From: JoAnn Medrano Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2001 19:44:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: Fox and Dana X: Dreams and Birthdays Source: revision Title: Fox and Dana X: Dreams And Birthdays Author: Jo Ann Medrano Rated: PG Address: agentsinlove@yahoo.com Spoilers: Alpha, Biogenesis Summary: Fox's 38th birthday is coming up, can he handle it..? Archive: Please don't archive on any site without permission from the author. My many thanks to the following, Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny and all who work on the X-Files. Disclaimer: The characters of the X-Files do not belong to me. They are the property of Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and Fox Broadcasting. No copyright infringement is intented. http://www.agentsinlove.com/ Fox and Dana: Dreams And Birthdays Maggie Scully's House: Afternoon... Dana Scully shook her head at her mother. " He's not going to like it, Mom... " " How could he not like it, Dana? It's his birthday! " " Mom, Fox is not comfortable around large crowds and he definitely doesn't like being the center of attention. It will drive him nuts! " " No, it won't, Dana... I don't believe that. Everyone loves to have a birthday party... and Fox is no exception. " " At least, let me warn him, Mom. A surprise party is really not a good idea... " " Dana, are you done with the list of his friends? " Letting out a sigh, Dana handed over the list to her mother, and watched her face drop from the shortness of the names. " This is it? Dana, he has to have more friends than this..? " " Unless he has some friends hidden under his couch, that's it, Mom. Fox is not a friendly person... " " What about your boss? Would he like to come? Didn't you tell me he plays basketball with some of the people at your job? " " That's all, Mom. The guys he plays basketball with only play basketball with him... that's as far as his relationship with them goes... As for Skinner, I don't know, I could ask... " Though Dana would rather not, her distrust toward Skinner still existed. The discomfort between them was felt by all. Fox, who did not share the same feelings as Dana did, believed in Skinner. Despite the course of action he had taken a few months ago. " Put their names on the list. You would be surprise what people can do. Maybe Fox should give those men more of a chance to be friends outside of basketball. " " Mom, I have overheard these men make fun of Fox. If I ever told him what I have heard, he would be playing shoots by himself. You really don't need to give these guys more ammo to use against him. There are a lot of people who wouldn't shed a tear for Fox. " Saying all of this, made Dana to feel sad about Fox. It was all true. Poor Fox. Maggie lifted an eyebrow. Though she had always been aware of Fox lacking a social life, it was still hard to imagine a person not having friends or love ones around. Fox fell into a category that was foreign to the ever friendly and family oriented Maggie Scully. " Well, then, we'll have to invite our friends. Have Fox meet new people outside of work. It would do him good... " Maggie decided. Dana sighed again. She knew none of this was a good idea. Fox would end up hiding his head in the sand and not come out until everyone was gone. Still, his birthday was a month away, enough time to try and talk her mother out of it... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox Is Dreaming... He heard children's laughter outside his childhood bedroom. He also heard his parents fighting through the walls. When Fox Mulder opened the door, he was no longer a child but a man who now had to face the dream. The sounds of fighting came at him strong. Words that made no sense as he tried to hear them. His sister Samantha stood near the stairs, listening and watching. " Fox... " She sounded a million miles away. As he approached her, Fox felt someone take his hand. " Fox... " A child's voice spoke to him. There by his side, was a small boy who held a tight grip to his hand. The boy's features reminded Fox of his own face when he was young but the boy was not him. " Fox... " The young boy spoke again. " Please don't go that way... It's the wrong road to take... " The boy resembled him, but Fox knew he was not the child, as he stared into his eyes. " Who are you..? " " FOX!! " Samantha screamed for him. He turned to his sister's voice, when another boy appeared beside him. Much older than the first, his features were similar to the younger boy. " Don't listen to her, Fox... Samantha doesn't need you anymore... " When he heard the older boy's cruel words, it sent Fox into a rage. " Samantha does need me!! I'm supposed to take care of her!! Dad said I'm supposed, too!! I'm her big brother!! That's what you are supposed to do!! " Undisturbed by Fox's harsh voice, the older boy merely answered. " That's not true anymore... You done all you could for her... Let it be, Fox... Let her go... " Feeling a tug on his hand, Fox returned to the first boy, whose face was crumbled in concern. " Please, Fox..? " " FOX!!! " Samantha screamed again. Breaking free of the first boy's grip, Fox ran passed the second boy. He didn't care what those stupid kids were telling him. Samantha needed him. She always did. " Fox... " A little girl stepped in front of him with another boy with auburn hair and his face was much like the other two boys. The little girl's eyes enchanted him, Fox recognized a familiar glee that sprinkled in them with the little girl's bright smile. " The past doesn't need you anymore, Fox... but the future does... " Turning her head to the side, Fox followed the little girl's direction as the door opened to a room where Dana Scully stood. Her smile beamed the love she had for him. " It's right there in front of you, Fox... " The first boy took his hand again. " As clear as the nose on your face... " The second boy spoke as he pointed to his nose. " Let it go, Fox... " The little girl spoke. The other boy nodded his head in agreement. " But Sam needs me... she needs me... " Fox fell to his knees as his body curled to the floor. " We need you more... " The voice spoke as Fox felt the embrace of many young arms around him. The dream ended and was lost when Fox Mulder opened his eyes... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Friday, October 1st: FBI Headquarters... Mulder tore the large sheet from the wall calendar, with the month of October shining before him. It was the month of his birthday. Fox Mulder was going to be thirty-eight years old. God, he hated to get old. Why did the time have to go by so fast? Still feeling like a kid, Mulder's experience told a different story. Most men his age never lived the life he had and still was. If he ever wrote an autobiography, it would be called fiction. Remembering the last few birthdays Mulder had with Scully would always end up with him fussing and her threatening as she would drag him out for lunch. Even with her promise of not having anyone singing 'Happy Birthday' to him, Mulder still made a scene that left Scully to roll her eyes up. Always expecting a gift from Scully and her mother, they were the only presents Mulder would receive. The rest of his birthday was spent at his apartment staring at the card his mother would sent to him. It always led to him either getting drunk or crying... or both. This year, if anything, had a new meaning to it. Dana was with him, not only as his friend but as his lover as well. It made the celebration of each day more special than the first. Dana Scully walked into the office, smiling at Mulder who arrived to work earlier than she. Having spent the night without him caused Scully to miss him terribly from her bed. Mulder's evening was spent with the Lone Gunmen, doing 'God knows what on the Internet', even after they had explained it to Dana