Title and parts: Family3: Problems (1/4)
Author: Jenn Chiprich
Email feedback: ipomea@msn.com
Category: SRA
Rated: PG (for one or two naughty words)
Summary:  A continuation of the Family series. A weekend with the Scully
family and the problems that arise.
Timespan/Spoilers: Set in between the first and the second season.

Disclaimer:  Well, all these fun folks from The X-files (Mulder and Scully) 
definitely do not belong to me(No matter how mush I wish it).  They belong to 
Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting and are used 
without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is 
being made from their use.

Note: This is a continuation of the Family series and it may be helpful to 
have read the first two stories.  It is simply a different take on what our 
favorite FBI agents may be doing in their spare time.  Let me know how you 
like it or don't like it.  I love to hear from people.  Enjoy!

Family3: Problems

Charles Scully leaned his forward so that his forehead was pressed against the 
cool glass.  In his hand was a tumbler of good Irish whiskey and a few ice 
cubes.  He wasn't a big drinker and the alcohol was rapidly making its way to 
his head.  But that was good.  Gave him a numb feeling.  He tilted his eyes so 
that he could see the inky blackness of the spring night.  He needed to
think.

His accounting firm, of which he was cofounder, had recently acquired a few 
new clients.  Two American, three transplanted British, and an Italian 
national.  Nothing out of the ordinary, he had clients like that all the time. 
No the unusual occurred after he had worked for them for two months.  
He had  been asked to come to them, in a small smoke filled room, in a building 
adjacent to the Hoover building.  There they had asked if he was indeed
the brother of Dana Scully.  The stoic expressions on their faces when he
had answered told him that they had already known the answer.  The
warning that came next was not that all surprising to him, either.

"We would advise you, young Mr. Scully, to avoid whatever contact that
you can with your sister and her partner, Fox Mulder.  They are, as we say, a
Typhoid Mary.  They bring trouble and pain wherever they go.  Don't make the
mistake that your brother made.  Don't assist in any way.  We have watched you
and your children and your lovely wife... In fact, insuring that Mr. Mulder does 
not succeed would increase your chances of nothing happening to
anyone...."

Now, here in his living room, Charles thought about Dana.  Since her entry
into the X-files, his sister had changed.  She was more wary, more
suspecting of everyone.  Her once unlined face was rapidly exhibiting signs of
stress.  Helping to take care of Bill's children added to her stress.  But she was 
still the protector, still the loving sister, although her detached attitude 
was a little heightened, as it always was when she was under stress. 
But to make sure that she didn't get hurt any farther, to make sure that no one
else in the family got hurt any farther, he would have to try his damnedest to
see that the partners failed.  Dana would understand one day.  When she
saw he did it out of love.
-------------
April 27, 1993
Atlanta Airport

"Hey Scully.  Earth to Scully." Fox Mulder swung a hand past his lovely 
partner's eyes.  She had her head buried in a medical journal and had not 
heard the final call for their flight.  She lifted her blue eyes and tried to 
focus on her partner. "God, Scully, you look like you could sleep for a
week and still be tired."

"Last call?" she asked, rising a little unsteadily.  

"Yeah.  Let's get on board and you can take a nap." He offered, pulling
her carry case from her shoulder and slinging it over his own.  Dana opened
her mouth to object, but her tall partner waved a hand to cut her off.  "Don't 
argue.  I know you can manage on your own.  It just makes me feel like a 
gentleman.  You really should sleep." He added as they made their way
on board. "You haven't fully recovered from the prehistoric bugs we
encountered a little while ago."

"Can't sleep, Mulder." She lowered herself to the seat.  "Too wound up,
too tense."

Fox slid into the seat next to her and grinned. "Tense, huh?  I know a lot
of things that will relieve tenseness."

"Agent Mulder..."

"Like a neck rub for one," he chuckled. Seeing her expression, he
continued, "What did you think I was going to say?"

She smiled a small grin in concession to his humor and closed her eyes. 
She really was tense.  The case had been an easy one, but it had come pretty
close on the heels of the two of them coming out of quarantine.  And then,
there were her niece and nephews that needed her.  The whole time she was
in isolation, she had thought about her parents taking up her responsibilities 
where the children were concerned and leaving Bill high and dry for two
weeks. 
 None of them had hinted at being inconvenienced, but in her heart, Dana
felt she had let them down.  She just needed a weekend.  Just one: to sit
back and relax, take long hot baths, read a good book.  This weekend would not be
relaxing.  There was Mike's schools play tonight and her parent's
anniversary dinner on Saturday; no, this weekend would be a flurry of activity. 

Mulder shifted in his seat, hearing his partner sigh.  She was uptight.  He 
could feel the tenseness just sitting next to her.  Without another thought, 
he pulled up the armrest between their seats and tapped her on the
shoulder.  
"Scully, turn a little and face the window."

She cracked an eyelid and studied her partner.  "What now, Mulder?"

"Just going to give you that neckrub.  You need one.  You're making me
tense just sitting here."

