Part 6/8
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It was another week before Mulder called again. Scully had been slightly frantic, afraid that something had happened to him. She nearly cried in relief when she heard his voice. She did cry when the conversation ended in another argument.
Despite their distance, both physically and emotionally, Scully still found herself scanning the most recent photos of Akila and emailing them to Mulder. She included small notes along with each one to tell Mulder what was going on in each picture. There was the one of Scully holding Akila after a bath, Akila wrapped in a fuzzy green towel and Scully absolutely soaking wet. A few of the pictures Scully sent were of Akila wrapped up warm and snug in Mulder's shirt. Since he hadn't complained, Scully ended most of her emails to Mulder with "miss you, love Scully and Akila."
It was a week before Mulder replied to all the emails that Scully sent him. In a long letter, he apologized for being distant and acting like he'd forgotten about her. He had been on a few missions and would soon be on another. He promised that on his downtime, whenever he had any, he'd spend it on the phone with Scully. Mulder also brought word that things seemed to be going better. Doggett was recovering well from his accident and they'd finally begun reproduction of the vaccine. Negotiations had started, but were progressing slowly.
When he was getting ready to end the email, Mulder mentioned that he'd shown a few people the pictures of Akila and that his favorites were the bath one or the picture that Reyes had taken when Scully was asleep. After a late-night feeding, Scully had decided against putting Akila back in her crib, but had instead pulled her daughter onto her chest and they'd slept peacefully. Mulder promised that he would write or call soon and to give his regards to Agent Reyes. That was where his email ended with "ditto, Mulder."
~ * ~ * ~
Scully waited anxiously for a call from Mulder for three weeks. One never came, nor did she receive any email from her partner. Just as she was beginning to worry, she got a call from Skinner. He said that he was calling to check up on her and the baby.
"Scully."
"Scully, it's Skinner."
"Sir. Hello. Is something wrong? Is Mulder alright?"
"Everything's fine Scully. Mulder's all right. I was actually calling to ask how you are. How's the baby? Mulder's been showing the pictures you sent to everyone."
Scully chuckled as she sat down, a sleeping Akila in her arms. "She's fine. Actually, you called during naptime, so I'm the human pillow."
"Ahhh. Okay, let me make sure I have everything right. Akila Tristin, born at 11:51 pm on May 15, 2001. 7lbs, 9 ounces. 11 ½ inches long, and almost the spitting image of her mother."
"Not the spitting image, Akila looks a hell of a lot like her father too. But everything else is correct. Wow, what has Mulder told you?"
"Exactly what he should be telling me, if you get what I'm insinuating." Skinner hinted. "Although he still doesn't know, does he?"
Scully narrowed her eyes. "No, he doesn't." She let out a sigh. "I'll tell him when the time is right." She paused. "It's good to hear from you. Mulder told me about Agent Doggett's accident. How is he?" Scully asked, changing the subject.
"He's doing well. He's back on his feet and I'm almost ready to let him back on active duty."
"Send my best." Scully hugged Akila as she shifted closer in her sleep.
"I will." Skinner assured. There was a yell in the background and Skinner came back on. "Something's come up Scully. I have to go."
"Alright. It was good talking to you."
"You too. I'll have Mulder call you when he gets back."
"Thank you. Bye." Scully hung up the phone and curled her other arm around Akila's sleeping form. She shifted the baby onto higher on her chest and leaned back. Gently, Scully tugged at the light green cotton cap that covered Akila's head. The fine, short, golden red locks it concealed tumbled free and Scully began stroking them gently. Scully smoothed the auburn hair back away from Akila's forehead. She noted not for the first time that it was darker than hers had been as a baby. Scully knew that it was the Mulder gene that gave Akila the darkness of her hair, amongst other things, and Scully was thankful for that. She thought about Skinner's comments about Mulder acting like a proud father. With a smile, she imagined Mulder passing out cigars with "it's a girl" printed on the side. She remembered the circumstances in which Skinner had become a privy to the biggest of secrets.
