Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fox Mulder knew the start of the new academic year could be daunting for new faculty: Am I teaching this class correctly? Is my syllabus adequate? Where the hell do I park? 

When he saw one person in particular however, he knew she meant business. They never technically met, but it was more of a ‘we parked next to each other and your building is right next to mine, so we might as well chat’ situation. 

“Hi,” he’d said when he saw her, the first of them to speak. He had been drawn to her beauty, her red hair causing her to stand out. 

“Hello,” she’d responded.

“Are you new?” he’d asked.

She pushed a stray piece of that beautiful red hair behind her ear. “Is it that obvious?”

“Oh no, I just have an eidetic memory and haven’t seen you before.” She was impressed, and her face revealed as much before he asked another question.

“What do you teach?”

“A mix. Some general physics, some intro to modern physics. You?”

“Wow, that’s quite impressive. I teach psych. Intro, abnormal, and social. Most people think it’s a ‘soft’ science, but I think it’s pretty important.” 

“Psychology is interesting to be fair. Why do people do what they do, what determines our likes and dislikes, or even hyperfixations. And that’s just scratching the surface.”

“I have never met anyone from the science department who sees it that way. It’s quite refreshing, if you don’t mind me saying.”

“Well, my sister’s very into feelings, the energy of the planets, all that kind of stuff. She and I are very close. Well… this is my building.” She pointed to the one right next to the one he would be entering.

“And this is mine. How convenient. I’ll see you around Dr…”

“Scully. Dana Scully.”

“Fox Mulder.” He offered his hand and she shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Dr. Mulder.”

“Oh please, no ‘Dr.’ That’s so boringly formal. ‘Mulder’ is fine,” he had joked with a mock shiver.

“Then you can call me ‘Scully.’” She chuckled and then smiled at him. As he stared at her, he couldn’t help but notice the presence of a beauty mark above her top lip. She had covered it with makeup and he didn’t understand why she would, it was adorable and also incredibly sexy. 

Oh, maybe that’s why, he thought, knowing how men could behave. 

Pushing aside those thoughts, he smiled as they reached their respective buildings and separated, walking to their offices.

Over time, they’d gotten to know more about each other. He knew she was twenty six and had received her doctorate two years prior. She was Catholic with two older siblings, a brother and a sister, the latter of whom had an interest in all things extraterrestrials, and she also had one younger brother. 

Before the end of her first teaching year, they’d managed to park next to each other almost every day. They would chat for the few minutes their walk to the building afforded them, until they had to separate to their own offices. They both looked forward to that time together each day. 

At the year's spring commencement, they had sat next to each other, and she looked extraordinarily extravagant in her doctoral robe and cap. She would say the same about him. 

The following school year, they had gone from their morning chats to leaving at the same time as well. It quickly turned into one accompanying the other to their office and continuing their conversations. While almost polar opposites, they felt comfortable with each other and talked about any and everything. 

Of all the little things he knew about her, the one thing Mulder knew Scully prided herself on most was punctuality. He knew she arrived in the parking lot at exactly 8:05 every Tuesday and Thursday before her first class began at 8:30. The other three days, she arrived at exactly 9:25 am for her 10 am class. His classes were all later in the day, but he came in early for office hours and to get work done before his classes. 

A couple of months later, however, it was 9:27 on a Wednesday morning and she was nowhere to be found. In the nearly one and a half years since she’d been teaching, Scully had never been late. Though he was curious, he decided to head into his office and start his day. 

His work, however, didn’t hold his attention. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. What was she doing? Was she sick? Was there a family emergency? She had mentioned that her siblings lived all across the country. Her older brother Bill was in California where he was stationed with his wife Tara. Melissa was traveling, “finding herself” Scully had stated with a slight eye roll, and Charlie was in New York with his girlfriend Elaine. Her parents were in Annapolis, about an hour's drive from the school. 

Shaking himself out of his reverie, he decided to email her, something he’d never done nor had any need to do. 

Scully,

Are you okay? 

Mulder

He forewent formalities because he felt they were on friendly enough terms, or at least he had assumed so. They hadn’t ever socialized outside of school events, but he had lost count of the high school and college friends he no longer spoke to or had only seen on campus. 

He was about to get ready to teach his first class of the day when he checked his email one more time and saw a reply from her.

I’m fine. 

Nothing further, not even her name, but at least he now knew she was okay. Or at least, Mulder hoped so. She would’ve said if something was wrong. 

Right? 

He didn’t sleep well that night, his brain unable to stop thinking and wondering if she was okay. 

The next day, she still hadn’t arrived on time. He was in his office, about to send her another email, when he heard a car door slam around 8:15. The building was fairly soundproof, but the windows were not. 