She shrugged and turned, closing her eyes as she did so.  Just a moment
later, they shot open, crackling blue.  Mulder's hands were easing the jacket
she wore from her shoulders and was rubbing small but insistent circles on
her neck.  It felt wonderful.  His hands were warm and strong and gentle. 
"That good, Scully?   Tell me where it hurts the most." He said softly into her left
ear.

"Up a little to the left...ahh.  That's it." she leaned back a little and let 
him work the tension out of her shoulders and neck muscles.  

"What's going on, Scully.  Even when we are facing down liver eating
mutants, you aren't this tense." He continued, shifting his back against the armrest.
 
"Thinking about this weekend?" Before she could question, he continued.
"Bill told me about the play and the dinner.  He also told me that you have been
going over there every night and tucking the kids in as well as helping
them with their homework.  The doctor told you and I that we had to get as
much rest as possible to insure full recovery."

Dana nodded, letting her head fall forward, "I know.  But they need me, 
Mulder.  Bill had to work late all last week and..."

"Your parents offered to fill in..."

"Dad's got the flu, Mulder.  It wouldn't have been good."

"Anyway, because of the delays at the Atlanta airport, it looks like we are
going to land about two hours late."  He pushed her hair off her one
shoulder and wrapped his hand around her slender neck.  "Probably going to really
push it to get to the school on time."

Scully nodded again.  "I know. Please don't remind me; I'm trying to remain 
calm."

"I'll drive you there when we get off the plane."  He added gently, slipping 
an arm around her shoulder to brace her as he added pressure to a
particularly stubborn spot.  "Besides, it's been three months since I've seen Bill or the 
kids."

She was falling asleep; this felt so wonderful.  "You don't have to,
Mulder." She protested.     Two minutes later, she was asleep.

The stewardess walking by watched the tall man gently lay the woman
back against her chair and take off his jacket to cover her.  They looked very
much like a couple deep in love.  "Would you like a pillow for your wife?"

Mulder grinned up at the stewardess, "No thank you, she prefers my
shoulder."   He looked down at Scully as the woman walked away.  It didn't bother
him as much as it used to that people thought that she was his wife.  In fact, 
sometimes when he thought of a life that might have been, he imagined
her there in that position.  But she was here with him instead, as his 
counterpart, a yin to his yang.  Tied to him with a bond that was getting 
stronger with every case they investigated.  Well, you have to take what
you can, Mulder, he thought, and what you have is very good indeed.  He
smiled, as her head fell to his shoulder on cue, as it had on almost all of their trips 
when she fell asleep.  "All right, Mrs. Spooky, you can have the shoulder,
but don't drool on me." He joked, settling back into the chair with the grin still 
on his face.

End (1/4)

Title and parts: Family3: Problems (2/4)
Author: Jenn Chiprich
Email feedback: ipomea@msn.com
Category: SRA
Rated: PG (for one or two naughty words)
Summary:  A continuation of the Family series. A weekend with the Scully
family and the problems that arise.
Timespan/Spoilers: Set in between the first and the second season.

Disclaimer:  Well, all these fun folks from The X-files (Mulder and Scully) 
definitely do not belong to me(No matter how mush I wish it).  They belong to 
Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting and are used 
without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is 
being made from their use.

Note: This is a continuation of the Family series and it may be helpful to 
have read the first two stories.  It is simply a different take on what our 
favorite FBI agents may be doing in their spare time.  Let me know how
you like it or don't like it.  I love to hear from people.  Enjoy!

7:30PM
April 27, 1993
Kennedy Elementary School

The lights had just dimmed.  Maggie Scully leaned forward in her chair to
look toward the auditorium doors as she had every five minutes since she had
been seated.  She had gotten Fox's phone call as they were leaving the house
to come here, and he had explained the circumstances.  He asked her to
save two seats with them and that they would be there around seven thirty. 
Knowing Fox Mulder and his driving habits though, she assumed that they would have
arrived earlier.  Next to her, Bill Sr. shifted in his seat.  He still wasn't well and 
was pale beneath his perceptual tan.  She had insisted that he remain at
home, but he likewise had insisted that he come with her.  In the row in front of 
them, Kathy sat with her eldest, the two younger children staying with 
friends.  Chuck could not be there because of work.  Bill Jr. Sat on her
other side, excited to see his son in the child's first play.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen...." The teacher started.  Maggie turned
her attention to the front of the room.  Two minutes later there was a blur of 
activity and two trench coat clad bodies slid into the empty chairs next to 
Bill Sr.   "Sorry..." Dana said, briefly giving her father a hug.  Mulder 
leaned around Scully to shake the man's hand.  "Hi, Mr. Scully, Mrs.
Scully." Fox whispered, and waved to Bill Jr. "Red."  With that the two agents
settled back into the seats to watch the play; speaking could wait until later. 
Dana crossed her legs and leaned back, resting her spine against the back of
the chair.  Mulder adjusted his tall frame to the plastic chair and laid his arm 
across the back of Dana's.  Mrs. Scully caught the movement and smiled 
slightly.  Marking his territory, she thought, and lifted her gaze to the 
stage.
-------
9:00PM 
Home of Bill Scully, Jr.