All those months ago when they had been searching for Mulder, Scully had turned to Skinner for comfort and as an ally. As their search was coming to an end, when the abductees were being returned, Scully had broken down late one night and told Skinner about her relationship with Mulder and the reasons why this baby was so special to her. Not only was it most likely her last chance at being a parent, it was the only tangible thing she had left of Mulder.
Sleepily, Scully replaced Akila's hat and tucked Akila under her chin. Scully reached up and pulled an afghan down onto her and Akila.
"Monica," Scully called. "Akila and I are napping."
"Okay Dana." Was the response. Satisfied, Scully closed her eyes and went right to sleep.
~ * ~ * ~
The next thing Scully was aware of was an odor that she recognized but despised nonetheless reaching her nose. She opened her eyes to see Reyes bent over Akila, changing her diaper. Reyes looked up from the baby and smiled at Scully.
"I didn't want to wake you. She actually let me pick her up without squawking for a few minutes this time."
"That's nice. Now maybe she won't wake me every time you take care of her." Scully neatly folded the blanket and settled on the floor by her daughter's shoulder. Akila locked gazes with Scully and reached her hands toward her mother. Scully grasped Akila's hands and kissed them affectionately.
"Hey baby. Sleep well?" Scully cooed in the voice she seemed to have developed since giving birth. "And then you made a mess in your pants and Aunt Monica was nice enough to clean it up. Yes, that's what you did. Uhuh. You did." Scully continued. She looked up at Reyes, not embarrassed in the least. She then leaned over and blew a raspberry on Akila's tummy. The baby squealed and giggled happily, attempting to clutch some of Scully's hair. Scully easily evaded her and nuzzled her hands again.
"No, no, no, mommy's hair is off limits, no matter how much fun you think it'll be to pull on it."
Reyes triumphantly fastened the sticky end of Akila's diaper and put the wipes into the soiled diaper and rolled it up, handing it to Scully. Scully took it with one hand and set it down so she could lift Akila off of the changing pad. Balancing Akila on one hip, Scully took the diaper and moved out to the garage to dump it.
"You really outdid yourself this time Akila. It's a wonder that Aunt Monica didn't wake me up to change you, I sure know your daddy would have." Scully nuzzled Akila's cheek. Akila giggled in the special way that only a three and a half month old can. Scully smiled as she saw another trait that Akila had inherited from Mulder; the adorable, childish grin and laugh that lit up her entire face. Scully laughed happily and spun herself and the baby around in circles. She was still dancing around when Reyes stuck her head out the door and held the phone out for Scully.
"It's Mulder. He says it's urgent."
Scully took the receiver and held it to her ear, refusing Reyes's offer to take the baby. "What is it?"
"Scully, do you still have your weapon with you?" Mulder asked briskly.
"Of course, why?"
"I want you to keep it with you at all times and never let Akila out of your sight. Make sure Reyes keeps a tight hold on security. And if possible, don't leave the house."
"Why?" Scully asked, confused by the urgency in his tone.
"Someone may be after you. On my last mission I heard two members of the alien side talking about killing "the one with the cure." I assume they meant you, Scully, since you made the vaccine and Akila is immune."
"Okay, I wont go anywhere till you tell me otherwise."
"Be careful Scully."
"I will, call me soon?"
"Yeah." Mulder hung up, leaving Scully listening to a dial tone. She sighed and hefted Akila closer.
"Come on Akila, let's go tell Aunt Monica what daddy told us." Scully forced a cheerful voice and kissed Akila's nose.
~ * ~ * ~
Because of Mulder's warning, Scully was on edge for over a week until he called her to assure her that the danger was over. He and Skinner had caught two members of the enemy organization who were conspiring against her. After interrogation, their captives had revealed that it was a singular effort and no one else was after Scully.
Despite Mulder's assurances, Scully was still a little worried. Mulder passed the phone to Skinner and allowed him to assure her that she and Akila were safe. Once Mulder was out of earshot, Skinner divulged a secret. During the interrogation, Mulder had nearly beaten the perpetrators to a bloody pulp after they had talked about their plans. Skinner was sure that the only reason those two men weren't in serious condition was because he had pulled Mulder away and sent him out to work with Doggett.