Curious, he got up from his desk and looked out the window. Seeing Scully’s car, he immediately smiled. She was a little late, but she was there. His brows then furrowed when she opened the door to the backseat. Bending inside, she was there for nearly a minute. 

When she pulled back, he let out a gasp as she had reappeared with a small child in her arms. He could see the little girl was limp and appeared to be asleep. Observing Scully’s struggle to get her bags from the front seat while also carrying the child, he quickly left his office. 

He tried to keep his pace slow, so as to not disrupt his colleagues, but his mind was racing with a million questions. Mulder made it outside, but didn’t see Scully. Assuming she must’ve gotten to her office already, he hurried up the stairs; he was out of breath when he reached the third floor. 

Looking around, he heard a ding , announcing the arrival of the elevator down the hall. The doors opened and he spotted her shining red hair as she exited the elevator, and turned toward her office. Speed walking, he made it to her office at the same moment that she did.

“Oh, God. Mulder, you scared me,” she whispered when she saw him, breathing quickly as she reached for her keys. 

“Sorry,” he whispered, matching her volume. 

Scully took a minute to find her keys, only having one hand free for the action. She finally got her office unlocked, the little girl sleeping through it all. Propping the door open, she left the light off and set her bags down, a bright pink Dora the Explorer backpack standing out. She picked it up and held it out to him.

“Can you…” she asked him, nodding at the child in her arms. 

“Oh. Um, sure. What…”

“Her blanket, please.”

He unzipped the bag and pulled out a small blue blanket with Thomas the Train across it. Versatile, I like it, thought Mulder. He couldn’t help but feel his heart grow as he watched the way she was with the little girl he assumed had to be her daughter.

“Mommy…” the toddler suddenly croaked.

“Shh, baby, it’s okay.” Scully’s voice was soothing and soft for the girl as she ran a hand across her daughter’s long loose curls. It was different from her no-nonsense, low-pitched professor voice, and it made his heart ache. 

She mouthed a thank you to Mulder and took the blanket from him. The little girl whimpered as she was covered in the blanket and snuggled closer to her mother. Scully rocked her and smiled at Mulder. 

“I’m sure you have some questions.”

“Just a few.” 

She sighed and looked at her child. “Please, sit.” 

He obeyed, watching as she carefully sat in her leather desk chair. 

“How old is she?” Mulder asked.

“Almost three.” 

“Wow, you’ve got your hands full. What’s her name?”

“Emily.” Scully smiled as she rubbed Emily’s back over the blanket. 

Awkward silence washed over them as they both ignored the elephant in the room. Scully wasn’t married and didn’t wear a ring. She had never talked about her child before, let alone a partner that could be the child’s father.

“You’ve shared so much, why not her?”

She sighed again. “I don’t know. I guess I thought… that you would judge me. Everyone else sure does, except Missy and Charlie.”

“You know I’d never.”

“I do, but I was also worried. And I guess I wanted to keep her secret for as long as possible.” She avoided his gaze as she spoke.

“I don’t want to sound insensitive, but I do have one more burning question…”

“You want to know about her dad,” Scully guessed and he looked at her sadly and shrugged, not speaking the words, but obviously curious. 

“His name’s Ethan and he had been my boyfriend since grad school. I found out I was pregnant the day I defended my dissertation. We broke up about halfway through my pregnancy. He hadn’t ever wanted children, but also didn’t want to use protection. I… well… now Em’s here. That’s the extremely simplified version.” 

Mulder’s eyes were wide as he took in the information. He thought she was pretty badass to be able to raise a kid on her own. He could also hear how she may feel shame about it, because of others' comments and also how society tended to treat women who were single parents.

She sighed and he realized that he hadn’t said anything in response. Feeling like a bit of a jackass, he opened his mouth to speak, but she suddenly stood up and shook her head. 

“Sorry to cut this short,” she said, glancing at her watch. “But my first class starts soon and I need to get her stuff to bring.”

He shook his head and stood as well. “I can watch her, if it would make it easier for you.”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t-“

“I insist. Besides, I don’t think she’ll like listening to her mother talk about super smart science stuff.”

“It’ll probably bore her to death,” she agreed with a chuckle. 

“Then it’s settled then.” 

“Are you sure?” Her expression gave away her uncertainty, her eyes searching his face. 

“Really, I’d love to. I promise we’ll just stay in here while you teach.”

“You need to be in your office, Mulder. I can’t do that to you.”

“Then we can go to mine. Look, Scully, I promise we’ll be okay, okay?”

She sighed for the third time. “Okay. I should wake her though, let her know I’m leaving and let her see you. I don’t want her waking up without me and crying. Hey, Em,” she said softly, gently patting her back, waking the child.

“Mama…”

“Hey honey, Mama has to teach her class now. You’re going to spend some time with Mulder today, okay? He’s mommy’s friend.”

