Title:  Western Blaze II: Aftermath

Author: Jade  (CmdrJade@aol.com)

Rating: PG

Spoilers: Takes place after The Truth, and is, obviously, a sequel.  You will 
need to read the first part to understand.

Archive: You can take this anywhere, just let me know first :)

Disclaimer: Not mine.  Not making any money off of it.

Summary:  Mulder and Scully discuss the events of the night.

Feedback:  All kinds are appreciated!

*****************************

The car was silent for the two hours Mulder looked for a hotel.  His mind was 
racing, but nothing that came into it was coherent.  He couldn't string two 
thoughts together.

Finally, he saw an exit with a hotel.  As he pulled into the parking lot, he 
glanced over at Scully.  William was asleep in her lap, but she was wide 
awake.

"I'll go check in," Mulder said, reaching behind him for a duffel bag.  He 
pulled it out and slung it over his shoulder.  "I'll be right back."

Minutes later, Mulder appeared with the key.  Grabbing the other bag, he 
opened Scully's door and helped her unbuckle.  She climbed out, careful not 
to jostle William too much.

Mulder unlocked their door and threw the bags on the floor.  Scully gently 
put William on the bed and sat down next to him.  Mulder grabbed a chair and 
sat down, resting his head in his hands and running his fingers through his 
hair.

"Scully--" he began.

"I know what you're going to say, Mulder," she cut him off.

Mulder raised his head and looked at her.  She avoided his stare and watched 
William sleep.

"Oh, really?  Scully, *I* don't even know what to say," he said.

"Mulder," she hesitated.  "Do you think that fire was an accident?  Just an 
unfortunate accident?"  She looked up at him now, waiting fearfully for his 
answer.

He sighed deeply and bowed his head.  He wanted more than anything to say 
yes, to chalk it up to a tragic accident.  But she deserved more than that.

"No," he answered simply, coming up to meet her gaze again.  "The people 
looking for William would stop at nothing to get to him.  Even something as 
cruel, heartless, and--and *inhumane* as this.  They killed two completely 
innocent people for him."  He felt his throat constrict as the devastation of 
the situation hit him.  Completely innocent.

"And I thought I was protecting him," Scully muttered to herself, stroking 
William's arm.  "Mulder," she began again.  "Why were we there tonight?  Just 
coincidence?"

Mulder sat back in his chair.  "Maybe...maybe it was a bizarre act, or will, 
or whatever, of God.  Maybe...he knew those people were going to die, so we 
were there to save Will."  Scully didn't answer and looked back at the 
sleeping boy.  "Or maybe it was just fate."

"We're all fated to be together?"

"Something like that."

Neither spoke for a long time. Mulder had begun to doze off, when Scully 
broke the silence.

"I was overjoyed to find him.  But is it wrong to feel happy when the only 
reason we have him back is because others died?"

Mulder opened his eyes.  Scully was watching him intently, waiting for his 
answer.  She had complete trust in his answer.

"That's a loaded question to ask a guy when he's falling asleep," he said, 
giving her a half-smile.  She gave him a small smile back, but said nothing.  
Mulder sighed.

"Scully, I can't answer that.  I feel the same way."  She nodded and 
stretched out on the bed.  Mulder leaned back farther in his chair.

"We'll figure everything out in the morning."

*******

Early the next morning, they packed everything back up and checked out of the 
hotel.  Mulder situated the carseat in the back and strapped in a quiet 
William.

"Sorry, buddy, I don't have anything for you to play with.  Or do.  Or 
anything," Mulder said.  He placed a kiss on top of William's head.  "We'll 
stop later and get you something."

Mulder ducked out of the back, shut the door, and took his place as driver.  
He backed out of the parking lot, glancing over at Scully, who sat quietly 
staring out the window.  As he began driving, he placed his hand over hers, 
intertwining their fingers.  She looked over and smiled at him and he smiled 
back.

"Mulder, this is no life for a child," she said.

"I know," he answered.  "But we'll manage."

*****************************
The End!

Thanks to all of you who responded to part one and asked for a sequel.  Here 
ya are :)