Necessities 2/2 (PG-13)

He had stepped into the living room once more to check on her and saw her place her hand on the back of the couch, steadying herself.  He was across the living room in three strides, his arm around her.

“I’m okay, Mulder.”

He ignored that, leading her to the kitchen.  He didn’t see Charlie watching them.  He led her to the kitchen table and seated her.  “I’m going to fix you a plate.”

“I can’t eat.”

“You have to.  You had coffee for breakfast and no lunch.  You have to eat something.”

She looked up, but his expression was adamant.  They turned when the kitchen door burst open.  “What do you think you’re doing with her?” 

“Bill - “

“I’m fixing her something to eat,” Mulder said mildly.

“I want you to leave her alone.”

“I’m not going to let her pass out from hunger.  She’s going to be okay.  Why don’t you go see to your guests?”

“Pass out?” Bill turned to her.

“He’s exaggerating.  I’m fine.”

“When did you last eat?”

Scully shook her head, leaning back in the chair.  “So you two are working together now?”

Bill stepped back, his eyes narrowing.  “I’ll check on you in a few minutes.”  He turned his back on them and headed out of the kitchen.

“Sorry, Mulder.  I didn’t mean to make it worse.”

“Don’t worry about it.  I wouldn’t feel right if he wanted to be buds.”

The door opened again and Charlie joined them.  “Everything okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I didn’t doubt it, until you said that.  What’s going on?”

“Nothing - “

“Scully hasn’t eaten since before lunch yesterday, so I’m fixing her a plate.”

"Good idea.  And I want you to eat every bite."

"Charlie - "

"Come on, he's probably armed and I outweigh you."

She almost smiled at that and took the seat Charlie held out for her.  She ate a small turkey sandwich and glass of iced tea.  "Satisfied?"

"Not completely, but better," Mulder said grudgingly, but smiled at her as Charlie chuckled.

"Whatever, I have to get back out there."

"Sis, don't you want to take a break?"

She shook her head.  "I need to pick out a dress."

"Let Mary and Tara help you."

"They've already offered."  She rose and Charlie watched Mulder take her elbow automatically.  She seemed to lean into the tall man for a moment before heading toward the living room.  Mulder looked into Charlie's eyes.  He nodded at the younger man and Charlie turned to follow her.

Mulder sank onto a stool at the counter and shook his head.  She was in such pain.  She'd gotten him through it, he'd do whatever he could.

He remained in the kitchen accepting food, which fortunately seemed to be tapering off, since there was no room left.  He looked up as the door opened once again and smiled at the sight of Tara carrying Matthew.  "How you doing, Big Guy?"  He approached them and Matthew's thumb found its way into his mouth.

"He's not thrilled with all the strangers out there.  I think he was looking for you."

"For me?" Mulder sounded incredulous.

"Yes.  You made him feel better.  It's time for another dose of his medicine.  Do you know where Dana put it?"

"Yeah, it's in the refrigerator.  Just a minute, I'll find it."  He dug through and came up with the brown bottle.  "It's kinda crowded in there."

"Looks like it."  She poured medicine into the child's medicine spoon.  Matthew took the medicine, then looked up at Mulder and lifted his arms.  Even Tara looked surprised at that.  Mulder looked over at her as though for permission, then lifted the boy into his arms.

"That'll make you feel a lot better.  Your Aunt Dana is the best doctor there is.  Are you hungry?"

"Bnana," he said.

"It just so happens I have one of those.  Okay?"  Again he looked to Tara for permission.

"It's better if you break off pieces rather than giving him the whole thing."

"Good tip."

"Would you mind if I leave him here for a few minutes?  I need to help upstairs."

"Oh, well, yeah.  Do you mind, Matt?"

He rested his head against Mulder's chest and sighed.  Tara patted his back, smiled at Mulder, then left them alone.

"Banana," Mulder said.  "Coming right up."

