Title: Charlie's Engagement
Rating: K+
Status: Complete
Spoilers: None….all from my imagination but I'm putting it after Millennium but before All Things
Archive: Wow, what an honor, hell yes, just drop a note first.
Feedback: Most definitely
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended, characters and show reference belong to their creator CC and 1013. No money so, Yada, yada, yada. I prefer you just read and enjoy.
Summary: Mulder accompanies Scully to Maggie's house for an engagement dinner and Sunday brunch for her elusive brother Charlie. Maggie learns something by accident.
Saturday
It was 9:25 Saturday morning when she was awakened by the ring of her phone. She felt like she had just fallen asleep after she and Mulder got back from a case in Utah earlier this morning. She put the key in her lock at 4:00am, stripped out of her clothes, put on a pair of pajama shorts and a white tank top before barely making it to her bed before falling into it. Her luggage still lies on the carpet in her living room.
"Scully" she answered the phone half asleep wondering why Mulder was up so early.
"Dana, honey did I wake you up?"
It was her mother, she sounded extraordinarily cheerful and happy. Scully sat up in bed and ran her fingers through her hair trying to wake up enough to hear what Maggie had to say.
"Mom, is everything okay?"
"Yes, Dana everything is wonderful, I called to let you know Charlie finally proposed to Meredith last night and I am planning an engagement party for them next Saturday afternoon and then a family brunch on Sunday before everyone leaves. I am hoping you will be here and be sure to bring Fox." She could hear the excitement in her mother's voice.
"I will be there Mom. It will be nice to see everyone but, I don't know if Mulder will be there."
"Are the two of you okay Dana?"
"What, yes everything is fine, but I don't know if he'll want to go to an engagement party for a brother of mine, he has never met. Besides he probably has plans, some big video game marathon with his friends. They love beating the kids from South Korea or wherever they log in from."
"Uh, huh. The party starts at 4:00pm honey tell him to plan on spending the night so the two of you can be at brunch the next day."
"It's on my calendar mom."
"I'll expect Fox to here as well."
"I'll ask him mom."
She hung up the phone, rolled over, pulled the covers up, and fell back to sleep. She awoke three hours later feeling a little more rested. She started the coffee and jumped into the shower. Emerging fifteen minutes later in her lazy sweatpants and one of Mulder's shirts, he left at her place the last time he spent the night. She dragged her luggage to her washing machine and began sorting the clothes into piles.
After the delicate load started, she grabbed a cup of java and sat on the couch with her feet on her coffee table. Her thoughts turned to Charlie; her younger brother was finally getting married. She loved Meredith, she and Charlie had known each other since 7th grade. Meredith was crazy about him, but Charlie never seemed to notice her. She was his best friend and stayed in touch with him while he was in college. Finally at some point they started seeing each other while he served in the Navy. They had been together now for eleven years. 'It's about damn time Charlie' she thought to herself. Meredith was good for Charlie, she tolerated his whimsical side, and his man-child needs. Charlie was a good man, and she was close to him when Bill left for the Navy. As she thought about Charlie, she realized he and Mulder could be brothers. Both men had sides to them that hadn't grown up. Mulder's love for video games and Charlie's work designing them. Mulder will have a lot of questions for him if he finds out what Charlie does for a living. Of course, she would invite Mulder but what does she tell Charlie about them. She sighed, another family member with a chance to blame Mulder for Melissa's death.
She and Mulder had been seeing each other since her birthday but they hadn't forced or pushed anything they just let their relationship develop naturally. She couldn't attach a name to it, dating sounded so trivial and going steady wasn't a good term either. She wondered why things always needed to fit into a category. Although they had never spoken about any kind of commitment or monogamy, she knew he was the one, she just didn't think she had to spell it out. She knew she wasn't ready to announce their relationship to anyone, especially Maggie. It had only been a few months since they became more than work partners and best friends and telling her mom would only lead to questions and expectations. 'No,' she thought 'this is us and we will let this unfold free of any pressure or coercion.'
Sunday
They sat on her couch for dinner and a movie. Mulder brought Chinese food and she picked the movie Cast Away. She knew she had to bring up Charlie's party but wasn't sure how he would take it. She would tell him if he wanted to go, he could stay at Maggie's overnight since the house was huge and had four bedrooms. She gazed at him, knowing he would accept any invitation Maggie put in front of him. She loved that he wasn't intimidated by Bill, but the tension was just below the surface in her older brother, and it was palpable. Mulder was good at sidestepping him and moving on, but Bill loved to push his buttons.
"So, Mulder any plans for next weekend?" Scully asked him, wishing with half her heart he didn't and with other half hoping he would drop them if he did. She hated the conflict between Mulder and Bill. She loves her family and doesn't get to see them enough with her job, Bill being away for months, and Charlie living in the mid-west, but Mulder was her companion, and she would not drag him along if he didn't want to go.
"If you call doing laundry, cleaning a fish tank, and the apartment plans, then yes, I have plans. Why, are you going make me a better offer Scully?" Although he meant it, he certainly didn't think she was about to propose it. He would love a better offer from his partner, a weekend away with her would suit him nicely, anytime with alone with Scully was a good time.