and even invited her to join them, she took a pass on their offer. Some of the things they did together, was not always Dana's cup of tea. Once the door was closed behind her, Mulder moved up to kiss Scully passionately on the lips. " I miss you last night, honey... " Mulder spoke once he separated from Scully. " Well, no one told you to go and play with the boys, sweetie... " Scully stood on the toes of her shoes and kissed him again. Placing down her belongings, Scully noticed the calendar and what was written on the first day of October. Their meeting with Skinner was at 10:00 A.M. sharp, two hours from now. Enough time for Scully to review the report once more. Reviewing the calendar, Scully noticed the events for the next several days. Mulder always marked the calendar but it was rare if they ever followed it. When a case came up, what was ever on scheduled for the day meant nothing to Agent Mulder. Agent Scully would at least make sure it was canceled. Noticing that one day on the calendar was not filled in, Scully grabbed a pen and wrote in large letters, 'MULDER'S BIRTHDAY' on the thirteen of October. " Dana, no... " Mulder postested when he saw what she was doing. " So, Mulder, have you decided where you want to go for lunch... and dinner? " Scully smiled at him as she put away the pen. " I have been thinking... " Mulder was now thinking on how to remove what Scully had written on the calendar. He didn't like staring at his birthday in such big letters. " Well, you better decide, the thirteen will be here sooner than you would expect... " Scully sat in front of the computer bringing up the report. " How about we just forget it? " Mulder asked as he watched her. Scully shook her head, same line every year. " Forget it, Mulder? Never. Start putting on your thinking cap, I want to know your decision by the tenth of the month or we're going to McDonald's... " " Don't make any promises to me, Scully... " Mulder smiled as he put a pen in his mouth and leaned back in his chair. Same line every year... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Skinner's Office... Their meeting with Assisted Director Walter Skinner lasted over an hour. Mulder and Skinner exchanged heated words over the report. There were several items, Skinner insisted on being rewritten or deleted. Mulder refused, insisting that the report should stand as it was written. With such an exchange, Scully at times felt like the third wheel or the deciding coin. She expressed her views to Skinner, that the report was accurate, but he disagreed and tossed the report in front of Mulder, instructing him to correct it. Grabbing the report with one hand, Mulder never hid his anger from Skinner, having to get in one last blow before the final defeat. As the two agents were about to walk out the door, Skinner called out. " Agent Scully, I need to speak with you for a moment... " Exchanging looks, Mulder's expression questioning why but Scully patted him on the arm to reassure him as she walked back to Skinner's desk. Mulder hesitated, but one look from Skinner sent him out of the room. " Agent Scully, I want to thank you for inviting me to Mulder's birthday party. After speaking with your mother, I decided to attend... " " That's great, sir... " Trying not to show her discomfort of being alone with Skinner, Scully showed the professionalism she always possessed, with a smile that did not show what she was really feeling. Even after a heated argument with Mulder, Skinner never mixed work dispute with off-hours events. Scully was still against the party but there was no way she could convince her mother otherwise. " Well, your mother would not take 'No' for an answer... " Skinner smiled. He had to admit Scully's mother was charming. She was definitely an interesting woman to speak with. " My only problem is what to get for Mulder? Could you give me any suggestions? " Scully thought for a moment, it was surprising how easy it was for her to find gifts for Fox. Already she had purchased for him two new CD-ROM games, three new shirts, a jacket, a new carryall bag, two new CD's that he been wanting to get, a CD portable player, and boxer shorts with hearts and kisses all over. What could Skinner purchase for Mulder? " How about a new writing pen, sir? " Scully remembered that Mulder's pen was ruined from his chewing and sucking on it. It had been a gift from Scully a few years ago. It was now ugly to look at but it still wrote perfectly well for Mulder. Skinner nodded his head in agreement. It was a fine gift to receive from one's superior without it being too personal or too distant. " That's a fine idea, Agent Scully. Thank you... " Skinner smiled... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Back at the office, Mulder fidgeted around the room. Tossing crumbled up paper into the trash can, and missing quite a few times, Mulder chewed heavily on his pen and almost cracked it. Refusing to look at the discard report, Mulder's wait for Scully seemed like forever when the door finally opened and she walked through. " So... what was that all about? " Mulder got straight to the point. Trying to come up with an excuse for her staying with Skinner after the meeting, Scully didn't think she could come up with anything that Mulder would believe, what came out sounded lame. " He just wanted to review my time on the books. It seems I have some vacation time coming up... " Scully sat in front of the computer and pulled the report onto the screen. " So, how about we get started on this... " Mulder knew she was lying. Not once did Scully make eye contact with him. Fine. If that's how she was going to be, he won't bring it up. For now... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Evening: Dana's Apartment... Dana noticed the time on the kitchen clock. It was after 7:00 P.M. Fox would be here soon. Checking the chicken she was making for dinner, Dana hoped a good meal would cheer Fox up. He had been such a grouch all day. Fox never taking fights with Skinner well. Dana knew he hated to be defeated. It seemed to always happen when the two men exchange harsh words between each other... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox's Apartment... Fox sat on his couch, fuming. Dana lied to him. Whatever she and Skinner spoke of, Fox was certain he was the main topic. Wishing he had his basketball with him, Fox left it at Dana's place. Turning to where he used to have the fish tank, it was now at Dana's place, as well. Moving the tank to Dana's was the only way Fox could save his fish from starvation. When he came home one day, Fox found the fish eating each other alive. Almost in tears when he separated them, Fox was filled with guilt for not caring for the fish the way he should have been. The poor creatures had suffered because of his new life. Now under Dana's care, the fish were thriving, and seemed more content than they ever did at his place even before he and Dana were a couple. The new change had done well for the surviving fish, just as the change of life had done for him. Right now Fox was not appreciating it. Turning on the television, Fox promised Dana he would be at her place by seven-thirty for dinner. It was a few minutes after. She could wait a few minutes more... