Title: For the Rest of Their Lives Author: Soleil Compeau Summary: Mulder and Scully love each other. They're not sure just how and why they have a little miracle, and they're still the people they are. How will that affect the rest of their lives? Disclaimer: Hi Chris Carter! Feel free to use anything here that suits your fancy. You know you want to. I promise not to sue. Category: Mulder/Scully romance Spoilers: Existence post-ep, references to...well, the series Rating: NC17 overall, some Chapters are mild Author's Notes: For a long time I wouldn't write fic that occurred after the events of Requiem because I was so afraid that CC wouldn't do right by our heroes. I should have known better. But the more I watch the end scenes of Existence, the more I feel he hasn't given us anything at all. I think CC gave us what we wanted, without giving us what we *really* wanted. Many question pertaining to the M/S dynamic were not answered: How was William conceived, and why? Why didn't the human replicants take him? Why didn't Mulder tell Scully about his "brain illness" and why didn't she ask him about it? Why did Krycek have to die, and why did he feel killing Mulder would do any good? Why did he struggle so hard with pulling the trigger on his "brother?" I'll attempt to answer those questions here, bear with me as this is my first novel, and my first attempt at explaining how the mytharc will bear out. Warning: Those of you who don't like Doggett, or Reyes for that matter...skedaddle! For *I* like them, and they make regular appearances here. You've been warned. xxxxxxxxxxxxx Chapter One - Gifts and Revelations It felt so good to kiss him. Not once since his resurrection had their lips touched. When Mulder had awakened in the hospital, Scully had pressed a tentative peck to the underside of his chin, but that was the extent of their romantic moments. Except at night when he had curled up in her arms, warming himself at the hearth of her belly. It pleased her inordinately that Mulder had initiated *this* kiss. She pressed a hand to his elbow to keep him close and prolong the contact. Readjusting to life had been very difficult for Mulder. Scully tried to give him the space he needed, but it was emotional distance that he seemed to want. Although from time to time he gave signs of waiting for a signal from *her,* a sign that she still wanted their old love. When he began to banter with her about the baby's paternity, she went along with it even though a part of her was horrified. Did he really not remember what had happened between them before he was taken? Scully was determined not to give an inch on this one. If Mulder wanted to acknowledge them as his family, he was going to have to make the first move this time. Meanwhile, she told her secret to no one. Not even her and Mulder's closest friends. Let others think what they liked. Who the father was was obvious to her, but it was none of their business anyway. A soft whimper from between them interrupted the kiss. Mulder grinned and shifted the small bundle closer. When he resumed humming, William's eyes drifted shut peacefully. "Look at that," Mulder whispered in awe. "My son asleep in my arms." He settled the baby carefully in his cradle and turned back to the mother. "I meant what I said about knowing the truth Scully. He's *ours.* We made this little guy, you and me. And now I know exactly where I fit in." She moved back into the warm circle of his embrace and lifted her face to his for more kisses. He pressed sweet touches over her chin, her cheeks, her eyes and nose. He was gentle, knowing full well that it was far too soon for anything rigorous. Scully needed to heal from the trauma of childbirth and all the post partum complications she had suffered. Mulder knew that his partner looked forward as well to a time when they could make love again. "Let's see what the Gunmen brought for him," she finally suggested after cuddling awhile. "OK, but if it's gold, frankincense, and myrrh, I'm gonna have to kick some ash." Mulder commented wryly. "With those guys, who knows. At least the presents are wrapped nicely." "Ahh, they probably got that Yyes woman they talk about to help." Scully looked back at him with a raised brow. "And who helped you wrap that *package* you gave me?" Mulder blushed. "I meant the one with the doll in it," Scully clarified as she grabbed a gift and moved into the living room. Now he couldn't help smirking as he followed her to the couch with the other two boxes in hand. Scully selected Byers' present first. The man had picked out a blue sleeper with a cowboy riding a horse into the sunset. It came with a matching cap with the word DUKE stenciled across the front. His card read, "Here's hoping he'll be a John Wayne fan like his 'uncle.' Congratulations, John Byers." Langly's gift was twofold. A CD-ROM of a game for learning colors, and a CD of children's music. The simple note read only, "For when he's older. Congrats, Ringo Langly" Mulder and Scully exchanged happy smiles at their friends' thoughtfulness. They turned last to Frohike's offering. The diminutive and oddly sensitive Gunman had gifted the child with a red plastic pail and blue shovel. The enclosed card stated, "Just because I know Mulder's son is bound to dig for his own truth. I wish you much happiness, Melvin Frohike." Mulder wandered into the kitchen and found a plethora of food packed into the refrigerator. He was just heating up some casserole for their dinner when he heard William awake with a howl. He walked into the living room in time to see her sitting down with him and preparing to breastfeed. William was upset and kept shaking his head back and forth. Scully hunched over, attempting to aim her nipple into his mouth. She glanced up at Mulder's