"My mom is having an engagement party for my brother Charlie. She asked if you would come along. She's having dinner Saturday night and brunch on Sunday so it would be a weekend affair. You don't have to go but if you do you don't have to stay the entire time. Mom has a spare room and expects you to stay so, it's up to you."
He could see she was nervous. He learned over the years one of Scully's nervous habits was the tendency to lick her top lip and this situation was no exception. His thoughts came quickly, he knows the tension between he and Bill disrupts the balance in Maggie's house but, he loves Maggie she is a wonderful woman. She is the mom he never had, she is warm, compassionate, loving, self-less, and kind. He could clean his apartment, the tank, and his laundry and still go with Scully.
"I don't want to intrude Scully."
"Mulder, it's me and my mom, you wouldn't be intruding." She grabbed his arm and rubbed it.
"And Bill, I'm sure he'll be there."
"Since when are you afraid of Bill and besides it's my mother who asked. It's okay if you don't want to go Mulder, you don't need to make excuses. It's Charlies engagement party you'll get to meet him and his partner Meredith if you go. Charlie is nothing like Bill, you'll like him. He doesn't get wrapped up in drama and he's pretty funny, smart and believes there are things in the universe that can't be explained. Charlie doesn't take life so seriously and he designs video games."
"You had me at he's nothing like Bill. Ok, Scully tell your mom I'll be there. I wouldn't turn down an invite to meet the youngest Scully especially when he makes video games." He said with a smile he put his arm around her and gave her a squeeze.
"He doesn't make them Mulder; he helps design them. He's a graphic artist, he designs the ideas of the creators."
"That takes some serious talent Scully. To take someone else's idea or concept and give it life as a video game character or setting takes creativity and a lot of patience. Another Scully with brains and talent. Your parents didn't have a lazy or stupid kid, every single one of you came from the deep end of the gene pool."
Scully looked at him and shook her head. "I should expect comments like that from you, but they still surprise me."
"I'll always keep you guessing Scully and all your genes are from the deep end." Mulder leaned over and whispered that comment as he licked her earlobe and lifted himself from the couch to use the restroom.
"What did you say?" Scully thought she heard him, but her body was just lit on fire, and she wasn't sure if she heard him correctly.
"I said I'll be right back. I have to use the bathroom."
Friday Afternoon
"Mulder if you want to use mom's pool, bring your bathing suit. You won't need a towel Mom has oversized ones on the patio."
"I forgot your mom had a pool Scully, that will be fun be sure to bring your suit too, we can sneak out for a midnight swim."
"I'm going to pack Mulder; be over later to spend the night, and we'll leave from my place. We'll grab lunch and get to mom's around 2:00pm. Good?"
"I wouldn't miss it Scully. See you in a few."
Mulder watched her walk out enjoying the view. If she knew that she'd slap the crap out of him, he thought but, he couldn't help it. He would enjoy that view until he went blind or was dead. He followed her out about thirty minutes later. He had a stop to make at the liquor store. He bought 2 bottles of wine, one for dinner and one just in case. Everyone needs some relaxation and fun and maybe he and Scully could find some time away from prying eyes. He remembered Maggie's house had a large yard with all types of blooming plants. Maggie loved feeding the birds, bees, and squirrels so it was a Zen area for her. She had a bench placed on the side of her favorite area under the large Elm tree. Mulder remembered the house couldn't be seen from the bench, it was near the bird bath and the solar lights, a truly peaceful part of her garden.
Saturday
They pulled up in her mother's driveway noting she and Mulder were the first to arrive. They exited the car, grabbed their bags, and walked up to the door. Scully knocked and then opened the door announcing their presence. Maggie came running into the foyer to greet them with hugs. She stared at Mulder as she held his hands then hugged him for a while longer than he expected.
"Fox, you look great, I am so glad you could make it. You are in Charlie's old room. It's upstairs to the left in the back."
"Maggie, I don't want to displace the guests of honor."
"They are staying at a hotel downtown so; you are not displacing anyone. You have your own on-suite, so Dana won't yell at you for interrupting her evening facial."
"Mom!" Scully feigned her displeasure for her mother for divulging such a private ritual even though Mulder already knows of her facial ritual. He had seen it when they were Mrs and Mr. Petrie working undercover earlier this year as well several times at her place when he spent the night, but Maggie isn't aware of any of that yet. As Rob, he faked recoil when she exited the bathroom with her green alien facemask on. She had chuckled at that 'For all his talk he was shocked when he actually saw one.' She thought.
"Dana I am sure Fox is aware women have beauty rituals."
"Thank you Mrs Scu…ah Maggie. I am sure none of the Scully women need a beauty ritual but at least I won't have to hear her chastise me for leaving the toilet seat up again." Scully slapped his arm.
"Mulder." She didn't want her mother asking when they were in such a position that she would have said that to him even though she saw the look on Maggie's face.
"Dana you're in your old room."
Scully picked up her bag and climbed the stairs, Mulder followed her up the stairs. She walked into her room placing her bag on the bed. Mulder followed her in.
"Nice digs Scully, I like the moss green color. I didn't think it would be pink." He sat down, then laid on her bed staring at her. "How many boys got to see the inside of this room Scully?"
"Mulder, you are the first. I never had boys in my room while I lived here. My father would have killed them, and I would not disrespect him like that."
He sat up, looked around and wondered how many secrets she shared with Melissa in this her private domain. She slept in this room until she started college in Maryland. He got up and grabbed his bag.