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Dana's Apartment... It was around 8:30 P.M. when Fox Mulder finally showed up for dinner. The meal was cold but not ruined. A quick pop in the microwave solved the problem. Exchanging only a few words between each other, Dana could see that Fox was still in a foul mood. As she was about to serve his plate, Fox lifted his hand to block her. " You mind?! I can do it myself! " He growled at her. " All right, fine... " Dana placed the portion of food on her plate. They were silent as they served themselves dinner. The quietness came with the uneasiness of Fox's mood was evidence all over his face. Out of habit, Dana lifted the pitcher of iced tea to pour into his glass when Fox roared his disapproval at her. " Goddamn it!! Didn't I just say I can serve myself?!! I'm not a fuckin' baby!! What are you afraid? That I'm going to make a mess of myself, like this?!! " Fox purposely knocked his plate that caused some of his food to splatter on the table, making Dana jump. " Damn you, Fox Mulder!! Just because you can't handle a disagreement with Skinner, you are NOT going to take it out on me!! " " Fuck Skinner!! You lied to me!! " " What?!! " " Don't give me that bullshit look!! I know Skinner was talking about me to you... NOT ABOUT ANY FUCKIN' VACATION TIME!!! WHAT DOES HE WANT YOU TO DO, DANA?!! PUT ME IN LINE?!!! SCREW ME A COUPLE OF MORE TIMES TO SHUT ME UP!!! " " NO!!! " Dana brought her fist down hard on the table making it shake. Now standing over him with her hands on her hips, Dana fumed at him. " YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT SKINNER AND I WERE TALKING ABOUT?!! FINE!!! NEVER MIND THAT IT WILL RUIN THINGS!!! HE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT TO GET YOU FOR YOUR FUCKIN' BIRTHDAY!!! " Quickly turning away from him, Dana moved from the table not wanting to look at him. " What?!! " Fox still couldn't believe her answer. Skinner never gave anyone of them a gift before, not even for the holidays. " Why? Why would Skinner want to give me a gift for? " " Because he is invited to a surprise birthday party my mother is having for you... " There the cat was out of the bag, and Dana was glad for it. That was one secret she hated holding on to. Fox sat there dumbfounded. Knowing this time Dana wasn't lying to him. A surprise birthday party?!! That was something he knew he couldn't handle well. Having only one birthday party as an adult, it was a disaster that Fox wanted to forget. " Dana, I don't want a party... " " That's fine with me, Fox. This was not my idea. I was against it because I know how you feel about these things. It's not my heart you'll be breaking. You want this party ended, you go talk to my mother... " " Mom... Oh, shit... " xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox Is Dreaming... He knew where he was. His parents' home. Everything was so clear to him. As he moved about more like a spirit than a true form, Fox felt someone take his hand. He looked down to a younger face of his. " Hi, Fox... " The little boy smiled at him. " I want to show you something... " Allowing the child he believed to be himself, Fox followed the boy passed the living room where his parents stood fighting. " WHERE THE HELL, DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?!! " Bill Mulder shouted at him. Feeling the boy's hand tighten around his, Fox returned the same grip, afraid to look at his father. His frightened eyes turned shamefully to the boy. " Don't listen to him, Fox... It's just the past talking... " The boy reassured him as he placed both his hands onto his. " YOU PIECE OF SHIT!! TURN AROUND WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!!! " " If you turn around, Fox... you take a step back... Too many steps and you will be lost forever... " The boy told him. " I'm afraid... " Fox felt more shame for admitting his fears to a child. " You don't have to be afraid anymore... Not when there are so many people who love you... " The front door opened and the boy led him away from the past. His father's voice faded when he stepped through the door and into Dana Scully's apartment. There on the couch, sat Dana with three other children, as she read to them. All three children bared a familiar look. The two other boys had his face. The little girl had Dana's eyes. All around the room, Fox saw other faces, of friends and family who he loved dearly. " This is the right way, Fox... It will be bumping at times... " The boy who held his hand spoke. " The past doesn't have to be forgotten... " A second boy spoke. " The answers will come soon... " The little girl spoke. " So long as you stay on this road, Fox... Everything will be clear... " The boy who held his hand spoke once more. The third boy nodded his head in agreement. " So long as you know what place is truly home... " The first boy said as he let go of Fox's hand... Fox woke up and the dream was gone... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Thursday, October 7th: FBI Headquarters... At the office, Mulder was desperately trying to find a case, any case that would get him out of here for the next several days. Anything so he wouldn't have to go to that party, Mother Scully was throwing for him. The night, he and Dana fought they made up right away. The two of them could never stay mad at each other for long. There was always some way they could forgive each other for their foolishness. Letting him in on the rest of the details, Dana informed Fox the party was to be the Saturday after his birthday on Wednesday. A belated birthday lunch was really a ploy to get him over to Mother Scully's house for the party. Leaving everything in his hands, Dana had tried herself to talk her mother out of the party for over a month, but failed. If Fox could find a way, Dana wasn't going to stop him. She did remind him, however, anything unhanded could hurt her mother's feelings. It was something Dana would not stand for. Not having the guts to call Mother Scully himself, Fox had no desire to hurt her feelings. There had to be a way for him to get out of the situation and to avoid the embarrassment that came with such a celebration. Somewhere there had to be a case that required them to do a field investigation that would last for several days. Of course, it also had to meet with the approval from Skinner, but when did Fox Mulder ever wait for permission to be granted? Where were the conspiracies when you needed them?!! The last several days had been fruitless. Not one lead Mulder followed could certify a need for an investigation. Wishing he didn't feel this way about birthday parties, Mulder could only remember a few good ones he had when he was a kid. For some reason that even perplexed Mulder was a clear memory of his third birthday party. He could remember it being so much fun with all his cousins who played lots of games with him. His mother baked him a cake in the shape of a cowboy hat, with his name printed in big yellow frosting. Even his father was in a pleasant mood that day. Fox could not recall once being yelled or hit by him. Of all the presents, he received that day it was a teddy bear Fox loved the most. For the next few days, Fox kept the bear at his side at all times. Sleeping, eating and playing with it, Fox even wanted to take a bath with the bear until his mother told him with a firm 'NO!'