Title: Endings and Beginnings 10
Author: Cinnamon Scully
Category: SRH, DSR, Angst, Humor
Rated: NC-17 for language and situations
Disclaimer: I do not own the X-files characters, nor do I own anything
that has anything to do with Richard Patrick or Filter, All
information found on Richard Patrick has been documented and is
disclaimed to be the possession of such sites. I also do not own any
rights to Nine Inch Nails or Trent Reznor. All lyrics have been
documented to the album they come from and are as such. All situations
therin are fictional unless documented. Fiction and Reality is
interweaved throughout the story, but the situations therin are
created by the author for entertainment purposes only. Refer to the
website that corrolates with this story to find out the truths and
discern from the fiction. No money has been made off of this story.
Email: richfactwebmistress@yahoo.com
Summary: See Part One
.



 When Sam and Jo Jo got to their table, Jo Jo sighed, climbing into
her chair slowly to accommodate her belly. She sighed. "I wish I was
skinny again. I feel so fat."

 Sam laughed. "I think you look just fine. Chicken soup.  Oh boy. Real
food."

 Jo Jo said, "I don't know what I want. I'm hungry though."

 Sam said, "I know you. You'll want to eat something with substance.
More than my chicken soup will have."

 Jo Jo said, "Hmm, they serve breakfast all day. A waffle sounds good
to me. I want something sweet."

 Sam laughed. "You're so cute about things like that."

 Jo Jo stuck her tongue out at him. "Uh huh."

 "Well, you are. So there."  He watched her. "So, do you have any
other stories you want to share about when we first met?"

 Jo Jo giggled. "Yeah, I do.  I'll never forget the time when we first
met and I showed up to the studio without calling and you were playing
with your Storm trooper thingys.  It was hilarious. You were so
embarrassed that I caught you playing with them."

 Sam said, "They're fun. So what if I like playing with them."

 "I don't care if you like playing with them or not.  It's cute." She
smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

 "Okay, miss smarty pants, I've got one to up you on.  I'll never
forget the time I showed up to your apartment out of the blue after an
all day recording session and you were singing along to one of your
Stones CDs. You were so embarrassed that you knew all the words AND
could
 sing it in accent. It was sooo cute."

 Jo Jo giggled. "Stop. I'm going to pee if you don't stop and it'll be
even more embarrassing." She laughed.

 Sam shook his head. "That was an attractive statement."

 "Thank you. I rather enjoyed it." She turned serious. "Do you think
that Mulder will follow through on his plans?"


 "Ok...Kat, really, what will we eat?" Mike looked at her, his eyes
full of questions, his mind racing to figure out what was going on.

 Kathy felt tears come to her eyes, tears joy. She felt so happy that
someone cared about her, and that they had given her a pet name that
was all her own. She kissed Mike, startling him again.

 Mike kissed her back, still confused about her actions. <What was she
doing?> He ran his hands through her hair, on instincts. When she
broke off the kiss, she said, "Now, what should we eat?"

 Mike laughed then, a deep rich laugh. "Are you trying to confuse me
here, Kat? Cause if you are, you're doing an excellent job and it's
scaring the crap out of me."

 Kathy took his hand, leading him to the bed. She sat down, patting
the seat next to her.  She smiled at him. "Mike, I don't want to go
too fast too soon, but I am finding that I think about you a lot."

 Mike said, "We've been cooped up here all week. Of course that's
natural."

 "No, not like that. I've been thinking about you differently. Like, I
don't know how to say this. I guess I'll just have to say it. I've
begun to wonder what would happen if you weren't here and every time I
do that, I end up finding that I can't."  Kathy looked away from him,
taking her hand into her lap.

 Mike asked, more confused than ever, "Kat? What are you trying to
tell me? I'm, I'm a little lost about what is going on."

 Kathy laughed, her laughter musical. "Don't you get it?  You're so
dense sometimes, aren't you?"

 Mike said, looking away from her, "Sure, rub it in, why don't you. I
know I don't
 connect with people."

 Kathy sighed. "I guess what I'm trying to tell you is... I think I
might be falling for you, and I know it's been a relatively short time
since we met, but I can't help feeling the way I do."

 Mike was speechless. He could only wonder if he had heard her right.
He looked at her, trying to find words to say to her. He wondered how
he should say something, and what he said if it would hurt her or not.
He said, "Kat, I'm, I'm touched. I really am."

 Before he could say the next part in his response, she became upset.
"But you don't feel the same way."

 "No. I do. I, I just didn't think that you did. I don't like it when
you are upset.  I really don't. I like it when you're happy. And God
damnit, I'm fucking hungry."  Mike said, smiling at her, as shy as
ever. Mike found himself extremely shy in front of Kathy because of
his fear that he might mess something up with her and he was sick of
fucking it up. He had done that too many times in the past with other
women and even friends.

 Kathy giggled. "Let's get something to eat, but not in the hotel
restaurant.  I'm still embarrassed."

 Mike took her hand into his.  "Let's order food in."

 "Okay."


 The next day, Jo Jo went in for her ultra-sound.  Scully said, "Now,
we're going to check to see what we have here. One or two babies."

 She rubbed the jelly on Jo Jo's belly, making Jo Jo squeal a little
with its cold like feeling. Scully smiled. She said, "Well, we're
going to see. Are you two going to want to know the sex or sexes?"

 Sam and Jo Jo looked at one another. Jo Jo said, "I want to know.
Just to know."

 Sam nodded. "Me too."

 Scully said, "Alright, here we go." She looked at the monitor,
finding where the baby was. She said, "Well, it does look like you're
having twins and they're fraternal from what I can tell so far. I'm
not a pediatrician, but I do know enough to tell you that both babies
are healthy and that one is a boy, and one is a girl." She pointed
each one out.

 Sam smiled. "Hot damn. Twins.  A boy and a girl. What do you think
about that, Jo Jo?"

 Jo Jo smiled. "What I think is I have to pee, big time."

 Scully laughed. "Well, we saw what we wanted to see. I'll let you go
and I'll develop the picture of the babies. Then we should get going."

 Sam said, "Wow. That is amazing. A boy and a girl.  What on earth am
I going to do?"

 Scully said, "Well, I'm sure you're going to teach the boy boy
things, and the girl you'll spoil rotten."

 Sam laughed. "Probably right."

 "If either one screams really loud though, we'll know where those
lungs came from. You."

 "Jo Jo has some lungs too.  She's pretty loud when she wants to be."
Sam said, smiling at Scully, pride written all of his face.

 Scully shook her head. "I suppose you're right."

 Jo Jo came back out. "I am never drinking that much water again. Man
did I have to go.  Being pregnant sucks ass."

 Sam hugged her as well as her belly would allow. He kissed her.  
"You don't really mean that."

 "I know, but I'm sick of having to go all the time."

 "Come on you two. We should get to the hotel, let you two rest up one
more day and we should take off tomorrow."


 When they got back into their hotel room, Jo Jo started to cry. She
said, "Damn hormones. Wow, twins.  That's amazing."

 Sam laughed. He kissed her, taking her hands into his and twirled a
bit with her.  He sat down then, wincing.  "That was stupid of me.  
Stupid arm."

 Jo Jo sat down next to him.  She hugged him. "I'm so happy.  I never
thought that this would be happening."

 "So what do you want to name these guys?" Sam said.

 "Guy and girl, silly. I don't know. I want to name the girl Beth.
I've always wanted to name a girl Beth." Jo Jo said, making a pouty
face, then smiled.

 "Beth, eh? I like that. It's really cute. It'd be a really nice name
for a girl. What about a middle name? I mean, I like some names for
middle names."  Sam said.

 "Like what?"

 "I don't know. I like Stephanie or Melanie or something around those
lines." Sam looked at her, wondering what she thought they should give
for middle names.

 Jo Jo kissed his cheek. "What about my name? What about Michelle?"

 "Nah. You're the only Jo I know, Jo Jo. I like it that way. How about
Dana?"

 "I don't really want to have two four letter names next to one
another. Beth Dana. No, it doesn't sound right." Jo Jo said.

 Sam said, "You're right.  What about the boy? I'd like to name him
something cool."

 "No. You will not name him something stupid. It'd be funny for like a
minute."  Jo Jo said.

 "How about Sam?" Sam said, grinning at her in jest.

 "No. No juniors. How about John?"

 "I don't want to name my son after my brother. Not my first one at
least. How about Scot?"  Sam asked.

 "What is with you and S names? How about Robert or Richard?" Jo Jo
asked, seeing him crack up.

 "You really want to torture a child, don't you? Richard?  That's
giving them ammo before he goes to school. Dick..." He started to
laugh hard.

 Jo Jo said, "But it can be so cute when it's shortened to something
like Richie."

 "I suppose you're right. But no. We'll think of something.  I know,
what about Trent?"


 The next day everyone loaded onto the bus. Sam helped Jo Jo get into
a seat. She sighed.  "I'm getting too big for the seats."

 Sam laughed. He kissed her.  "It'll be worth it in the end and you
know it. The babies will be such a good reward that you'll wish you
were like this again."

 "Uh huh. Next time you get to carry the babies."  Jo Jo said, looking
at him, a smile on her face. "As if."

 Mike and Kathy got onto the
 bus. They were laughing with one another, and Mike said, "So, Kat, do
you think we can talk them into playing some music?"

 Doggett groaned. "Now we have those two starting up with the little
games."

 Scully sighed. She took Doggett's hand into hers.  "Oh John, be nice.
We like to play games sometimes, too.  Now, is it so bad that they
might want some music?"

 Doggett laughed. "No. I was only teasing."

 Sam asked loudly, "So where the hell are we going exactly?"

 Brian said, "We're going to drive into California today, stop at a
Field Office where I want to get some things squared away, and then
we'll be heading to a hotel to sleep for the night. We're not going to
stay very long at some hotels so we can keep moving. I'm going to get
some money too."

 Doggett said, "Good idea.  I think that Dana and I should check up
with Skinner to see how William is doin'.  I know that we both miss
him."