Scully found herself on the verge of tears after hearing this. She demanded to talk to Mulder, but Skinner told her that he'd already left and wouldn't say for where.
Two days later, Scully had just gotten Akila into a sleep that she hoped would last for more than four hours. They were lying in bed, Akila in Scully's arms. Scully looked out at the full moon through the half open blinds. For the first time in a long while, Scully thought not about her own life, her possible future with Mulder, the horrors around her, she thought of her father and sister.
"Here she is Ahab, Missy. My little miracle. She finally came into the world." Scully spoke to the stars, but kept her focus trained on Akila. "Akila Tristin Mulder. Four months old as of yesterday, and she's already grown." Scully paused. "Her father loves her, he really does. And he loves me too. Even if he doesn't show it very often. He's just been through so much and has so many responsibilities right now, that I can't tell him. He does deserve to know that he's a father, but it would cloud his judgment and his focus would shift from the problems at hand, and we can't afford that. Once things settle down a bit, I will tell him. For now it's enough that he loves us." Scully yawned. "Guess I need sleep, huh Akila? I'm talking to the stars like they're gonna answer me."
"You always did get a little crazy when you were sleep deprived." A sarcastic voice shot out from the dark. Scully jumped in surprise. The person stepped into the slivery light made by the full moon. "It's just me. So, what were you telling the stars?" Mulder crossed his arms and smiled slightly. Scully relaxed and Akila shifted in her arms.
"Mulder, you scared the hell out of me. What are you doing here?" Scully asked, climbing from the bed. Mulder bowed his head bashfully and shifted his footing.
"Sorry for scaring you Scully. I had some vacation time coming to me, and I thought I could spend it here. I can leave if you want." Mulder spoke hesitantly.
"No, no, no." Scully amended quickly. "I don't want you to go. Actually I remember Skinner saying that you went somewhere, but he wouldn't tell me where."
"I asked him not to. I wanted it to be a surprise."
"Mission accomplished." Scully mumbled. Mulder looked stricken.
"How is everything?" He asked uncomfortably.
"It's okay. Akila misses you even though you didn't spend a lot of time with her before; she still knew that you weren't here. We have almost gotten the feeding issue resolved. I bought some of your cologne and deodorant and put it on your shirts. She cried and cried the day she realized that they didn't smell like you anymore." Scully babbled. Mulder reached out and touched Akila's head.
"Can I hold her?" He asked tentatively, much like the first time he'd asked to hold Akila. Scully nodded and offered him the baby. Mulder cradled Akila expertly and his heart swelled as he gazed down at the sleeping baby.
"Does Monica know you're here?" Scully asked.
"No, I let myself in with my key."
"Aright, let me go tell her you're here." Scully moved out of the room quickly.
Mulder looked around for Scully's rocking chair, but didn't see it so he sat on the bed. After taking off his jacket, he returned his stare to Akila. He noted that she'd grown even since the last batch of pictures Scully had sent him. He took in everything about Akila, catalogued her every feature. Then a thought struck him. In all of the pictures that Scully had sent him, with the exception of the bath photo, Mulder hadn't seen Akila's hair since her birth. Well, and the few times he'd helped Scully bathe her. He would ask Scully if there was a particular reason for never seeing her daughter's head bare.
Scully returned to find Mulder seated on her bed. She noticed that he'd shed his leather jacket and had pulled Akila tighter against his chest.
"Scully, why don't you ever send me pictures of Akila without her hats on? She's always wearing one."
"I don't know, I just never seem to take the pictures when she's not wearing one."
"Can I see it? Her hair, I mean. I'm just a little curious as to how it's changed. She's gotten so big."
"Can you wait till tomorrow? It's dark in here and I don't want to turn on any lights because it might wake her."
"If I have to." Mulder began slowly.
"Well, you have to." Scully snapped tiredly. Akila shifted at Scully's sharp tone and let out a wail to wake the dead.
