"Hey sleepyhead."

Mulder groaned as he reluctantly came awake. His head was pounding and he was pretty certain he'd only fallen asleep two minutes ago. He opened one heavy eye to glance at the alarm clock, which told him he was only 48 minutes out. "Jesus."

"I'm sorry," Scully apologized and Mulder rolled over to face her. She was sat up in bed nursing Ellie, who stared up at her mom innocently, as though she was completely unaware that she'd kept her parents up for most of the night. "Go back to sleep, I got this."

"S'ok, I'm awake," he said gruffly, though the truth was he was still half asleep. He was tempted to take his partner up on her offer, but knew she was no doubt more exhausted than he was. If anyone deserved more sleep, it was Scully. "I'd forgotten this part," he admitted, rubbing his eyes before sitting up, stretching to kiss Ellie's forehead. The little girl paid no attention, instead focused on her early morning meal. "I used to get by with just a few hours' sleep, but I'm struggling."

"Daddy can't keep up with you baby," Scully told Ellie in a singsong voice. "Maybe we should trade him in for a younger model."

"Oh really?"

"Someone with more stamina."

"And how is Ed Jerse doing?"

"Ouch." Scully reached out and slapped Mulder's thigh. Hard.

"Do it again."

"For someone who barely slept last night, you're in a playful mood. I meant what I said you know, you can go back to sleep."

"It's ok, I'm up now."

"She's too cute to be mad at."

Mulder had to agree. Not that he was biased in any way, but Ellie had been the most beautiful baby in the maternity ward by far. "It's ok, it's still early days. We'll get a routine going soon."

"It's payback for the night before last." The night before last, when Ellie had slept straight through one of her feedings. When Scully finally woke in the middle of the night, she was convinced there was something wrong with the baby and had ended up waking her. Ellie hadn't been too impressed at being disturbed.

Now sated, the baby pulled away from Scully's breast, and her mom moved to button up her nightgown. Mulder took the baby from her, transferring her to his shoulder to burp her. "You're a week old today Meatball. Congratulations, you've survived a week in the Scully/Mulder house without your brother killing you."

"I'm sure it's not from lack of try…" Scully paused, as though listening out for something. "Speak of the devil," she began, just as Mulder detected the sound of little feet scurrying towards the bedroom. Moments later the door burst open and in ran an over-excited William. "It's my birthday! It's my birthday!"

"Ssssh!"

"It's my birthday mommy!"

"Say it louder buddy. I don't think they heard you on the moon."

"They can hear me on the moon?" William shrieked as he hopped over to his parents' bed.

"Hey Will. Have you ever heard of adoption?" Mulder asked.

Scully glared at him before pulling her son up into her arms. "Indoor voices Will," she reminded him. "Ignore your daddy. But it's early baby, very early, and your sisters are both asleep."

"Ashley isn't," the birthday boy advised matter-of-factly.

"Baby, did you wake Ashley up?"

He nodded, smiling. "She said a bad word."

"I bet she did. It's 5am buddy."

William's expression suggested he didn't really care about the time. "It's my birthday."

"We know. Happy birthday baby."

"I'm five whole years old."

"Where has that time gone?" Scully asked, helping her son under the covers. She supposed it would be too much to hope for that he fell back to sleep for a while, but it was worth a try.

"I'm a big boy now."

"You are."

"And big boys get lots of presents."

"Good boys do," Scully stressed, smiling.

"I've been good."

"He's right Scully." At least he had been over the past 24 hours, aside from taking Ellie from her crib. He'd even sat patiently and allowed Scully to nurse the baby without vying for her attention, though he was still a long way from helping out with Ellie, or even holding her.

"We can see if good boys get lots of gifts soon sweetheart. Let's stay here for a little while and have some quiet time."

"I don't want quiet time mom."

"You need to save up your energy for your party this afternoon."