The toddler lifted her head and looked at him fearfully, tears running down her cheeks.

“Hey, Emily,” Mulder greeted. “It’s nice to meet you. Do you like Dora? She’s pretty cool.” Emily didn’t answer, but embraced Scully tighter.

“I know baby, but Mommy really needs to get to class. Mulder is a very nice man and he will take care of you. He has fish in his office. Do you want to see them?” She nodded, her eyes still full of tears. 

Emily was gently passed to Mulder, Scully making sure she was wrapped in her blanket. The little girl sniffed and whimpered as she watched her mom blow her a kiss and then leave the room, thanking him once again. 

“Would you like to go on a trip, Emily?” he asked, hoping to ease the tension. She looked at him, her expression unsure and still slightly fearful. “Let’s go see the fish, okay?” She nodded and he beamed. 

He grabbed her backpack and swung it onto his back, closing the door to Scully’s office as they walked out. He locked the door with the keys he’d taken off her desk, knowing she would come to his before coming back to her own. 

Emily was trembling slightly in his arms and he held her closer as they walked to the elevator. 

“Would you like to go outside? It feels nice out today.”

Emily slowly nodded her head, her thumb on the tip of her bottom lip, as she put her head on his shoulder. He stepped out of the elevator and then the building. He walked into the little courtyard separating the science and education/psychology buildings. The little girl lifted her head just enough to look around.

“‘Nola,” Emily said quietly, as she pointed with her little finger. 

“What was that, Em?” Mulder asked, at a loss of what she was trying to say.

“‘Nola,” she repeated louder.

He looked at the direction she was pointing and chuckled when he realized what she meant. “Oh, you like the magnolia tree?”

Mulder was impressed by her intelligence. Of course, her mother had gotten her doctorate at twenty-four, which was not common amongst the other faculty. Even he hadn’t received his until just before she had started teaching, and he was thirty, nearly thirty-one. 

“You’re very smart, Emily,” Mulder praised, but the little girl was uninterested. She put her head back on his shoulder, falling asleep before they made it to the office. 

As he arrived at the door, he realized he had left his door unlocked when he found it hanging open and one of his teaching assistants, Tyler, was grading papers. 

“Oh, sorry Dr. M, but the door was unlocked and…” Tyler started, but was confused as he saw Emily in his arms.

“I’m watching her for a friend,” Mulder said simply, putting her backpack down on the desk. Tyler nodded and went back to grading papers. 

Emily continued to sleep, Mulder holding her as he sat down at his desk. Even as he held her, he managed to send a slowly-typed email to a student about the midterm, enter the test grades Tyler had given him, and sent out an announcement to the class about their extra credit assignment. 

Looking down at Emily, he smiled. Other than her blonde hair, she was a mirror image of Scully and he couldn’t imagine anyone but her having a sweeter child. 

Tyler left soon after he was done grading, smiling and nodding silently as he walked out the door. Emily began to stir, her eyes slowly opening and taking in her surroundings. 

“Hey there, Em,” he said softly, and the toddler mumbled, clutching her blanket closer.

“Do you want to see the fish now?” She nodded and he stood up, his back protesting at the position he had been in for the past forty five minutes. He shifted her to hold her better and walked across the room to show her the fish. 

“Oh!” she said, watching the fancy guppies he had bought swimming around the tank. “Fishies!” She pointed at the tank and he grinned. 

“Yup! Those are fancy guppies. Can you say guppy?” 

“Guppy.” 

“Good job,” he said, smiling again and rubbing her back. “See that one there? The blue one with the red spotted tail? That’s my favorite one. Watch how fast he swims.” 

“Fish swim fast,” she agreed with a nod and he chuckled, shifting her again. 

“They are fast. Good job, Em! Gimme five.” She laughed as she lifted her tiny hand and met Mulder’s large one.

“Having fun?” Scully asked and they turned to look at her standing in the doorway with a smile. 

“Mommy!” Emily said, trying to scramble out of Mulder’s arms. He laughed as he set her down and she ran to Scully, who lifted the squealing toddler in her arms. 

“Hey, baby.” Scully kissed Emily’s cheek and looked at Mulder. “Were you good for Mulder?”

Emily vigorously nodded her head while Mulder laughed. “She was very good. She’s a smart kid.”

“She takes after her mother.” The two adults smiled and Emily wrapped her arms around Scully’s neck. “Thank you for looking after her. I only had the one class today, but she was sick yesterday and I had babysitter problems and-“

“I promise it was no trouble and completely my pleasure. She slept most of the time, but she liked the fish. The guppies, right Em?” 

“Guppy,” she said with a nod, pointing at the tank. “Guppy fish, Mommy.” 

