Title: Whatever We Become
Author: Cathey Scully
Rating: R
Spoilers: None
Category: R, S, A, AU, Kidfic, Pre-X-Files

Keywords: Mulder/Scully Romance, Alternate Universe

Feedback: I would love feedback, so absolutely, absolutely, please
send your thoughts my way. foreverxphile@adelphia.net or
CatheyScully@the-pentagon.com 
 
Archive: If you'd like for this fic to be an addition to your archive
or website, just email me at one of the above addys and toss me a URL
of where it's going. I do ask that if you're archiving this story that
you archive its prequel "Seed" as well.
 
Disclaimer: The characters of Mulder, Scully and their respective
families are not mine. Tucker, Lyndsay, Jenny and Nicholas are mine,
and I'd like to keep them, but I'm making no money off of this story,
nor am I claiming the characters owned by FOX and 1013 as mine. The
title and song excerpts belong to the amazing, talented, and great guy
Angie Aparo. I hope he doesn't mind me borrowing the lyrics to
Whatever We Become, because nobody but him could do it any type of
justice.
 
Summary: Tucker reexamines everything in his life after learning his
mother's secret. (Sequel to Seed)
 
Notes: The prequel to this fic can be read here:
http://catheysfic.tripod.com/catheyscullyfic/id33.html I highly
suggest that you read "Seed" before continuing; otherwise this
probably won't make much sense.
 
Read all of my stories at http://catheysfic.tripod.com 
 
~ 	@	 ~
Why am I so pitiful
It's hard to erase what never was
I know compared to most
Our fortune is made of blessing and love
~Whatever We Become by Angie Aparo
~	 #	 ~

Part 1

"Tucker? Sweetheart, where are you?" Dana Mulder called, looking for
her oldest son.

"In here, Mom," she heard him call. Dana set her briefcase down and
followed the sound of her thirteen year old son's voice, or his
coughing to be precise. She found him sitting on a box, thumbing
through a stack of photos. She smiled softly, stooping to curl her
arms around his shoulders.

"What are you doing in here? You should be in bed," she admonished
softly, kissing his temple and noting that the fever he'd had for the
last two days was down minutely.
 
"I’m bored, Mom," he whined. She squeezed him affectionately. "I'm
just looking for some pictures."
 
"Of what?"

"Never mind, I was just curious."

"Curious 'bout what, baby?" she asked, stroking his wavy red locks. 
After much discussion, she and Fox had allowed their son to grow his
hair out to his chin, as long as he took care of it. But a few weeks
ago, he had expressed an interest in getting rid of most of it.

"Nothing, Mom. Nothing," he replied, leaning back into her. She held
him close, reaching into her pocket for a tissue so he could blow his
nose. Tucker had been home sick with a nasty flu since the weekend.

"Ready to get your butt back in bed?" she asked her voice a mere
whisper.

"I guess."

Dana helped him stand and took him back into his bedroom. She folded
the covers around Tucker and stroked his forehead.

"Are you hungry? Want some soup? Is there anything I can make for
you?"

"No thanks, Mom. Dad made me some chicken broth for lunch, and
I’m still nauseous."

"Alright. Do you want me to leave so you can get some rest?"

Tucker shook his head, indicating that he wanted her to stay. Dana
nodded, sitting down and running gentle fingers over his cheeks. He
settled his head in her lap, against her belly, making her smile and
hum softly.

"Did Brad bring your homework over?" she asked. Tucker nodded, his
eyes still shut.

"What type of work do you have to do?"

"Math, Spanish, English," he replied choppily.

"Any history or science?" she asked softly.

"Science project," Tucker mumbled. Dana bent and kissed his forehead,
then his nose.

"You can tell me tomorrow, okay?" she whispered, her hands stroking
his beautiful hair on their own volition.

"Kay Mommy," he mumbled sleepily. Dana smiled, only when he was sick
would he refer to her as 'mommy' these days. Once he was snoring
loudly she slid out from underneath him and covered Tucker with the
comforter.

"Come get me if you need me, baby," she whispered, dropping a kiss on
each of his eyelids.

Walking through the house, she realized how empty it was without Fox
and their children tearing around. Smiling into the living room, she
bent to pick up Fox's large running shoes from the middle of the
floor. Sighing affectionately, she cleaned up the room, dumping the
dirty clothes that she'd unearthed in the laundry room.

After cleaning the living room, she checked her watch and decided to
start dinner. Fox would be home from Lyndsay and Jenny’s karate
lessons soon. She knew that the twins would be hungry, even if her
husband and youngest son weren’t.

When Tucker was five, she and Fox decided that the time was right to
have more children. After months of unsuccessful attempts, they
conceived the twins mostly by accident. Then, three years after Jenny
and Lyndsay were born, unknowingly, a celebration of Fox’s
birthday resulted in the conception of their fourth child, and second son,
Nicholas. Twisting her wedding ring, Dana realized that she’d
never been happier. Her oldest son was thriving in school, and the bond he
had with Fox was as still as strong as it had been since they’d met. 
It had been so many years since she’d even thought about 
Tucker’s true parentage. Fox would always be his father, biology be damned.

“Dana? You in here?”

“Mommy, where arrreee youuu?” Jenny called.

“In the kitchen, cooking your dinner,” she answered. Fox and
the girls appeared in the doorway. Giggling, her two daughters came
forward to hug her. She returned their affection wholeheartedly,
before handing them each a glass of soda and a small snack.

“Don’t wake Tucker, he’s sleeping,” she warned as they ran giggling into the 
living room. Shaking her head, she stepped up to kiss the love of her life, 
and her husband.

“What happened, Nicky?” she cooed, lifting him down from
Fox’s arms and examining the scrape on his chin. Clucking her tongue, she also
saw the rip at his knee and the white gauze underneath. Nicholas
hugged her neck.

“We took a spill at the playground,” Fox explained, rubbing
Nicholas’s hair and kissing Dana’s lips quietly. “How’s Tucker?”

“His fever’s down, but he’s still pretty miserable,”
Dana smiled softly, rubbing Nicholas’s back.

“He wanted you to stay with him today."

“I figured that. But he was glad to have the company,” Dana
sent Nicky off to sit with his sisters and turned back to Fox. Grinning,
he pressed her against the counter and tugged her lips to his.

“That’s it; I’m quitting my job and dragging you off to
the Bahamas.”