Mulder failed to suppress a groan. Ten little boys and two girls from William's class, along with Ashley and, to Mulder's dismay, her boyfriend Alex. They'd hired a bouncy castle for an obscene amount of money, which was now set up in the backyard, and had a mini obstacle course and other activities set up for little people. Maggie and Ellen were due round later that morning to help prepare the food and Mulder was going to try – and no doubt fail – to keep a low profile and maybe even sneak off to see the Gunmen. He'd half hoped Scully was going to cancel after Ellie's early arrival but if anything she seemed more determined to throw this party. He understood why – William deserved the attention – but Mulder wasn't overjoyed at the prospect of dealing with a dozen over-excited children combined with a newborn, a cranky teenager and her spotty, hormonal boyfriend. Not to mention the fact he'd barely had two hours' sleep. Today was going to be a long day.

"Not too much energy," he warned. "Then maybe we can close up early."

"It's just for a few hours Mulder. My mom and Ellen will be on hand to help too. Ellen can't wait to meet Eleanor, and I hear she has a surprise for the birthday boy," Scully added, aware that William was listening. She tickled him and he let out an infectious giggle before rolling onto his side and burying his head in the crook of her neck, wrapping an arm around her middle. "I like Aunt Ellen."

"I'm sure you do."

Mulder glanced down at the bundle of pink resting against his chest. "Meatball's nearly out – maybe we can catch some shut eye before our visitors arrive," he said hopefully.

"Who's Meatball?" William asked.

"It's your sister."

"She doesn't look like a meatball." William rolled over, frowning at the little girl in question.

"When she was in mommy's tummy she did," Mulder explained.

"How did she get out of mommy's tummy?"

"You know what? We can discuss that later."

Thankfully William didn't pursue his line of questioning. "Has Aunt Ellen got me a big present?"

"This kid's got a one track mind," said Mulder, and Scully laughed.

"Tell me about it. Just like his father, although thankfully his is PG rated. But yes, I think she has William."

Without warning the little boy rolled over and poked his baby sister in the side. "Wake up Meatball!" he yelled.

"Carefully buddy," said Mulder as Ellie startled awake. Thankfully she didn't fuss, and Scully looked on with a smile as Ellie and William made eye contact for what was possibly the first time since the baby had been born. Ellie stared at her brother with what appeared to be a look of fascination. William however didn't appear to be quite so enthralled with her. "Wake up!" he ordered, jabbing her once again.

"William! Don't hurt your sister."

"I'm not hurting her mom. Ellie doesn't mind."

He was right. She didn't. Whether she was just pleased to have William's attention or simply resigned to him pushing her around, they didn't know. She stretched and blinked sleepily but remained quiet. "She's awake!" William shrieked, and both adults and Ellie flinched. "Now can we get up? Please mommy?"

Groaning, Scully reluctantly pushed back the comforter. "Chin up Scully, it'll only be a few more years before we experience this all over again with Meatball."

Scully glared at her partner. "The only reason I'm not throwing something heavy at you is that you're holding the baby. Now come on Birthday Boy," she said, making the little boy in question giggle more as she tickled him yet again. "Let's see about those presents."

Xxxxxx

Scully was busy making sandwiches with Maggie when the doorbell rang. Ellie dozed on in her Moses basket, finally asleep again after a restless morning. Mulder glanced up from where he was sat on the floor with William, helping his son put together some new Lego – a birthday present from his grandmother.

"I'll get it!"

Before anyone could move Ashley came racing down the stairs, pausing to smooth down her shirt. Realizing who their visitor was, Mulder groaned, and Scully shot him a warning look.

"Be nice," she hissed.

"Do I have to?"

"This is important to Ashley," she said as her daughter threw open the door. "He's the current love of her life."

The love of Ashley's life – at least for the moment – stood on the doorstep, smiling at his girlfriend. Adam Taylor was a spiky haired blond boy with dark brown eyes, gentle features and a killer smile. "Hi," Mulder heard him whisper nervously, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Ashley peck her boyfriend on the lips. Well aware Scully was watching him, he gritted his teeth and tried to focus on the Lego house he was building to try and calm him down. "Come in."

"Hi Adam," Scully called, abandoning the food momentarily to go and greet the boy. "How are you?"

"Good thanks Ms Scully." He reached out and handed Scully a small bouquet of flowers. "Congratulations on your new baby girl."

