sg6

TITLE: Savage Garden Chapter Six: The Best Thing
AUTHOR: Gaia Less
RATING: PG13
SPOILERS: Pilot, Emily... a few flashbacks from actual scenes. Everything else through the beginning of season seven, I guess.

SUMMARY: Mulder moves in with Scully and gets used to their new life together, and being a father.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Mulder, Scully, or anyone else you might recognize from the series. They are owned by Chris Carter, 1013, and Fox. I don't own them. No copyright infringement is intended. I didn;t create em, I'm just playing with them. I'll give them back when I'm done. Promise!! Please don't sue me...

All songs belong to Savage Garden.. yeah.. they rock. Also just borrowing them, blah blah blah....

Archive anywhere, but please get my permission first :) tis as easy as emailing me and saying, Yo, Gaia, I wanna put your fanfic, [title here], on my site, okay? You can even simply cut and paste that sentence into an email document! I will reply with something along the lines of Hey, that's cool. Promote me! Yeah! Sweeeeet. See? Tis VERY easy :) Wowwww. Hehe

notes and such at the end




Chapter Six
The Best Thing
by GL

==========

April 29th, 2003
2:15 pm

Mommy, are we going home now? Lexie asks after.

Dana replies. We'll leave as soon as Fox finishes packing a bag. He's going to stay with us for a few days.

I'm here, I say, coming into the kitchen.

You ready? Dana asks, turning to me.

I say. I glance down at her hands, and at the ring. I look back up and grin at her.

Okay then. Let's go.

Lexie says, standing up.

We go down to Dana's car, and we start driving.

~*~

7:21 pm

We stop at McDonald's to get something for dinner. While Lexie is playing happily with her Happy Meal toy, I realize something I didn't think of before.



I just realized something. I'm going to have to go back to Washington in a few days to pack up my apartment.

She smiles. I didn't think of that either. Of course, I didn't think I'd be bringing you back with me. Don't worry about it. It's a few hours from my house to Washington.

I nod. I don't mind making the trip, it's for her. I want to be with her as much as possible, and the sooner I get moved in, the sooner that will happen.

I smile. *Moved in.* It sounded kind of funny. I'm moving into Dana's house... I'm marrying her. God, her husband's been dead for barely twenty-four hours, and she's already agreed to marry me. It's crazy... but it's true.

Fox? What are you thinking about? Dana asks, taking my hand across the table.

I reply with a smile. I'm still kind of shocked by the whole fact that we're... together again. And that we're getting married.

She smiles back at me. Well, we should probably get going. We're only about an hour from home.

I repeat softly, standing up from the table. The three of us walk out of the restaurant and head for home.

~*~

8:33 pm

Well, here we are, Dana says, pulling into the driveway. We should probably go over to the hospital tonight to finish up... to take care of everything.

I nod and get out of the car.

Dana opens the door to the back seat and gets Lexie out of her car seat. Lexie, how would you like to go visit Grandma for a while tonight?

Lexie cries agreeably. She runs up to the house and holds the screen door open. Dana goes over to unlock the door, and Lexie immediately runs upstairs, presumably to her room.

I'll call my mom, she says. I didn't call her when I left... she's probably worried. Dana goes into the kitchen, and I sit down on the couch.

*****
I dial Mom's phone number and wait as it rings. she says, answering it.

Hi, Mom.

Dana? Oh my God... where have you been? I was so worried!

Don't worry, Mom... I'm fine. I just had to get away from David...

Did you get in another fight?

Yeah. Um... you didn't hear? I ask.

Hear what?

Ann called me yesterday--you know, Dr. Knight, from work?--She told me that David was in a car accident... he was drunk, and he died.

Oh, Dana... I'm sorry.

Don't be. I was leaving him, Mom. I couldn't be with him anymore.

Where did you go?

I went back to Washington. I went to Mulder's apartment.

Mulder... Fox Mulder?

I pause. I look down at my ring and smile. Mom... I wasn't in love with David anymore. Not after the way he treated me. But Fox... I realized that after all of these years, I'm still in love with him. And... we're getting married.

Mom cries. Are you sure about this, Dana? And so soon after David?

Yes, Mom. Speaking of David, I have to go down to the hospital to take care of some things. Would you mind watching Lexie tonight?

Of course. I'll be over in a little while. Fox is there now?

Yeah. We have to go back to his apartment in a few days to pack up, but he came back here with me for now.

Well, Dana... I'm happy for you and Fox, but I hope that you're all right, she says, referring to everything that had happened with David.

I am, I promise. I'll see you in a little while. Bye, Mom.

Goodbye, Dana.

I walk back into the other room. Fox is sitting on the couch, looking around the living room. My mom will be here in a few minutes.

He nods. Does she live nearby?

Yeah. She moved here to help take care of Lexie shortly after David and I got married. I sit down next to him. I sigh. I can't believe any of this.

Neither can I. I thought I'd never see you again... and then I thought you hated me and wouldn't want to see me again, Fox says.