"To bed."  Dana put her foot down, but Sean was refusing to budge. 
Scully bent to pick up his small Levi's that were on the floor.  "Sean, you have to
go to bed.  The sooner you sleep, the sooner tomorrow will be here and
the sooner you can go to grandma's and grandpa's"

"But they're here now, Aunt Dana." The four-year-old whined.

"I'm not arguing with you." She added, as she scooped him up and put him
in the bed across from his brother's.  She pulled the sheets up to his neck
and bent to kiss him.  "Love you, little one.  Go to sleep.  I'll be here in the 
morning."

Mike came out of the bathroom in the hall and padded to his bed.  " 'Night, 
Aunt Dana."  

She smiled at him; "You did a great job with the play, Mike.  I'm really
proud of you." She tucked him in and kissed his forehead also.

Mike grinned up at her, "Could you send in Uncle Mulder?"

She laughed, "I should have known.  I'll see what I can do."

As she went downstairs, past the already slumbering Brittany, Dana
smiled.  It was amazing how well these kids liked Mulder.  He was a crazy man, full
of impetuous ideas and horrendous risk taking; and for some reason, the
children loved him.  Her mind created the image of earlier that night in the dimly lit 
auditorium.  Mulder sitting with his arm across the back of her chair, 
watching the children's rendition of Snow White with a wistful look on his
face.  His fingers had been drawing lazy figures on her arm during the
play, in such a way that she was sure he didn't know he was doing it.  But the
action had left comforting warmth behind.  It was in moments like those,
she thought, when Fox Mulder was acting as a man alone, and not as a
federal agent and her partner, that she pictured the two of them in a different, more 
affectionate situation.  Watching their children at their school play
perhaps. 
 But you have to do the best you can with what you've been given, Dana. She 
thought, and the lot you have drawn isn't bad.  A partner and friend, a
genius and a lunatic, someone who trusted her and all she was.  No, not bad at
all.

"Sir, it was great to see you again."  Mulder was shaking hands with her 
father as she emerged from the stairwell.  

"Same here, Mulder.  You are coming tomorrow night, are you not?" Bill
Scully Sr. Answered back.

"If you will all have me, I think I will be there."

"Of course we want you there," Maggie answered, pulling on her coat. 
"You could bring Dana."

"Mom..." Dana knew what her mother was doing.  

"We'll see, Mrs. Scully." Mulder nodded, "I think I have already filled my 
driving Miss Dana quota for the month."  

The elder couple moved to the door, chuckling at his humor.  At the door,
Bill Scully turned to Mulder, pulling him aside.  "Take care of her, Fox.  I'm 
trusting you to, she may not think she needs it, but she does."

Fox nodded slightly, "You know I will."

The older man nodded and called out to Dana, "Starbuck, come give your
father a hug."

Dana trotted forward, almost as if she was a teenager again. "Good
night, Ahab, smooth sailing.  Love you." She said, hugging him tightly, and
turning, did the same to her mother. "Drive safe."

They nodded and moved off into the light spring air.  Dana watched for a 
minute and closed the door. 

"Mulder?  The boys asked it you would come up and tuck them in.  They
can't refuse a real life federal agent." She said quietly, moving to the couch. 
She sat down as Mulder moved to the stairs.  Bill had had to go into the office 
after the play to finish up a few things that he had left in order to make it 
to the play. So the house was quiet, except for the occasional squeal 
emanating from the upstairs.  He's riling them up, she thought
exasperated.  Sure enough, two minutes later, Fox emerged from the stairwell with
Sean on his back heading to the kitchen.

"Mulder...." She warned.

"Just had to get a glass of water, agent." The man answered, juggling the
youngster on his hips.  That elicited another giggle.  The two boys headed
into the kitchen.
Dana shook her head and smiled a sentimental grin.  Fox Mulder was a
complex man.  In the year and three months that she had worked with him, she
had experienced him being a jerk, an encourageable little boy, and a genius
with a mission, a lonely man, a gentleman, and a best friend.  But never, had she
experienced him being anything remotely resembling a father.  Not that
she hadn't let it cross her mind once or twice, what Mulder would be like with 
children, just that she didn't have a reality to match to the fantasy.  But 
seeing him with her small ones, as she called Bill's children, hit a cord in 
her heart.  He would be a wonderful, fun-loving father.  It was a shame
that he didn't allow himself the simple pleasure of experiencing it.  She
lowered her eyes to her lap to study her hands.  He was that kind of man: one that
put his duty, in this case, his sister, ahead of his comfort.  It didn't help that 
he considered himself damaged goods and didn't look for a relationship
with anyone.  So, Fox Mulder had made up his mind to be alone.  Alone except
for his video collection and an occasional one night stands to relieve the 
aloneness. She knew this and it made her disheartened; he was her
friend.  Although she had thought of the two of them together, she admitted that it
would never work.  If she couldn't be with him, she wanted him with
someone who would make him happy.  Of course, every time that it had happened
in the past, she had been jealous; that was something that she would have to
learn to control.