"Oh Adam thank you, that's so sweet." Mulder hated him already. "I'll go put these in some water. Come in and make yourself at home."

Please don't, Mulder wanted to say, but instead kept his mouth shut, well aware that it would only get him in trouble with Scully and Ashley.

"I think this goes here daddy," William pointed out, and Mulder nodded.

"Good spot buddy."

"Dad?" came a small voice from in front of him. Mulder looked up to see Ashley and Adam stood over him. He immediately got to his feet, realizing with smug satisfaction that he towered over Ashley's boyfriend. Good, he thought. Anything to remind him that Mulder could easily kick his ass if he needed to. "This is Adam."

"Hello Mr Mulder," the kid in front of him said, reaching out a hand in greeting. Rather than shake it, Mulder ignored the gesture.

"Adam," he said in a deep voice.

"Nice to meet you."

Ashley glared at Mulder until he relented. "Same to you."

If Adam was scared he didn't show it, instead turning his attention to the little boy who was still playing. "Happy Birthday William," he said, and to Mulder's dismay he held out a small gift bag. "I got you something, I hope you like it. My brother used to love this when he was your age."

Mulder looked on as William took the gift from Adam, politely said thank you and then attacked the wrapping, revealing a wind up spinning Batman figurine. "This is so cool!" William exclaimed. "Thank you Adam!"

William's excitement only served to annoy Mulder more. It seemed that Ashley's boyfriend was a hit with everyone in the family – he wouldn't be surprised if the teenager could even get Ellie to stop crying when she was cranky. However he still needed a lot of persuasion – after all, anyone dating Ashley and who had the potential to hurt her was automatically in his bad books.

"You shouldn't have Adam," Scully said, coming back into the room carrying a vase with the flowers, which she immediately placed in the middle of the dining table. "That's so kind of you. Did you say thank you William?"

"I did!"

"Can I get you a drink?"

"I was just going to get him one mom, then Adam and I were just going to hang out for a while."

"Down here," Mulder said. It was an order, not a question.

"I'm not a baby, dad," Ashley protested, but Mulder stood firm.

"Not under this roof – "

"Fine –"

"Ash honey, you and Tyler could go and set up in the garden if you don't mind?" Scully interrupted, trying to avoid World War Three. She knew Ashley wanted to get Adam away from Mulder's overprotective father routine, but likewise she knew Mulder didn't want the two of them out of his sight, even if he wasn't keen on socializing with the teenage boy either. I've got some balloons in the kitchen ready to go out, and you can help set up the games?"

"Sure," Ashley answered eagerly, looking over at Adam for confirmation. "I'd love to help Ms Scully."

"Call me Dana."

Mulder held his breath and counted to ten.

"Come on Adam," said Ashley, taking hold of her boyfriend's hand and leading him out into the kitchen, away from her dad. As soon as they were out of earshot, Mulder turned to Scully.

"You're letting them go out there alone?"

Scully placed her hands on her hips. She meant business. "You want them to go up to Ashley's room?"

"Of course not."

"Well then."

"But they're alone outside."

"And they're alone when they go out together too."

"That's different."

Scully rolled her eyes. "They either go outside or go to her room. Unless you want to entertain Adam in here this afternoon. No," she said, her eyes searching Mulder's. "I thought not."

"Roll on 4pm when this thing is done."

"You know Adam's staying for dinner too, don't you?"

"Give me strength!" Mulder exclaimed, groaning. It was going to be a long day.

xxxxxxx

"Oh my goodness Dana, she's beautiful!"

Ellen stepped into the house and past Mulder to see Scully in the doorway, carrying a very cranky and restless Ellie.

"Thank you."

As Mulder closed the door, Ellen gave him a hug and handed him a large gift bag, before padding over to her friend. She hugged Scully carefully, returning her attention to the baby. "Hello beautiful," she cooed, her hand stroking through the baby's fine dark hair. "A brunette," she said, and Scully nodded.

"She's got her daddy's coloring for now."

"Poor baby. At least you've got your mommy's looks though."

"Great to see you Ellen."

"Always a pleasure Mulder." She grinned. "Congratulations to you both. The pictures you sent me don't do her justice Dana, she's perfect. And as for you," she said to Scully. "Look at you! I can't believe you're back in your jeans already."