 Scully kissed him. "Thank you, John. I would be very glad to check up
on William.  I just hope it'll be safe.  Mulder is sneaky."

 "Don't worry, Scully." Brian said. "I think the F.B.I. will have a
safe guard for you to make that call. I'm also sure that William is
doing fine."

 Scully nodded. She said, "I wonder what we should do all afternoon
while we're stuck on the bus."

 Sam exclaimed, a wide smile on his face, "Story time!  Mike's telling
the stories!"

 Mike groaned. "Me? Why me? I don't wanna tell stories."

 Sam pouted. "Please? Just a few? It's going to be so boring here on
the bus for awhile."

 "Alright, alright. I'll tell stories." Mike said, laughing at how
silly Sam could be at times.

 Mike cleared his throat. "Well, back in 1994 when I was touring
behind the album of the time, we did Woodstock that year. It was late
in the middle of the night when we were woken up to hear people
shouting outside our bus.  We all got up, peeking out to look at the
crowd that had gathered around. It was about four in the morning, so
we didn't know what to think. I remember what some of the people said.
'Don't touch anything metal!  A power line fell on your bus!' When we
looked out in confusion we were only wearing our underwear, and we
didn't really know what was going on. One of the people who yelled was
really funny in my opinion. He yelled that we shouldn't pee."

 Sam laughed. "You shouldn't pee?  He yelled that?"

 "Yeah. Needless to say it was embarrassing. I mean, we were all in
our fucking underwear and here we are being peeked at by all of these
people telling us about this wire on top of our bus."

 Jo Jo said, "Man, that would be embarrassing. What happened after
that?"

 Mike laughed silently. "We got up the next morning, finding the wire
was gone and that things were normal. The boys and I didn't really
know what to think with all of these people yelling at our bus. It was
very strange."

 Sam said, "Sounds like it was. I've never had anything happen like
that and I've done a few rock festivals. Family Values mostly or
Ozzfest. I've done that a couple of times now.  I'm glad that I've
never had that happen to me."

 Mike laughed. "No, I suppose it's not something you want to have
happen while you're on tour. But then a lot of your tour you've had a
lot of problems. Hmm, anything else I can tell you about? I told you
about the mud fight." He started to laugh. "Man was that fucking fun."

 Sam said, "There has to be something else you can tell us about."

 "Oh I know the perfect story.  I hope you don't mind being told a
scary story." Mike said, making his eyes narrow and gritting his teeth
in a malicious smile to intimidate.

 Sam jumped. "Fuck! Will you knock that off? You scare me when you
look like that. You'll make Jo Jo freak."

 Jo Jo laughed. "I'm a big girl.  I'll just tell him about pregnancy
and that will scare him enough.  Now, I want to hear this scary story.
I hope it's not too scary."

 "Oh it is." Mike said, his voice very quiet.

 Kathy shook her head. "Mike, quit trying to scare the bus."

 "Aw, come on Kat. Let me have some fun. After you left to form your
own band, remember when I moved to L.A. for awhile to record?" Mike
asked Sam.

 "Yeah, yeah I do." Sam said, lighting a cigarette.

 Mike said, "Well, one day when I was looking for houses out there, I
must have looked at about fifteen houses that day.  One of them was
the Sharon Tate house, only no one was nice enough to bring that to my
attention when I decided to rent it, and that was after the fact."

 Sam said, "That fucking blows.  I hate it when people don't tell you
things you need to know like that." He flicked some ashes into a tray.

 Mike said, "Anyways, I had read everything on the house and the
murders and Charles Manson. The first night in the house was very
creepy. I kept freaking myself out."

 Sam laughed. "You're really good at that. It's fun to see you freak
out sometimes."

 "Shut up, Sam. Yeah, it was very frightening staying there the first
night or so. Then I chilled out, realized that nothing was going to
hurt me, and that I was being silly for being afraid.  We used to joke
that Sharon haunted us though. We'd be recording or something, and the
tape would stop in the middle of it. We'd check it out and nothing had
caused the malfunction. Never did figure it out, so we used to joke
that it was her."

 Sam laughed. Jo Jo said, "Wow, that is neat. I mean, not what
happened there, just the fact that you lived there for awhile."

 "It was a beautiful place, really. Best view of L.A.  beautiful
landscape, pretty much a nice place. They tore the fucking place down
shortly after my lease was up and I was going to move to New Orleans
anyways. I took the front door with me, and now it's on my house."

 Scully said, "Ew. Have you ever stripped the paint off?"

 "No. I don't want to know what is under the paint, really."

 "I wouldn't either." Scully said.

 "Any other stories?" Sam asked.

 "Hm, I'm thinking." Mike said.

 Kathy said, "I really enjoyed that story. It was a neat fact."

 Mike said, "Glad you liked it, Kat."

 Sam said, "Okay, what the fuck is with that? When did you start
calling her Kat?"

 "What's wrong with calling her that? I called her that last night,
she liked it, so I went with it.  Fuck off." Mike said, glaring at
Sam.

 Doggett sighed, "Here we go again.  These two have tempers."

 Scully said, "Be nice. Don't be so mean about how they'll act."

 Sam said, "Sorry. I was just curious, man."

 Jo Jo giggled. "I think it's cute.  Does she have a nick name for you
yet?"

 Kathy smiled shyly, blushing now.  She looked out the window, feeling
terribly shy about the whole situation.  She felt Mike take her hand,
and she smiled at him before turning to look out the window again.

 Scully sighed. "It is cute. Now that you think about it, it is really
cute."

 Mike blushed then. "Don't.  You're embarrassing me."

 Scully laughed. "Sorry. Didn't mean to embarrass the big mean rock
star."

 "Hey, that was a shot below the belt, there." Mike said, smiling.  
"Just because I'm a big creepy rock star does not mean that I can't do
things that are nice."

 Kathy giggled next to him. She felt very shy, but she couldn't help
but laugh at how Mike had responded to Scully's teasing.  She hid her
face into his shoulder, holding his arm.

 Mike looked down at her. He asked, "What the hell are you doing, Kat?
That's plain goofy."

 Sam laughed. "That it is. Glad Jo Jo hasn't done that to me in ages.
Especially with my arm, it would hurt so much."

 Jo Jo giggled. "I know it would."

 Scully asked Doggett, making him look at her with shock on his face,
"How come you don't have any cute names like that for me? Sam calls
Jo, Jo Jo. Mike calls Kathy, Kat. What about me?"

 "Dana? There's not much to work with to make a nick name there. What
do you want me to call you?" Doggett asked, holding her hand.

 "I don't know. Something cute.  Can't you think of something cute?"  
Scully asked, teasing him.

 Sam rolled his eyes. "Please, you two. Can't you at least wait until
you're in the hotel room alone with one another?"

 "So you get to have public displays of affection and we don't. That
hardly seems fair." Doggett said.

 "I'm kidding. Okay, you know what, I'm going to just shut my fucking
mouth right now before I make someone else mad at me. I try to tease
you guys and you flip out on me." Sam crossed his arms, then winced,
making a pouty face.

 Mike said, "Awwww, poor Sammie.  No one gets his jokes."

 Sam made a pouty face, then said, "Fuck off, Mike. You're so mean."

 "I'm mean?" Mike said, getting up.  He knew that Sam was playing. He
said, "What you going to do about me being mean?"

 Sam got up. "I'm bigger than you."  He pushed Mike lightly.

 Mike laughed. He said, "Man who gets the other in a head lock first
wins and has to be a slave to the other for the next day."

 Doggett said, "Oh brother.  Will you two please grow up?  Besides,
you got a hurt shoulder."

 Sam said, "I know. This fucking blows." He sat back down. "When I get
better, I challenge you to a head lock contest. Who ever wins gets the
loser to be his slave for
 a day."

 "You're on!" Mike said, sitting back down in his seat.

 Scully shook her head. "You two will never learn, will you?"

 Jo Jo said, "What, you expect these two to actually grow up and not
try to beat on one another.  They're notorious for things like that."

 "How do you think I made him do things when he used to be in my band?  
We had to have this. Of course, he disagrees."

 "You bet I do." Sam said. He sighed. "Damn it. I'm thirsty.  Someone
get me a beer."

 Scully said, "No beer. Not yet."

 Sam pouted. "No beer? That's harsh, woman."

 Scully said, "I said no and it means no."

 Jo Jo giggled. "Yeah. Did you hear that. NO."

 Sam sighed. "Alright. Can I have pop?"

 "Yes."

 "Grab me a Coke. Get Jo Jo something too."

 Scully said, "Jo Jo gets juice that I put in the fridge. That's hers.
No one else drink it."

 "Alright."

 Jo Jo asked, "What kind of juice?"

 "Apple."

 "Good. I like apple."


 When they got to the hotel, Scully and Doggett helped Sam and Jo Jo
into their room first, making sure that nothing happened to either
one. They had made a stop in a remote town in Nevada, allowing
everyone to rest and relax from the last few days.  Scully whispered
to Doggett, "Let's hope that things will be okay. It's nice to see
everyone so playful again."

 "Oh, so you like playful, do you?" Doggett said, laughing low in his
throat.  "Let's find something to do."

 From Sam and Jo Jo's room could be heard Sam shouting something. "Hey
Mike! Get in here! You will not believe what they put in the rooms! A
Nintendo 64!"

 Doggett said, "You were saying playful? Can I play the video games?"

 Scully smiled, took his hand and nodded. "Yes, you may. Besides, it
might be fun to watch you play."

 They heard outside in the hall Mike say, "No way. They did? That
rocks. You wanna skip the head lock game and replace it with one of
the video games instead?"

 Sam said, "You're on!"

 Doggett said, "Should we go watch, or do you want to sit in here with
me and watch me play?"

 "Let's go watch them. It'll be more fun, and besides, everyone will
be in there." Scully said, smiling. She shook her head.  "I'm
beginning to think that you never grew up. You just pretend a lot."

 Doggett kissed her. "Beginnin'?  I don't think I've grown up either.  
Besides, it is fun to play video games."

