Title - Crazy Things

Author - Henle Girl

Rating - PG

Category - Mulder/Scully Romance<

Spoilers - Emily, The Beginning

Summary - They say that love makes you do crazy thhings.  How far in the name of love will Mulder go for someone from his past?  How far will Scully go to help him?

Disclaimer - The characters don't belong to me.  I'm just borrowing them for my own therapeutic purposes.  They will be returned relatively unharmed to Chris Carter, or whoever wants to borrow them next, when I'm done.

 

Crazy Things

 

Chapter 1

 

Mulder tries to balance his coffee and newspaper in one hand while reaching for his keys with the other.  To his surprise, the office door seems to open on its own.  He cautiously steps inside the room and is relieved to see his partner standing on the other side of the door.

 

"Morning, Mulder," she says, uncharacteristically cheerful for this time of the morning.  She was usually pretty grouchy until her third cup of coffee.

 

"Scully," he nods, eyeing her suspiciously.  "What's up?  You're here early.  And awfully happy."

 

"Can't I just be glad to see you?" she smiles.

 

"Usually only in my dreams, Scully," he says with a wink before traversing the small office to his desk.  "Under normal circumstances, when a woman is nice to me, she wants something.  So, what gives?"

 

Scully wanders over to her desk and pulls a file from on top of it, handing it over to him.

 

"A case?" he remarks with much amusement.  "Scully, I thought you said . . ."

 

"I know what I said, Mulder," she groans.  She knew he wouldn't make this easy on her.  Which is why she was reluctant to take the case in the first place.  Not three days ago she fussed at him about being so far behind on their paperwork.  She yelled about him putting his focus into working on the long overdue reports instead of searching for yet another dead end case.  And now, here she is doing just what she told him not to.

 

"Use my brain power for good.  I think those were the words you used, Scully," he laughs, further mocking her.  "We don't need to look for work, Mulder.  We have plenty of it piled up on your desk, Mulder," he squeaks in an imitation of her.

 

"I don't sound like that," she pouts.  "Besides, I didn't go looking for this case.  It sort of just fell into my lap."

 

He flips through the file for a few minutes, skimming through the notes already made before looking back at her, a bit confused at why should would have this.

 

"How is this an X-File?" he asks.

 

"It's not," she admits.  "And actually, you don't even need to come with me.  I'm doing this as a personal favor.  The detective in charge of the case, Detective Bruce Redgrove, is an old friend of my brother's.  He's having a hard time coming up with a suspect.  Bill suggested I lend a hand."

 

"An old friend of Bill's?" Mulder frowns, his good mood immediately turning sour.

 

"Yeah.  They played football together in college," she explains absentmindedly.  She's busy packing away the things she would need before her meeting with the detective.  "I haven't seen him in years.  It'll be good meeting up with Bruce again."

 

"You and Bruce old friends too?" he asks with a bit of an attitude that surprises her.  She looks at him quizzically and sees a strange look flash in his eyes. 

 

"We knew each other," she nods.  "I had a bit of a crush on him."

 

"I see.  So what?  You're trying to see if the old torch is still burning for *Bruce*?"  he asks with more of the attitude this time.  It was almost as if he were spitting the name from his mouth.  "I mean, he's probably pretty old by now.  Not exactly keeping up the football player's physique.  And he'll be lucky if he still has his hair."

 

"Well, he's been named DC's most eligible bachelor 4 years in a row.  I have a feeling he's kept himself looking good," she grins.

 

"Oh," he sighs, a scowl forming on his face.  "Well, we should get going.  We don't want to keep *Bruce* waiting."

 

"Mulder, I said it before.  You don't have to go.  In fact, he's expecting only me.  I don't think Bill mentioned you to him."

 

"Yeah, I don't doubt that," Mulder rolls his eyes.  "Your brother would do anything to keep you from me, including tossing some good looking, muscle bound, eligible bachelor your way."

 

Scully tries hard to hold in her amusement.  But she can hardly believe it.  Mulder is actually jealous.  She doubts he'll ever admit it, but he sees Bruce as a threat. 

 

'If only he knew,' she thinks to herself.  'There could never be anyone but him.'

 

She smiles reassuringly at him before walking towards the door.  This day just may be interesting yet.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

"So, what do we know about this case?" he asks her, steering the car through the busy downtown streets.

 

"A predator has been attacking several women in the DC and Virginia area.  The latest victim is a college student named Niecy Jenkins.  African American female. Freshman at Georgetown University.  The attack happened late last night.  We'll be the first ones to actually talk to her."

 

"She hasn't been interviewed yet?" he frowns.  "What kind of investigation is your boyfriend leading?"

 

"Mulder," she sighs in exasperation.  The jealousy was cute at first, but now he's getting annoying.  "I haven't seen the man in years, so get off his case.  I'm sure he's a perfectly capable officer.  His people have thoroughly examined the scene, but the victim won't let anyone near her.  She hasn't even been to the hospital yet."

 

"Oh," he says.  "So what makes him think we'll be able to get through to her?"

 

"I don't know," she shrugs.  "But we're about to find out.  Here's the street that goes to the parking lot by her dorm."

 

They pull up to the curb and stop the car, taking a quick look to make sure they were in the right place.  They make their way into the building, Mulder with his hand on the usual spot on Scully, back.

 

"Can I help you?" a young face asks when they enter the dorm.

 

"Special Agents Mulder and Scully.  FBI," Mulder says, flipping his badge for the student guard to check.  Scully does the same and they wait patiently while the student nervously dials a number.

 

"It'll be just a minute," he tells them after hanging up the phone.  "I assume you guys are here about the attack."

 

"We are," Scully nods.  "What do you know about it?  Were you on duty at the time?"

 

"Me?  No.  The detective said it happened really early this morning.  Student guards get off at midnight," he explains.  "The card reader out front opens the doors after that time."

 

"So the only person who could get into the dorm after midnight would be someone with a student ID," Mulder notes.

 

"I guess," the student shrugs.  "So you're saying a student did this?  I can't believe that."

 

"Not necessarily," Scully says.  But any further explanation is cut off by someone calling her name.

 

"Dana Scully?  Is that really you?"

 

Scully and Mulder look up and see a tall man walking down the hall towards them.  He was tall and muscular with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.  As if his blazing good looks weren't enough, the smile on his face only serves to further annoy Mulder.  The man reaches Scully and pulls her into an embrace, lifting her until her feet leave the floor.

 

"Little Dana Scully.  I can't believe it's you."

 

"Hello Bruce," she says with a cordial smile.  She struggles to free herself from his arms and steps closer to Mulder.  "It's good to see you.  But I'm not a little girl anymore."

 

Mulder can't hold back a small smile at the obvious tightness in her voice.  She hated being seen as small in anyway.  Strike one against this guy.  Strike two comes with his next action.

 

"Oh yeah," Bruce practically groans, taking in her form from top to bottom.  Sort of like he was undressing her in his mind.  "I can *see* that.  You have grown up and in all the right places."

 

"Detective Redgrove, isn't it?  We haven't met.  Agent Mulder," Mulder says, forcing his hand into the man's to take his attention from Scully.  He couldn't stand the way this guy was looking at her.  And by the anger flashing in her eyes, neither could she.  He squeezes Bruce's hand a little harder than he probably should have.  "I'm her partner.  What can you tell us about this case?"