“Fo-ox,” she grinned, kissing his neck. “You know the
Virgin Islands are better than the Bahamas.”

“I kinda like it here, though, you look good in this
kitchen,” he whispered, tightening his arms around her and simply held on.

“Fox? What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

“Just, it’s the anniversary of-“

“Your sister?”

“Yeah,” he sighed into her neck. “I just, she should
know her nieces and her nephews. She would have been the one to kick my ass 
into gear about marrying you and legalizing the adoption.”

Dana stroked the hair at his neck. “I wish she did know the kids.” 
She pulled away and kissed him softly. “I know you miss her, but
you need to know, we’d miss you more. Specially me.”

“Message received.”

Dana smiled, wrapping her arms around him tightly. They stood, locked
in an embrace until the oven beeped, signaling the minute left on the
timer. They broke apart and Dana paused, stroking his cheek.

“Why don’t you go check on Tucker? I’m sure he’s asleep, but if he’s not, 
I’m sure he wouldn’t mind you singing him to sleep again.”

“One night of Duran Duran, and this is what I get?” Fox grumbled good-naturedly. 
“I’ll be back in to set the table.”

“Nope, get Jen and Lyndsay. It’s their night,” she explained, kissing 
the pad of each of his fingers. He nodded, giving her another squeeze
before leaving the kitchen.

She gathered the plates and the silverware, leaving them on the
counter so the twins could do their chore of setting the table. Dana
knew there’d be grumbling after dinner, because it was Tucker’s turn 
to unset the table and do the dishes, but there was no way that she
and Fox were going to hold him to his chores when he was that sick.

Fox pushed lightly at the door to his son’s bedroom, happy to
hear a soft snore emanating from Tucker’s bed. Crossing gingerly over
to the edge of the bed, he lowered himself down beside the sleeping teenager.

Tucker coughed, waking himself up, “Hey Dad."

"Hey. How're you feeling?"

"Tired."

"Get some rest."

"I can't. Every time I start to fall asleep, I cough and it wakes me
up. Is dinner over? I need to do the dishes."

"You're off the hook for tonight, Tucker. I'll handle it. Just
sleep."

"'Kay Daddy," Tucker coughed again.

"Night son. Love you," Fox leaned over and kissed his son's forehead.

"Love you too, Daddy."

Fox brushed a hand over Tucker's hair. "Come get me and Mom if you
need us."

~	@	~

Later that evening, Dana sat ensconced by Fox's arms, watching TV
while Nicky dozed in her lap and the twins finished a science project
over at the base of the TV. Fox kissed her temple, making her smile
back at him.

"Mommy?"

"Yes, Nicky?" she asked, turning back to the boy in her lap. "Aren't
you sleepy yet?" she teased. Nicholas shook his head, grinning. "You
should be," she told him. He giggled, shaking his head again.

"Hush little Nicky, don't say a word. Mama's gonna buy you a
mockingbird," Dana sang softly, rubbing his back. Nicholas smiled up
at her, and settled back in her lap, stretching out into his father's
lap as well. Fox placed a warm palm on the back of his head, running
his hand over Nicky's hair. Nicky was snoring within seconds. Dana
chuckled, stretching back to press a kiss to Fox's neck.

"Every bit your son," she grinned into his lips. "Just like Tucker,"
she added, hugging Fox's neck. Fox held her tightly, pressing
relieved kisses into her hair. Some days he was afraid that he'd wake
up and the last ten years of his life had just been a dream. That he
was back to being lonely and without the woman he loved.

"This isn't a dream, Fox. I'm here, Tucker's here, everyone's here,"
she whispered. He knew that he'd spoken aloud. He smiled and rested
his cheek on her hair. She rubbed his arm, indicating that he should
take Nicholas to bed. Fox nodded, allowing her to hand him their
youngest and carrying Nicky to his bedroom.

"Mommy, we need help," Jenny half-whined. Dana smiled, beckoning the
twins over. They settled on either side of her, resting their plant
in her lap.

"What's wrong?" she asked, examining the sprouting lima bean.

"It's not big," Jenny sighed, settling her head on her mother's
shoulder.

"It didn't grow right," Lyndsay echoed her sister's sigh. Dana
smiled, kissing both of her auburn haired daughters.

"Just 'cause it's small doesn't mean it didn't grow right. That's
just how it grew. It doesn’t need to be tall to be strong."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Lyndsay, I’m sure. Your bean is fine."

"After all, your mother is an expert on being small but strong," Fox
grinned, lifting Jenny up and sitting in her seat. Jenny giggled as
he brought her down on his lap.

"Daddy's so funny," Dana replied, rolling her eyes. "Was that the
only problem?"

"Yep," Jenny replied, resting her head on Fox's shoulder.

"So you're done?" Fox asked, stroking her hair. With sleepy eyes,
Jenny nodded. He pressed a kiss to her eyebrow.

"Go get your pajamas on then, both of you. The brush your teeth and
we'll read you your story."

"'Kay Daddy," they answered in unison and jogged from the room. Dana
regarded her husband with a small smile. She waited till he crept
closer, trapping her in his arms. She giggled, returning his
affectionate kisses softly.

"What do you propose we do once all of our darling offspring are
asleep?" she asked, kissing his nose.

"I can think of a few things."

"Like what?"

"Like filing our taxes and scrubbing the sink. Or watching Nightline
and commenting on the anchor's new hairpiece," he chuckled as she
slapped his chest. "Or, we could have sex," he offered, grinning into
her face.

"Finally a good plan," she mumbled, kissing him firmly. Holding her
head, Fox kissed her back, finding as much passion in her kiss as
there was their first kiss.

"Ewwww!!!" Lyndsay cried, stopping short when she saw her parents
locked in an embrace. Dana broke away from Fox, grinning as he
shifted to lay a pillow over his lap.

"Oh hush up, both of you," Dana smiled, and beckoned the twins over. 
Jenny settled in Dana's lap and Lyndsay crawled into her father's
arms. Jenny handed the book to Fox.

"Daddy, can you read tonight, please?"

"Sure, Jenny. What is it for tonight?"

"Charlotte's Web," Lyndsay answered. Dana smiled, scooting close and
resting her head on Fox's shoulder.