 Scully took his hand. "Let's go. We'll watch them play video games
and see who has to be a slave for a day."

 They walked into the room, seeing Jo Jo sitting in a comfy chair, all
sprawled out, Sam on the bed edge, Mike next to him, with Kathy behind
Mike.  Scully sighed. "Where can we sit?"

 Kathy moved over. "You can sit next to me."

 "No. I don't want to sit there.  John, where do you want to sit?"

 "Here." He took a couple of chairs from the table that held the
coffee maker. "Sit in this chair."

 Scully took her seat, moving to allow him to sit down next to her. He
smiled. "Now, let's see who will be a slave for a day here."

 Sam said, "It ain't gonna be me.  I'm not gonna lose."

 "What the hell are we playing, anyways?" Mike asked.

 Sam said, "Don't know yet.  I'm looking to see what games you can
get."

 Sam and Mike finished the first round, Sam ahead by a little. They
had chosen to play the new Super Mario game, and who ever did the most
levels with the fewest deaths would win and get the other as a slave
for the next day.

 Sam looked over at Jo Jo. He said, "We bored her so much she's
asleep."

 Jo Jo sat with her hand holding her head up, legs stretched out in
front of her. She looked tired, but not overly so.

 Mike laughed softly. "So we did.  This is the second round. You've
died a total of 6 times. I've died a total of 9. Who ever dies over
half the number of times they did last time has to concede the game
and be the slave."

 Sam said, "You're on." He winced.  "Stupid arm."

 Doggett asked, "Okay, so how many levels do you each have?"

 "He has more levels than I do."  Sam said. "Two more than I have."

 Mike smiled, satisfactorily.  "Yeah. At least I'm beating you
somewhere."

 Scully said, "I think this is a stupid contest that has no meaning
and the two of you will only end up fighting. That's all I'm going to
say about it. You know I'm right."

 Sam snorted. "We will not. He's ahead in levels, I'm ahead in not
dying so much. Big deal. Just proves that there is absolutely nothing
else to do. Besides, we've got other things to do later.  Let's make a
deal, we won't hold it to a day."

 "Fine. I agree. An hour will do, don't you think?"

 "Yeah." Sam said.

 Kathy had also decided upon taking a nap. She was curled up on the
bed behind Mike.  Mike looked over at Kathy.  "Hey man, I think our
girls hate this video game thing."

 "Nah. I don't know about Kathy, but Jo Jo is good at video games
herself. I bet she could beat either one of us. She's pretty quick.
Though not at 64."

 Mike laughed. "You did find the perfect girl for you, didn't you? She
loves music, video games, and is loud to begin with."

 Sam said, "Yep. Just my type.  Shall we get started?"

 Sam crowed when he won. "You have to be my slave for an hour!"

 Mike shook his head. "This is stupid. Oh well. Just proves how bored
we are.

 Jo Jo jumped in the chair she was sleeping in. She looked around,
asking, "What is going on?"

 Sam said, "Sorry, Jo Jo. I won the challenge."

 "So? Does that mean you have to yell about it?" She got up, making
her way to the bathroom.

 Sam sighed. "Oh well. Hmm, what should I make you do, Mike?"

 Mike said, "Don't know."

 Doggett said, "Dana's right.  It's stupid."

 "It is not."

 Doggett shook his head. "Can't you say that you won, he lost and be
done with it?"

 "But that wasn't the point of the challenge." Sam said. "Oh alright.
But that takes the whole fun out of it."

 Jo Jo came back out. "That whole slave for how ever long is stupid."

 Mike started to laugh. "She has us on that one."

 Sam sighed. "Let's find something to do. It's boring today. There's
nothing to do."

 Mike shook his head. "I'm sure we can find something to do."

 "But what?" Sam asked.

 Jo Jo yawned. "I suggest sleep.  It's relaxing, quiet, and has no
competition."

 "Booooring." Sam whined. "I want to do something fun."

 Doggett said, "You're on your own then. I'm not goin' to help you out
on that one. Dana, we should call Skinner to see how Will is doin'."

 Scully got up, following Doggett into their room. She asked, "Who is
going to talk first?"

 "I think it should be you."  Doggett replied.

 "Alright." Scully picked up the phone, dialing Skinner's number.

 Skinner answered, "Skinner."

 "Hello, sir. It's Scully.  John and I were just checking up to see
how Will is."

 Skinner said, "He's doing well.  He's finally stopped teething,
crawls a lot, but he hasn't said his first word yet. He hasn't started
walking either. He's happy, but I think he misses you."

 "Can I talk to him?"

 "Yes. Just a moment. Let me catch him."

 Scully looked over at Doggett, tears in her eyes as she thought of
talking to her baby.


 "If I didn't have a sore shoulder, I'd wrestle you, Mike." Sam said.
"It'd be something to do at least."

 Mike shook his head. "You would have lost too."

 "Yeah, right. I'm sooooo bored.  There has to be something to do.  I
can't pick up my guitar until my shoulder heals either. It's all
stupid fucking Mulder's fault." Sam sighed, making a pouty face.

 Jo Jo waddled over to the bed, taking the other side next to Kathy.
She said, "I think Kathy has the right idea. Sleep. It's quiet, and
there is no whining involved."

 Sam laughed. "I'm too wired to sleep. That's all I've done the last
week. If I sleep any more, I'll be going for a whole month."

 Mike laughed. "You and I could go fuck around on my sound mixer.  
You know, just make samples for the hell of it. It'd give the girls
some time to sleep and you wouldn't be bored any more.  It'd keep you
from pissing Jo Jo off."

 "Alright. Sounds like a plan."  Sam said. He took his cigarettes,
putting them into his pocket, and one in his mouth. He lit it.  
"Let's see what your machine can do."

 Mike and Sam went over to Mike's room to work on the computer. After
they left, Kathy asked quietly, "Are they gone?" She had woken up
after hearing all of the commotion.

 "Yeah. Sam was so bored and I hate it when he's wired like
 that. He gets going and doesn't stop."

 Kathy giggled. "I don't know Mike that well yet. He seems to be
driven. I just don't know if he does the same thing as Sam does with
the wired activeness."

 Jo Jo giggled. "You'll see what he's like. What's he like when he
sleeps?"

 "He's cute. He sleeps on his stomach when I wake in the morning
that's how he is. Of course one arm has to hang over the edge, mouth
hanging open. He's not always like that, but who knows how many times
we change position.  What's Sam like?"

 "He snores sometimes. That's when I have to poke him to get him to
roll over to stop. Other than that, he sleeps on his side.  He looks
so much like a little boy in his sleep, unless he's really tired." Jo
Jo said.

 "Mike is so pale that if he lies just right someone might think he's
dead. I'm sure he likes to bring that out in things sometimes. Look at
the way he is with his music. I haven't really listened to it, but I
have seen how he gets dressed."

 Jo Jo giggled. "Sam's the opposite. He's darker. It's the Cherokee in
him, I think.  I'm dark because of the Bohemian in me. It's what makes
me look a little olive too."

 Kathy laughed. "The guys think we're asleep. Oh well. I guess it
gives me a chance to get to know you. I've been so shy that I don't
know what to say to you half the time."

 Jo Jo said, "Don't worry. I'm not going to bite. Sam might, but not
me. Sam will only bite if you make him mad, which isn't too hard to do
sometimes."

 Kathy giggled. "Yeah, but he's such a softie that he calms down and
apologizes to you."

 "He's not like that with everyone, you know."

 "I know. But still, he does do that."

 "Yes he does. Other wise he knows I'd kill him." Jo Jo said.  "Come
on, let's go see what the guys are up to, without them knowing."


 Later that night, Mike and Kathy walked past Sam and Jo Jo's room,
when they heard a voice sing. Kathy asked, "Who is that singing?"

 "I'd assume that it's Jo Jo.  She sings with this one CD sometimes.
Come on, let's find out what's there is to do tonight. I'm bored again
already."  Mike smiled at her.

 "Between you and Sam you two are so easy to bore. Don't you ever just
want to relax and not do something?" Kathy smiled.

 "Nah, not doing something goes against everything in me. Of course
there are times when I procrastinate and don't do what I'm supposed to
be doing, but we won't talk about that nearly as much." Mike opened
the door, and held it for her.

 Kathy walked in, smiling at him as he walked in after her. She said,
"So, if you're so bored what do you really want to do then?"

 "Don't know. Wanna hear what Sam and I tinkered on?"  Mike asked,
looking a little excited about what they had worked on.

 "Maybe. But Jo Jo and I spied on you two already. We know what it
sounds like." Kathy laughed at Mike's shocked face.

 "I didn't know you'd spy on us." Mike said, a lopsided grin on his
face.

 "Jo Jo said something about keeping you two from kissing one another.
I don't really know anything about that, but what would make you do
that?"

 "It's complicated. Um, we used to make out to scare people away.  My
dog still kissed better than he did. Okay, ummm, you kiss better than
my dog." Mike blushed.

 Kathy giggled. "I would hope so. I wouldn't want to be a terrible
kisser. That would just be sad. A dog better than me?"

 "Let's test that." Mike said, stepping towards her.

 Kathy giggled. "What has gotten into you? You're full of energy."

 "Don't know." He leaned in, kissing her. "Wanna go scare the crap out
of Jo Jo, or do you think Sam will kill us?"

 "I wouldn't. Sam might get really upset if you scare her."  Kathy
kissed him back. "Besides, I like the game you made." Right
afterwards, she looked down shyly. "I shouldn't have said that."

 Mike sighed. "What's wrong, Kat?"

 "I'm sorry. I just feel really shy. I hate when I feel shy like
this."

 Mike hugged her. "Come here.  We'll find something to help that
shyness."


I woke up today To find myself in the other place With a trail of my
footprints From where I ran away It seems everything I've heard Just
might be true And you know me (Well you think you do)  Sometimes I
have everything Yet I wish I felt something

Do you know how far this has gone?  Just how damaged I have become?  
When I think I can overcome It runs even deeper (Nine Inch Nails,
Trent Reznor, Even Deeper, The Fragile: The Left)

 Mulder woke in the hotel room he had rented, rubbing his eyes. He
looked around the room, wondering deep down where he was going, what
he was doing, what he had become. He knew that Scully was out there,
believing that she knew him, when she had no clue of who he was.