“Yes, I know. I knew you would like them.” Scully smiled. “Hey, are you free tonight?” 

“Umm. I… no, I mean yes I’m free.” 

“Well, let me buy you a drink. It’s the least I can do to thank you for your help.”

His heart raced. This was the moment he’d been waiting for since he had first looked at her. 

“Um, sure, I mean… yeah, I’d love to,” he stammered. 

Great job, doofus, he admonished himself, inwardly rolling his eyes. 

“Great. I’ll sort out a babysitter for tonight and I’ll see you at six? I’ll send you my address.”

If he didn’t know any better, he’d think Scully was inviting him out on a date. Did she see it that way? They’d never spent time together outside of university functions, but he hoped she’d see it as a date, as he would love for it to be so. 

He smiled as he nodded and she smiled back. She lifted Emily a little higher, telling her about her class as Emily continued staring at the fish. The way she doted on her daughter and how her red hair shone in the light, he could feel he was already falling for her. 

Yeah… he was in big trouble. 

Chapter Text

Scully stood in front of her closet in only underwear as Emily clung to her. 

“Okay, what do you wear to a ‘not a date, but you want it to be a date?’”

Scully’s best friend Ellen gave her a look. “Day, you obviously like him, just tell him.”

“I can’t do that!” she said flustered as she turned around. “I mean, yeah he’s a psych professor, so he’s not going to judge me, but be reasonable, El. I’m a single mom. There’s not really a market for women like me.”

“Of course there is.”

“Single moms under thirty.”

“Okay, we’ve narrowed it down a little, but I really think he likes you too.”

“You don’t even know him, how could you possibly know that?”

“Please,” Ellen scoffed, pulling a dress of deep midnight blue from the closet and laying it on the bed. She took Emily from her and smiled as she tickled her. “He, without any prompting, offered to watch a child he’d never met to help you out and allow you to teach your class. He could have said something cruel or rude, but he was helpful. He. Likes. You.” Scully stared at her and Ellen raised her eyebrows. “Deal with it. Get dressed, I’ll get little miss ready for our sleepover.” 

“You don’t need to keep her overnight, I’ll come and get her after I get home.” 

“No. The house will be empty, giving you a chance to…” She wiggled her eyebrows and Scully raised hers. 

“This is a first date… or not a date, just drinks. That’s all. It’s not going to lead to… anything you may be suggesting. Or thinking.” She shook her head and Ellen shrugged. 

“Nothing? Not even a kiss?” 

“I… I don’t know. But it definitely won’t be what’s going through that dirty mind of yours.” 

“Mm-hmm.” 

“Get out of here. Let me get dressed.” She laughed as she smacked her playfully and Ellen walked toward the door. 

“Put on the push-up bra, it makes your boobs look great in that dress.” 

“Ellen …” Scully warned.

“O-kay, we’re going to go and let you get dressed up for your not date. Remember the bra.” Ellen winked and gave a smirk.

Scully stared at her as she started to close the door and Ellen tilted her head, raising one hand in a ‘have it your own way, but you know I’m right’ gesture. 

She closed the door and leaned against it, shaking her head. Looking down, she sighed. Pushing away from the door, she walked to her dresser and took out her black and pink push-up bra. 

Undoing the clasps on the one she was wearing, she took it off and slid on the other, mumbling under her breath about how very annoying Ellen could be when she was right. 

X

Across town, Mulder changed his shirt for the third time, a different tie for each. 

“This is so stupid,” he murmured to himself, deciding to stick with this shirt no matter what. “It’s just drinks. Not a date.” 

But what if it was? He didn’t want to show up looking shaggy or too casual. 

“Damn,” he said, taking off the navy tie and his shirt before reaching for the one he’d had from the start, plaid with green and dark blue. 

Buttoning it over his white undershirt, he picked up the gray tie and quickly tied it. Tucking it into his dark jeans, he buttoned and zipped them and tightened his belt. He put on some brown boots and walked to the bathroom to fix his hair. 

He smiled at his reflection, thinking he actually looked quite nice for their date. No… not a date. Just drinks. He sighed, wishing it was more, but he would follow Scully’s lead on this one. 

His phone beeped and he stepped into the bedroom to get it, finding an email from Scully. Heart racing, fearing she was cancelling, he opened the message and saw she had sent the address to her house. He smiled and emailed back that he would be there in twenty minutes. 

Grabbing his car keys, wallet, and phone, he said goodbye to the fish and lifted his jacket from the coat rack. Locking the door behind him, he ran down the stairs, not having any patience to wait for the elevator. 

X

He pulled up to her house twenty minutes later, on the dot. Taking a deep breath, he got out and walked through the short gate and up the front path. He grinned as he looked around the yard of the little house. There were signs of her life with Emily everywhere: outdoor toys left in the grass, colorful pinwheels in the garden, a child’s stroller and a baby doll stroller off to the side, chalk drawings on the cement, and little shoes and rain boots by the front door. 