"I'm honored to be the first man in your bedroom Scully. I just wish you would have invited me sooner." He whispered in her ear. He nibbled the bottom lobe as he walked out towards his assigned sleeping quarters. He couldn't help but smile as he walked past her. He knew she was rolling her eyes.
She did roll her eyes and she felt her body respond to his action but two can play that game. She followed him to Charlie's old room. Walking in behind him. She remembered all the talks they had when they were the last two kids at home. Each being in their teens and experiencing the pressure to date, to have social circles or be a part of something, athletics, or one of the many clubs, ski, glee, chess, swimming. Charlie joined ROTC and she joined the ski club, loving winter sports. She was short but her center of gravity made skiing easy, so she stayed with it until college.
"So, Mulder Charlie never had any girls up here that I am aware of but, if he did you may find an old, gross pair of forgotten underwear up here stuffed in a corner somewhere. Come to think of it you may find an old rotten pair of his underwear stuffed in a corner somewhere."
"Scully your mom would have found it long before now, you don't scare me."
"You can think that all you want Mulder, you were a younger man at one time, did your mom find all your old underwear?"
"At one time, jeez Scully how old do you think I am?"
"Old enough to know you stashed an old pair of your underwear or some girls' underwear somewhere in your room as a trophy that you probably forgot about, just saying Mulder. Come on, let's spend some time with mom before Bill gets here." As Scully turned to leave the room, she let her arm give a feather light brush over his zipper. She smiled as she walked out.
"Cheap shot Scully." Mulder whispered to her as he followed her downstairs. "It's going to be a long weekend."
"Bill will be here soon, get your mind out of the gutter."
"I would but then it would be homeless." He said as he carried one of the bottles of wine downstairs.
"Hey Maggie, I have a bottle of wine for the party where would you like it?"
"Fox, you didn't have to do that but thank you. You can place it on the table."
"What do you need help with mom?"
"Nothing sweetheart, everything is ready I am just waiting for everyone to get here. The two of you go out and enjoy the weather."
Scully and Mulder went out by the pool and sat next to each other. A short while later they heard Bill and Tara inside with the two kids. Matthew was three and Lucas was a seven-month-old. Bill walked out to the pool stopping when he saw Mulder.
"Hello Bill." Mulder offered his best opening line.
"Hey, little sis, how are you?"
Bill opened his arms and Scully stepped into them. They greeted each other with hugs. Bill separated himself from her and gave an eyebrow raise regarding Mulder. Scully mouthed to him to behave. Bill gave her a neutral response and turned to give Mulder an icy stare before walking back into the house.
"Bill's here Scully now the real fun begins."
"Mulder this party is for Charlie and Meredith. Whatever you and Bill have between you leave it alone please."
"It's not me Scully, I gave him a greeting and he shot cold lasers at me. My guess is they are staying here?"
"Of course, he and Tara take the large bedroom downstairs in the front of the house, so they won't even see you tonight."
"It's beautiful weather Scully, a midnight swim could be nice, I'm sure the pool is heated."
"It is heated but it is the rule is you have to wear clothes, no skinny-dipping Mulder."
"Do you think your mom will mind if I take a swim later?"
"My mother won't care; she'll be glad someone is using it. Come on Mulder let's help mom with the table."
"Maybe I'll get lucky, and you'll join me in my midnight swim Scully, you know let your hair down and have a little moonlight fun."
"Maybe." Scully smiled as she walked into the house knowing he had caught her.
They walked in right as Charlie and Meredith arrived. Mulder noticed that Charlie was the only dark-haired Scully in the group. He was taller than Bill, with wavy, dark hair. His blue eyes could be seen from where Mulder was standing, his father's eyes, he concluded. He was thin, not stocky like Bill. He had a smile like Scully's dimples and all. His partner, Meredith had blonde hair that hung in a large ponytail down her back, she was average height, thin with blue eyes. Mulder walked over and stood next to Scully waiting to be introduced.
"There she is, Dana, it's so good to see you big sis." He enveloped her in his arms and lifted her off her feet in a bear hug.
Scully hugged Meredith and gave them her congratulations. She took Mulder's arm and brought him in front of Charlie and Meredith. He extended his hand which Charlie grabbed in a tight, firm grip and shook it.
"Fox Mulder, I'm Dana's partn…we work together. Congratulations on your engagement."
"The famous Fox Mulder. I've heard everything about you."
"I'm sure, just um, only believe half of it." Mulder said knowing he was now probably on Charlie's shitlist as well.
"I don't worry about Bill's opinions; I've heard everything from mom because Dana doesn't share." Charlie said as he turned to join everyone on the patio. He placed his hand on Mulder's shoulder. "Mr. Mulder there is a reason Bill rarely smiles, he has no friends, how Tara tolerates him is the big family mystery."
He turned and gave Meredith a quick hug. "Congratulations on becoming a member of their clan."
Meredith looked at him and smiled. "I've been trying for years to become a member of this clan. Charlie finally gave up the fight and realized I wasn't going away."
"Is that the trick, just hang around long enough and they realize they can't get rid of you they just take you in?" He smiled at her.
"That is the trick, but you didn't hear it from me I'll deny, deny, deny."