 He wondered how far he had come from what he had hoped to accomplish.
He felt damaged, he felt used. He wondered if there was any hope for
him, but he felt anger well up inside.  It was what they would want.

 He felt betrayed by his past, and he just wanted to feel something.
He had had everything, now he had nothing. He was angry at Sam, and
when he remembered shooting him, it made him smile, then laugh
hysterically.

 He was going to make them pay for making him go even deeper into the
hole of darkness; he'd make them pay for taking everything he had away
from him. He knew where they were. He knew what he wanted to do, but
he would wait. He would let them get comfortable, then he would
strike.

And in a dream I'm a different me With a perfect you We fit perfectly
And for once in my life I feel complete- And I still want to ruin it
Afraid to look As clear as day This plan has long been underway I hear
them call I cannot stay The voice inviting me away

Do you know how far this has gone?  Just how damaged I have become?  
When I think I can overcome It runs even deeper Everything that
matters is gone All the hands of hope have withdrawn Could you try to
help me hang on?  It runs....

I'm straight I won't crack On my way And I can't turn back I'm okay
I'm on track On my way And I can't turn back I stayed On this track
Gone too far And I can't come back I stayed On this track Lost my way
Can't come back (Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor, Even Deeper, The
Fragile: The Left)

 Mulder remembered being with Scully. They had been inseparable. They
had been and were perfect, and he knew it. He had felt complete, and
he knew that if he had had the chance to go back and prevent what had
happened to him now, he'd still want to ruin it by pushing too far.  
He knew he'd push too far for a truth that he'd never find or truly
need.

 He knew what he saw was as clear as day; he was afraid to look at
what he had done.  The plan he had set in motion was too far gone to
turn back now. He could hear the voices in his head call him away from
what was right and he knew that was his destiny.

 He sometimes felt so damaged and wondered how it had ever gotten so
far, but he also sometimes felt that he could overcome it, if only he
could find a way. It ran so deep in him that now everything that had
ever mattered to him was gone now. He felt hope withdraw from him,
wishing that someone would help him.

 He knew he couldn't turn back.  He was conflicting with himself.  He
felt okay, but he was on his way, unable to turn back from the track
he had taken. He realized that he had gone too far and that there was
no turning back for him now.

 Mulder started to sob, another mood swing taking over him. He sobbed
for all that he had lost, all he had thrown away so willingly.  He
then remembered that it was Sam Doggett's fault, and he grew angry.


 Scully heard a cooing sound and she said, her voice strained to the
tears she was holding back, "William?  It's mommy? I've really missed
you. Mommy wishes she could come home and see you. She wants to be
with you so much."  Scully heard her baby laugh, and she started to
cry, silently.

 Doggett put his hand onto her shoulder. He knew how difficult it had
been for her the past few months. Scully hadn't said much, but he had
noticed looking at her sometimes that it was hurting her to be away
from her child. He understood that sentiment of missing a child, even
if that child was alive.

 Scully looked up at him, the tears running slowly down her cheeks as
she heard William coo at her. Skinner came back on the line. "Dana,
are you going to be alright? I know it's difficult for you to be away
from your baby."

 "I'll, I'll be fine. It just makes me miss him that much more. Sir, I
think John wants to talk with you."

 Doggett took the phone. "Hello sir."

 Skinner asked, his voice concerned, "How has she been holding up?"

 Doggett sighed. "She's been better. We've been all trying to deal
with the Mulduh thing as best as we can. He's clever and I don't know
how much longer we can stay on the run to keep away from him."

 Skinner said, "Well, we've got a task force from D.C.  helping on the
case. It's sad to know one of our own is the manhunt we are after.  
I'll be sad when he is caught."

 Doggett said, "I understand sir. We're gettin' tired. It's been a
hard past months. We're talkin' of havin' Brian assigned to Sam
permanently."

 "Don't worry. He is now no matter what. The Bureau already placed him
there. He will be working out of the Chicago field office. We would
have notified him, but with the travel schedule and the security issue
you hold, we didn't want to risk it."

 Doggett nodded. "Thanks. I will let him know. I'm sure Sam will be
happy about it as well. Is there anythin' else or did you want to talk
to Dana?"

 "No. I think you two should try to relax tonight, but be on guard.
I'm sure you know that already. Oh, and John, don't worry about your
position or Dana's."

 "I won't, sir."


 Sam and Jo Jo were discussing the babies in their room. Sam sat
behind her, holding her close to himself. He kissed her neck, asking,
"So, what do you want to name the girl?"

 Jo Jo smiled. "Well, you know I want to name her Beth, but how about
a middle name? I was thinking something like Anne or Mary or something
like that."

 Sam shook his head. "No. I don't like those names with Beth. They
don't fit. How about Jenny?"

 "Beth Jenny? No. I don't like that. There has to be something."  She
turned around in his arms, facing him as best as she could.  "What do
you think of the name Allison?"

 Sam tried it out on his tongue, "Beth Allison Doggett. I love it.  
That's the name. It's perfect." He kissed her. "Now for the boy. What
do you think will go well with Trent?"

 "Well, let's see. You sure you don't want to give him your brother's
name for a middle?"  Jo Jo asked.

 "No. Trent John just doesn't sound right." Sam said.

 "You're right. It doesn't. Hmm, how about Robert? No, that doesn't
fit either." Jo Jo said.

 "Well, we could always name him Trent and just leave out a middle
name."

 "No. I don't want to do that.  How about Patrick?" Jo Jo asked,
wondering if he'd like it.

 "Trent Patrick Doggett. Oh I like that. That's a good name.  It's
strong too." Sam smiled.  "Now we've got the names for the babies.
We're going to have to find away to make room for the babies in the
studio. With us on the road, I don't know how we'll do that."

 Jo Jo sighed. "I know. I worry that we won't have room for the babies
for some time. If we were at home and the tour was finished, we'd be
fine. Now with Mulder, I don't know what to do."

 "Sh. Don't think of him. We've got two babies to think about.  We'll
figure it out." He said, pulling her in closer to himself.

 Jo Jo sighed. "I hope so. I'm hungry, actually."

 Sam laughed. "I would be too if I fed three people all at once."


 Kathy looked up at Mike after he let her go. Her eyes were glistening
with some unshed tears. "I hate it when I get shy. I don't like to be
shy. It always makes me feel so stupid."

 Mike looked at her. "You shouldn't feel so stupid.  It's okay to be
shy. Look at me, I'm about as shy as one can get when it comes to
relationships. Especially ones I want to make work."

 Kathy smiled at him a little, then looked away, blushing. "I don't
know what it is, but I feel so embarrassed. I feel stupid for getting
so upset like this."

 Mike hugged her. "Look, we can just hang out if you want.  It'll make
things more comfortable for you, perhaps."

 Kathy smiled. "I like that idea. I don't know what it is, but I feel
a little pressured.  It's nothing you've done, I just feel that way."

 Mike took her hand, sitting down on the bed. He asked quietly, "So,
now what would you like to do?"

 Kathy squeezed his hand. "I don't know. Maybe you could show me what
you and Sam did do after all. I may have heard it, but I love how you
get so excited sometimes about your work.  Besides, I didn't really
pay attention to what you were doing." She blushed a little then. She
had been watching him, rather than paying attention to what they were
doing.

 Mike smiled at her, kissing her on the cheek. He got up, turning on
his computer to show her what they mixed.  Mike pressed play. There
were some strange sounds, and an odd voice was mixed in. He said, "I
convinced Sam to allow me to record his scream. I then manipulated it
by slowing it down and placed echo on it. I might fuse it into a track
later. What do you think?"

 "Wow. It doesn't even sound like him anymore." Her expression was a
confused one.

 Mike laughed. "I know. I also added distortion to it to filter out
outside noise, change his voice enough, but kept it a little primal. I
haven't decided where I'll put it, but I will keep it saved."

 Kathy walked over to him, arms crossed. "What else did you do?"

 "We recorded a guitar in faster speed, slowed it down after recording
to a normal speed, and changed it's pitch a little." Mike smiled at
her.

 "That went over my head. How will you ever play it?" Kathy asked, now
more confused than ever. It was as if Mike was speaking a foreign
language to her.

 "It's the synthesizer. I use it on stage as well. I can't reproduce
something like that ever again, once it's recorded like that. It's so
altered that it doesn't exist any longer on the instrument it was
created on."

 Kathy asked, "But why?"

 "Because that's how I've always made my music. You have to hit a
button while on stage to reproduce it.  Of course I use live guitar,
live drums with a drum machine on stage, and my own vocals. It's
complicated, but it's what I do."


 There was a knock at Sam and Jo Jo's door. Sam sighed.  "I'll get it.
I can only watch you waddle across the floor so many times."

 Jo Jo glared at him, and kissed him. "Go get the door."

 Sam opened the door up, finding his brother and Scully on the other
side. Scully said, "We thought you might want to get some food. I
asked Mike and Kathy if they wanted to do anything, but they said they
wanted to stay inside.  You two want to go to dinner with us?"

 Sam said, "We were just talking about being hungry. Sure, we'll go."

 Jo Jo got up slowly. "Damnit.  I am so heavy and fat."
 
 Sam laughed. He took her hand, put his hand onto the small of her
back, guiding her. "So, can I eat real food yet?"

 Scully said, "Sure, but keep it bland. I don't want you to get sick
on us."

 Sam sighed, "Alright. Jo Jo and I were talking about baby names."

 Doggett looked over at them.  "Oh? What did you come up with?"

 Sam said, "I'll tell you when we get to the table."

 When they sat down, Sam helped Jo Jo ease into her chair. He said,
"You comfortable there, Jo Jo?"

 Jo Jo nodded. She sighed. "I am so hungry. I think I'll order the
biggest thing I can find."