 

A small smirk crosses Bruce's face as he doesn't miss the significance of Mulder's actions.  It was definitely a 'keep your hands off' signal.  He finds that pretty funny because Bill didn't mention anything about his sister being involved with somebody.  He made a point to mention there wasn't anyone in her life.  That is not the message he's getting from this Agent Mulder.  But, Bruce has never been afraid of a little competition.  He can play the game for a little while, he decides before looking at Mulder to answer his question.

 

"Not much," Bruce frowns.  "This guy doesn't leave any evidence.  But the fact that he attacked Miss Jenkins here on campus may be a significant clue.  He had to have access somehow.  Maybe as a student."  He crosses his arms and leans against the wall, flashing Scully his sexiest stare.  The intense gaze that no woman can resist.  He almost feels sorry for her partner, he thinks, holding in a smug grin.

 

"Or maybe he just found her ID.  Or any other student's ID, for that matter," Scully points out, highlighting the error in his line of thinking.  She gives his 'foolproof' sexy stare brief attention before turning back to Mulder, completely unfazed by him.

 

"Well, whatever the case, you two should go and talk to the girl.  We haven't been able to get anything out of her," Bruce huffs, mindful to the knowledge that she's pretty much dismissed his theory as well as his flirting.  He initially thought it would be a piece of cake turning Dana's head.  She certainly seemed to have been in love with him all those years ago.  But it's obvious now she isn't one of the ones who'd hang on his every word and treat him like a god.  She doesn't seem to be very interested in him at all.  It seems she only has eyes for this partner of hers.  He underestimated the connection between the two.  He was dead wrong about it, in fact.  A little competition is one thing.  But it doesn't make any sense running in a race he can't win, he realizes with a sigh of resignation.

 

"Good idea," Mulder agrees with him.  "Lead the way."

 

The agents and detective take the elevator to the eighth floor and disembark, studying each door as they walk past.  They get to the end of the hall and Bruce points to the door on the left.

 

"This is her room," he tells them before knocking on the door.

 

"Darci Jacobs and Chiara Jenkins," Mulder reads aloud from the tags on the door, his eyes widening slightly.  "I thought you said her name was Niecy."

 

"That's a nickname.  Her full name is Chiara Deniece Jenkins," Bruce explains, flipping through his notes to find the answer.

 

Mulder can't stop the sudden rapid fire beating of his heart, but he tries hard to hide his anxiety.  He's unable, however, to hide his distress from Scully, who looks at him quizzically and asks him if he's okay.  The door opens before he has a chance to answer her.  Not that he'd be able to say anything, anyway.  A panic has gripped his heart and all he knows is that he must get into that room.

 

"Miss Jacobs?  The FBI is here to speak with your roommate," Bruce says gently, not wanting to scare either of the young women.

 

"I told you she doesn't want to speak to anyone," Darci snaps.

 

"Miss, this is not your decision.  We need to speak with Miss Jenkins right now," Scully tells her firmly.

 

"Let me," Mulder pleads, surprising them all.  "Let me see if she'll speak to me."  He has to force his way past the wary roommate, but is finally able to get inside the room and close the door.  He takes a deep breath before taking a step closer to the bed.  He calls out to the girl, hoping that she doesn't respond to what he's saying.  Hoping she's not who he thinks she is.

 

"Kiki?  Honey, it's me, Fox.  Is that you?" 

 

'Please, God.  Don't let it be her,' he silently prays, willing to believe in the higher power at this point in time.

 

The figure under the covers stops shivering and she peeks tentatively over the covers at him.  His heart breaks when he sees the battered face of the child he once knew.

 

"Fox?" she whispers raspily.  Her eyes fill with tears and she starts sobbing, falling into his arms the minute he reaches her side.  Her cries of agony shatter his already broken spirit and he finds himself crying along with her.

 

"We have to get you to the hospital," he says once they've both stopped crying.  She violently shakes her head, and he just holds her until she calms again, kissing her forehead from time to time.  "You need to get help."

 

"Will you stay with me?"

 

"Of course, Honey.  I'm not going to leave you ever again," he promises.

 

"Okay, then," she whispers, holding onto him tightly when he calls aloud for Scully.

 

"She's my partner," he tells her, pulling the girl up into his arms.  The door opens and Scully looks at them in shock, noticing his still wet face.

 

"Mulder?  What's going on?" she asks.

 

"She's agreed to go to the hospital," Mulder explains, making his way out of the room with the girl still in his arms.  "I need you to drive us.  It's just across campus, but it'll take too long to walk."

 

"Did she answer any questions?" Bruce asks.

 

"She needs to go to the hospital," Mulder spits out through clenched teeth.  "Your little investigation can happen later."  He stalks down the hall to the elevator. 

 

Scully looks at Bruce and apologizes for Mulder before meeting them at the end of the hall.   She doesn't know what's going on, but obviously this girl has evoked some strong feelings in Mulder.  Maybe it's related to his sister, she thinks with a shrug.  Whatever the case, Mulder's right.  The girl needs medical attention immediately.  The investigation can wait.

 

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

 

Scully holds out a cup of steaming coffee to the silent Mulder.  He shakes his head quickly in refusal, returning his attention back to pacing restlessly around the emergency room waiting area.  She sets the coffee on a nearby table and approaches him carefully.

 

"Mulder, you should sit down," she suggests, pulling him by his hand to the hard, plastic chairs against the wall.  He complies, allowing her to guide him into a seat, but can't stop the nervous energy.  His leg bounces spastically until she places her hand on his knee to calm it.

 

"Talk to me, Mulder," she begs, wrapping her arm around his shoulder.  She could still feel him trembling slightly.  "What is this about?  Is it Samantha?  Does she remind you of your sister?"  She's shocked to hear a mirthless cackle spew from his mouth.

 

"Am I really that bad?  Every case with a little girl and I immediately think of Samantha?" he asks her, continuing with the harsh laugh that was only a step away from the rhapsodic sobs lurking beneath the surface.  "Don't worry, Scully.  I'm not confusing this girl with my sister.  This has nothing to do with Samantha.  Nothing at all," he whispers darkly.

 

"Then what?  What is it about this girl?"  She flinches when she sees the anger cross his face.

 

"Why wouldn't something like this get to me?  Have we gotten so hardened, Scully, that something like this shouldn't even bother us anymore?" he asks angrily, rising violently from his seat.  "This is a little girl.  Somebody's baby girl, not even 17 years old yet.  How could someone do this to her?" 

 

His tears finally break through and Scully finds herself with a bawling Mulder kneeling at her feet, head buried in her lap.  Her heart breaks for him, although she still  doesn't understand this emotional outburst.  She's usually the emotional wreck during cases like this.  Trying to calm him, she gently runs her fingers through his thick hair, lightly scratching his scalp.  The soothing motion, coupled with whispered words of comfort, helps to allay the man's anguish and quiets his weeping.

 

"I'm sorry," he whispers.  "I shouldn't have yelled at you.  But seeing her like that was . . . knowing what happened . . . "

 

"Shhh.  I understand," she says quietly into his ear, kissing any spare skin she can find on his face.  "This is a horrible thing for anyone to have to endure."

 

"Yeah," he sighs.  "But she isn't just anyone, Scully."

 

"Mulder?"  She silently stares at him, giving him the time he needs to answer her question.  But she never gets the response she's waiting for.

