Chapter Text
After all these years on the job, Special Agent Doctor Dana Scully felt that she had quite certainly been to many places in the name of pursuit for The Truth. Even the Arctic. (How had that been some-odd years ago already?) But today was a new experience. Even for her. The last X-File had been local. Just… Pertaining to the proximity of her mother’s house. In Baltimore.
SOMEWHERE ON I-83
NEAR BALITMORE
If anything… Special Agent Monica Reyes was amused. Truly.
Because of the way that things had panned out at the behest of the universe, it was just she had Scully who had been delegated to investigate an X-File in an off-the-beaten-track Baltimore-adjacent town. Dark River.
What had Monica feeling amused was that the case had taken then less than two hours from home. And because of the Dark River case, Monica knew that she would also never think about birds the same way again. Ever.
Monica even chose to believe that the higher-ups at work would have something entertaining to read when they got to her field report. The X-Files could actually be fun. Occasionally. Who knew?
But then there was the second factor of what had occurred on the way out of the Black River area that had Monica feeling amused. In a deep way.
Scully’s mother had called, almost immediately after a local radio station had reminded its listeners of the evening forecast… which included a widespread multi-county downpour. Margaret ‘Maggie’ Katarine Scully had seen the same report on her television.
Aware that Scully and Monica were in her neck of the woods because she and her daughter spoke more often these days, Maggie called her. Just to see if they were on the road. Yet.
Upon finding out that they were, Maggie promptly invited them to stay over until morning. It would take that long for the weather to pass. The travelers accepted. Baltimore was even directly between them and home. So it made sense.
They were even a little ways outside Baltimore-proper already now. Destination: 47 Vulpis Drive.
Maggie lived there.
And presently…
Grateful. That had become the feeling that had engulfed Scully after finishing the chat with her mother.
Vastly pregnant as she was, there were also times when she just had to call it about what she was and wasn’t capable of. This particular car journey was one such task. Her baby was jumpy tonight. Scully blamed the incoming weather. Monica, in her own exclusive-to-her-ways, had noticed. She offered to drive. It was the least she could really do. At that particular juncture.
So Scully gave her the car keys without a fuss.
47 VULPIS DRIVE
BALTIMORE
Maggie Scully kept her house in top shape. Always had. Tidiness had been a long-instilled habit from her earliest years. But many decades of living with and being married to the father of her children, a Navy man, had cemented things. Even in widowhood.
But she did live by herself.
To that end…
Maggie was now bustling around her house, preparing for her company. They couldn’t be terribly far away at this point. Guests would be fun.
There were still two of the bedrooms to be properly made-up. For now? Maggie was cooking. A hot home-cooked meal on a night like this one… Well… The matriarch didn’t have to be a mother to know Dana and Monica would be pleased. Only human.
A soft brush against her ankles brought Maggie back to Planet Earth. She even cast her gaze downward.
Watching her with intense interest was a young but large orange-colored Maine Coon kitten.
Zorro belonged to the precious neighbor girl who lived with her parents in the house to the left of Maggie’s own. The creature was very pleasant. And so friendly.
One of his chief hobbies? Purring. Loudly. And frequently.
Zorro was with Maggie for the time being while his family was away on vacation. He missed them. But he knew Maggie well enough to have made himself at home with her quickly. Zorro could also tell she appreciated his company. The feeling was mutual. Maggie was kind. And gentle. Zorro especially loved when Maggie talked to him. About anything.
So Zorro contented himself with listening to Maggie as she narrated the process of her cooking project to him.
But felt the need to anchor his friend back to reality when her words had trailed away in mid-thought.
Maggie had remembered the phone call to her third-born. And she felt amusement over everything.
Dana was not overly-fond of cats. At all. She still promised to tolerate Zorro. And this came after double-checking before positively relating that her companion liked cats.
But Maggie addressed Zorro.
“I’m sorry, little friend.” she apologized to him. “Was I in the middle of explaining about dessert?”
Zorro meowed loudly in confirmation.
BALTIMORE
They now had twenty minutes to go until reaching Maggie’s driveway.
Genuine conversation between Scully and Monica had also petered out. Neither was bothered by this. Although still in the ‘getting to know you’ phase of things, Scully and Monica felt comfort when in the presence of the other person. It was nice. Even reassuring. But especially because the only other person whom Scully had ever had this bond with had been Melissa. No one else.
Yet… Only the universe itself understood that a new version of the bond was establishing itself because it had been written in the stars long before either woman’s parents had even met.