Charlie elbowed Mulder in the arm and said "You know Mr. Mulder, sometimes clarity just hits you and you realize everything you want is right in front of you. She was hiding in plain sight all along."
"You can call me Mulder or Fox, the latter may take some getting used to so, if I don't respond to it, Mulder may be a better choice."
Mulder sat in a chair at one end of the patio and watched the interactions between everyone. He noticed Maggie spent her time doting over Matthew and Lucas. Matthew was doing his best to talk to her wavy his hands around like it was very important. Lucas was grinning in his seat as Maggie tickled his tummy and rubbed her nose on his. Charlie and Bill were talking, he observed it to be a serious talk with the occasional chuckle. He didn't notice any barbs being thrown his way. Scully was next to Maggie sitting Indian style, listening intently to Matthew with a beaming smile. Meredith and Tara were talking about the wedding which he heard was to be the following January. He wondered if Scully ever married if she would want a winter wedding. He didn't think so, he guessed she'd want a fall wedding, it was her favorite time of the year. He just didn't see Scully as the marriage type, he has never heard to speak of it.
"Okay everyone let's get washed up to eat." Maggie said as she stood up.
Scully picked up Lucas' baby seat and brought him into the house wiping his little hands with a baby wipe, placing him in the highchair and putting on his bib. The table was filled with so much food Mulder wondered how many times they had gathered like this for birthdays, holidays, and other family events. Even though Bill hated his very being, he would have loved to grow up in a large family like this, stories, smiles, jokes, memories, togetherness.
Scully sat next to Mulder. When Maggie said a prayer to give thanks, she placed her hand on his knee watching him from the corner of her eye. She knew he didn't believe in Maggie's god, but he bowed his head in respect. He squeezed her hand and appreciated her gesture.
The room filled with voices exchanging stories, laughter, the clanking of silverware on the China as well as the clinking of glasses and bottles being brought together for toast after toast. Mulder guessed this was normal for them at a family gathering. The laughter was genuine, and he could tell Maggie was relishing all of it. Maggie told a story of how Scully and Charlie had built a Polish Cannon in the driveway one year over summer break and how Charlie had grabbed when he saw his dad coming home and burned his hand dropping it. They were both grounded for a week. The kicker was Scully took the heat telling her father it was her idea to build it in the name of "science" so Charlie wouldn't get two weeks of grounding. Typical Scully, she knew what it was to have someone's back even when she was younger.
"It is amazing the things I am still learning about the shenanigans all of you pulled when you were younger." Maggie said with a mother's exasperation in her eye along with pride.
"I'm sure there are plenty of secrets waiting to be told. Something tells me, the secrets between all of you run deep with plenty of laughter and shock value." Mulder said with a little regret. After all he was just a visitor here, his relationship with their sister and daughter still covert. Thinking he had spoken out of turn Charlie saved him before Scully could.
"I know that is true." Charlie smiled at Scully and winked at her.
"Tell me Mr. Mulder do you have secrets with your siblings you hide from your family?" Bill asked but it was more a sarcastic comment than a question. He saw Scully's ire as she shot Bill a glare over the table. Mulder didn't bite at Bill's attempt to cause an argument about family secrets. Scully even noticed her mother gave Bill a look of dismay.
"I haven't thought about it for a while Bill. It's been a long time since my family was all together to share family joy. My sister and father have passed, and my mother suffered a stroke a while back. She is struggling to relearn to walk and talk. I see her often but, I wasn't as lucky as all of you to have such a large, tight-knit group." Mulder put that out there knowing it could lead to more anger regarding Melissa's absence, but Bill just looked down and continued to eat.
After a fantastic dinner Mulder shooed Maggie and the others out to the patio so he and Scully could do the kitchen clean up. They stored the leftovers in containers, loaded the dishwasher, and hand washed the pots and pans. They worked in sync and were soon finding themselves watching the others out the kitchen window. Mulder reached over and placed his hand in the familiar small of her back. She put her hand over his and looked up at him.
"Thank you for inviting me Scully. It's been quite the experience already." Mulder winked at her and gave her a smile. Scully looked up at him and leaned her head onto his shoulder.
"I'm glad you decided to come, and I'm thankful you didn't let Bill get to you. He tries you know, to get you to bite."
"I know but I would never disrespect your mother or her generosity Scully. Especially in her own home where I am a guest."
"C'mon Mulder we'll take a walk in the yard. Do you mind if I take Lucas with us, I'll carry him."
"I won't mind that at all Scully. Let's get him out to the land of the colorful plants and unidentified flying insects." He kissed the top of her head knowing for now that was the extent of affection while at Maggie's.
They went out to the patio, Tara picked Lucas up and handed him to Scully. Matthew, not wanting to be left out, ran to Mulder and looked at him with his hands up. Bill walked over and was about to pick up his son when Tara stepped in, picked him up and handed him to Mulder.
"See you when you get back." Tara said to them as Bill glared at Mulder. Tara took him by the upper arm and pulled him away from the crowd near the pool. "Stop Bill, this has to end. He is with Dana, and he isn't going to let anything happen to Matthew, or Lucas. It is obvious he is cares for her more than a platonic work partner and I have no doubts it's mutual. The next engagement party could be theirs. He adores her even if she refuses to see it or accept it right now."
