IT'S ONLY EVER BEEN YOU 
by kimo-sabe

PART 1

Tuesday 4:30pm 
Late afternoon sunshine cast long shadows across the sidewalk as Dana
Scully walked slowly toward the Hoover Building.

Deep in thought, she struggled for the self-control she presented to
those around her. Anger and frustration warred with professional calm
for prominence upon her features, but she'd had many years perfecting
her mask. Squaring her shoulders, she stepped into the building
without any outward sign of the turbulent emotions swirling around
her mind.

Barren. 

The word kept echoing through her soul. So this is how it feels, she
thought wryly. This is how it feels when a dream barely hoped for, in
some distant future, dies a sudden death. A part of you dies along
with the dream, and yet the pain remains.

She was too damn acquainted with pain. 

The pain of losing her precious sister. The pain of cancer and
remission. The pain of being consumed by a quest that had never been
her own. The pain of loneliness. The pain of too many walls built to
keep the pain at bay.

The pain of children, never to be born. 

How much more pain would this life prescribe? How much more could she
take?

~*~*~*~*~ 

"Agent Scully?" 

The deep baritone voice interrupted her thoughts as she waited for
the elevator. Closing her eyes briefly, she took a deep breath and
turned to her boss.

"Sir?" 

"Are you okay?" Skinner said, squinting at her with concern etched on
his face.

Damn. Of course he would notice. He always noticed. 

"Yes, Sir. I'm fine," she gave her pat answer, knowing he wouldn't
believe her, but also that he wouldn't press her for more.

She had nothing to give right now. 

The elevator doors opened and she stepped quickly inside. She could
feel him looking at her for the few moments it took for the doors to
close, but could not meet his eye. Sighing, she pushed the button
that would take her to the basement.

~*~*~*~*~ 

"There you are. I've been looking all over for you," her partner
said, putting the file down that he had been looking through.

"I had a doctor's appointment," she said quietly, moving to the chair
and sitting down heavily, thankfully. "I guess time just got away
from me."

"Is anything the matter?" 

"No, I just, uh, I went for a walk." 

"Then what's wrong?" Mulder asked, moving over to her side and
placing a hand on her shoulder.

Closing her eyes to avoid the concern in his, she steeled herself for
more pity. She hated his pity. Oh, he'd try to hide it, but his face
was just too damn expressive. His heart was an open book, a journal
in which he relished adding one more page of angst. Whereas Mulder's
pain gave him focus, her pain just left her feeling hollow and empty.
"Mulder, I was left unable to conceive after the abduction. Whatever
they did to me, left me-"

Her voice cracked with the admission, and she turned away from him.
Forcefully composing her face, she denied the tears that threatened
to fall, denied the truth in her body, adding, "I am not ready to
accept that I will never have children."

She braced herself for the outrage and outburst that was sure to
come. When it didn't she glanced up at her partner and sat back
stunned. The look on his face was one of embarrassment. What the-?
"Um, Scully, there's something I haven't told you and I hope you, uh,
forgive me and understand why I would have kept it from you," Mulder
said softly, taking her hand.

"What?" 

"During my investigation into your cancer, I discovered you were left
barren. Your ova were taken from you and stored in a government lab."

"WHAT!?" 

She felt a chill flow along her back and spread across her torso.
Shock. Anger. How the hell did he find out? Why the HELL didn't he
tell her? She jerked her hand from his grasp and stood up, hands on
hips. "You found the lab? You actually found them?!"

"Scully, you were deathly ill, and I, just didn't know how to tell
you." Mulder could patent his 'contrite' look, he did it so well and
so often.

Forget anger. She was furious. "I don't believe this." 

"I-I took them directly to a specialist who would tell me if they
were okay. But, then, even after your remission, I-I couldn't bear to
give you another piece of bad news."

Coward. Bracing herself for even more pain, she looked at him with
steel in her gaze. She would save the hurt for later. Not here. Not
now." WHAT bad news?"

"The doctor said that the ova weren't viable." 

Without thought her left hand pulled back and slapped him on the
cheek. Hard. How DARE he keep this from her? What doctor? What
arrogance to presume to make decisions for her!

"You had no right, Mulder!" The fury in her deep blue eyes blazed.
"No right!"

Mulder stood there, hand clasped to his cheek, looking for all the
world like he was the injured party. Goddamn the man.

"I want a second opinion," she choked out. Swallowing the lump of
frustration in her throat, she stormed back to the elevator.
~*~*~*~*~ 

FRIDAY 6:15pm 

Fumbling for her car keys, Scully didn't notice the tall man who
approached her quietly from behind. Movement reflected in her
vehicle's window alerted her to his presence, and she turned swiftly,
striking out with her elbow. Dismayed to find the blow to his solar
plexus deflected by even quicker reflexes, she felt his strong hands
grab her arms, and she was suddenly pinned to her car. Struggling,
she let out a cry, glancing around the empty parking garage for
anyone to come to her aid.

"AGENT SCULLY!" The familiar voice echoed through the parking garage.
Scully immediately relaxed. This wasn't Krycek out to kill her, or
Pfaster, Schnauz or Tooms.

"S-Sir? W-what are you doing?" Seeing the look of consternation on
Skinner's face, she felt her lips curl up in the first smile her face
had graced in a long time. My, but she had overreacted.

Clearing his throat, he almost smiled back at her, she saw his lips
twitch, before saying, "I was simply coming over to see if you needed
any help. It appeared you didn't have your key." He left off,
suddenly releasing her, and took a step back out of her personal
space.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I guess I *am* a little distracted and jumpy after
everything that's happened lately." She shook her head.

"Actually, I think I'm jumpy from everything that's happened since I
became an agent." She tried to smile again, but her face didn't
comply. She settled for shrugging her shoulders.

Skinner stared down at her for several moments before he spoke.
"Scully, I asked you a few days ago if you were okay. I know you are
not, so don't even try the 'I'm fine' shit with me." Now he did
smile, as he aborted her attempt at denial. "Will you join me for
dinner tonight? I think we need to talk."

Was it the smile or the sudden invitation that threw her? Momentarily
speechless, she looked up into his eyes. All she saw there was
friendship and warmth.

"Yes. I'll have dinner with you." 

This time, her face did comply, and a smile lit her face. 

**

Friday 11:30pm

It was simple. He was going to kill Mulder. 

Skinner could feel his jaw working overtime, grinding his molars as
he struggled for control. How stupid could the man be keeping
something like that from Scully? God, what a moron. Forget that his
IQ was the highest in the Bureau. Forget that he was an Oxford
trained brilliant profiler and truly one of the best agents he'd ever
had working for him. The man was a fucking moron when it came to
relationships. When it came to Scully.

Tugging his tie and dress shirt off, he strode over to his bar and
poured himself a drink. Taking the drink upstairs, he kicked his
shoes off and sat down on his bed. Finishing the drink in one long
swallow, he laid back and closed his eyes, willing the tension
headache away.

Snapshots of Scully's beautiful face flashed through his mind, her
every emotion captured like a power-point presentation replaying over
and over. How much more was this woman supposed to take? With a deep
sigh, he added dialogue to the visions in his head, going over the
revelations of the evening.

He could feel the fury well up again as he considered this latest
atrocity foisted upon her.

~*~*~*~*~ 

He'd driven to Carrabba's Italian Grill, where he knew the owner and
the food was excellent. Quickly seated in a booth in the back away
from the kitchen, Skinner had requested water and Chianti before
picking up the menu. Keeping his posture and tone professional, he
ignored the tightening in his chest and flutter in his stomach at the
knowledge that he was about to treat the woman of his dreams to
dinner. Didn't matter that she wasn't aware of his feelings for her,
didn't matter that this truly wasn't a 'date', he knew he would
secretly hold this memory for a very long time.

After ordering the chicken parmesan for Scully, and the veal marsala
for himself, he sat back, resting his arm along the back of his seat.
At least her appetite is healthy, he approved, watching her dip
another piece of the warm italian bread in the seasoned olive oil.
Continuing to study her, Skinner longed to just flat out ask her what
the hell was wrong. He could see the shadows under her eyes even
through her makeup. Could see the fine lines around her mouth and
slight downturn of her full lips that hinted at a deep sadness.
Refusing to speculate, he forced down the instant worry that her
cancer had returned.

She hadn't said a word after he'd escorted her to his car in the
parking garage. But he knew his agent. When she'd agreed to have
dinner with him, she'd also agreed to talk. Taking up a piece of the
fresh bread, he ate it slowly, never taking his eyes from her. He
waited.

After her third piece of bread, it was evident she was done stalling.
Wiping the crumbs from her hands, he watched as Scully gathered
herself and composed her face before meeting his gaze. Apparently
whatever she was about to reveal was deep and personal. Skinner found
himself holding his breath.

"I found out a few days ago that I am unable to have children, Sir,"
she said, her face completely void of emotion. "It appears that all
of my ova were taken sometime during my abduction years ago."
He felt the air whoosh out of him with an "Oh, Scully," before he
could stop himself. He watched her back stiffen and immediately
regretted his words, knowing how much she hated pity. She'd faced her
bout of cancer with what he privately referred to as her 'Scully
stoicism', and she was approaching this new affront to her person
with the same rigid control. Her composure was actually something he
admired. She never allowed her feelings or pain to show, but he knew
it was there, could see it clear as day under the surface of her
perfect features.

They were actually very much alike Skinner realized. No matter how
deep a pain or hurt, they both chose to wall it up inside rather than
speak about it openly.

Skinner felt his jaw working as he considered his next response.
Taking off his glasses, he set them down, rubbed his nose, and
sighed.

"Scully," he began, thankful he'd found his AD voice. "I cannot tell
you how regretful I am that you've suffered yet another-" What? There
were no words to describe what she must be going through. "I'm truly
sorry," he added lamely, shifting in his seat.

He looked up and held her gaze, praying silently that without his
wire-rims she'd be able to see just how much he cared.

A long look passed between them. When a slow smile drew the corners
of her mouth up, he let out yet another breath he hadn't known he was
holding. He reached out, and laid his hand close to hers, not daring
to take it, but letting her know he'd like to.

She moved her hand as if to touch him when the waiter had suddenly
appeared with their food, startling them both out of their shared
moment. Feeling a little awkward, he took a sip of wine and watched
her do the same.

They'd eaten in companionable silence, leaving the important topic
for later. He asked about her family, she asked about his work. He
listened as she lovingly spoke of her sister and of her frustration
with her brothers. She listened as he told her about certain cases
going on and he shared his frustration with the agendas they both
knew were being orchestrated by certain individuals seemingly
unaccountable to the law. In spite of the bombshell she'd dropped at
the beginning of their dinner, he found himself more relaxed and
comfortable by the minute. It wasn't just the wine.

Looking at her animated face, watching her eyes light up as she spoke
of Queequeg, her long-lost dog, he had a moment of clarity. He'd
never love another woman. She was it. The real love of his life. He'd
known for some time that he loved her, but like a sudden gust of wind
catches you unawares, he realized he was *in* love with her. The
'till death do we part kinda love.

Shaken, he put down his fork and grappled with the emotions churning
around in his soul. He couldn't meet her gaze.

Snatching up his glasses, he pulled the walls up around his heart as
he shielded his eyes once more. There was no way he'd add the
complication that her boss was in love with her to her life.

Clearing his throat, he broached the subject gently, wanting to find
out more about her latest challenge.

"Scully," he ventured, "How'd you find out about, I mean, when did
you learn-?"