. Coming to an agreement after the fit he threw, Fox could see the bear sitting on the bathroom counter as his mother gave him a bath. One morning, his father ripped the bear out of his hands and told Fox that only little girls played with stuffed toys. His father didn't remember having a daughter so the bear had to go. Fox cried all day for his stuffed friend and even after his father spanked him to shut up about it, he continued crying for the bear. He never saw his beloved bear again. On his fourth birthday, Fox ran down the stairs all excited that morning. Expecting his mother to decorate the living room for him like she had done the year before. There was nothing, except his very large pregnant mother resting in the armchair. " Where my party? " Fox demanded to know. " No, sweetie, we are not going to have a party this year. Remember I told you that? " His young mind could not understand the condition his mother was in. Less then a month away from giving birth, Teena Mulder was not up to organizing a party for her little Fox. He just didn't understand. " Where my party? Mommy, I wanna party!! " Fox screamed his protest and stomped his frustration with his feet. His crying was deafening as it echoed throughout the house. Finally Fox's fit stopped when he felt the hard smack to his behind he received from his father. " Knock it off, you spoiled brat!! You heard your mother, there will be no party this year and there will be NO more parties for you ever, if you don't shut up!! " Later in the day, his mother ordered him a small cake for his birthday. Fox did like the toy truck his parents gave him, but he really wanted that party. His fifth birthday was definitely a sign that all his other birthday parties would go downhill from then on. His sister Samantha, who was about a month away from her first birthday, had ruined his birthday cake. Without meaning too because of her age, she pushed her hand through the layers of cake and frosting wiped Fox's name off the cake. Fox cried and begged to his mother to fix it, but she was too busy cleaning up his dumb sister to attend to his needs. A hard smack across the back of his head from his father shut him up quick. That night, in his room, Fox cried into his pillow covering the sounds of his sorrow. He hated Samantha. He hated his father. Fox wished both of them would go away... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox Is Dreaming... He was outside his parents' summer home. He heard the sounds of fighting. He moved through the house, trying to reach it. All he wanted was to save what was left of his family. Each step, Fox took pull on him, as he felt a sudden weight on his hand. There running beside him was a young boy baring his face. " Stop running, Fox!! Stop running to the past!! " The boy pleaded with him. " They need me!! They need me!! " Fox shouted back. " Not anymore, Fox!! Just let it go!! " A second boy who was older than the first appeared on his other side and matched the same speed at which Fox was running. " Stop running back!! " " SHUT UP!! I want my parents!! I want everything to be the same!! I want Sam back!!! " " Why do you want things that are no longer there?!! Don't you know what you have now?!! " Suddenly the older boy slammed his body against Fox causing him to fall down. Lying on his back, Fox cried out his pain when the older boy wrapped his arms around him. " I'm sorry, Fox... I didn't mean to hurt you... " The first boy came to Fox's other side and took his hand. " It's OK, Fox... He just wants you to understand... " " Understand what?!! What do you want from me?!! " Fox shouted at them. " Peace of mind, Fox... You can have it... if you just let it be... " Feeling more arms wrapping around him, Fox saw for the first time another boy whose auburn hair framed his face like a mane. A little girl suddenly appeared and kissed Fox on his cheek. Her eyes were large and blue. " It's OK, Fox... We're here for you... " " I'm scared!! Why can't I have these things?!! " Fox confessed. " You already do, Fox... " Dana suddenly appeared beside him. " ... You already do... " Fox woke up, and the dream faded away... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wednesday, October 13th: Dana's Apartment-Morning... He grunted a disapproving moan when the alarm clock woke him up from a sound sleep. Hating the empty space around his arms, he fussed a protest against it by kicking the covers to the side. Feeling a kiss on his cheek, it was warm and welcoming to him. " Wake up, Birthday Boy... " Birthday? Boy? Fuck!! He was thirty-eight years old!! He mourned out another disapproving grunt. Not another birthday!! Not another reminder of old age creeping up on him!! It was now less than a year before he would turn thirty-nine and less than two years before he was forty!! Fuckin' birthdays. Who needed them anyway?!! Suddenly he felt something tickling his nose and tried to brush it away. Yet it kept coming back, with a terrible sound and light air blowing on his nose as well. He growled as the tickling moved to his ear. " STOP IT!! " He tried to brush it away again when it suddenly stopped. Feeling some triumph for ridding himself of the unknown annoyance that dared to disturb his sleep it was then he started feeling the kisses around his face. A huge smile came across as he waited for her lips to touch his. But it didn't happen. Instead, he heard her sweet voice sing to him one of the worst songs ever written. " Happy Birthday (kiss)... " With each lyric she sang a kiss she would give on different parts of his face. When she ended with the last word of the song, her lips met with his. " Happy Birthday, Fox... " Dana smiled when he opened his eyes to her lovely face. " I hate birthdays... " was the only thing Fox could say, before he rolled over onto his stomach to go back to sleep. A big mistake. " ONE!! " Dana shouted as she sat hard on his back and pushed his boxers down to expose his bottom to thirty-eight hard smacks she gave to Fox. Wishing they didn't have to go to work today, Dana made the time to fix Fox his favorite breakfast she would normally do on the weekend. A huge stack of banana pancakes dripping with butter and maple syrup poured on top was placed before him. Taking one of the sausage links, Fox swirled it in the puddle of syrup that was on his plate and sucked it clean before eating it whole. With a glass of chocolate milk to wash everything down, Fox gave a hearty belch that told of his enjoyment of the meal. He was in heaven. Maybe birthdays weren't so bad after all. When she gave him his gifts, Dana tried to catch the wrapping paper flew all around the living room as Fox tear into his birthday presents Dana gave to him, each one better than the first. Fox playfully demanded more presents but ended up with a smack on his thigh for being greedy from Dana. After taking a shower together, Dana dressed Fox in her most favorite suit of his, the dark-blue one that made him looked so sexy. " So, are you going to wipe my ass today, too, Dana? " Fox asked as she was putting on his tie. It was not the question to ask when Dana pulled the knot up. " Don't push your luck today, bad boy... " Being two hours late for work, Mulder didn't care if anyone noticed but to please Scully, they both entered the building separately. Without causing any unwanted attention as they each headed to the basement office. As great as the day was going, Mulder was still trying to find something to get him out of the party that was only two days away. It didn't help either when Mother Scully called to wish him a happy birthday at the office. " Happy Birthday, Sweetie, are you having a good day, so far? " " I'm having a great day, Mom, except Dana beat me up this morning... " " SHUT UP OVER THERE!!! " Scully shouted at him from the other side of the room... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox Is Dreaming... He felt the softness touching his face. When his eyes opened, he thought it was snowing with colorful snowflakes falling from the sky. Hearing the laughter he cherished so much with children's laughter blended in, Fox smiled at Dana who tossed flower petals on his face. The children that surrounded him, three boys and a girl laughed as they too tossed flower petals on Fox. The boys looked much like him with one of them having Dana's hair color. The little girl was what he always hoped for with Dana's blue eyes staring back from the girl's young face. One of the boys reached out and took his hand. " Daddy, get up... let's go play... " " Please, Daddy..? " The little girl asked as her eyes sparkled from the sunlight. " Let's play... " " Come on, Dad... " The oldest of the boys came close to his face. " Race you!! " Just as the words were spoken, all four of the children stood to their feet and dashed off with Fox watching them. Dana followed behind them but then stop with her hand reaching out to him. " Come join us, Fox... " Dana said with her love for him that shined through her smile. Fox smiled at her, ready to take her hand when he heard the voices of the past shouted out to him. " FOX!! GET AWAY FROM THERE!! BE WITH YOUR FAMILY!!! " Bill Mulder stood with his hands resting against his side. His mother looked stern at him as Samantha pleaded with him to stay. Behind them, were all the people from his past. From the women he once loved, the people who had hurt him to the criminals he had encountered, his past demanded his return to continue the haunting and tearing of his soul. " Fox... let it be... " Dana reached out again for him with her love never stopping. With his smile returning, Fox took her hand and gripped tight to his as they race after the children who were waiting for them... Fox woke up, not remembering the dream, but the smile remained on his face... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx October 15: FBI Headquarters- Mulder's Office... Mulder stared at the back of his nameplate as he twirled the pen in his mouth. He had failed. None of the cases he had reviewed required any field investigation. Having spent time checking the report of three bodies being found half eaten in a matter of two weeks, the file reminded Mulder of the case he and Scully handled earlier in the year. When he called to inquiry about the case, he learned that the report had not been updated. It turned out to be a pack of wild dogs terrorizing the county line. A farmer and his two sons shot each of the dogs to death. The animals' insides were examined, finding human flesh was found still digesting in their stomach. ' So much for a werewolf story... ' Mulder thought as he tossed the pen on his desk. Lowering his head into his hands to rest his eyes, Mulder knew there was no way for him to avoid the surprise birthday party tomorrow. He didn't like the feeling of being trapped, but how could he now back out when so many people planned their day around this event for him? Why the hell did they have to do this to him?! Why couldn't they just leave him alone?! He didn't deserve the fussing. He shouldn't even bother going at all!! Why did they have to treat him so... normal? Mulder couldn't say he had a bad birthday. Scully made it all fun for them. Throughout the day on his birthday, Scully would leave sweet tender notes of her love for him to find either on his desk or on his person. Lunch was at his favorite place where Scully kept her promise not to have anyone sing to him while they were there. Having been left alone from the office staff and Skinner himself there were no uncomfortable conflicts to damper his spirit. For dinner, Dana had a pizza with every nasty thing he liked on top, delivered to her home that they ate by candlelight. Dessert turned out to be his most favorite memory of the day. Purchasing a small cake for him with his name written on top, Dana stripped her clothing off to reveal the black lace bra and matching panties. After Fox blew the one candle out, Dana took small pieces of the cake and placed them on different parts of her body. Then she encouraged Fox to eat her up. Mulder smiled. That was the best birthday cake he ever ate. Now with the birthday party hovering over his head, Mulder feared the possible outcome could ruin his special birthday memory with Dana. Being the center of attention had always ended with horrible results, when all eyes were on Fox to witness his world fall apart. At his seventh birthday party, Fox, his sister Samantha and his party guests ran though the house, pretending to be shooting each other with their toy guns. Samantha still being small could not keep up well with Fox and the other children. When they were in one room, Samantha would be catching up with them in the other room. Nearly being knocked over by the other children as they ran from the other direction she was coming from. It finally happened when Samantha came running from the opposite way again, and was bumped by one of the children. Landing hard on her rump, she screamed more out of surprise than pain. Fox turned around when he heard her cry out. His father told him Samantha was his responsibility and not to let anything happen to her. When Fox had gone to help her up, he felt his father's huge hand on the back of his neck forcing Fox to face the fury of Bill Mulder's rage. " I TOLD YOU TO KEEP AN EYE ON HER!!! " " But, I... " Fox wasn't allowed to answer when his father pulled him toward him and put Fox in a position for a spanking. Fox ready himself for the pain but not for the sight in front of him. All his friends witnessed his father spanking and yelling insults to him. Wanting to disappear, Fox never forgot the faces looking at him, even through his tearful eyes... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Saturday, October 16th: Fox's Apartment... He wasn't hiding. If he were she would never have been able to find him. Sitting in the living room with his eyes resting upon the birthday card from his mother, Fox Mulder was afraid. To have a birthday party was too normal, too common for a person like himself. Fox wasn't lucky enough to be born under such a star. He had awakened early in the morning, shaking as the sweat poured from his brow. He hadn't had a nightmare in months. It came crashing at full force toward him. The nightmare of Samantha's disappearance mixed with the old and new memories. There was more to his nightmare, but he had lost it. In the back of his mind where his childhood memories still tormented him with the image of his sister being abducted. Fox suddenly saw Dana being held against her will by Duane Barry as children poured out of her. Children that were never meant to be. Forgetting about his sister, Fox pushed the images aside. He reached for Dana, only she mattered to him now. Trying hard to stop the flood of children escaping her body, Fox used all his strength to give back to her what she had lost. It was then he felt someone take his hand. " Fox!! " A young boy called out to him. " Don't do that, Fox!! There's no need to punish yourself anymore!! " " It's my fault!! All of this is my fault!! " " None of this is your fault, Fox... it never was... " Freeing his hand from the boy, Fox grabbed the child by the shoulders and pulled him close. " Who the hell are you to be telling me these things?!! You don't know my life!! You don't know anything!! " " I know your pain, Fox... It's never easy to let go... but to live with it... that's the greatest challenge of all... I know you can do it... You are strong... " " I'm nothing... " " You're everything... " A second boy appeared. " That's something you need to see inside of yourself... Stop listening to the past... " " And let it be... " A young girl wrapped her arms around Fox's chest with her eyes looking up to him. They were so much like Dana's that they enchanted him. A third boy appeared beside him whose red hair brushed against Fox's arms as he rested on Fox's side. Studying each of the children, Fox felt a pull and a desire to be a part of them as he embraced them all together. " Please, tell me who you are? " " Can't you tell, Fox..? " The first boy took Fox's hand again. Fox looked into the eyes of the young boy and the resemblances more than in the features, but in the sense of the truth that was revealed. " It's not easy, Fox... It's a long road ahead of you... but the road you take and move forward with... you will never be alone again... " The boy let go of his hand. The four children disappeared as the dream ended... It was three in the morning when Fox woke up. Without waking Dana, he left her apartment. Already the images he had seen faded, Fox had lost that part of the dream. When he arrived at his apartment building, Fox emptied out his mailbox. Along with his bills and junk mail, his mother's handwriting on a pink envelope