"Scully?  Tucked the rug rats back in.  Didn't mean to let them out of house
arrest, but I don't get to see them that much.  Thought it would be fun."  
Mulder flopped on the cushions next to her, "I told them I would be here 
tonight." He added sheepishly, looking at her with his wounded boy look.  

"Really?" she answered back.

"It's getting late, Scully.  And even an insomniac like me needs to rest.  
Bill said I could have the couch.  What do you think of taking the time to 
write up some notes about the last case?"

"Mulder.... Okay, work it is. " she sighed back, resting her head back on
the cushions.  

"Come on, Scully.  Let's get it over with so I can have another go at a
case on Monday."

Dana opened her blue eyes and fixed him with a piercing stare.  "So you
can have a case... Mulder what happened to we."  She was angry, very
angry.  That much Fox could tell.  He was used to being alone.  What he had just said
was a slip of sorts, nothing that meant anything.  He had to explain.

"Scully, it's just that I'm used to working alone.  Even though I've been
with you for a year, I still think occasionally that you're just here for a little 
while and then its back to me again.  I don't mean it that I don't like being 
partnered with you.  The opposite is true.  But face it, as a psychologist I 
know that my obsession with work and Sam, as well as faultyrelationships in 
my past will stop me from teaming up with anyone easily, if at all.  It would
take a lot of work on my part to remedy it and frankly I don't have the time 
or the inclination to change right now.  It's nothing personal, Scully, trust 
me."

"Trust? Trust, Mulder?" She rose a little from the couch, walking toward
the door leading to the guestroom.  "I trust you, Mulder, sometimes against my
own judgment and common sense.  I trust you because you're my partner and
my friend.  Friend, Mulder.  And that is something I don't take lightly, 
friendship.  I'm going to be there whether you like it or expect it or not; 
that is what friends do.  They don't shut one another out.  Especially
when the friend happens to rely on the other on a daily basis in life and death 
situations.  But apparently, you have problems trusting me.  If you think I'm
going to leave you high and dry.  Goodnight, partner." Dana swept
through the doorway into the darkened room beyond and shut the door.

End (2/4)


Title and parts: Family3: Problems (3/4)
Author: Jenn Chiprich
Email feedback: ipomea@msn.com
Category: SRA
Rated: PG (for one or two naughty words)
Summary:  A continuation of the Family series. A weekend with the Scully
family and the problems that arise.
Timespan/Spoilers: Set in between the first and the second season.

Disclaimer:  Well, all these fun folks from The X-files (Mulder and Scully) 
definitely do not belong to me(No matter how mush I wish it).  They belong
to Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting and are
used without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is 
being made from their use.

Note: This is a continuation of the Family series and it may be helpful to 
have read the first two stories.  It is simply a different take on what our 
favorite FBI agents may be doing in their spare time.  Let me know how
you like it or don't like it.  I love to hear from people.  Enjoy!

April 28
1:30 am

Fox was jolted awake by the ungodly sound of a child screaming at the
top of its voice.  About a minute elapsed before he realized that it wasn't the 
television and it was live.  Another minute elapsed before he pieced
together where he was and what was happening.   Then he cursed himself for
having fallen into such a deep sleep.  He heard Dana fly out of her room and into 
Brittany's and he heard Bill do the same.  It was then that he realized that 
maybe he should too.  With that thought, he vaulted the back of the couch
and jogged into the room.

Inside he spotted Brittany scooted up against the wall, arranged in the 
tightest ball possible.  She was still screaming, her little hands wrapped 
around her head as though preparing herself for a punch or a blow.  

"Honey, baby..."Bill cooed, edging toward his child,  "What's wrong,
Britt?"  
The child gazed up at Bill with a glazed expression and tried to get closer
to the wall.  He reached out a hand and she retreated further, moaning in a 
little voice. "No."

Dana gasped with a thought and turned to look at her brother.  He
apparently didn't have the slightest idea what was going on or what could possibly
have happened in the past in order to have caused this reaction.  She glanced
at her partner stationed by the door and saw a look of understanding.  That
was good, he was the one with the training, he would have to help.  As much
as it broke her heart, she knew that she had to say the next line. "Bill, let me 
try.  Maybe you could wait outside with Mulder, just for a second."

Bill opened his mouth, but Fox laid a hand on his arm to stop him.  "Come
on, Red, maybe she just needs a woman's touch. "  He winked at Scully and
escorted a still protesting Bill from the room.  Once the door had shut on the two
men, Dana drew close to the bed and perched herself on the edge.  She
looked down at her young niece and smiled sadly,  "Do you want me to hold you?"