Smiling at the sign hanging from a nail on the door that read: Welcome to the chaos, we’re glad you’re here, he knocked and waited. 

She opened the door and he drew in a breath, completely unprepared for the sight before him. 

She wore a dress of dark blue and silver strappy heels. Her hair was down, where she usually wore it pulled back in a ponytail, and he saw it was longer than he had previously thought. She was wearing her makeup differently than she normally did too, her eyes and lips darker. 

And sweet Jesus did she smell good. 

“Hey,” she said quietly and he cleared his throat. 

“Hey,” he croaked out and she laughed. Clearing his throat again, he nodded. “Hello.” His voice sounded normal and she gestured for him to come in with a smile. 

“I just need to grab my purse and my jacket and I’ll be ready. Make yourself at home.” 

He followed her down the hall and into the kitchen as she went to what he assumed was her bedroom. 

“Emily’s not here?” he called as he looked around with a smile. 

Again there was evidence of a life of which he had not had any previous knowledge. Brightly colored plastic plates sat drying on the side of the sink. A booster seat was connected to a kitchen chair. There were toys in baskets under the lip of the island counter full of different types of toys: dolls, trucks, a doctors kit, a toy microscope, and a wooden train set. Pictures on the wall and fireplace were of her and Emily, what appeared to be her with her parents and siblings with and without Emily, and a couple of pictures of Scully when she was pregnant. 

“Oh, no,” she called back, her heels clicking on the wooden floor as she walked into the room, pulling a gray jacket around her shoulders. “My friend Ellen is watching her tonight. At her place.” 

“Oh, that’s nice. Though I was kinda hoping to see her for a minute.” She stared at him and he smiled. “She’s a sweet little girl. I enjoyed spending time with her today.” 

“Well… thank you.” She blushed. “And thank you again for your help, it meant a lot.” 

“Of course.” 

“Should we get going?” she asked as she pulled her arms through the sleeves.

“Yeah, other people deserve to see you in that dress,” he said, smiling as he stepped closer. 

“Is it too much? I uh… I don’t get the chance to go out often and I-”

“God, no. You look great. You look beautiful. You are beautiful.” She stared at him again and he blushed furiously. “I just…” 

“Thank you.” She grinned and he exhaled, feeling like he’d stuck his foot in his mouth. “You look really nice too. I like that shirt.” 

“Thanks.” He grinned, happy he’d made the right clothing choice. “So how about those drinks?” 

X

“I like the ambiance of this place,” she said as they sat down. “It’s… I know this might sound weird or… but it feels young and happy.” 

“As if you’re an old woman,” he teased and she smiled. 

”It’s not that. It’s just… I love my life, my daughter. She’s everything to me. I wouldn’t trade a day of my life when it comes to how it changed when I found out I was pregnant. But… I’m not even thirty and sometimes I feel with school, life, and then her, I missed it. That feeling of no worries or cares. Being here…” She gestured to the bar that was full of college students, music playing from somewhere, the sound of pool balls cracking, and laughter. “I feel young again and even if it’s for a little while, I like it.” He smiled at her as the waiter arrived to take their order. 

“I’ll have a whiskey,” he said and looked at her. 

“A dirty martini. Really dirty.” 

“You got it,” the waiter laughed and she stopped him from leaving. 

“I mean, I want it so dirty, it’s cloudy. Grey Goose vodka.” 

“You just became my new favorite person,” he said and winked at her as she laughed. 

She fanned herself and took off her jacket, placing it across the back of the chair. He too took off his jacket, the bar definitely warm. 

“So dirty martinis, huh?” 

“Mmhmm. Oh and Bloody Marys. Those are my two favorites.” 

“Good to know.” 

She smiled, leaning forward with her chin on her hand, her blue eyes shining. 

“Here we go, let me know if that’s dirty enough.” The waiter set Mulder’s whiskey down and then her martini. 

“Oh, I can already tell it is,” she said, reaching for the stem of her glass. Taking a sip, she closed her eyes and hummed in pleasure. “Perfect.” 

“Good.” The waiter winked again and walked away. 

“A toast,” she said, raising her glass and holding it closer to Mulder. “A thank you really… for helping me and giving me an excuse to get out of the house for a little while.” 

“Cheers to that. And you’re absolutely welcome… again.” 

They clinked their glasses together, both of them smiling. 

X

“So…it was hard at first, but once we had a routine, it fell into place. I don’t miss getting up four times a night, though.”

”And does her father see her?” 

“No. Not… I haven’t decided if he will. I don’t want to keep Emily from her dad, but he’s made no effort or shown any interest so…” She shrugged as she looked down at her drink. 