"When did I find out I was barren?" she finished for him, taking
another sip of wine. Thankful she'd helped him out, he nodded yes.
"Well, I found out last Tuesday when I went to the doctor that I
couldn't have children. What I didn't know, and neither did he, was
the reason I wasn't ovulating-" she stopped, looking a little
uncomfortable at sharing female information with her boss, so he
smiled encouragement to her and reminded her he'd been married for 17
years and was very familiar with female monthly cycles.

"Right. Well, the reason I wasn't having normal cycles was because
I'd stopped releasing ova." she continued.

"How'd you tie that to your abduction?" he couldn't help but ask. 
A sudden flash of anger crossed her face, but before he could
apologize for the abrupt question, she answered him.

"I actually only suspected it was due to the abduction, that is until
I got back to the office."

After a quick recap of her discussion with Mulder, Skinner was seeing
red. My God. How does she do it? He put his hands in his lap to hide
the fact that they were clutched in painful fists, wanting to hit,
pound and pulverize her partner.

"And, so I slapped him," she was still talking. A remnant of anger
lingering in her gaze.

"Slapped him?" 

"Yes. Pretty damn hard, I might add." Incredibly, a smile lit her
face as she admitted to her boss that she had assaulted her partner.
Skinner found himself speechless. She was unbelievable. He laughed
then, his appreciation for the woman in front of him bubbling up and
out before he could stop it.

She joined him, her lovely laugh lifting the heaviness up and away
from their table. He found his voice after another moment, saying,
"Scully. You amaze me. After all you've been through, after all
you've lost-" he broke off, frustrated that he still didn't have
words to express himself.

He'd looked up to see her studying his face. 

"Sir," she began, "You amaze *me*. After all the distrust and
misunderstandings, thank you very much for this - dinner."
He was speechless again. His breath totally gone. He could just stare
at her.

"If I've never actually told you before, Sir, I trust you," she
smiled. "That must be why I was able to tell you about - this - so
easily. Thank you."

He was sure he'd mumbled something appropriate before he'd paid the
bill. When they stood up, he automatically put his hand lightly at
her back, and led her out of the restaurant. A multitude of thoughts
were swirling in his head, but he silenced them with a warning. Not
now.

Back at the JEH, he pulled up next to her car.

"Scully?" 

"Yes, Sir?" she said, reaching for the door handle.

"What did you mean, about getting a second opinion?"

"Oh, well, I found out where Mulder took my ova, and I'm going to get
them and take them over to my own doctor, Dr. Parenti."

"Will you let me know how it goes?" he asked, not as her boss, but as
her friend.

"Of course."

As he watched her drive out ahead of him, Skinner had felt the rush
of anger return to flow freely out of her presence. The enormity of
the pain she must be feeling welled up as if it were his own.

~*~*~*~*~ 

Now, in the darkness of his own bedroom, Skinner decided it was too
kind to just kill Mulder.

He'd have a little chat with him first. 

**

Monday 4:50pm

"Sir," she began, clutching the phone with white fingers. "Will you
join me for coffee after you leave work?"

"Of course, Scully. Can you tell me what's up?" His voice fell like a
warm balm over her frayed nerves.

"I saw Dr. Parenti today." 

"I'll meet you at the Starbucks at 13th and Penn at 6."

"Thank you, Sir"

~*~*~*~*~ 

"Dr. Parenti said my ova hadn't been handled properly to keep them
viable. Apparently they'd been kept in a cryogenic freezer, but
Mulder-" she looked away, forcing the anger and sadness down.
Helpless to say any more, she shrugged her shoulders. When she felt a
little more composed she lifted her chin to meet Skinner's gaze.

"Is there anything you'd like me to do, Scully? Anything I *can* do
for you?" he asked through gritted teeth, although his voice was very
soft. Watching his jaw work, she could tell he was angry, yet
restrained.

Walter S. Skinner was a man of contradictions she thought, taking a
moment to study the man before her. The familiar scowl was replaced
by eyes dark and welcoming, and the gentle tone in his voice belied
the gruff AD persona in front of her. Her blue eyes held his for a
long moment, transfixed by the honest concern she found there.

"Sir, you've already done it. You care and you understand." she
answered, taking a last sip of her coffee. "I only wish-"

"What?"

"I wish Mulder hadn't taken them. I wish he'd told me immediately. I
wish- Well. There's no going back, is there, Sir?"

"Mulder can be such an idiot," Skinner ground out as he sat back in
his chair.

"I know he cares about me in his own way," she began, falling into
her old habit of justifying her partner's behavior. She shook
herself, knowing this time she couldn't excuse what he'd done. How
would she ever be able to forgive him? "It's just that I've been so
angry-"

"Rightly so," Skinner agreed. He pulled his glasses off and sighed.

"How do you put up with him, Scully?"

Scully considered exactly what he might be asking, and what she
needed him to know.

"He's like the most frustrating brother you could ever have. One
moment you love him, and he's remarkable-even brilliant, and the next
he makes you so angry you want to drop a brick over his head, you
think he's just too stupid to live."

Skinner's deep laugh filled the air and Scully found herself laughing
along with him. The laughter served to release the tense emotions
she'd been carrying too long, and she soon left for home.

~*~*~*~*~ 

After Scully had left the coffee shop, Skinner sat there for some
time, his ears ringing with her laughter. He couldn't remember ever
hearing such a precious sound, and he felt unreasonably happy that
he'd played a part in lifting her mood. As she'd waved goodbye, the
smile on her face became a snap-shot image in his head, one he knew
would never fade.

When he first spied her sitting there waiting for him, he'd
immediately noticed the slight downturn of her mouth, the dimmed
light of her eyes. Her face had revealed such a deep sadness, it had
been all he could do not to grab her up in his arms and hold her.
It was her resignation at not being able to have children that had
almost undone him. Scully might be ready to accept her condition, but
he certainly was not. He was unwilling to watch this lady suffer
anything more.

He couldn't deny he loved her, wouldn't deny the love that was once
again stirring him to act on her behalf. He'd been willing to sell
his soul for her when she'd had cancer, could he do any less now?
As he sat nursing another coffee, his mind ran through various
possibilities. He needed more information.

Snatching his keys from his pocket, he strode purposely toward his
car.

Time for that chat, boy.

~*~*~*~*~ 

When Mulder opened his door, Skinner pushed past him, kicked the door
closed with his foot, and grabbed his t-shirt with both hands.
Shoving him against the wall, dark eyes blazing, Skinner lifted
Mulder up, his strong biceps bunched with the effort, but steady.
Ignoring the shock on his agent's face, he held him there a full
minute before setting him down on the floor, saying, "Mulder, you are
on such thin ice with me now, I wouldn't take even a breath if I were
you."

Answering the unspoken question in Mulder's eyes, Skinner growled,
his voice low and controlled, "I want you to tell me everything, and
I do mean *everything*. Tell me what you know about Scully's
abduction, and that lab you found her ova in."

Standing with his hands on his hips, left hand resting on his gun,
Skinner knew he looked imposing and used that to his advantage. He
was on the offensive, he needed all the info he could get if he was
going to help Scully.

Mulder stared at him, eyes wide, obviously trying to figure out
Skinner's involvement in his partner's personal life. Skinner kept
his face a mask, revealing nothing. With a sigh, Mulder sat down on
his couch, and rubbed his hands over his face.

"Remember, Sir, when I told you about that directory I found, from
the fertility clinic? The Lumbard Research Facility?"

Skinner nodded. "Well, I went there and broke into the place with the
help of - um - some friends."

Skinner crossed his arms and frowned even more. The three geeks.
Wonderful.

Mulder continued with his narrative. He'd met several hybrids there,
and seen others in various stages of 'development'. They claimed that
their only objective was subverting the project that 'created' them.
During Scully's abduction, she'd been subjected to a high application
radiation procedure that caused super-ovulation, and then her ova had
been harvested.

Skinner's jaw began to work as he digested this horror. "Why?" he
ground out.

"For fertilization. Female human ova constituted one half of the
necessary raw materials for genetic hybridization or reproduction.
There were many women, it wasn't just Scully. I was told all the
women were barren, and all had developed cancer, the same kind as
Scully, as a result of that procedure. They were left to die, Sir!
Dr. Scanlon was one of the men running the project and was in charge
of hastening their death!" Mulder took a deep, shaky breath. "It was
close, Sir, Scully believed Dr. Scanlon was helping her-thank God we
got her to stop in time."

Skinner suppressed a shudder. He had not known she'd been so close to
dying. "Why would this 'hybrid' you met tell you all this?"

"The hybrids were actually trying to save the women, because they
were- Scully- was their mother."

"Jesus," Skinner gasped, remembering Emily. "All right. Now tell me
about her ova - how did *you* get them?"

"I was shown a storage facility with a lot of metal drawers, and the
hybrid pointed out one with Scully's name on it. Inside, there were
two vials and I took one without really thinking."

"Why didn't you tell Scully?" 

"I would have, but as soon as we left the room a gunman attacked,
killing all the hybrids I met. He chased me out of the building. I
almost didn't make it. I went directly to the hospital to see Scully,
and - I thought she'd died, she wasn't in her bed, but she was just
with Penny. Penny died, and Scully was so upset, I just watched her
walk back to her room. I knew I had to tell her about the ova, but I
just didn't know how," he broke off there, his face crumbling in
anguish. "Sir, I don't know if she'll ever forgive me."

Skinner relaxed his posture just a little, processing the information
and his agent's woeful countenance. Jeez, Mulder, get a grip. Turning
to leave, he had a sudden thought.

"Mulder, I want you to take the rest of the week off. I do not want
you to come in or contact Scully during that time."

"But, Sir," he protested, standing up.

"Mulder, you know as well as I do Scully uses work to focus, it gives
her something to put her back up against. I can't ask her to take
time off, so I'm ordering you. Give her time to get over this shock."
It was a good reason, he thought, just not the truth. He didn't want
Scully to have to deal with this emotional man right now.

He watched as Mulder wrestled with his conscience. The man was so
easy to read, Skinner knew a moment before Mulder that he'd agree.
"Well, there was this interesting sighting in Wyoming last week,
would it be okay if I did some investigating while I'm on
'vacation'?"

"Mulder, what you do on your vacation is your own business." 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Wednesday 3:45am 

Dressed completely in black, wearing his contacts and ball cap,
Skinner knew he was invisible under the moonless sky.

Approaching the building cautiously, all his senses on full alert, he
paused to assess the situation. Pulling the night vision binoculars
out of his vest, he surveyed his goal. Only one guard was standing
outside the Lumbard Research Facility, and his relaxed posture
indicated he was sleepy. Perfect.

He moved swiftly and quietly, approaching the guard from behind. With
a quick, powerful blow to the back of his neck, he knocked him out
without a sound. Searching the guard, Skinner took his keys, access
card and sidearm. Pocketing them, he dragged the man into the
shadows.

He entered the building and headed directly for the cold storage
room. Moving with feline grace, confident and sure, he trusted the
memorized layout and schematics the gunman had provided. Skinner
grinned as he recalled the look on Langley's face when he'd pounded
on their door at midnight.

Silently entering the last corridor, he suddenly froze. Guards were
approaching his position, the unhurried footsteps indicating a
regular patrol.

Retreating around the corner, Skinner almost reached for his service
weapon, decided against it, and chose the tranquilizer gun instead.
Hiding in the shadows, his weight on the balls of his feet, he
readied himself for action. He waited till the second guard stepped
past him. Swiftly he reached out and in a single fluid motion,
grabbed the second guard in a choke hold with his left arm and fired
off a shot at the first guard, who immediately collapsed.