"Melissa is gone Tara and he's …"
"Yes, Bill she is, and we all miss her. Your mom lost a child, you lost your sister but so did Charlie and Dana. It is a hole in the family that will never be filled but stop blaming him. Do you think he doesn't know she's gone? He knows she's gone every time he sees Dana or mom. Do you think Dana doesn't feel guilty? It's a tragedy but healing has got to happen, or we don't move forward." Tara kissed him and walked away leaving him with his thoughts.
Scully and Mulder walked Maggie's yard and found their way to the back walking path and the large shade tree. Solar lights in the shapes of dragon and butterflies lined the path absorbing the sunlight waiting for their turn to shine. Matthew wanted down and began walking amongst the plants waving and saying 'hi' to all the flying insects along the way.
"Mulder keep an eye on him, he's fast and I don't want him to get hurt."
Mulder gave Matthew his hand and the little boy took it without question. He walked him around the shrubs while Scully sat on the bench with Lucas waiting for them to finish their tour of the garden. She watched Mulder with Matthew and how he interacted with him so naturally. When they returned Matthew had a few small stems of flowers making up a small bouquet of colors and textures. He gripped tightly in his small hand. Mulder leaned over and told him not to hurt the flowers but just to hold them. For an instant Scully saw a side of Mulder she had never imagined. Walking over to her, he sat on the bench next to her and picked up Matthew, placing him in his lap.
"Matthew, those flowers are beautiful, are they for me." Scully said reaching for them.
Matthew pulled them back and shook his head. He turned in Mulder's lap and pointed in the direction of the house. "Mama."
Scully looked at Mulder raising an eyebrow. "You teach him how to do that and all his future girlfriend's will thank you. You make a good uncle-in-waiting Mulder, Tara will love them."
He smiled at that comment trying hard not to read into it. "No, I merely suggested we pick some flowers for his mother so he could give them to her. It's just a few stems of flowers, not even big enough to fit in a small shot glass of water. My dad taught me how to think of my mom when I was out walking. Most of the time I probably brought her stems of colorful weeds, but she acted like they were the most beautiful weeds on the planet."
"The definition of a weed is anything growing where you don't want it to so, weed or flower is in the eye of the beholder Mulder. We should get back; I don't want Bill storming the yard looking for us." Scully stood up facing Mulder and Matthew holding Lucas on her left hip.
Mulder put Matthew down, holding his free hand, and stood up facing Scully. "Your mom has a lot of beautiful things in her yard Scully, colorful plants, solar lights, a bench sitting under the most spectacular shade tree in the neighborhood and…."
"The tree is one of the biggest reasons they bought the house. My dad wanted to put a swing in it, but he never got the chance. His grandkids would have loved it."
Mulder leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips, not lingering but wanting to. Lucas reached for his hair as he backed away taking his small hand in his. "Don't interrupt me Scully, I was going to include you in the most beautiful things in the yard." Mulder lifted his left eyebrow, turned and began walking back to the house. Scully stood there frozen in place, her body wanting more, his kiss was electrifying, and she felt it all the way down to her feet. He knew they were getting closer to the house, and she wouldn't want anyone else to hear their conversation.
"I can feel you smiling Mulder."
"Oh, I am smiling Scully, from ear to ear." He stopped as they approached the pool area. She walked up next to him and looked as if she would say something, but he spoke instead. "If you'd like I'm taking a midnight swim tonight, feel free to Join me."
"Mulder everyone will probably still be up at midnight."
"Then I guess I'll meet you in the pool an hour after everyone goes to bed." He turned and walked back to her family.
Mulder helped Matthew up the stairs to the patio area and waited for Scully to climb the stairs. Matthew went running to Tara flowers in hand holding them out for her. Bill, who was standing with Charlie a few feet away watched as his oldest ran to his mother with colorful blooms in his hand. Scully caught Bill's eye and walked over to him.
"How'd they behave?" He asked her.
"Perfect gentlemen." Scully and Bill fell into a catch-up conversation while Mulder was left talking with Maggie.
"Fox, if you want to use the pool please do. I barely use it anymore. Matthew loves to get in it, but it's getting late, so he'll probably have to wait until tomorrow. We bought the house when Bill retired but he didn't get to enjoy the fruits of his labor for long."
"Maggie, I may use it later for a swim. I don't sleep well so maybe it will be good to come down and do some laps."
"Well, if you do the cabinet over here holds towels. Floating lounge chairs are over by the side door. The door leads to a bathroom so when you want to change you can do so without slipping on the tile floor in the house and the refrigerator has beverages so, make yourself at home."
"I appreciate all your hospitality Maggie. It is comforting." He looked at the matriarch and knew where Scully and Melissa got their beauty. Maggie had darker blue eyes and Charlie no doubt inherited her hair, dark and wavy.
"So, Mulder what is it you and Dana do every day at work?" Mulder turned to see Charlie standing there.
"She hasn't told you?"
"Dana is pretty stoic about her work and her life. Maybe you could shed some light for me."
He and Charlie sat in chairs near the deep end of the pool removed from the others. Mulder had a feeling Bill had sent Charlie on a spy mission but, isn't that what he thought years ago when she walked into his office changing his life forever. He looked at Scully's younger brother. He decided to be as honest as he felt comfortable with. Scully would kill him if he said too much, and he had her back before anyone else's.