Scully quickly took Akila from Mulder and shushed her. Bouncing her lightly, Scully made gentle noises and Akila calmed considerably against her mother's chest after Scully looked over at Mulder and admitted, "Sorry Mulder. I'm short on sleep and getting short on my temper. But watch it, we converted your room to the nursery after you left and if you're not careful, you'll be up all night with Akila. Isn't that right sweetie? Won't you keep Mulder up all night?" Scully cooed and Akila gurgled in response. Mulder nodded and Scully settled back into bed. Mulder cautiously sat next to her.
"Fine by me. It'll give me and Akila time to rebond." Mulder reached out and stroked Akila's cheek where it rested on Scully's collarbone. The baby closed her eyes in response to Mulder's touch.
Mulder brought his eyes up to Scully's and quickly moved his hand. She gazed back at him openly and was about to tell him he didn't have to stop touching Akila when she yelped. Scully quickly looked down at her sleeping daughter.
"What's wrong?" Mulder asked worriedly.
"Nothing." Scully answered quickly. They sat in silence. Until Mulder leaned over and placed a hesitant kiss on Scully's cheek, right at the corner of her mouth. Scully responded and soon, they were kissing softly. As Akila shifted, Scully stiffened.
"I can't Mulder. Not tonight. Can we take a rain check?"
"Sure Scully." Mulder kissed the corner of Scully's mouth again and retreated to his part of the bed in silence.
"Scully, I've thought a lot about this, and I've had my doubts. I also have my hopes and theories. I guess I'll just come right out and ask, is the pizza man really responsible for Akila?" Mulder asked timidly. Scully let out a little laugh at the question. Mulder had brought up an ongoing joke from when he'd first been returned that she was having an affair with the teenaged pizza delivery guy.
"No, Alex is innocent."
"Alex?"
"I was really lonely while you were gone. He knows all about you, the condensed version we tell my mother. I think you're his hero. But, Alex is free of suspicion."
"So, who's the guilty party?" Mulder asked hesitantly. Without a word, Scully handed him Akila.
"Bathroom." Scully moved out to the room before she had to answer his question.
When she finished in the bathroom, Scully walked back to her room, but stopped short when she heard Mulder's soft voice. He was half speaking; half whispering and Scully found that she was transfixed with watching him.
"Your mom doesn't want to tell me who your daddy is. I guess I won't like the answer huh? Cause your mommy only doesn't tell me things when she's afraid I won't like the answer. And even then, she'll still tell me. But, you know what Akila? I'm really, really, really hoping that the few times I was with your mommy before those mean aliens took me was enough to conceive you, cause I'll be heartbroken if I'm not your daddy. But, no matter what, I'll still love you the same. And I know you probably have no idea what I'm talking about because you're just itty-bitty. But, I promise once you're older, I'll explain." Mulder said nothing further, he simply kissed Akila's forehead and rocked the sleeping child gently. Scully felt tears slide down her cheeks and she closed the door gently before walking up behind Mulder and wrapping her arms around his shoulders, burying her face in his temple, trying to control her emotions.
"Stay with me Mulder. Don't go anywhere. The couch is too lumpy for you and your bed is covered in baby stuff…stay with us." Scully whispered into his ear.
"If you want Scully." Mulder whispered back. He handed Akila back to Scully and stood to undress. Scully watched his graceful movements. First came Mulder's shirt and Scully admired his muscular chest, which was only marred by a faint scar down the middle. Next, off came his shoes and pants, leaving Mulder only clothed in his boxers. Mulder slid into bed beside Scully.
In order to keep her distance from Mulder, Scully put Akila down in between them. Mulder didn't let this deter him, and he set Akila onto his chest and slid closer to Scully. He gently stroked Akila's back.
"You never answered my question."
"I don't need to answer something you already know in your heart." Scully whispered cryptically. "If you still want to know, I'll tell you in the morning." Scully kissed Akila and raised her head to Mulder. After a sweet kiss, she placed her head on Mulder's shoulder to sleep.