Bracing himself against the wall, Skinner held tight to the remaining
guard as he fought for air. Increasing the pressure just a little, he
waited two more breaths before he felt the man slip into
unconsciousness.

Pulling both men into the shadows, Skinner crouched, controlled his
breathing and listened.

When he heard nothing, he proceeded to the door 10 yards in front of
him. Mulder had been here three years ago. For a moment Skinner
fought the despair that maybe everything was gone, all evidence of
the 'project' erased. One way to find out, he thought and turned the
knob.

He opened the door, and felt instant relief as cold air whooshed out
at him. The room was definitely still in use. Reading the names on
each metal drawer, he was stunned at just how many women had been
subjected to such violation. Refusing the anger that would affect his
control, he focused on locating the drawer that had Scully's name on
it.

Scully, Dana K.

He was startled to see his gloved hand shaking as he reached out for
her drawer. Pulling it open, he saw cold mist swirl in the air.
Opening up the small cryogenic storage dewar he'd brought with him,
he gently picked up the remaining vial and tucked it into the case
carefully. Sealing it up tight, he checked the settings, and once
assured the temperature controls were working perfectly, closed the
drawer, and quickly made his way out of the building.

~*~*~*~*~ 

Setting the precious cargo down on the seat next to him, Skinner took
a deep breath and let out a long sigh.

He drove towards Washington, wondering how he'd tell Scully about
what he'd done, and how she'd receive the news.

**

Wednesday 6:05am

"Scully? I didn't wake you, did I?"

Scully sat up in her bed, gripping the phone with two hands. Why
would Skinner be calling her this early? He'd informed her that
Mulder was on an 'enforced vacation' this week and she was to use the
time to catch up on paperwork. A thinly veiled excuse to give her
some down time, for which she was very grateful.

So why this call?

"Um, no. I was just getting up anyway," she began, stifling a yawn.
"What is it, Sir?"

"I'll be back in town in about two hours and I need to see you as
soon as possible. May I come by your apartment?"

Back in town? Where has he been? "Of course, Sir," she replied,
getting out of bed, her thoughts flying in many different directions.

"Can you tell me what this is about?"

"I'll see you at 8." Was all he said before she heard the line go
dead.

~*~*~*~*~ 

After replacing the receiver, she immediately went to the bathroom to
complete her 'shower, shampoo, shave and shine' routine in record
time. Picking out her best navy suit and white blouse, she dried her
hair and applied her makeup with extra care.

Now, as Scully waited the last few minutes before he arrived, she sat
sipping her second cup of coffee. For the last 20 minutes, she'd
refused to speculate on why Skinner would want to meet her here at
her apartment and not at the office. Her mind kept seeing his face
from the other night, caring, smiling and laughing.

His eyes had held a warmth for her, and-

The sudden knock at the door made her jump. Walking calmly to the
door, she composed her face and inwardly braced herself for whatever
news Skinner was here to share. Taking a breath, she opened the door.
"Scully," he said in greeting, and stepped past her into the
apartment.

What she wasn't braced for was his appearance. Dressed in black
jeans, black mock turtleneck pullover, heavy black boots, a black
ball cap, and contacts? Without his wirerims, he looked younger, or
was it the lack of AD suit and tie? Whatever. She took a moment to
appreciate the handsome man in front of her, watching as he strode
past her. She admired the way his shirt hugged his muscular torso,
how his trim hips-

Shaking herself, she followed him to her dining room table, and
motioned for him to sit.

"Would you like some coffee or breakfast, Sir?" she said, purposely
refilling her own cup to give herself time to stop her wayward
thoughts. This was her boss, for goodness sake.

"Actually, if it wouldn't be too much trouble," he said, settling
himself into a chair. "I'd love some breakfast, I've been up all
night." He ran his hands over his face, and Scully could see fatigue
all over him. What has he been up to?

"It's no trouble, Sir," she said, handing him a mug of coffee. "How
about some eggs and toast?"

"Sounds perfect," he said, adding milk to his coffee and taking a
long sip.

She could feel his eyes on her back as she worked to get him
breakfast. Deep breath. A few more minutes and she'd know why he was
here, why he was up all night, and why he was dressed in that
cat-burglar outfit.

As she set the plate down in front of him a few minutes later, she
noticed an interesting looking metal container sitting on the chair
next to him. Raising her eyebrow in question, she looked at Skinner.

"Give me another minute, Scully," he said, taking another bite of his
eggs.

Resigned, she sat opposite him and watched the man eat.

~*~*~*~*~ 

Skinner finished up his breakfast, and sat back, wondering where to
start. He looked at the woman across from him, and held her gaze. She
deserved to know all of it, well, almost. He couldn't tell her his
motivations, just what he'd done.

"Scully," he began, taking a deep breath. "After you went home
Monday, I paid Mulder a visit."

"You what?" she said, her eyes wide. "Why?"

"I wasn't ready to accept that you'd never have children," he
explained, not meeting her look, "I know I overstepped my friendship
with you, I'm sorry. I should have talked to you first, but-"

"It's okay, Sir," she encouraged.

"Well. I found out from Mulder exactly what happened when he found
your, uh, ova." He went on to repeat everything he'd learned that
night. When he mentioned the second vial her eyebrows shot up, and he
knew she was on the same page as himself. "So, yes - I went to the
facility last night."

He placed the container on the table, and watched her closely.

"Oh my God!" she said softly, comprehension flitting across her face.
Her eyes filled with sudden tears, and she stood, turning her back to
him.

"Scully," he said, standing, not quite sure what to do. "I couldn't
tell you - what if I wasn't successful? I couldn't bear to hurt you,
it's been three years. It was a fool's mission, but I had to try-"

"It's okay, Sir," she said again. That was on par with 'I'm fine,

Sir'. Damn.

She slowly turned around, her arms crossed over her chest, and met
his eyes. "Thank you."

Skinner felt his heart hammer at her words. She wasn't angry, she
was-

Abruptly, she stepped up to him and put her arms around his waist. He
stood, stiff with shock, not knowing what to do. As she pressed
closer to him, he heard her mumble against his chest, "Thank you,
thank you," repeating it over and over. When he felt her shoulders
shake, he gently pulled her into a tight embrace. Rubbing his chin in
her hair, he comforted her as best he could, running his hands up and
down her back, soothing her.

He stood amazed at the privilege of holding this precious woman in
his arms. He breathed in her scent, knowing this was another memory
that would stay with him a very long time.

After a few minutes, she stepped back, a slight embarrassed grin on
her face.

"You okay?" he asked gently.

"I'm so much more than okay," she said, grabbing a kleenex to blot
her face and blow her nose. "Sir, you've given me back a dream. I
don't know how to thank you."

The look in her eyes was beautiful. Instead of quiet sadness, he saw
hope.

He picked up the precious container and placed it gently in her
hands.

"Take this to your doctor today. I've given you the day off," he said
with a smile. "Just let me know how it goes. If you have a child,
that will certainly be thanks enough."

As she walked him to the door, he tried to stifle a yawn, and failed.
"I think I'll give myself the day off, too."

~*~*~*~*~

Wednesday 11:00 am
"Ms. Scully?" Dr. Parenti approached her, a grin on his face. "Got a
good report for you. I've looked at the ova you've given me and
consulted with some of my colleagues. We all feel that with the
proper approach we've got a good chance to get you pregnant."

"Oh, can it be true?" Not two days ago, she'd been convinced she'd
never have a child. Indicating the reports in Parenti's hand, she
inquired, "May I look at these tonight?"

"Yes, of course," he agreed, handing her the folder.

"I don't want to lay odds but it's not out of the realm of
possibility - if we start soon," he continued.

"We need to start right away?" she exclaimed, stunned.

"Ms. Scully, time is of the essence here. We should attempt the in
vitro fertilization within the next few days."

"Oh." 

"You need a father, of course. I can get you genetic counseling on
finding an anonymous donor if that's what you want, unless you
already have someone in mind."

"Actually, yes I do. I just have to figure out how to ask him."

**

Scully had left her doctor's office in a daze, somehow making it home
completely on auto-pilot, her soul reeling from the emotional roller
coaster of the last week.

Grateful for the sanctuary of her familiar surroundings, she placed
the folder containing the results on the coffee table. Laying down on
the couch, she closed her eyes, thoughts whirling. The joy of
possibility warred with the implications and ramifications of the
choice before her.

A child of my own. 
A little girl? A son? 
The father. 
Do I want the father to be part of my child's life? 
He would most definitely want to be part of his child's life. 
That would necessitate him becoming a significant part of my life. 
Correction, a *more* significant part of my life. 
I want him to be a more significant part of my life. 
I want him to be part of his child's life. 
The child. 
Our child.
It would complicate things at work tremendously.
Just the request will change my relationship with him.
What if he says no? 
What if he says yes?

Opening her eyes, she was shocked to find herself in darkness, street
lights casting mottled shadows across her floor. Sitting up, she
turned on the light next to the couch and reached for the phone.
As she dialed his number, she grinned when her gaze fell on the
folder.

There had been only one face in her thoughts ever since the doctor
had said, "You need a father."

Yes, it would change their relationship from strictly professional to
intensely personal.

It was a risk she was willing to take. She could only pray that it
was a risk he was willing to take as well.

She held her breath as he answered the phone.

"Skinner."

~*~*~*~*~

Wednesday 9:20pm

Scully sat across from Skinner studying him as he read through the
doctor's report. She had thought the speaking of the actual question
would be the catalyst to change their relationship, but she'd been so
wrong. The decision that she was *going to* ask him had already
changed how she viewed the man in front of her.

With new eyes, she admired his strong hands as he flipped a page of
the report, noticed the light bronze color of his skin and the
sprinkling of hair in the v of his shirt. She took in his long
jean-encased legs, stretched out before him, the folder resting
casually on his lap, and the short-sleeved cotton shirt as it hugged
his broad chest and strong biceps. Even through his glasses, she
could see the deep chocolate color of his eyes, framed in long dark
lashes.

He was really quite incredibly handsome, she mused, shocked that she
was willing to admit it so frankly to herself.

But beyond the physical appreciation, what she had seen in his eyes
had warmed a part of her she had long thought cold, even dead.
When she'd greeted him at the door, all nervousness about what she
was about to do fled at the sight of his solid presence.

Taking a deep breath, she had smiled at him and explained that his
mission had been successful. The relieved look that lit his face was
a thing of beauty, and he smiled at her in return. For the first time
ever, she noticed he had dimples.

They had stood there, silly happy grins on their faces, as Scully
pondered where to begin. She had so much to tell him, to explain, and
ask of him.

His open gaze warmed her soul, and she saw a softening in his eyes
that she realized had always been there for her. The excitement she
was suddenly aware of combined with a surprisingly strong tenderness
for this man. Yet she still didn't know where to begin.

Skinner once again came to her rescue. He'd asked about what exactly
had the doctor said, and she managed to motion for him to sit,
please, and read the report for himself.

Now, as she watched him read the conclusions page of the report, his
dark brows furrowed into a slight frown. She was surprised to find
herself relaxed. She sat back in her chair, anticipating the
questions that were sure to come.

"So," he said, setting the report carefully onto the coffee table,

"you have a very important decision to make."

It was a statement, not a question. She waited.

"I'll assume you called Mulder?" 

Shocked, she felt her mouth actually drop open.

"Why would I?" she asked, incredulous.

"Well," he appeared confused as to her reply, "I know he's your best
friend, and even though you've been hurt and angry, I guess, I just-"

"No."

Her interruption brought his questions to a halt. He stared at her.
What was he thinking? What was he feeling? Why was his face such a
mask now?