Scully said after a few minutes had elapsed, “Monica?”
Guiding the car on to the next street they needed, Monica asked, “What’s up?”
“Where were you born?” Scully wanted to know.
But Monica returned playfully, “What about you?”
Scully said, “I was born on an American base in Annapolis. My father was a Navy man. So…”
“His kids being born at base hospitals were normal,” posited Monica. “Because of transfers?”
“Gold star. But my siblings were born on American bases in Italy, Japan, even England.” explained Scully. “But anyway… It’s your turn. Go.”
“I,” Monica spoke of herself. “Was born in Texas. But for the sake of being on the mark? Austin.”
“Okay.” Scully said carefully when she realized there was more to the story. “I’m with you so far…”
“My own specific ‘plot twist,’ as it were, is that I was adopted when I was almost a month old.” continued Monica. “But honestly? It isn’t a secret. The matter just doesn’t come up a lot. I was raised in Mexico City.”
Having heard Monica speak splendid Spanish throughout the course of the Black River case, now Scully said, “Oh. That’s cool. And that explains how your Spanish-speaking skills are so marvelous. I’m impressed. Got any siblings?”
“I do.” Monica said cheerfully. “The four of us were adopted by our folks.”
“May I know exactly where from?” Scully felt curious. “I’d like to know. Please?”
“My brothers and sister were adopted from across Mexico City. But in the end? Our parents chose us. I’m third in the lineup. One older brother, one older sister, one younger brother.” Monica winked. “Familiar. No?”
“I should say so.” Scully laughed before collecting herself. “Uh…”
Able to guess her next question, Monica said, “It’s okay. Are you wondering if I’ve ever learned anything about your biological parents?”
“Uh-huh.” Scully admitted.
“All I know is that they named me Monica Julieta.” then she tacked on an after thought. “You know something, though? The letter o in my name has an accent mark over the top. That only shows up on my closed service record. Or other important papers. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Yes.” answered Scully. “Do you have any idea why that choice was made?”
“Uh-uh. I just know that the folks who raised me never changed the name I was given when I was born. So I cherish what I have in that department. And I’ve always just wished my biological parents well.” Monica brought the car to the next road that would bring them to Vulpis Drive. “I’ve noticed that cross necklace. Were you raised going to church?”
Scully absently touched her hand to the piece of jewelry. “Mhm. We Scullys are Irish Catholic. But what’s your story? Did you grow up going to church?”
“Our folks raised us as Roman Catholics.” the other woman said. “But our parents have always been cool about exploring faith for ourselves. Héctor and Lázaro are ministers at a church. Their families help.
“I see.” said Scully. “Where’s the church?”
Monica answered, “In Farmington. Do you know it?”
Scully said, “Mhm. New Mexico. Years back, Mulder and I got stuck there during a snowstorm once.”
Rightfully thrown, Monica protested, “I beg your pardon?!”
“It’s what happened.” Scully said authoritatively. “Ask me tomorrow. Then I’ll tell you.”
“Oh, alright.” Monica sighed.
“I’m impressed about your brothers, though.” Scully told Monica. “What’s your sister’s name? And what does she do?”
“My big sister,” said Monica. “Is called Begoña. She’s a New Age priestess in Los Angeles. Begoña even has a wealth of Hollywood A-Listers amongst her inner circle. Hand to God. Begoña is that popular.”
“She sounds cool.” Scully reflected. “Has she ever changed her name? I know some people in that lifestyle do…”
“Nah. Once she realized that people in those communities are welcoming of non run-of-the-mill names, Begoña cheerfully elected to keep what she has. And she loves her name now. Didn’t, when we were kids.” Monica said. “What do you think of my siblings and I?”
“I like you even more now. And I find it wild,” Scully said. “That you’re the only one who deviated from the others.”
“Even our parents continue to scratch their heads about how three of their children are involved in religion, but then the remainder became an American federal agent. So I suppose that’s that. No? But we always laugh about it.” Monica turned onto the final street that would lead them to Vulpis Drive. “Have anything else…?”
“Yeah.” said Scully. “Going back to the matter of growing up in church… Do you have a confirmation name?”
“I don't have one. But I do have the baptismal version.” answered Monica. “What about you?”
Scully told her, “I definitely have a confirmation-type name that I chose all on my own.”
Monica asked, “What is it?”
But Scully didn’t get a chance to answer.
The street sign for Vulpis Close finally swam into view.
So Scully occupied herself with directing Monica to Number 47. At last. Monica paid attention. She had never been here before. It even began to drizzle as they paid attention to the house numbers now. They made it. Eventually.
