Hey guys, so here's the next chapter. Forgive the length, but there should be a decent amount of awkwardness to cushion the shortness. Just a heads up, this will deal with bras and bugs! Okay, there are more bugs later, but it's a nice set up for an episode I'm really excited to write out. Going back to the chapter's main focus (bras), if you want a less awkward version of such a scenario, there's an adorable little story called Another Man's Child by AmorFati32. The author also has a spin off called Another Man's Child Revisited which hilariously deals with, well, bras. But seriously, read the story mentioned above! It's really good!
Random question: Do you guys use unmuting in regard to television? I was told by my computer that unmute is not a word?
Anyway, on with the chapter!
Enjoy!
Later in the day, Chloe talks her father into letting her see Anna for the rest of the day leaving Mulder and Scully to talk about the person he sees earlier in the morning. Letting Chloe and Anna run off toward the various playground equipment, Scully gives her partner her full attention as he describes a blonde woman he merely catches a glimpse of.
"But it's not X or anyone?" She asks while worry threatens her voice. Shaking his head, Mulder replies, "No. Just someone who looks really familiar."
The woman nods as she settles in her seat next to her partner while Chloe and Anna run around the slightly frozen gym equipment. The pair is silent until Mulder asks, "How did your mom go about giving you your first bra?"
Trying not to laugh, Scully answers, "She sat me down and talked to me one day after Charlie teased me for arm hair. I'm pretty sure Bill dared him to do it, but still."
"So that's where you learned to be so tough," Mulder comments with only a slight hint of humor. Nodding a little, the red head replies, "Yeah. That and the FBI. But, Mulder, you have to give her that bra yourself. It was part of our agreement."
"I know. It's just, I don't even know how to approach the topic of a bra to her," The father complains. Remembering her own adolesnece, Scully tells him, "It 'll be awkward no matter how you do this. Trust me."
After an hour at the park, Mulder calls the girls toward him and Scully before guiding them toward a diner for lunch. With Rachel picking her daughter up for a movie a couple hours later, the group soon becomes a trio and heads back to Mulder's apartment. As they enter the hallway, Chloe says more to Scully than her father, "Anna's mom got her a bra."
Overhearing the conversation, Mulder raises his eyebrows at his partner before unlocking the door. Entering the home, all three shed their coats before Mulder asks, "How do you feel about that?"
Rolling her eyes, Chloe states, "Dad, you're not supposed to listen. This is between me and Scully."
Putting his hands up in mock defense, he answers, "Sorry, Chlo."
"Did you want a bra?" Scully questions the preteen when Mulder turns on the television. Looking away from the woman, Chloe nods slightly saying, "Other girls in class have them."
"But do you think you need one?" The red head questions. Realizing her father is in the room, Chloe makes sure he is not looking before nodding her head. Smoothing the girl's hair, Scully answers, "I think we can arrange something. Right Mulder?"
Looking up from a movie that now catches his interest, Mulder replies, "Yep."
"He wasn't listening, was he?" Chloe questions with an eyebrow raise. Smirking, Scully replies, "You never know."
Rolling his eyes, the man mutes the television before standing and leaving the apartment. Confused, Chloe asks, "Is Dad angry?"
Scully shakes her head. She merely presumes that Mulder is still in denial that his daughter is growing up and needs some time to think. The red head sometimes finds Chloe's age hard for her to believe herself.
"Scully?" Chloe asks bringing the woman from her thoughts, "How hard is it to put on a bra?"
Trying to remember what exactly training bras look like, Scully answers, "Not very. If you need help, I'll teach you."
Unsure if she wants Scully to help her, Chloe simply nods before looking at the television and unmuting the sound. Rising from her seat, Scully assumes the conversation is over and walks toward the kitchen. Getting out the tea she knows Mulder keeps in the kitchen, the woman hears the door open. Finding Mulder holding the bag containing Chloe's bra, the woman decides to watch as her partner give the preteen her present.
"You don't like it?" The man asks once his daughter sees what she is given.
"No, I'm happy I have one. But, why did you give it to me and not Scully?" Chloe questions as she lets the training bra sit on her lap. Rubbing his neck, Mulder answers, "Scully and I talked about it and she thought it best, since I'm your dad, that I give it to you."
Nodding, Chloe looks at her surrogate mother who stands in the entryway before asking, "Did you get this for me?"
"Yeah, I did. We can get you another one later, but that's just to start out with," Scully answers from her stance at the living room entry. Nodding, Chloe asks, "Can I call Anna?"
Giving his daughter permission to call her friend, Mulder goes to stand near his partner stating, "You'd think she'd just go down there and talk to her."
"With a bra?" Scully asks with a raised eyebrow. Realizing where his daughter picks up the habit, the father says, "You and Chloe act too much alike sometimes."
"We try," The red head responds before spending some more time with her partner and his daughter before heading back home. As the next week continues, Chloe walks happily into her father's office stating, "Dad said I can go to my friend's sleepover!"
"Provided you do your homework before you go," Mulder adds as he shuts the office door to an amused Scully. Seeing the preteens face change, both agents wait for the girl's next words.
"But, Laura's party starts right after school!"
"No, some kids are getting a ride with her after school. You can meet them later," Mulder replies knowing his daughter is not doing her homework like she needs to. He watches his daughter sigh as she sulks on the couch.
"Guess that means the week end is free again," Scully replies happily.
"You have a date or something?" Mulder questions. She rolls her eyes at him stating, "No, I just like to have a weekend free once in a while. You have any riveting plans of your own?"
Shrugging, Mulder answers, "Who knows. Maybe I'll just go bug hunting."
Curious at his comment, the red head is about to question her partner before he states, "I really have no idea. I could see if there are any X-files to catch up on."
As if catching a glimpse into the man's future, Scully states, "I dread to think what you'll be like when Chloe is off at college."
"That's okay. I'll have you to look after me," Mulder teases before heading to one of the filing cabinets. Rolling her eyes upward, Scully mutters, "That's what I'm afraid of."
Review!