 

"Agent Mulder," a voice calls from across the room.  Mulder jumps to his feet and practically runs over to the man, unwittingly dragging Scully by the hand behind him.

 

"Doctor, how is she?" he anxiously asks.

 

"She's asking for you," the doctor tells him.  "You can go in and see her now."

 

Mulder nods his thanks and takes off down the hall, still holding tightly to Scully.  He peeks into the room and can see the girl propped up in the bed.  All of her bruises and cuts have been stitched and bandaged, but she looks as if she's going to be alright.  He releases a big sigh of relief.

 

"Go on in with her," Scully prompts.  "I'll ask the doctor about her condition."

 

He feels her try to release herself from his grip and looks down to see her hand still clutched tightly by his own.  He lifts the hand to his lips and presses a gentle kiss on the back of it before letting it go.

 

"Thank you, Scully."

 

She just smiles encouragingly at him before making her way back to the doctor.  He watches her walk away, his heart swelling with what he feels for Scully.  He just hopes she forgives him for keeping such a big secret from her.  Turning back towards the room, he takes another deep, calming breath before walking in.

 

"Kiki?" he calls.  She looks up at him and they smile shyly at each other.

 

"Nobody's called me that in a long time.  I think you may be the only one I let get away with it," she laughs lightly.

 

"You look much better," he comments.  "You feeling okay?"

 

"Not really," she shakes her head, wiping away a newly formed tear.  "I don't want to talk about it now."

 

"You don't have to right now," he says gently, moving next to her bed and taking her hand in his.  She tenses for a moment before getting used to the feel of his hand again.  "But you will eventually.  The police need to know what happened so that we can catch this guy.  I'll be right here the whole time if . . . "

 

"No," she practically yells, her eyes widening.  "I can't . . . I don't want you to hear . . . Fox, I couldn't bear it if you heard me talk about it."

 

Guilt begins to eat away at him and he pulls away from her, walking over to the window in her room.  He looks out into the parking lot, staring sightlessly at the scene below.  He should have been protecting her.  It was his job all those years ago.  But he gave it up with barely a fight.

 

"I'm sorry," he whimpers, trying to hold back his tears.  "This shouldn't have happened.  I should have protected you."

 

"Fox, no.  You're right.  This shouldn't have happened.  But it's not your fault.  Don't blame yourself."

 

"If I hadn't left . . . "

 

"Then she would have driven you crazy," she says, interrupting his self deprecation.  "She would have broken you, Fox.  My mother has driven away many a husband since you. It's just the way she is.  That's why I got out of that house as soon as I could.  I graduated high school early and was lucky that Georgetown took me, despite my age."

 

"I would have stayed for you, Kiki," he says.  "I wanted to.  And when I realized I couldn't, I tried to take you with me."

 

"Why didn't you?" she asks in a small voice. It's a question that's been plaguing her all these years.  How could he leave without her?  He walks back to her, taking a seat by her bed and grabbing her hand again.

 

"Kiki, I tried.  I swear I did.  We even went to court. But the judge . . . " he pauses, shrugging his shoulders.  "The judge and social services didn't think a white man raising a biracial child was a good idea."

 

"But my mother's white," she points out.

 

"But she's your mother.  She had rights.  I didn't," Mulder explains.

 

"And you were my father.  For all those years and in all the ways that it counted," she sighs, wrapping her arms around his neck.  "I missed you, Fox."

 

"I missed you too, Princess."  He feels her shaking in his arms and at first is worried she's crying, until he hears a laughs escape her lips, bringing a curious smile to his own.  "What's so funny?"

 

"Nothing," she says, still giggling.  "It just feels good to have someone call me that again."

 

Her amusement is contagious and he finds himself laughing with her, remembering that she was always easy to entertain.  She was such a good child.  He would have taken such good care of her.  He would have been a good father.

 

"Knock knock," he hears from the doorway.  His smile gets even bigger when Scully walks into the room.  "Am I interrupting?"

 

"Come on in, Scully.  Let me introduce you.  Kiki, this is my partner.  Special Agent Dana Scully."

 

Scully gently smiles at the suddenly apprehensive girl, offering her a hand to shake.  She's a little disturbed at the way the girl just stares at her before finally shaking the proffered hand.

 

"Do you trust her, Fox?" she asks Mulder, nervously biting on her bottom lip.

 

"With my life, Kid.  Why do you ask?"

 

"Do I have to talk to the police?  I mean, could I talk to her instead?"  She looks nervously between the two.  She didn't know Scully any better than she knew any of the police officers, but if she had to give a statement, she'd rather it be Scully.

 

"You don't want Agent Mulder to do it?" Scully asks, surprised when both Mulder and the girl shakes their heads.  "Then of course.  Whatever will make you feel most comfortable."

 

"I'll wait outside," Mulder says, giving Kiki's hand a quick squeeze before standing to leave.

 

Scully suddenly feels very nervous when the door closes behind Mulder.  She wants so badly to find out what's going on with Mulder and this girl.  She could always ask the girl a few questions about how she knows Mulder under the guise of taking her statement.  But it would be a violation of that trust Mulder just boasted about having in her.  She couldn't do it.  If Mulder wanted her to know, then he would tell her.

 

"Okay, then, Kiki, why don't . . . "

 

"Actually, I'd prefer Chiara," the girl corrects her.  "Fox is the only person who's ever called me Kiki."

 

"Sorry, Chiara," Scully apologizes before continuing.  "Just start from the beginning and tell me what happened."

 

Scully sits back and takes notes, trying to stay interested in what Chiara is saying.  But in the back of her mind she can't stop wondering about the secret between this girl and her partner.  And, most importantly, why he never told her about it.  Whatever it is, it's a secret that he can't hide anymore.  Sooner or later, he's going to have to fill her in.  She just hopes that the time comes sooner.

 

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

 

Mulder tries to balance two cups of coffee from the machine down the hall while peeking discretely inside of Chiara's hospital room.  Scully hasn't really been in there for all that long.  And Chiara appears to be holding up as well as can be expected in this circumstance.  But he knows his partner well enough to know that she's tempted to ask the girl questions about her past - and how Mulder fits into it.  She probably won't do it, but he also knows that she'll be expecting questions soon.  He didn't think this part of his life would ever come up with Scully, but it's funny how past wives and children pop up when you least expect them to.  He almost laughs at the silly thought.  Almost.  Because there won't be anything to laugh about if Scully doesn't understand why he'd keep something like this from her.

 

"Agent Mulder," he hears from behind him.  He turns around quickly, spilling a bit of coffee on one of his hands.

 

"Doctor," he says, half groaning in pain.  "What's the word on Chiara's condition?  I know my partner spoke with you, but I haven't had the chance to hear from her what you said."

 

"Chiara's going to be fine, Agent Mulder.  We'll probably be able to release her tomorrow," the doctor tells him.  "From what I could tell, she wasn't sexually molested.  And none of her injuries are internal.  She has a bruised rib that's going to hurt for awhile, but nothing serious.  In fact, the most serious problem is an issue I need to discuss with you right now."

 

"What is it, Doctor?" Mulder asks, his concern evident on his face.

 

"We've had some trouble reaching Chiara's mother for insurance and billing purposes," the doctor explains.  "Also, she's only 16 years old.  If we can't reach her mother, we'll have to send her to social services when she's released."