~	#	~

Alone once more, Fox turned off the TV and reclined. Dana leaned in,
snuggling into his side. Fox kissed her brow and stroked her hair
lazily. Her fingers played with his t-shirt before resting flat
against his heartbeat. Fox gave her a squeeze, making her giggle when
she felt his stomach rumble.

"I cooked. You can get your own damn midnight snack," she giggled. 
Fox wiggled his eyebrows, bending to kiss her.

"Mommy?"

They broke apart, grumbling half-heartedly. Dana brushed her hair out
of her eyes and looked over to the source of their disturbance. 
Tucker stood at the base of the couch. Dana pushed herself up,
reaching out her arms to her oldest baby. Tucker climbed into her lap
and she realized that he must be sleepwalking. Holding him close,
Dana stroked his hair.

"My baby's getting so big," she cooed, kissing his forehead. "Fox,
his temperature's back up."

Fox touched Tucker's forehead and nodded. "I'll get him some Advil."

Dana shifted Tucker's gangly limbs and allowed Fox to slide past her
off the couch. Tucker shifted, and she remembered that he was only
about two inches taller than her. Smiling softly, she realized that
he'd only get taller, just like his father.

"Mommy wanna pay Superman," Tucker mumbled into her shoulder.

"You're my superman, baby. Now sleep, Tucker, sleep."

Fox returned with Tucker's medicine, and once he'd taken it, Tucker
settled more firmly in Dana's lap. Dana smiled sheepishly at Fox, who
smiled and shrugged, wrapping his arms around both of them. He rested
his cheek on her hair, brushing a kiss to her temple.

"It's been a long time since this happened," he murmured. "My little
boy's growin' up."

"That he is," Dana squeezed their baby tightly. "I don't think we've
had to deal with sleepwalking in years."

"We don't need to discuss the last time we did," Fox murmured into her
ear. She chuckled softly. "I remember his Superman days," Fox
reached around to touch Tucker's head.

"I remember taking him to Easter Mass in his Superman costume. I also
remember my mother nearly killing me because of it. He's always
adored you," she smiled, remembering the beginnings of their family. 
"I think I've always adored you too," she added.

Fox kissed Dana's forehead. She smiled, leaning back into him and
closing her eyes. He tightened his arms and held them both till the
morning came.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Two days later

Dana sat with Tucker while he worked on his makeup work. He sniffed
again and closed his book. Dana smiled, brushing his hair back and
gently kissing his temple.

"Done?"

He nodded, leaning into her and wrapping his arms around her waist. 
Dana smiled, holding him close.

"How're you feeling?"

"Little tired, but I think better than yesterday."

"Good. That's good. Your dad's lonely without his daily basketball
game."

"Mom?"

"Hmm?" she asked.

"What traits did I get from Dad?" Tucker asked, looking up at her. 
Dana brushed back his hair. Despite knowing the truth, she saw some
of the same traits that Fox had in her son's face.

"You got your dad's eye shape. And you're going to be tall like him.
 You've got his face, the cheekbones are the same, and you have his
hands," she picked up one of Tucker's hands and squeezed it.

"Really?"

Dana nodded. "Yep. Why do you ask?"

"My science class, we're doing a genetics project," Tucker told her
softly. She nodded, stroking his hair.

Tucker coughed, his entire body shaking with the effort. She patted
his back, encouraging the fluid that was building up to make its way
out. Dana reached for the inhaler the doctor has prescribed to try to
loosen the congestion in Tucker's chest, but Tucker held up his hand
to stop her.

"I'm, okay," he rasped, breathing heavily. Shaking her head negative,
she took his chin and forced his mouth open, popping the inhaler into
his mouth.

"Breathe in," she ordered, pumping the inhaler. Steadily, she counted
to ten and breathed out slowly. Tucker glared at her as he did the
same, but his breath came easier.

"Feel better?"

"Yeah," Tucker answered quietly. He reclined back against her. Dana
looked at her watch. 

"It's almost time to get Nicholas from school. Do you feel up to
coming?"

"I think so."

"Okay, good," she smiled, squeezing him gently. Tucker shifted so
that his head was on her shoulder.

"I um, I'll need to make a family tree, and like have baby pictures
and stuff."

"Oh," Dana stopped, realizing that there could be a problem. "Well,
I'll look for them for you."

"Thanks Mom. I'll go get changed so we can go get Nicky."

"Okay, dear," she murmured, letting him go before biting her lip in
worry. Baby pictures would mean that Tucker would find out about his
father. Fox hadn't even known about Tucker until the baby was sixteen
months old. There were no pictures of Tucker as an infant with his
father present.

Tucker reappeared from his bedroom, having slipped on his moccasins. 
She smiled affectionately as he stood before her, looking sleepy and
rumpled as he wore his plaid flannel pajama pants and a white t-shirt.
 She stood and met him halfway into a hug.

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, baby. I'll always love you," Dana whispered, kissing
his nose and reaching for his hand while she slipped on her shoes and
grabbed her purse.

~	!	~

Tucker sat beside his mother outside Nicholas's class room, pondering
how it was possible to feel so bad, and still be alive. He coughed,
making the other waiting parents look at him.

"Sorry."

Dana brushed her hand over his forehead. "It's okay. Are you feeling
alright, sweetheart?"

"I’m okay, Momma."

"Let me get you a drink. You don't need to get dehydrated."

"Thanks, Momma," Tucker sighed. His head dropped back onto the wall,
and his eyes slid closed. He'd nearly dozed off when he heard
Nicholas call his name. He sat up, leaning over slowly to receive his
exuberant younger brother.

"Hi, Nicky. Mommy'll be back, she went to get a drink."

"'Kay Tucker," Nicholas relaxed into his embrace. Tucker smiled; he'd
always loved his little siblings , even when he was little and it
meant that he didn’t have his parents' undivided attention
anymore.

"There he is," Dana smiled, finding both of her sons sitting together.
 Nicholas jumped down from Tucker's lap, patting his knee before
running to meet her. Dana handed Tucker his glass of water and sat
down beside him, pulling Nicholas into her lap. Tucker looked over at
her, as if to ask why they were staying.

"Take your time drinking, Tucker. We'll wait."

As they were walking to the car, Tucker doubled over. Dana bent and
touched his face.

"What's wrong, Tucker? What is it?"