When I married David, I told myself that I was supposed to love him. That you had been a part of my life before, but weren't at that time. But... I never really loved him, I admit. Not the way I've loved you for so long.

He sighs and smiles. I'm glad... that you don't have to be hurt anymore. The minute I saw you there at my door, with this... he touches the bruise on my cheek, ...I didn't even recognize you at first. But when you looked up, God, Dana, I just wanted to cry for you. I can tell you've been through a lot of pain here. I nod, my eyes filling with tears. He puts his arms around me and holds me for a moment. I start to cry. I'm not sure for what, whether it's for love, or fear, or pain... Fox gently rubs my back. It's okay, Dana... I'm here now. I'm here.

Thank you, Fox, I say a minute later, sitting up and wiping my eyes. His hand goes to my cheek, and he wipes away the tears that are still there.

There is a knock at the door, and my mom comes in. Taking off her shoes, she smiles at me and Fox, until she sees that I've been crying. Her expression suddenly turns to concern. Dana, what's the matter?

Nothing, Mom. I'm fine now. I stand up to go give her a hug.

Oh, Dana, what's this? she says, seeing the bruise.

I nod. I'm okay. Then I smile. Fox is here.

Hello, Fox, Mom says, and gives him a hug.

He returns the hug almost awkwardly. Hi, Mrs. Scully.

Um, Lexie's upstairs, Mom, I say. She's been looking forward to seeing you. Fox and I should be going now.

All right. I'll see you later, Mom says, heading upstairs.

Well, let's go, I say quietly, putting on my jacket. Fox nods, and I take his arm as we walk out to the car.

*****
9:19 pm

We ride to the hospital in silence. I can tell by Dana's face that she's not looking forward to this. Personally, I'm not either. I don't want to see the bastard who treated her the way that he did. He had changed her somehow... I wasn't sure how exactly, but she was a lot different than the Dana Scully that I knew four years ago, and it wasn't just her last name.

Dana holds onto my arm again as we walk into the hospital. She goes up to a desk, and the attendant greets her solemnly. Hi, Dr. Hayes.

she replies. Is, uh... is Dr. Knight here?

Yeah, but I think she's with someone... Hold on, I'll page her.

Dana and I stand there for a moment, before a dark-haired woman wearing a white doctor's coat comes up to us. Hi, Ann, Dana says.

Hi, Dana. I'm so sorry about David, the doctor says, giving Dana a hug.

I'm all right, Dana says confidently. We were... I told you that I wanted a divorce. Ann nods. I left him the other night... we, uh, got in another fight.

The doctor nods again. Then she glances at me.

Oh, I'm sorry, Ann, this is Fox Mulder, I'm sure I've mentioned him before. He was my, uh, my partner back in the Bureau. Fox, this is Dr. Ann Knight.

Nice to meet you, Ann says, shaking my hand.

You, too, I reply.

You ready? Ann asks Dana.

Dana nods and squeezes my hand. I can tell she's afraid, although her face remains calm. Ann leads us down to the morgue and uncovers a body.

Oh, God... Dana says, turning away. She leans her body against my shoulder for support, and I put an arm around her waist. Her face now registers pain, and anger... and relief.

We, uh, found this in his pocket, Ann says, handing Dana a folded piece of paper.

Dana takes it and unfolds it. It's a note. She reads it for a moment, before crumpling it up and shoving it into her coat pocket. she whispers under her breath. Son of a bitch.

He was very drunk. His blood-alcohol level was *way* over the legal limit. He ran his car into a tree at around five yesterday afternoon. He was dead when paramedics arrived.

He deserved it, Dana says calmly, yet angrily. What do I need to take care of?

Nothing, really, nothing that we can't contact his family about.

Good. Fox, I want to go home.

I nod. I'll see you later, Ann, Dana says, before turning around and walking out the door. I walk after her.

Are you okay?

No, I'm not, she says, stopping and turning toward me. That son of a bitch... She takes a step forward and I put my arms around her as she starts to cry.

I hold her for a moment, and then she pulls away and says, Come on, let's go. She takes a step away from me, and then stops. She looks dizzy all of a sudden. Then she collapses.

Oh my God... Dana? I say, dropping to my knees. I gently shake her shoulder.

Ann and a nurse come rushing up. What happened? Ann asks.

I don't know, she just collapsed! I reply.

The nurse stands up to go get a stretcher, and takes Dana into the emergency room. Wait out here, she tells me. I'm sure she's just fine.

I nod worriedly and sit down in the waiting room.

~*~

10:41 pm



I open my eyes, and see Dana. I cry, jumping up. What happened? Are you okay?

Yeah... I'm fine. She looks troubled all of a sudden.

But what happened?

Fox... I'm pregnant. Almost three months.

I stare at her for a moment. Is that a bad thing? I ask her.

I-I don't know.

I stand up and give her a hug. It'll be all right, I tell her.

She nods. Fox... let's go home.

I take her hand and we walk out of the hospital together.

~*~

11:15 pm

We get back to the house late. Mrs. Scully left a note saying that Lexie was spending the night at her house.