 

"Let me try to get in touch with her mother," Mulder frowns, not exactly excited about speaking with his ex.  "If I can't reach her, then I'll take responsibility for Chiara and her bills."

 

"I'll get the paperwork ready for either you or her mother.  One of you will have to sign for her."  The doctor nods courteously at Mulder before moving down the hall to his next patient.  Mulder reaches into his pocket for the phone and makes a phone call to the one person he thought he'd never speak to again.

 

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

 

Scully gives Chiara a handful of tissues and moves to the girl's side to offer a hug of comfort.  She falls eagerly into Scully's embrace, crying on the woman's shoulder.

 

"Are you okay, Chiara?" Scully asks once the sobs have stopped. 

 

"I will be," Chiara sniffs, blowing her nose into the tissue.  "I think I want Fox back in here right now.  Can you get him?"

 

"Of course," Scully nods.  "I'll go get him right now."  Scully stands to leave, but Chiara grabs onto her hand before she can walk away.

 

"Agent Scully?"

 

"Yes, Chiara?"

 

"Thanks," Chiara smiles shyly.  "This was such a horrible experience and I wasn't too thrilled about having to talk about it.  But you made it not too bad."

 

"You're welcome," Scully says, returning the smile.  She turns to leave again when she hears Chiara calling to her a second time.

 

"Agent Scully?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"How long have you and Fox known each other?"

 

Scully has to hold in a smile.  It seems like she's not the only person interested in Mulder's life.  Scully may be curious about Chiara, but it seems as if Chiara is just as curious about Scully.  She decides to be as open with girl as she can, hoping the girl will be just as open with her.

 

"Five, going on six years," Scully tells her.  "How about you?"

 

"Almost six years?" Chiara repeats, ignoring Scully's question.  "And in that time he's never mentioned me, has he?  You seemed pretty shocked to meet me."

 

"Yes, Chiara.  You were a surprise," Scully admits.

 

"I haven't seen Fox in more years than you've know him," Chiara says sadly.  "So you don't have to be mad at him for having this mysterious secret life he never told you about.  It wasn't like that."

 

"Really? Why don't you tell me what it's like," Scully says, a little harsher than she intended.  It's not like she's threatened or anything by Chiara.  She's just a little perturbed at this turn of events in Mulder's life.  She's feels a little off balance finding out he kept something this big from her.  And now, she just wants to find out what it is.

 

"I probably shouldn't tell you," Chiara says, eyes filled again with tears from Scully's harsh tone.  "This is probably a story you should hear from Fox."

 

"You're right.  I'm sorry," Scully apologizes, lowering her head in shame.  She did what she promised herself she wouldn't and asked Chiara about her past with Mulder.  Not only that, she acted like a possessive wife and practically yelled at the poor girl.  "I didn't mean to . . . "

 

She's cut off by Mulder racing into the room.  He was on his cell phone and didn't appear to be happy to be speaking with whoever was on the other line.

 

"She's right here," he yells into the phone.  "You can speak to her if you . . . hello?  Hello?"  He pulls the phone from his ear for a second and stares at it before holding it to his head again.  When he's sure the call has been disconnected, he angrily hits the end button and shoves the phone back into his jacket.

 

"What's going on, Mulder?" Scully asks, concerned about the angry man pacing around the room.

 

"That was my mom, wasn't it?" Chiara asks.

 

"Kiki, I . . . "

 

"It's okay, Fox," she interrupts him.  "Mom and I didn't exactly part on good terms when I came to school.  Actually, Mom and I never had the most ideal 'mother-daughter' relationship.  You know how she used to be.  She hasn't changed any, believe me.  What happened this time?"

 

"I called her to let her know you were in the hospital," Mulder starts.  "There's some legal stuff she needs to handle since you're under age.  I thought she'd want to be here.  Apparently I mistook her for someone who cares.  I'm really sorry, Kid."

 

"It's alright, Fox."

 

"No, Kiki, it's not.  But I'm going to make it alright," he promises.  "I'm going to do what I should have done all those years ago.  When you get out of here, I'm taking you home with me until you recover and can go back to school.  Or, for however long you decide."

 

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Agent Mulder."

 

Chiara, Mulder, and Scully face the door and sees Bruce standing there with a few more officers. 

 

"Bruce?  What's going on?" Scully asks him, the confusion plainly showing on her face.

 

"Ask your partner.  He knows.  Don't you, Agent Mulder?"  He signals his officers who move to either side of Mulder, grabbing his arms tightly.  "Agent Mulder, I'm going to have to place you under arrest."

 

"Arrest?  You're arresting him?  For what?  Bruce, stop this right now," Scully demands.

 

"I'm sorry, Dana, but I can't."

 

"What are you arresting him for?" she wants to know.

 

"Violation of a restraining order," Mulder says quietly.  "I'm not allowed anywhere near Chiara.  Lauren must have notified the police after she hung up on me.  You guys work fast."

 

"Actually, we were able to reach her after you and Agent Scully left to take Miss Jenkins to the hospital.  When I told her you were involved with the investigation, she told us about the restraining order.  We spent the past hour tracking it down to be sure.  I'm sorry, Agent Mulder.  But we're going to have to take you in," Bruce says, genuinely sorry about this situation.

 

"Hold on a second.  Who's this Lauren person?" Scully angrily asks.

 

"My mother," Chiara explains.  "But why is there a restraining order out on you, Fox?"

 

"It's a long story," he says, shaking his head.  "I told you how me and your mom went to court over you.  This is fallout from that."

 

"Well, I'm going to the station with you," Scully insists.  "There's no way I'm going to let . . ."

 

"No, Scully.  I need you to stay with Chiara.  Please," he begs her.  "If her mother shows up, don't let her anywhere near this room."

 

The officers place the handcuffs on Mulder and lead him to the door.

 

"Stop!" Chiara cries.  "Don't take him away!  Please don't take him away from me again.  Daddy, don't go."

 

"It's okay, Kiki," he says, trying to calm the girl.  He pulls against the officers dragging him to the door and is able to turn his body back towards the room, staring at Scully.  "Scully . . . please."

 

"I'll take care of her, Mulder.  I promise," she's able to say before they completely drag him away.

 

"I hate her," Chiara screams after they're gone.  "Why is she doing this to him?"

 

"I don't know, Sweetheart," Scully says, pulling the upset girl into her arms for the second time that day.  "But I promise you we're going to get him out."

 

"You really care about him," Chiara states more than questions.

 

"Of course I do," Scully says nervously.  "He's my partner.  My best friend."

 

"And you love him.  And I don't mean like a partner or a friend.  You're in love with him, aren't you?"

 

"Chiara, I . . . "

 

"I can see how you two look at each other," Chiara smiles.  "He never looked at my mom that way."

 

"You know what?  You're getting out of here tomorrow," Scully says, changing the uncomfortable topic.  "You should get some rest."

 

"What about Fox?"

 

"Don't worry about him.  I'll make some phone calls and see what I can do."

 

Scully helps the girl get settled in the bed, tucking the covers protectively around her.

 

"Get some rest, Chiara.  Doctor's orders," she commands gently, leaning over to instinctively press a light kiss onto the girl's forehead.