The little girl nodded and climbed onto her aunt's lap, wrapping her small 
arms around Dana's neck.  "Don't let the man hurt me, Aunt Dana.".  Dana 
nodded slightly,  "Your father?"  She asked.  No, the little girl shook her 
head.  "Uncle Foxy?" Dana tried again.  Still Brittany negated that answer.
 
"Who?"

"The man from Mrs. Jenkins' house." Brittany answered.  "Am I in
trouble?"

"No, honey, just the opposite.  Tell me what happened." Dana
encouraged, holding her little one close and closing her eyes against the pain that was 
coming.
----------
9:00am
April 28,1993

Dana sat at the table in the kitchen, looking out over the backyard.  Her 
fingers idly traced the top of her mug; the other hand was wrapped
around the handle.  Her eyes were slightly glazed from lack of sleep, and their 
concentration was centered in the rusting swings in the yard.  Taking a
deep breath she inhaled the scent of newly mowed grass.  That combined with
the early sun breaking through the trees created a dreamlike world where
summer ruled eternal.  It was her favorite time of the year and the feelings it 
invoked were incredible.  But today, this moment, she was not feeling 
wonderful.  Last night, she had had her faith broken.  If anything, the
bright new day outside made her feel like crying instead of running barefoot
through the tall grass.  She shifted her gaze to the cup in front of her and sighed.

"Dana?"  

She shook her head slowly, warning the man to stay away.  She would
much better deal with this on her own, in her own way.  

"Scully, Bill is sleeping in.  He finally got Britt to sleep around five a.m.  
Mike and Sean are playing next door."

She nodded her understanding.

Fox moved to the chair next to her, after pouring himself a cup of coffee. 
He was in his boxers with a sweatshirt thrown haphazardly across his
chest.  Truthfully, he looked like he felt no better than she did.  He reached a 
comforting arm toward her, and she shrunk away.  Reflex.  Instinct, not 
consciously.  "Scully, you're going to have to talk about this, as much as 
Britt and Bill are going to have to.  Talk it out.  This is a lot to deal 
with..."

Scully nodded her head, her auburn hair bobbing with the movement.  "My
partner, the shrink." She joked weakly,  "I know, Mulder.  I know that I'm 
going to have to deal with my feelings, but right now I want to deal with
what needs to be done with Britt and the man that did this to her."

He sighed; he knew that was what she was going to say.  Anticipated it. 

"Already did a background check."  She turned a questioning glance at
him, "What, you think I actually slept last night?  Called Danny, about three.  
Hell, if I can't sleep, neither can he.  He called back about an hour ago.  
The man's name is Hank Liper.  38.  Already have the PD and HRS on it
and they will go out and interview him."  Dana turned to rise, "No, Scully.  Let them 
handle it.  As your senior agent I'm going to put my foot down.  You aren't
getting involved outside of supporting Brittany and Bill as well as yourself."

"Mulder... I can do this."

"No.  Hell, I'm not even getting involved, because if I do, I'm bound to break
his neck and any other body part that offends me.  My job is going to be
to get you and Bill and Brittany to counseling."

She tensed, looked like she was going to bolt and then dropped back into
the chair.  Her head bowed in acceptance.  "Well, someone has to call Mom
and Dad." She started with determination. This wasn't going to beat her.

"Done.  I told them that we would see them at seven o'clock tonight.  You
know as well as I do that a sense of routine has to be kept and the whole family
has been planning this for weeks.  The kids know about it and Brittany
may assume that telling you as bad if we deviate too much from the plan.  I
know that it will be hard, but we all need to go and try to enjoy ourselves.  
Scully, I don't think that I could do it well either, however, I know you and 
I know that you'll probably surprise me.  As to what to expect, well she'll 
probably have nightmares, and be wary around everyone of the opposite
sex.  As for lasting effects, I'll have to defer to a psychiatrist.  I have a couple of 
names..."

"Mulder, thank you." She answered, extending a hand to slow him down. 
He was nervous and tired, and was rambling on as he usually did when he was
in that state.  "I know... I'm just angry.  Why would a bastard do this?  She's
three.  Three.  I mean, Mulder, we've investigated these kinds before.  We know
why they go after young girls.  We know that it is because of inadequacies in 
their adult relationships and possibly from a feeling of unrequited love
from their mothers.  But why my family.  Haven't I paid my dues?  Why her?" 
Scully's voice had taken on a hard edge; her gaze was steel cold. " I just 
want to kill him, and I haven't felt this cold blooded in a while."

Mulder leaned back, drawing a leg up on the chair rubbing his eyes, trying
to remove the sleep.  "I know, I know.  I drew up a profile this morning, in
case he runs.  Places he would probably go people to watch that he might
meet with. Don't worry, if he gets caught, I deal with him.  He won't be in one piece 
form long."  Dana nodded, walking to the sink to put her cup in the basin.  
She looks like she's not really there, he thought She's caught between 
dejected and angry, sad and murderous.  Her niece has been sexually
abused and she can't do anything about it right now.  That in itself was enough to
upset Dana Scully.  Not being able to protect her family was one of her worst
fears, and in this case it was realized. Watching her, moving around in an
oversized football jersey of Bill's and a pair of boxers, he felt a pang of guilt.  
Well, actually two, he thought ruefully.  The first happened because, yet 
again, he felt like he should have been somewhere other than where he
had been to stop someone that he cared about from getting hurt.  The second, well,
he felt because of the argument that he and she had had the night before. 
He got up and walked over behind her. "About last night, Scully..." he laid a hand
on her shoulder.

