July 18th, Present Day, X-Files Office...
Monica got to work early, purposely to prepare herself for being nicer to Phoebe. She knew their first day could have gone a lot better, and yes it could also have been worse, but Monica hadn't really tried, and taking her to a bar instead of working with her might not have been the best way for them to start their professional relationship.
When Phoebe walked into the office full of bounce and energy, she was clearly shocked to see Monica there and her energy disappeared like air from a burst balloon. Monica was amused at the reaction she was receiving but was determined to make an effort today. Anna had happily walked into the Mulder residence without fuss and with a great big hug for her mother before going to find William. There was no better way to start a day in her book. So now she owed it to Phoebe to make both their days as easy as possible. Then again when was life ever easy on the x-files?
"Good morning Agent Doggett."
"Agent Carmichael. How are you this morning?"
"Good. You?"
"Great. Yeah. So, I was thinking we should probably go and see that family we avoided yesterday."
"I believe it was you who chose to avoid the family Agent Doggett."
That hit Monica hard and brought it home just how much she had gotten onto the wrong side of this young woman. But rather than throw up her defences and be as snappy back at her, she knew she had to be adult about this. And besides Phoebe was right, it was Monica who chose for them to blow off work in favour of a drink in a bar.
"Look Agent Carmichael, I apologise for my behaviour yesterday, it was wrong of me to take you away from work and to expect us to be able to respect each other in that kind of environment. I'm not making excuses but it was a long and difficult day for me, I honestly didn't know if I'd make it through that door again after what I've been through. But I'm here, and I want to work, and I want us to be able to work together. Do you think we can start again and try and make this work?"
Phoebe looked at Monica and was desperate to rush over and accept her apology and tell her she completely understood, but instead she played it cool and tried to be a little more restrained about it all.
"Yes. I think that would be a great place to start."
"Ok, well then lets get out of here. You can drive."
Monica threw the keys at Phoebe who thanked God as she caught them and she followed Monica out of the office with a smile on her face. Maybe working down here wasn't going to be so bad after all.
June 30th, Doggett Residence...
Despite their slightly more sombre evening together and their hurry to see their daughter again, when John and Monica woke up on Sunday morning they both prolonged the amount of time they just lay together knowing that the following evening and morning Anna would be back in the next room ready to quite rightfully expect their full attention and cooperation. John pulled Monica close to him and she closed her eyes as he held her.
"This weekend has been unbelievable."
"I'll say. My mom warned me that you New York men liked your dirty weekends..."
"Don't give me that, I seem to recall you practically on top of me in the car on Friday night..."
"What can I say, you're a bad influence. My mom was right though."
"Aint nothin' wrong with two married people showing each other they love one another."
Monica laughed and turned to face John.
"Well I think we made our love pretty clear."
"Just don't tell your ma I took advantage, I already get knots in my stomach whenever they visit."
"John we haven't seen my parents since Christmas! Besides, my parents like you... You helped give my mother her only grandchild, you're the answer to her prayers."
"Well whatever I can do to help. Where is it they went again?"
"They're in Italy for a month. My dad surprised her for their fortieth wedding anniversary."
"Smart man, I guess I got a lot to live up to."
"You better believe it."
"Well then here's to our fortieth wedding anniversary."
"Amen to that."
Monica kissed John and he slowly manoeuvred himself over her. Monica felt herself come alive whenever he was near her, and now was no exception as they made love again.
"I told you my mom was right..."
"Well I'll get you a T-Shirt that says New York men do it best, think your mom'd approve?"
"No!"
"Too bad, it'd make me look great."
Just before lunch time John and Monica pulled up outside the Mulder residence and looked at one another smiling.
"My God I can't believe how badly I just want to get in there and see her."
"Then let's go."
They both got out of the car and as Monica lifted her hand to knock on the door John quickly held her back for a moment.
"What is it John?"
"I just wanted to tell you again that I meant it when I said we'd always be here together, no matter what."
"I know. No matter what."
John smiled and gently pulled his wife towards him and kissed her as the front door burst open. They pulled apart quickly and turned to a grinning Mulder at the door.
"Knock it off you guys, haven't you had enough of that this weekend?"
Monica walked into the house and left the men to their boy talk.
"You're a married man Mulder, you gotta know what it's like to have your wife to yourself for the whole weekend with no reason at all to get out of bed."
"Well I gotta tell you John, it's been a while."
"Well then I owe you one."
"Promises, promises. Besides Dana'd never go for it."
"Talk her into it. You won't regret it."
The two men walked out to the back garden where Monica already had Anna swooped into her arms for the longest hug they had ever shared. Dana was playing with Jack and William as they arranged their toys around the blanket that had been lay down for them to sit on. Monica and Dana walked over to John and Mulder as Anna ran over to John.
"Hey sweetheart!"
"Daddy!"
He picked her up and kissed her before hugging her and relishing in the fact that his little girl was in his arms.
"Did you have a fun weekend?"
"Uh huh, William and me watched 'Finding Nemo' five times!"
John looked at Dana and Mulder as they both slowly shook their heads at the painful memory of the same children's movie five times in a row.
"Well, we should get out of your way, let you get back to reality."
"Thank you so much for taking care of her."
"It's been a pleasure. It was nice to have some female company."
Mulder took Dana's hand and kissed it as she joked and they all walked to the front door. William followed almost dragging Jack along by his tiny hands not wanting to miss the chance to say goodbye. Dana picked up Jack and William walked to the car with Anna talking about their plans for another sleep over to watch 'The Lion King'. When Anna was in the car Mulder picked up William and they stood to wave them off. John got into the car as Monica kissed Jack and William goodbye.
"Thank you so much for this, we had an amazing weekend."
"Any time."
Monica got into the car and everybody waved to each other as the car pulled away. William ran back inside and Dana rested an exhausted head on Mulder's shoulder.
"Never. Again."
"Hell no. Two kids, more than enough. And why do four year old girls have so much more energy?"
"I don't know. But I know I love my boys."
"Yeah. Me too. Their mom's not that bad either."