"We investigate cases that don't have clear cut answers, they resemble onions rather than apples, layers that reveal more information the deeper you go. We get the cases that require more time and effort than the usual ones. Scully investigates the science of the cases many times conducting post-mortem exams and explaining natural phenomenon when possible. I hear you design video games." Mulder said hoping to change the subject.
"Yes, I bring the artist's vision to life in graphic design from the creation of their characters to filling in the green screen for visual depth. We do a lot for Microsoft and Sony, but we also work with game manufacturers who design games for kids who have learning disabilities. To be honest I find that type of work more rewarding. Do you have children Mulder?"
"Ah no, no I don't but I think of myself as young enough to still have that opportunity."
Charlie didn't miss the glance he made at Scully when asked Mulder about kids. He had only been there six hours and he had observed their chemistry. He looked over at Mulder who was looking down. Charlie stood up, went to the refrigerator and brought back two bottles of beer. He handed one to Mulder.
"Meredith and I have been together for years. We met in the 7th grade, and I was too into my own life to notice until one day I woke up and suddenly realized she was the only person I could ever imagine myself with. She had been my best friend since I met her, we just clicked but boys and girls of that age are never best friends right. Thankfully I realized what I had in front of me before she gave up. When you find that one person who is everything you are not, and when that relationship takes no effort but grows everyday with respect, trust, and honesty I think everything else just falls into place."
"Yes, a relationship like that is what we all look for."
"Does Dana know?"
Mulder turned and looked at him. "Does she know what?" He felt a rush of heat flow through him. Could Charlie have seen him kiss under the tree. He didn't think so, it was well removed from the house and the growth of other plants would have shielded it unless Charlie followed them.
"My sister is difficult to read at times Mulder but, she is my sister. Dana is not one for public affection and I've only just met you but, I see the current that flows between the two of you. Dana is an attractive woman Mulder I can't believe she's not seeing anyone, and I have never known work partners of different genders spending weekends together especially at one of their parent's homes for a family gathering. Tell me I'm wrong."
"As far as I know Scu… Dana isn't seeing anyone Charlie. I have met your mom on several occasions, and she invited me to come with Dana this weekend. I wasn't doing anything, so I came over. Look if I make you uncomfortable, I'll leave. I am not here to intrude or ruin a family gathering and the last thing I need is for the guests of honor to have an issue with my being here at a celebration of their happy event."
"No, no, I don't want you to think I am judging you or telling you to leave. I like you, and if Dana wants to spend her time with you, you must be worth it. She's a pretty good judge of character. Some brotherly advice if I can?"
"Absolutely."
"Great relationships are usually built when they start with a solid foundation rooted in friendship. Meredith and I had a solid friendship before we became intimately involved. You know every relationship has its problems and issues. When they arise, they usually resolve easily with mutual respect and understanding. Dana is not a wild child, but she is a wild woman and by that, I mean she is passionate, smart, capable, determined and she can be quite the force of nature, but these types of wild women add an unexplainable spark to life. They ooze freedom and seek awareness; they belong to nobody but themselves yet give a piece of who they are to everyone they meet. If, Mulder you have met one of these women hold on to her, she'll allow you into her life, but she'll also show you, her magic. Just be sure to cherish her, they are rare but, if you hurt her, I wouldn't be much of a brother if I didn't threaten to kick your ass."
Charlie looked at Mulder and gave him a wicked yet genuine smile. Mulder was suddenly more afraid of the brother who liked him. "I'll keep that in mind but for now we are just co-workers but, if she ever notices me and decides she wants to become we I promise you I will never intentionally hurt Dana."
"I see how you look at her Mulder, I am sure it's a matter of time before she wakes up and realizes falling in love with your best friend is the most precious thing in the world because no one knows you or accepts you like they do. I also saw how the two of you were with Matthew and Lucas. You may be my brother-in-law someday don't start our relationship fibbing to me." Charlie looked at Mulder with a smile. He stood up, grabbed two more beers and sat down.
By now Mulder was practically laughing he chuckled out loud at Charlie's observation, he wasn't wrong, but Mulder couldn't tell him anything Scully would kill him. Mulder took the beer from him, and they clinked the bottles.
"To future relationships." Mulder liked Charlie, he was truthful, observant and he had Scully's best interests at heart, like a brother should. Charlie looked at Mulder and his eyes flicked to Scully. She was holding Lucas as she and Tara left the room to get both boys ready for bed.
A short while later Charlie and Meredith left for the evening. Maggie explained they didn't want to stay in the house unmarried, respecting Maggie's religious beliefs. Mulder thought that was odd, but he didn't question it. He figured Charlie just wanted to have alone time with his fiancée and he did not blame him at all. If he was in Charlie's position, he'd want a romantic five-star hotel with all the amenities as well.
It was 0030 and the house was dark and quiet. Mulder changed into his swim trunks and pool shoes. He carefully went downstairs stepping on the stairs tentatively so any squeak would be minimized. He opened the sliding glass doors and went out. He placed two towels on two of the chairs and placed two of the floating chairs in the pool. He went outside and picked up small pieces of the pea gravel from the flower bed under Scully's room window.
She was between the plane of wakefulness and sleep when she heard the first click on her window. She wasn't sure what she heard but she knew she heard something. 'Click' there it was again. 'Mulder,' she thought a smile crept across her face. She was awake now; she threw off the covers and walked to the window. She threw open the bottom sash and saw the goofy grin on his face.