caught his eye. Her card was a simple wish for him to have a 'Happy Birthday' and only the signature of 'Mother' was all she had written. With no love proclaimed, Fox rested the card on the coffee table. Placing his head against the couch, Fox did not notice the time going by and when he heard the key opening his front door, he was not worried about any danger from the person who walked in. " Fox? " Dana Scully called out. " I'm in here! " Fox called back. Dana walked into the living room dressed in a lovely tan suit and her face glow her beauty toward Fox that brought a sudden comfort for him. Moving cautiously to the couch, Dana sat next to Fox and touched his thigh. " You had me scared when I couldn't find you... but I figured you would come here... " Dana smiled. " Really? " Fox gave her a questionable look. " OK, it was a lucky guess... Fox, you don't have to do this if you don't want to... " " It's not that I don't want to, Dana... It's just I don't know how? How do I become a part of this, when everything is foreign to me? I don't know what it's like... I never had such things... I kept expecting the worse. I don't deserve to be this happy... but I feel... like I do... " Dana rested close to Fox. Her face pressing against his as she kissed him. " You deserve everything... There is no one here to hurt you anymore... The past is gone... The future is right here with you... and with me. " " It still hurts so much... " " Oh, Fox, if I could, I would take everything away from you, make things right... not to let the past haunt you. If only I could..." " Don't even try... I just have to learn to go with the flow... and let it be. " Fox leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. He then rubbed his nose against the softness of her skin. " Give me a moment, and I'll get ready for the party... " xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Maggie Scully's Home... Maggie Scully was fanatic. She called all her guests to hide when Byers called out that Dana's car had pulled into the driveway. Spending part of last night, and this morning getting everything ready for the party, Maggie had help. Two of her friends came to help with the cooking and cleaning. Frohike and Byers arrived early in the morning to give their assisted to Mrs. Scully. The Gunmen were fond of Dana's mother and the kindness she had shown to them. They found they were willing to do anything for her. So when Maggie called to ask for their help, none of them had the heart to turn her down. Putting them in charge of the decorating, bothByers and Frohike needed guidance on how to place items here and there. Their help had cut the work in half and left the whole house beautifully decorated with balloons, streamers, and lots of other decorations for the party. Langly showed up too late to give a hand but neither Frohike or Byers would buy his excuse. " You're a dipstick (shit), Langly... " Frohike commented. " Up your A... (asshole), " Langly replied. The Lone Gunmen had been the only friends of Fox who were invited to the party. In fact, they were the only ones on the list Dana gave to her mother over a month ago. Maggie invited a few relatives Fox met during the Fourth of July gathering and many of her friends. It was an opportunity for Maggie to introduce Fox to all of her friends. Not a single one declined the invitation. None could believe Maggie's youngest daughter had finally found herself a man. Dana herself invited a few friends from her university days and a friend that she had remained in touch with from high school, whom lived in the area. Not inviting anyone from work she had befriended, Dana didn't feel the need to confirm any of the rumors that were floating around for years about her and Fox. Dana was protective about their relationship. Only Walter Skinner was the exception. Having known of their new relationship and her mother's wishes for him to attend had settled any disagreements on Dana's part. Arriving early, Walter Skinner offered his help to Mrs.Scully as soon as he walked through the door. " ... Thank you, Mr. Skinner, but I'm sorry, Melvin and John had just finished adding the final touches... " Maggie eyed Frohike and Byers who were double-checking the sign they had hung up. " Walter... " He corrected her. Skinner had met Maggie Scully several times under the most unfortunate circumstances. " It seems all of you have done a great job, Mrs. Scully... " " Maggie... " She corrected him. Maggie had forgotten what a nice looking man Dana's boss was. Within an hour, all the guests had arrived. Waiting for Dana and Fox was an eternity for Maggie. Keeping her guests comfortable and well fed, she left it up to Byers to inform her when the two of them would arrive. When Byers finally announced seeing Dana's car coming, Maggie rushed everyone to hide. Langly hid behind the couch as Frohike joined him. " I hope I can get up... " Frohike commented as he brought his body down. " I thought you were already standing... " Langly sneered. Maggie did not wait for the doorbell to ring twice. " It's about time you two got here... Lunch is getting cold. " Maggie pretended to scold them. Dana walked in first and hugged her mother. " Hi, Mom. " She did a quick look around, trying to find some of the guests. Finally, Fox walked in. Having instructed her guests to shout surprise when she gave her hellos to Fox, Maggie made her voice loud and clear. " Hello, Fox!! " " Hi... " Before Fox could say another word, the silence of the room came to life. " SURPRISE!!! " Everyone shouted... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox Mulder was amazed at how much he was enjoying himself at his party. When they drove up to Mother Scully's house, Fox could feel his stomach turning. He thought at any moment he might throw up but Fox managed to keep everything in place. Seeing all the cars parked around the neighborhood made everything a reality for him. While waiting for Mother Scully to answer the door, Fox continued to feel his stomach queasy. Not sure if he could make it to the bathroom or not, Fox was certain that not only would he dirty the ground where he stood but his clothes as well would be covered in his vomit. When Mother Scully finally opened the door, Fox gently pushed Dana to go in before him. With his heart racing and his stomach doing somersaults, Fox Mulder entered the living room of Maggie Scully's home to a room filled with three friends, his boss, a few of Dana's family members and lots of strangers, all of them shouting one word to him. " SURPRISE!!! " Fox did a turnaround and threw up in the bushes near the front door... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Never did Fox ever expect so many to fuss over him. After Dana helped him inside, Fox apologized for what he had done. Making an excuse of eating something that was not agreeable with him, the surprise caused him to lose control. Before Fox knew it, two women he had never seen before took him away from Dana and had him sit down on the armchair to rest. Another woman came up to him with a cup of 7up and instructed Fox to drink it all to calm his stomach while another woman dug into her purse for a packet of crackers for him to munch on to easy his upset tummy. What Fox really wanted was to go to the bathroom and wash the taste of vomit out of his mouth, but he could not get passed the small crowd of ladies who kept introducing themselves to him. Finally, Dana came to his rescue and suggested he should go to the bathroom to freshen up. Taking her advice, Fox moved out of his seat before anyone could stop him. Being in the bathroom gave Fox a few minutes to put himself back together. It was a great way to meet everyone, Fox was certain he left a memorable impression on every guest's mind. " Idiot... " Fox didn't need to hear his father's voice to insult him, he was doing a good job of it himself. " Fuckhead! Throwing up in front of everyone... 