..." A hint of a smile appeared that did not quite touch his eyes. He reached out and picked up Brenda. Fox and Dana both became more alert if that were possible. The baby smiled at him, and for just an instant Fox could have sworn he saw a softening of the man's face, every so slight. "A beautiful daughter, Mulder... a fine son.... I see that today you renounced the devil in their names." He'd been at that back of the church watching the Christening. 'Getting stupid and sentimental in my old age he thought to himself. Should be going.' But he didn't move. Instead he sat and played with the little girl. 'So pretty. Just like Samantha. Got to make sure what happened to her didn't happen to either of these two little ones.' He looked up to see the Assistant Director hovering. "Sit down, Skinner, I'm hardly likely to do anything here, now am I." Skinner sat down not wanting to attract attention. "What do you want, Jones?" "Thought I'd come by and pay my respects. I also haven't had a chance to congradulate you Assistant Director on your maintaining the X-files under your direct supervision. You play the game like a master." He glanced up at Fox. "Of course it helps to have loyal players at your side. My compliments, Mulder, your control and discipline have certainly improved." At Mulder's snort he almost smiled. Turning to Dana he held Brenda gently out and said, "Trade you." She raised her eyebrow but he had been very gentle with her little girl so she took Brenda and handed Patrick over. Dana was a bit amazed by the fact that he did so well with little babies. He seemed to know not only how to hold them but also how to play with them to make them smile. Taking Patrick he played with him briefly before commenting. "Still going to try and convince me that he isn't named Steven after you?" "I never said that he wasn't named after me, only that Mulder had never indicated to me that he was. That was perfectly true." "Ah yes... the truth. Such a subjective thing." He played with the little boy some more. Still not looking at anything but the baby he said, "Guard them carefully, Mulder." Fox and Walter tensed and looked like they were ready to take his head off at that comment. Mulder replied, "Is that a threat?" "No, it's an observation. Not all of my associates consider children off limits, as you should well know and just because it happens in DC does not mean that I am always in control of it." Here he did look up and meet Skinner's eyes. "Do you know what happened to Samantha, where she is?" Mulder couldn't stop himself from asking. Cancerman looked at Mulder then. "I've spent over twenty years trying to get an answer to those questions and the answer so far is, no, I don't know. Don't you think if we knew you'd have your answers by now... if only to get you off our backs? You're much more dangerous than your father ever was. One hell of a lot more trouble. My associates... while we agree on somethings, we do not agree on everything and some tend to act according to their own agenda." He stood up, then just as quickly as he had come, he handed the baby to her father and got up and started to walk away. He stopped and turned for a brief instant and gazed directly at Bothrington. "Life is an enigma Agent Bothrington," he said. "Sometimes one finds protectors in very strange places... and sometimes regrets come too late." And then he was gone. Bothrington, his senses sharp and ready to react to danger, understood that something had just transpired although he didn't understand what. Before he had a chance to ask, however, Sophia came back with a loud flourish. "Oh, look, Melissa... I found a crystal that is just perfect for little It... I'm starved. Where is that delicious salad you made, Ruth? It's an absolutely perfect day for it..." Walter and Mulder waited until Cancerman was out of sight before relaxing and rubbing the backs of their necks at the same time. Mulder spoke first. "What the hell was that all about? Do you have the vaguest notion, Skinner?" "Beats the hell out of me, Mulder. But he seems fascinated by your kids." "Do you think they are in any danger?" Scully spoke, "Not from him. I think he was telling us that he would protect them but I also think he was warning us that he couldn't garauntee anything." "It's interesting how he mentioned different agendas. That might be a weakness that we can exploit some day." Skinner pointed out to his younger agents. They nodded but said nothing more. "He's gone now and I say we go back to enjoying the day." Walter and Fox smiled in agreement at her suggestion and got some food to eat. The adults rested awhile after dinner when Michael and his friends came charging up and pointed out that the adult males could use some exercise. So up they all got to go play frisby. Fox and Walter were walking side by side. "You know, Walt, you lucked out not having to play touch football with this clan." "Touch football? Is that supposed to be something dangerous?" "It can be when the Scully men think you are interested in one of the women." At his father-in-laws raised eyebrow he continued. "Before Dana and I were even dating I was invited to her birthday party. Guess the boys were more aware of what was going on between us than we were so they gave me the full treatment. Touch became tackle and after half an hour every muscle in my body ached. They finally backed off after I promised not to hurt their sister. You apparently intimidated them too much to get the full treatment." Walter started laughing at that. "You missed it, you and Dana were out of town on a case the winter before Meg and I got married. I was over at their house and one of the boys suggested a game of touch football, Meg heard and suddenly sounded like my drill sergent in the Marines. 'There will be no games of touch football, gentlemen.' I couldn't figure out why she was so hard on them. Well now I know. Remind me to thank her. I'm too old to be a punching bag." "You're in a hell of a lot better shape than I am. Maybe I should suggest tackle frisby?" "Too late, Fox, I'm already in the family." They parted to take up their positions. They tucked the babies into their cribs and quietly slipped into bed. It had been a good day in many ways, a tiring day, a strange day. Fox slipped his arms around Dana. He felt exhausted. She nestled against him. "It doesn't make sense, Scully," he said softly...."Cancerman I mean.....What do you think he is up to?" "I don't know, Fox," she said softly. "So far, he hasn't seemed to threaten the babies, in fact he seems to be taken with them, but he scares me just the same. It just doesn't make sense. You know, I was frantic in New Mexico, convinced that you had been burned in that boxcar, and yet when I think back on it I remember Albert's grandson telling me that he had sent his men in to check for you before he ordered it burned, and why didn't he just have us killed when we found that silo? And I've asked myself who the hell it was that called 911 when Melissa was shot and left for dead in my place that time if Rodriguez used a silencer." "Life is an enigma... I thought it was just luck that someone came upon the crime scene. I didn't really think about it. I was just relieved that she pulled through that time..." He sighed and kissed her head gently. He might have said more, but he realized that she had fallen asleep in his arms. He started to doze off and then awakened suddenly... damn... he had finally placed Denise. She was a fingerprint tech at the Bureau. It looked as though the secret of Wally Wolf was going to be out after all, and Skinner just might kill him when he found out. End Chapter 1 --=====================_838138159==_ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="MISSY02.TXT" All disclaimers still apply. "Melissa" Chapter 2 by Eowyn and Macspooky July 4th Fox laid a baby and a bottle in the bed next to Dana. Then he laid himself along with another baby and another bottle on the bed next to him, propped a box of kleenex within reach and calculated the misery index. While Wally Wolf chugged away, Fox looked at his wife who was laying on her side, holding a bottle in Brenda's mouth. If he was sniffling, Dana's nose was running. She had dark circles under her eyes, and he knew she was feverish and that her head was throbbing. She didn't get sick often, but when she did it tended to really put her under, and of course with twins, she couldn't get much rest. He might have gotten Aislinn over to help that day except that the newest addition to the Skinner household, a cousin and wonderful nanny for Walter Fox Skinner, was busy helping Margaret prepare for a large 4th of July barbecue. "I can't believe I have to face mom's barbecue later," sighed Dana. So far, Fox had had to bring her the babies because she hadn't even been able to get out of bed. Her head felt like it needed to be blown off. She had a sig sauer to do it with too but she thought Fox had hidden the bullets on her. Fox turned Patrick on his stomach and rubbed his back to help burp him. "It's okay, sweetheart," he said gently. "Aunt Sophia and I will put in an appearance. You stay home and