"Mulder, couldn't you have just knocked on the door on your way down?"
"It is the East and Scully is the sun. It is my Lady O, it is my love! Sorry Scully I don't remember the lines in between. C'mon down and take a swim with me." he said barely above a whisper.
"I never heard that quote put quite like that Mulder, Romeo is turning in his grave."
"He's fictional Scully, but my intention is the same. C'mon the water is great."
"Give me five and remember it's a full house so keep it quiet."
"See you in five."
Scully walked down the stairs avoiding the squeaks and out onto the patio. Mulder was in the pool on a floaty chair holding the other one. Each chair had a beer in the beverage slot. Scully laid her wrap over a chair and jumped in. She surfaced and pulled herself onto the chair Mulder was holding.
"Were you sleeping when the first stone was launched?" Mulder said as he rocked her chair. The way she wore that navy blue bikini didn't escape him. It fit her like it was made for her. It wasn't risqué but it didn't cover too much. The color made her eyes darker, and her skin looked like porcelain. Mulder leaned over to her and whispered, "You look gorgeous in that bikini Scully, it's you."
"Thank you, Mulder, and yes, I was almost asleep when the clink hit my ears. I thought you weren't going so I started to drift off. I'm glad you came down." New trunks Mulder, what happened to the old ones?"
He looked down at his swim trunks, they had alien heads, and flying saucers all over them. "I like them, and they glow in the dark too."
"How do you find these things?"
"I manage, and I'll always keep you guessing Scully."
"What were you and Charlie deep in conversation about this evening when I helped Tara get the boys ready for bed?"
"He was telling me not to give up on you."
"What, what did you say to him?"
"I told him he was mistaken and there was nothing between us other than work. He's your brother Scully, he saw right through that but, I stuck to the story."
Maggie woke up, looked at the clock, it read 0100 and as usual she needed a drink of water. Why doesn't she just grab a bottle of water and keep it on her night stand she thought to herself. She got out of bed, put on her robe and walked into the kitchen to get a bottle from the refrigerator. She thought she heard voices but figured it was Bill and Tara since their room was right above hers. As she walked into the kitchen, she decided not to turn on the light since the moonlight lit up the kitchen so well, she didn't want to ruin her night vision. She caught movement out of her eye on the patio. She turned to see Dana and Fox in the pool on the floatable chairs. She knew she shouldn't watch them; it was invading their privacy, but she stood there off to the side of the window feeling like a silent intruder unable to take her eyes off her daughter and Fox. What they were talking about she wondered. She watched as they giggled and laughed at whatever they were saying. She saw Fox take Dana's hand and interlock their fingers noticing Dana did not pull away from him.
"Did you know Charlie was observing us the entire afternoon into the evening?" Mulder said to her. "He was watching us the entire time, I feel violated." Mulder laughed at his own comment.
"My brother needs to get a life." Scully smiled "This was a great idea Mulder, a midnight swim, a cold beer…"
"A hot man?" Mulder smirked at her.
"Where?" Scully said looking around the pool area.
"Oh, you're a riot Scully." He pulled her floatie next to him. He turned to look at her. "I must have read you all wrong." He leaned his forehead against hers. She met him halfway of course.
"Hey hot man, do you remember the time we caught Arlene and Skinner in his office."
"The look on his face was priceless, I swear if she could have turned herself invisible, she would have, like we didn't know what was going on between them."
"They think they know what's going on between us."
"Yes, but unlike them we have proof, we walked in on them making out. They have never caught us doing that."
"Not for your trying."
"I know thankfully you find it in yourself to abide by the rules."
"I won't say it isn't hard Mulder, but we have more to lose. The X Files have become surrogate babies for us and to lose them because we got caught in the office would be like stealing a Yugo. I mean if you're going down, go down big right?"
"So, getting caught making out with me in the office wouldn't be worth it?"
"Oh, Mulder what makes you think we'd stop with a little make-out session, like I said if we're going down, we're going down big!"
Mulder smiled, keeping his thoughts to himself at her last comment, jumped into the water and came up next to her chair. He placed his upper arms and elbows on her chair and crossed his lower arms resting his hands on the opposite shoulders Maggie could see him gazing at her while she talked. The moonlight gave just enough light to see without using the lights on the patio. Maggie was still watching although she felt guilty about staring at them. She knew they thought they were all alone but the affection they had for each other was mesmerizing and she waited so long to see them acting naturally around each other not hiding their emotions or spirits while near each other. Maggie watched as Scully leaned over to kiss him but between the weight of his arms and the weight of her leaning in the same direction flipped the chair and Scully into the water.
Scully surfaced and stood in front of him, the two of them talking and laughing. Maggie watched as Scully placed her hands on the side of Mulder's face, he placed his hands on her hips, pulling her against him and leaned down to kiss her. Their lips connected and intertwined as if they had done this many times before. Maggie turned to go back to her room thinking she had seen much more than she bargained for but at the same time she couldn't help but look up and breathe the words 'thank you'. She closed her bedroom door and couldn't help but dance a simple little dance and tell Bill's spirit Starbuck had finally landed her White Whale.