Do you want some coffee or anything? Dana asks me, walking to the kitchen.

No, thanks, I'm kind of tired anyway, I reply, sitting down on the couch.

Okay. Go ahead and put on the TV or whatever, I'll be right back, Dana says, disappearing into the other room.

I pick up the remote and turn the TV on. I stop on the news. Mostly boring stuff. Dana comes back into the living room a few minutes later, carrying a cup of coffee, just as a report on David's accident comes on. She glances at me and sits down next to me on the couch. --we haven't yet spoken to the family-- the reporter says, and I turn the TV off.

Are you okay now?

Only if you hold me, she whispers.

I smile. I will, Dana.

She stands up abruptly. Come on, she says, taking my hands and pulling me up. It's been a long day. Let's go to bed.

I stand close to her and smile. She looks up at me and returns the smile, albeit joyless. Then she turns off the light in the living room and leads me upstairs to her bedroom.

*****
10:13 am

I open my eyes to see sunlight streaming in through the window. Then I turn my head and see the one person that I have wanted to wake up next to for four years: Fox Mulder. I smile and move closer to him, and, still sleeping, he moves and puts his arms around me.

I whisper.

he says, opening his eyes. He smiles when he sees me. Good morning.

I reply.

He kisses me, and gently rubs my back. Know what, Dana?



I love you.

I smile. I love you too.

Do you really?

I pick my head up and stare at him for a moment. Wh-what do you mean, Fox? Of course I love you, I say, almost offended.

He smiles again, and I put my head back down on his shoulder. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I listen to his heartbeat and smile.

he says. There's something in his voice, I'm not sure what... doubt? Fear? Are you sure that you'll marry me? I mean, you have Lexie, are you sure that she wouldn't be confused or anything?

Fox, I've wanted to be with you forever... I've wanted to marry you forever. I married David because... because by then, I was sure my dreams would never come true--

They did before, he reminds me.

And they have again. I move backwards, so that we're still touching, but so I can see his face. Fox, I don't want you to ever think that I'd have second thoughts... hell, even if you'd have come here before I left David... I would have wanted to rather be with you. I would have left him then. Because I was sure that if I saw you, I'd never be able to live without you. And that happened, too. God, Fox... I honestly don't know what I'd do without you now, to hold me, and to love me--

I am interrupted by the ringing phone. Startled, I sit all the way up, and so does Fox. I pick up the phone.

Hi, Mama! Lexie cries.

Hi, Lexie. Did you have fun with Grandma? I ask.

Yeah! An' I saw Aunt Tara and Uncle Bill.

I say with a smile. Then my smile quickly falls. Bill still didn't know about Fox. And he and Fox had never gotten along back when we were partners. Um, can I talk to Grandma, sweetie?

Yeah! Bye, Mama.

Bye, Lexie. I wait for Mom to come onto the phone.

What's the matter? Fox asks me, noticing the look on my face.

I forgot about my br--

Hi, Dana, Mom says.

Hi, Mom. Was Lexie good for you last night?

Of course she was, Mom tells me. Did she tell you Bill and Tara stopped by this morning?

Yeah. You didn't tell them about... did you?

About what?

About me and Fox, I say, glancing at him. He has a completely confused expression on his face. I'll tell you in a minute, I mouth silently.

No, I didn't. I didn't say anything at all, I figured you would want to.

Thanks, Mom, I say sincerely. I'm, uh, not too sure how Bill will take the news.

Well, it's not his life, Dana, Mom tells me, and I remember Missy saying something like that back when I joined the FBI. At the time, though, she was referring to Dad.

I know.

Bill and Tara said they'd be by in a little while. I'll have them bring Lexie with them.

Oh, good. I'll tell them then. Well, look Mom, I gotta go, we're just waking up, actually.

Oh, okay. Bye, Dana. Say hello to Fox for me.

I will. Bye, Mom, I say. I hang up the phone.

What was that all about? Fox asks me.

I forgot that Bill and Tara were in town this week, visiting, I tell him. He gets a funny look on his face. They might come by later on.

He nods. What do you think your brother will say?

I'm quiet for a moment. Then I say, It doesn't matter. Whatever he says won't change anything. I love you, Fox, and nothing can change that.

I love you too, he says, gently brushing my cheek with his fingers. I'm just... well, you know I've never gotten along with Bill.

I know. I'll talk to him, okay?

All right. Smiling, he says, Geez, it's almost eleven. We should probably get up.

At that exact moment, we hear a knock on the door.

~*~

We quickly get dressed, and Fox goes into the kitchen to make coffee while I answer the door. Sure enough, it's Bill and Tara, and their son, Matthew, who is now almost
five.

I say, opening the door. Come on in.

Lexie runs in and hugs my legs, almost causing me to fall down. Hi, sweetie, I say, picking her up. Did you have fun?

she cries.

That's good. Why don't you go in the other room with your cousin Matt, okay?

Okay, Mommy! I set her down and the two kids run into the other room.

Both Tara and Bill give me a hug. Where's David? Tara asks.