And Maggie noticed.
While Monica parked at the stretch of curb closest to the driveway, Maggie spoke to Zorro. “Please. Behave yourself. Okay?”
Zorro meowed cutely and loudly.
In the car, Scully told Monica, “Just call us by our names when we get in there. Okay? Are we on the same page?”
“Yes, Dana. I understand.” promised Monica. “But I also get it because I was at school with two other Monicas for the whole stretch.”
Taken aback, Scully said, “Okay. But has your life ever been quiet?!”
“Mm-mm. Quite literally never.” Monica retrieved their bags from the backseat. “Anything else to tell me?”
“I guess,” mused Scully. “That we shouldn’t forget about Zorro the cat…”
Her words petered out when she tried to figure out what to say.
Monica spoke. “I really do love cats. That isn’t a lie. However… You have a hang-up. Spill.”
But Scully deflected, “Mom’s waiting.”
In the house, Maggie watched them from a window. She liked what she saw there. Monica was helping Dana through the cold weather. Monica seemed very chivalrous. And so gentle. Just like Melissa had been. Cosmic. Her daughter had a new sister.
The matriarch also reflected, as she headed towards the door, that she missed Fox. But Maggie also understood that he was finding himself after his… ordeal of having been ‘away.’ What Maggie found particularly endearing was that he had gone to Graceland. Literally. But she still decided that she would invite him for a visit when he got back from his trip. She had seen The King multiple times when he had been in his prime. And she still had a treasure trove of memorabilia he would be interested in.
Zorro slinked slowly after Maggie.
The creature hung back as Maggie caught up with her own younger version. Zorro decided that even she seemed nice. And so did the other newcomer. But Zorro decided he would wait to be noticed.
On her own behalf, Monica decided the same thing. She had already helped Scully out with her coat and shoes because her entire center of gravity was not at normal capacity these days. But Monica didn’t mind looking after her. And Scully liked that she did. So the balance was welcome.
But Scully finally addressed her mother. “Okay. Please come say hello to one more member of mine and Fox’s unit, Monica Reyes.”
She hadn’t known what to expect. By any means. Monica had already had the impression that Maggie Scully was kind. Even gentle.
But it was the way she greeted her immediately off the bat…
Embracing her as if she’d always known her, Maggie said to Monica, “I’m so happy to finally meet you. And welcome to my house.”
Her heart tightening with affection, Monica responded, “Thank you so much.”
Maggie hugged her again. It’d taken her but the blink of an eye to realize that Monica was cosmic. Just like Dana. Even Melissa. But then Maggie realized what it was. And perked up.
Monica was actually radiating pure contentment. She seemed like both curiosity and contentment in human form.
Did she know…?
Just as quickly straightening Monica back out, Maggie informed her, “You’ll always have a place here. Okay?”
“Okay, Maggie. Thank you.” Monica responded. “Also… Thank you for inviting us to stay over. Seriously. Dana and I were about to be up a creek.”
“Yeah.” Scully groused. “Big time.”
BOOM! WOOSH!
Scully’s remark was definitely still hanging in the air when the heavens opened up to finally produce the previously-promised rainstorm.
Scully murmured, “That’s crazy…”
“But,” Maggie shrugged. “You two are here now.”
Scully and Monica said as one, “Thank God.”
“I agree with both of you.” Maggie joked. “As it is… There are still some other things I have left to do. But dinner is ready. I also made sure the laundry and the facilities are available. Okay? That last part does include the shower.”
Monica said, “Splendid.”
Scully began, “Thank y…”
But Scully’s words ended with a magnificent, albeit badly-timed, sneeze.
Her companions watched when Scully groaned in discomfort as she cradled her vast baby bump. The baby had kicked her with both heels. He or she seemed to think it was time to play. Maggie and Monica both worked quickly to ensure they didn’t laugh. Each had realized quite separately that the third member of their trio was one hundred percent psychically-connected to her unborn child. Even though she’d never admit it.
Zorro meowed loudly.
Picking him up when he wandered over, Maggie said to her company, “Please greet Zorro. I will be looking after him for awhile. But Zorro is the nicest cat I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Really.”
As if to prove her point, Zorro began to purr loudly when Monica lovingly stroked his fur. Even he could sense her contentment.
“Hm.” remarked Monica. “The cat is handsome, too. My favorite part? ‘Zorro’ means ‘fox’ in Spanish.”
The Scullys asked, “Is that right?”