 

"Thanks," Chiara mumbles through a yawn, her eyes starting to drift shut.  She gives Scully a sleepy smile before reaching out for her hand.  "Nobody but Fox ever tucked me in like that.  Stay until I go to sleep?"

 

"Of course," Scully promises.  She watches protectively as sleep overtakes Chiara and vows to herself that she'll do whatever it takes to help keep her safe.  Not only for Chiara's sake, but also for Mulder's.

 

Chapter 2

 

The phone rings and Scully gives off a frustrated groan.  She hops up and hobbles clumsily over to the phone as Chiara giggles at her.  The girl is in a much better mood than she was in the hospital, Scully notices.  After being released earlier that morning, Scully decided to take the girl home with her until the mess with Mulder is straightened out.  Seeing how happy the girl is, she knows that she made the right decision.

 

"Scully," she answers breathlessly by the time she picks it up.

 

"What's going on, Scully?  You sound out of breath."

 

"Oh, hey Mulder," she smiles, blushing furiously when Chiara begins making kissing noises in the background.  She signals for the girl to stop.

 

"What was that sound?" he asks curiously.

 

"Nothing," she answers quickly.  "It seems Chiara picked up your strange sense of humor, though."

 

"You guys sound like you're having fun," he sighs.  "I wish I could come up."

 

"Come up?  Where are you, Mulder?"  She hobbles across the living room and looks out the window and sees him standing against his car across the street.  "How long have you been out there?" 

 

"Well, after Skinner sprung me from the big house last night, I couldn't exactly go back to the hospital.  But I wanted to make sure Kiki was alright.  So I followed you guys after she was released," he admits sheepishly.

 

"Mulder!  You've been out there all morning?"  She sighs and shakes her head.  "Stay right there.  I'm coming down."

 

She carefully slides her feet into a pair of flip flops, taking care not to ruin the fresh nail polish Chiara just applied.  After the hospital, they decided to take it easy and pamper themselves with facials, manicures and pedicures.  Scully never realized until then how much she missed having girlfriends and doing girlie things.

 

"I'll be back, Chiara," she says to the girl before walking out the door.  "I'm going down to talk to Mulder."

 

"Give him a big kiss for me, Dana," Chiara says, laughing when the woman blushes again.  She laughs even harder when she realizes Mulder was still on the phone.

 

"Thank you so much, Chiara," Scully groans after hanging up.  She rolls her eyes and thinks for the millionth time that day how much the girl was like Mulder.  "You're going to pay for that," she threatens before leaving the apartment.

 

Mulder paces anxiously in front of the car, watching as Scully comes jogging out of the building.  He wanted so badly to go up to the apartment to see them both, but decided that another trip to jail for breaking the restraining order wouldn't help his cause any.

 

"Hey Scully," he says as she comes up to him.  His heart skips a beat when he sees the big smiles she greets him with.  She's so beautiful it hurts sometimes. 

 

"Hey Mulder.  Sorry you can't come up," she apologizes.

 

"I am too," he sighs.  "But, this will all just be temporary I hope.  I'm taking Lauren to court again for custody of Kiki and I'm not backing down this time."

 

"This time?" Her eyebrow shoots up to her hairline practically and Mulder realizes how little he's told her about the situation.  He has a lot of explaining to do.  He looks down guiltily and takes a deep breath, trying to figure out where to start.

 

"I guess I should tell you how this all started," he says.  He chances a peek up at her and sees that the eyebrow has arched even higher than he knew was possible.  "Okay, so I should have told you about this a long time ago."

 

"Yes.  You should have," she stays sternly, not even trying to hide the betrayal she feels.  "So start talking."

 

"All this started about 15 years ago, when I met a woman named Lauren Wells.  I was young and stupid and hurting so much about Samantha still.  I was bitter and angry about how my life turned out after her disappearance.  And at that time, I wanted to prove to myself that I could make a better life for myself than my parents ever did for me. So, I found myself a ready made family with Lauren and Chiara.  They were simply a means to an end.  I admit that my intentions with them were far from honorable.  But, the joke ended up being on me.  I fell in love," he says with a reminiscent smile.

 

"So the two of you were happy at some point," Scully assumes.

 

"Me and Lauren?  No, we were never happy.  I said I fell in love, but not with Lauren.  I fell in love with the most adorable toddler I'd ever seen in my life," he smiles.  "I never thought about having kids, but after meeting Kiki, all that changed.  She was so amazing, Scully.  We got really close.  So close that I didn't notice how bad a wife Lauren was.  She was never home.  Never cooked.  Never cleaned.  Never took care of the baby.  But that didn't matter because I handled all of that.  And most of the times, it was better without her.

 

"I was busy with work and with Chiara, but from time to time I did need Lauren's, um, companionship. I'll have to give it to her, she never deprived me of *that*.  But she apparently didn't deprive anyone else either.  After a few years and a few cases of contracting some things I hope I never catch again, I realized she wasn't being faithful to me."

 

"She cheated on you?" Scully asks sadly.

 

"All the time," he laughs, but Scully can hear no joy in it.  "I was such an idiot."

 

"Is that why you ended up divorcing?"

 

"For her infidelity?  No.  She actually divorced me for mine," he admits in shame.  "I over looked her indiscretions for a few years, staying with her for Kiki's sake.  But I got sick of it and wanted to hurt her back.  So I found the first person willing.  My partner at the time."

 

"Diana," she gasps.  "That was the start of your affair with her?"

 

"I guess," he shrugs.  "It only happen then that once.  But after the divorce, I turned to her. She was there and comforted me over the break up of my family.  I needed the attention she gave me.  I guess I thought I loved her, but I didn't.  After that whole thing with Gibson and the alien, I know now how stupid it was to ever trust her.  Anyway, I moved out after Lauren filed for divorce.  She tried to keep me from Kiki, but I saw her as much as I possibly could.  And I eventually saw things that I never wanted to see happen to any child, especially one that I loved like my own.  I started to see odd bruises and scars whenever I went over.  I asked Lauren about it, but she never admitted to abusing her.  And I noticed she had bruises herself.  So I kept a closer eye on things for awhile and found out that it was her latest boyfriend.  He would beat them both.  I actually caught him one day.  He had beaten up Lauren and was about to hit, Kiki." 

 

He squeezes his eyes shut, trying to block out the memory.  A lone tear manages to escape as he thinks back to that day.  She reaches out and touches her spot on his arm to comfort him.  It's funny how she thinks of it as *her* spot.  But he seems to have commandeered a small section of her back as his own.  This tiny patch of skin she's gently stroking is just an exchange.

 

"I wanted to kill him, Scully.  I beat him so badly that I almost did.  But Chiara was terrified as it was.  I didn't want her to see me completely lose control.  So I left.  And the next day, I was arrested for assault.  I admitted to beating up the boyfriend, but Lauren made it seem like I beat them all.  That's how she was able to get the restraining order."

 

"You didn't fight it, Mulder?  Why didn't you tell them what actually happened?"

 

"They would have subjected Kiki to tests and questioning and I didn't want her to have to go through that.  She was only 7.  Something like that would have traumatized her and haunted her for life.  Besides, my lawyers told me that because of our race difference, my chances of being able to raise her were slim.  I knew she would have been better off with me, but I also knew that she might not survive the fight it would have taken.  So, I did what I thought was best for her and I walked away.  I threw myself into my work and tried to forget about her.  It worked for awhile.  Diana and I were busy with the X-Files.  But then she left and I was alone again."