sleep while the babies are napping." "But....." "Hey," he said softly moving his hand from Patrick's back to Dana's shoulder. "I was the one that caused you to go out in the rain to get those diapers because I was lazy and forgetful. Play on my guilt here will you? Take advantage of the situation. You don't have to prove that you are super woman. We already know it. I'll go to the barbecue while you stay home and rest." She smiled at him. Brenda had drank her three ounces and was trying to spit out the bottle. Dana flipped her over and rubbed her back too hoping she would burp and take some more. Although the little girl was healthy, she was awfully small. "This parenting thing isn't easy," she said sneezing. She reached for a handful of kleenex. He started to sneeze too. She handed him one. They both lay back, their children between them. "You're telling me?" he replied. "Remember sex?" she asked with a sniff followed by a honk. "Two weeks isn't that long," he laughed. Between work and oncoming colds and infants that seemed to be changing their sleep schedule along with their first brief out of town case that had proved so hectic they had barely had time to eat and snatch naps, both of them had been exhausted, but particularly Dana. "Yeah, but I remember when we used to do it every night." "Twice," he chuckled. He heard her sigh. Dana lay there feeling miserable remembering long Saturday mornings in bed wrapped in each others arms. Although Fox adored her, sometimes she was still afraid that she wouldn't satisfy him sexually. The logical part of her mind told her that was foolishness, that she and her husband were perfect together, but there was always that insecure part of her that remembered stolen boyfriends and, God help her, Jack... She had come to enjoy the physical part of her marriage so much, she wondered what she would do if he ever decided she was not enough for him and started to look elsewhere. "And I thought green bugs in Oregon were tough..." she said finally dismissing her fears for the foolishness that they were. "Nah... that was wimpy stuff. Those bugs were outside your nose..." Fox stroked his son's head. Getting him to eat was never a problem. Getting him to stop was another story. Poor Dana. Her nose was dripping again. He took a tissue and wiped it as she fed Brenda. He loved her so much, but somehow, having just wiped her nose, the idea of sex at that moment didn't hold a great deal of appeal. He hoped that she wasn't annoyed that he had just been too tired these past nights. Fatherhood was taking it's toll. "Thanks," she managed a smile and he dismissed his thoughts for the nonsense that they were. Her eyes told him everything he needed to know about the way she felt. "Hey, anytime. I love you, ya know...." "I know. I love you too...." Margaret looked around her home just a bit nervously. She had thrown parties before many times when she'd been married to Bill, it was part of the job description of a navy wife, at least if the man was going to go anywhere with his career. The military vented it's wives almost as much as the officers as they moved up in the ranks. But this was the first occasion in which she was going to be entertaining people from Bureau and she wanted everything to be just perfect. A lot of it had been catered, but she had still wanted to add home touches, and so she and Aislinn had spent the day before cooking some of her picnic favorites and preparing a big fruit salad. Walter had spent most of the day fussing with his new gas grill, the one that had more counter space than some of the kitchens she had lived with in base housing over the years. She smiled at the thought. It was his new toy, a father's day present from Fox. Meg had figured that Walter would protest such an expensive gift, her son in law had gotten what must be called the super deluxe version, but her husband hadn't said a word but thank you. Fox had grinned from ear to ear because when he'd presented it he'd looked like a little boy who knew he'd done wrong and was going to be in trouble. Walter had even taken the Squirt on a tour of it explaining how a guy had to know how to barbecue if his life was going to be worth anything. Margaret had a feeling he had never barbecued anything in his life but had opted to remain silent. Her son in law hadn't however. At his father in laws obvious delight Fox had accused him of planning to grill the man he called Cancerman on it. Walter had then replied that he was saving that honor for Mulder. They'd continued to laugh and joke about Walter turning into the barber from Sweeney Todd and serving unruly agents up for dinner. Margaret sighed and wondered if the X-files were having a deleterious effect on their sense of humor. "I'm going to put JF down for his nap," Aislinn told Margaret. "I think we are just about ready." "Thank you, dear. I want you to know, Aislinn, that I really appreciate your extra effort here." "Tis no problem, Aunt Meg. Maybe I'll meet a handsome man..." she winked. As she headed upstairs with the baby, Walter sauntered in put his arms around Margaret and gave her a kiss. "Nervous, Meg?" he asked. "Our first party together..." "Oh, a little.... I do hope Melissa comes. She's been keeping to herself so much lately. I wish I knew what was wrong." Walter just nodded. Melissa was her daughter after all. He himself was more concerned with Bureau politics at the moment. He really hated entertaining people from the office, but sometimes it had to be done. In truth he was much more nervous than Meg. He'd never done much entertaining at home. Actually, when he thought about it, he hadn't done any. By the time he was high enough in the ranks for it to be expected, Annie had been too sick and then after her death, well bachelors could get away with taking people out to restaurants. Meg had been amazing in organizing this whole affair. She planned it like a military campaign and heaven help the caterers when they didn't come up to snuff. He'd come in on her laying down the law this morning to one of the managers who'd tried to renege on one of his promises. There she stood with the contract under his nose inquiring if he was having a problem counting? Walter had quickly left realizing that her husband laughing hysterically wouldn't help her authority. But, damn, he sure as hell knew now where Dana had gotten the balls to tell him he overestimated his power. That had pissed the hell out of him at the time, mostly because he knew she was right. It had also been one of those defining moments in his career. Up til then he had played by the rules but knowing that sticking by the rules might get Mulder and Scully killed he'd decided to throw the rule book out, if it meant keeping them safe. Scully's pulling a gun on him in Mulder's apartment had meant in a back handed way that up until that point she had trusted him. Walter sat and listened as she explained to Mulder that she had been told that someone she trusted would try to kill her. So there she sat because she trusted him holding a gun on him in fear for her life. The bastards were so insidious in their techniques trying to cut her off from everyone. Still even after his talk with the X-file pair he had thought that they were being paranoid and melodramatic. That was until he got home and received the call that Melissa Scully had been shot at Dana's apartment. His joy at having Fox back alive had been short lived. Realizing that they weren't exaggerating the danger they were in he spent the night trying to come up with a plan that would grantee their safety. It had worked, but he still lived in fear for his family. He shook himself out of his dark reverie. This party was really making him nervous. He didn't like to admit it to himself even, but the nickname clairvoyant hadn't been that far off and something was telling him that trouble was brewing he just didn't know what, but he suspected with who. Fox. His skills always seemed to be more sensitive when he cared about someone. He vowed to be extra vigilant today. Dana looked up at her husband. She knew he didn't feel all that well either, but he was in far better shape that she was. She gave him an antihistamine and told him that it was one of the new ones that was not supposed to make you drowsy and and admonished him to try to have a good time. The babies had gone down for a nap so she headed back to bed upstairs to hopefully catch an hour or two sleep herself. She was glad they had this holiday weekend off. She would have hated to take sick days already. She hadn't been back to work that long. As she lay down dozing off, she thought to herself that she had forgotten to warn Mulder about being careful with alcohol. Then she thought that he seldom drank much anyway except of course when they were in Ireland, and with that sleep crashed down around her. Fox took Aunt Sophia's arm. "I feel a little guilty leaving Dana with the babies," said Sophia, "but I think Margaret would be hurt if I didn't put in an appearance. I may not stay very long." "Now, Aunt Sophia, you are entitled to a social life, you know," said Fox. "You look after the babies all