"They're my maternity jeans."

"I don't believe you," she said, taking the baby from Scully. "Hello princess. I'm your cool, fun Aunt Ellen. Yes I am."

"Aunt Ellen!"

Ellen looked up as William bounded into the hallway. "Hey dude!"

"It's my birthday, it's my birthday!"

"How much sugar has he had?" Ellen asked, and Mulder sighed heavily.

"Too much."

"It's my birthday Aunt El!"

"No way, really? I hadn't noticed." All three adults bit back smiles. William was wearing a badge that was almost as big as he was with his age on it.

"Uh huh."

"Well it's a good job I've got some gifts for a birthday boy then, isn't it?"

William ran towards her, but Scully put a hand out to stop her son. "Say hello first William."

He reluctantly came to a halt by Ellen, who crouched down, still holding the baby. "Who's this Will?"

"It's Ellie."

"How do you like your little sister?" He shrugged. "Do you like being a big brother?" Another shrug. Ellen kissed him hello. "Ellie was just telling me you're a very cool big brother."

"She just cries allllllll the time," William said, clearly unimpressed.

"Babies do that."

"Brothers don't."

Ellen shot Scully a small sympathetic grin. "I've some bad news kiddo. All babies cry, even little boys. Especially little boys," she added. "I hear they cry more than girls."

William raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

"Way more than girls."

The little boy sniffed, considering her words, and then decided he'd had enough of talking about babies. "Thank you for my present Aunt El," he said, giving her a sloppy kiss on the cheek before running off to show his grandmother, who was in the living room.

Ellen stood up straight. "I'm guessing things haven't got much better after our phone call the other evening?"

"Define better," said Mulder, heading off after his son.

"He at least lets me hold her now," Scully explained. "Although he did tell his teacher he had a brother."

"He didn't?"

Scully nodded. "She came out to see the baby and was a little shocked to see a pink bundle in the carrier."

Ellen couldn't help but laugh. "Oh god."

"Tell me about it. Last night he took Ellie off to his room though because she was crying. We found him running his toy trains all over her."

"Was she upset?"

Scully shook her head and let out a chuckle. "No, that's the thing, she was just letting him. She was probably wondering what the hell was going on."

Ellen addressed the baby. "You get used to that feeling when you're around men honey. It's ok though, you have plenty of females around you to defend you. Speaking of…" she continued, glancing in the direction of the living room. "Where's Ashley?"

"She's out back."

"Outside?"

Scully nodded. "She's invited Adam round to the party. Mulder doesn't want them in the house at the moment in case they try and sneak off somewhere together."

"Oh god."

"Yeah."

"I was going to ask how Mulder was behaving towards him but I think you've just answered my question."

"He hasn't pulled his gun on him yet, but I think he's tempted."

"I don't know sweetheart," Ellen cooed to the baby. "What's your daddy like? Hopefully he won't be quite so bad when you start dating."

"Are you kidding?" Scully asked, raising her eyebrows. "He's going to be even worse."

xxxx

"Ssssh, it's ok Meatball…" Mulder lifted his daughter up from the changing mat into his arms and stood, gently bouncing her, hoping to calm her down. He'd taken her inside to check her diaper, but she was dry. She wasn't hungry, having just been fed by Scully, so he presumed she wasn't feeling too sociable. He could sympathize. "Daddy's got you." He added a sway along with the bounce and Ellie instantly quietened, looking up at her dad in what could have been amazement, but Mulder suspected was more confusion. Scully often gave him a look as though to say she wasn't quite sure what he was doing, and with the exception of her coloring, Ellie was a mommy's girl through and through. "I bet you just needed a break from the party, didn't you? All those scary children? I don't blame you, I did too." He turned towards the sofa, planning on hanging out with his daughter for a while rather than taking her back outside. William's party was in full swing and twelve overexcited and oversugared children were currently running riot outside. Mulder was exhausted, and he couldn't blame it all on his sleepless night.

Just as he took a seat, Maggie appeared in the doorway, looking concerned. "How is she doing?"