“Well, he’s an idiot. She’s a great kid.” 

“She is. Though you may not have thought so when she was sick yesterday.” She laughed and he shook his head. 

“No, I would’ve.” 

She lifted her head and he suddenly noticed how flushed her cheeks were. Had he made her blush? No… it wasn’t that. Reaching out, he touched her cheek gently and his eyebrows shot up.

“You’re hot.” 

“Um… what?” she asked, pulling back a bit. 

“I think you might have a fever.” 

“I don’t… I’m…” She touched her forehead and stared at him. “Oh…” He smiled as he reached out again and placed his hand on her forehead and this time she leaned into his touch. 

“Yeah, you definitely have a fever. I don’t think alcohol and these nachos are the best food for you to be eating right now. I actually think we should get you home and into bed.” 

“Hmm, but I…” She looked around and then down at her dress. “I…” 

“Scully,” he said softly, cupping her cheek, his thumb grazing her warm skin gently. “We can do this again. Wow, you’re really hot.” 

“I’m going to choose to accept that as a compliment and nothing else.” She closed her eyes and exhaled as he chuckled quietly. Her eyes opened slowly and he saw now how glassy they had become. 

Taking out his wallet, he put down two twenties and a ten, knowing it was more than the amount of the check, but not caring. All he was concerned with was taking her home and getting some medicine into her system. 

“Come on. Let’s go.” 

He helped her to her feet and she hummed as she bumped into him. Grabbing her purse and jacket, he placed an arm around her shoulder. She was so warm, he could feel the heat coming off of her through his shirt. 

“Seriously, you’re so hot. Should I take you to the emergency room?” 

“Don’t be silly. I’m fine.” He nodded, though he didn’t quite believe her. Keeping a hold of her as they left the bar, he led her to the car. 

She kept her eyes closed on the drive back to her place, the little house he had liked as soon as he had arrived to pick her up. It was so her. Her and Emily.

“We’re here,” he said softly after a few minutes and she opened her eyes. 

“That was fast,” she murmured and he chuckled as he took off his seatbelt. A trip was always faster when a person was asleep for the majority of it. 

Or all of it in her case. 

He opened the door for her and offered his hand to help her out. God, even her fingers felt overly warm. 

“My keys are… in my purse. I think…” She started to reach inside, but he stopped her, taking her purse and finding them himself instead. 

The door unlocked, he pushed it open and turned on a light. She stumbled past him and started removing her jacket before heading to the bathroom. He followed and waited outside. 

“Shit.” He heard a minute later. 

“You good?” he asked.

She opened the door and looked at the thermometer. “A hundred and two and some change,” she said, defeated. “As if I need more to worry about. Oh,” she shivered suddenly. “Great, now I’m freezing. Can you get my phone for me?”

Mulder looked in her purse and took out her phone. Handing it to her, she folded in on herself to keep warm as she tapped on the screen before holding it to her ear. 

“Hey, El… actually, we had to cut it short… I think I caught whatever Emily had… I can manage, but… I know you offered, but… you know I hate asking you to do that… well have you asked Em?...” Her voice changed as the voice on the other end of the phone became higher-pitched and more energetic.

“Hey, baby… listen, Mommy’s sick, she doesn’t feel good… I know, but I don’t want to get you sick again… it’s just until tomorrow, okay?... you be good for aunt Ellen, okay?... I love you, Em.” She hung up the phone soon after and looked at him. 

“Well, I’m down for the count. I need to email my students and tell them not to come tomorrow. Oh, I need to send them their reading and assignments. Fuck, I…” She stopped talking, spacing out.

“Scully, you okay?”

She said nothing, just bolted into the bathroom and huddled over the toilet as undigested food made its way up.

He waited outside the bathroom, leaning against the wall and listening to her vomiting. He sighed, wishing he could do something to help her. The toilet flushed and he heard the sink running and then she groaned as she leaned against the door frame. 

“I feel terrible. Ugh…” 

“You need some medicine, where do you keep it?” 

“My bathroom.” She pushed off the door frame and walked down the hall, him following behind her. She sat on the bed and pointed to the bathroom with a groan. “The medicine cabinet.” He smiled and walked into the bathroom. 

As he grabbed the bottle of medicine and turned around, he saw the bathtub and somehow the sight of it was when he fell in love with her. 

It was a rather large tub, no doubt something she enjoyed relaxing in as evidenced by the baskets in the corner with magazines, candles, and bottles of bubble bath and oils. But it wasn’t that which caused him to fall, it was the items along the edge of the tub. 

Rubber bathtub toys of sea creatures, jungle animals, ducks, and unicorns lay all along the edge. Cups of different sizes, a bottle of bubbles to blow, and bathtub crayons sat beside them. 