Matthew had finished most of his banana before he quit, and Mulder took him to the sink to wash his hands.  Mulder was drying his hands when he heard the door open again.  Thinking it was more food, and wondering where he was going to put it, he turned with Matthew in his arms.  The look on Bill's face, while priceless, was definitely hostile.

"What the fuck - "

The door opened again.  "Bill."

Bill turned toward his younger brother.  "Where's Tara?"

"She's upstairs with Mary and Dana."

"She left Matthew with him?"

Mulder automatically cuddled the boy and felt his head rest against him again.  The motion enraged Bill.  He started for them and Charlie stepped into his path.  "Matty, would you like to see your cousins?  Will and Sam are here, remember them?"

Matthew looked over at his father and seemed to press into Mulder's chest and his hold of Mulder's t-shirt became a fist.  "They're big boys; I bet you could have a good time with them."  The baby looked up at Mulder.  "Come on, let's go."

Mulder headed out the door, with Charlie covering his back.  They both heard the cabinet open and the sound of bottles rattling.

"Mom's liquor?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah."

They moved toward the den where the other boys were watching TV.  Mulder sat with Matthew and let him get used to the boys, who had been well briefed on how they were to interact with him and immediately included him in their play.  Neither Charlie nor Mulder mentioned Bill.

Mulder looked up when Mary stuck her head in the door.  "Where's Sc-Dana?"

"She's still upstairs.  She's having trouble making a decision about the clothes."

"Is she okay?"

"I think she could use your help," the woman said simply and Mulder was on his feet.  He turned to look back at Matthew, but Charlie shook his head.

"He's fine; we'll keep an eye on him."

Mulder nodded and headed for the stairs.  No one was paying him any attention and he hurried to Mrs. Scully's bedroom.  Scully was standing there facing the two dresses laid out on the bed, but he was confident she wasn't really seeing them.

"Scully?"

She slowly looked in his direction as though not really sure anyone had spoken.  He was beside her then, his hand on her shoulder.

"I can't decide which one."

Shit, he didn't even remember being asked this question when his mother had died.  She had just handled it with the calm efficiency she used with everything.  He looked back at the dresses.  He'd seen her mother in the blue one a couple of times, but not the ivory one.

"Tell me about them, when did she wear these?"

Scully looked up startled.  "Uh, this one," she pointed to the ivory one, "she kept for special occasions, meetings where she felt like she needed a confidence boost.  The blue one was for dressing up a little, church - "

"With friends?"

She nodded. 

"The blue one then, Scully.  She certainly won't need a confidence boost, where we both know she is, she'll fit right in.  She might as well be comfortable."

She stared up at him, mouth open in surprise.  He saw the tears come to her eyes.  She closed her mouth and nodded.  "You're right."  She hung the ivory dress back in the closet and set about packing the rest of the things the funeral home had requested into a small bag.

"Do you want me to run those over for you?"

She shook her head.  "They don't have her body yet.  We have to wait for the autopsy."

His arms went around her and she leaned against him.  After a moment, he gently pulled back.  "Why don't you let me take you home?"

She sighed.  "I can't, not yet.  After a while."

"Another hour, then you need the break."

"We'll see," she smiled wanly and accepted his arm around her shoulders as they headed back downstairs.  He heard the doorbell once again and didn't even recognize the woman that answered it.

"Sir," Scully picked up her step and took Skinner's hand.

"I was so sorry to hear about your mother."

"Thank you."

"Don't worry about work; I have you and Mulder off for the rest of the week.  Let me know what else you need."

"Th-that's very kind."

He squeezed her shoulder, then looked over at Mulder and nodded.  They were all caught off guard when Bill grabbed Skinner's arm.  "Are you here to take your pet out of here?"

Skinner looked the younger man in the eye.  "I'm sorry about your mother."

"That's not what I asked." 

Skinner could smell the alcohol on the man's breath.

Scully brought the focus back to her.  "I'd like you to meet my other brother, Charles."

