From: "Lisa & Scott" Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 22:31:07 -0700 Subject: Being There by L. M. Shard Source: direct Title: Being There Author: L. M. Shard E-mail address: lsshard@earthlink.net (new address!) Rating: PG or G Category: S, R Spoilers: Requiem, one mention of Emily Keywords: Mulder/Scully romance Summary: A continuation of Season 7's season ender, Requiem. The aliens release Mulder and Scully is there for him. Disclaimer: Just borrowing the X-Files characters! Feedback: I love it! BEING THERE By: L. M. Shard It had been four months since Fox Mulder's abduction and four months since Dana Scully found out that she was pregnant. Which made the last four months of Scully's life ones of turmoil, pain and confusion. Two huge life-changing events at once and she didn't know which one was worse. Actually she did. The pregnancy was a mixed blessing. She had so many unanswered questions, yet she was alright with it, actually happy about it. Having spent so many years believing she would never conceive a child, here she was pregnant. How she got that way was beyond her knowledge. How many hours a day she had spent trying to figure it out, yet coming up with no logical answer. She hadn't slept with anyone, unless she called making love with Mulder in her dreams reality. So that left the illogical, which scared her. Her whole life she had dealt with logic and science and now she was forced to open her mind to the fantastic. Was the baby even all human? No! She couldn't go there! Thoughts like that she buried far away, deep within her mind. So in times of great stress she would imagine the baby to be her and Mulder's, conceived out of love. That was her dream anyway. What gave Scully the most anguish was Mulder's abduction. As she told A. D. Skinner that fateful day in the hospital, she had to find him. And finding him consumed her life. She took a leave of absence from work (thank God, Skinner was understanding and supportive) and rented a small apartment in Bellefleur. Every night she went to the abduction site and prayed for Mulder to return. She knew the chances of him being released and released at the same site of the abduction were slim, but she didn't know what else to do and was determined to find him. If it took ten years, she would be there in the forest waiting for him. She was cold and tired and her progressing pregnancy made it increasingly more difficult to get comfortable on her nightly forest ritual. "Maybe tonight's the night," she thought, as she did every night. Unrolling her sleeping bag, she opened an energy bar and began to eat, easing her hunger pangs. She lay down and looked up at the stars. The night was clear and the stars seemed so close, almost as if they could be touched. She stared and stared, trying to discern if one of them might really be a ship. But none of them moved, other than the occasional satellite or shooting star. Her eyelids became heavy and although she fought it, sleep overcame her. Some time later she was startled awake by a bright light and an odd humming noise. She opened her eyes, sat up and looked toward the clearing in the forest. It was illuminated almost completely by what hovered above. There was no denying it, even for Scully; it was a spacecraft. Hiding behind a tree she watched in awe, her heart racing. Moments that felt like hours passed, then finally a brighter column of light appeared from the ship's hull and a dark shape dropped to the earth with a thud. Having released its cargo, the ship disappeared into the dark night. Fear tinged with hope gripped her and she drew her gun as she made her way to the dropped shape. Her heart pounded in her chest and her mind reeled with the possibilities. As she moved closer she could see that the shape was a person, a man. Her body started to shake. "Oh, please, God! Let it be Mulder!" she whispered into the cold night air. She ran up to the man who was lying face down and trembling uncontrollably. Scars, fresh wounds and dried blood covered much of his naked body, but there was no mistaking it: it was Mulder! "Mulder! Mulder!" she cried out as she turned him around and laid his head in her lap. She tore off her jacket and covered his shivering form. His eyes had not opened yet and she took his face tenderly in her hands. "Mulder, it's me. It's Scully. You're going to be okay now. I'm here." On mention of her name, his eyes fluttered open and stared straight into hers. "Scully," he whispered weakly. Shakily he cupped her face in his hand, as if to make sure she was real. "Scully," he said again, tears flooding his eyes. "Yes, Mulder, it's me," she said through her own tears. "I'm taking you home." She helped him to his feet, wrapped him in the sleeping bag, and half carried him to the car. By now he was shivering uncontrollably. "So cold" he said through shattering teeth. Scully turned up the heater and within minutes they reached her apartment. She seated his weak and freezing body