He, uh, was in a car accident the other day. He didn't make it, I say.

Oh, Dana, I'm so sorry! Tara cries.

I'm fine. It's okay.

Why didn't Mom say anything? Bill asks me.

I didn't want her to. David and I... we were seperating anyway, I explain. Bill nods.

Fox comes into the living room and hands me a cup of coffee. Bill looks at him strangely for a second, then he looks at me, asking the inevitable question with his eyes. He takes my arm and pulls me into the hallway. What the hell is he doing here? he asks me.

Jesus, Bill, you act like he's not allowed to be here or something. It's my house, I remind him.

Dana, your husband *died* the other day. Now you already have some other man here? And *Fox Mulder,* of all people! Bill hisses at me.

David didn't love me. David didn't love Lexie. He's gone, and what, am I supposed to cry? Well, I did cry, Bill. And Fox was here to comfort me.

Comfort you? Just how did he comfort you?

I purse my lips. That is *not* your business, I reply calmly, yet coldly.

My God, Dana.

Shut up, Bill, just shut up. I don't care if you hate him, but I love him, and I'm marrying him. So please, just don't do this.

You-you're what?! Bill stutters. He shakes his head. I really can't believe you, Dana.

Well I can't believe you, either, I say, walking out of the hallway and back into the living room where Fox and Tara were talking. I smile, as if our talk never even happened. Bill scowls and sits on the couch next to his wife.

I walk over to the other couch and sit down by Fox. Did you tell Bill? He looks quite pissed, he whispers into my ear.

I reply. He takes my hand.

Tara looks at us suspiciously, and then glances at Bill, who's now staring at Fox with an almost evil expression on his face. Tara lightly hits him on the arm. she whispers loudly. Then she turns back to us. Is something... going on between you two? she asks.

I smile. Yes, actually, there is. I look up at Fox, and he smiles back at me. Fox and I are getting married.

You are? Oh, Dana, how wonderful! Tara cries, standing up to give me another hug. Then she hugs Fox. She sits back down on the couch next to Bill. She's smiling, and she looks almost funny sitting next to Bill, who still looks really angry. Excuse me, she says, taking Bill into the kitchen, presumably to talk to him about Fox and me.

Well, obviously he's upset, Fox says.

Yeah. But I'm not. I'm so happy, Fox. It felt good just to say those words: We're getting married.'

Yes, we are, Fox says, leaning down to kiss me.

Bill and Tara come back into the room just as our lips touch. We pull apart and smile at each other. Then he takes my hand again.

I think it would be best if we got going, Tara says, a note of apology in her voice. We just wanted to say hi. Congratulations, you two, she says.

We'll see you later, I say. Thanks for coming by.

Tara smiles, and they go and get Matt from the other room. As soon as their gone, Fox leans down to kiss me again. This time, no one comes into the room to interrupt us.

*****
The Next Morning
May 1st
9:31 am





We are asleep together on the couch in the living room. We must have fallen asleep watching TV, because the TV is still on, but it has to be morning by now. Luckily, Dana doesn't have to work today, so it doesn't matter what time she actually wakes up.

I... I don't want to get up, I admit.

So don't, she says. I can hear the smile in her voice, even though her face is turned away.

But... I have to go back to my apartment.

Dana sits up. she asks. The smile in her voice is gone.

Yeah. I have stuff to take care of. I smile a little at her. You know, I gotta feed my fish every once in a while.

She turns and puts her arms around my neck. But you *will* be back, won't you?

Of course. I promised you that.

A few days earlier, when she came to see me, I'd told her that I wanted to come to live with her, and she told me that she wanted that too. And now we were getting married... God, the past few days couldn't have been better.

Fox... I'm coming with you.

I say. But, you have to work, and Lexie...

I'll take a few days off. Please? She pauses, looking at me critically. Do you not *want* me to come?

No, no, it's not that. I was just surprised. I kiss her. Of course I want you to come with me. I never want to let her out of my sight again. I guess I'm afraid... that she won't come back, just like last time.



I kiss her again. Mmm... have I ever told you how much I love you?

she answers with a grin. You just did the other night.

Oh, yeah... I say, returning the grin. I go to kiss her again, but we're interrupted. *Figures,* I think with a smile.



Dana whispers, sitting up. Lexie is standing at the top of the stairs. She comes downstairs and over to the couch. Good morning, Dana says to her, moving over to let Lexie sit on the couch.

Morning, Mama.

I look at the three of us, sitting on the couch. My God... we look like a family. That was the first time I'd ever experienced that. And in just a few months, we *would* be a real family. I stared down at Dana's hand, at the ring I'd bought for her, the ring I never expected to actually *give* to her... But now it was all happening. We were getting married, and soon I would have a beautiful wife and a two-year-old daughter that I'd never thought I'd have. And in a few months, another baby was on the way.

Dana said. We should get packed up, I guess.

Where we going, Mama? Lexie asks.

We're going to Fox's house for a few days, Dana tells her.



Because... he has to pack up his apartment to come live with us.

He gonna live here? Lexie says, looking at me.