week, and you had them day and night when we were out of town. Don't you go feeling guilty on me." "You're my family, Fox." She stopped for a moment and looked up at him. "Family is supposed to look out for one another. If those little ones get too much for me, I'll let you know... okay?" "Okay," he smiled. "Gonna try to embarrass me by reading tarot cards today and talking to the Director about his auras?" "Of course," she grinned wickedly. "Cool...." They opened the door to the Skinner residence. It would seem that the July 4th barbecue was already in full swing, and thank God, those stupid dogs had been locked away somewhere. Mulder watched with amusement as Sophia hugged Margaret and made a bee line out to the back yard where skiffs reeking of upper echelon law enforcement stood around with beers in their hands. Margaret winked at him and he grabbed himself an armful of Little Fox who hadn't been much in the mood to nap. The pill Dana had given him was drying up his nose and it didn't seem to be making him feel sleepy. He explained to his mother-in-law about Dana's bad cold. "I'm sorry she won't be coming," said Margaret, "but at least Melissa was able to make it." They were soon distracted by other Scully grandchildren scurrying underfoot. Fox took a deep breath and headed out the back door. Time to face the bureaucrats. He promised himself he would be good and not ruffle any feathers, for Walter's sake, but it was going to be hard to resist aggravating. He held on to the little Fox like a security blanket. He couldn't really punch anyone with his arms full of baby. He mixed for a little while and had just bitten his tongue as he had heard one agent say to another, "Hey, looks like the old Spooky is really domesticated...." Fox had walked on to quickly or he would have heard the other agent reply. "You'd better cool it with the spooky comments. The last agent that the AD heard call him that is on a wire tap detail in Jersey." "Trouble is there are too damned many honkies at this party, Mulder...." Fox turned around and was delighted to see Both. He grinned. "Come here to kiss some white ass, Both?" "Came here to pretend to kiss some white ass...." he laughed. There weren't too many people he would feel comfortable saying that sort of thing to, but the Spook was different for some reason. "You know... yessuh... nosuh... whatever you say massah... shove it up your ass massuh...." "Talking about me Agent Bothrington?" asked Skinner coming up behind him. He had heard the entire exchange and couldn't help but laugh. Bothrington was a good man and having him in DC to back up Fox had taken care of one of Walter's biggest worries. "That's not fair, Wally... he can't even blush..." interjected Mulder. "What are you drinking, Both?" winked Skinner. Several higher ups exchanged glances. The AD was getting a drink for the newest agent... the newest member of the Spook Patrol... hmm... Looks like work on the X-files could put you on the fast track. "Thank you, Sir," said Both politely. "Aren't you drinking, Mulder?" "No," Mulder handed the baby to Aislinn as she came by, "Took a cold pill.." "Say, isn't that Dana... no it isn't..." said Both seeing a redheaded woman walk in the door. "Scully's sister," sighed Fox. "The New Age Ditz Brain. Think I'll go get some ginger ale and leave you to do your act for a little while." He winked. "Don't want to be seen hanging around Spooky too long." Pretending not to notice Melissa, Fox headed for the drink table and got himself a glass of orange juice... plain. Fox ambled around a bit more stopping to talk to the kids, wishing he could taste the orange juice. It felt good going down his throat, but was like drinking nothing. Aunt Sophia seemed to be enjoying herself annoying the upper echelon of the FBI. It was amazing how she could pick them out and hone in on them, not that she was rude to the less important ones. Fox grinned to himself. If he knew his aunt, she was reading tarot cards for them and gleaning state secrets. Who knew. By the time she got done with them she'd probably have a handle on who were the good guys and who were the bad ones. Heck, she might even get a lead on where Samantha was and they would all be sitting around wondering where the secret had been leaked, not that he thought they really knew of her whereabouts. He was becoming increasingly convinced that they didn't have a clue and that it scared them. Fox wondered into the den where he saw his mother-in-law at Walter's computer. "Hi, Mom," he said, "Trying to catch your breath?" "Yes.... just for a minute. Mixing with the suck ups was never one of my favorite things to do," she laughed. "I think that is why Bill always liked to be called Captain, by the family, even after his promotion to Admiral. He never liked pretensions either. Today seems to be working out okay though. They are staying outside and the children, for the most part, are staying inside." "You using Walter's computer?" "Yep. But he's a bit possessive. Think's I'm going to steal state secrets or something. He's supposed to get someone out from the Bureau to set it up with two passwords so that I can use it but not have access to Bureau files." "Aunt Sophia could set that up for you." "I know, dear. I told him that but well..." Her voice faded off. She was a bit embarrassed to admit that Walter thought Sophia was a flake. "Let me guess, Mom. He thinks she's a few bricks short of a load and isn't convinced that she could know what she was doing." Fox laughed. "Sophia has offered to set us up with a whole new system, but you know how it is, macho man... Mr. FBI..." "Tight ass Wally...." "Right..." she laughed. "Well, I better go back out and mix with the muckedy mucks some more... those wives...." She gave a mock shudder. Mulder thought idly that his mother should be here. She would be in her glory. Then he set off in search of the men's room stopping to tickle Dani under the chin as Jen walked by. He saw Aunt Sophia heading out the door. She must be going home to look after Dana. Great, now he had no excuse to leave. He'd have to go out and rejoin the party. He heard a bell clanking. Walter was announcing that dinner was ready. Boy oh boy, had he ever gotten into the role today. He would have too if he hadn't been afraid that Walter was going to have a fit about the grill. Fox had been very surprised when his father-in-law had accepted the present without protest. It had been over twenty years since he'd gotten anyone a father's day present. After Samantha was gone his own father had said it was sentimental nonsense and that had been the end of that. But Mom had gotten so many presents on Mother's day, one from Fox as well, that when father's day had rolled around... well little Squirt was too young to get one so Mulder had. He was glad that Walter was enjoying it so much. Mulder grabbed himself a burger that would have sent him into ecstasy had he been able to taste it, and his health conscious wife into fits. He retreated to a far corner by himself to watch the action missing Shorts terribly. She was much better at this kind of thing than he was. Still, he was not totally unamused. He watched Both for awhile. Ever since they had watched Skinner bringing Both a drink, some of the lower level management types had been falling all over themselves to slap his back and shake his hand and Both was milking it for everything it was worth. Mulder wondered if they knew he was really a homeboy from the streets of Harlem. Probably not, not with that carefully cultivated Harvard accent. Both turned to him and saw him watching. He gave Mulder a big grin and a wink. Walter having finished his cooking duties wondered over. "What's the matter, Mulder, don't like my cooking?" He nodded at the mostly uneaten burger on Fox's plate. "It looks great, Walt, but I can't taste a thing and this damn cold has taken my appetite away." "When you and Dana get over those colds you're invited over and I'll grill us some steaks. Just the family. Deal?" "Deal." "Well put your plate up and let's go mingle." Fox lowered his voice so that no one could hear but Walter. "Ah, Dad, you don't have to..." Walter replied softly, "I know but if we're going to play with the big boys you've got to get known. And not as Spooky Mulder." Getting up they headed over to the Director's table to talk. Walter guided Fox in that direction with a hand at his back. He was making it obvious to all those at the party his support of Fox Mulder. For the next couple of hours they had mingled. At first Fox had felt very uncomfortable but with Walter by his side he had soon relaxed and had actually had a good time. No one dared crack Spooky jokes with the AD around. And Walter made sure that when the talk turned to work Mulder's other accomplishments besides the weird X-file stuff was emphasized. Fox knew that his boss was trying to improve his image in the Bureau, to give him a chance for advancement if he wanted it in the future. A year ago he would have been furious and resentful but today he felt like he had a real dad who was proud of his son. It felt good, really good, to have Walter's