End of part 6/8
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It was another week before Mulder called again. Scully had been slightly frantic, afraid that something had happened to him. She nearly cried in relief when she heard his voice. She did cry when the conversation ended in another argument.
Despite their distance, both physically and emotionally, Scully still found herself scanning the most recent photos of Akila and emailing them to Mulder. She included small notes along with each one to tell Mulder what was going on in each picture. There was the one of Scully holding Akila after a bath, Akila wrapped in a fuzzy green towel and Scully absolutely soaking wet. A few of the pictures Scully sent were of Akila wrapped up warm and snug in Mulder's shirt. Since he hadn't complained, Scully ended most of her emails to Mulder with "miss you, love Scully and Akila."
It was a week before Mulder replied to all the emails that Scully sent him. In a long letter, he apologized for being distant and acting like he'd forgotten about her. He had been on a few missions and would soon be on another. He promised that on his downtime, whenever he had any, he'd spend it on the phone with Scully. Mulder also brought word that things seemed to be going better. Doggett was recovering well from his accident and they'd finally begun reproduction of the vaccine. Negotiations had started, but were progressing slowly.
When he was getting ready to end the email, Mulder mentioned that he'd shown a few people the pictures of Akila and that his favorites were the bath one or the picture that Reyes had taken when Scully was asleep. After a late-night feeding, Scully had decided against putting Akila back in her crib, but had instead pulled her daughter onto her chest and they'd slept peacefully. Mulder promised that he would write or call soon and to give his regards to Agent Reyes. That was where his email ended with "ditto, Mulder."
~ * ~ * ~
Scully waited anxiously for a call from Mulder for three weeks. One never came, nor did she receive any email from her partner. Just as she was beginning to worry, she got a call from Skinner. He said that he was calling to check up on her and the baby.
"Scully."
"Scully, it's Skinner."
"Sir. Hello. Is something wrong? Is Mulder alright?"
"Everything's fine Scully. Mulder's all right. I was actually calling to ask how you are. How's the baby? Mulder's been showing the pictures you sent to everyone."
Scully chuckled as she sat down, a sleeping Akila in her arms. "She's fine. Actually, you called during naptime, so I'm the human pillow."
"Ahhh. Okay, let me make sure I have everything right. Akila Tristin, born at 11:51 pm on May 15, 2001. 7lbs, 9 ounces. 11 ½ inches long, and almost the spitting image of her mother."
"Not the spitting image, Akila looks a hell of a lot like her father too. But everything else is correct. Wow, what has Mulder told you?"
"Exactly what he should be telling me, if you get what I'm insinuating." Skinner hinted. "Although he still doesn't know, does he?"
Scully narrowed her eyes. "No, he doesn't." She let out a sigh. "I'll tell him when the time is right." She paused. "It's good to hear from you. Mulder told me about Agent Doggett's accident. How is he?" Scully asked, changing the subject.
"He's doing well. He's back on his feet and I'm almost ready to let him back on active duty."
"Send my best." Scully hugged Akila as she shifted closer in her sleep.
"I will." Skinner assured. There was a yell in the background and Skinner came back on. "Something's come up Scully. I have to go."
"Alright. It was good talking to you."
"You too. I'll have Mulder call you when he gets back."
"Thank you. Bye." Scully hung up the phone and curled her other arm around Akila's sleeping form. She shifted the baby onto higher on her chest and leaned back. Gently, Scully tugged at the light green cotton cap that covered Akila's head. The fine, short, golden red locks it concealed tumbled free and Scully began stroking them gently. Scully smoothed the auburn hair back away from Akila's forehead. She noted not for the first time that it was darker than hers had been as a baby. Scully knew that it was the Mulder gene that gave Akila the darkness of her hair, amongst other things, and Scully was thankful for that. She thought about Skinner's comments about Mulder acting like a proud father. With a smile, she imagined Mulder passing out cigars with "it's a girl" printed on the side. She remembered the circumstances in which Skinner had become a privy to the biggest of secrets.