"Oh god," he grunted. "I'm gonna be sick," he moaned, turning around
and throwing up all over the pavement. Dana tightened her one-handed
grip on Nicholas and rubbed Tucker's back as he continued to heave. 
Once he reached a point where he was panting, Dana steered him back
inside. She took him into the ladies room, supporting him as the
three of them entered the handicapped bathroom. She sat Nicky in the
corner and knelt beside Tucker. She wiped his face with toilet paper,
noticing that his shirt was a casualty too.

"Come on, Tucker," she brushed his hair. "Let me get your shirt," she
whispered, lifting his shirt up and over his head. Balling the soiled
shirt up, she rubbed his back.

"Mommy, I don't feel good," he whispered. Dana nodded in
understanding.

"I know baby. I know," she stroked his hair smoothing it away from
his sweaty forehead. "Let me get you a cool compress," she kissed his
cheek. Tucker nodded, backing up and resting his back against the
cool cinderblock wall. Nicholas walked over to Tucker, sitting beside
his big brother and mimicking his position. Tucker smiled weakly at
him.

~	@	~

Dana checked on Tucker once more before sitting in the kitchen for
dinner The twins were giggling as the stole food off of each other's
plates, and Fox and Nicky were showing each other the food before they
shoveled it into their mouths. Dana smiled softly, taking a bite
before sending a worried glance out into the living room.

Since throwing up in the parking lot, Tucker had come home and crashed
on the couch. Not even a favorite show had been enough to rouse him.
 She'd tried to coax him into eating some chicken broth, but his soft
refusals still rang in her ears.

Fox's hand covered hers. "We won't be offended if you want to go eat
in there with him."

"You won't?" Dana asked, looking up at him.

"No, Dana. Go eat with Tucker," he smiled, leaning over to press his
lips to the corner of her mouth. She smiled gratefully, taking her
plate and leaving the room.

After a few minutes, Tucker's eyes slid open. He blinked a few times
before focusing on her. Yawning, he reached out to her with one hand.

"Tucker, are you feeling better?"

"Tired," he croaked.

"I know. How's your head?"

"Better, I think," he struggled to sit up, but she pushed him back
onto his back.

"Just lie down, baby."

"'M sweaty."

Dana touched his forehead, "I think your fever finally broke, sweetie.
 I'll get you some dry clothes before you get cold."

She found new pajama pants, boxers, and a new t-shirt for him and
returned to the living room. Taking a cool cloth, she helped him
change, wiping the sweat from his chest and arms gently. She helped
him redress, soothing the sweat from his face.

"Did you just change me?" he asked, smiling softly.

Dana stroked his hair. "It's nothing I haven't seen before. After
all, who bathed you and changed you?"

Tucker coughed. "Right."

"Are you hungry?" she asked, settling on her haunches.

"Not really."

"You need to eat something. Some saltines?"

"I can try," Tucker nodded. Dana kissed his forehead.

~	~	~

Later that evening, Dana was tugging her husband's t-shirt over her
head when Fox opened their bedroom door.

"Nice outfit," he grinned.

"Thanks," she replied distractedly.

"Hey," he called, causing her to look over at him. "What's wrong?"

"Tucker has a science project. His family genetics," she met his eyes
and he crossed over to meet her in the middle of the room.

"Nothing has to change," he whispered, kissing her forehead.

"Of course it will. He needs pictures. He's going to want to know
why you're not there. What do we tell him?"

"We tell him the truth. That wasn’t there because I didn't know
you were pregnant, and when I found out, I was scared of what it meant,
but knew that I loved you both."

"That's a half-truth, Fox. He's going to want the whole truth."

"I don't know what to tell you."

"I can't tell him, Fox. I can't. He'll hate me."

"He'd never hate you, Dana. Do you remember the first time you told
me you couldn't do something? I'd asked you to marry me, and you
turned me down because you were scared. We can't let fear rule our
lives."

"What if it, what if it comes between the two of you?"

"It will probably come between us more if I don't tell him the truth.
 He's old enough to be able to talk to about this. And as much as I
don't want to, it'll eat away at us until we do tell him, or until he
finds out on his own," Fox framed her face gently, bending to kiss
her.

"You're right," she answered softly. Fox nodded, kissing her
forehead.

"Don't worry."

Dana smiled. "I don't want to talk anymore," she dragged his head
down for a soft kiss.

~	@	~

The next morning Tucker woke to hear his dad shaving. Tossing the
covers off, he grabbed a tissue and blew his nose. Running a hand
through his hair, he grimaced at the sensitivity of his head. 
Coughing deeply, he wandered down the hall and into his parents' room.
 His dad stood at the bathroom counter, shaving away the previous
night's stubble. Tucker briefly rubbed his own chin, wondering when
he'd have to start doing the same thing. He padded into the bathroom,
making his dad smile broadly at him.

"How're you feeling?"

Tucker shrugged. His dad leaned over and felt his forehead with his
lips.

"No fever. How's your stomach?"

"I’m okay."

"You need a decongestant."

"Finish shaving first."

Tucker met his father's eyes in the mirror. His dad nodded and
finished up with his task. Tucker studied his own features, trying to
match them to his dad's. Finally he spoke,

"Mom says we have the same eyes."

"We do. Same face shape and hands too," Fox answered, realizing that
it was actually the truth.

"Really? I don't see it."

His dad brushed his hair back and tugged Tucker into a hug. Tucker
hugged him back, his fears momentarily passing. He did look like his
mom, and even resembled his dad a little. He couldn't be adopted,
could he? But why else would his mom not want to let him see his baby
pictures?

"Dad?" he asked.

"Yeah?"

"Did you, do you look like both Grandma and Grandpa Mulder?"

"I look more like my mom than my dad, but I do have some traits from
him."

"Will you help me with my project?"

"Of course. Now come on, you need a decongestant."

He tried to eat breakfast, but only succeeded in drinking a glass of
Gatorade. Dad looked disapprovingly at him, but said nothing. After
watching his dad eat, Tucker got his paper and they settled onto the
couch. He leaned sideways against the end of the couch and looked at
his dad expectantly. Dad chuckled.

"You look just like your mother when you give me that look."

Tucker smiled. His dad clapped a hand over his shoulder and tugged
him into his side. Tucker relaxed, resting his head on his dad's
shoulder. It felt nice not to have to pretend to be grown up, to just
be a boy with his dad.

"What do you want to know first?"