She laid a hand back on his.  "Forgotten, Mulder.  Under the 
circumstances...."

"I just want to tell you that you mean a lot to me...I mean that you have 
given me friendship, and I haven't had that in a while.  You've given me a 
family to be a part of, Scully, like I would have ever gone to a children's 
play without you and I liked it.  You support me, strengthen me.  You make
me an honest man..."

Scully snorted at that line. He continued with a lopsided grin,  "You've
given me a lot, Agent Scully, G-woman extronaire.  You're closer to me than
any other woman.  Not sure if I completely like that, the jury's still out, but 
I'm willing to hang around.  It's just, I'm screwed up..."

"Clinical term?" she asked.

"Lay term.  Remember what I told you about Phoebe?  I wanted to marry
her.  She took that ultimate trust and stomped it underfoot.  I never told you
about Dad.  He was...well.rather...physical. at times. "

"Beat you?" she asked quietly, not turning around.  She lifted her head a 
little when she felt his forehead drop to her shoulder and nod in
affirmation. 
 Dana knew better than to ask; he would forward information when he
felt like it.  A few minutes later there was a little intake of breath at the base of 
her neck that wisped her hair.  "He was angry about Sam.  Lashing out at
me was the only way that he felt he was regaining control in his life.  After 
that stopped, he just edged away.  Oh, he was still there, but just distant. 
Mom was sad.  Bereft with grief.  She had lost one child and didn't have
the strength to care for the other.  It was just really messed up." His arms 
snaked around her waist and pulled her closer to him, lifting his head up
to rest on top of hers. "So you see, Dr. Dana Scully, I really don't like to get 
close to people.  It hurts too much.  And right now, I like being partnered 
with you.  You're strong, and your own woman and you respect and like
me; I trust you.  I really do.  Sometimes the past will reel its ugly head, and I 
will strike out on my own, out of fear.  Just remember that I'll come back.  
Trust isn't something I give out easy, and you have it lock stock and
barrel."

She sighed and placed her hands over his on her waist.  "Thanks.  The
same goes here Mulder.  I have never been one to get close to people, usually it
takes a lot of time and a lot of people will think that they know me, but
they really don't.  I'm your friend.  And your partner..."

"Thanks to the powers that be."

"And I'll be here too, when you need me." She pulled away from him and
walked to the window.  "We had better get going.  Let's see if we can find a 
councilor for the family to visit.  And I would like to call our new boss, 
Assistant Director Skinner and ask to have Monday off.  I don't think any 
public office would be open for business today.  I want to take care of
this.  I want to finish it.  And help Brittany." She turned to look at him.  "And 
then we'll talk about what else needs to be done."

Mulder nodded, his breath catching in his throat.  Dana Scully was a
beautiful woman, his mind registered.  Standing there with the sun against her hair,
and a determined look in her eyes.  I loud voice sounded in his head, 'That's
my woman', and an equally strong voice resounded, 'Not in this lifetime'.  But
he just stood there, looking at her until she lowered her gaze and went
through the door to the rest of the house; head held high and blue eyes blazing. 
His partner, his friend, his Scully.

End (3/4)

Title and parts: Family3: Problems (4/4)
Author: Jenn Chiprich
Email feedback: ipomea@msn.com
Category: SRA
Rated: PG (for one or two naughty words)
Summary:  A continuation of the Family series. A weekend with the Scully
family and the problems that arise.
Timespan/Spoilers: Set in between the first and the second season.
Disclaimer:  Well, all these fun folks from The X-files (Mulder and Scully) 
definitely do not belong to me(No matter how mush I wish it).  They belong
to Chris Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting and are
used without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is 
being made from their use.

Note: This is a continuation of the Family series and it may be helpful to 
have read the first two stories.  It is simply a different take on what our 
favorite FBI agents may be doing in their spare time.  Let me know how
you like it or don't like it.  I love to hear from people.  Enjoy!

April 28, 1993
3:30 pm


Kathy Scully bundled the two eldest boys into the minivan, tugging the 
youngest behind her.  She vaguely sensed Charles coming out of the
house behind her.  They had a long drive ahead of them and they had told the 
restaurant that they would be there early to help set up what little they
had for the party.  In the back of the van were bags of streamers and hats for
the children, as well as a few toys to keep their interest while waiting for the 
party to begin.  Charles moved around the front of the vehicle and climbed
into the driver's seat as she fastened the youngest into the carseat. 
Quickly she launched herself into the passenger seat and belted herself in. 
Charles hadn't been in a good mood lately.  Not that he would ever do anything to
the children or her, but she didn't feel like pushing the issue.