All those months ago when they had been searching for Mulder, Scully had turned to Skinner for comfort and as an ally. As their search was coming to an end, when the abductees were being returned, Scully had broken down late one night and told Skinner about her relationship with Mulder and the reasons why this baby was so special to her. Not only was it most likely her last chance at being a parent, it was the only tangible thing she had left of Mulder.
Sleepily, Scully replaced Akila's hat and tucked Akila under her chin. Scully reached up and pulled an afghan down onto her and Akila.
"Monica," Scully called. "Akila and I are napping."
"Okay Dana." Was the response. Satisfied, Scully closed her eyes and went right to sleep.
~ * ~ * ~
The next thing Scully was aware of was an odor that she recognized but despised nonetheless reaching her nose. She opened her eyes to see Reyes bent over Akila, changing her diaper. Reyes looked up from the baby and smiled at Scully.
"I didn't want to wake you. She actually let me pick her up without squawking for a few minutes this time."
"That's nice. Now maybe she won't wake me every time you take care of her." Scully neatly folded the blanket and settled on the floor by her daughter's shoulder. Akila locked gazes with Scully and reached her hands toward her mother. Scully grasped Akila's hands and kissed them affectionately.
"Hey baby. Sleep well?" Scully cooed in the voice she seemed to have developed since giving birth. "And then you made a mess in your pants and Aunt Monica was nice enough to clean it up. Yes, that's what you did. Uhuh. You did." Scully continued. She looked up at Reyes, not embarrassed in the least. She then leaned over and blew a raspberry on Akila's tummy. The baby squealed and giggled happily, attempting to clutch some of Scully's hair. Scully easily evaded her and nuzzled her hands again.
"No, no, no, mommy's hair is off limits, no matter how much fun you think it'll be to pull on it."
Reyes triumphantly fastened the sticky end of Akila's diaper and put the wipes into the soiled diaper and rolled it up, handing it to Scully. Scully took it with one hand and set it down so she could lift Akila off of the changing pad. Balancing Akila on one hip, Scully took the diaper and moved out to the garage to dump it.
"You really outdid yourself this time Akila. It's a wonder that Aunt Monica didn't wake me up to change you, I sure know your daddy would have." Scully nuzzled Akila's cheek. Akila giggled in the special way that only a three and a half month old can. Scully smiled as she saw another trait that Akila had inherited from Mulder; the adorable, childish grin and laugh that lit up her entire face. Scully laughed happily and spun herself and the baby around in circles. She was still dancing around when Reyes stuck her head out the door and held the phone out for Scully.
"It's Mulder. He says it's urgent."
Scully took the receiver and held it to her ear, refusing Reyes's offer to take the baby. "What is it?"
"Scully, do you still have your weapon with you?" Mulder asked briskly.
"Of course, why?"
"I want you to keep it with you at all times and never let Akila out of your sight. Make sure Reyes keeps a tight hold on security. And if possible, don't leave the house."
"Why?" Scully asked, confused by the urgency in his tone.
"Someone may be after you. On my last mission I heard two members of the alien side talking about killing "the one with the cure." I assume they meant you, Scully, since you made the vaccine and Akila is immune."
"Okay, I wont go anywhere till you tell me otherwise."
"Be careful Scully."
"I will, call me soon?"
"Yeah." Mulder hung up, leaving Scully listening to a dial tone. She sighed and hefted Akila closer.
"Come on Akila, let's go tell Aunt Monica what daddy told us." Scully forced a cheerful voice and kissed Akila's nose.
~ * ~ * ~
Because of Mulder's warning, Scully was on edge for over a week until he called her to assure her that the danger was over. He and Skinner had caught two members of the enemy organization who were conspiring against her. After interrogation, their captives had revealed that it was a singular effort and no one else was after Scully.
Despite Mulder's assurances, Scully was still a little worried. Mulder passed the phone to Skinner and allowed him to assure her that she and Akila were safe. Once Mulder was out of earshot, Skinner divulged a secret. During the interrogation, Mulder had nearly beaten the perpetrators to a bloody pulp after they had talked about their plans. Skinner was sure that the only reason those two men weren't in serious condition was because he had pulled Mulder away and sent him out to work with Doggett.