Seeing how their lives were so intermingled, thinking of how she would need to move those items in order to have a calming bath, it endeared him to her as a mother and a woman. So many men he knew needed a ‘man cave’ and their ‘own time.’ Mothers, well most mothers, didn’t get that option. And he knew Scully was her own person aside from motherhood, but seeing evidence of it right in front of his eyes, he was a goner. 

“Did you find it? I know it’s a mess in there…” 

“No, I’ve got it.” He walked out of the bathroom and saw her sitting on the bed with her eyes closed and he smiled. 

Yeah. He was a goner. 

X

She was sleeping, breathing deeply out of her mouth. He watched her, feeling her head and nodding as it felt cooler, though not as cool as it should be. She had changed into her pajamas as he had gotten her some water to take her medicine. After she did, she had laid down with a sigh. 

“I’m so sorry our date was cut short,” she had breathed and he knelt beside the bed, brushing the hair off of her face. Her eyes had fluttered open and he smiled. 

“Rain check, remember?” She had nodded and whined slightly. “You get some sleep.” She had nodded again and closed her eyes. 

She had fallen asleep quickly and he left her alone to get more water to leave beside her bed. 

Now, he watched her sleeping, hoping she would be feeling better soon. He would wait for a bit and see if she needed any help, knowing it was hard being sick on your own. 

Walking to the kitchen, he took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and loosened his tie. He looked around again and found he really liked being there, felt comfortable in her space; it was very inviting. Looking more closely around the rest of the house, he smiled at the photos on the walls and pictures drawn by Emily: lines of color with no particular form, but treated as beautiful art. He liked that. 

Checking on her again, she was still sleeping, feeling cooler now. He nodded as he left the room, closing her door halfway. Sitting on the couch, he turned the television on low and took a deep breath. Just a bit longer and he would check her again. 

X 

He jerked awake almost two hours later as he heard the toilet flush and he jumped up, hurrying down the hall. She was coughing and he knocked but received no answer. Hearing her vomit, he walked into the bathroom and saw her huddled over the toilet. 

Looking at the sink, he saw a black rubber band and picked it up. Stepping closer to her, he gathered her hair and tied it back. 

“Oh… I… mmmm,” she groaned and threw up again.  

He stood up and found a washcloth in a basket by the tub and he wet it with cool water. Laying it across her neck, she moaned out a thank you. 

“I think I’m done. There can’t possibly be anything left. Ohhh.” She flushed the toilet and he helped her up. “I need to brush my teeth.” She walked to the sink and took her time brushing them. 

Back in bed, he wiped her face with the washcloth and she sighed. Satisfied she was okay, he went back into the living room.

X

He stayed on the couch, waking with the rising sun, and stumbling to the front bathroom to pee. Hands washed, face rinsed, he walked to her room to find her sleeping, her hair damp. 

“Good,” he murmured, feeling her forehead and finding it cool. Her fever must have broken in the night. She stirred, but did not wake. 

Taking her glass, he went to the kitchen and got more water, bringing it back to her room and then going back to the kitchen to find himself something to eat. A bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee later, he heard her shuffling down the hallway. 

“Oh! I didn’t know you were still here.” He turned and looked at her, smiling at her disheveled appearance. She was absolutely adorable. “Shit, I must look terrible.” Her hand went to her hair and he shook his head. 

“You look more than fine.” 

“Hmm. You’re a liar.” He laughed and she smiled. 

“Let me make you something to eat.” She groaned and he stood up with a smile. “Just toast for now.” 

“And maybe some tea?” 

“Sure.” 

X

She fell asleep on the couch, her tea half drunk and only one piece of toast eaten. Her head was on a pillow beside his leg and he had to fight the urge to run his fingers through her hair. His phone beeped and he saw a message from Tyler. 

Took care of your classes for today. Spoke to Dr. Scully’s assistant and she emailed the students the information they needed. Hope she feels better soon. If you need anything else let me know. 

He typed a quick message back and set his phone beside him. 

Thanks Tyler, appreciate it. 

He glanced at her again and clenched his jaw. Just once would be okay, he convinced himself, placing his hand on her head and running his fingers slowly through her hair. 

Just once, he thought, determined to stick to his own rule. 

But then she hummed and he paused. 

“Feels good,” she whispered and he smiled, continuing to let her soft hair run through his fingers. 

X

A while later, Mulder heard the door unlock while Scully was bathing and he was on high alert. Ellen appeared in the doorway and was startled by his presence. 

“Oh! I didn’t realize… are you…?” she said, standing in the front hall. 

“Guppy fish!” Emily said and attempted to wiggle from Ellen’s arms. She set her down and she ran to Mulder, lifting her arms to be held. He grinned as he bent down and picked her up. 