"She's fine," Mulder replied, glancing down at the little girl in his arms, whose eyelids seemed to be growing heavy. "I think she was just a little overwhelmed by all the attention."

"Bless her. I can't say I blame her, I'd forgotten how exhausting five year olds could be."

Mulder grinned as Maggie took a seat next to him. "Tell me about it. The one we've got is bad enough."

"What time was he up this morning?"

"Just past 5am."

Maggie flinched. "No wonder Dana looks exhausted. I worry she's doing too much."

"She was up most of the night with this little one. I think Meatball knew something fun was going on today."

"She's doing too much," said Maggie, referring to her daughter, and Mulder nodded in agreement.

"I know, but you know what she's like. She's stubborn. She wanted to throw William this party, and I even offered to bring in caterers, but she wanted to do it herself. It's like she thinks she's failed as a mom if she didn't do it. I did try to tell her otherwise," he added.

"Oh I know you did. I know what my daughter's like."

Ellie let out a whimper and both Mulder and Maggie glanced down at her. "Sssh," Mulder whispered to his daughter, who promptly settled. "She doesn't want to feel left out."

Smiling, Maggie reached out and smoothed down her granddaughter's hair. "She's so beautiful Fox."

"I know. I mean I'm biased, but I know."

"I just wish Bill had been here to see her. Bill Senior I mean," she clarified well aware that Mulder's mind had immediately jumped to Scully's brother. "He would have loved her. William too." Her eyes caught Mulder's. "He would have loved you too."

Mulder huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "I'm not too sure about that. I'm sure I wasn't the type of guy either of you picked out for Dana."

"All we ever wanted for Dana was for her to be happy. When she first met Jack we thought that she'd found someone she wanted to settle down with but then –"

"Yeah." Mulder knew how that turned out.

"When he left her she was so broken. Her pregnancy helped her pick herself up and carry on, and I've no doubt that Ashley got her through a lot of things. She made Dana happy, but I don't think it was until they met you that things finally got better for them." His cheeks pinking, Mulder looked down, focusing on the baby in his arms rather than the compliments Maggie was giving him. "I mean it Fox. Honestly, no I don't think you were the kind of man we thought Dana would be with, at least not at first. But anyone can see how much you love her, and Ashley too. Even all those years ago when I first met you…" Back when Scully had been abducted, Mulder remembered with a shiver. "I knew how much they both meant to you. You're a good man Fox, and you've made my baby and her baby girl very happy. And you've given me two other beautiful grandchildren. I've no doubt that Bill would have been very happy to know that Dana had found someone who loves her and treats her as well as you do."

Mulder smiled gratefully. "Thank you," he said, shifting Ellie in his arms once he realized the baby had drifted off to sleep. "You know, I asked Dana to marry me last weekend." Maggie raised her eyebrows. "Just after Ellie was born."

"And she said no." It was a statement, not a question. Maggie knew her daughter too well sometimes.

"Actually she said yes. Initially. Once the drugs had worn off she soon retracted her acceptance."

"Fox," Maggie reached out and squeezed Mulder's arm, before resting her hand on Ellie's leg. "You said it yourself. Dana is stubborn. She's always been that way, and has never done anything in a hurry. She likes to take her time, but I know her. I know how much you mean to her and I know she wants to marry you. It took a lot for her to trust you after what happened with Jack, and I think the fact she let you in to her life, and to Ashley's, shows how much she's loved you for a long time. I've no doubt she wants to marry you, but she's just taking her time. Keep asking," she said with a smile.

"Oh I will," Mulder replied. "I don't give up easily."

"I know. That's what I like about you," she said with a smile.

"Daddy!" came a familiar voice, heading into the house and towards the living room. "Grandma!" Moments later William appeared in the doorway, his face bright red and a little sweaty. Mulder had no doubt his son would sleep well that night. "Mommy said she's about to cut the cake, and if you're not outside in two, she's going to eat your slice."

"Well we can't have that," said Maggie, getting to her feet. Satisfied that Ellie wasn't about to stir, Mulder also stood, and followed her outside to re-join the party.