"I told you the other night, he's like a brother to me. Asking him to
be the father of my child, well, it would just feel, so wrong." She
didn't want to talk about Mulder, she wanted to talk about him.

"Sir, Mulder and I have never had any sort of romantic relationship.
As much as I love him - as a partner, friend and brother," she
stressed those three descriptions, "he's too driven, self-involved,
irresponsible and, well, emotionally weak. I always have to be the
rational one, the strong one."

Enough of Mulder, she thought, a little shocked at what she'd
revealed to their boss.

She looked Skinner directly in his eyes. She needed to be very clear
with what she had to say next.

"Sir, I need someone I can count on, someone strong emotionally and
with strength of character. I want someone steady, who won't ditch me
or the child whenever a whim presents, someone I can trust fully. I
want a man who understands the importance of this child, the
preciousness of this opportunity. Someone I hope cares enough to see
this through."

She paused, trying to assess how he was receiving what she was
saying.

His face was as inscrutable as ever, although - that softness in his
eyes -

"Sir. I'd like you to please consider being the donor."

~*~*~*~*~

Nothing could have prepared him for this unimaginable request. 
Struggling to keep his face composed, Skinner fought to keep every
emotion pounding in his breast from her scrutiny. My God, what irony.
To love her so much, knowing she didn't love him back- and yet, would
receive his seed as a gift?

Sweet agony.

"Before you answer," she said in a rush, and he realized he'd been
staring at her for several minutes. No wonder she sounded nervous
now. "I just, I want you to know, I don't want this to affect our
friendship, or our work. I know this is, sudden, but I don't have
much time, and-"

He started to say something, but she cut him off with a wave of her
hand.

"I want you to know," she pressed on, saying, "I hold you in the
highest regard. I respect your strength, your honor. It's completely
understandable that a man of your position- what I mean is, I just
want you to know I'd understand if - if you decide - whether you
agree or not-"

She'd misread his silence, and was attempting to give him a graceful
way to say no.

More irony. There was never any question what his answer would be. 
Hoping his voice wasn't as shaky as his soul, the words came
surprisingly easy.

"I would be honored, Scully."

Her wonderful blue eyes filled with unshed tears. And it felt
glorious to be the cause of such joy on her face.

"S-sir," she choked, the emotion strong in her voice. "This means so
much to me."

Skinner leaned forward, and took her hand. "Scully-"

She met his eyes then, and the strain became too much. He watched as
her composure crumbled, tears flowing freely. He felt both her hands
grip his own.

He stroked her hands with his thumbs, trying to reassure her. He
could only guess at what kind of toll the last week's emotional ups
and downs had taken on her. He felt an unreasonable happiness fill
him that this stoic agent trusted him enough to reveal her tears to
him. He didn't think he could love her any more than this moment.
He rose, pulling her up and to him, enfolding her into his embrace.

"It'll be okay," he whispered against her silky hair. She clung to
him and he cradled her head against his heart. If strength is what
she needed, strong he would be.

After a while, she pulled away, and looked up at him, eyes shining. 
"Thank you, Sir. For everything." For saying yes. For making this
even possible. For risking yourself once again for me.
Thank you for your strength. He heard it all in that one simple
statement, her eyes communicating what she couldn't speak.
He nodded, putting as much warmth into his voice as he possibly
could. "You're welcome, Dana."

After a long moment, she pulled her gaze away from his, saying, "Um,
well then. I'll call Dr. Parenti and-"

Skinner knew what she was going to say, and barely stopped the grin
from creasing his face.

"I assume he'll want to meet with you, and go through the, uh, the
donor procedure."

"Scully, I think I can figure that part out."

~*~*~*~*~

Thursday 7:45 am

In a corner booth at the IHOP, Skinner resisted the strong urge to
pinch himself.

Here he was, sitting with Dana Scully discussing *their baby* - over
french toast and a ham and cheese omelette, for goodness' sake, and
it was all Skinner could do to keep his questions and bearing
professional.

Scully was explaining the various stages of development that the baby
would go through. She was fully in 'doctor mode' as she explained the
18-21 hour time period needed for fertilization once the ova and
sperm were united.

The miracle of conception would take place in a culture dish, he
mused, but a miracle no less.

Then it would be up to 72 hours before the most promising healthy
embryos would be selected for transfer to her womb. The procedure was
relatively simple, taking maybe 20 minutes. In-between bites of
french toast, she went on to enumerate the myriad of other events
that must happen before there was a healthy baby.

Nodding his head as if he actually understood everything she'd been
saying, Skinner sat back and waved for more coffee.

"I've been thinking, Scully. If they went to so much trouble to take
your ova and then store them all these years, I believe we need to
take some precautions." He spoke softly, wanting to communicate his
concern, but not wanting to alarm her.

"My God, you're right," she gasped. "What do you suggest?"

"This Dr. Parenti, how long has he been your doctor?"

"About two years."

"Not long enough." He finished his omelette and wiped his mouth with
the napkin. "I am going to post guards around your ova and my,
donation. I want every single step of the process watched until the
embryo is safe inside you."

He still couldn't believe they were having this conversation. He felt
like he was living an x-file. He glanced at his watch. The
appointment with Parenti was in three hours, at which point this was
going to be unmistakably real.

As Scully nodded her head in agreement, he elaborated, "I'm going to
assign a guard to accompany me to the doctor. I'll assign a guard to
be with you as well."

At her upraised eyebrow, he explained, "I'd like you to use your
doctor's credentials and get them to allow you to watch the ova from
the moment they take them out of cryo, to the time they're fertilized
in the culture dish. After that point, the guards' presence should
prevent any - tampering."

Did he just say all that with a calm voice? The AD persona was
intact. Thank God for years of conditioning.

Now, if he could just make it through the doctor's appointment with
dignity.

~*~*~*~*~

Skinner sat in his car, shaken by the intensity of emotion wrenching
his gut. Had he just? Oh yeah, he had just.

And it had been incredible. 

Sure he'd done the duty before to relieve tension, but this time he
did what he'd never permitted himself to do before. He'd allowed the
mental vision of her vibrant deep blue eyes and curvaceous body to
arouse him. Allowed the image of her fiery red hair and full
bow-shaped lips to inspire his performance. And he'd given it his
all, holding nothing back.

Lost in the sensations, he'd been pleasantly surprised by how much
he'd 'donated' to the cause.

After checking the guards, whom he could trust to be discreet, he'd
bolted. There was no way he could handle seeing Scully after his -
appointment.

She held his heart. He'd sold his soul. Now, he'd given her his body.

Sweet, sweet agony.

**

THURSDAY 1pm

Scully watched as the lab doctors prepared her ova for insemination.
Glancing at the guards, she unconsciously nodded, thankful that
Skinner had chosen these particular agents for such a personal
detail. Top notch, she knew each of them both personally and by
reputation. They were the personification of discretion.

Relieved, she turned her attention back to the lab, silently thanking
the AD for his foresight.

The doctors performing the procedure occasionally gave her an odd
look, which she did not acknowledge. So what if they thought she and
Skinner were the most paranoid parents-to-be they'd ever seen. At
first resistant to her presence and openly affronted when the guards
showed up, they'd complied easily enough once she'd flashed her FBI
badge at them.

As another lab tech brought a vial in from the adjacent room, Scully
raised her eyebrow at the guards. The agent that had been assigned to
Skinner gave her a slight nod, assuring her that the vial had not
been tampered with.

She stood amazed, observing the doctor as he carefully placed the
fluid, Skinner's essence, into the culture dish. Wonder filled her at
the miracle of conception taking place right before her eyes. A
sudden rush of emotion flooded her, clouding her eyes with tears and
she had to swallow hard at the lump in her throat.

"I would be honored, Scully."

His words had been echoing in her heart ever since he'd spoken them. 
Truth was, it was she who was honored. 

This man had come to her aid more times than she could remember. At
risk to himself, his job and his reputation. It was as if he never
counted the cost if it involved her.

Flashes of memory flew past her vision as she recalled that day he
showed up at Mulder's door, beaten and bloody, with the information
she desperately needed. She could still hear his voice saying,
"Unofficial channels." Next came the image of him stepping quietly
into her hospital room, hesitant smile on his face, when her cancer
had gone into remission. She was sure he wasn't aware that she knew
about his deal with Cancerman, and that made his actions so much more
honorable. He'd sold his soul, without asking anything from her in
return.

And today, he'd given her his body, asking nothing in return. 

This giant, solid, sequoia of a man had come through for her again.

Leaving the lab in the capable hands of the agents, Scully left for
her own doctor's appointment, pondering the man named Walter Skinner.

~*~*~*~*~

FRIDAY afternoon

Scully was in Skinner's office going over the week's reports when the
call came.

"Ms. Scully?" The voice on her cell phone was Dr. Parenti's. Scully
gulped and took a deep breath, watching Skinner stiffen at her
response. Motioning to him that it was Dr. Parenti, she closed her
eyes willing herself to be calm.

"Yes, this is she." Oh God. This is it. Please, please, please.

"I'm gratified to tell you that the fertilization process was a
success. We have achieved a very high percentile of potentially
healthy embryos."

"Oh, Thank God," she exclaimed, unable to contain her joy. Her heart
was pumping so fast she had to sit down. She opened her eyes, and
found her gaze captured by the look in his brown eyes.

"We'll be monitoring them over the next couple of days, and selecting
the most viable and healthy ones for the transfer," the voice in her
ear continued. "You'll need to be at the clinic by noon on Sunday."

Delighted. The look on Skinner's face was one of pure delight. 
She'd seen it so clearly before he turned abruptly away from her to
his window. Recognizing that he was trying not to intrude, she
realized he was unsure of where his place was, now that his 'part'
was technically over.

With one statement, she made it clear she intended to include him in
this child's life.

"We'll be there." 

~*~*~*~*~

SUNDAY 11:30am

Scully sat next to Skinner in the waiting area, thankful for his
calming presence. It was right that he was here with her. She
remembered what she'd told him last week, about her hopes for the
father of her child. "Someone I hope cares enough to see this
through."

He was seeing this through. She reached for his hand, and after a
startled glance he wrapped his fingers around hers.

For three days, she'd done nothing but think about this man. 
Her mind had re-played every act of kindness, every gesture of
courtesy, every risk he'd taken, every price he'd paid. Her body had
relived every touch, from his thumb tenderly rubbing her knuckles as
he recovered from surgery years ago, to the two comforting embraces
that had helped sustain her over the last week.

And her heart had recalled warm, deep brown eyes framed with long,
dark lashes, smiling at her as he'd agreed to her unexpected request
just days ago.

Sudden clarity hit her like a physical blow. 

Skinner was in love with her! She knew it as truly as the sun was in
the sky.

He heard her sharp intake of air and immediately turned to her,
concern on his face. Skinner obviously tried to keep it hidden, but
it was there, even now as he searched her face for the cause of her
alarm.

She met his gaze, trying vainly to get a grip on her churning
emotions.

"Ms. Scully? We're ready for you now." 

"Y-yes," she answered, "Just a moment." Taking a deep breath, she
silently cursed the nurse's timing.

Her mind was racing. All too aware of the nurse standing there, she
gave his hand a tight squeeze.

"Well, this is it," she said with a small smile. Slowly releasing his
hand, she stepped towards the nurse.

"Scully, I-" 

She could see his jaw working as he gave up trying to find the words
to say what was on his face.

"Sir," she whispered, "I know."

**

Skinner gaped at Scully as she followed the nurse through the door.
She knew.