'Hey, I'm Fox Mulder... brrraaahhh!!!' " Still, it wasn't the end of the world and Fox figured it was something to laugh at in the coming years. Something to tell his kids about. ' Want to hear how Daddy made an ass of himself in front of Mommy's friends..? ' Kids. Fox really shouldn't think about children. Even with the medicine to correct her cycle, Dana would be in tears when she would have a period. Still fearing the possibility of them not having any children would leave Dana miserable and short-tempered. Though the fault was not on any of their part, the chance of becoming pregnant once more seemed like a fairy tale for Dana. Left only with the promise her body gave to her each month when she menstruated. All this bothered Fox Mulder from the start. How could a woman who was tested and proven to be infertile, suddenly become fertile again? Against all odds, Dana survived yet another crisis to her body. Just as the cancer almost claimed her life, life could now grow inside of her. How..? Some months ago, as they lay in bed together, Fox remained awake as Dana slept encased in his arms. Rubbing her back, Fox's hand soon came upon the soft smooth skin of her neck. His fingers danced across until he felt the scar tissue on the back of her neck. Its presence reminded him of the metal implant that was under her skin, the one thing that prevented the cancer from succumbing Dana to death about two years ago. The mystery of the chip remained that, a mystery. Enough to know as long as Dana kept it in place, her cancer would not return. Yet, whatever the metal implant's true purpose was, it too was unknown. Could it possibly have something to do with Dana's reproduction system? If so... how? Just as the chip kept her cancer in check, perhaps Dana's ability to reproduce was controlled by the implant as well... but what or who was controlling the chip..? Was there a command, that was given to reactivate Dana's cycle, to give back what she had lost..? Was there someone who took it upon themselves to be God? Who would decide when and if Dana could become pregnant, not simply by the natural act of sexual intercourse but by the decision made by the cruel mind of a mad individual..? Fox wrapped his arms tighter around Dana. If this was true... what other hideous crimes could be committed upon his beloved..? That could bring an end to her world as well as his... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx When Fox Mulder came out of the bathroom, Maggie Scully grabbed him by the arm. " Are you sure you're all right, Sweetie? " " I'm fine, Mom... just eat the wrong thing this morning... " " Good... There are some friends of mine I would like you to meet... " It had taken twenty minutes, but to Fox it felt like three hours as Mother Scully introduced him to every single friend of hers in the house including the ladies he met earlier. When it was over with, Fox greeted some of Dana's cousins he met at the Fourth of July party. That was a story in itself, Fox was in the same shape as he was earlier, when he first met Dana's family. At least he was able to hold his stomach contents at that occasion. Glancing around the room, Fox noticed Frohike being surrounded by some of the older ladies as he seemed to be entertaining them with one of his stories. Langly was involved in a heavy discussion with Father McCue and Byers was in the corner with two men dressed like him. It was then that Fox caught sight of Walter Skinner at the table serving a plate for himself. " Hi, Sir, thank you for coming... " Fox stuck his hand out to him as Skinner shook it back. " Feeling better, Mulder? " Skinner asked. " Just fine, Sir. Whatever I ate is now out of me. I really could go for something to eat... " Maggie Scully suddenly popped in front of Fox. " What would you like to eat, dear? " " It's all right, Mom, I'll get it myself... " Fox didn't want to be served like a kid in front of his boss. " Are you sure, Sweetie? " Fox could feel Skinner's eyes on him when Maggie addressed him in a cutest name. " Thank you anyway, Mom, but I can handle it... " Patting him on the arm, Maggie turned to Skinner. " How about you, Walter? Do you need anything? " " No, I'm fine, Maggie. Thanks anyway... " He lifted his plate to show her. Once satisfied, Maggie left the two of them alone. When Fox turned back to Skinner with a dumb smile on his face, he felt the need to make some excuse for what had just happened. This was something he never expected to do in front of the Assisted Director. " She cares a lot about you, Mulder... " Skinner commented. " Yeah, she does... " Fox smiled at the direction Maggie Scully headed off to. " What about your own mother, Mulder? Will she be coming? " Not having his mother here, did not cross Fox's mind until Skinner mentioned it. The birthday card she sent him had no meaning to it, a reminder only of the day she gave birth to him with no emotional attachment to it. " I don't know, I would have to ask Dan... I mean Scully about that... " He corrected himself, not sure if he should call Dana by her first name in front of Skinner. " You can call her 'Dana' in front of me, Mulder. We're not at the office. In fact, call me 'Walter' while we are here... " Fox looked at him with surprised but smiled at the offer. " Then call me 'Fox'... " As the party went on, Fox was becoming more and more comfortable with the people he spoke to. Involving himself in several conversations with Dana's school friends, he laughed at each tale they told him about his beloved with Dana denying every single one. Hanging with the Gunmen, Frohike bragged about the many phone numbers he had stuffed in his pocket from the lovely older ladies who adored him. Enjoying his talks with Walter Skinner, Fox learned what a huge baseball fan he was, as they both discussed the upcoming World Series with other partygoers on what team had the better chance of winning the series. Once in awhile, Fox would run into Dana or Mother Scully, asking how he was doing. He admitted to Dana, he was enjoying himself. Not once did any mention of conspiracies aliens or whatever bizarre unknown things were brought up. None of the people there, except for those who knew him well, were aware of the work Fox did for the FBI. The X-Files was a word that did not exist in their vocabulary. Feeling his arm being pulled on, Fox turned to Maggie Scully as she called for everyone's attention. It was time for the birthday cake. Backing against the wall, Fox didn't even think about this happening to him. No one mentioned anything about a birthday cake or what comes with it... singing!! Which meant he would have to stand there like an asshole while everyone in the room, sang off key to one of the worst songs in the world. Before he could hide his head in the sand, Maggie yanked him to stand beside her and called for everyone to be quiet. The voices became calm as Fox kept his head face down, not wanting be looked at. He felt extremely stupid. Seeing a light flashed, Fox looked up to see Dana taking pictures. Great!! There was evidence of him being an asshole. Thanks, Dana. " ... Now that I have everyone's attention... that goes for you too, Melvin. We have come together to wish Fox a happy birthday. I have known this young man for several years, and I must say that knowing him, has made a very big difference in my life... I never knew it was so boring... " A few laughed. Fox fidgeted. Standing still was not one of his strong suits. This speech was embarrassing. " ... Anyway, I don't believe I could ever express my gratitude toward Fox, for all the things he has done for me. When Dana was gone... he was there for me. I don't think I could have ever survived the ordeal without him. He was my strong arm. When I gave up hope, he remained a believer. I