on the couch, went to the bathroom and started a hot bath. She returned to find Mulder rocking back and forth in a semi daze. "Mulder, I'm going to give you a hot bath and feed you some soup. You'll get warm and feel better," she said as she helped him to his feet and steered him to the tub. He nodded slightly, but was silent. Words were just too much of an effort. Scully peeled the sleeping bag from his battered body and eased him into the warm water. He leaned back and within a few minutes his shaking ceased and a more peaceful look washed over his face. Scully gazed at him in silence, barely able to believe he was actually in front of her. She knew he must have gone through horrendous tests and tortures during his capture, having seen his battered frame, state of mind and from her own scant memories from her own abduction. But those torturous experiences were not to be talked about now. Mulder needed to do a little healing first. But she would be there when he was ready. She would always be there from now on...if he let her. Scully brought the bowl of soup in and sat down next to the tub. He looked at it hungrily and held up shaky hands to receive the bowl. "I'll feed you, Mulder. Just try to relax." "Thanks", he almost whispered, surprised by her offer. She feed him spoonful by spoonful until it was all gone. Then she grabbed a wash cloth and a bar of soap and started lathering up his body, starting with his chest, then his arms, continuing on to his back, then finishing up with his legs and feet. His bottom and groin area would just have to clean themselves, she thought to herself. All the while Mulder was watching her tenderly. That she would do all this for him touched him deeply. He had relied on this woman countless times and here she was again, putting life back into his bruised body. She then proceeded to shave his face, tenderly, lovingly removing the beard that had grown over the months. Neither of them spoke during this nourishing and cleansing period. With every wound she encountered, Scully thought about what thing had caused it and what pain Mulder must have experienced from it. She was so thankful to have him here with her alive. She didn't know how to express that thankfulness, so she every now and then she just gazed lovingly into Mulder's eyes trying to convey her thoughts. Mulder saw the love in her eyes and returned it. He was in awe of her. Awed that she would take care of him so tenderly and intimately. Grateful that she did so. Feeling a bit better now that he was clean and fed he broke the silence. "I must be in pretty bad shape to be getting the royal treatment from you." He looked at her with a grin. His half-humorous remark told her he was feeling better. "You'll live," she said and grinned back. "Now I think it's time for a good night's sleep." She helped him out of the tub and wrapped a large towel around him. She patted him dry like a baby and brought him a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. He put them on with her help and she steered him to her bed, easing him down and covering him. Sitting next to him on the edge of the bed she stroked his clean-shaven face. A tear welled in her eye and spilled onto her cheek. "I thought I had lost you," she whispered. Mulder dried the tear with his fingers and looking directly into her eyes said, "You will never lose me." She bent down and gently laid her head on his chest. He stroked her hair with his hand, enjoying its softness. "Thank you, Scully, for finding me, taking care of me, everything. You saved me in every sense of the word." "No, you saved me," she replied then paused. "Now you get some sleep." She stood up to go, but Mulder grabbed her hand in a surprisingly firm grasp and said, "Please don't leave me." The look in his eyes was pleading and she didn't have the will or the desire to deny him her presence. "Ok," she said, turned out the light and climbed into bed. Before her mind actually registered what she was doing, her arms were wrapped gently around Mulder in a spooning position. The baby moved inside her and she prayed Mulder didn't feel it. She would tell him tomorrow or when she thought he was strong enough to hear it. With Scully's arms wrapped around him, Mulder fell into a peaceful sleep almost instantly. Hours later though, the nightmares started. Scully woke to Mulder's squirming and moaning. She put her arms around him and tried to soothe him, but his squirming turned to thrashing. "Mulder, wake up! You're dreaming! Wake up!" She cried, but he did not respond. His distress mounted and he was all over the bed, writhing in what looked like intense pain and fear. "No! No! No!" he shouted. "Don't! Please! Not again!" "Mulder! Wake up!" She shouted again, trying to get a hold of his hands. His agitation increased and not knowing what to do she laid herself on top of his flailing body, hoping her sheer weight would calm him down. At the same time she pressed her face to his and talked softly into