 Scully laughed. "Good to see you have an appetite."

 Jo Jo snorted. "Yeah, what ever."

 Doggett asked, "So, what are the names you came up with?"

 Sam said, "We were thinking of Beth Allison Doggett for the girl and
Trent Patrick Doggett for the boy. What do you think?"

 Scully said, "Those are very adorable names. I love them. Who came up
with what?"

 "Well, Jo Jo came up with all of them except for Trent. I came up
with that one. So, bro, do you like them?" Sam asked, rolling and
unrolling his silverware.

 Doggett smiled. "I think they are nice names. But why not after me or
Dana here?"

 "We didn't really want to name our children after their aunt and
uncle. It just wouldn't seem right and it'd be confusing. Besides, let
them be their own people."

 "He had this thing with S names."  Jo Jo said.

 "Gee, I wonder why." Doggett said, laughing.

 Scully said, "Well, I think they are very nice names. They seem to
fit the babies, but of course we will have to see."

 Jo Jo giggled. "I told him that our baby boy couldn't be a junior.  
Juniors are always a little messed up."

 Doggett laughed. "Nice logic there."

 Sam glared at his brother.  "Meaning?"

 "Meanin' that it's bad enough with one of you runnin' around.  I
don't want to think about havin' two of you." Doggett said, looking at
his menu.

 Scully elbowed him. "John! You be nice."

 Sam laughed. "She has you under her thumb."

 "Does not. Like you should talk. Jo Jo has you wrapped around her
little finger."  Doggett said, smiling at his brother.

 "I admit it. That's why I love her so much." Sam said, taking Jo Jo's
hand into his.  "So, bro, how on earth are we going to set up wedding
arrangements? I mean, soon I'd like to be married to Jo Jo."

 Doggett said, "Well, I don't really know what to tell you, Sam. I
want Dana and I to be married as well. I just don't know if it's goin'
to happen soon. With Mulduh on the loose, it may take us time to
figure out what to do about that."

 Scully sighed. "I wish I knew what to say as well. You two won't want
a large wedding, right?"

 "No. I don't think so. Do you want a large wedding, Jo Jo?" Sam asked
her.

 "I don't think so. I want it to be with everyone we've traveled with
and that's it. I don't want this huge crowd. I'm sure I'll have to
call my mother and father though. They'll want to know, but I don't
think I want to have a very large wedding." Jo Jo sighed.  "Besides,
it'd be a big hassle."

 "Dana, do you want a big wedding?"  Doggett asked her.

 Scully shook her head no. "I don't want a big wedding because it's
not a big deal for me. The only thing that matters to me is if I get
to be your wife."

 "Good. Now, who you pickin' for your best man, Sam?"

 "I haven't decided between you, Mike, or Brian. I'm still thinking
about it."

 Jo Jo said, "I really would love to have you, Dana, as my maid of
honor."

 Scully smiled. "I'd be honored, Jo Jo."


 Kathy looked down, a small smile on her face. She had one arm across
her chest, holding her other arm. She brushed a hair from her face,
placing her hands the same way. She said, "I have no idea how to do
any of that."

 Mike smiled. He wondered what she was thinking. He couldn't help but
feel as if he was being a little shut out. He stopped smiling, looked
down, and put a hand on the back of his neck, suddenly feeling a
little insecure.

 Kathy saw how he was standing. He looked as if he was staring off
into space, unsure of something. He was chewing on his bottom lip, and
she found it attractive. She blushed, quickly looking away.

 Mike jumped when she moved. He asked, "Did I do something to upset
you?"

 "No. Not at all." Kathy said, looking at him this time. She didn't
want to hurt his feelings anymore than she already had. She took his
hand into his, lightly holding it.

 Mike looked down at their hands.  He gave her a nervous smile. He was
unsure of how he should react. He felt the urge to kiss her, but
decided against it at the last moment, fearing it would upset her.  
Instead he pulled his hand away slowly, wondering if she'd try to hold
onto it.

 Kathy felt him pull away, wondering what he was doing.  She stepped
closer to him, taking a firmer hold onto his hand. She felt his hand
stop, his eyes locking on hers. He smiled shyly at her. Kathy said,
"What exactly are we doing?"

 Mike laughed. "I don't really know what we are doing, to tell you the
truth."

 Kathy kissed his cheek. "I don't know about you, but I think we are
being very silly."

 Mike looked at her, wondering what he should do. Should he kiss her,
or should he forget about it. She startled him by swiftly hugging him
to herself. He said, "Okay. What is this for, Kat?"

 "I don't know. For being you, I guess." She put her head onto his
shoulder.

 Mike felt lost about how he should react. He slowly put his arms
around her, totally confused by her actions all of the sudden. He
said, "You know, Kat, you are one of the strangest girls I've ever
met, and I mean that as a compliment."

 Kathy laughed into his shoulder. "I'm
 glad you think that."

 Mike shook his head, holding her close. "You exasperate me, did you
know that?"

 "Yeah. I rather like doing so."

 "I really noticed."


 A week later, everyone settled into their new hotel settings. Sam
sighed. "This hotel isn't very good. They don't have the little soap."

 Jo Jo giggled at him. "So?  Can't we buy some soap?"

 "I'm sure we can." He hugged her as well as her body would let him.
His arm had healed for the most part, now all he had was some
stiffness and soreness from time to time.

 Doggett stood in the doorway.  He said, "Well, we're going to have to
buy quite a few things.  Some of us are out of shampoo and toothpaste.
Brian is goin' to get anything we need."

 Sam said, "Cool. Sounds like a plan. Anything you need, Jo Jo?"

 "Yeah. Someone to make me deflate." Jo Jo laughed.

 Sam rolled his eyes. "Here, get sat down. I think we might want to
get you a heating pad.  You're getting a stiff back lately, I've
noticed."

 "Yeah. It has been stiff lately."  She sat down onto the bed, leaning
back into the pillows. "They have good pillows, Sam."

 Sam sat down next to her. "Yeah.  You're right, they do."

 Doggett shook his head. "I'm goin' to finish brinin' in stuff.  You
two, don't get too comfy. We might need to do somethin' soon."

 "Aw, come on, dude." Sam said.  He rolled over on to his side,
putting his head onto Jo Jo's shoulder. He wrapped an around her,
holding her close to himself.  He said, "I think I could sleep like
this."

 Jo Jo said, "You might want to rethink that, Sam. I might have to pee
at any moment."

 Sam sighed. "I know. It's still comfy. I like it here."

 Doggett said, "I'll leave you two be."

 Sam kissed Jo Jo. He said, "I'm glad that this week has been quiet.
It's been such a long trip. I want to go home and stay there for a
very long time."

 "Oh come on Sam. You get working on your next album, finish it, by
then you'll be itching to tour again."

 "You know me too well, did you know that?"

 "Yes."


 Doggett walked into the room that he shared with Scully.  He said,
"Well, Sam and Jo Jo are settled."

 "That's good." Scully said.  "Crap. I forgot something on the bus.
I'll be right back."

 Doggett said, "Be careful."

 "Don't worry. I have my gun."  She showed him her gun holster.

 Doggett nodded. "Don't take too long, okay?"

 Scully kissed him. "I'll be fine."

 Scully walked out to the bus, looking around to make sure she would
be okay. She walked onto the bus, walking to her seat. She bent down,
looking for her purse. She had forgotten to bring it in with her to
the room.

 Just as she was about to move and get off of the bus to go back into
the hotel, she felt an arm go around her waist and a gun go to her
temple.  Mulder said, "I finally got you alone."

 Scully froze, then grew detached. She said calmly, "Mulder, you need
help. Let me help you."

 Mulder pushed her into the seat. "Scully, you betrayed me. You
listened to that liar, that idiot Sam Doggett. Why did you do it? I
thought you loved me."

 Scully rolled over to face him. She said, "I do, Mulder.  I'm just
not in love with you.  You're not well. I want to get you help because
I care for you a great deal."

 Mulder spat at her, "You do not.  I'm going to make you pay for this,
Scully. I swear to God I will. You'll see."

 Scully sat calmly, though her insides were all a flutter with anxiety
as to what Mulder might do next and to her. It frightened her to look
into his eyes, seeing the absolute madness he was consumed by.

 Mulder said, "I'm going to make you mine again, Scully. I will."

 Scully wondered what he was going to do. She moved her hand towards
her gun. Mulder saw her action,
 and quickly grabbed her wrist, pulling her other hand with it.  He
handcuffed her to the bar on the bus. "Not so fast, Scully."

 Scully was worried that Mulder was going to do something to her. She
tried to kick, but he had pinned her legs against the seat already
with his knees.

 Mulder leaned in, whispering in her ear, "I'm not going to shoot you
with a metal gun.  I've got a better gun for you."

 It dawned on Scully what he meant to do to her. She squirmed, yelling
once before he gagged her, "JOHN!"

 He shoved a piece of duct tape onto her mouth, saying, "No, Scully.
Don't ruin this for me."

I am a big man (yes I am)  And I have a big gun Got me a big old dick
and I I like to have fun Held against your forehead I'll make you suck
it Maybe I'll put a hole in your head You know, just for the fuck of
it I can reduce you if I want I can devour I'm hard as fucking steel,
and I've got the power I'm every inch a man, and I'll show you somehow
Me and my fucking gun Nothing can stop me now Shoot Shoot Shoot Shoot
Shoot I'm going to come all over you Me and my fucking gun Me and my
fucking gun (Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor, Big Man With A Gun,
Downward Spiral, 1994)

 Scully watched in horror as Mulder started to unzip his pants in
front of her. He had strapped her legs down with duct tape. She
squirmed, trying to speak around the duct tape that was on her mouth,
muffling her cries.

 Mulder dropped his pants in front of her. He said, "I told you I
wasn't going to shoot you with my hand gun.  You made me do this to
you."

 Scully closed her eyes, trying to block the sight and his voice out.
She did not want to see what he was going to do to her. She felt
Mulder take her chin into his hand.  She sat still, letting him move
her.