Shit. He had no doubt what it was she was referring to. She knew.
The how didn't matter. To her credit, she *was* his best agent. Not
much could be put past that lady, he acknowledged, astonished now
that he'd been able to conceal his deep feelings for her for so long.
On second thought, maybe he hadn't. She knew.

What the hell was he supposed to do now? 

Okay, so Scully knew that he loved her. Was *in love* with her. Fine,
he would deal with that. The question now was how did *she* feel
about that?

Analyzing the last few moments in slow speed, Skinner examined each
and every nuance of emotion he'd seen flash across Scully's face.
At her sharp intake of air, he'd turned to see shock then surprise
clearly in her expression. Then, when she'd turned her gaze to him,
she'd held her chin up, almost confidently, and he'd seen an inner
turmoil swirling in her eyes, deep blue darkened further by a strong
emotion. What emotion?

When the nurse had called her name, her teeth had clenched tight in
anger, and then - a breathtakingly soft smile had crossed her face as
she'd obviously come to a conclusion and squeezed his hand. What
conclusion?

Skinner absently rubbed his hand where she last touched him. Leaning
his head back against the wall, he stretched his long legs out and
sighed. She knew.

What surprised him the most was the peace that settled in his soul.
She knew, and he was - pleased. It made a wonderful and yet uncanny
kind of sense that she'd figured it out right now at this very
moment.

He thought of her in there, receiving the embryo into her womb, all
her hopes of having a child resting on this one opportunity.

Skinner sat up abruptly, causing his chair to bang loudly against the
wall. She had chosen *him* for this single precious chance. Why? What
was it she had said that night?

Strength of character. Steady. Strong. Caring. Trusted fully.
His heart began to pound. Okay, she knew. But, maybe, just maybe, it
would be all right.

~*~*~*~*~

Scully was quiet when she stepped out of the doctor's office. There
was a look of supreme contentment on her face as she smiled up at
him, and gently rested her hand over her belly.

My God she was beautiful. His heart lurched at the sight, and he knew
he was hiding nothing behind his wirerims now. Oh well. It wasn't
every day the woman of your dreams stood before you with the hope she
was pregnant with your child.

As he stood to hold the door for her, Skinner decided to let Scully
lead regarding any change in their relationship. Even though she
apparently could see through his careful mask, he strove to maintain
his usual professional guise as he led her to the parking garage.
The car was conspicuously quiet as he drove her home, both lost in
their own thoughts.

His were on the woman next to him and the revelations of the day. He
watched out of the corner of his eye as she placed her hand over her
abdomen, and slowly closed her eyes. A sense of profound amazement
that their child was now safe and secure in her warm body filled him.
He could only imagine what she was feeling at this moment.
Outside her apartment building, she invited him up. Who was he to say
no?

~*~*~*~*~

"Sir," she said, after taking his coat. "We need to talk." 

Shit. He was hoping to avoid this particular conversation at least
for a while.

Motioning him to sit, she joined him in the living room, taking the
spot opposite him on the couch. Their eyes met and held for a
timeless moment as Skinner forced himself to remain cool, taking even
short breaths.

"We haven't had the opportunity to really talk about this," she said,
once again softly running her hand over her belly.

"There's so much we need to figure out - so much to decide - to
clarify."

She met his look with a determined tilt to her face. He swallowed.
There was no way he would presume anything here. He sat still,
willing her to continue.

"We're not going to know for certain if the pregnancy is viable for
another two weeks. But everything looks very excellent."

He saw a flash of joy cross her face before she sobered. Skinner
braced himself. "Sir, how would you like to proceed at work? Should I
go ahead and tell Mulder what we've done? Should I put in for my
transfer now or wait?"

What? What the hell was she talking about? Mulder? Transfer?

"Scully," he shuffled on the couch, a little disoriented. "I'm afraid
you lost me. I thought we were going to talk about something else."

"Oh, we are," she said in a low voice, "But first, I'd like to take
care of business."

He gulped. He actually gulped. Big bad AD Skinner. Yeah, right.
"O-kay. Well, first," he said, clearing his throat, "I guess I'd like
to know what the hell you mean by transfer?" That thought had never
occurred to him. Damn.

"I've given this a lot of thought, Sir. I decided if the chance to
have a child truly became a reality, I was ready to transfer out of
the x-files and go back to teaching at Quantico. I am not going to
risk my health or the baby chasing after whatever. That phase of my
life must be over."

She said it so calmly, he just nodded. God he would miss seeing her,
but he understood the logic, even admired her realization that she
was entering a new season of her life.

"I agree, Scully, and I will do everything I can to make that happen
for you. As far as work is concerned, though, I think it would be
best to wait the two weeks," he went on to explain that if, in the
smallest chance the pregnancy failed, there was no reason to send her
off to Quantico. "I'm not ready to let my best agent go, not just
yet."

Scully grinned at his honest compliment. "I agree. Now, what should I
do about Mulder?"

"Scully," Skinner closed his eyes, and rubbed his nose a bit. "I'll
confess I'm a little in shock over the events of the past week. I've
got to tell you I'm at a total loss as to how Mulder will react.
Hell, I'm still not sure how *I'm* reacting!"

He laughed, the irony of the whole situation was almost too much. 
"You know him better than anyone. I'll leave it up to you how to
inform your partner about what's happening with you."

He felt her hand rest gently on his shoulder.

"With us," she corrected, "With us, Sir."

**

The touch on his shoulder startled Skinner almost as much as her
words. He turned and looked at her, finding nothing evident on her
face to explain what she meant by "us."

"And what is happening with us, Scully?" he finally asked. Weary from
his own emotional turmoil, he tugged off his glasses, and set them
carefully on the end table. He leaned back and rubbed at his eyes
with the heels of his hands.

"I think I'd rather not answer that quite yet, Sir" she answered with
careful measured tones. "May we finish talking about Mulder, first?"
She removed her hand, and his skin felt cold where her warmth had
been.

It wasn't fair how she kept her walls intact while his were crumbling
down.

"Fine." He volleyed her the lead. "So, how soon do *you* want him to
know? What would you like to tell him?"

"Well, knowing Mulder, he'll be upset if I don't tell him something
this important right away," she ventured, after contemplating a
minute. "So I think I'll tell him first thing Tuesday morning when I
come into work. I already left him a voice message telling him I
wasn't coming in tomorrow for personal reasons."

She smiled, adding, "I couldn't very well tell him over the phone
that I had to rest because I'd just had a minor procedure done and
I'm hoping to be pregnant!"

Skinner met her smile with a smirk of his own. "Yeah, I don't think
that'd be the best approach with Agent Mulder."

Scully shifted toward him on the couch, pulling herself right up next
to him. "I'd like you to be there, Sir." She reached for his hand and
he let her take it. "I think I need you to be there when I tell
Mulder."

"Why?" Skinner was in shock. How could he possibly sit there and have
Scully tell Mulder it was he who had donated-?

"Scully, I don't think-"

"Sir, I need your strength right now," she explained, holding his
hand tight. She took a deep breath. "I can't get upset right now. I
need to remain very calm over the next two weeks while the embryo
attaches. Mulder-"

"Okay." He could deny her nothing. He would suffer humiliation for
her daily if that's what she required.

Without warning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and quickly
kissed him. What the-? Astounding him even further, she turned and
rested her head on his shoulder, shifting even closer.

"Scully-" Skinner started to pull away from her and found that he
couldn't. Filled with a mixture of fear and excitement, he was
stunned at what he saw when she lifted her face to his. A look of
intense emotion filled those wondrous cobalt eyes.

Astonished, he reached up and touched her cheek. It was as soft as
he'd ever imagined.

"What's happening with us, Scully?" he whispered, his voice low.
Still she didn't answer, so he wrapped his arms around her and pulled
her tight.

~*~*~*~*~

He had watched the afternoon shadows creep across her floor, as they
sat there, holding each other. Resisting the urge to stretch, Skinner
was unwilling to disturb the comfortable silence wrapped around them
like a snug blanket. He listened to her steady, even breathing, and
felt the slight rise and fall of her breast against his side. Her
silky hair was tickling his chin, and his fingers were softly
caressing her back.

How long had he dreamed of just this?

When Scully finally shifted, he reluctantly loosed his arms and
waited for her to speak.

"You know," she began, her eyes soft with emotion, "One day you look
at a person and you see something more than you did the day before.
And that person who was just a friend is - suddenly so much more."

Skinner held his breath, and swallowed. 

"I want you to be there when I tell Mulder because I know you love
me," at Skinner's start, she placed a gentle finger to his lips,
"and, before I say anything else, I want to be very clear about
something."

Breathe, boy, breathe.

"What I'm about to say has absolutely nothing to do with the fact
that I may be pregnant. Well, it does in that this baby has caused me
to reflect on the past few years of my life, and yours."

You remember how - air in - air out.

"It became so clear to me this morning - everything you've always
done for me. The risks, the compromises, the pain even - you took it
all. Yes, I know about the deal you made with that bastard."

Shit. Air IN. Air OUT.

"Sir, I realized today that I love you. You've got to believe what
I'm saying. It - it's not just because of what you've done for me
this past week. What I'm saying is, this is not gratitude I feel.
It's just plain, honest love. I think I was probably in love with you
as far back as when you were shot by Cardinal. I was frantic, though
I didn't realize why-"

Who needed air anyway? 

Skinner captured her face in both of his hands and pressed his lips
to hers. Thrilled at her warm inviting softness, he caressed her lips
with the tip of his tongue and felt her mouth open immediately.
Diving in, he tasted her, thrusting his tongue into her sweetness.
His heartbeat was pounding in his ears, and he regretfully pulled
away finally and took a gasp of air. When she wrapped her arms
tightly around his waist, pulling him back, he turned so he could
pull her up onto his lap and crushed her body to him.

Urgent now, he kissed along her jaw, tasted her neck and returned to
her full sweet lips. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she returned
kiss for kiss, meeting his passion with her own. He ran his hands
through her thick hair, turning her head gently so he could nibble on
her earlobe. She shivered, and he moved to taste her other ear,
pausing briefly to press his mouth once again to hers on the way.
Breathless, he felt like a teenager making out on his parent's couch.
Groaning, he felt her right hand slide up under his shirt to tangle
in the hair across his chest, as her left traced the muscles of his
abdomen. Oh God, we've got to stop, he reasoned, trying hard to
ignore the reaction his body was having.

"Scully-"

"Dana," she lifted her head to peer into his eyes. "Dana."

"Dana, we've got to stop," he moaned again as she pressed against his
obvious hardness. "Honey - please."

He gently took her arms and pulled her away from his lap. Hugging her
close, he willed his body to behave and obey his command to settle
down.

"Oh-okay. I know we can't do anything - yet," she ran her hand over
her belly again, beaming.

"Dana, I don't want-" Skinner closed his eyes. How could he tell her
he wanted so much more than her body?

Just then her stomach rumbled with a loud growl and they both burst
out laughing.

Skinner stood up and stretched, holding up his hand to stop her from
rising as well.

"You sit there, and I'll fix you up something to eat." He let his
gaze linger where their child was growing.

"You need to rest."

He went into the kitchen on shaky legs. 

The woman he loved, who was having his child, was in love with him?
Somebody pinch me.

**

Monday afternoon

"I read once that 'Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is
so gentle as real strength. I am in love with a man of gentle
strength. Why is it we deceive and tell ourselves that in weakness
there can be no strength? It takes strength to admit weakness. When
my strength faltered, he sustained me. And when I witnessed his walls
crumble, I gave him my love with an easy strength, newly discovered,
born of sustained frailty."