his ear, "Shh, Mulder, it's ok you're with me. Everything is alright now. Wake up, Mulder, wake up." Suddenly he calmed down and his arms wrapped around her in an almost suffocating hug. He opened his eyes to find Scully, not some evil alien, looking down at him with great concern. Realizing he had just had another nightmare, albeit a really bad one, he whispered, "I'm sorry." "Shh," she said, placing a finger on his lips. "Don't apologize. Let's go back to sleep." "Ok," he said and closed his eyes. "You can let me go now," she said, referring to his iron hug. "Never," he said with a grin, then reluctantly loosened his hold on her and she slid to his side where she stayed. The rest of the night ran similar. He would have nightmares and she would have to wake him and comfort him. The thought of the pain he must have endured to bring on such torturous nightmares pierced Scully's heart. She wept silently for him when he slept. Morning came and with it the demons were banished. Scully awoke to find Mulder finally sleeping peacefully. She crept out of bed and went straight to the bathroom, almost not making it in time. Every since she had gotten pregnant she was roused from sleep almost every two hours to empty her bladder. Even when she limited her liquid consumption in the evening, she still had to go all through the night. It must be the baby conditioning me for those late night/early morning feedings later on. She felt her growing stomach and looked at her profile in the mirror. Her waist was non-existent and her stomach was protruding more in the last few days. She hoped Mulder had not noticed. She would just die if he thought she had made a baby with another man. No, he was the only man for her. She had known it for years, but it took her until his abduction to admit it to herself. And then it was too late. But now that she was given another chance, she was going to use it and tell him how much she loved him. She wasn't certain if he returned her love, but his comment last night of never letting her go...well, maybe that was just his pain talking. She tiptoed to the kitchen and starting making a breakfast of waffles with strawberries, scrambled eggs and bacon. She wanted Mulder to eat well so he could regain his strength. Besides, she needed an excuse to eat all these things herself. Lately she had been waking up ravenous. She patted her belly and smiled. She was going to be a mother! Her smile faded quickly though as her most nightmarish thoughts surfaced. Will this baby be human? An alien hybrid like Emily? Or maybe she was just a host for a pure alien baby. So far her pregnancy seemed to be normal in terms of stomach size, cravings, mood swings, etc. But soon she would know for sure: her amniocentesis results were due back any day and she would have her answer. Until then she just had to think positively or else she would go insane. Mulder woke up to the smell of bacon. It was hard to believe he was actually here on Earth in Scully's bed (Scully's bed!) smelling bacon instead of on that ship being poked and prodded by the aliens. He never thought that nightmare would end. Never thought that they would release him. But they did and he had no idea why. He didn't care, he was just grateful to be alive and be here with Scully. And he was going to take his second chance at life very seriously. There was a lot that had to be said. And he would say it today, he vowed to himself. Scully walked in with a tray of food in her hands. Mulder looked at her: she was beautiful! Simply radiant and glowing, even with the dark circles under her eyes. Pangs of guilt stabbed his heart for causing those. She looked a little heavier than he remembered her, but he didn't care, she still looked beautiful to him. She was always beautiful to him. "Hope you're hungry," she said as she put the tray over his lap. "Famished!" he said and dug right in. "This is the most delicious breakfast I have ever had! You spoil me, Scully. Thank you." "I am just so grateful that they released you so I *could* do it." They ate in comfortable silence. Slowly Scully was becoming aware of Mulder watching her intently. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked self-consciously. He responded without thinking, simply stating his heart, "You are so beautiful. You glow." Scully's cheeks turned crimson and she quickly lowered her face and eyes. Never before had Mulder given her a compliment like that. "Thanks," she croaked out then changed the subject. "I'll take that tray." She put the tray on the floor and sat back down on the bed. This was it. She had to tell him. Mulder took her hand in his. This was the moment. He was going to tell her his inner most feelings. Now. "I have something to tell you," they both said in unison. They then laughed together as well. "Ladies first," Mulder prompted with a smile. Scully took a deep breath. "Ok," she said, pausing, trying to formulate her thoughts. "I don't know how or why, but..." she hesitated