 She hoped that he would be stopped. By now John would be distraught
that she had not come back. That was when she heard pounding on the
bus door.  She heard John say, "Dana!  Open up the door!"

 Mulder stopped for a second, but decided to continue on.  Nothing was
going to stop him now. He started to undress Scully, taking off her
shirt first. He smiled, a sense of evil satisfaction written all over
his face.

 Doggett and Brian broke door in, walking onto the bus.  Brian coming
through the emergency exit, Doggett through the slide doors.  Doggett
shouted, "Stop right there, Mulduh! Don't make me shoot you!"

 Brian took advantage of Doggett distracting Mulder.  He handcuffed
Mulder's hands together, taking him off of the bus, leaving Doggett to
tend to Scully.

 Mulder thrashed against Brian's control. He shouted, "You won't stop
me! Nothing can stop me now! I will get what I want! You'll see."

 Brian ignored him. "Finally, I get you out of my hair."

 A fellow agent said, "I've got the field office willing to take him.
What are we going to do for him?"

 "He's going to an institution.  The man does not need a trial with
insanity plead. He just needs help."

 Mulder continued to shout.  He was being placed into a car that had
been sent out from the field office. It was finally over. Mulder had
made his fatal error.

 Brian watched as they took Mulder away, then made his way to the
hotel to tell them the good news. He walked into the hotel, leaving
Doggett and Scully some privacy to deal with what had happened.

 He walked up to Sam and Jo Jo's door, knocking. He could hear Sam
swear and open up the door, shirtless. Obviously he had interrupted
something. Sam said, "This had better be damn good."

 Brian said, "This is probably the best thing you'll hear on t his
whole trip next to your having twins. Mulder was just caught and is on
his way to a mental hospital."

 "You are fucking around with me.  Is this true?" Sam asked.

 "Yes. He was caught on the bus, trying to sexually assault Scully.  
She forgot her purse on the bus, went to get it, while being armed.  
He jumped her. Doggett came and got
 me. We nabbed him then and there."

 Sam froze. He then shouted, "JO JO!"

 Jo Jo said, "What! I can fucking hear, you know. I do have ears."

 Sam said, "They caught Mulder!"

 Brian said, "I'm going to tell the rest of the group. I'll leave you
be."

 Sam said, "Thanks for telling us, man."

 Brian nodded, knocking on Mike and Kathy's door. Mike opened the
door, fully dressed, much to Brian's happiness. He had been watching
these two, and he knew it was only a matter of time.

 Mike asked, "What is going on?"

 Brian said, "Mulder. He's caught.  It's over."

 Mike said, "Really? That's good news. Now what?"

 "I'm booking us all on a flight to head to D.C. Unless you and Kathy
want to be booked on one to New Orleans instead."

 "No. We'll go home with you guys. Sam wants to get married in D.C.
when his brother does.  I'm his best man. At least that's what he told
me."

 Brian nodded. "Simple wedding, I'm sure."

 "Oh very. Thanks for telling us, man. I'm sure we'll have a party
now." Mike said, smiling.

 "Only if Sam and Jo Jo ever get their hands off of each other."

 Mike laughed. "I'm sure that is the problem."


 Doggett helped Scully out of the duct tape. He took her into his
arms, holding her. She was shaken, but she bit her lip to keep from
crying. He said, "Dana, are you okay?"
 
 Scully looked up, looking into his concerned love filled eyes.  She
broke then, the detachment she had taken on for survival dissolving.
She sobbed, "He, he is not the same man. He, tried to to..."

 "Sh. I'm here now." Doggett said, trying to comfort her. He started
to put her shirt back on for her, so she wouldn't feel so open and
vulnerable.

 Scully threw her arms around his shoulders, sobbing into his chest.  
She was shaken by how far Mulder would actually go. It frightened her
a great deal. She was glad that it was over.

 Doggett whispered while smoothing her hair, "It's goin' to be alright
now. We're goin' home. It's over.  We don't have to run anymore. He
can't get us anymore."

 Scully sat back, rubbing some of the tears from her eyes. She sighed.  
"It was just startling, that's all.  He wasn't the same man anymore,
and, and I didn't recognize a thing about him."

 "I know. Let's go in to the hotel and get packed and see what else is
goin' on. I'm sure there is a party goin' on somewhere." Doggett
laughed.

 "Well, yeah." She got up, buttoning the final buttons on her shirt.
She sighed, making her way into the hotel,
 Doggett holding her hand.

 Doggett smiled at her. "Just think, Dana. He'll be gettin' the help
he needs now. We don't have to worry that he'll come after you or Sam
anymore. We can go home."

 Scully sighed. "I'm really going to miss Sam and Jo Jo though. Not to
mention Mike and Kathy. It's going to be odd not seeing all of them
for awhile."

 Doggett laughed. "I didn't realize how close you've gotten to them."

 "Well, haven't you?" Scully laughed.

 "Of course I did. It's odd how being with all of these people, you
know how they react. You know what to say. I didn't before."  Doggett
said.

 Scully smiled. "I know you didn't.  You're so cute when you're shy."

 Doggett blushed. "Dang it, Dana.  Why do you do that to me?"


 A little while later, Scully and Doggett went over to Sam and Jo Jo's
room, knocking on the door. They could hear Sam and Jo Jo rushing in
their room.  Sam opened the door, pulling his t-shirt back on. He
asked in an irritated voice, "What the fuck is it now? The world end
or something?"

 Doggett laughed. "I think someone is anxious to get home and be
married."

 Sam rolled his eyes. "So are we all doing something or what?"

 Doggett said, "I think we're going to get packed, on a plane as soon
as possible, and who knows where we are goin' from there."

 "Okay." Sam said. "Where's Bri?"

 "Down the hall in his room, if you wanna talk to him." Doggett said.

 "Okay. Thanks bro." Sam smiled.  "Don't worry about bothering us."

 "We really weren't. I'm sure I don't want to know what you two were
doing at all."

 Sam blushed a little. "No. I can't imagine that you would like to
know.  I can tell ya if you want though."

 "No thanks."

 "So, what are we doing for Christmas anyways? Are we all allowed to
visit Dana's family, or is this only John?"  Sam asked, taking a
cigarette out of his pocket, lighting it.

 "I'm going to invite all of you from this trip to Christmas. If Bill
doesn't like it, he can sit on it. We're all family now." Scully said.

 "Even Mike? He's not family." Sam said.

 "He is now." Scully smiled.

 "Ah. That's very good. First things first, we get married and that
out of the way. I asked Mike to be my best man." Sam said.

 Jo Jo came up, wrapping her arms around Sam's middle. She put her
head onto his back. "We want the whole group to be there, no one else,
then we were going to throw a party some where."

 "Yeah. I haven't decided that part yet." Sam said, taking an ashtray
from the table by the door. He flicked his cigarette, then smiled at
Scully. "You two will have to get married too. You going big or
small?"

 "Small. It'll disappoint my mother, but I'm too old for a huge
wedding and after all of this I want family and friends there. No more
than immediate or close. It would be terrible. I'm not even inviting
Bill."

 "Good call." Doggett said.


 Brian had everyone on the plane as fast as he could.  He wanted
everyone to be in D.C. as soon as possible so they could get the
weddings done.

 Sam and Jo Jo sat in their seats, ready to go. Jo Jo sighed. "Sam,
buckle me in.  I'm too fat."

 Sam buckled her in, kissing her. "I think you're still beautiful."

 Jo Jo rolled her eyes.

 "I actually can't wait to be a father. It'll be hard, but I just
can't wait. Before you go off on that whole they cry and scream, I
know. It'll be an experience I'm ready for."

 Jo Jo put her head down onto his shoulder. "I can't wait to be
somewhere I recognize."

 Sam laughed. "I bet."

 Doggett turned around, looking at them. "You and Dana buying dresses
or somethin' when we get home?"

 "I'm not going to get a fancy one. I'm too big for one. It's not
fair." Jo Jo said.

 Scully turned around. "I'm sure we'll do just fine."

 Sam smiled. "Who thinks Mike and Kathy are next?"

 Scully smiled. "It depends. If they ever stop being so shy around one
another it might happen."

 Doggett rolled his eyes. "If it happens, it happens. I just can't
wait to be home, married to Dana, with William tucked in safely with
us."

 Scully nodded. "I agree."

 Sam sighed. "I just know that I want to get this married thing out of
the way. The sooner I'm married, the less I'll have to worry about as
far as status. Besides, we've got the twins."

 Doggett laughed. "You're a changed man with these babies comin'. Just
you wait until you actually have to say that you're gettin' married,
even better, wait until you hold your child for the first time. It
will change you forever."

 Sam sighed. "I know. I'm anxious.  We staying at your place then?"

 "Yeah. Don't know where to put Mike and Kathy though."


 When the plane landed, Sam looked down to see Jo Jo sleeping on his
shoulder.  He sighed. "Now I have to wake her up and she'll rip my
head off about it."

 Doggett laughed. "Well, just wake her up. I'll get her something to
eat when we get to my house, and she'll be okay."

 Sam laughed. "Yeah, that is true." He tapped Jo Jo on the shoulder,
trying to wake her.

 Jo Jo groaned. "I don't wanna wake up."

 "We're home now." Sam said.

 Jo Jo rubbed her eyes. "Help me out or I'll never get into his house
and we'll fly wherever this plane goes next. I don't really want to
deal with that."

 Sam helped her up. He shook his head. "Aw man, I hope the security
doesn't freak on us."

 Doggett sighed. "Don't worry about it. We'll be just fine."

 Brian got them through the security checks easily. He said, "We're
going to rent some cars and drive everyone home from there. Do you
think you'll have room for all of us, Doggett?"

 Doggett sighed. "I think so. We have two extra bedrooms, not
including Luke's old room. I just
 haven't used it in ages. It does have a full size bed though. I
suppose we could use it. I generally don't like using it as a guest
room, though."

 "Okay. So that's one room for Mike and Kathy, one for Sam and Jo Jo,
one for Jean and I, and you get the master bedroom. It'll all work out
fine then."