"Yes, I'd like that."  He took a step away with her and Bill grabbed his arm again.  "Stand down, Captain."  He spoke quietly, but with the full authority of the Marines behind the command.  Bill actually reacted, dropping his arm and coming to attention for an instant before realizing what he had done.

Skinner took advantage of the fact and escorted Scully away, Mulder following closely behind them.  Bill took one step to catch up, but Father McCue stepped in front of him.

"Father, I need to - "

"You need to let it go for now, son."

The fury in Bill's eyes would have pushed another man away, but Father McCue held his ground and Bill took a shuddering sigh, then hurried upstairs.

Skinner shook hands with Charlie and Mary, offering his condolences.  Mulder whispered to Scully and retreated to the kitchen.  Skinner watched Scully's eyes follow him, but made no comment.

Alone in the kitchen, Mulder pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number.  "I need to speak to Dr. Breeman. Tell him it's Agent Fox Mulder.  It's urgent."

"One moment."

Very quickly a man's voice sounded in his ear.  "Pete?  Is that you?  Is this some sort of joke?"

"No, Dr. Breeman, it's Mulder."

"Fox Mulder.  What the hell - "

"I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Why would you call me?"

"I know I'm in no position to ask you for a favor - "

"A favor?  Yeah, I'd say you're not in any position for that."

"It's not for me.  Do you remember my partner, Dr. Scully?"

"Yes.  She's been very helpful to us."

"Her mother passed away unexpectedly yesterday.  She was alone; we arrived in time to perform CPR, but . . ."

"I, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thanks.  They won't release the body until there's been an autopsy.  I was wondering if you could give me some idea how long that's going to take.  Her brothers have flown in from California and Ohio, but everything's in limbo."

"What's her name?"

"Margaret Scully."  He could hear the tapping of keys and waited.

"Yes, I see it.  I need to check on the schedule.  How can I reach you?"

Mulder gave him his cell phone number.  "I appreciate it.  The family needs to know how long it might be."

"I'll call you back."  He broke the connection before Mulder could thank him.

Mulder logged in and stored the food that had been delivered in his absence and shook his head at the quantity of food.  This was so far outside his experience.  He looked up when Skinner joined him in the kitchen.

"It's nice of you to come by," he looked at his boss.

"She's important.  Mulder, she's on the ragged edge."  Mulder's head came up and he glanced past Skinner.  "Her brother's attitude isn't helping any."

"That's my fault, but I can't leave her.  She never left me when . . . "

"You need to get her out of here, for a little while at least."

"Think I can order that?"

Skinner smiled.  "I'd like to see you try."  His smile faded.  "If anyone can get her to leave, it'll be you."

Mulder looked uncertain, but squared his shoulders.  "You're right; she's got to get away.  Thanks."

Skinner nodded.  "I'm going to get out of here too.  Let me know how she's doing."

Mulder nodded and escorted him back to the living room.  After a moment, he located Scully speaking with yet another friend of the family.  Mrs. Scully must have known everyone in Georgetown.

He stood behind Scully, waiting and she seemed to know though she didn't look around.  When the people moved on to speak to Charlie, she leaned back against him.  "You need to go home for a little while."

"I can't."

"Yes, you can."

"Yes, you can," Charlie repeated.  "Let us handle things for a little while.  There's still plenty to do and you need to take a break."

"Charlie, Mulder - "

"It's two against one."

"Three," Mary said as she joined them with a tinfoil wrapped platter in her hands.  "I've fixed you a buffet.  Don't argue, Mulder and I needed to make room in the refrigerator."

"Mary - "

"Just do it.  Go home, take a nap, put your feet up."

Scully opened her mouth, but Mary's eyebrow rose in a perfect parody on Scully's own expression.  Mulder's look of surprised delight caused Scully to shove an elbow in his stomach, but she obviously didn't mean it as he was still standing.