"Tell me about Grandma and Grandpa Mulder," he requested, "and about
Aunt Samantha?" he added softly.

"Sure."

Later on, Tucker laughed, dropping a picture of his parents after a
mud fight in the backyard. He too was smeared with mud and grinning
from his place atop his father's shoulders.

"Dad, what was I like when I was a baby?"

"You were," Fox searched his memory for Dana's accounts of Tucker's
infancy. "You loved practically everyone. You were colicky as an
infant. You were trusting, you trusted me not to drop you, and I was
always afraid that I would," his dad shrugged. "You were my son. And
I couldn't help but love you when you looked up at me with those big
green eyes and that mop of curly red hair."

Tucker smiled, reaching up to hug his dad's neck. His dad hugged him
back, making his fears dissolve a little more.

"How old were you when you had me?"

"Your mom was 18, so I was 20, almost 21."

He sighed in relief. No, he couldn't be adopted. Not if he was born
when his parents were so young. Nobody would place a baby with a
teenaged girl and her boyfriend, or husband, or whatever. Right?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You were born on Nature's time
Now we are born to pay the rent
And though I've a thousand dreams for you
I maybe don't have enough love to make a dent

Whatever we become
Whether together or undone
You are life and I am overloaded
I am free they will say
So I sing this song for you
Yeah, sing this song
~Whatever We Become by Angie Aparo
~	$	~

2 weeks later

Suppressing a cough, Tucker pushed open the door to his sisters' room.
 He'd been charged with waking them up for Sunday breakfast. Looking
over at the bunk bed, he realized that they were both on the top bunk.
 Grinning, he climbed into the bottom bunk and started poking the
mattress through the slats. Using his hands he lifted the mattress
up, waking the twins. Lyndsay's head appeared on the side.

"Tucker! What are you doing?" she giggled.

"Waking' you up," he answered in a sing-song voice. He slid from the
bed and lifted her down before rousing Jennifer and lifting her from
the bed too. Jenny curled her arms around his neck, begging to be
carried. Tucker nodded, hefting her close and turning to look in the
mirror. Jenny peered sleepily at their reflection. Tucker saw how
similar Jenny looked to both his parents, and how much he didn't
really resemble his sister. Only his red hair and his nose made him
look like his mom.

Jenny squeezed his neck. "'M hungry Tucker."

"Okay, okay," he grinned, leaving the room and heading to Nicholas's
room to grab him.

Taking the opportunity of the absence of the children, Dana looped her
arms around Fox's neck, squeezing him gently. Fox wrapped one arm
around her waist, pulling her into his lap. His lips sought hers,
keeping her attention focused on him.

"Mm, you're good," she whispered, stroking his cheeks. "I could sit
here all day."

"I could too. Unfortunately I hear the thunder of feet. Pitter
patter my ass."

"If you insist," she grinned, squeezing his neck. He kissed her lips
once more, eliciting a groan from their children as they entered the
kitchen.

"You'd be more upset if you didn't find us kissing," Dana told them,
kissing her husband once more and sliding from his lap. Walking
around, she gave each of her children a kiss good morning. She also
noticed that Tucker gripped her extra tightly this time.

"Still feeling gross?" she asked. Tucker shook his head, walking
directly to his chair.

"Morning, Tucker," Fox called, wondering why his son had barely looked
at him.

"Morning, Dad."

"Sweetheart, is something wrong?"

"No, I'm fine, Mom," Tucker added as if it were an afterthought. 
Dana's brow furrowed, but she shook it off and put breakfast on the
table.

~	#	~

Later that evening, Dana sat with Fox, running her fingers gently
through his hair. He smiled up at her, brushing his thumb across her
lips.

"Your mom called while you were at the store."

"Oh?"

"She wanted to invite us to dinner. Your Aunt Lynn is in town."

"When?"

"Tomorrow night."

"I don't know, Fox. Tucker still doesn’t have a lot of energy
yet."

"I told her you'd let her know."

"Thanks, now I can be the bad guy."

"I'll lock you up anytime babe," he grinned, tugging her down for a
kiss.

They broke apart when someone knocked on the door. Fox sat up,
tossing an arm around Dana and calling out for them to come in. 
Tucker entered slowly, looking purposefully at them.

"Baby, what's wrong? You look upset," Dana asked, beckoning him over.
 He sat in the space she made between her and Fox. Fox rubbed his
back.

"What's wrong, Tucker?" Fox asked.

"I have something I need to ask."

"Ask us anything," Dana smiled comfortingly, but her stomach clenched
when she knew what it was about.

Tucker took a deep breath. "Am I adopted?"

Dana looked over at Fox before stroking her son's hair. "No Jonathan,
you're not adopted."

"I’m not?" he asked. "Then why don't dad and I look alike?"

Dana took a deep breath. "This may be hard to understand, but Fox
isn't you father biologically."

"What?! Of course he is! He has to be! It's just a dominant or
recessive thing, right? I have features from a great uncle or
something, right? Dad? Right?" Tucker asked pleadingly, looking at
his father for confirmation of what he was saying.

"Your mom's right, Tucker," Fox admitted.

"Did you cheat on Dad or something?!" Tucker whirled back to face his
mother.

"No, Tucker. I'd never be unfaithful to your father."

"Then how can he not be my dad?"

"Son, I am your dad. Biology doesn’t mean a damn thing to me,
because
you're my son no matter what. Okay? We're not telling you this to
hurt you, we just want you to know the truth."

"What is the truth? I don't know what truth is anymore."

"Jonathan," Dana touched his chin. "I was a senior in high school
when the guy I'd been dating took advantage of me, he hurt me, and I
got pregnant with you. While I was pregnant, I met your dad. He
didn't even know I was pregnant until you were a few months old. 
Originally we were just friends and study partners, but I fell for
him, and he fell for me; he loved you from the start, and the rest is
history."

Tucker nodded slowly. "What about my biological father?"

Dana sighed, "I was hoping that you wouldn't ask about him, but his
name is Jack Richards. After he raped me, I broke up with him and he
went to UCLA while I stayed here. I didn't see him for over two
years, and I'd met your father by then. Over Christmas break, he
showed up at our door and thought that I'd give him access to you."

"He knew about me?"

"No baby, not before then. He saw you, and thought that he could take
you away from your daddy and me."

"What do you mean?"

"He sued for custody, thinking that a judge would grant it despite the
fact that you had two parents and a loving home."