approach. "This is kinda hard for us," she admitted a bit unhappily. "I'm thinking of switching him to formula." Mulder stuffed a couple of pillows behind her back. "Here, sit up a little more. No, don't lean over him like that." He adjusted Will in her arms until his head rested on her forearm and his whole body was tucked along her side. "Now. Watch this." Mulder lightly tickled his cheek and Will appeared to yawn hugely. Scully almost instinctively pulled him closer and watched as his mouth closed over her nipple and much of the areola. He began to suck and she felt a trickling sensation in her breasts. William began making gulping sounds. Scully looked up at her tall friend gratefully. "Mulder, how did you know to try that?" The lanky man looked away uncomfortably. She persisted, "C'mon, I know I asked you this once before. How do you know all this?" He answered uncomfortably. "Ever since...I got fired, I've been on the computer a lot. I was learning about...baby stuff. So I could help you." He coughed dryly and waved his hands. "I remember my father helping my mom a lot with Samantha. I assume he did the same with me. I just, ah, just want to take care of you." Scully just looked at him, almost melting from the waves of tenderness sweeping over her. "I love you so much," she breathed. ------------------- That night, they lay side by side on the bed and watched Will's tiny chest rise and fall. Mulder traced his finger repeatedly over the substantial nose. He spoke in a hushed whisper. "I think we should have him tested for abnormalities." Scully glared at him impatiently. "Mulder when are you going to believe that he's normal? I told you I had myself *and* him checked again and again while I was preg-." He cut her off. "I don't mean it that way Scully. I was talking about a PKU test. The doctor will prick his heel and take a small blood sample. It's a way of determining whether or not he has any genetic abnormalities or retardations." "Oh." She was mollified. "But I thought you said the Mulder's passed genetic muster?" she teased him. "We do. But who knows what deep dark secrets the Scully's are hiding!" Mulder ducked his head as she swung playfully at him. "I'll call Dr. Speake in the morning." Scully yawned and lay her head down next to her son. In moments she was fast asleep. 'Spooky' lay awake for a long time. He scrutinized the baby's face and body repeatedly. He kept thinking of an incident that occurred while taking them to the hospital. The replicants driving away had horribly blank faces. They ignored him, ignored his desperate screams for the woman he loved. Then he saw Agent Reyes and realized Scully must be inside. He would never be able to forget the sight that greeted him as he passed through the doorway. She lay, quiet and deathly pale, with several blood soaked towels on her lap. A tiny bundle was held to her chest and she didn't respond when he softly called her name. He slowly approached and her eyes snapped open. Scully screamed brokenly and tried to draw away. "Don't take him, he's mine!" Mulder's heart nearly broke. "It's me, Dana. I won't hurt you and I won't take your baby away." He edged closer. "It's just me. Mulder. I'm going to help you." He began moving the blankets and towels aside in preparation of lifting her. Agent Reyes appeared at his side with fresh towels. Scully blinked dully at her. He made a crude padding for her still bleeding loins and lifted her into his arms. The baby, alive or dead he still didn't know, balanced precariously on her chest until Reyes took it. Scully mewled in protest and other agent leaned over, talking reassuredly to her as they made their way to the helicopter. When they settled inside and the chopper lifted off, Reyes handed the little bundle to him. Mulder was relieved when it wiggled in his grasp. He held it gingerly and watched the dark haired woman burst into tears. She tried to debrief him, but her ramblings about dead men, strange bumps, and an assembly of aliens didn't make much sense to him. He was focused on Scully anyway. "Stay with me sweetheart," he murmured over and over. Her eyes were so blank it was beginning to frighten him. "Just hang on a little longer." She focused on him at last and very very softly said, "Our son Mulder. Take care of him. For me." Her eyes slipped shut and Mulder panicked. "Scully come back! Dear God, DON'T LEAVE ME!!" The idea of her death was intolerable to him. Even now, safe in her bed with her sleeping so peacefully, Mulder shuddered at the memory. He had leaned down to check her breathing, and the baby's head slipped gently from his palm onto her chest. Scully's eyes had fluttered open and he gasped with relief. Mulder shut his eyes and leaned his forehead down until it was touching his son's brow. Thank God, thank God she had survived and their son had checked out so healthy. Agent Reyes had stayed at his side until he received the clean bill of health from Dr. Speake. He remembered telling her that she should be commended by the FBI for delivering a baby under those circumstances. He was still awake and thinking when Will stirred and opened his eyes. He turned his head and looked directly into Mulder's hazel ones. The father fell in love all over again with his child. "Hi there," he whispered softly. Will smiled and Mulder went to pieces. "Let's let your mom sleep okay? She needs her rest." Mulder lifted the baby and brought him to the changing table. It was a little awkward, but he finally managed to get a new diaper on the tiny butt in a way that he was confident would not leak or fall off. He fell asleep in the rocking chair, and did not awaken again until Will cried for another feeding. Scully was bending over him with a tender smile as she lifted him from his lap.