“Yep. And…” Monica looked at Maggie. “Who are you minding your sidekick for?”
“The little neighbor girl.” Maggie confirmed. “Her house is next door. She lives there with her folks.”
Now Monica asked, “What’s name?”
“Her name,” answered Maggie. “Is Ffion.”
Brightening, Scully told her mother, “I remember the Griffithses. The husband is Huw. And his wife is… uh… Daffni. Right?”
“Yes.” Maggie confirmed. “Excellent job.”
Monica asked, “Where are Ffion’s folks from?”
Impressed that she’d even had the idea to ask, Maggie answered, “I promise you that they moved in right next door from Wales when Daffni was pregnant. They’re in their mid-thirties now. Or so.”
Monica asked, “What about Ffion?”
“She’s in kindergarten this year.” answered Maggie. “Both Ffion and her parents know me as ‘Aunt Maggie’ because I look out for them.”
“Wow. I didn’t know that last part.” said Scully. “That’s really kind.”
Monica nodded. “It is. By the way… I understand moving countries.”
Now Maggie found herself liking this woman even more. Old memories of moving countries, multiple times, had come rushing back. How had she lived in three before permanently settling in the states with her late husband upon his retirement? Hell if she knew. But at least she’d come a long way from where she’d begun. Right?
Maggie asked Monica, “Is that so?”
“Yep.” Monica took Zorro into her arms when he reached for her. “I really did not grow up in the states at all.”
“Fascinating…” Maggie murmured.
“How did you end up looking after sweet Zorro?” asked Monica. “I’m curious.”
“Well…” answered Maggie. “It so happens that Ffion’s parents took her to DisneyWorld. They wanted her to be in a fun place when they tell her that she’s going to be a big sister.”
“Impressive idea.” said Monica.
“Yeah.” Scully agreed before directly addressing Maggie again. “Did the idea of a pet-boarding establishment freak Ffion out?”
“Yep. She was deeply concerned that Zorro wouldn’t get enough hugs and things if he was at a place like that.” Maggie told her. “But Ffion still gave me an extra hug of thanks just before I saw them off on the SuperShuttle yesterday morning.”
“Hm.” said Scully. “That’s adorable.”
“Mhm.” now Monica turned to Scully as she continued to snuggle Zorro. “Hey. Dana, what do you think about Zorro? I can safely say that he’s a charmer.”
Zorro purred loudly.
Stroking Zorro behind his ears, now Scully mused, “Hm. I guess he isn’t that bad…”
Monica still watched in surprise when Scully suddenly stiffened. The cat had gently grabbed her hand with both paws. Just to see what would happen.
On Zorro’s behalf, Monica asked, “Everything okay?”
But it was Maggie who spoke from a place of dejected exasperation. “Dana Katherine Joan! How do you still have that hang-up in adulthood?!”
Turning red because Monica was watching in a dark fascination, Scully protested, “I was ten! Plus the day was All Hallows’ Eve, no?! But must you employ my whole entire name?!”
But Maggie said coolly, “Me? I will do what I want because I made you. And Monica is family. On top of that? I don’t think Father McMath is around…”
Scully muttered as she gently withdrew her hand from Zorro’s paws, “I would be freaked out if he was…”
Monica asked, “Why?”
Scully said blandly, “Then he’d be well more than one hundred.”
Monica laughed. “Okay. Then I’m with you.”
Maggie told her offspring, “Anyway… Father McMath really isn’t here anymore to scold me about when versus when to not call you by the name that you chose for yourself. So there’s that…”
Scully prompted, “But…?”
“And,” Maggie told her with correct emphasis. “I daresay that ‘Joan’ rounds things out. Nicely.”
Still holding Zorro, Monica said in a tone of poorly-feigned innocence. “Maggie? I agree with you.”
Lighting up at once, Maggie told Scully, “I love her. But how’d you meet?”
Scully and Monica said as one, “Classified.”
“Oh, well. I tried.” Maggie shrugged before speaking specifically to her third-born. “Is there anyone at HQ that’ll benefit from knowing where you and Monica are? Don’t fib.”
Thinking of Skinner, Scully said, “Yeah. I will call our boss.”
“Excellent move.” said Monica. “Think he has even left the building?”
Glancing at a nearby clock to see that it was relatively early, Scully answered, “Mm-mm. That man has been married to his job since before we met him.”
“I can’t believe,” sighed Monica. “That that’s totally plausible.”
“Welcome to my world.” Scully joked. “Please go on with mom. Okay? I will be along soon.”
And so… The others made their exit.