"Oh. I want to see him."

"We can't let you see him," Dana stroked his cheek.

"Why not? He's my biological father! I should be able to see my
father!"

"He's in jail, Tucker," Fox broke in. "He was denied custody and
visitation, and ordered to stay away from you. He broke the
restraining order when you were four, and he tried to kidnap you. 
He's in jail for it."

"He obviously wanted to know me!"

"No honey, no he didn't. He did it to hurt your dad and me. He never
wanted to know his little boy, not like your father did. Biology is
nothing but a group of cells, Tucker. We are still your parents; your
siblings are still your siblings. You’re still our son."

Tucker nodded, "I need to be alone."

Dana held tightly to his hand. "Baby don't, be upset please. We love
you so much. That should be what matters, shouldn't it?"

"I don't know," Tucker admitted, pulling away and leaving the room,
slamming the door to the study. Dana dropped her head into her hands,
a soft sob coming from her lips. Fox took her shoulders, trying to
pull her to his chest. Dana shrugged him off, returning to her former
position. Fox bent and rested his cheek on her shoulder, defeated,
not attempting to move her.

"We knew it would be hard, no matter what age he was," he whispered,
kissing her cloth covered shoulder.

"I deceived myself into thinking that he'd understand."

"He's just confused, Dana. He'll come around."

"I doubt it," Dana took a deep breath. "He was my whole world for so
long, Fox. He still is, even though we have more children. He'll
always be, even if I try to fight it."

Fox nodded, not speaking. "You're still his mother," he answered. 
"That hasn't changed. I’m the one who's been living a lie with
him; I’m the one who shacked up with his mom and took over the role as
'Dad'."

"Don't say that, Fox," Dana turned, wrapping her arms around his neck.
 Her fingers tangled in his hair, and his did the same.

"I love you, Dana. I love the life you've given me, and I've never
once felt like Tucker wasn't a part of me. He's always been my son,
and I've never thought otherwise," he whispered.

"I know, Fox. I know."

Fox pulled away, stroking her cheeks to clear her tears. "Let me go
talk to him."

Dana sniffed, smiling softly and nuzzling his cheek with her nose. He
hugged her tightly, not wanting to move just yet. They sat locked
together for almost half an hour before he pulled away, kissing her
gently. She kissed him back, not letting go of his arms.

"Let me go talk to Tucker. Don't cry," He whispered, "It's gonna be
okay."

"I believe you," she whispered. Fox pulled away, squeezing her
offered hand and leaving the room. Dana stood, crossing her arms and
pacing the room. Stopping at the bookshelf, she lifted one of the
frames, studying the happy faces in the picture. It was Tucker's
second birthday, and they'd had a small party with just the three of
them and her sister, Melissa. Missy had been the one to take the
picture of the three of them. Tucker was sleeping in Fox's arms, his
face and hands covered in chocolate cake. Instead of being upset that
he was getting messy, Fox just held their son tightly, brushing
fingers through the baby's hair. She remembered him squeezing her
hand before whispering, "You are so loved," to Tucker.

"Dana?" she broke out of her thoughts, setting the picture back in its
place. Fox was standing in the doorway, panic written all over his
face.

"What is it? What's wrong?" she asked quickly.

"Tucker's gone."

~	$	~

Tucker carried his bike up the porch steps, placing it against the
handrail and straightened his shoulders. Wiping his eyes to try to
make it look like he hadn't been crying, he knocked on the door,
hoping someone was home. After a few minutes, the door slid open.

"Tucker, what's wrong? It's after midnight."

"Sorry Uncle Charlie. I just, can I stay here tonight?"

Charles nodded, letting his nephew pass him and trudge into the house
that he shared with his oldest sister Melissa. Tucker went straight
into the living room and curled up on the couch. Charles followed him
and sat down on the coffee table in front of Tucker.

"What happened, Tucker?"

Tucker shook his head, hugging his pillow tightly. He hiccupped and
tried to bury his body farther into the cushions. Charles reached out
and patted Tucker's back.

"Your parents don't know you're here, do they?"

Tucker shrugged, muffling his sobs against a pillow. Charlie looked
around helplessly. Something was obviously bothering Jonathan, but he
was completely unequipped to deal with it. When he was Tucker's age,
he'd been well on his way to his first tattoo, and his fourth
piercing. So far his sister had yet to relent on her decision that
Tucker would have nothing of the sort.

A low moan came from the TV, and Charlie remembered what he'd been
watching before Tucker showed up. Hurriedly, he snapped the TV off. 
Tucker grinned, despite his tears.

"Let me get your aunt Missy down here, okay? Don't go anywhere."

Tucker nodded, rubbing his cheek against his pillow. Charlie jumped
up and ran to the stairs, taking them two at a time in his haste to
get his sister's help. Firmly, he rapped on Melissa's door, not
ceasing until she yanked it open, grumbling sleepily.

"Charles Jonathan Scully, this damn well better be good."

"Mis, Tucker's downstairs."

"Dana and Fox's Tucker?" Melissa asked, blinking. Charlie nodded. 
"Well, what's wrong?"

"Don't know. He won't tell me. He's upset, to the point of sobbing."

Missy nodded, leaving her bedroom and rushing downstairs. Tucker sat
up when he saw her, wiping his eyes quickly.

"Hi sweetheart," Missy smiled softly, lowering herself beside him and
hugging her nephew briefly. "You know we love it when you visit, but
Tucker, it's almost one am."

"I'm sorry," Tucker lowered his eyes. "Gramma and Grampa's is too far
for me to ride."

"You rode here?" Charlie asked from the stairs. Missy shushed him
with a wave of her hand.

"What happened at home, sweetheart?" Missy asked, beckoning Charles
over to sit in front of them.

"Can I, can I stay here tonight? Aunt Missy, please don't call my
mom."

"You can stay, but there's no way we won't call your parents," Charles
broke in.

"But, tell us what's wrong, and we'll just tell them that you're
alright and that we’ll drop you off at home tomorrow," Missy
added.

"Is it about Nicholas, or the twins?"

Tucker shook his head. He opened his mouth a few times, pausing to
collect his thoughts before asking, "You both know that my dad's not
my dad, right?"

Charlie and Melissa nodded.

"Who else knows?"