 Doggett sighed. "I suppose it will have to make do. And my house is
probably dusty and dirty by now."

 Scully laughed. "You sound just like someone's wife. I'll have to
clean and do laundry. I didn't know you were so into that stuff."

 Doggett glared at her. "You, shut your trap. I do no such thing."

 Sam laughed. "No one cares as long as we get to have food, fun, and
not worry about packing up the very next day or so. I'm sure we'll be
just fine."

 Scully pulled Jo Jo on the side.  "I say tomorrow you and I go
shopping for simple gowns. Nothing fancy, just something white to wear
to the justice of the peace. That's unless you were planning on a
church."

 "Oh heavens no. Maybe if we would have gotten home that much sooner,
but not now."

 "Good plan. Tonight, we just have fun."

 When they got to the house, Doggett unlocked the door. He sighed with
contentment when he walked inside, finally feeling relaxed. He said,
"Make yourselves at home. It's been one helluva trip."

 Sam kicked off his shoes, then sat Jo Jo in the entry way, removing
hers. He said, "Let's get you to the sofa and some hot water soaking
those feet."

 Scully said, "Good idea."

 "Her feet are swelling. I thought it'd be a good idea." Sam sat her
down slowly. "Bro, mind getting a tub of warm water for her feet?"

 "Not at all." Doggett went into the kitchen.

 Mike and Kathy made their way to the sofa, taking their seats on it.  
Mike looked around the house. "He lied. This place isn't dirty at
all."

 Scully laughed. "John has a thing about being very clean."

 "I noticed."

 Brian and Jean sat down in chairs, the only spots open.  Brian
sighed. "I'm going to get things ready for my assignment in Chicago
while the ladies here go shopping for wedding stuff."

 "Good idea." Doggett said, returning with the tub in his hands. He
set it down in front of Jo Jo. She immediately put her feet into the
water, soaking her feet.

 Sam smiled. "Now that we're home and that fucking nightmare is over,
what do you wanna do tonight?"

 "Pass out and never wake up again." Jo Jo said.
 
 Sam laughed. "You are such a liar. We ordering pizza in then?"

 "Yep." Doggett said. He stretched.  "If I even try to cook a box of
mac and cheese I'll burn it."

 Scully laughed. "I can't wait to see William. I'll call Skinner soon,
telling him that we are finally home."

 "Sounds like a plan to me.  The sooner we get us married, the sooner
we can settle down after this adventure." Doggett said, yawning.

 Scully said, "Oh, you know we'll have a ton of cases to work on when
we get back."

 Doggett groaned. "Shut up about that."

 Sam laughed. "Yeah. You have cases.  I get to go home and party until
the babies arrive."

 Mike shook his head. "I don't know what I'll do when I get home. I
had been working on an album. Oh well."

 Doggett got up. "I'm goin' to go order that pizza. Someone wanna lug
stuff in and up them stairs?"


Just a reflection Just a glimpse Just a little reminder Of all the
what abouts And all the might have beens Another day Some other way
But not another reason to continue And now you're one of us The
wretched

The hopes and prays The better days The far aways Forget it

It didn't turn out the way you wanted it to It didn't turn out the way
you wanted it, did it?  It didn't turn out the way you wanted it to It
didn't turn out the way you wanted, did it?

Now you know This is what it feels like Now you know This is what it
feels like (Nine Inch Nails,Trent Reznor, The Wretched, The Fragile:  
The Left)

 Mulder was being lead into the psyche ward, a straight jacket wrapped
around him to keep him from harming the attendants taking him to his
cell.

 A patient that was in the ward in D.C. that they had shipped him to
knew who he was. In fact, Mulder had investigated a case that put the
patient there. The patient said, "Well well, Spooky finally could join
us. Welcome to the Wretched.  You're one of us now. What did they do
to you? Push you over the edge finally?"

 Mulder glared at him, struggling against his jacket and the
attendants.  He shouted, "I'll kill you too! It's all your fault! All
you're FAULT!!!"

 The patient jumped. "My My. Spooky really has lost it, hasn't he?"

 They continued to walk with Mulder, leading him to his cell, trying
to keep the ridicule down as much as possible. Mulder was looking
around in anger and frustration.
 
The clouds will part and the sky cracks open And God himself will
reach his fucking arm Through JUST TO PUSH YOU DOWN JUST TO HOLD YOU
DOWN Stuck in this hole with the shit and the piss And it's hard to
believe it could come down to this Back at the beginning Sinking
Spinning

And in the end We still pretend The time we spend Not knowing when
You're finally free And you could be

But it didn't turn out the way you wanted it to It didn't turn out
quite the way that you wanted it

Now you know This is what it feels like Now you know This is what it
feels like

You can try to stop it but it keeps on coming You can try to stop it
but (Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor, The Wretched, The Fragile:  The
Left)

 Mulder ended up in his cell finally. He was strapped down to the bed
after the straight jacket had been removed. He almost thought of what
he had done. It frightened him.

 He grew angry, blaming the God that Scully worshipped for pushing him
down into this place. He never thought he'd be there at the beginning
of it all.

 He knew he could have been free, but he had thrown it all away.  
Nothing had turned out the way he had wanted it to. He didn't know
where he had gone wrong. It puzzled him.

 He finally realized what it felt like to be on the other side. He
finally saw what it was like to be in a nut ward as a patient that
needed help, but now it was too late. He was too far gone.


 Mike and Kathy made their way up the stairs. Mike sighed. "It'll be
nice to sleep in a bed that is not in a hotel for once." He yawned.

 Kathy smiled. She put her bag into the corner. She walked over to the
bed. "It's too bad that this used to be a little boy's room."

 Mike hugged her. "I know, Kat.  It's sad. Let's get settled. We have
a big day, a time zone to get used to, and well, it's going to be a
rough one by the time we're done."

 Kathy sighed. "I am so happy for them. Sam and Jo Jo deserve to be
happy. So does John and Dana. I didn't really get to know them, but I
think they should be happy."

 Mike kissed her neck. "What about me? I'm never happy." He smiled at
her, his eyes lit up with playfulness.

 Kathy sighed. "You are such a liar."

 Mike kissed her. "Are you sure?  It's tough for me to be happy."

 She turned around, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You know,
Mike, if you're not careful you'll never be rid of me."

 Mike said, "Not a problem with me.  I like you."

 "Good. Cause I'm not going anywhere then." She kissed him.  "I'm sure
there is talk about us going on. People think we're going to marry."
Kathy put her head onto his shoulder.

 Mike froze for a second.  "People are saying that? Really?"

 "Yeah. I, I don't know if you want that at all or anything, but they
do say so." Kathy said, lifting her head up off of his shoulder. "Is
this a bad thing?"

 Mike said, "Kat, no. It's not. I, I just don't know if I'm ready for
that yet."

 "I understand. It's a lot to deal with, isn't it?" Kathy said.

 "Yeah. Let's get to bed. I'll think about it, if you will." Mike
said, smiling at her.

 "Okay. Deal."


 The next morning, Jo Jo woke up next to Sam. She sighed.  "Sam, get
up. You're crushing my arm so I can't get up and pee."

 Sam groaned, rolling over. He curled up on the other side of the bed,
his butt shoved into her face. She sighed. "Sam! Nice view."

 Sam jumped, sitting up. He said, "What the fuck is going on?"

 Jo Jo giggled. "You just shoved your butt into my face. That's what
is going on."

 Sam rubbed his eyes, yawning.  "I did?"

 "Yeah. I'll be right back. I'm going to go potty."

 "Okay. So you and Dana are going to go shopping?" Sam asked, as she
disappeared out the door.

 Jo Jo shouted back, "Yeah."

 Sam shook his head, yawned and rubbed one eye. He got up, shouting,
"I'm going downstairs to see what is going on!"

 He walked downstairs, finding Doggett and Scully awake already. He
said, "What's going on here?"

 "Making coffee. I'm going to call Skinner when we get back from
shopping."

 "Oh." He pulled up a chair. "Jo Jo is on her way down stairs."
 
 "Okay. Mike and Kathy still sleepin'?"  Doggett asked.

 "I think so. Don't expect them to be up soon. Mike isn't good at
getting up early either. Especially since he stays up way too late."  
Sam rubbed an eye. "Can I have some coffee?"

 "Sure." Doggett poured some for him.

 Jo Jo walked into the room. She sat down at the table next to Sam.  
She sighed. "My bladder is driving me nuts."

 Scully shook her head. "I know.  So, how long you think until we hear
that Mike and Kathy are going to get married?"

 "Not long at all." Sam said.  "I've seen how they are. Too damn shy
for my taste."

 Doggett laughed. "I would assume that you and Jo Jo were never as
shy."

 "Oh fuck no. Are you crazy? I just hope that they're happy."  Sam
sighed. "I'm so tired. I drink this cup and I'm going back to bed.
Traveled way too much."


 That afternoon, Jo Jo and Scully went shopping for in-expensive
wedding gowns.  Jo Jo sighed, making a pouty face. "I'm too fat for
all of this. It's not fair."

 Scully laughed. "You'll do just fine. You'll get one that will make
you look wonderful. I'm just glad Brian could drive us here and leave
the rest of the boys at home. Of course you and I will need to get our
Maid of Honor dresses as well."

 Jo Jo groaned. "More ways to make me look like a beached whale."

 "Oh Jo Jo. Sam will love you no matter what you look like." Scully
picked out a dress that was simple, yet elegant. She held it out to Jo
Jo's frame, eyeing how it might look on her. "This one is charming.  
What do you think?"

 "I think I'd rip a seam trying to get in to it. If I wasn't carrying
two of the hugest babies on earth around, I'd fit. Wonder if they can
size it for me, though. You're right, it is very pretty."

 Scully said, "We could ask if they have this style in a maternity
size."

 Jo Jo picked out another gown. "Oh Dana, you'd look perfect in this
one. It's a short skirt, but we don't need all the flash of a big
wedding."