"Come on, Scully.  You've met your match."  Instead of arguing, she leaned more heavily against Mulder.  "Thanks," he looked over at Charlie who nodded, and seemed unable to speak.  Mulder took the platter from Mary and his other hand came to rest comfortably on Scully's lower back and he escorted her toward the door.

Several people did stop them and she said her goodbyes.  Fortunately Bill was nowhere in evidence and they made it outside with any further trauma.

Mulder opened her door, then the back door and secured the platter of food on the floor in the backseat.  She seemed to have spaced out, so he leaned over and secured her seatbelt, then shut the door. 

When he took the seat beside her, she turned to him.  "Mulder, I'm sorry."

"About what?"

"That I'm so spacey."

"One, you're not spacey, and two if you were it would be understandable."

"And I'm sorry about Bill," she continued as though he hadn't spoken.

"Okay, yeah, you should have raised him better."

She looked over startled to see his grin.  "If you're not going to let me take blame for Samantha's abduction, then can I really blame you for how Bill turned out?  Deal?"

She actually smiled a little.  "Okay, deal.  But if he gets too bad - "

"I'll sic Mary on him."

Her smile was genuine that time.  "Aren't she and Charlie perfect for each other?  I know you just met them, but I've always thought they were the perfect couple.  It's nice that at least one of us . . . "

Mulder absorbed that comment in silence.  He didn't know anything about Bill and Tara's relationship, though if he kept putting the baby on planes when he had ear infections, it might be short term.  Of course Melissa hadn't ever married or had kids and now Scully couldn't . . . Shit.

"Take me home," she said softly, watching his face and no doubt reading every thought loud and clear.

They were barely off the block when Mulder's cell phone rang.  "Mulder."

"Dr. Breeman here."

"Oh, sir.  Thank you for calling me back.  Do you have any information - "

"It was definitely natural causes."

"You've already done it?" Mulder's surprise was unfeigned.

"You called a couple of hours ago.  I got right on it.  It was a pulmonary embolism and there was nothing either of you could have done.  If she'd been in a hospital it would still have been touch and go."

"Was it sudden?"

"No, this one's been growing for some time but not where it would have been spotted without specifically looking for it.  Was there any indication?"

"Not that I know of."

"Is Dana there?"

"Yes."

"Let me talk to her."  There was a hesitation.  "She doesn't know you called me."

"That's right."

"Let me talk to her anyway."

Mulder looked over at Scully, who are already eyeing him suspiciously.  "It's Dr. Breeman.  He wants - "

She snatched the phone from his hand.  "Dr. Breeman?  Dana Scully, is there a - " Breeman obviously started talking then and Mulder kept his eyes on the road.  He'd definitely overstepped, but he hadn't asked the man to rush the autopsy, just give him some idea of how long it would be.

He looked down when he felt her small warm hand caress his arm.  He looked over to see her crying again, but listening closely, asking an occasional question he would not have even known to ask.

"I can't thank you enough for taking the time, Dr. Breeman.  I, I do feel . . . better knowing that . . . "  There were some more goodbye noises, then she closed the phone and looked at Mulder.

"Am I in trouble?"

"I can't believe you did that - "

"I didn't mean to - "

"For me."

That stopped him.  "You're not . . . mad?"

"Mad?  No, I appreciate knowing.  I just can't believe you called Breeman."

"Well," Mulder grinned then, "he didn't do it for me, I can guarantee you.  He's got a soft spot for you like every man you've ever looked at."

She looked over at him, surprised.  "What?"

"Oh come on, Scully.  You know if you weren't hauling ole Spooky around with you, I couldn't even get in your appointment book."

She looked at him for a long moment.  "Do you really believe that?"

"Don't have to, I know it."

"You've got it backwards.  If you weren't hauling the Ice Queen around with you, I couldn't get a mention in your little black book."

He snorted a laugh at that.  "Yeah, that's why the little black book isn't stuffed.  Good one, Scully." 