"Just the close family and a few of your mom's old friends. Your mom
was very secretive when she was pregnant, and after your parents met,
nobody ever questioned that he wasn't your father biologically."

"So my entire family knows I’m a freak."

Melissa shook her head, touching Tucker's cheek. "You're not a freak,
Tucker," she pressed a kiss into his temple. "Freaks are people who
join the circus, or have bowls through their chins. You're not a
freak because your father loved you and your mother enough that it
didn't matter if you were his son biologically or not."

"What should it matter whether or not Fox Mulder isn't your biological
father?" Charlie asked. "He's still your dad. He's still been there
your entire life, and he's not going anywhere."

Tucker bit his lip. "I’m, I’m different. They treat me differently than 
they treat their kids."

"You're their kid too," Missy reminded gently. "You're loved just the
same. You're just as much of Fox's son as Nicholas is. Biology
doesn’t make you who you are. Take Charlie over here: the rest
of the Scully kids were perfectly normal. He's the oddball and I know he's
full-blooded Scully."

"How?" Tucker asked without thinking.

Missy smiled, "I accidentally stepped in on the conception."

"Gross!" Tucker cried. Missy ruffled his hair.

"My point is that Fox is your dad because he raised you. He's taught
you, and loved you, and been an all around great father. Your
chromosomes don't make you who you'll be. The people around you do,
and since that's the case, Fox Mulder is very much your father."

"And he's been a pretty damn good one too," Charlie added, seconding
Melissa's earlier comment. "A hell of a lot better than Jack would
have been."

"Jack, my biological father. What was he like?"

"He was an a-class jerk. He thought your mom should treat him like he
walked on water. He and I didn't get along, we even got to the point
of fist fighting," Charles answered. "Nobody really liked him, except
for Dana, and her opinion was the only one she followed about him."

"So you don't think he would have wanted me?" Tucker asked, looking
back and forth between Missy and Charles.

"He didn't pursue your mom but once after she broke up with him. He
knew that he probably got her pregnant, but he didn't believe that he
had raped her. Then she didn’t see him again until you were two
years old and she'd already met your father," Melissa explained.

"But my dad wanted me?"

"He loved you from the minute he held you. He was in love with your
mom, and she was head over heels for him, and I know for a fact that
what sealed the deal with her was the fact that he accepted you as not
only her son, but his as well," Missy smiled, stroking his hair. "I
remember you called Fox your father at the age of 16 months. You'd
barely said more than 'mama', 'no' and 'yeah' before then."

Tucker smiled. "I’m tired. Can I sleep now?"

"Sure Tucker," Charles held out an arm to Tucker. Tucker stood,
reaching out to hug Melissa tightly.

"I love you, Aunt Missy."

"I love you too, sweetheart. Get some sleep," Missy murmured, kissing
Tucker's forehead. Tucker smiled and allowed Charles to lead him from
the living room to the guest room. Melissa watched her brother go;
smiling at how tender he was with Jonathan, despite his rather
standoffish appearance. She ran her hand through her hair and crossed
over to the telephone. She dialed her sister's number and waited.

"Tucker?"

"Dana, it's me."

"Melissa? Is Tucker there? He ran off about an hour ago, and Fox and
I've called practically everywhere. We called Mom and Dad, because
Fox wanted some advice, but they said he wasn't there. I called all
of his friends, but didn't even think to call you."

"Dana, calm down. He's here, and he's safe. He's going to stay here
tonight, and we'll bring him home tomorrow."

"Thank God. Was he okay? He wasn't hurt?"

"He was scared," Melissa admitted. "But he's doing better now."

"He told you about what happened tonight, then?"

"Bits and pieces. He was afraid that-" Melissa broke off, seeing
Charlie leave her nephew's room.

"Afraid of what?"

"I promised him that I'd only tell you that he's okay. He is, Dana. 
You don't need to worry. We'll bring him home when he wakes up
tomorrow."

"No, we're coming over there."

"Dana, no. Just give him tonight. He’ll be okay, I promise,"
Melissa soothed. "Remember, Danes, who has the degree in child psychology?"

Before Dana could shoot off a response into her ear, Charlie grabbed
the phone.

"Dana, hey. He's asleep upstairs."

"Is he still upset?"

"No, not anymore."

"Do you think he understands why we couldn't tell him?"

"I don't know. But I do know that he feels better. We'll return him
in the morning. Don't worry, take a bath, make some more babies with
your husband, or just get some sleep, okay?"

Dana chuckled nervously. "I want him home first thing tomorrow. Tell
him that we love him."

"I will," Charles grinned and hung up.

~	~	~

Dana set the phone back in its cradle, turning back to face Fox. He
reached out a hand to stroke her arm, and with a yelp, she wrapped
herself in his embrace. He closed his eyes quickly before stroking
her hair and whispering words of comfort until she moved over to their
bed. He sat down on the edge and tugged her beside him, kissing the
top of her forehead. She curled one arm around his neck, holding him
with such force that her arms shook.

"Dana, Dana, Dana," he sighed her name, rocking slightly. "Shh,
everything will be alright."

"Fox," she whispered, her voice thick.

"Shh," he answered, touching her lips with his finger. "Calm," he
whispered. "Let's get some sleep."

Dana touched his cheek, leaning up to kiss him, and he realized that
sleep was not on her mind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Whatever we become
Whether together or undone
You are life and I am overloaded
I am free they will say
So I sing this song for you for you 
~Whatever We Become by Angie Aparo
~	#	~

Bright and early, Dana peeked one sleepy eye open. Fox was curled up
against her back, his palms flat against her belly and heart. She
tried to disengage from his embrace, but he pulled her back down, his
lips nuzzling her neck.

"Go back to sleep," he murmured, squeezing her tightly. "It's early.
 Your sister never wakes up this early, not even to bring Tucker
home."

Dana smiled despite herself, scooting back deeper into his arms. She
willed her body to relax again. Fox smiled into her hair, curling
farther around her. Within seconds she was asleep.

~	@	~

Fox caught Dana's hand, pulling her away from the fireplace and into
his arms from where he sat in an arm chair. He brushed her hair back,
stroking her waist gently. She smiled, bending to kiss him gently.

"You look even more nervous right now than you did when we got
married," he half teased. "It'll be okay," he promised. "You called
his school to tell them he won't be comin'?"

"About an hour ago. While you were in the shower. I told you this
already, Fox, twice," she smiled into his eyes. "And who else here is
nervous?" she grinned.