support. After awhile his cold started to get worse and he began wearing out so when Walter had started saying good-bye to some guests he had wondered off for a break. Watching from the edge of the thinning crowd Fox turned his attention to Aislinn and had all he could do to keep from laughing aloud. He had discovered early on that Aislinn's gift was never going to be intellectual, but rather that of love and laughter tempered by an instinctive understanding of the people around her. She was a wonderful choice of a nanny and adored children. She was also now a relative of Walter Skinner. She was standing in the corner with Tom Colton, flirting outrageously and obviously enjoying it. Somehow, Tom had ended up with the baby. Since it was AD Skinner's kid he was trying very hard to look as though he liked it. As Mulder watched, Tom nearly dropped JF and Fox realized a lovely dark brown stain had appeared on Colton's expensive white polo shirt. Fox nearly chocked with glee... Wait till he told Dana! Where was the damned video camera when you needed it? God he wished Walt was here to see this. "And sometimes," said Both, sneaking up behind him, "there really is justice in this world. Don't wet your pants over it, Mulder. It's undignified." With that, Both was gone again. Well, at least the newest member of the X-files had Colton's number and hadn't even had to be told. His day made, Fox drank his orange juice thoughtfully. He had stayed out of trouble, even preformed major suck up, never easy for him, and he was starting to feel really bad again. He pulled the extra cold pill out of his pocket that Dana had given him. It wasn't due for another hour yet but what the heck. He took it and washed it down with the last swallow of his drink. About time to saunter around and say his good byes. Dana was really glad when Sophia had arrived home so early announcing that she had done everything she needed to do at the barbecue, whatever that meant. She still felt really lousy, but she also felt guilty about not showing up and about sending Fox by himself when he didn't feel well either. "The babies have been asleep," she told Sophia. "Would you mind if I just walked down and put in an appearance? Then I could rescue Fox and maybe we could both get some rest." "Of course, dear, go ahead. I'll feed them if they wake up hungry. Maybe I'll even take them for a walk. It's such a pretty day and you know how Patrick loves to go bye-bye." She smiled as her niece left the house. Poor Dana was finding it tough to be the mother of twins and G woman extraordinaire. Getting this terrible cold hadn't helped. Dana had just been getting back into the routine, but Sophia suspected she was torn between loving her career and wanting to be with the babies full time as well. It wasn't easy being a woman. It was a decision that Fox would never even have to consider. She was so glad that Walter had found that Bothrington fellow to help out. He was a good man. Later that night when she was down in her own apartment, she had some e-mails to send and some research to do. Amazing the things that people let slip to little old ladies who read tarot cards. Amazing indeed. End chapter 2 All disclaimers still apply. "Melissa" Chapter 3 by Eowyn and Macspooky It had been a long day but the barbecue was definitely a success. The agents and guests had had a good time, except maybe for Tom Colton, who'd ended up having to borrow one of the AD shirts. The family had enjoyed themselves as well. Walter Skinner surveyed the backyard. Meg had been right. This was a perfect house. Scanning the remaining crowd, he spotted Fox talking with Bothrington and a couple of lawyers from Justice. From the motions they were making the subject was basketball. Fox was right. They really ought to put up a basket over the garage door out back. That was one of the things Walter liked best about old houses. The garages were around back, so that they could set up a nice basketball court out of sight of the street. He'd planned to wait until little Squirt was older but decided that with all the males in the family it would be a useful addition right now. Besides, Fox liked to play and he didn't have room for one at his house. Maybe he could talk Bill into it... the Scully boys beat the heck out of him and Fox with carpentry and things to do with their hands. Bill and Chris had been so enchanted with his and Fox's new sports cars that they had each decided to get one for themselves. They, however, didn't want the completed models. The boys had decided to rebuild them from scratch. He and Fox were now in dutch with both their wives, since the old auto bodies they had hauled into their respective back yards were not an attractive sight, and that didn't include the weekends spent at swap meets looking for old car parts. Chris had gotten an old covair. Ugly, had been Walter's first thought but he'd kept it to himself. Bill had liked his step father's MG so much that he'd gotten one of his own. That had pluses and minuses... Walter would never lack for parts or a mechanic, but whenever Bill had a question about what to do on his, he used Walter's MG as a guide. There had been at least three times that Skinner had come home to find his car in pieces out back. He sighed. He guessed he was getting a preview of what it was like to be the father of boys. And thinking of boys, Walter chuckled as he remembered Father's Day a couple of weeks earlier. Mother's Day had been quite the celebration but he hadn't expected anything for Father's Day. Her boys were all too old to really consider him as a father. A card from Meg, and maybe a little present was all he expected. She had bought him a couple of casual shirts, his wardrobe still being limited in that area, and a Jerry Garcia tie. Sheesh... he didn't know where he was going to wear the blasted thing! It was very striking. He actually found that he liked it but it would never fit his Bureau image. Walter had therefore been surprised when the Mulder's had shown up at the door around one. Knowing immediately that something was up because Fox wouldn't look him in the eye, he'd waited patiently for whatever it was to come out. Meg and Dana had headed off to talk family and he and Fox had been left in the living room watching the kids. JF was beginning to be mobile and Fox's pair weren't too far behind so they had to watch them pretty closely if they weren't penned in. They weren't crawling yet using more sort of a creep and roll effect. After about fifteen minutes of his son in law being nervous Walt had had enough. "Okay give, Mulder, are you in trouble at work?" Fox didn't pretend not to know what Walter was talking about but had replied. "I... ummm... Patrick, Brenda, Dana and I... well... we..." Finally it came out all in a rush, "We got you a Father's Day present." That had been quite a surprise but when Fox had pulled him out back to the van he'd been even more surprised. Mulder had gotten him a barbecue grill. How the hell his son in law had known that he'd wanted a gas grill was beyond him, and the one he'd gotten! If it had been a car, this would be the cadillac model. Skinner had priced them and knew that this was an expensive gift. He'd started to protest but one look at how scared Fox was underneath his cocky exterior and Walter had given him a hug and said thank you. The smile he'd gotten from Fox in return had been the best present of all. He and Fox had struggled with trying to get the thing together, but in the end had had to give up and call Bill to help. Bill had taken one look and laughed. "It's a good thing you've got a big back yard, Walter. You're going to need it. Now you can cook your own hamburgers and hot dogs at the cook out you and Mom are having over the fourth. Come on, Mulder, you bought the damn thing and you can help me put it together." They'd had a fun afternoon putting the grill together and then he and Fox had done hamburgers for dinner. Meg had made her famous potato salad and Dana baked beans. His first father's day as a real father... he'd remember it always thanks to Fox. He watched as Meg said goodbye to Admiral Bishop, gritting his teeth. One of the liaisons that he often dealt with at the Pentagon had been invited to the barbecue and had turned out to be an old friend of Bill and Margaret Scully. His wife had greeted Bishop warmly. That hadn't exactly set Walts teeth on edge, but the barely veiled comments from Bishop that he'd put the make on a grieving widow before anyone else got the opportunity had. Margaret thought that the man was just flirting but Walt knew better... This man was interested in his wife and he damn well better keep his distance. Meg Scully Skinner seeing her husband's clenched jaw as she said her good byes to Jerry Bishop laughed quietly to herself. Walter was jealous. What a wonderful feeling. Jerry had been after her for years, even when she was still married, and she had never been interested. Margaret had grown adept at avoiding his passes over the years, but he'd been outrageous today and her husband had not been amused. she thought to herself as she headed over to calm her husband. Of course calm wasn't the right word... she didn't exactly want him calm... more like horny... yes definitely horny. They'd been a bit busy over the last couple of days and now that the party was over she planned her own celebration for tonight. The smile on his wife's face as she sauntered, over was making Walter feel all hot and bothered. He suddenly felt in need of a cold drink. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Hello, dear. Having a nice time?" He had to swallow twice before answering. "I'm having a wonderful time. How 'bout you?" "Fine. It's nice to see old friends." She watched his jaw tighten and laughed to herself. "Don't worry about it, Walter, he asked me out two months after Bill died and I wasn't the least bit interested then and I'm not now. But it's sweet of you to be jealous." She ran a finger along his jaw line. "I'm not jealous." At her look, he changed his mind. "Alright, I am jealous. He wasn't the only one flirting with you today. I'd say you made quite a few conquests. But if Congressman Percy had told me one more time what a catch my beautiful wife was, drunk or not I'd have..." "Now, Walter, you know you're the only one I want." Her finger continued to tease his jaw line as she allowed her body to rub up against him. He felt himself getting hard. He looked up to see if anyone was paying attention. No one seemed to be, until he met Fox's gaze. Damned man was smirking. Well he had to figure, after all he was married to Dana. Walter saw Mulder laughing at him before he turned away to resume his conversation with Bothrington. Meg whispered something else in his ear and her husband forgot about everything and everyone else. Mulder wasn't the only one observing Meg and Walter. Melissa McNeely was also watching from a table not far away. It had been several months since she'd had sex with Chuck and she was suddenly horny but she couldn't stand to have him touch her, couldn't even stand the thought. Not since she'd found out about the other women. Yeah, it was true during her pregnancy she'd had some trouble and couldn't very often and had been slow to heal....the bastard had pretended to be so understanding while all along....should have realized when she was ready and he had lost interest that there was someone else....> Melissa forced back tears. This was a party. She had come to try to forget her troubles. She turned away from watching her mother and her stepfather... it hurt too much. No one really cared about her... not like her daddy had. He loved her, even with all their disagreements, not as much as Dana of course, but he had at least loved her. Sooner or later he would have forgiven her for the abortion she'd had. She'd been young and scared. He would have found a way to get her away from Chuck. Chuck was threatening to take the baby if she left him... he said that he had enough money and connections and would win any custody battle. His older brother had, so why shouldn't he? She didn't want to lose her baby but she desperately wanted out of her marriage. She wanted someone who was faithful like her daddy had been. She looked at Walter Skinner with distaste. He didn't like her at all, only Dana and the boys.> Her eyes lit on Mulder. God he was sexy, and so sweet, and if she could have gotten him he wouldn't have betrayed her, not like Chuck had. Melissa took another drink of her rum and coke. She wasn't going to be able to drive home tonight she thought to herself as she watched Mulder, no Fox, some more. Damn she wanted him. She thought awhile, Melissa began to form a drunken plan for getting what she wanted. The guests were slowly filtering out but people were having such a good time that there were still a good number left. Walter was saying farewell to a Congressman friend of his when he noticed Melissa making herself another drink. He thought to himself. Then as he noticed that she was making a Screw Driver as well, and he wondered who it was for. He hoped that she wasn't so drunk that she'd get herself in trouble. He shifted his stance again finding his pants too tight. He was distracted by another departing guest and then next time he noticed Melissa she was over talking to Fox. He was circulating again and talking to a few people but something was bothering him. And that little voice inside his head was screaming that he was missing something. Fox. He knew that it had to do with Fox, but he couldn't figure out what. All day his sixth sense had been telling him that his son needed watching but nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Mulder had been a model of decorum and now that most of the upper echelon was gone, he should be safe... but still? Walter scanned the crowd for him but saw no sign anywhere. It suddenly hit him that Mulder had been drinking orange juice with Melissa the last time he had seen them. Could she have made him a Screw Driver? Fox had been carefully avoiding alcohol all day because of the cold medicine he was taking, surely Melissa would know the effects that an alcoholic drink would have combined with the medication? Skinner decided that he was going to find Fox and make sure that he was alright. Especially if Melissa had been clueless enough to give him a strong Screw Driver. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dana enter. He was surprised to see her, but she was quickly waylaid by an acquaintance from the Bureau. Melissa's plan was going perfectly. Fox had complained about the vodka in the drink but she had pouted and assured him that it was only a little and wouldn't hurt him. His taste buds were too deadened to realize that the drink was at least half vodka. Her brother in law had been thirsty and had drank it rather quickly. When he started feeling funny, she had guided him into the basement apartment and the spare bedroom where he'd collapsed onto the bed. Having given him a few minutes to drift off into a state of semi consciousness, she decided to make her move. She was feeling more than a little tipsy herself. The lights were dim as she lay down on the bed beside him and began to kiss him and unbutton his shirt. "Oh, Scully, I'm not feeling so good right now." "That's alright, Mulder, I'll make you feel better. Lots better." Melissa's voice was low and husky she didn't want him to recognize her. It would have been nice to have him calling out her name but this afternoon she'd take what she could get. He moaned as her mouth met his. It had been too long, and dizzy as he felt, he wanted Dana desperately. Mulder returned the kiss. Dana Scully had been mingling a little at the party but still wasn't feeling very well. She also couldn't find Fox and was wondering where he had gotten to. Her Mom said he hadn't left... she knew that he wouldn't sneak out without saying goodbye... but where was he? Anyway she would have passed him on her walk here if he'd gone home. Spotting Walter across the crowd, she headed over to ask him if he had seen her husband. If anyone would know it would be Walter. "Agent Bothrington, have you seen Mulder recently?" Walter causally inquired. "He was talking to Scully's sister the last time I looked and I think I saw them headed into the house." As Walter moved towards the kitchen door Both grabbed his shoulder. "No, not there. Over there through the back stairs." Both pointed at the side entrance to the down stairs apartment. "Thanks, Both." Walter turned and headed towards the entrance to the downstairs apartment. Aislinn was going to be moving in in a week but right now it was being cleaned and repainted. Before he could enter Dana caught up to him. "Walter, have you seen, Fox?" "Hi, Dana. I thought you were staying home sick?" "I was and probably should have, but I wanted to come at least a little while to yours and mom's first party." "You didn't have to do that but thanks for coming." "Fox?" "Don't know. I'm looking for him. Both said he thought he saw Melissa and him headed down here." They went into the apartment via it's back door and entered a long hall. There weren't any lights on and was no sign of anyone. It smelled strongly of paint. "Looks like it should be ready for Aislinn in a couple of days." Dana commented. "Hopefully. But I imagine we'll give the place a week to air out before we move her in." They walked down the hall but didn't see anyone. As they turned to leave they heard Fox moaning. "Dana... oh god Dana yes..." Exchanging startled looks Dana opened the door to the storage room soon to be spare bed room. Fox Mulder was on his back on the bed calling Dana's name but on top of him was Melissa McNeely, slowly undoing the buttons of his shirt and kissing his chest. "Fox!" "Mulder!" Two voices echoed at once. Dana Scully Mulder charged forward and grabbing her sister by the hair yanked her off of Fox and threw her off the bed with tremendous force. She could hardly believe what she had seen with her own eyes. Her sister making it with her husband in her mother's own house. She was furious. Mulder moaned in protest. "Oh god, Dana, don't stop now it's been too long..." He tried to open his eyes in the darkened room but couldn't seem to get them opened and