“Hello, Em. How are you today?” 

“We go see guppy fish?” 

“Oh… not today sweet one. Mommy isn’t feeling well.” 

“Mommy sick?” 

“Yeah, but we can see the fish next time, okay?” She touched his tie, holding it in her hands and nodded seriously. 

“We see fish waiter, Aunt Ehwee.” 

“I think that’s a good idea. Hi. I’m Ellen.” 

“Fox Mulder.” They nodded and she looked him up and down, watching as he interacted with Emily. 

Yeah… she liked this one. 

“Where’s Dana?” 

“Taking a bath. She should be out soon.” 

“I’ll go see how she’s doing.” 

She walked down the hall, a smile tugging at her lips. Knocking on the door, she stated it was her and she walked into the bathroom. 

“Hey, how you feeling, hon?” 

“Much better,” Scully said with a smile. “I suppose emptying my stomach of everything I’ve ever eaten helps a little.” She shook her head and sighed. 

“Or the man down the hall, perhaps?” 

“Ellen…” 

“He stayed the night, Day. And it was just drinks?” She stared at her and Scully stared back. 

“Maybe a bit more,” she admitted and Ellen nodded. 

“Uh huh. Let me get you a towel.” 

X

“Thank you again,” Scully said with a smile, wrapped in a warm fluffy robe, her hair still up from her bath. “You didn’t have to stay, but I’m thankful you did.” 

“You’re welcome. And you don’t have to take me out to thank me this time.” He smiled and she looked at him. 

“And if I wanted to?” 

“Are you asking me out?” Mulder smirked at her, his expression suggestive.

“Or in, perhaps. Dinner? Here? This weekend?” He grinned and looked over at Emily playing with her blocks. 

“I’d like that.” 

“Good. It’s a date.” 

“Yes,” he said, placing his hand on her cheek, his thumb stroking gently. “Yes it is.” He kissed her forehead and she sighed, her heart fluttering. “Feel better and let me know if I can bring anything to our dinner date.” 

“I will.” 

He said goodbye to Ellen and Emily and walked out the door. Scully let out a breath and grinned. 

“Mmhmm,” Ellen hummed loudly from across the room and she turned to her, shaking her head with a smile she could not and would not keep hidden. 

X

He walked up the front walkway carefully, mindful of the item in his hands and the many toys in his path. She had said he didn’t need to bring anything, but he knew there was one thing he needed to bring at least and he was excited to see the reaction to it. 

Ringing the bell, he balanced it again and waited. Hearing fast little feet running toward the door, he grinned and squatted down, bracing himself, but wanting her to be the first one to see it. 

The door opened and Emily stood before him, Scully beside her. 

“Oh! Oh. So pretty. Fishie! Mommy see fishie? Guppy! Guppy fish!” She clapped her hands and then leaned forward to look closer at the fish in the small tank with a castle lid. 

He had put in rainbow colored rocks, two green plants, and a teal colored betta fish. 

Watching her face and the excitement upon it, he knew he’d made the right choice. 

“Actually, my girl,” Scully said, squatting beside her. “That’s a betta fish. Isn’t it beautiful?” 

“Pretty betta fish. So pretty. Fish swim fast.” She looked at it from all sides, Mulder grinning as he watched her. 

“Let’s let Mulder and the fishie come in and we can look at it more.” She stepped back and picked up Emily, allowing Mulder room to enter the house. 

He stepped inside and walked to the kitchen, setting it on the counter. She placed Emily on a chair and stood beside her as she watched the fish swimming around the plants. 

He smiled and looked at Scully, planning to make a comment about Emily’s excitement, but the words were never spoken as she grabbed his sweater and pulled his lips down to hers, kissing him firmly. 

The shock of it caused him to freeze, but then he kissed her back, his heart pounding in his chest. Pulling back, he stared at her and she smiled, tugging at his sweater once more, kissing him again. 

“Mommy! Fishie is so pretty.” 

“Mmm, yes baby. It’s very pretty,” she said, her eyes on Mulder and not the fish. She grinned and he cleared his throat. 

“So… I did good?” he teased and she laughed softly, letting go of his sweater and smoothing down the wrinkles she had made. 

“I’d say so.” 

“Good,” he responded, looping an arm around Emily’s middle to stop her from getting too close to the tank and falling off the counter. “I mean… I wasn’t sure when her birthday was so...” 

“Oh it’s a birthday gift?” 

“I like to cover all my bases.” 

“Well, you’re a bit early. It’s not for a couple of months yet.” 

“Hmm… then I’ll have to get something else when that time comes.” 

“Yes,” she agreed with a smile, lacing her fingers with his other hand and squeezing. “Yes, I suppose you will.” 

He grinned and squeezed back, falling further in love with her, if that was even possible.