"Just a little," he admitted.

They heard a key in the door and their arms tightened around each
other as they waited for Missy to open the door. Tucker entered
first, looking around cautiously.

"Tucker," Dana smiled in relief, stepping close and wrapping her arms
around him tightly. Tucker returned her hug fiercely. "I'm so glad
you're safe," she whispered, pressing relieved kisses all over his
face and hair.

"I’m sorry, Mom," Tucker lowered his eyes. Dana touched his chin
and kissed his lips in a motherly kiss.

"My precious baby," she whispered. He kissed her cheek and hugged her
tightly. Squeezing him close once more, she released him. Tucker
walked over to face Fox.

"I didn't mean to make you worry."

"We're just glad you're home," Fox smiled. Tucker nodded, stepping
close and tossing his arms around his father's neck. Fox held him
tightly, lifting the boy off his feet.

"Daddy?"

"Yes son?" Fox answered, closing his eyes against Tucker's hair. 
Tucker tightened his arms.

"I'm glad you're my dad."

"I’m glad I am too," Fox stroked Tucker's hair quickly before
releasing him. Dana said goodbye to her siblings and returned to her
husband and son.

"Aunt Missy said you already ate, but do you have room for a little
more? I made your favorite."

"Sure," Tucker smiled, wrapping his arm around Dana's waist. Dana
curled her arm around his shoulder and kissed his temple.

While he ate, Dana sat beside Fox, gripping his hand tightly. With
ease, he brushed away her hair and kissed her neck. Dana smiled,
leaning into him. Fox squeezed her softly.

"Tucker, we want you to know, if you want to go and see Jack at the
prison, we won't stop you," Dana reached out for his hand.

"I don't need to. I don't want to. Aunt Missy and Uncle Charlie told
me more about him. He didn't want to be my dad, or to know me. I
don't want to know him, or for him to be my dad."

Dana smiled, "Well I'd be lying if I said I wasn't relieved."

"Me too," Fox added. Tucker smiled shyly over at him.

"Dad, I didn't mean to act like I did. I, um, you're my dad, no
matter what."

"Thanks, son."

"Mom," Tucker added, "I, I didn't mean to accuse you of cheating on
Dad. I know you wouldn't ever do that."

Dana stroked his cheek. "Sweetheart, it never crossed my mind to be
angry at you for that. Sometimes when we're angry, we say things that
we don't mean, and I know you never meant it."

Tucker nodded. "You love me just the same as you do the others,
right?" he asked Fox.

"Exactly the same, if not more so," Fox answered, touching Tucker's
cheek. "I know that I tried to make it up to your mother and you for
not being there."

"You couldn't have known, Dad," Tucker murmured. Fox nodded, raising
Dana's hand to his lips. Dana used her free hand to brush through
Tucker's hair. They smiled softly.

After a few moments, Tucker spoke again. "Dad, later on, would you? 
Can we? Wanna play basketball?"

"I’m done eating, wanna play now?"

"Sure!" Tucker brightened, wiping his face with a napkin and jumping
up. He waited until his dad had helped his mom clear the dishes and
the two tore outside.

Dana shook her head, smiling softly. Within a half hour, she'd be
dragged outside and forced to play, much to her pleasure of course. 
She better clean up before they came back.

Right on schedule, the two original males in her life crept back into
the kitchen. She turned around and held out a hand to each of them. 
Fox grinned, shaking his head and bending over, scooping her up in a
typical cradle position. Laughing, he and Tucker took off in a run,
carrying her through the house and to the outside, stopping only to
let her look in on Nicky, who was sleeping in front of the TV. Once
outside, Fox set her down and kissed her quickly. Tucker passed her
the ball, and the game commenced.

In the end, Fox and Tucker beat her, 10-8. Her punishment for being
the loser was, as always, bowing ceremoniously at the feet of the
winners. When she refused, she was pulled to the ground and tickled
without mercy.

"Fox, Fox, stop it, Fox!" she panted. Fox pulled her up suddenly,
straightening her clothes. Grinning, she picked up the ball and
tossed it to him.

"Rematch. You and me; one on one," she challenged.

"You're on," he grinned. "Son, better stand back, there's gonna be an
ass whooping going on."

~	@	~

Later that night, Dana watched as Fox prodded one of his bruises. He
sent her a pitiful look, which under different circumstances would
have caused her to lend sympathy, but this time only made her roll her
eyes.

"You're the one who insisted on three rematches, Fox," she chastised,
stepping up behind him, kissing his shoulder. She wrapped her arms
around his waist, resting her cheek on his shoulder blade. Her palms
settled over his heart, feeling the continuous beat.

"I didn't think you'd actually beat me, though," he protested, pulling
her around and lifting her up onto the counter. He stepped between
her legs, grinning as she brushed her fingers over his biggest
'bruise'. His 'ego'.

"Poor Fox. Let me kiss and make it better," she cooed, wrapping her
arms around his back and kissing him deeply. Fox tugged her closer,
stroking her hair.

"Dad? Mom?"

They broke apart, kissing each other once more before Fox moved away
and lifted Dana down. She stroked his bicep gently and went back into
the main bedroom. Tucker was standing in the doorway, looking younger
than he was. She sat down on the bed and opened her arms to him,
beckoning him in. Tucker crawled onto the bed and relaxed into her
embrace.

"What's wrong, baby?" Dana whispered, stroking his hair.

"I love you, Mom."

"I love you too. I always will."

"Can I sleep with you and Daddy tonight?"

"Sure," Dana replied, kissing his forehead. "Get under the covers
while I go tell daddy."

When she and Fox returned, Tucker was already asleep on one side. 
Dana smiled softly, sliding into bed beside him. Gently she brushed
her son's hair away from his face. She smiled over at Fox, leaning
over Tucker to kiss him goodnight. Yawning, she rested her palm on
Tucker's back.

She remembered welcoming him into the world, screaming and covered in
blood and fluids. She'd cried when he moved in her arms, his tiny
fingers reaching for her. Now she felt the same adoration, fear and
love for her baby boy, even though he was no longer a baby. They'd
reached a new period in their lives; he knew of his origins, and
accepted them. He accepted her, and accepted Fox as the father he'd
always had.

There would be more hurdles, but she knew completely that they'd all
be okay.

END