 

"I'm sorry," Scully says, pulling him into a hug.  She wraps her arms around his chest and squeezes him tightly, letting him know she's really there for him.

 

"I'm not."  He kisses the top of her head and pulls away to look at her, gently stroking her cheeks with his thumbs.  "I'm not sorry she left because if she didn't, I never would have met you.  Scully, you have made my life more complete than it's ever been.  In many ways, you *are* my life.  I know I wouldn't be here without you."

 

He stares into her eyes and see them start to tear up.  He has the sudden urge to kiss her.  He slowly leans towards her, giving her plenty of time to push him away if she wants.  But she doesn't.  So he keeps on, finally making contact with her lips for a sweet kiss.

 

Chiara stands at the window, witnessing the events on the street below with a smile on her face.  She's glad that he's finally found someone to make him truly happy.  And it's even better that it's someone who makes her happy as well.  She's known Dana Scully for only a day, but already the woman's been a better mother and friend to her than her own mother ever was.  This could be the beginning of a beautiful family.  She just has to find a way to make that happen.

 

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

 

Scully arrives at work Monday morning and is surprised to see Mulder there already. 

 

"Morning," he says to her, too enthusiastic for her peace of mind.  She looks at him curiously, wondering what he's up to.

 

"Good morning, Mulder.  What are you doing here so early?"

 

"What else am I going to do, Scully?  I was so tempted all weekend to disregard the restraining order and come over.  I want to see Kiki.  I guess coming here was the only way to keep my mind occupied," he says with a small frown, his bottom lip jutting out in an irresistible pout.  Scully has to tamp down on the urge to go nibble on it.  She found out first hand what that lip feels like against her own.  If they weren't at work right now . . . But, they are, she thinks to herself with a disappointed sigh.

 

"I'm sorry.  I know this is tough on you."

 

"I feel like I'm losing her all over again, Scully."

 

"Don't think that, Mulder.  Chiara's older now.  If you go to court again, this time the judge will have to take her wishes into account.  And I may not know much about her, but I learned this weekend how much she loves you.  If it's up to her, I don't think you'll be far from her life ever again."

 

"I hope you're right, Scully," he sighs.  "So, how is she doing?"

 

"Physically, she's fine.  And she seems like she's okay elsewise.  Although, I don't know much about teenagers, Mulder.  She seems fairly happy at my place, though."

 

"I'm sure she is happy there with you, Scully.  I know she won't be able to help but fall in love with you.  Kind of like I . . ." he bites his lip and looks away quickly, blushing furiously at what he almost just revealed to Scully.

 

"Kind of like you what, Mulder?" she asks, her eyes wide in shock.  She waits not so patiently for his response when a ringing sound invades her ears instead.  The phone.  She closes her eyes and lets out the breath she didn't realize she was holding while Mulder answers it.

 

"Mulder . . . yes, Sir. . . . yes, Sir . . . I'm not really sure . . . Okay, we'll be right down."

 

Scully looks up and sees the relieved look on his face as he hangs up the phone.

 

"That was Skinner," he says.  "He wants to see us right away."

 

"I gathered that much.  What about?"

 

"I'm not sure," Mulder shrugs.  "We should get going, though."

 

She nods in agreement and turns to walk out the door.  She feels a shock go straight to her toes when he places his hand on the usual spot on her back.  He gasps when she leans more into his touch than she usually does.  She tosses a smile at him over her shoulder as the touch turns more into a gentle caress.  He continues to hold onto her until they reach the Assistant Director's office.  They both feel the loss when he has to let go.

 

"The Assistant Director's waiting for you two.  You can go in now," Skinner's secretary says when they enter.  They smile politely at her and make their way to the office.  They're surprised to see Detective Redgrove.  Mulder's annoyed to see him sitting in his seat.

 

"Bruce.  What are you doing here?" Scully asks.

 

"Agent Mulder.  Dana," he greets them before pointing the empty seat next to him.  "Have a seat."

 

"No thanks.  We'll stand," she politely declines, missing the slight scowl of disappointment on the detective's face as she turns to address Skinner.  "What's going on here, Sir?"

 

"Two things.  First, Detective Redgrove has news for you about the investigation."

 

"Yes, I just wanted to thank the two of you for helping on this case.  We caught the guy this morning," he says with a proud grin.  "Dana, if it weren't for you, we never would have found him.  The statement you took from Miss Jenkins gave us just what we were looking for.  Good job."

 

"And what's the second thing," Mulder asks Skinner.

 

"This," Skinner says, handing Mulder a folded piece of paper.  "It's a summons.  Your presence is requested in family court."

 

"What's going on, Mulder?" Scully asks him.

 

"I'm not sure," he says, continuing to skim through the document.  "I guess there's only one way to find out.  And that's to go to court.  Thanks, Sir.  Oh, and thanks, Detective, for catching that creep.  Hopefully he won't be hurting anyone else ever again."

 

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Bruce smiles.  "Dana, now that this is all over, how about some lunch.  Just the two of us."

 

"Sorry, but we have be in court."

 

"I thought the summons was just for Agent Mul - " 

 

He's cut off by the look on her face, glaring in disbelief at him.  She manages to hide her contempt with a tight smile and bids him good day before following Mulder out the door.

 

"Don't take it personally," Skinner says to the man still standing in his office.  "Those two have this bond that no one can understand.  Want a little advice?  Don't try to come between them.  There may not be a ring on her finger, but she's taken nonetheless."

 

"You don't care that two of your agents are having a cheap, torrid affair right under your nose, Assistant Director?" Bruce snaps.

 

"Detective," Skinner says with a slight chuckle, shaking his head at the man.  "First of all, I'm pretty sure they're not having an affair.  And if they were, it wouldn't be cheap or torrid.  Agents Mulder and Scully are two of the finest agents I've ever had the privilege of working with.  Like I said before, they have this bond that no one understands.  And that no one better try to break.  Or they'll be sorry.  Have I made myself clear, Detective?"

 

"Crystal."

 

"Very well then.  Good day," Skinner says, holding the door open for the man, a clue that it's time to leave.

 

Skinner watches the man gather his belongings and walk out the door, stopping briefly by his secretary's desk for quick instructions back to the front doors.  It constantly amazes him the number of admirers his favorite female agent has.  But it amazes him anymore that she either can't or won't notice anyone else.  Like he told the detective, there may not be a ring on her finger, but in his opinion, she and Mulder were about as married as any couple could ever hope to be.   And heaven help the poor sucker who tried to break them up.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Mulder stares up and down the long hallway, shivering at the eerie similarities between this building and another courthouse all the way across the country in San Diego he spent some time in not long ago for very much the same reason.  Back then, he never truly understood what Scully went through when fighting for Emily.  Now he knows.  And he's terrified that his situation won't end up any better than Scully's did.

 

"Relax, Mulder," she whispers to him, her warm breath tickling his ear.  "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about."

 

"Scully, would you honestly give me custody of a child?  A teenaged girl whom I haven't seen in over half her lifetime?"

 

"If she wants to live with you, Mulder, then I don't see why not," she assures him.

 

"What about you, Scully?  You're ten times the person I'll ever be.  Emily was your natural child and they didn't give you custody of her.  I don't even have that going for me.  Kiki's not even mine.  Plus, I'm a single man with a dangerous career, living in a one bedroom apartment.  What makes you think I'll fare any better than you did?  What makes *me* think I should even be doing this?"