Scully found herself on the verge of tears after hearing this. She demanded to talk to Mulder, but Skinner told her that he'd already left and wouldn't say for where.
Two days later, Scully had just gotten Akila into a sleep that she hoped would last for more than four hours. They were lying in bed, Akila in Scully's arms. Scully looked out at the full moon through the half open blinds. For the first time in a long while, Scully thought not about her own life, her possible future with Mulder, the horrors around her, she thought of her father and sister.
"Here she is Ahab, Missy. My little miracle. She finally came into the world." Scully spoke to the stars, but kept her focus trained on Akila. "Akila Tristin Mulder. Four months old as of yesterday, and she's already grown." Scully paused. "Her father loves her, he really does. And he loves me too. Even if he doesn't show it very often. He's just been through so much and has so many responsibilities right now, that I can't tell him. He does deserve to know that he's a father, but it would cloud his judgment and his focus would shift from the problems at hand, and we can't afford that. Once things settle down a bit, I will tell him. For now it's enough that he loves us." Scully yawned. "Guess I need sleep, huh Akila? I'm talking to the stars like they're gonna answer me."
"You always did get a little crazy when you were sleep deprived." A sarcastic voice shot out from the dark. Scully jumped in surprise. The person stepped into the slivery light made by the full moon. "It's just me. So, what were you telling the stars?" Mulder crossed his arms and smiled slightly. Scully relaxed and Akila shifted in her arms.
"Mulder, you scared the hell out of me. What are you doing here?" Scully asked, climbing from the bed. Mulder bowed his head bashfully and shifted his footing.
"Sorry for scaring you Scully. I had some vacation time coming to me, and I thought I could spend it here. I can leave if you want." Mulder spoke hesitantly.
"No, no, no." Scully amended quickly. "I don't want you to go. Actually I remember Skinner saying that you went somewhere, but he wouldn't tell me where."
"I asked him not to. I wanted it to be a surprise."
"Mission accomplished." Scully mumbled. Mulder looked stricken.
"How is everything?" He asked uncomfortably.
"It's okay. Akila misses you even though you didn't spend a lot of time with her before; she still knew that you weren't here. We have almost gotten the feeding issue resolved. I bought some of your cologne and deodorant and put it on your shirts. She cried and cried the day she realized that they didn't smell like you anymore." Scully babbled. Mulder reached out and touched Akila's head.
"Can I hold her?" He asked tentatively, much like the first time he'd asked to hold Akila. Scully nodded and offered him the baby. Mulder cradled Akila expertly and his heart swelled as he gazed down at the sleeping baby.
"Does Monica know you're here?" Scully asked.
"No, I let myself in with my key."
"Aright, let me go tell her you're here." Scully moved out of the room quickly.
Mulder looked around for Scully's rocking chair, but didn't see it so he sat on the bed. After taking off his jacket, he returned his stare to Akila. He noted that she'd grown even since the last batch of pictures Scully had sent him. He took in everything about Akila, catalogued her every feature. Then a thought struck him. In all of the pictures that Scully had sent him, with the exception of the bath photo, Mulder hadn't seen Akila's hair since her birth. Well, and the few times he'd helped Scully bathe her. He would ask Scully if there was a particular reason for never seeing her daughter's head bare.
Scully returned to find Mulder seated on her bed. She noticed that he'd shed his leather jacket and had pulled Akila tighter against his chest.
"Scully, why don't you ever send me pictures of Akila without her hats on? She's always wearing one."
"I don't know, I just never seem to take the pictures when she's not wearing one."
"Can I see it? Her hair, I mean. I'm just a little curious as to how it's changed. She's gotten so big."
"Can you wait till tomorrow? It's dark in here and I don't want to turn on any lights because it might wake her."
"If I have to." Mulder began slowly.
"Well, you have to." Scully snapped tiredly. Akila shifted at Scully's sharp tone and let out a wail to wake the dead.