I nodded, and Dana says, Yeah, sweetie, remember? He's going to be your daddy. She looks at me and smiles.

Lexie says.

We all go upstairs to get dressed and packed up. Then, when we're all ready to leave, we get in my car and start driving back to Washington.

~*~

That Night

Here we are, I say softly to Dana. Home sweet home. I park the car and we go upstairs to my apartment. Dana carries Lexie, who is sound asleep.

I unlock the door and let Dana go in first. She smiles. Then she sets her sleeping daughter in the chair that she'd slept in last time she was here.

I wish I had a better, more comfortable place for Lexie to sleep. But I've never had a child in the apartment. *Ever.* In fact, the most people that have ever slept in my apartment is two... Dana and me. And that was only twice, since we'd been together: once before The Argument, and the other night when she came back to me.

Lexie wakes up for a moment. Shh... sweetie, go back to sleep. She closes her eyes again and quickly goes back to sleep. Come on, I'm exhausted, she says, pulling on my arm. We go back out into the living room and sit down on the couch. I can't believe you're still sleeping on the couch, she says with a tired smile.

Yeah, well. Sorry.

It's not a problem. It just means I get to sleep closer to you. She sighs. I'm so happy I came along, she says, at the same moment as I say:

I'm so happy you came along. We laugh. I really love you, I say.

I love you too. She puts her arms around me and her head on my shoulder.

I'll have to go to the FBI tomorrow to... tell Skinner that I'm leaving.

She pauses. God, what do you think he'll say?

I don't know. I didn't think of that.

I'm sure it'll be fine. Don't worry.

I know. It's not like there's anything he can do about it. I'm marrying you, Dana, and he can't stop that, I say determinedly. I mean, it's not like he can seperate us, or transfer us, we're not partners anymore.

Dana doesn't answer. Fox... you know why I wanted to come here with you?



Because... I was still afraid that you wouldn't come back.

Oh, Dana... You don't have to worry about that. Ever. Because I never *want* to leave you. I want to be with you forever... because I love you.

I know.

Actually, one of the reasons I didn't ask you to come in the first place... is that I was afraid you wouldn't want to come, that you wouldn't want me to come back.

Dana laughs. Well, Fox, I don't know about you, but... I don't think I could ever spend another day--or night--without you.

Same for me.

Well then. I guess it's decided.

What's decided?

I don't have any idea, Dana says, laughing. Then she looks into my eyes. It's decided... that I'm never, ever letting you out of my sight, Fox Mulder.

That's a hard offer to turn down.

So... it's unanimous?



Okay then. She takes my hands. We lie down on the couch, and I kiss her.

I love you.

I love you too.

Good night, Dana.

You too.

~*~

The ringing of the phone wakes me up. I sit up quickly and glance at the clock. It's 8:30. I forgot to set the damn alarm.

Dana asks sleepily.

I'm supposed to be at work! I cry.

Shh... calm down. It's not like... you're...

I know, I know. I answer the phone before whoever it is hangs up.

Agent Mulder. It's Skinner.

Uh, hello, sir, I say, glancing at Dana. I nod, letting her know who it is.

Agent Mulder, you were supposed to be in here for a meeting an hour ago. What's keeping you?

How the hell am I supposed to answer him?

*I have company over?*

*I was too busy sleeping with my former partner?*

Or maybe just, *I quit.*

I say again. I-I guess I just forgot to set my alarm. Not a lie... I was just too busy doing... other things.

Well, Mulder, you'd better get your ass over here pretty quickly, Skinner says.

Yes sir. Uh... Yes sir.

I hang up the phone. Skinner's pissed. I was supposed to be there for a meeting by 7:30.

Well then, you'd better get going.

I look down at myself. I'm still dressed in what I wore yesterday, which is good enough for a meeting that I'm not even going to work to attend. I was going to go over there, give Skinner my letter of resignation, and hopefully, not have to explain myself.

After quickly typing up my resignation letter, I give Dana a quick kiss and say, I'll be back soon. Then I go downstairs and get in my car and drive as fast as I can to work.

~*~

Later...

I go into Skinner's office. His secretary lets me in.

Skinner asks, probably wondering why I'm dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt.

I, uh... I hand him the letter. I'm sorry, sir.

What's the meaning of this, Mulder? Why are you resigning? He points to a chair. Sit down.

*Damn. I really didn't want to explain it.*

He notices the look I have on my face. Off the record, Mulder.

I nod. I, uh... the time I took off... I went to Ohio. I-I found Dana. Uh, *Scully,* I correct myself.

You did?

Yeah. And... we talked for a while... I don't know how I'm going to get to this. So I decide to make it short, sweet, and to the point. Sir, we're getting married.

Oh. Uh, well, congratulations, Skinner says.

Thank you. But I'm going to have to move to Ohio to be with her. She has a daughter, and a new life there... and she can't leave it behind now.

Skinner nods. Well, I can't stop you from leaving. I guess all I *can* do is congratulate you, and tell you... well, even when Scully was here, I expected it. Everyone did.

Expected what, sir?