Scully looked up from her journal and checked the time. Another three
hours. Shaking her head, she couldn't believe she was counting the
hours till she saw him again.

Laughing quietly, she adjusted her glasses and returned to her
journal.

She enjoyed writing with pen and paper, capturing her thoughts and
feelings in the old fashioned way. Typing private thoughts into a
computer made her feel inhuman, left her cold. But pen and ink... the
soft scratching upon the rough paper warmed her spirit and in a way,
gave her hope.

"Into my heart he whispered I love you, as he wrapped his arms around
me and held me through my tears. Into my soul he shouted I love you,
when he gave me back a dream."

~*~*~*~*~

TUESDAY 7:30 am

As Scully drove down Pennsylvania Ave, she could feel the butterflies
in her stomach begin their dance.

This would be the first time she'd seen Mulder since she'd slapped
him. They'd had such a huge fight and she had avoided him for days,
then he'd left on vacation.

She wondered if she'd still be angry with him if Skinner hadn't - No.
There was no wondering about it. Seems she always forgave Mulder
whatever he'd done.

There was so much to tell him about what had transpired over the last
week. Ironically, he had set it all in motion with the revelation
about her ova.

Skinner was standing by his car, waiting for her when she pulled into
the coffee shop's parking lot. Tall, dark and handsome, she thought,
laughing aloud. When he scowled at her over missing some private joke
she just grinned.

Looking up into those incredibly brown eyes, she reached up and
pulled him down for a kiss. She couldn't resist, especially now that
she was free to do so.

His lips lingered against hers as he pulled her in tight for a quick
hug, and she found herself breathless.

Oh yeah. She had fallen for him Big Time.

~*~*~*~*~

"Well, I'm hungry, so let's go ahead and order," she sighed, picking
up the menu. Mulder was late, and Scully had to shake off her
annoyance. Glancing at Skinner sitting next to her, she raised her
eyebrow in question.

"I was clear this was an important meeting - one I didn't want
discussed in my office, Dana," he answered through tightly clenched
teeth.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon," she reassured, grinning at her
conditioned response to her AD's irritation at her partner.

Mulder entered the shop on cue. As he approached their table, he gave
them both a curious glance, taking in the fact that they were seated
on the same side of the large booth, leaving Mulder to sit across
from them.

"Sir. Scully?"

"About time, Mulder," Skinner ground out in welcome. Scully touched
his arm, silently asking him to not get angry. He worked his jaw a
little before sitting back with a sigh, resting his arm lightly along
the booth behind her.

Scully looked at Mulder who was staring at her like he'd seen a gray.

"Am I missing something here?"

"Probably, Mulder." She smiled. "I - actually we - have several
things we need to tell you this morning," she began, trying to gage
his mood. "First, I want to tell you I'm not angry anymore."
Mulder did relax a little at that, giving her a small smile and nod.
Taking a deep breath, she plunged ahead. "Second, Mulder, I need to
tell you I've been put on desk duty for two weeks, then I-" she
glanced at Skinner who was as stoic as ever, "then I'll more than
likely be asking for a transfer to teach at Quantico on permanent
assignment." Stoic, but still the man she loved, she thought, feeling
his hand rest lightly on her shoulder.

Mulder was staring at them both, his gaze shifting back and forth and
finally settling on Skinner.

"Can I ask why? What's happened? Does this have anything to do with
your visit to my apartment?" glaring at Skinner he added with
sarcasm, "Sir?" The shock, anger, and confusion were tangible on him.

"That's for Scully to tell you, Mulder." Skinner kept his posture
relaxed, but Scully heard the warning in his controlled voice.

"Scully?" he was looking panicked, so she reached across the table to
touch him, to calm him, but he pulled away.

"Mulder, please, listen to me," Oh God, this wasn't going well.
"Please, this is very important to me." When he said nothing she
pressed on. "After Skinner saw you last week, he went to the Lumbard
Research Facility. He retrieved the second vial of my ova and brought
them to me. Mulder, Dr. Parenti said they *were* viable! So-" she
took another breath.

"Mulder. I'm pregnant. We attempted an in vitro last week, and now
we're just waiting to confirm the embryo survived the transfer-"

Confusion. Hurt. Anger. Disbelief. It was like no one emotion could
settle on his face.

"Mulder?"

Fixing his gaze on the man across from him, he asked in a low voice,

"Who's the father?"

When Skinner made no reply, Mulder stood up abruptly.

"Is that why you sent me on vacation? So you could get Scully?" he
spat the words at Skinner.

"Mulder!" What the hell was he thinking?

"And what about the X-files? Or are you gonna shut them down again?"

"Not everything is about you and those damn X-files!" she cried,
these accusations had to stop.

He turned and gave her a long look before turning to leave.

Anger flashed in her eyes as she leapt up to follow him. "MULDER!
Stop! You know how much I wanted a child!" She grabbed his arm. "I
thought we were best friends."

"I thought we were friends, too, Scully," he gritted out, tearing his
arm loose from her grip. He spared a glance at Skinner as he came up
protectively behind her, then stormed out.

Feeling the reassuring warmth of Skinner's presence at her back, she
turned to him, angry tears in her eyes.

"Oh, God," she sighed, leaning into him. Resting her head against his
large chest she wrapped her arms around him, thankful for the
restraint he'd shown. The tension she could feel in the muscles of
his back testified to his amazing control.

"Let's get that breakfast," he said after a minute, his voice soft
and low in her ear. "You've got two to feed."

Looking up at Skinner's face and the love shining there, Scully
lifted her face up to receive his soft kiss.

She'd think about Mulder later.

**

TUESDAY 3:45pm

"Mulder?" Scully asked, sticking her head through his office door. 
She had waited till the afternoon to go the basement and see him,
hoping that by then he'd be calmed down and more open to what she had
to share.

Seeing the lost-puppy-dog-look on his face, Scully realized that was
a negative. Hating it when he pouted, she turned to go.

"How long, Scully," his low voice stopped her mid-stride. "How long
have you and Skinner-?"

Turning on her heel, her eyes blazed with fury. "What?!"

Okay. That's it. This partner needed to be set straight about a few
things.

"You know, for someone who allegedly has a pretty damn high IQ, you
can be just so - stupid!" She advanced on him until she was a mere
foot away. "I will not let you make me feel *anything* but joy about
having this child," she ground out, jabbing him in the chest for
emphasis.

Stepping back, she flopped down in her usual chair and rested her
face in her hands. "I should think, Mulder, after all we've been
through - what we mean to each other - you'd be happy for me."
The office was quiet for several long moments as her words hung in
the air.

"Why Skinner?"

God. Was that all he cared about? Fine.

"Why Skinner, Mulder? Okay, I'll tell you," she got up, feeling the
sudden urge to move. She needed to calm down -- she couldn't afford
to get upset or angry. Not now. The baby was everything.
"Remember that pointless trip to area 51? A few years ago? I tried to
tell you then that I was tired of driving hundreds if thousands of
miles trying to find a truth that may or may not be out there. I've
given seven years of my life to this quest, Mulder."

She paused, trying to remember exactly what she'd said. "I was tired
even back then of just watching life happen for other people. People
who were raising families, buying homes, playing with their kids and
their dogs."

Pacing back to his desk, she looked him in the eye, hoping to see a
glimmer of comprehension there.

"Mulder, when Skinner brought me the one chance in a million to have
a child of my own - I decided to get out of the damn car! I made a
choice."

She took a deep, calming breath, "Why Skinner you ask? Because when I
asked him to be the donor, he said yes. That's why."

Mulder was quiet as he reflected on her words. He stood and walked a
few feet away from her, putting his hands in his pockets. Without
looking at her, he asked quietly, "Is that what you want Scully?
White picket fences, children, a dog and two cats - with Skinner?"
Oh, brother!

Slamming the door on the way out, she left Mulder staring after her. 

~*~*~*~*~

Skinner looked up as his office door opened and instantly came to his
feet. The agitation on Scully's face told him the whole story.

Goddamn Mulder!

'C'mere," he said quietly, walking quickly over to her and closing
the door. Clinging to him as he held her tight, she sighed as he ran
his hands over her back soothing and massaging the tension away.
"It'll be okay," he murmured, "he'll come around. He loves you too
much not to."

"I know," she whispered back, "he's just so frustrating sometimes."

"Would you like me to talk to him?" he ventured, not that he knew
what he'd say, but he would try.

"No, thank you," she said, tiptoeing up to kiss his cheek. "You're
sweet for offering, though."

Skinner squared his shoulders, saying in his best AD voice, "You
better watch who you're calling 'sweet', Agent!"

She just smiled and pressed herself closer to him. "Ooohh, but you
*are* sweet-" she cooed, before kissing the cleft of his chin and
slowly running her tongue along his jaw. Moaning, he drew her up till
her feet dangled and hugged her to himself fiercely.

He ran his own tongue down her neck to her collarbone, tasting and
nipping, and smiled when he heard her soft sigh.

"You're pretty sweet yourself, Agent," he murmured, glorying in the
freedom to touch and hold the woman he loved. He felt her legs come
up and wrap themselves around his waist, and he knew she could feel
exactly how much he was affected by her proximity. He held her,
kissing her face while she ran her hands down his shoulders, around
to his back and up again, creating chills down his spine. She grabbed
his shoulders and pressed herself against his groin, causing him to
twitch, and cry "Dana!"

"What?" she asked, innocently, eyes wide.

"You know exactly what, woman," his voice was husky with desire.
Still, he couldn't let her go, and held her close to his pounding
heart.

"Maybe you should elaborate tonight over dinner?" she whispered,
running her hands slowly up the muscled length of his back.

"Uh," he groaned, "yes, maybe I should." He set her down gently and
pointedly took a step back. He was breathing hard. Who would have
thought this composed, professional special agent was an imp in
disguise?

"Your place or mine?" she asked, walking to his double office doors.

"Mine?"

"Yes - I am." She left him standing there, wondering how the hell
he'd get his mind off her and get any work done before the work day
ended.

~*~*~*~*~

TUESDAY 8:00 pm

"Dana," he said, clearing the table of their dinner plates. "There
are a few things we should talk about, don't you think?"

She looked up at him from the couch where she had curled up and
nodded. "Can we talk over here? You've got an incredibly comfortable
couch, Sir."

Joining her on the couch, he pulled her close. "That's the first
thing. Don't you think you should call me Walter?"

"Hmmmmm. Wal-ter," she smiled. "Yeah, I could do that, Walter."

"That's better," he said, kissing the tip of her nose. "Now, I want
to talk about the torture you seem to enjoy putting me through." His
hands had worked their way under her sweater and he began running his
fingertips across the smooth skin of her stomach and sides.

"Uh-" she said, wiggling a bit, "doesn't feel like you want to talk
at all - Walter!" She yelped when he ran his fingers across the
underside of one breast.

"So soft," he whispered, pulling her in for a kiss. He ran his hands
up her back, down again and cupped her rear. "Do you have any idea
how long I've wanted to touch you, Dana?" He emphasized his question
by trailing the fingers of one hand across her breasts, and slowly
running a finger down the v of her shirt, tracing her cleavage.

"About as long as I've wanted to touch you?" she murmured against his
mouth, pushing her own hands up and under his t-shirt and lightly
outlining the flat muscles of his stomach. He groaned when she moved
both her hands up his torso to his broad chest, tangling in his
coarse hair.

"How long?" he asked, looking up into her eyes, searching,
unbelieving it was longer than a week ago.