could never thank him enough for what he has done for my daughter and me... " Nothing filled my heart more when he finally admitted his love for my Dana... and her as well. Took both of you long enough... " Laughter again. Fox was now really red. He could hide his face enough. He wished Dana would stop taking pictures!! Maggie looked at him and saw the redness in his face. " I'm almost done, Fox. I just want to tell you, how much I love you and think of you as my own. That I could not be more proud of you. I love you, Fox... " Maggie Scully embraced Fox Mulder and hugged him tight. She would never let him go. He didn't need to be her flesh and blood, Fox was her family now. Fox held her back just as tight. As much as he hated to display his affection in front of so many people, Fox decided to let it be and held onto his adopted mother. There were clapping and some tears among the group of friends and family. Dana took one more snapshot before the tears blurred her vision. One of Maggie's friends rolled out the birthday cake, thirty-eight candles blazed on it. The cake was in the shape of a red fox dressed in a trench coat, 'Happy Birthday, Fox' was beautifully printed on it. Fox admired it as the whole room broke out singing to him. He stood patiently for the song to end with everyone singing with all their heart. Even being off-key did not stop them from the sheer enjoyment of lifting their voices high. Fox was still a stranger to many in the room, but at that moment they all seemed to have an understanding of the love and compassion that stood up there as Fox Mulder. As for Fox, none of the birthday parties he had could ever prepare him for such an event. He doubted it he would ever have one like this again. He was still embarrassed and still wanted to hide, but he fought it. ' Just let it be ', he thought to himself. The past would always hurt. The Truth could still be found there but the Truth could also be found now and in the future. Fox felt as if he was on the right road, the perfect road with Dana. They would continue together, that was all that really mattered. Fox smiled at Dana. Her own smile remained even as she was singing. Her love for him glowed brighter than all the candles on his cake. Dana readied herself for the next snapshot as they were about to sing the last line. Finally, when the singing ended, Fox stood over the cake and made a wish, blowing all thirty-eight candles out at once. The darkness was most welcomed when Fox shed a tear he didn't want anyone to see... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox Is Dreaming... Walking through his parents' house, it was empty. No parents, sister or any other things were there to disturb him. Fox opened the front door and stepped outside. A light breeze greeted him when he stared out at the grassy field with a few trees around. It was then that Fox saw the young boy who held his hand in so many dreams he had forgotten in his awakened state. When they walked toward each other, all the dreams were now clear to Fox. " Hi, Fox! I'm glad you chose the right path... " The boy smiled at him. " What do you mean? What was the right path? " Fox asked. " You let it be... " The boy took his hand and led him into the grassy field. " It won't be easy, Fox... Both roads you have traveled have now merged... It won't be a lonely journey you will be taking... " The boy stopped. There in front of them were the two other children under a huge tree. A young girl happily swung inside a tire that was tied to a tree branch as an older boy sat nearby watching her. The boy who stood near Fox pointed to the older boy. " That's David... He didn't mean to be rough with you... He is an old soul that can't wait to be born... " " David..? " " Yes, Dana will see his conception and birth like that of David defeating Goliath... David will beat the odds... " " The girl? " Fox was excited. A son he would have and a daughter. Her eyes were much like Dana's as her hair was the same color as his. " She is my twin... " Two sons and a daughter. Fox's heart ached. He and Dana would have children, not just one, but three children all together. " What does Dana name you two? " " It is you, who will name us, Fox... She will be called Ashley... I will be called Aaron... " " Aaron? Where did I get that name from? " The boy, who would one day be Aaron, shrugged his shoulders. " I don't know everything... " Fox bent down to Aaron with his eyes filled with joy. How could he express the feelings he had now? He would be a father. The father he never had. " I promise, Aaron, I'll never hit or yell at anyone of you. I won't talk down or embarrass you in front of your friends. I'll never take anything away that you love. I promise, Aaron, I promise... " " You don't need to promise these things, Fox... We know you will do your best... We trust you... " Then the boy would one day be Aaron, turned his head to the side. Fox followed his son's direction to the third boy who stood alone from the others. A third son, how could he have forgotten? " What is his name? " " He will be called Benjamin... but he must travel a different path before he could come home... " The boy who would one day be Aaron had tears in his eyes and the sadness in the boy's face brought Fox to his knees. " What's wrong, Aaron? What will happen to him? " The boy, who would one day be Aaron, stared at the boy who would one day be Benjamin and spoke these words. " He is yours and Dana's child... but he will not be born from Dana... He will be conceived unnaturally with stolen ovum and sperm... He will grow inside a selfish woman, who will pay for her crimes...We will all meet once as children and as adults, will be enemies for a short time... " The boy, who would one day be Aaron, lowered his head as tears streamed down his face. Fox hugged his soon-to-be son. The words the child had spoke, bared too much truth to them when Fox's eyes wandered to the figure that stood alone with his hair red as the sun. Moving away from Aaron, Fox ran to the other boy taking him into his arms. " Benjamin, I'll help you... I won't let them do this to you... I... " " There is nothing you can do, Fox... Benjamin must take this road to creation and join us in another time... " The boy who would one day be Aaron pulled on his arm. Fox came down to Aaron's level with the boy who would one day be Benjamin still in his arms. " Why?!! Why are you letting me know all these things?!! " The boy who would one day be Aaron stared into his father's eyes as his own sorrow still masked his face. " He will be all right, Fox... He will come home to us... We will be a family... He will love us, as we will love him... I'm sad that he must go through this before he can find the right path that will lead him to us... " " Why tell me this? " " You will not remember this, Fox... That's the trouble about dreaming with spirits... Only in your heart will you remember as your conscious mind will forget... It must be this way... " The boy, who would one day be Aaron brought his hands to his father's face. " We will be together soon, Father... You and Mother must take your path... There is much danger ahead... The tasks you must perform... " " Why tell me all of this, Aaron? Why did all of you helped me? " Fox asked as he held onto his soon-to-be son, Benjamin, who buried his face into his father's neck and held him tight. The boy who would one day be Aaron, tilted his head as a smile appeared that Fox would one day see. " Because we love you, Fox... " Aaron leaned over and kissed his father on the lips... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Fox woke up, trying hard to hold on to the dream but it was fading away. He spoke one word, " Aaron... " but he didn't know why he said it... The End... continues in Fox And Dana: Forgiveness Feedback is welcome... agentsinlove@yahoo.com