That you two were made for each other. That someday... this would happen.

I can feel my cheeks turning red. I nod, but don't say anything.

Take care of her, Mulder.

I will, sir. Thank you. I stand up and shake his hand.

Good luck, Skinner says as I exit the office.

~*~

I go downstairs to my own office and start packing stuff up. I'm sure it'll take me more than a day to clean it up... although I have been keeping it cleaner since Dana left. I don't know why... maybe because she was a neat freak, and always complained about how messy the office was, and I felt that I should keep it clean, even if she'd never see it.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. I say.

Dana says, poking her head in.

How'd you get in here? I ask her.

Visitor's pass. She waved the small tag at me. Plus, being a former FBI agent made it easier for me to get down here. She walks into the office with Lexie close by her side. Wow, Fox... it's not... messy! she exclaims, looking around.

I smile. You would have been proud of me, Dana. I've kept it like this for four years.

Dana says, disbelieving.

I nod. Believe it or not.

Geez... I came here thinking you'd need *help* cleaning your pigsty of an office... but maybe I was wrong. Dana walks over to my desk and sits Lexie down in the chair. Then something on the desk catches her eye. She picks up a brightly colored photo album that's sitting there. I'd been looking through it the day that I decided to go see her.

What's this? she asks.

Oh, uh... just some pictures I've put together.

Dana chuckles. The album is covered in a multi-colored fabric with aliens all over it. I grin back at her. It's cute, she says. Then she opens it. Turning a few pages, she says, Oh, Fox...

Inside the photo album is every picture I could find of Dana, or of the two of us together. There's not very many, but enough to put in the book.

She looks up into my eyes. Fox, this is the sweetest thing I've ever seen, she says quietly.

I smile at her. I needed something to remind me of you, I tell her.

She smiles and places it in a box. Well, I guess I'll still help you clean this place up. Maybe we can get out of here sooner.



Together, we pack up everything into boxes. We work all day, taking a few breaks for lunch and dinner and just to sit down for a little bit. Lexie was obviously very bored, so we had to go back to my apartment for a while so she could watch half of her favorite movie, A Bug's Life, *again.* We'd watched it so many times with her in the couple of days that I'd been at their house, I was beginning to be able to recite every line.

We finish cleaning out the office at around eleven. Lexie is asleep in the desk chair. I cross my arms and look at my office... not my office anymore. It was empty. I could see a faded outline on the wall where my I Want to Believe poster had been.

Dana comes into the office after a quick run to the coffee machine. She handed me a cup. I take a sip and set it down on the desk. I take Dana's hand and lead her over near the door. Dana... this... *right here,* is where the best thing in my life ever happened to me.

What's that? she asks, putting her arms around me.

I was sitting right here when I first saw you. When I met you.

Right here? she asks.

I nod. We sit down on the floor in that spot, and I pull her close to me. This is where I fell in love with you, Dana, I tell her softly. You know that?

This is the place where *I* fell in love with *you.* She smiles and leans across me. I put my arm around her back and hold her there in my lap. I bend down and kiss her gently. Let's go back to your apartment, she whispers a minute or two later, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

I whisper, smiling back. We stand up. Dana picks the sleeping Lexie up and carries her out of the office.

~*~

The next morning, I wake up before Dana does. I consider waking her up for a moment, but then I decide against it. We'd been up later than we'd expected to be, and I knew she was tired. Plus, she looks really beautiful when she sleeps.

I try to sit up, but realize it's going to be hard to do without waking her. Her arms are around my waist, and my back is against the back of the couch. I'm stuck. Shit. But carefully, I manage to remove her arms from me, and I gingerly get off the couch and stand up. Dana sighs, still sleeping. She rolls over, aware that she has more room on the couch now.

I go into the kitchen and start some coffee. As it brews, I remember that we'd moved the chair into the other room for Lexie to sleep on. I poke my head into the other room to check on her. As soon as I open the door, her eyes open and she sits up. Where's Mama?

She's still asleep, I tell her.

Oh. I'm hungry, Lexie says.

You want to go into the kitchen and see what we can get you? I ask her.



She stands up and walks out into the kitchen with me. I look in the cupboard, hoping to find some cereal. I pull out a box of Cheerios that has a fine layer of dust over it. I check the date on it. April 1995. Whoa. I stick it back into the cupboard, and then change my mind and just throw it out. We'd be cleaning the apartment out later anyway, I thought. I open the fridge and see what I've got. A carton of milk, some orange juice, some maple syrup, a few eggs, some beer, and some butter. Great. No actual *food,* besides the eggs.

I sigh and look at Lexie, who is sitting quietly at the table, swinging her legs back and forth. Last time I was here, I was a single guy. The fridge *never* had anything in it. I don't even know last time it had more food in it. Actually, come to think of it, I can't even remember last time I ate a whole meal at home.

Then I remember something. I check the cupboard again. This time I pull out a box of pancake mix. And luckily, it's not very old at all. Do you like pancakes? I ask Lexie. She nods, smiling.