"Remember the Seven Stars?" she grinned, "I distinctly remember you
pacing back and forth while we listened to Sidney's tape, and as much
as I tried, I couldn't focus on anything but the light shining
through your shirt, and I thought - My God, he's built!" Laughing,
she ran her hands down his trim sides and up to his strong biceps in
illustration. "Your turn. How long?"

"Dana - It's only ever been you," he pulled her hands out of his
shirt and held them, "since the day you first walked into my office
and you looked at me with those beautiful eyes. Sharon and I had
already separated in every sense, and you - you just took my breath
away." He ran his lips across her palm watching her mouth form a soft

"Oh."

"I remember that day at the Seven Stars very well," he continued with
a smile. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he rested his chin
against her hair. "I saw you lean over to whisper something to
Mulder, and it looked so - intimate. I got so jealous I just started
yelling and growling at the other agents!"

"You're kidding!" she giggled, and snuggled into his side. "Walter,
why did we waste so much time?"

"I don't know, honey. I do know I don't want to waste anymore."
The serious tone in his voice made her look up. 

He placed his hands on either side of her face and took a deep
breath.

"I love you," he said quietly, his voice thick, "I do not want an
affair with you. I want to be part of your life. The child's life. A
big part."

He kissed her softly, and saw a grin of anticipation spread across
her face making her eyes sparkle.

"Dana Katherine Scully. Will you be my wife?"

**

WEDNESDAY 12:48pm

If anyone had told Scully three weeks ago that she'd be marrying
Assistant Director Walter S. Skinner within the month, she would've
probably decked them, and then ordered full blood work to check for
mind altering substances.

And yet, here she was, having lunch with the boss man himself,
admiring the incredible engagement ring he'd placed on her finger
just moments before. The two carat diamond captured the sunlight and
sent it back in brilliant sparks of white with the barest hint of
rainbow hues, and the stylish platinum band was a perfect fit.

In four days, they would be husband and wife. 

And in nine months, they would be parents. 

For someone who usually thought things out thoroughly, analyzing
every fact and pro and con, Scully felt a little disoriented by the
tremendous turns her life had taken in the space of a few days.
Looking up, she felt a strong desire to touch him, but was unsure
about how he'd feel about any public display this close to the JEH.
Sitting at an outdoor patio table, there was no knowing who might be
observing them.

Skinner must have seen the need in her eyes, because he promptly
reached across the table and gently took her hand. Looking at her
with his dark soulful eyes, he grinned as he softly caressed her
knuckles with his warm lips before placing a kiss on the ring. Giving
her hand a light squeeze, he stood and pulled her to him, wrapping
his huge body around hers in a delicious hug. She drank in the smell
of his aftershave, reveling in the snug cocoon of his coat, and
looked up for the kiss she knew was coming.

Lost in the sensations that his lips were creating, Scully ran her
hands around his waist and hung on tight. Aahhh, so public displays
were okay with him, she thought vaguely, as his arms caressed her
shoulders and deepened their kiss. Wonderful.

With a stunning clarity, she realized it hadn't been just a few days
- their love had been a gradual, increasinng awareness, developing
into a deep, deep bond seven years in the making.

~*~*~*~*~

"Will you be my wife?"

"I would be honored to be your wife."

After a brief discussion of timing and logistics - leave it to
Skinner to get down to brass tacks - they'd held each other late into
the night, both unwilling to let the precious moment go.

He'd suggested they get married the following weekend, and she
quickly agreed. Her mom might be a little upset over the apparent
suddenness of the marriage, but she'd get over it.

By mutual accord, they determined their honeymoon would be delayed by
necessity. Consummation of their union before the pregnancy was
confirmed would put the baby at undue risk. Skinner pointed out that
their marriage would actually make it appear theirs would be a
'honeymoon' child - aborting any fodder for the JEH rumor mill.
At the mention of work, Scully suggested she go ahead and put in for
her transfer to Quantico the next day, to which Skinner agreed,
adding he would personally talk to the Director and explain their
situation. Hopefully, all would go well, and there would be no
backlash from his getting involved with a subordinate.

And so, satisfied at the plans they'd come up with, Scully watched,
fascinated, as Skinner finally shifted from his

"take-charge-I'm-not-an-AD-for-nothing" mode to
"c'mere-woman-wow-you're-gonna-be-my-wife" mode and drew her in close
for a deep all consuming kiss.

Oh yeah, she had thought, trying to catch her breath and nestling
next to him on the couch, I will most definitely be your wife.

~*~*~*~*~

WEDNESDAY 5:05 pm

"Scully?"

The unexpected sound of Mulder's voice startled her as she waited for
the elevator, making her jump. She turned and looked up at him
expectantly, the arch to her eyebrow telling him she was still
irritated with him.

"Are you still talking to me?" he asked, a rueful curve to his smile,
and apology in his eyes.

"Of course, Mulder," of course. She lowered her eyebrow, a small
smile confirming that she had forgiven him.

"I-I've been thinking about what you said," he began, "and I-I'm
sorry. I've been a jerk."

"Yes," she said, nodding at the truth of his confession. He wasn't
going to get off too light, not this time.

"Well, I want you to know that I *am* happy for you, that you're
going to have a baby." He shifted on his feet, hands deep in his
pockets. "And I want you to know, I'm okay with you and Skinner."

"Oh, Mulder," she stepped up to him and gave him a brief hug. "You
don't know how wonderful it is to hear you say that."

She held out her left hand to him. The stunning diamond solitaire
sparkling in the overhead lights told him just how okay he was going
to need to be with 'her and Skinner'.

"Wow." Mulder gasped. "Uh, okay. I need the whole story, partner."
"You can have the whole story, Mulder," she agreed, taking his elbow
and leading him into the elevator. "Over dinner."

**

SUNDAY 3:35pm

Thankful for a mother who knew how to get things done, Scully was
nevertheless a bit overwhelmed as she dressed in preparation for her
wedding.

They'd taken her mother to dinner Thursday night to break the news of
their engagement and their desire to be married that Sunday. At first
surprised, Maggie assured them they had her blessing and to please,
leave everything to her. She and Father McCue had been friends for
more years than she cared to count, and she assured them it would be
no problem, even at this short notice.

True to her word, Scully found herself in the bridal room of their
church, putting the finishing touches on her makeup, knowing in
moments she'd be walking down the aisle of her future.

The mirror before her reflected a woman of stunning beauty. The floor
length cream satin dress was actually quite simple and without
adornment. Yet the subtle cut allowed the smooth fabric to hug her
feminine curves, and the off the shoulder sleeves emphasized her slim
frame. She'd worn her hair up in a twist, several loose tendrils left
to frame her face and tickle her neck adding a touch of romance to
her look.

Fingering the new delicate silver bracelet around her wrist, she
recalled the note she'd found tucked into her wedding gift from
Skinner delivered to her door first thing that morning.

When today is over, we'll be husband and wife.
No longer two lives, separate and alone, 
We will now stand as one, sharing the future as it unfolds.
I've always loved you and always will. - Walter
Whoever would have guessed man was so romantic? 

She wondered what Skinner thought of her own gift, an elegant
mahogany picture frame for his desk, a picture of herself taken just
yesterday at a studio smiling out at him.

At the sound of the door opening, Scully turned to see her mother's
smiling face.
"It's time, Dana," she said, holding the door open for her.

~*~*~*~*~

Skinner stood at the head of the church, heart pounding in his
breast. Keep it together, son, he admonished himself.

Straightening his tuxedo one more time, he looked over the crowd,
surprised at how full the church was. He recognized Dana's brothers
and their wives, and nodded at Langley, Byers and Frohike when they
entered the church. Mulder stood at his side, having agreed to be his
best man. After Dana's chat with him the other night, Mulder had
showed up at his place quite apologetic for his behavior. Skinner had
always respected Mulder, and was gratified to still call him friend.
Much of the church was full of people he recognized from FBI
headquarters, curious about the AD and the Agent who were getting
married. Seems even the Director's office had it's problems with
information leaks.

Maggie was of course with Dana, being her matron of honor. And then
there were a lot of people from the Scully's church, friends and
acquaintances, here to see Maggie's girl finally getting married. He
grinned at the snippets of conversation he overheard, while at the
same time began to count the minutes till this was over.
He took a steadying breath as the words from Dana's note came back to
him.

I offer myself to you today to be your wife. 
Friend and Lover, Ally and Lifelong Companion.
I will always love you, Respect you and be Faithful to you. - Your
Dana
The music started and he turned and saw her. His Dana.

~*~*~*~*~

After the wedding they had stood and survived the endless greeting
line, suffering the many hugs and well wishes of friends and
strangers alike. Skinner could feel the tension in his jaw increase
with each passing minute. When would decorum allow them to leave
already?

Glancing at his bride, he saw the stiffness in her smile and the
fatigue in her shoulders, and he turned and whispered into her ear,

"Honey, I think it's time to go, don't you?"

"Oh, yes!" she smiled back at him, "Please let's get out of here!"

With excuses made to Maggie and Father McCue, he instructed their
limo driver to take them home to Crystal City. The decision to move
into his place was an easy one, since he had three bedrooms and
they'd need a place for the baby when it arrived.

Closing the door behind them, they faced each other as man and wife
for the first time alone. His chest felt tight with the intense love
he felt for her.

At Scully's shy smile, he reached for her and drew her into a tight
embrace. Running his hands over her smooth shoulders, he placed light
kisses along her neck, feeling her shudder. A soft sigh escaped her
lips as she visibly relaxed.

Scooping her up swiftly into his arms, he laughed at her yelp, and
climbed the stairs two at a time.

When they got to the bedroom, he gently set her down and took in her
beauty.

My God! This was his Wife!

"Dana," he began, his voice husky and thick, just the knowledge that
she was now his arousing him. "I know we cant' --"

"Walter," she cut him off. "Come here." 

Obedient, he stepped over to her, his breath quickening at the tone
in her voice. She began to undress him, with deft, nimble fingers.
Quickly divesting him of his tux jacket, tie, cummerbund and shirt,
she placed kisses on each exposed part of his body.

Too short to reach, he had to assist her in pulling his undershirt up
over his head.

The touch of her warm soft lips on his heated skin was sending
shivers up and down his being. He stood still while she explored him,
obviously enjoying this moment of discovering the man who was her
husband.

She ran her fingers through the rough hair of his arms, up to his
shoulders and then down the center of his broad chest to his toned
abs. When she glanced up appreciatively, he gave silent thanks that
he'd kept himself physically fit.

She stepped forward and ran her tongue across his pectorals, forcing
a grunt of pleasure through his lips.

All right woman, my turn.

Taking her by her arms, he led her to the side of the bed, and leaned
down to remove her shoes. Turning her away from him, he slowly slid
the long zipper down past her rear. Wrapping his arms around her, he
pressed her back against him in a quick embrace before slowly sliding
her sleeves down her arms. The silky soft fabric slid easily down her
body to the floor and she was now standing before him in just her
lace underwear.

"Dana," he groaned, his arousal straining against his briefs. "I'm in
trouble, honey." To illustrate his point he pulled her back against
him, pressing his hardness against the small of her back.
Turning around, she held him tight, nuzzling her nose in the thick
hair on his chest. He ran his hands up and down the smooth skin of
her back fighting for control.

"I know, Walter," she muttered, her voice muffled against his skin,
"I'm in trouble, too. It's just that-"

"I know, honey. But our marriage night has to wait for the baby's
sake. I've wanted you for so long, I know we can wait another week."
He stopped moving his hands and simply held her tight.
After several long minutes, their breathing returned to normal.

"Maybe we should just go to bed?" he ventured, correcting himself at
her raised eyebrow. "I mean to *sleep*." What an imp!