again, her heart racing, "I'm four months pregnant." Mulder was shocked. That was the last thing he ever thought would come from her lips. He hoped it was going to be a declaration of love, but instead it was just the opposite. She loved someone else! She made a baby with him! The aliens tore him out of her life and she found someone else-fast! Unless she had had a boyfriend before that she never bothered mentioning to him. Mulder's mind was racing with the possibilities. He let go of her hand, not wanting to hold what he could never have. "Congratulations," he said, trying to hide his pain. Scully had been watching his face carefully and had seen the anguish and disappointment in his eyes. Quickly she continued, "It's not what you think." "Oh come on Scully, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to..." he started more angrily than he intended, when another thought occurred to him. "But I thought you were barren." "I thought so too. That is why I don't understand how this happened." " 'How' is self-explanatory. So do I know him, the father?" he asked, the hurt and jealousy coming through his voice. He was jealous! Mulder was jealous! "Maybe he loves me afterall," she thought to herself then said out loud, "I didn't sleep with anyone. That is why I don't know how I got pregnant. I found out the day you got abducted and I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how it could be. There is no logic to this and that leads me to some frightening thoughts..." her voice trailed off and the tears began to flow. She did not want to cry, not in front of him, but with all the pregnancy hormones racing around her body she just couldn't stop herself. Mulder took her into his arms. She hadn't slept with anyone! His heart was relieved, but then was gripped by the same horror that Scully's was gripped with. It couldn't be! He lifted her chin with his hand and looked into her eyes. "Alien?" He could only whisper it. She shook her head up and down, tears trickling down her face. "I have to accept that possibility. I will be getting my amnio results any day now then I'll know for sure." He took her in his arms again, stroking her auburn hair. They stayed like that for a long time, each thinking about the ominous situation. Once again he drew her back and looked directly into her eyes. "I will be here for you no matter what. I will support any decision you make and if you keep the baby, human, hybrid or alien, I will be its father- figure and help you raise it if you let me." Scully was overcome with emotion at Mulder's words. He was willing to be the baby's "father" no matter what! It was proof of his unconditional love. His declaration gave her the courage to say, "I wish you were the father, Mulder." "I wish I were too," he said, gently taking her face into his hands. Slowly, ever so slowly, he leaned in to kiss her. When their lips touched it was like electricity. Her lips were hot, soft and accepting and he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer. She opened to him and their passion spread. Braking the kiss he said the words he had wanted to say for as long as he had know this beautiful woman, "I love you." Scully's heart sang and her love for him radiated from her whole being. "I love you too." Their lips met again in tender passion. They took their time, exploring each other's mouth, lips and tongue, savoring each touch, reveling in the sensuous sensation. The kiss was filled with everything that bound them together: love, lust, passion, tension, trust, truth, loyalty and friendship. It was the kiss that should have happened long ago and now held nothing back. Mulder drew his face from hers and whispered, "Scully, you make me so happy, your love completes me. I am yours." Scully looked at his smiling face. It was so alive, so full of love, so beautiful. His hazel eyes shone with intensity and fire. He was hers. "And I am yours," she breathed. Suddenly the phone rang, interrupting them and startling them. It was Skinner making his weekly call to make sure Scully was alright and to hear if there had been any sight of Mulder yet. She was delighted to tell him that Mulder was here with her, battered and bruised, but alive. She gave him a Cliff Notes version of Mulder's release by the aliens. Skinner was overjoyed at the good news and said he would come by in a few days to see him. Scully handed the phone to Mulder and he and Skinner talked briefly. There would be time for the whole story later. But Mulder was ready to tell Scully the story now. The sooner he got it out of his head, hopefully the sooner the nightmares would end. So he and Scully piled pillows on the bed and got comfy. He told her about the night in the forest with Skinner when he first found the spaceship and about all the other abductees there with him. Scully held his hand when he described all the tests and experiments the aliens did on him and the sheer agony they brought. It was the love he had for Scully that