I haven't made pancakes in way too long. I followed the recipe on the side of the box. And actually, they didn't turn out too bad. They even looked edible. A good sign. I put some pancakes on a plate and gave them to Lexie.

she asks.

I stare at her for a second, wondering what she means. I haven't been around a kid in way too long. I totally forgot that she was only two and couldn't do it herself. I cut the pancakes up for her and put some syrup on them.

Thank you, she says politely.

I smile. You're welcome.

Morning, Daddy, someone says.

I turn around. Dana is standing in the doorway. I smile at her. Good morning, I reply.

Yeah, something smells good. She takes a few steps into the kitchen and kisses Lexie on the top of her head. Morning, sweetheart. She looks back up at me. You cooked?

You sound surprised.

Well, I expected maybe you cooked frozen waffles or something... I mean, you're a single guy--you *were* a single guy, she corrects herself, smiling, --you probably don't even remember last time you ate at home.

I smile. Isn't that what I just thought?

I didn't expect that you still *remembered* how to cook, Fox, she continues.

Yeah, yeah. Sit down. I, I say, setting down a plate of pancakes in front of her with a flourish, happen to be a pancake *expert.*

Oh, an expert, huh? she asks. Well, we'll see about that.

He *is* a expert, Mama! Lexie says, causing both of us to laugh. They're really yummy.

See? A witness, I say to Dana.

She rolls her eyes at me and takes a bite.



For a being a single guy for the past four years--and I'm sure you haven't made pancakes *once* in that time--you aren't such a bad cook.

Told you, Lexie and I both say at the same time. I stick out my tongue at her for effect. Then I grin and get a plate for myself.

I look at the three of us again, and again I think that we look like a family. I smile. It's a really good feeling. I'm not sure what it is... but I do know I've never felt it before. Well... at least not toward my dad. He never... felt like family. Mom and Samantha--well really just Mom, because Samantha was gone when she was eight--were what I guessed was family. But with Mom and Dad's divorce, it still felt... different. But this was the real kind of family I'd wanted all my life. A happy family.

And there's one ingredient to a happy family that was always missing when I was younger.

Love.

~*~

May 5th

It takes the next few days, but we finally clean out and pack up my apartment. We'd thrown out so much stuff--junk, really--that I never even knew I had.

I say, standing in the front doorway. I cross my arms.

Dana walks over and stands next to me. Well, what?

I don't know, I say, putting my arm around her.

So how soon are we going to go home? she asks.

I tell her.

Good. I can tell Lexie's ready to go home.

So can I. God, Dana... look at this. I... you...

I know. I can't believe it either. I'm happy. Are you?

I couldn't be happier, I tell her, bending to kiss her. Look at me. I'm turning into...

A family guy? she jokes.

Yeah. Something like that. I mean, think about this: less than a week ago, I was a single, workaholic, depressed, lonely guy, whose only joys in life were trying to reopen the X-Files, and missing the woman that he loved and thought he'd never see again. And that wasn't even a joy, that only made me more lonely and depressed.

And then... a few days later, I decided to take a chance, and at least try to bring some kind of happiness to my life. And I did. I found you. She smiles up at me. Now I'm Mr. Happy. I have a beautiful wife-to-be, who just happens to be that woman that I loved in part one, and a beautiful daughter-to-be, who just happens to be so much like her mother that it's almost scary.

Yeah, well. A few days ago, I was a lonely, workaholic, not-single-but-should-have-been mom, whose husband hated her, and whose only joys in life were her daughter, and missing the man that she loved and thought she'd never see again. And *that* wasn't very... joyous. It just made me even more lonely.

And then... a few days later, I came back to you. And now *I* am happy. I have a wonderful husband-to-be, who I love so much, and who loves me and my daughter... I smile back at her. Well, Fox, maybe you should just change your last name to Happy, so when we get married we'll be the Happy family.

Dana Happy... I try it out. I think Dana Mulder sounds better.

Sounds better than Dana Hayes, too, she whispers.

Hey. I don't want you to say that. You realize that if you never married him, you wouldn't have Lexie?

I know. I'm just... sad that I left you, and that I never apologized for leaving. I'm sorry, Fox. For four years without you, and for trying to give an equal amount of love to another man... when my heart still belonged to you.

Dana... you married David because you loved him. At least, you did when you married him. Don't say things like that... I know you're sorry... but, like I said before, don't regret marrying him. I know your marriage to him didn't go well... But it doesn't mean I love you any less. And it doesn't mean you don't love me. Now, or then, or anytime in between. You're one of the lucky ones, Dana... you were able to love someone twice in your life... some people never know love. I didn't, till I met you.

Oh, God, Fox... why didn't you say something like that before I left? I would have never left you.

Fate, Dana. Or whatever. Maybe... you were meant to love David. I was meant to love you, and...

I was meant to love you, too, she finishes for me.

Right. And like you said, we can't let our pasts get in the way of the present or the future. And I don't want it to. So let's just put that behind us--all of it, all those four years--and get on with life, now. Together.

Dana smiles. So... now. Now we have to think about getting you moved out of here by tomorrow.