to focus. He vaguely sensed some sort of danger, but he wasn't certain what. The combination of the cold pill and the strong dose of alcohol on an empty stomach was too much for him. He slipped slowly into unconsciousness calling Dana's name. "How could you, Fox? Oh god, how could you?" Dana cried out. As she turned and started to run out of the room, she saw her sister getting up from the floor and her anger poured out at Melissa. "You, bitch. Every boy I ever liked...every boy in high school and college...every single one, and now my husband. How could you Melissa? How could you do this to me? You aren't going to get away with it this time. It's me he wants....me...not you." She could feel her heart breaking that the sister who she had loved through it all would do this to her and that her husband....Fox...how could he after all they had been through together? Melissa was still very drunk and very horny, "Well he was responding quite nice to me, little sis. You must not be giving him what he needs." At the stricken look on Dana's face Walter, who had until that moment been in shock, jumped to Dana's defense. His voice was icy cold as he attacked Melissa. "I'd say that Dana has given him exactly what he needed. From saving herself til they got married to loving him with all her heart. And in my book getting a man, any man but especially your sister's husband drunk, so that you can seduce him by pretending to be her is hardly a triumph." Walter stepped up behind Dana. He hesitated a moment. Dana was not a woman who necessarily liked to be touched, but she looked so deeply shaken that he finally pulled her into his arms for support. He felt her shaking. "I'd say that any woman who could make love to a man while he called out another's name needs some help. I suggest you leave, Melissa." Suddenly horrified by what she had done, Melissa turned and stumbled towards the door. Walter realized that in her state she shouldn't be driving and decided that he'd better arrange a ride for her. Turning to Dana he said, "Wait here." At her stubborn look, he added, "Please. I'll be right back." He grasped Melissa by the upper arm and dragged her from the room and out of the apartment. Spotting Both nearby he motioned for him to come over. "Agent Bothrington, I'd like to ask you a favor. My daughter isn't feeling too well so would you mind driving her home?" Both could feel the tension practically radiating from the pair in front of him. He had gotten a glimpse of what was happening, but he knew better than to ask the AD what was going on. Skinner looked ready to chew nails. He had a feeling that the other Scully sister was no Dana. "Yes, Sir, I'll be happy to drive Ms. McNeely home." "Thank you." Skinner pulled Melissa aside. "I know you don't give a damn about me, but do not embarrass your mother by coming on to Agent Bothrington. Is that clear?" Melissa pouted but nodded her agreement. Pity he was very handsome... Unable to stay in the same room with Fox, Walter found Dana standing in front of the door to the bedroom. He could tell she was fighting hard to control. Opening his arms to her he was surprised when she went into them without protest and started to cry. "Shhh... It'll be okay. Shhhh," he said gently. She cried in silence for quite awhile and then began to talk, almost to herself. Now her anger was focusing on her husband. "How could he? Oh how could he? I guess I'm not enough for him... I was so inexperienced... Melissa she knows more.... always has...always got to them before I could." Her voice broke in a sob. Walter just held her not saying anything just rocking her gently back and forth. Finally as her tears subsided he stepped back slightly and lifted her chin with one finger. He was aware suddenly of just how big Bill Scully's shoes had been and how difficult they were to fill. The man would have been horrified at the scene happening here if he had been alive. Maybe he would have known better how to handle it. "Little one, I want you to listen to me very carefully. Fox Mulder loves you with all his heart and you keep him very satisfied. Experience doesn't mean a damn thing. If it did there would be a line to marry hookers. It's an openness to your partner, to learn what he needs and wants and a willingness to open yourself that is the most important. And the ability to love deeply and truly. And you give all of that to my s...your husband. I've never seen him happier than he has been since your marriage. He practically glowed after the two of you returned from your honeymoon and he hasn't stopped since." Walter paused and sighed. "What went on in there was a result of you sister's jealousy and nothing more. It was your name he was calling out and your image he saw before him. I'm not sure how he got so out of it, but it's my bet that Melissa slipped him a strong drink deliberately. I don't know what's wrong with your sister but something certainly is." "My god, Walter, what if they had, what if he had... I don't think I could have lived with it then... how could I have forgiven him?" She moved away from her step father embarrassed by her display of emotion and pulled herself together as best she could. "You had a close call but I suspect not as close as you think." Dana detected a hint of amusement in his voice and looked up in question. "As drugged as he is I don't think Melissa would have found it a satisfying experience. When a man's that doped up and drunk, he has trouble rising to the occasion. Trust me on this one, Scully." She smiled a little at that. He did have a point. Mulder didn't have a hard on when she had pulled Melissa off of him. Dana had definitely taken the time to notice. "Well I suppose I should try and get him home. Can I borrow your car?" "Why don't you go on home and I'll bring him home when the party's over. I'd really prefer not to have anyone see us carrying him out. Fox has enough problems at the Bureau as is. I promise to keep an eye on him until then." "I can wait and watch him." "Dana, honey," Walter fell into Meg's favorite name for her daughter, "You didn't look too good when you first got here, and after all this you look even worse, and I can tell you are feeling really ill. Go home and be with your kids and I promise to bring Fox home as soon as everybody leaves. Probably an hour and a half to two hours. Okay?" Giving in finally, Dana headed home, still upset but comforted by her step father's words. She didn't look forward to the coming confrontation. After she exited Walter went in to check on Fox, talking softly to his unconscious form. "You don't have a clue as to how close a call you had today, kid." Fox was still out. Walter placed a hand on his forehead. "Feels like you've got a bit of a temperature. Well I'm not going to wake you up to take any medicine. Scully can give you some when we get you home." Walter got up and left taking care to lock the door to the room so that Fox couldn't get up and wander out in his condition and no one else could wander in. He didn't want Mulder to get an undeserved reputation for drinking heavily. End Chapter 3 --=====================_838138159==_ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="MISSY04.TXT" All disclaimers still apply "Melissa" by Eowyn and Macspooky Chapter 4 Finally, Meg and Walter Skinner said goodbye to the last of their guests. The only people left were family and the caterers who were busy cleaning up. "Well I'd say our party was a success. Wouldn't you dear?" Meg linked her arm through Walter's as they walked back towards their home. Walter was very distracted and didn't answer immediately. "Walter. Walter what's wrong?" "I've got to take Fox home, Meg. Then I'll explain when I get back." "Fox hasn't left? I haven't seen him for a couple of hours. I thought it strange that he would leave without saying good bye." "He's passed out in one of the apartment bedrooms." "He drank too much? That doesn't sound like Fox. Is something wrong?" "It's not like him and I don't think he did it deliberately but I'd rather explain when I get back. I promised Dana I'd bring him home and she'll be worried if we don't show up soon." He kissed his wife distractedly not paying too much attention. Worried, but knowing he would tell her when he was ready, Meg headed into the kitchen to help Aislinn with cleaning up and to make sure the caterers were doing their job. Fox was still sleeping soundly when Walter went to get him. He had thought about asking Bill or Chris to help him carry Fox to the car but had decided not to. If what had gone on today got out to the family it would cause a big stink. He was afraid that the Scully boys might not view Fox as the innocent party that he was. Dana had been right there and still had trouble accepting the truth of the matter... In fact Walter still wasn't sure that she had accepted it fully. Walter was trying to be objective but he realized that where Fox Mulder was concerned that was a lost cause. He cared for his son too damn much to distance himself enough to achieve an unbiased view, and he had never liked Melissa at all. He tried to sort through what had happened. Fox was a