"Ready to head out, Scully family?" he asked, gazing at his family in the
back of the van.

"10-4 good buddy", Dave called from the back seat.

Chuck grinned and started the van. "In better spirits today?" Kathy asked, 
tucking her hair behind her ear.

"I know I haven't been very friendly lately," Chuck sighed, running a hand 
through his hair and returning his grip to the wheel.  "But yeah, I feel 
better today.  Sometime soon, I'll tell you what's going on.  Not now,
though.  I just want to get to the party and see that everyone is all right.  Dana 
sounded really upset when she called us about Brittany this morning.  I
want to know what is going on with my niece."

Kathy nodded, the phone call that morning had upset and terrified her. 
Dana had quietly and calmly told her the story of what Brittany had told her the 
night before and what was currently going on.  She had also told them of
the plan to go to a psychiatrist and that the concenus of continuing with the 
plans for the party as a way of maintaining normalcy.   Although it had
been all business, Kathy had heard the quiver in her sister-in-law's voice.  It
was something she hadn't heard very often, if at all.  Kathy didn't blame her;
she herself was livid over what had happened and wanted nothing more than
to drive over to Bill's house and just hug the little child for all she was worth.  
Then she wanted to go after the man that had done this.  But in her mind,
she knew that the best that she could do was to continue being the aunt that
she was and love her just the same.

Charles sighed again and looked out the front window.  He couldn't tell
Kathy that one of the reasons that he was happy that day was that he was
going to see Dana in a setting that could not be avoided.  He hadn't seen his sister
in the two months since the meeting and was looking forward to spending
time with her.  This time there was a situation that it would be conspicuous if he did
not attend, therefore he got to see Dana without drawing any attention to 
himself.  Soon this would all end, though.  He was part of a plan that
would separate the partners, thereby removing Dana from harm and he and his
family could see her again without fear.  The distinguished British gentleman had
mentioned that it was only a matter of  finding the name of a certain 
informant and keeping them abreast of any deviation from the supposed
path that they would be following.  Didn't sound too hard.  And her was
promised that Dana would not be harmed, even better.  He smiled a gentle smile.

----------------
April 28
7:30pm

"Mulder, we are late." Dana looked at her watch and tapped her foot 
impatiently on the hard wood floor of his hallway.  

"No we aren't, Scully." He called from the bedroom, where he was trying
to find a tie that would be considered tame. "An old friend of yours, Albert 
Einstein, once said that time was relative.  What is late for you could
easily be perceived as early from me.  Aha!" he exclaimed, pulling a somewhat
calm tie from under a pile of unwashed clothes.  "Is this suit okay..."  His voice 
drifted off, seeing Scully standing in his hallway.  When he had seen her 
earlier, she had been in her trench coat, completely hiding the outfit that 
was underneath.  Now she stood there, looking at the two posters he
had in his hallway, clad in a dress that he could only describe as heavenly.  It was
a demurely cut deep blue dress.  It ran to mid calf and  hung off her
shoulders from thin straps.  The waist was drawn tight and the flair at the bottom of
the hemline, only accentuated  her legs more than the two inch heels she
wore.  The expanse of her neck that was exposed was a little too much for him,
leading to ideas that undoubtedly were unpartnerlike in nature.

She approached him and took the tie out of his hands.  "Let me do that,
we're late already.  I promised that we would be there on time tonight."

Mulder held still as her very capable hands tied the silk piece around his 
neck .  He looked down into her eyes that seemed to shimmer as with the 
material of her dress. She was gnawing on her bottom lip as she tie the 
Winston knot, and stepped back to observe her handiwork.  "There,
better than usual.  I've been dying to do that..."

"What, Scully?  Touch my body?"

"No, boy-wonder.  Tie your ties properly.  You know sometimes you have
the knots so screwed up... never mind.  Let's go."  

"Your carriage awaits, your doctorship." He executed a short bow.

"Just as long as it has fast horses, Mulder."
------------
Time unknown

The music was slow, as it had been for the last five dances.   Charles
and Kathy had recently packed up their brood and headed for the homestead. 

Charles had been excessively talkative that evening.  Asking her what
was next on the agenda at work, asking about previous cases, asking about
contacts in the field.  Mulder had clammed up at the last question; that was something
Dana had learned a while ago, never ask Fox Mulder about his
informants, he won't tell.  Although something had been mentioned from Bill about the
name that Mulder and she had given him, Deep Throat.  Saying that he expected
a name like that out of his friend, but never out of his sister.  Chuck had 
given her a large hug also, before he left and had told her that he loved
her several times.  It was strange; it was almost as if he wouldn't be seeing
her for a while.

"Come on, agent.  Let's cut some rug." Fox extended his hand to her.