gave him the strength to fight for survival. He said he would have surely died if it weren't for his memories of her. Several of the other abductees did die. Then as suddenly as he was taken, the aliens released him. Why he did not know since they communicated telepathically. But he didn't care why, he was just so glad to be free. Free of them, free of their experiments and pain and free to be with Scully. By the time Mulder was finished with his fantastic tale, both his and Scully's cheeks were wet with tears. She fell into his arms and kissed away his tears. "I am so sorry for what you went through. I would have gladly taken your place to have spared you that torture." "No! I would never have allowed that!" Mulder exclaimed feeling the depth of her love. "They have already put you through so much already. And all because of me! I never should have let you get involved in all this. Then you would have been safe. I have caused you so much pain." Mulder's guilt overwhelmed him. "Please don't blame yourself, Mulder! I chose to be with you and work along side you. Your quest became mine. I don't regret it. Now I am just so happy to have you back safe here with me," Scully said then got up from the bed. "And now I think you need to get some more sleep." They shared another tender and lingering kiss then she left the room. Hours later the phone rang. Scully picked it up in the bedroom since Mulder had already woken up from his nap. It was her doctor; the amnio results were in. She held her breath as she waited for the most frightening and important answer of her life. "You have a perfectly healthy baby, Ms. Scully," the doctor said cheerfully. Scully was in disbelief. "You mean no anomalies of any kind were detected?" "None at all. Your baby is healthy and on target in development. Your due date is February 13." "My baby's healthy and normal. It's human!" Scully thought to herself. Relief swept over her in a liberating wave. "I also have the results of the paternity test you requested." Scully held her breath again. "The baby is indeed Mr. Mulder's," the doctor informed. Scully's heart almost stopped. She couldn't believe it! How could it be? Having the doctor run that paternity test from a blood sample she had had from Mulder was just a whim. How? She didn't care at the moment. The important thing was, Mulder, the man she loved with all her being, was the father of her baby! The doctor interrupted her thoughts, "Do you want to know the gender?" "No, I'd rather be surprised," Scully said. "Thank you, doctor. Thank you." "You take good care of yourself now, Ms. Scully. Good bye." They hung up. Mulder was watching her intently throughout the conversation trying to guess what was being said. From the looks of Scully's facial expressions the news was good. "The baby is human and perfectly healthy!" Scully exclaimed ecstatically. Mulder stood up, took her in his arms and spun her around. "Thank God, Scully! I am so happy!" They were both so thrilled they couldn't stop smiling. "And I have even more good news," Scully started. She looked directly into Mulder's eyes. "On a whim I had them run a paternity test. The baby is yours, Mulder. You are going to be a father!" "The baby's mine?" Mulder was stunned, confused, yet overjoyed. "How? As much as I have wanted to all these years, we have never made love." "I know, but you are the biological father. I don't know how or why, but at this point I am just so happy that it is you! It's like my prayers have been answered." A big smile spread across Mulder's handsome face. "You mean now we are going to be a little family?" The idea warmed his heart. Scully beamed back, "That's right. You, me, and little Fox or Dana Jr." He took her in his arms again and held her tightly, savoring this special gift. He never wanted to let this beautiful woman and his (his!) precious child go. It seemed that within a matter of minutes the world had become perfect. Well, almost. There were two things that still needed to be done. And he would rectify them now. Slowly his lowered himself onto one knee. He barely felt the pain, his spirits were soaring so high. He took Scully's hands in his own, looked her deeply in the eyes and said, "I love you more than words could ever say. You are my world, my rock, my breath, my strength. You are everything I have ever dreamed of and much, much more. Dana Scully, will you marry me?" Scully trembled with profound emotion and replied, "Yes, I will marry you, Fox Mulder!" They found their way into each other's arms again and kissed with explosive passion. All the demons were cast out and it was just them on a heavenly cloud. "There is just one thing I regret," Mulder stated with a gleam in his eye. "And what's that?" Scully asked. "That we missed out on the fun part when it comes to making a baby." "That we can fix right now," Scully said with a huge grin on her face. They fell onto the bed and into a passionate union of not only body, but of soul. THE END