I repeat. Tomorrow, I'd be out of here, out of the apartment that I'd lived in for so long, and I'd be living with the one person that I'd wanted to live with since... well, since a long time ago. And finally, the one thing I'd always wanted to make possible, suddenly *is.* And I smile.

~*~

Fox! Wake up!

I sit up on the couch.

It's eight-thirty! Dana cries.

Eight-thirty, eight-thirty... what the hell was eight-thirty?

They're going to be here in a half hour! Dana reminds me, answering the unasked question by seeing the completely blank look on my face.

I cry, jumping up. I'd completely forgotten that a few people were coming over to help us move my stuff into the truck. And after that, we were going to leave, hopefully making it all the way to Dana's house before night.

Is Lexie up already? I ask.

Nope. She's still asleep. That's the next thing on my list, before breakfast, a shower, and getting dressed.

I nod. I'll go find food, I say.

she replies, going into the back room to wake up Lexie.

I quickly change my clothes and throw on my shoes and jacket and run downstairs to my car. I drive to a bagel shop nearby and get a few bagels and some coffee. Then I go back to the apartment.

Dana comes out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. she says.

I give her a quick kiss and hand her a cup of coffee. I got bagels too, I tell her.

Oh, good. She gives a bagel to Lexie and then goes into the other room to change.

We going home now? Lexie asks me.

I reply.

Good. I wanna go home, she says.

So do I, I say with a smile.

But I thought this was your house?

Well, it is. But not anymore. I'm coming to live with you and your mom.

You *are?* Lexie asks.

Yeah. Remember? I'm going to be your Daddy now.

Oh, yeah. Lexie pauses for a minute. So I get to call you Daddy now?

I grin. I'd hardly realized that. Dana and I had talked about me adopting Lexie when we got married--which I was doing--but I'd never really thought about being a father. A daddy.

There was a knock at the door. They're here, Dana calls from the next room. She opens the door to let them in.

Slowly, the boxes and furniture are removed from the apartment, until everything is gone. Then I turn in my key to the landlord, and I get in the truck, Scully and Lexie get in the car, and we leave.

~*~

10:00 pm

My cell phone rings. I say, answering it, knowing that it would only be Dana at this time.

We're not going to get there tonight. Lexie's getting cranky, and I'm ready to stop for the night, Dana says.

You're right. I'm tired too. I look at a sign that says there's still another 250 miles to the state border, and after that, there'd be at least another hour until we got to Dana's. Get off at the next exit. We can find someplace to stay then.

She yawns. See you soon.

I love you, I tell her.

I love you too, she replies before hanging up the phone.

I turn up the radio to make sure that I don't fall asleep. The song The Best Thing' by Savage Garden is playing. I smile and listen to the words.

Never want to fly
Never want to leave
Never want to say what you mean to me
Never want to run
Frightened to believe
You're the best thing about me
You're the best thing about me

Sometimes I feel like this is only chemistry
Stuck in a maze searching for a way to
Shut down turn around feel the ground beneath me
You're so close where do you end where do I begin?
Always pushing and pulling
Sometimes sanity takes vacation time on me
I'm in a daze stumbling bewildered
North of gravity head up in the stratosphere
You and I roller coaster riding love
You're the center of adrenaline
And I'm beginning to understand

Never want to fly
Never want to leave
Never want to say what you mean to me
Never want to run
Frightened to believe
You're the best thing about me

Walk on broken glass make my way through fire
These are things I would do for love
Farewell piece of mind kiss goodbye to reason
Up is down the impossible occurs each day
This intoxication thrills me
I only pray it doesn't kill me

Never want to fly
Never want to leave
Never want to say what you mean to me
Never want to run
Frightened to believe
You're the best thing about me

You're the center of adrenaline
And I'm beginning to understand
You could be the best thing about me

Never want to fly
Never want to leave
Never want to say what you mean to me
Never want to run
Frightened to believe
You're the best thing about me

You could be the best thing about me
What if you're the best thing about me?

What if you're the best thing about me, Dana? I mumble to myself. I grin. That's a pretty damn good best thing about myself to have.

I get off at the exit, and I turn into the parking lot of first hotel I see. I go into the office and get a room for the night. Dana arrives a few minutes later. She parks and gets out of her car. I walk over to her and give her a hug and a kiss. What was that for? she asks me with a smile.

To tell you that you are the best thing about me, I tell her.

You heard the song too? she asks.

I pause. Thank you, Dana, I whisper.

For what?

For coming back. For coming to find me.

Thank you for letting me. For not making me leave.

Don't thank me. I'd been waiting for you to come for four years.

Well, don't thank me for coming. I'd been trying to gather the courage to come for four years.

Well... I'm glad you did. Only...

Only what? she replies, sounding worried. About what, I don't know. Maybe that she was afraid that I was having second thoughts.

Only I wish you'd have come sooner, I say with a smile.

She smiles back, and I kiss her. I do too, she whispers, leaning her forehead against mine. Now come on, let's get some sleep.

~*~