Scully quickly took Akila from Mulder and shushed her. Bouncing her lightly, Scully made gentle noises and Akila calmed considerably against her mother's chest after Scully looked over at Mulder and admitted, "Sorry Mulder. I'm short on sleep and getting short on my temper. But watch it, we converted your room to the nursery after you left and if you're not careful, you'll be up all night with Akila. Isn't that right sweetie? Won't you keep Mulder up all night?" Scully cooed and Akila gurgled in response. Mulder nodded and Scully settled back into bed. Mulder cautiously sat next to her.
"Fine by me. It'll give me and Akila time to rebond." Mulder reached out and stroked Akila's cheek where it rested on Scully's collarbone. The baby closed her eyes in response to Mulder's touch.
Mulder brought his eyes up to Scully's and quickly moved his hand. She gazed back at him openly and was about to tell him he didn't have to stop touching Akila when she yelped. Scully quickly looked down at her sleeping daughter.
"What's wrong?" Mulder asked worriedly.
"Nothing." Scully answered quickly. They sat in silence. Until Mulder leaned over and placed a hesitant kiss on Scully's cheek, right at the corner of her mouth. Scully responded and soon, they were kissing softly. As Akila shifted, Scully stiffened.
"I can't Mulder. Not tonight. Can we take a rain check?"
"Sure Scully." Mulder kissed the corner of Scully's mouth again and retreated to his part of the bed in silence.
"Scully, I've thought a lot about this, and I've had my doubts. I also have my hopes and theories. I guess I'll just come right out and ask, is the pizza man really responsible for Akila?" Mulder asked timidly. Scully let out a little laugh at the question. Mulder had brought up an ongoing joke from when he'd first been returned that she was having an affair with the teenaged pizza delivery guy.
"No, Alex is innocent."
"Alex?"
"I was really lonely while you were gone. He knows all about you, the condensed version we tell my mother. I think you're his hero. But, Alex is free of suspicion."
"So, who's the guilty party?" Mulder asked hesitantly. Without a word, Scully handed him Akila.
"Bathroom." Scully moved out to the room before she had to answer his question.
When she finished in the bathroom, Scully walked back to her room, but stopped short when she heard Mulder's soft voice. He was half speaking; half whispering and Scully found that she was transfixed with watching him.
"Your mom doesn't want to tell me who your daddy is. I guess I won't like the answer huh? Cause your mommy only doesn't tell me things when she's afraid I won't like the answer. And even then, she'll still tell me. But, you know what Akila? I'm really, really, really hoping that the few times I was with your mommy before those mean aliens took me was enough to conceive you, cause I'll be heartbroken if I'm not your daddy. But, no matter what, I'll still love you the same. And I know you probably have no idea what I'm talking about because you're just itty-bitty. But, I promise once you're older, I'll explain." Mulder said nothing further, he simply kissed Akila's forehead and rocked the sleeping child gently. Scully felt tears slide down her cheeks and she closed the door gently before walking up behind Mulder and wrapping her arms around his shoulders, burying her face in his temple, trying to control her emotions.
"Stay with me Mulder. Don't go anywhere. The couch is too lumpy for you and your bed is covered in baby stuff…stay with us." Scully whispered into his ear.
"If you want Scully." Mulder whispered back. He handed Akila back to Scully and stood to undress. Scully watched his graceful movements. First came Mulder's shirt and Scully admired his muscular chest, which was only marred by a faint scar down the middle. Next, off came his shoes and pants, leaving Mulder only clothed in his boxers. Mulder slid into bed beside Scully.
In order to keep her distance from Mulder, Scully put Akila down in between them. Mulder didn't let this deter him, and he set Akila onto his chest and slid closer to Scully. He gently stroked Akila's back.
"You never answered my question."
"I don't need to answer something you already know in your heart." Scully whispered cryptically. "If you still want to know, I'll tell you in the morning." Scully kissed Akila and raised her head to Mulder. After a sweet kiss, she placed her head on Mulder's shoulder to sleep.
End of part 6/8