Xxxxxx

"She's finally out." Mulder stood at the doorway to William's room where Scully and their son stretched out on the little boy's bed – Scully on top of the covers and William underneath, transfixed as his mom read him a story. "I'm going to put her down," he said, referring to the little bundle in his arms. Ellie may have looked innocent and cute, however she'd spent most of the afternoon and evening in tears, seemingly overwhelmed by the day's activities.

"Ok." Scully closed the book momentarily and put it on the beside table. "Will honey, do you want to say goodnight to your sister?"

"No thanks mommy," said the birthday boy, smiling angelically. Mulder rolled his eyes at his partner, appreciating her suggestion, but not surprised that William had declined. They may have made progress the previous night when the little boy had included Ellie in his game, but it was going to take a while.

"Are you sure? Not even a quick goodnight? For me?"

William frowned at his mom, and Mulder waited for his son to protest, but it didn't come. Instead the little boy sighed loudly, and Mulder took his opportunity, padding into the room and up to the bed crouching down beside it. William sat up and leaned over towards Ellie, who was still sleeping soundly in their dad's arms. "Night night Ellie," William said, moving as though to kiss his sister before thinking better of it. "Please don't cry tonight," he added, seriously. "You woke me up last night and I didn't like it." With that he tapped Ellie on the arm – whether it was to say goodnight or a warning gesture his parents weren't sure, but Mulder wasn't going to take any chances and so straightened up, heading out of the room.

"Well done baby," said Scully, kissing her son just as Ashley wandered past her brother's room, her ear glued to the phone. She broke off momentarily.

"Goodnight Monster!"

"I'm not a monster. You're a monster!" Will shrieked, and Scully laughed.

"Happy Birthday Squirt."

"Ashley, five more minutes please. Adam left barely an hour ago. Surely there isn't that much more to say to one another," Scully protested, though she knew she was wasting her breath. She looked on as her daughter nodded, as though considering her advice and then carried on walking off in the direction of her own bedroom. Scully returned her attention to her son, squeezing him tightly. "Ok birthday boy, I think it's time you think about sleep. Have you had a good day?"

William nodded enthusiastically, a big grin on his face – the same smile he'd had on his face all day. "It's been the best," he replied matter-of-factly. "I can't believe I'm five whole years old," he added as Mulder walked back into the room, this time babyless, and perched on the other side of William's bed.

"You're getting old buddy," he joked, ruffling his son's hair. William swatted his hands away playfully.

"I'm not old daddy."

"I don't know. You're five now. It's time for you to get out into the big bad world and earn your keep."

"Five," Scully said, shaking her head in disbelief. "This time five years ago you were a tiny baby," she added, trailing off. She and Mulder shared a look, well aware at just how different things were five years ago. They were elated at William's safe arrival of course, but terrified that their son was going to be taken.

"As tiny as Ellie?"

"Pretty much," Mulder agreed. "You were small and red and wrinkly and crying when I put you in mommy's arms, but you were the most perfect little guy I'd ever seen."

"And then what happened?"

Another look. "Then daddy and, you remember Mr Doggett don't you?" William nodded. "Well they took us to the hospital."

"Was Ashley there?"

Both adults recalled their daughter being terrorized by the evening's events. She had nightmares for a long time after William's birth. They all did.

"Yes she was buddy. Then we finally took you and your mom home, and the rest is history. Scully, that tiny, peaceful, chilled out baby is now an energetic, if somewhat hyperactive little boy who doesn't stop talking and is –"

"Now asleep?" Scully answered, peering down at their son, who sure enough was dead to the world. Smiling, she kissed his forehead before carefully extracting herself from William's arms.

"It's been a pretty eventful five years," said Mulder, getting to his feet to meet Scully at the end of their son's bed. She immediately stepped into his arms, hugging him tight.

"I certainly didn't think we'd end up here all those years ago." She smiled up at him. "But I'm glad we did."

"Me –" Mulder paused, grimacing as he heard the faint sounds of their youngest daughter fretting. "Ok, I take it back. I'll get her," he added, kissing Scully chastely before walking out of the bedroom towards his daughter. Taking one last look at the birthday boy, Scully then stepped out of his room and pulled the door to, leaving William to sleep.