 

"Because," she says with a gentle smile, stroking his cheek with her hand.  "Love makes you do crazy things.  You love her.  She loves you.  I don't see what there will be a problem."

 

"Crazy things, huh?" he asks, his eyes starting to glaze over a little at the hypnotic way her hand glides across his skin.  "What kinds of crazy things have you done for love Scully?"

 

His heart skips a beat at the mischievous glint her eyes take on.  Before he can even register the sensation, her hand leaves his face and moves to the back of his neck, pulling his head towards hers, until their lips meet in a burning kiss.  He lets out a moan when his brain finally catches up with what the rest of his body is feeling and eagerly gives back to her everything she's giving him.  He shyly offers his tongue and is amazed at the way she hungrily accepts it, letting out a little whimper of her own as she pulls the probing organ into her mouth. 

 

"Ahem," he somehow hears over the sound of rushing blood through his ears.  He reluctantly pulls away and looks over her shoulder into the face of a very amused bailiff.

 

"Agent Mulder, Judge Waters will see you now," he says with a knowing grin.

 

"Thank you," Mulder practically gasps, trying desperately to get his breath back.

 

"I'll wait out here," Scully says, reaching up to wipe the stray lipstick from Mulder's mouth.

 

"No.  Come with me.  Please," he begs, silently pleading with her not to make him go in there alone.

 

She just nods, as if receiving his message loud and clear.  She won't let him do this alone.  He was there for her those months ago with Emily.  She'll be here with him for this.

 

Mulder sighs his relief and takes her hand, pulling her into the judge's chambers. 

 

"Agent Mulder," the judge says, looking up from a file on her desk.  "Thank you for joining us on such short notice."

 

"Us?" he asks just as he looks around the office.  He spots Chiara sitting on the couch behind him and rushes over to her for a hug, stopping abruptly when he remembers his current predicament with the restraining order.  He turns to look at the judge for permission.  "Judge, may I?"

 

"Of course," she says with a kind smile.

 

Mulder wastes no time scooping the girl into his arms and giving her a bone-crushing hug.  He finally sets her back on her own two feet and watches her give Scully a brief hug.

 

"How are you, Kiki?  I mean really?" he asks, taking note of the dark bruises still around her eyes.

 

"I'm fine," she assures him.  "Dana's been taking real good care of me."

 

"This is the woman you said you were staying with?" the judge asks Chiara. 

 

"Yes, Your Honor," Scully speaks up.  "I'm Dana Scully.  I work with Agent Mulder.  Chiara has been staying with me since she got released from the hospital."

 

"Okay," the judge nods, making a note in the file in front of her.  "Have a seat everyone.  I don't think we need to delay this any further.  I'm sure, Agent Mulder, that you're curious as to why I called you here today."

 

"Yes, Your Honor, I am," he says, glancing nervously at Scully.  She smiles at him and takes his hand in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze for reassurance.

 

"Agent Mulder, I spent the morning reviewing your history with Chiara.  And frankly, it just confused me.  So I called Chiara in for some clarification.  And I also spoke with your ex-wife for her side of the story.  What she had to say was . . . interesting."

 

Mulder's face ashens and he starts squirming uncomfortably in his chair.  He's sure anything Lauren had to say didn't help him any.

 

"Your Honor, my ex and I didn't have an amicable splitting.  In fact, there was a custody fight for Chiara," he explains.

 

"Yes, I see that.  One that you dropped for some reason after a restraining order was filed against you, ordering you to stay away from Chiara and her mother.  Except I can't find anywhere in this file a reason behind the restraining order."

 

"I'm surprised Lauren didn't tell you her version of what happened," he frowns.

 

"Oh, she did.  But it greatly contradicted Chiara's story.  I'm curious what you have to say."

 

"I, um, assaulted a friend of Lauren's.  I was arrested, but not charged.  But afterwards, I wasn't allowed anywhere near Lauren or Chiara.  I dropped the custody suit after that."

 

"I'm still not seeing a connection, Agent Mulder," the judge says, shaking her head in confusion.  "Why did you assault this man, Edgar Richards was his name I believe?"

 

The judge's question is lost in the wake of Mulder's sudden concern for Chiara.  He looks to his side and sees the panic stricken girl barely able to breathe in the chair next to him.

 

"Kiki, Honey.  Are you alright?" he calls to her, kneeling down next to her to try to offer some comfort.  "Just calm down and look at me.  Tell me what's wrong."

 

"Edgar," she sobs, unable to hold back her tears.  "He was the worst of them."

 

"What do you mean, Chiara?" the judge asks gently.

 

"He used to beat my mom.  I saw him one day and tried to stop him from hurting her, but he just hurt me instead.  I thought she would make him leave, but she didn't.  She said that things were better for her now that he had me . . . Daddy, she let him hurt me."

 

"I know, Baby," Mulder says, pulling the crying girl into his arms.  "It's okay.  He can't hurt you anymore.  I made sure of that."

 

"I guess that answers my question," the judge says.  "But I still don't understand . . . "

 

"Judge Waters," Mulder interrupts her.  "This may be an unorthodox request, but will you give us a few minutes?  Chiara is very upset and I'd like Scully to check her out and make sure she's okay.

 

"Sure, Agent Mulder," the judge says after taking a moment to regard him.  She sits back and quietly takes in the scene before her.  She watches how the man's presence is simply enough to calm the girl.  She watches the girl drift into an exhausted slumber, secure in the man's arms.  And she can see that anything she's heard about this man is a complete lie.

 

"Your Honor," he says quietly to avoid waking Chiara.  "I was a good father to her.  But because she wasn't my biological child, I was told I couldn't raise her.  But I fought for her anyway.  Until her mother stacked the odds against me.  She lied and said . . . "

 

"She said that you were responsible for the abuse," the judge guesses.  She watches Mulder nod his head to confirm that theory, although she already knew it was true based on Chiara's reactions to hearing the name of her attacker.  "Then she used how you attacked Mr. Richards to get a restraining order against you.  Why didn't you come forward with the truth."

 

"Because it only would have hurt Chiara more," he sighs.  "She would have been tested and questioned and probed and probably placed with strangers.  I didn't want her to have to go through all of that.  So I dropped the case and obeyed the restraining order.  Edgar soon landed himself in jail, so he was out of Chiara's life as well." 

 

"This has been quite a story, Agent Mulder," the judge says after a long silence.  "And I've made my decision.  I won't force Chiara to go back to live with her mother.  I can see that the woman harmed the child more than she protected her by not only allowing, but seemingly encouraging abuse by an outside party."

 

"So, I get custody of her?" Mulder asks excitedly.

 

"Not exactly," the judge says.  "I'm here to look out for Chiara's best interest.  And while I know that entails not going back to her mother, I also know that placing her with you right now would be just as big a mistake.  I think deep down you know it too.  Agent Mulder, from what I understand, you have a dangerous job that keeps you out of town for days at a time."

 

"I could cut back, Your Honor," he spouts without thinking.  "Get something that'll keep me close to home."

 

"And I expect you to," the judge says.  "Along with something more suitable than a one bedroom apartment.  And if you agree to taking parenting classes in preparation for becoming a certified foster parent, I'll agree to Chiara being placed with you.  In the mean time, she'll have to go to a foster home."