man after all and when a beautiful woman threw herself at you... well it would be hard to resist, especially if you'd had a little too much to drink. He decided that he'd have to have a talk with him in the morning. "Come on, Fox. Time to go home." Mulder groaned but didn't move. Walter Skinner finally managed to get him standing. He put Fox's arm around his shoulder and his arm around Fox's waist and the young man managed to stagger along beside him. They finally made it to the car and he got Mulder into the passenger seat and slammed the door shut after buckling him in. Fortunately the drive over was short because the move from bed to car and the motion of the car had disturbed Fox enough that he was beginning to look a bit green about the gills. He groaned and shifted in his seat. "Oh god, I don't feel so good. Where the hell am I?" "You're on your way home, Mulder, and you puke in my MG and your next case will be in Alaska." Skinner thought a nice firm tone would achieve the best cooperation from his still very drunk agent, so he went into full AD mode. "Yes, sir. I'm sorry, Assistant Director. How did I get here and why are you taking me home?" Mulder was very confused and his boss's tone had brought his mind back to the time before he'd married Dana and become friends with Walter Skinner. "What do you remember, Agent Mulder?" Fox peered back at him like a very sleepy owl, he was having trouble focusing. His foggy brain was not being at all helpful. "I don't remember anything, Sir." "That's not true. You remember who I am." "Of course you're my boss." "Is that all you remember?" Mulder's head spun and he was very confused. This was like no drunk he'd ever remembered being on. He must be drugged. "I feel weird. Did Cancerman drug me?" Skinner barked in laughter. "God, Mulder, even out of it as you are, you're still paranoid." He saw Fox's pout, and hurt look. "No, Fox, Cancerman had nothing to do with your condition. Just one very spoilt and jealous female." Driving Fox home took longer than walking because of all the one way streets and traffic lights. Mulder peered blearily up at his boss. "Why'd you call me Fox? Nobody calls me Fox... not even Scully." The AD was surprised to find that those words hurt, even though he knew that his son in law was totally out of it. "I do, Fox. And so does Dana, your wife." Then all the memories from the last couple of years came back. Suddenly, in spite of how sick he felt, he also felt very happy. "Dad?" Walter turned his head briefly to look at his son and smiled. "I see you remember." "Yeah. I remember. I wouldn't trade the last two years for anything. But I still don't remember how I got here and what's wrong. Guess I f**ked up again?" "You didn't do a damned thing wrong and you remember that. But you're still pretty doped up so why don't I come over in the morning and we can talk." Skinner pulled his car into the Mulder's driveway and stopped by the back door. "Come on let's get you inside." Mulder's burst of coherence was brief. It took all of his energy to get out of the car and up the back stairs. Walter checked the door but it was locked. Rather than knocking he dug out his key and opened the door helping Fox inside. Grabbing Fox by the waist again as he tried to collapse into the nearest chair he said, "Oh no you don't, Mulder. We're going to get you up to bed before you pass out again. I'm not about to carry you over my shoulder." Walter debated calling out for Dana but decided that she knew they were coming and if she was asleep, then she needed her rest. He steered Fox out of the kitchen and towards the stairs. They ran into Dana in the hall. "Sorry we're a bit late but I guess the party was a success because nobody seemed to want to leave." "That's okay, Walter. I just got off the phone to Mom and she said that you two were on your way here. She wanted to know what had happened but I told her you would tell her when you got home. I wasn't up to it." Here she sniffled a little. Walter knew that it was more than the cold. "Dana you have to know..." "I don't have to know anything. I close my eyes and keep seeing him..." Here she nodded at Fox who suddenly became coherent again. "Seeing me what, Scully? Did I do something wrong?" He looked and sounded like a hurt little boy. Normally that would be all it took to get her to forgive him but the image of her sister laying on top of him as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt was still too fresh in her mind. She walked over to his other side and put his arm around her shoulder and said, "Come on, Spook. Let's get you to bed." Fox Mulder might be out of it but he knew something was wrong. "Dana, don't shut me out; tell me what's wrong." "Later. We'll talk in the morning." He nodded collapsing against them suddenly feeling very sick and dizzy. They slowly made their way up the stairs and put Mulder to bed. Walter helped Dana get him undressed and under the covers. They left the bedroom and stood outside in the hall talking. "Dana, don't let this come between you. I know it hurts but he loves you and if you shut him out and draw away from because of this it'll break his heart. I can only imagine how you must have felt seeing what you did but remember it was your name he was calling, not Melissa's." "I'll try, Walter, but how could Melissa do this without any encouragement from him?" "I don't know your sister that well, but something is very wrong with her of late. Meg's been really worried but hasn't pressed. I guess it's time to press. Melissa has always been jealous of your relationship with Fox. I think she would have liked him for herself." "Yeah, I knew when I came out of my coma that something had happened between them, but I thought that whatever it was would pass. I know that she found him attractive and was surprised when he didn't start dating her. She normally got any guy that she wanted." Dana saw her step father's look and realized that he knew the answer to that question. "What happened?" Walter found himself reluctant to answer. He didn't want to add more fuel to the fire that was going to be burning between the two sisters in the future, but Dana pressed him and he finally gave in. "I don't know this for a fact, but over the last few years I've pieced some things together. Melissa and your Mom were insistent on adhering to the terms of your living will. Fox thought that they should wait to disconnect the respirator to give the doctors time to run more tests on the strange factors in your blood. I think he understood how much your mom was suffering. I know that he's never held her decision against her, but I'm also guessing that he's never forgiven Melissa for not supporting him in delaying turning off the respirator." That was as diplomatically as he could put it. He knew darned well that Mulder had always felt that a part of Melissa had been a little too eager to pull the plug and he had never entirely understood it. "I know that he doesn't seem to like her much but I never understood why... thought it was a personality conflict." "Could be but I doubt it... you know Fox he's always been open to new ideas and non-judgmental. But he barely tolerates Melissa and I think she knows it... she may not even understand why but I bet it rankles and that was why she made the move she did. Don't let it harm what you and Fox have, Dana." He grasped her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "I want you to know that I believe absolutely and without any doubt that whatever went on today was all Melissa's doing and that Fox gave her absolutely no encouragement what so ever." Dana met his look and nodded. She smiled at that, "I'll try to keep that in mind. What do I tell Fox tomorrow?" "I'd like to come over, talk to him and tell him. How about nine thirty or ten." At Dana's nod of agreement he took her into his arms briefly and kissed her forehead, whispering softly in her ear, "Trust me, little one, it'll be okay." She nodded and returned the hug. He would never be her father, but he was a great support to her and as time passed she was becoming increasingly fond of her mother's second husband. "Lock up for me will you. I'm so tired and miserable I'm going to bed." "No problem. If everyone's in for the night I'll set the alarm on my way out." Walter left to go face Meg with the days events and Dana turned and joined her husband in bed. At first she tried to sleep as far away from as she could get on their bed but the distance hurt too much. She pulled him into her arms and snuggled in close. All she could do was wait until morning, to see what would happen tomorrow. Fox who had been restless up until this point pulled her even closer and they both settled down to sleep. Dana had nightmares, bad dreams about losing her husband to her sister and being powerless to prevent it. Walter entered his house reluctantly, knowing that a night of making love to his wife was not what was in store for him. Most of the mess had been cleaned up at least. "Hello, Meg...." he said quietly when he came in. "Where's Aislinn?" "She up in her room watching TV. I've fed JF and he's asleep." Meg looked at