"It's getting late Mulder we need to get back upstairs; brunch is at 11:00 and mom will need help." Scully placed her hand on his chest, turned to get out, grabbed her towel from the chair and handed the other one to Mulder. He followed her out of the pool and dried off. They took off their suits, wrapped themselves in towels and walked upstairs.
"Goodnight Mulder. Thank you for a little romance and midnight fun." Scully smiled at him and walked into her room.
"Goodnight Scully I'll have your coffee ready in the morning."
Scully walked downstairs at 0830 and true to his word there was Mulder with coffee mug in hand. Maggie was busy getting items out of the refrigerator. She looked up when Scully walked in and smiled at her.
"Good morning mom, did you sleep well?"
"Yes, honey I did, you?"
"I sleep very well."
"Fox did you get your night swim in?" Maggie said as she watched him reach for items out of her grasp.
"Yes, I did the water was just right."
"Well, I am glad someone got use out of it, I don't get in as much anymore. I know it's a drive Fox but if you ever want to use just let me know you are anytime."
Mulder turned in time to see the faint smile on Scully's face. Brunch was delightful and afterwards Mulder got into the pool with Matthew who wanted to swim. Maggie sat next to Scully at the edge of the pool, their legs dangling inside the water. Charlie and Meredith put away the leftovers and cleaned up the kitchen. Bill and Tara were packing their luggage as Bill was due back in Norfolk by 2100. Maggie had Lucas and was slashing water on him. Scully watched as Mulder put Matthew on his shoulders and walked around pretending not to know where he was.
Charlie came over to Scully and sat next to her.
"What do I owe this honor dear brother."
"Owe, you owe nothing Dana jus a brother spending time with his sister before he leaves,"
"Uh ah, well, there's a first time for everything."
"Are you happy Dana?" Charlie asked her.
"What would make you think I wasn't?" She said as she swallowed hard.
"It's just a question, are you happy?"
"In what way?"
"Oh, you know physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally…"
"I'm happy in every way Charlie."
"Happy with this guy Mulder?" Charlie looked at her raising his eyebrows and tilting his head.
"Charlie, he's just my work partner."
"Dana, Daniel was an old man who didn't deserve you, Jack was another old man who used you like arm candy but, this guy, I can see how he grabbed your attention. He's all about you and mom loves him. What the hell are you waiting for? He seems to really like you; he seems nice and most importantly he fits into his clan."
"I appreciate your observations about my past boyfriends but…"
"They weren't boyfriends Dana they were guys to pass time with, they were safe. You never had any serious intentions with them. I know how you are."
"How am I Charlie?"
"You crave a guy who treats you as you deserve to be treated, as an equal, respected, c'mon Dana you are a medical doctor a woman who commands respect for your accomplishments and your intelligence. Those other guys never respected you. You are a beautiful, smart woman who gave them your time. This guy sees you as his equal, he likes you, he respects you. He is waiting for you."
"You're crazy Charlie, he's not waiting for me he's with our family and he's a little out of his element, that's all. I'm just the familiar face."
"Okay you don't want to admit your feelings to your brother, I gave you a chance now I'm going to give you, my observations."
"Oh brother, okay go ahead give me your observations."
"You are already seeing this guy. You can't hide it. The two of you have this connection that goes far beyond work or best friends. I like him, Dana, and I think he's good for you. He gets you out of your comfort zone, something no one has managed to do. I won't tell mom, I guess at some point she'll either figure it out or you'll do something in front of her when you don't know she's watching. Either way I want you to be happy and it looks like you are. I love you sis don't let him get away."
Scully looked at Charlie and smiled. As the guests filed out Mulder and Scully were the last to leave.
"Thank you for everything, Maggie. You always treat me so well when I am here, and I always appreciate the invitations." Mulder gave her a hug and grabbed both his and Scully's bags stepping out of the house. He walked to the car and placed them in the trunk.
Scully gave Maggie a kiss and a hug as she stood on the top step. "Thank you for everything mom. I also appreciate you inviting Mulder. It was so good to see everyone."
"I don't get to see you as often as I would Dana, I know your work keeps you busy, but both of you are welcome here anytime. You know I love you and I love Fox, he's a keeper Dana."
"Okay, I'll keep that in mind. I love you too mom, thank you for everything. I'll give you a quick text when we get back."
"Drive careful Dana."
"Oh, I'm not driving mom, Mulder can drive while I relax."
"Nice to know you trust him with your car honey,"
"It's just a car mom."
"Yes, but you're in it." Maggie smiled knowing what she saw in the pool between them the previous night. The car isn't the only thing her daughter trusted him with. Maggie saw Scully toss the keys to Mulder and get in the passenger seat. They all waved goodbye as the car backed out of the driveway.
"Well Scully we pulled it off. I don't think anyone suspected a thing. Although your brother Charlie tried like hell to bait me with an empty hook."
"I know Mulder, Charlie liked you he told me not to let you get a way."
"Haha Scully, he told me you're the wild woman I needed to catch."
"Maybe when we get home, I won't let you go, and you'll catch me." Scully said with a sly grin.
Scully laid her head back against the head rest closing her eyes. She reached for Mulder's hand weaving their fingers together.
"Where is home tonight Scully my place or yours?" Mulder asked as he lifted her hand and kissed her fingers.
"You're driving Mulder wherever we end up is your choice either way we win."