 

"But Judge . . . " he starts, only to be interrupted.

 

"Your Honor, if I may," Scully says.  "I have a two bedroom apartment.  And if Agent Mulder will be cutting back at work, then as his partner, that means I will be as well.  And I'm already a certified foster parent."

 

An image of Emily flashes into her head.  When she was trying to adopt the little girl, she tried to cover all her bases, including applying to become a foster parent.  She would have taken Emily any way she could get her. 

 

"Chiara can stay with me," she continues.  "I live in Georgetown, close to the college campus, so she could continue to attend her classes while she lives with me.  And if the occasion arises where we'll have to be out of town, my mother lives nearby.  She could come to my place and stay with Chiara or vice versa."

 

"Scully, you'd really do this?" Mulder asks, completely amazed at her selflessness.

 

"Yes, Agent Scully.  Would you be willing to take responsibility for this child?"

 

"She's hardly a child, Your Honor.  She's a lovely young woman who I've had the pleasure of getting to know over the past few days," Scully smiles.  "I'd love to have her."

 

"Very well, then," the judge agrees.  "Chiara Jenkins will be placed in the foster care of Agent Dana Scully.  Six months from now, I'll reevaluate Agent Mulder's status and if at that time his working and living situation is acceptable, I'll grant custody to him.  In the mean time, visitation is solely up to Agent Scully.  So I wouldn't get on her bad side if I were you," she smiles, winking at Mulder.

 

"Thank you, Judge," he says, rising to shake her hand.

 

"Don't thank me.  Men like you are few and far between.  I only wish I could do more.  All I ask is that you don't let me down, Agent Mulder.  Take care of this girl."

 

"Oh, I will.  I promise," he says, smiling widely.  He turns to lift the sleeping Chiara, placing her on her feet to wake her.

 

"Mmmm, where are we going?" she sleepily mumbles.

 

"Home," Scully says with a smile.  "We're going home, Chiara."  She places a quick kiss on the girl's forehead and then a lingering one on Mulder's lips.  Before they all walk out the door.

 

The judge and bailiff watch the joyous display with a smile. 

 

"That was good to see," the bailiff says.  "I don't think he'll disappoint."

 

"I know he won't," the judge smiles.  "There's no way he'd let her down."

 

"The girl?"

 

"No.  His partner.  Although something tells me they won't be hiding behind that little word anymore.  I wonder if they'll invite me to the wedding?"

 

They laugh, too happy to do anything but. It's too often people visit these chambers to tear families apart.  Very seldom do they get the chance to put them together.  Today the judge is certain that they put a family together that will never be apart again.

 

Chapter 3

 

Epilogue - 6 months later

 

Mulder bounces the ball, teasingly holding it out before yanking it back again.

 

"Come on, Kiki.  Just one game against your old man," he begs.  "That goal out back is one of the main reasons I bought this house."

 

"I'm not that big on basketball, Fox," she says, walking past him into the kitchen for a glass of water.  "Besides, Dana and I have to be going home soon.  Right Dana?"

 

She comes out of the kitchen at their silence and sees the strange expressions on their faces.

 

"Actually, we are home, Chiara," Scully smiles.  "Mulder made a very good impression on the judge today and she agreed to giving him custody of you."

 

"Are you serious?" the girl screams, running to jump in Mulder's arms.  "I'm really home?"

 

"Yes, you are," he says, trying to hold in his unexpected tears.  He can't believe he's so happy that he's crying. 

 

"Wait," Chiara says, turning back to Scully.  "You said *we're* home, Dana.  Does that mean . . . "

 

"Well, like I said before, Mulder made quite an impression on the judge.  But this didn't hurt either," she says, holding up her left hand.

 

"Dana," Chiara gasps.  "Is that what I think it is?  You two are getting married?"

 

"You don't mind?" Mulder asks her.

 

"Mind?  All I have to say is that it's about time," Chiara laughs. 

 

"Funny.  That's what the judge said too," Mulder shrugs.

 

"Well, she's right.  I love you both.  As much as you love each other.  I couldn't be happier to be getting a mom as well as a dad.  Knowing neither of you won't ever be leaving me again."

 

"I love you too, Chiara," Scully sniffs, touched by her sentiments.  She pulls the girl into her arms, hugging her tightly.

 

"And don't worry about us leaving.  We're in this for the long haul," Mulder smiles, joining in the hug.  A knock at the back door interrupts them and Mulder goes to see who it is.  He opens the door and lets in a groups of boys.

 

"Do you mind if we play some hoops back there, Mr. Mulder?" one of the boys asks.  The boys lived in the neighborhood and knew that Mulder allowed them to use the hoop so long as they asked first.

 

"Go ahead," he sighs wistfully.  "I was trying to get my daughter to join me, but she's not really into it."

 

"What are you talking about, Dad," she cuts in, smiling dreamily at the boy holding the basketball.  "I love the game.  Just let me get changed."

 

Mulder watches her run up the stairs, mouth wide open at the sudden change.  He looks over to Scully for some sort of explanation, but she just laughs at the confused look on his face.

 

"Dude, how long as she been living here?  She's a hottie," one of the boys whispers, causing Mulder to whip around and glare at him.  The boy is visibly frightened and takes a step backwards.  "How about we wait outside."

 

"Good idea," Mulder growls. The boys run out of the house faster than he imagined they could have.  "I don't like them, Scully."

 

"Of course you don't," she giggles.  "They're sixteen year old boys with an eye on your sixteen year old daughter.  I'm sure you remember what that's like."

 

"Oh God," he groans.  "I can't let her leave the house, Scully.  Not if they have on their sick little minds what I used to have on mine at that age."

 

She just shakes her head and walks up to him, silencing him with a kiss. 

 

"I'm going a little overboard, aren't I?" he asks.

 

"Yes," she answers truthfully.  "But it's cute.  She's going to be fine.  She loves you.  She won't do anything to disappoint you."

 

"But I just got her, Scully," he sighs.  "And already some boy is trying to take her away from me.  What am I going to do when that happens?"

 

"I'm sure we have a while before that happens," she laughs. "But hopefully when it does, he'll love her as much as I love you.  Hopefully he'll make her at least half as happy as you make me."

 

"Thank you," he says, giving her a kiss.  "I needed that."

 

"Anytime, G-man," she smiles.  She looks up as Chiara comes back down the stairs, dressed in a cute little sweat suit with the word 'Angel' stenciled across the front in glitter, obviously dressed more for show than for play.

 

"I'm going out back, okay?" she says.

 

"Chiara," Mulder calls to her before she gets out the door.  She turns around and looks expectantly at him.  But he sees that he can't bear to bring disappointment to that sweet face.  He bites back whatever it is he really wants to say and pastes on a smile instead.  "Have fun, Sweetheart."

 

"I will," she says, smiling adoringly at him before pressing a sweet kiss on his cheek.  She turns and runs out the house to meet up with her new friends.

 

Mulder sighs, placing his hand on his cheek where she kissed him.

 

"You see, she loves you.  She's always going to be your little girl.  No matter what," Scully says.

 

'Yeah, no matter what,' he thinks to himself with a smile.  Despite all they've been through, they're all finally here and together.  And nothing's going to change that.  And all because of the crazy things they did for love.

 

The end.

 

 

   

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