"Mulder, you know I don't dance well. And Britt has fallen asleep..." she 
gazed down at the child in her lap, slumbering peacefully.
Maggie looked over from her seat next to Dana.  Her line of vision took in
Fox Mulder with a smoldering look in his eyes, looking down on her daughter
as she held the child.  It was quite clear to Maggie that Fox didn't care if she
knew how to dance; this was an excuse to hold her close.   A situation in
which he didn't have to wait to comfort or support.  "Let me take her, Dana.  I'm tired
and am not going to dance anymore.  You two go ahead."

Dana quietly turned over her beloved bundle and stood, placing her hand
in Mulder's.   As they moved away, Maggie allowed herself a small smile. 
This Fox Mulder was as easy to read as a book.  However, she didn't think
when it came to love that her daughter could read the writing on the wall.  It
would take some time before the both of them realized their love, but it would 
happen.  Bill Sr. Leaned over her shoulder to look at Brittany.

"It is a shame that it was one of our lambs." He said quietly, stroking 
Brittany's hair.  He had been heartbroken and furious when they had
gotten the phone call that morning.  They made the decision that for a while, they
would be watching the children for Bill during the day.  It would be easier and 
safer.  Bill sat across the table with Sean on his lap asleep.  And Mike 
seemed like he would fall over at any minute.  "How about we take this
brood home?" Ahab asked his oldest son.  "We'll help you tuck them in."  

Bill nodded and shifted in his seat. "What about Dana and Fox?"

Maggie was already scribbling a small note on a napkin.  "Already taken
care of, Bill.  Your friend has taken Dana to the dance floor and call it woman's
intuition, but I don't think they'll be back this way for a while."  She 
finished writing the note and placed it on Dana's purse.  "We can head
out."

Fox caught the group leaving the table and moving to the door.  He made
eye contact with Mr. Scully and nodded slightly.  He would see that Dana got
home okay.  Yes, he would be a gentleman.  The older man smiled and waved,
and went through the door into the night.  Instinctively, he tightened his arms around
Dana, almost crushing her to his chest.  

"What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head back to look at his eyes.  He 
looked dark and brooding in the easy light of the restaurant.  She wasn't
sure if she should be this close to him, and his arms tightening around her
brought her even closer.  She had felt warm and safe, being gently guided around
the floor, swaying slowly to the low beat.  But at this close she could feel his
back muscles moving beneath his shirt.  That was joined the sensation of
his hands slowly stroking her lower back. Additively the feeling of his strong 
thigh bumping against hers.  All of these sensations made the act of
dancing with Fox Mulder dangerous and erotic.  She wasn't sure if she liked it. 
After all he was her partner, not her lover.  The last time she had been this
close to a man was when she had had that fling with Jack in the academy, and
he had been her lover.

"Nothing's wrong." Mulder answered back lowly.

Scully moved her hands from his neck to his shoulders pulling back
slightly.  
He wasn't letting go, so she slipped her hands down so they were flush
against his chest.  Mulder suppressed a shiver and eased his grip on her so that
she was just standing in the circle of his arms.  Maybe it wasn't such a good
idea to hold her that close, his body was starting to respond.  "Sorry, Mulder." 
She said quietly, "I was finding it hard to breathe that close to you."

"Are you saying that I steal your breath away, Scully?" he continued to
sway to the music, her hands lightly resting on his chest.  Images were
beginning to form in his mind.  

"Always, Agent. Always." She joked lightly.  The pair was silent for a
while, moving to the music.

"Are you thinking about Brittany?" Fox asked, tilting her head back with a 
finger to see her eyes.

"Actually no." Dana answered. She didn't offer any more information. 
How do you tell your partner that you are thinking about how good it feels to be 
flush against his body, moving so as to create friction, and still remain 
professional?  You don't, she decided and lowered her head to his chest.
 Go with it, Scully.

Fox smiled slightly and pulled her in a little closer again.  This would have 
to be the last dance.  He was slowly losing his will power against his
body.  Changes were coming soon.  He could feel it.  Changes for the
department and changes for them.  They had to go into the office the next morning to see 
their new boss and he really should get them home.  On top of that, there
was the situation with Brittany and the councilor that Scully was seeing on 
Monday.  Yeah, this would have to be the last dance.  
-------------
Sunday morning, time unknown
May 8, 1993

What was that godawful noise? Dana thought to herself and rolled over
hugging her pillow.  There it is again.  She opened her eyes and spied the phone.  
Must be it.   Okay, hand out.   Snag the offender.  Pull.  "Scully."

"Partner, up and at 'em.  We have a case.  Man shot and jumped into the 
Potomac River, leaving behind a green substance.  Can't find hide or hair
of the guy.  Got a picture this morning, on the news.  You there, Scully?"

"I'm here, Mulder.  How soon and where?"

"Hour? At the office."   With that he hung up.

Dana ruffled her hair and rose.  Suddenly she had this sinking feeling in
her stomach.  This was it.  Something momentous was going to happen.  She
shook slightly and moved to the bathroom.  She just hoped whatever she was
sensing that it didn't involve her family and that it didn't hurt Mulder.  Just 
another moment with the X-files.

End(4/4)