her husband knowing that whatever had happened, she was not going to like it. "I've just made some coffee. Come and tell me what is going on." With a tired nod he followed her into the living room and accepted a cup of coffee wondering if he was ever going to have any peace in this lifetime. Maybe it would have been easier to take if they were his kids, if he were more use to family... maybe...oh, hell... He set his cup down and looked at his wife who was waiting both patiently and anxiously. "You know that Fox had a bad cold and that he was assiduously avoiding alcohol all day," began Walter. "He didn't eat anything either. I talked to him about it." Meg nodded. "Well, it would seem that Melissa made him a very strong Screw Driver, got him downstairs and tried to seduce him when the effects of the alcohol and pills hit." "Walter, I don't believe you. Melissa wouldn't do that!" burst out Margaret. She was both shocked and appalled. She had been worried about Missy lately, knew that things hadn't been going too smoothly between her and Chuck, but how could Walter think Melissa would do anything like that, especially to her sister? "Meg, I know it's hard to believe, but I walked in on them. Melissa had him on the bed. She was on top of him and taking his clothes off. She was quite drunk." "Well, then that explains it. She was drunk and he made advances to her. I never would have thought it of Fox... never... Oh, God... if Dana finds out..." "Dana knows, Margaret. She was with me when I walked in on them. It wasn't a pleasant scene." "I just don't understand how Fox could do this to her... not Fox." "Meg, you aren't listening. Fox was out of it and calling Dana's name. I believe him to be the innocent party here." He was trying to be the voice of reason, but he could see his wife becoming visibly more upset with each word that he spoke. "Missy was wild... but she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't, Walter. You always take Fox's part. You're closer... you want to be closer to him than to my real kids. You never liked Missy. I've always known that. Well, I just can't believe it. I can't. I won't." "Meg, I understand how you feel, but apparently she has done it to Dana in the past, more than once... I... and as for your kids...." "Don't say anything else, Walter.... You've never liked Melissa and you've never understood her. You've never even tried. I don't know why I had to go and get married again. You never really wanted my kids, ever, especially not Missy. Fox is the only one you think about, Fox and Dana and even she's a second." "Meg, I can't help how I feel about Fox. You should know that by now... hell, you knew how I felt before I did. I had to be hit in the face with Scully telling me he was dead to have the wall I'd built around my emotions ripped down in one brutal blast. When he came back..." Walter broke off and turned away crossing his arms over his chest, it was still too hard for him to talk about how he had felt, first hearing that Fox Mulder was dead and then having him show up alive. When Annie died he thought his ability to care for another human had died with her. He'd kept his sister and her kids at a polite distance and vowed to himself not to be hurt like that ever again. He thought he'd succeeded until first Mulder and then Scully entered his life. "Your real kids, they aren't kids any more and they don't need me. They had a father, a wonderful loving father who hugged them and held them and told them he was proud of them, who supported them and loved them with all his heart. And judging by Dana and how much love she has in her heart, well that gave them a strong foundation to face the world. "You're right, I've never been very fond of Melissa, she's always seemed too self absorbed for my liking. I'm sorry but that's just how it is. Dana is kind and loving and giving and Melissa is mostly interested in herself. She would have made a horrible wife for Fox. "Fox always Fox. He's a grown man too. Just like my kids. How the hell can you be so sure that he didn't come on to Melissa." "He's not just like your kids. He didn't grow up in a warm loving home with two parents who cared and loved each other. His father b..." Walter's stopped before he went any farther. What he and Fox had shared on the Vineyard was between them and not for anyone else, even Meg. "He needs me, Margaret. Your kids, all they need or want from me is to be a friend. And that I will happily be for them but Fox needs a father's love and I plan to give that to him as long as I live. He did not seduce Melissa because he would never do anything like that to jeopardize his marriage to Dana... he just wouldn't." Walter stopped there, he couldn't tell even Meg, that without Dana Fox would most likely have eaten his gun long ago. That was private between him and Fox and he wouldn't betray that trust. Margaret stood there, her fists clenched, angry and upset. She had expected to hear something she didn't like. Fox had gotten drunk and said something stupid to one of his superiors, or had thrown up all over the backyard... something like that, not that her eldest daughter had tried to seduce her sister's husband. All those other times... well, that was just teenage stuff... or so she tried to tell herself. Her baby girl wouldn't, simply wouldn't hurt her sister that way, no matter what. Suddenly she turned and ran away not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes. "You're protecting him, he came on to Melissa when she was drunk." "That's a lie, Margaret, and you know it," he shouted angrily following her to the stairs. "I've always cared about what happened to your kids. And, did it ever occur to you that I might be sorry sometimes that I got married again too?" She turned and looked down at him. "Well, then I guess we are both stuck aren't we?" she demanded angrily. Walter let her go. He knew that there was no point in following her at this time. He wanted to, wanted to go put his arms around her and tell her that it was okay and that they would work it out, but he knew it wouldn't do any good at that moment. His wife was in no mood to listen to reason, and the more they prolonged the argument that night, the more hurtful things they were going to say to each other that they didn't mean. With each passing second he was becoming more certain that this situation had not been Mulder's fault, and despite what Meg might think at the moment about how he felt about her kids, he was becoming increasingly concerned about Melissa and her mental state. Well, Meg would have to see the truth on her own, and she would. She was too strong and sensible a woman not to. Hard as it was, he had to leave her to think. With a sigh he went to the telephone. "Agent Bothrington, this is Walter Skinner...." "Yes, Sir...." "My daughter? She got home okay?" Bothrington was a little taken aback by the whole situation. There was some heavy s**t going down here, and he suspected it had to do with the two sisters and Fox Mulder. He had a gut feeling that the sister had a thing for Scully's husband and had acted on it. It was a gut feeling from growing up in the streets. People were people despite the trappings of wealth. "She got home alright, Sir... but Sir..." here he hesitated. Just how involved did he want to get? Not at all, actually, but the AD had trusted him enough to hand Melissa over to him. "Yes Agent Bothrington?" "Well, Sir. I don't know if I should say anything or not, but she seemed to be one depressed lady. I mean... I had an Aunt and about six months after her baby was born she... well... she kind of went crazy Sir..." "Thank you," said Walter quietly. "I appreciate that, Both. I'm glad I had someone I could trust with her." "You're welcome, Sir." Both hoped he had done the right thing by saying something. The last thing he needed was to screw up by involving himself in the personal problems of the Assistant Director. Still, the young woman had appeared to need help. He sighed. Office politics were never easy at best and he was so new to DC. Walter hung up the phone thoughtfully. He didn't see Margaret at the top of the stairs. Meg had returned to the top of the stairs feeling sorry for what she had said about regretting her marriage to him. She did love him. She had been touched that Walter was concerned enough to call to see that Missy had gotten home okay, but then suddenly she was angry once again that Walter had asked an outsider for help and not one of her brothers. No... Missy might have been drunk, but she never would have done what Walter said without some encouragement from somewhere. Never. She just couldn't... wouldn't believe it. She turned and went back to bed angrily leaving her husband to fend for himself on the couch. End of Chapter 4 The Gossamer Project Author - Title - Date - Spoilers - Crossovers - X-Files - Adventures - Stories - Vignettes Other stories by: Macspooky - Evenstar, Eowyn Please let us know if the site is not working properly. Set story display preferences. Do not archive stories elsewhere without permission from the author(s). See the Gossamer policies for more information.