She shook her head indulgently and relaxed.  She hadn't realized how tense just being in the house with Bill had been.  He glanced back over at her.  "Once I tuck you in, I'll head over to my place to get some clothes and then I - "

"Why don't we go on over to your place now, and pick the stuff up?"

"I'm trying to get you in bed, Scully."  He blinked as she looked over at him, her eyebrow on the rise.  "I'm trying to say that in the nicest, most gentlemanly meaning of the phrase."

"Then let's go on your place.  I can take a nap on your couch while you shower and pack."

"You sure?"

"You're doing this for me.  And you know how comfortable the couch is."

He looked at her again, then nodded and made a left turn.  Since they would be there long enough for her nap, he carried the food up as well.  He led her to his apartment and she headed immediately to his couch.  She slipped off her shoes and got comfortable.  "Go on, get cleaned up."

"Can I get you anything?"

She shook her head and pulled the afghan down.  "I'm okay."

Well, that was better than fine, right?  He headed for the bedroom, pulling his t-shirt over his head.

He took a quick shower and dressed, still in casual clothes, but a little nicer than jeans.  He peeked into the living room and she was sound asleep on the couch, making those little Scully noises he knew from her naps in the car.  He stood looking at her for a few minutes from the door before rousing himself and packing to return to her place.  Since he had the time, he changed the sheets and gathered up some dirty clothes that had somehow missed the laundry basket and gauged how much longer he had before laundry became an essential.  But he kept returning to the door, to watch her sleep.

She was comfortable, obviously, snuggled in under his afghan on his couch, like she belonged there.  Well, she did.  Suddenly he realized her eyes were open and she was watching him watch her.  "Uh, I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't."  She sat up and stretched.  "How long did I sleep?"

He glanced at his watch.  "About an hour and a half."

"I guess I did need it."

"You seem . . . better."  He took the seat beside her, still watching her.

"I think I am.  Dr. Breeman helped.  Thank you for calling him."  Mulder shrugged.  "I . . . it was natural, it wasn't something a routine exam would find, and she didn't suffer.  Even if we had been there, there would have been nothing we could do.  Breeman said . . . it was quick."  She stopped there, but he took her hand.

"What?"

"She's with Ahab, Missy . . . "

"Emily," he said quietly and to his relief she nodded.

"I know she's okay.  It's us that are suffering."

He opened his mouth to respond to that when her cell phone rang. She opened it.  "Hel - "

"Where are you?" Bill's voice boomed over the small device.

"I went to take a nap."

"You're not answering your home phone."

"I turned off the ringer, to get some rest," she responded, not missing a beat.

"Oh, well, are you coming back?"

"Yes.  I'll take a shower and change, then - "

"Don't bring Mulder back with you," Bill interrupted.

"Then I'll see you at the service."

There was silence from the other end now and Mulder looked down, wishing he could slip away and give her some privacy.  "Dana - "

"It's a good thing you don't have a problem with Mary."

"You're not going to marry the SOB!"

"I don't know, he's never asked me," she said dryly as Mulder's head came up and he stared at her.

Bill sputtered for a minute, unable to even sound coherent. 

"I'll take my shower and we'll be back over there in a little while.  How's Matthew?"

"Uh, he's, he's fine."

"I'm sure.  I'll see you soon."  She broke the connection and looked back over at Mulder.  "Lose the panic face and start the heart pumping again.  I was just tweaking Bill."

He hesitated, but since when did caution get him anything.  "If I did ask - "

"Mulder, I shouldn't have said that.  I'm just tired of . . . Bill.  You're in my life; you know that, I know that."

"But if I did . . . "

"For better or worse?"  He winced at that and she saw it.  "It's all moot, Mulder.  I'm not planning on getting married, but I need you."

"You have me."

"I know," she said softly and smiled.  Mom had told her the same thing and she could feel her family around her now, there for her, necessary.