~*~*~*~*~

Hours later with Scully nestled against him, her back to his front,
Skinner placed a careful hand over her abdomen. When she moved in her
sleep and placed her own hand over his, he felt his breath stop with
the sudden knowledge that their child would indeed be born.
How he knew, he didn't try to figure out - he didn't like to look too
deeply into unexplainable things. For now, he just rested in the
peace that the knowledge gave him, and closed his eyes to join his
bride in sleep.

**

ONE WEEK LATER
Tuesday 3:38pm

As they entered the doctor's office, Dana felt the familiar and
comfortable touch of Skinner's hand at her back. Reaching behind her,
she clasped the hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

He'd agreed to go with her into the examination room, and Dana
couldn't believe he actually looked nervous and shy! After a week of
marriage, they'd managed to see every part of each other, though
they'd maintained a pseudo-platonic distance in an effort to curb the
ever growing sexual tension. Intercourse was out of the question, and
Skinner had refused any overture on her part to help relieve him. He
was adamant their first time together would be just that - together.
And so, they'd spent the week doing what every other newlywed couple
does after the wedding day - except the fun stuff.

Skinner had requested a month's leave for them, which was no problem
considering they were both workaholics and had accrued more than
ample vacation time. She had sat dutifully on the couch for the first
few days under orders to rest and not exert herself.

After watching Skinner and the movers going back and forth with boxes
and boxes of her belongings, her neck had begun to feel like she'd
watched the Wimbledon at center court. She'd objected, telling him
she was fine, but he firmly said, no, he'd take care of it, and oh,
by the way, where do you want me to put this?

So she'd started a game with him. Over here - no wait, maybe it would
go better over there. On second thought - over here might be better.
For an Assistant Director, she was amused when he didn't catch on
till the third item was on it's way to it's fourth possible location.
At his comprehending scowl, she'd laughed till her sides ached, and
he'd ended up joining her on the couch.

Okay, maybe they did do *some* fun stuff.

"Ms. Scully?" Interrupting her thoughts, Dr. Parenti entered the
room. She looked at her husband and grinned.

"It's Mrs. Skinner now, Doctor," she corrected, "This is my husband,
Walter." Skinner rose as she made the introductions and shook
Parenti's hand.

"I see," he smiled at them both in turn, "Well, then, it looks like
double congratulations are in order."

"Doctor-?" 

"Well, Dana, everything is looking very good," Parenti explained,
looking down at the chart in his hands "You're in excellent health
and all indications are the embryos are attached to the uterine wall
and are developing as expected."

"Embry-os?" Skinner started, "What do you mean?" 

He looked at Dana like she'd been keeping a secret from him. She let
her doctor answer him, a slight sparkle in her eye.

"Well, Mr. Skinner," he answered, swiveling his head to look from
Skinner to her and back again. "When we do an in vitro fertilization,
we select 2-4 of the healthiest embryos for transfer to the womb. In
Dana's case, we discussed her unique situation, and opted to transfer
four - allowing her excellent odds to carry at least one to term."
Skinner looked at Dana, comprehension dawning.

"Right, okay," if possible, Skinner looked even more nervous now, his
jaw working doubletime. "So how soon will we know?"

"Oh, we'll do an ultrasound in three weeks and take a look to see
what exactly is going on," Parenti said, "We don't want any surprises
do we?" He winked at Dana and turned as if to leave.
Skinner looked positively green, Dana mused, holding back her
laughter. Didn't know what you were gettin' into, eh, Mr. Assistant
Director?

With that thought, she decided to bite the bullet and ask what they
both wanted to, but Skinner was obviously too shy to ask.

"Doctor?" she stopped him, and turned her best Mona Lisa smile on her
husband. "Before you go, may I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"How soon would it be safe to participate in intercourse?" 

As the flush creeped up her husband's throat, turning his ears and
scalp varying shades of pink, Dana thought he'd never looked so cute.
'Skinner' and 'cute'? Two words she had yet to put together. But oh,
was he.

Glancing at the couple, the doctor to his credit tried to maintain a
straight face.

"All indications are your uterus is behaving just like a normal
pregnancy, your cervical plug looks good. I'd say you two newlyweds
could, uh, well, as early as this evening." He left then, leaving the
couple alone.

Turning to her husband, she raised her eyebrow at him, and laughed
when he raised his own in reply.

~*~*~*~*~

Dana let the silk nightgown down over her head feeling the light
swish of the fabric slide down her body. The large walk-in closet,
with mirrors and even a dressing chair, had been a pleasant surprise.
Assistant Directors of the FBI made a very nice salary apparently.
She grinned, looking at the 'his and hers' sides that Walter had
arranged for them. Expensive tailored suits, slacks, shirts and ties
on one side, her business suits, pants, dresses, blouses and
accessories on the other. Well, it was good to know she wouldn't be
picking up after him. The man was as neat as a pin.

She gave her hair one more brushing and rubbed on a little of her
favorite milk lotion, knowing Walter liked that particular scent. At
the thought of the man waiting for her in their bedroom, her heart
began to pound. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, not
wanting to appear as nervous as she was.

There was just one thing she hadn't told him yet. 

~*~*~*~*~

Skinner sat on the bed, waiting for Dana to come out of their
dressing room. Watching the candles paint ever-changing shadows on
the walls, he took off his glasses, and drew in a shallow breath. He
was surprised to find himself shaking.

Was he nervous? or just excited?

It'd been so long since he'd been with a woman, he hated to think he
was nervous.

Shit. He was definitely nervous. C'mon, Walter. This is the moment of
your dreams. You are about to make love to the most beautiful,
wonderful woman you've ever known. She loves you and *married* you
for goodness' sake. Good grief, man, she's having your child. There's
nothing to be nervous about here.

The door opened and Dana stepped out into the candlelight. 

Lord help me. Literally taking his breath away, she walked slowly to
him, stopping just in front of where he sat. The candles caused
crimson highlights to dance across her hair. Her large, dark blue
eyes were now dark with expectation, and a hint of a smile played at
her lips. Her nipples were hard points holding the silky green
nightgown out from her body. He ached to reach up and touch her, but
knew instinctively to wait for her to make the first move.

~*~*~*~*~

Dana approached her husband on shaky legs. He was so beautiful.
Dressed in only his silk boxers, she drank in the sight of his
muscular frame. 'Greek god' came to mind as she wondered at her
fortune to be married to such a man. Power, grace and, yes, darn it,
plain sex appeal radiated off of him - and he was hers.

Tentatively, she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder. His
chocolate brown eyes were even darker in the subdued light, and those
dark brows and long lashes - God, he was handsome!

And he was looking at her with such depth of love and longing, her
legs did give out, and she ended up sitting on his lap, with her arms
around his strong neck.

How did she come to love this man so much? 

Pulling his lips down for a kiss, his moan matched hers as they
finally began the dance they'd waited for so long.

~*~*~*~*~

When their lips finally touched, Skinner felt the blood begin to race
in his veins. The smooth feel of her legs on his, the press of her
breasts against his chest, the smell of her hair and skin, all
combined to make him lightheaded.

Running his hands down the smooth nightgown, he knew he should wait,
but couldn't and reached to cup her bare rear under the silk. Her
hands were playing along his shoulders, enjoying his strength, and he
silently vowed to never ever stop working out.

Turning so he could lay them down on the bed, he drew her up against
him, smiling at just how far he had to help her move up, petite
little thing that she was. Kissing her with years of stored up
passion, he felt her respond in kind. Not rushing, they took turns
running their hands along each other's bodies, reveling in the
freedom to touch finally with the intent to arouse.

He trailed his fingers over her breasts and she moaned, pressing
herself into his hands. His breath caught when she hesitantly, almost
shyly, reached down between them to touch him. Startled, he looked at
her with a question in his eye.

"Yes, it's true," she whispered, "You're my first."

"Oh, Dana," he groaned, kissing her and tasting her and delving into
her with his tongue. "My dearheart, it'll be okay."

He ran his hands over her back and drew her to him. He led her small
hand down to touch him, and twitched a little as she explored the new
sensation of a man. My God. Lesson learned. Never assume anything
that had to do with this woman.

Running his own hands down her stomach, he slowly trailed his fingers
to her curls. He was a large man, and he would not rush and possibly
hurt her or the baby. They'd need to take this real slow. He smiled
at the passion he saw growing in her eyes as he touched her. She
began to whimper and squirm under his loving ministrations. With his
other hand, he pulled her nightgown up so he could feast on her full
round breasts. The combination of his touch above and below made her
cry out, and he knew she was almost ready.

~*~*~*~*~

Dana never thought anything could feel as wonderful as whatever
Skinner was doing to her. She'd been afraid when he found out he was
her first, that he'd pull back, and she was so ready for him she
thought she'd cry.

When he'd said it would all be okay, and began to arouse her in
earnest, she did cry out.

Then he pulled away, and she opened her eyes to see raw passion in
his gaze. He moved over her carefully, keeping his weight off her
with his strong arms. She gripped his biceps as he moved to make them
one. At his first thrust, she felt pain, and then an overwhelming
pleasure, a completeness that was only imagined before.

Urging him on after she'd caught her breath, he moved above her, eyes
closed, focusing on the sensations of their union. That it was her
that he loved and was loving thrilled her to her core. When he
started to make moaning and groaning sounds she closed her own eyes
to ride with him over the edge. His biceps shook with the strength of
his coming, and she wrapped her legs around him to hold him and
herself steady as their breathing returned to normal. WOW. Oh. My.
God.

They lay there, sweaty and exhausted and grinning and touching for
what seemed like hours.

~*~*~*~*~

EPILOGUE

"Push, Dana! PUSH!" 

"GUNH!" Grunting with the effort, head spinning with pain, Dana was
on auto-pilot. Every pore of her being wanted this baby O-U-T, OUT!
The nurse by her side kept reminding her to breath. She wished she'd
just shut up.

"PUSH, Dana! PUSH!" She wished that stupid doctor would shut up, too.
Hadn't she requested pain medicine? What the f*ck had they given her?
It hadn't done a damn thing for the freakin' pain--

A strong steady hand on her shoulder began to knead the tension away
as soon as the contraction stopped. Oh yeah. It was all *his* fault.
But, oh, yeah, those hands were working magic on her back.

"Okay, Dana, it's time for the final PUSH. Are you ready?"

NO! I'm NOT READY! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! Oh God! NO!
The high angry cry that split the air was music to her ears as she
drew in her first full breath in what seemed like hours.
Oxygen. That's all she'd needed. Now she felt wonderful!

Looking down, she watched as the baby was cleaned and wrapped and
handed to Walter. The incredulous look in his marvelous, wonderful,
deep chocolate brown eyes touched her heart. Oh, okay, it's okay that
it was all his fault.

"Okay, Dana, are you ready?"

Oh Shit. I forgot. Here we go again-

AARRRGGGNNUUHH!!!!

"Good job, Dana!" Would that doctor please SHUT UP?!

Then Walter was at her side, smiling the biggest, goofiest, most
stupid, marvelous smile she'd ever seen. She'd bet money her smile
was just as big and goofy.

Looking warmly into her eyes, he whispered, "Here's your son, Mrs.
Skinner."

She looked down at the bundle in her arms and started to cry. He was
so perfect! Tiny fingers wiggling and that tiny nose and that tiny
toothless mouth- and -

Walter was talking to her again. What?

"And here's your daughter, my dearheart." He placed the little thing
next to her brother on her chest, and leaned over to kiss her.
The tears in his eyes fell, and mingled on her cheek with her own.
Hugging her babes to her breast, she kissed him back.

THE END

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