 Scully looked at it. "I like it.  Here, I'll hold them. We should
pick out about four or five of them."

 Jo Jo nodded. She looked at one, noticing that it was an ankle style,
long sleeved with a low neck line that accentuated the bust, but did
not reveal it completely. Jo Jo said, "I love this one."

 Scully said, "I like it too. Are you going to ask if it's in your
size?"

 "Yes."

 Scully shook her head. She knew that Jo Jo would go with a style like
that.  It was simple, yet flashy enough that it would catch Sam's eye.
She knew that Jo Jo was shy about her state of pregnancy and how it
made her look in things.

 Scully picked up a dress that had the back lowered to the middle of
it, a low neck line with short sleeves, and a long skirt. She really
liked this dress very much.  She decided that she would try it on once
Jo Jo got back.


 Meanwhile the men were buying the clothes they would need for both
weddings. Sam sighed. "I really don't like to get dressed up."

 "I know you don't. Just think of how nice you'll look for Jo Jo when
you get married though." Doggett said, smiling at him.

 Sam went to a suit rack, pulling one out. He said, "A black tux, what
do you think?"

 "It looks nice. Maybe you should go try one in your size on." Doggett
said, looking through the suit rack himself.

 Mike looked at some of the suits, trying to find one that he might
like to wear as the best man. He sighed. "What colors do you want,
Sam? Or do you just want me to get a black one like you?"

 Doggett walked into a dressing room, trying his suit on, hoping that
it looked right. He walked out of the dressing room, smoothing the
pants he wore.

 Mike looked up from the rack, holding a suit in his hands.  "Looking
sharp over there. I don't know if you want to go with that one right
away though."

 Doggett walked up to a mirror, looking at himself. He said. "This
black tux is nice. I'm goin' to try on a few more to make sure though.  
What is takin' Sam so long?"

 "Do we really want to know?" Mike chuckled.

 "Probably not."

 Sam came out of the dressing room, his suit on. He asked, "Well, what
do you think? Do I look stupid?"

 "You don't look stupid, Sam." Mike said. "You look good. I'm sure Jo
Jo will like that suit if you choose that one."

 Doggett looked over from the mirror. "Come take a look at yourself if
you don't believe us.  I think it looks excellent."

 Sam walked over to the mirror, looking at himself with some
trepidation about the whole affair.  "I don't know, man. Do you really
think Jo Jo will like this?"

 "I don't know, but I don't see why not. It makes you look dignified.  
Don't freak out over it. She's not going to care if you show up in a
paper bag over your head as long as you're married." Mike said.

 Doggett said, "She might worry about the paper bag. I know I would."


 At the end of the day, Scully and Jo Jo snuck their gowns up the
stairs, keeping with the tradition that the groom does not see the
dress until the wedding ceremony. Scully said, "We're going to have to
keep the men out of that closet or they'll ruin everything."

 Jo Jo giggled. "Yeah. Curious as cats they can be sometimes. Oh
well."

 The front door opened, and Scully slammed the cabinet she put the
dresses into shut. Sam shouted up the stairs, "Jo Jo! You here!"

 Jo Jo called down the stairs, "Yes. I'm not going to come down there
though. I'd never make it down fast enough."

 Sam walked up the stairs, Doggett behind him, Mike taking up the
rear. Sam said, "Did you find the dress you like?"

 "Yep. You can't see it till the wedding day though." She stuck her
tongue out at him.

 "Oh I can't, can I? I don't want to see it until we get married
anyways. I'm sure you'll look wonderful."

 Doggett said, "Tonight we should set up the justice of the peace for
our separate dates. I don't care who gets married first, as long as we
both get our weddings done."

 Sam stood behind Jo Jo, arms around her shoulders. He said, "Me
either. Who ever wants to go first, go for it. Don't matter to me."

 Doggett laughed. "Alright.  We get downstairs, I'll get the phone
book out, we'll decide who goes first and what we're doing, then we'll
go from there. Now Dana, how angry is this going to make your family
without a big church wedding?"

 "Depends. I just don't care to deal with that hassle. Maybe if Mulder
hadn't gotten involved, but now I can only see a quiet, quick
ceremony."

 "Me too. I agree completely."  Doggett said.

 "I thought you would."

 Mike felt a little misplaced, and went into the guest bedroom Doggett
provided him and Kathy.  He noticed that she was sleeping, so he shut
the door to block the noise from the wedding planning.

 Mike sat down in the chair in the corner. He was thinking about how
he spent his day, thinking of what he wanted to do and where he was
going. In a few months everything had changed. He was actually with
someone, thinking of things such as settling down and possibly
marriage. These things would have not concerned him a few short months
ago.

 He watched as Kathy slept, curled up with her arms crossed over her
chest. He smiled. She looked so peaceful sleeping that he couldn't
bear to disturb her.  It wouldn't seem fair to her. He watched her,
wondering if she was thinking some of the thoughts he was lately.

 He was staring into space and did not notice that she was awake now.
She was watching him as he stared at something only he could see. He
looked so lost in thought and she could only smile. She wondered what
he was thinking about and if it was a good thing he was thinking
about.  "What are you thinking so hard about, Mike?" Kathy asked,
suddenly too curious.
 
 Mike jumped, looking at Kathy.  "What?"

 Kathy smiled shyly at him. "I was wondering what you were thinking
about so hard, that's all."

 "Oh. I was just thinking about how my life completely changed since I
met you. It's never going to be the same. 3 months ago I was in my
studio, recording stuff for a new album in solitaire. Now I'm here
with you, with Sam and Jo Jo helping them with their wedding.  It
feels strange, that's all. Not a bad strange, a wonderful strange."  
Mike sighed.

 Kathy got up off of the bed.  She stood in front of Mike, her head
tilted to one side, smiling.  "I like a wonderful strange. It's always
better than a bad strange."

 Mike stood up. He looked down, then back up. "I, I guess when I was
looking at those things for Sam's wedding, I couldn't help but think
of my own wedding someday. I don't want to rush things. I want this to
be perfect."

 Kathy smiled at him, then looked away shyly. She felt him take her
hand, causing her to look up at him.  She wondered what he was going
to do next. She bit her lip in anticipation, curious if he was going
to say something.

 Mike looked down into her eyes, then away. He then looked at her
again. It seemed to her that he was having a hard time saying
something, as if he was looking for the words to use to say it with.

 She said quietly, "Is there something you want to tell me, Mike?"

 Mike looked back at her. He sighed. "I guess what I'm trying to say
is this. I love you. There.  Now that I've turned mushy, I just
thought you should know. It finally hit me today."

 Kathy smiled. "I love you, too, you
 know. What's wrong with a little mush from time to time. Not
everything has to be mean."

 Mike laughed. "Yeah. I suppose so. It's just hard for me to say
sometimes, that's all. I did mean it, though."

 "I know you did."


 Doggett and Scully walked into their own bedroom after Sam and Jo Jo
did the same. Doggett said, "A nap sounds great to me. All of this
running around the past month has been terrible for me."

 Scully took off her shoes. "I think it has been that way for
everyone. I just hope that the hospital can help Mulder and that he
can get better.  But you know what I also wish for?"

 "What?" Doggett sat up on the bed, his head resting on his elbow as
he lay on his side.

 "That we can have a wonderful wedding and that we can have a
wonderful marriage to go along with it. It's been a long road, but I
know where I want to be."

 Doggett patted the bed. "Come 'ere."

 Scully sat on the bed, cuddling up to him. She smiled. "I also hope
that when we go home to see my family that Bill will be nice. I can
see Sam and Bill butting heads now. But I'm not going to just not let
Sam meet my family. Sam is family now."

 Doggett kissed her ear. "I know you think so. I think of everyone on
our trip pretty much family now. You travel with people long enough,
it happens."

 Scully sighed. "What do you think our married life will be like? If
it's anything like the past few months, I know it will not be dull for
a moment."

 "Dana, we work on the X-files, what do you think will happen?  I've
been meanin' to talk to you about invirto. I think we might be better
to start as soon as January, if you feel comfortable with that. I just
don't want to have something happen where we were too late."

 "I don't know, John. We'll see.  I think it would be wonderful, but I
also know that if I'm not careful, we could both relive losing a
child. I don't want to do that. I'll think about it, I promise."
Scully said, smiling at him quietly.

 "I was only hopin' for I'll think about it. I don't want to rush you
or pressure you into doin' anythin' you don't want to do. I just
thought I'd bring it up to you while we're finally winding down a lot
of things."

 Scully said, "I know. I hope that Sam and Jo Jo's wedding will go
smoothly. We all need a break from major excitement."

 "I agree."


 Sam and Jo Jo got ready for bed, pulling the covers back and
changing. Sam said, "Are you going to pull that bullshit that I can't
see you until our ceremony?"

 "Of course I am, Sam. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride
until the ceremony.  Didn't you know that?"

 Sam sighed. "Alright. We'll do this your way. I still think that's a
silly tradition to keep."

 "I'll guarantee that I will not promise to obey you." Jo Jo giggled.

 Sam laughed. "I didn't expect you to. You're your own person.  I
wouldn't expect any less of you than to be free. If I controlled you
I'd be some stupid asshole."

 Jo Jo giggled. "I know. I'll promise to cherish you. Everything from
your cute smile to your rude belchs. You do that, you know."

 "I know. I'm a guy. Guys do those things." Sam smiled. He crawled
under the blankets, and once she had gotten comfy, he held her close
to himself.

 Jo Jo sighed. "And there is not a woman alive who does not wish that
guys wouldn't stop doing that. But we still love guys. I still love
you even though you have gross habits."

 "I know you do. I'm glad that you do. I wouldn't be happier any other
way. Just think, two days from now we'll be married."  Sam said.

 "I know. It's amazing." Jo Jo said, smiling at him. "I'm sorta of
nervous about the wedding?"

 "Aw why? You getting cold feet on me? Should I worry that you won't
want to stay with me?" Sam said, smiling at her, his eyes full of
humor.

 "No. It's just a big thing to get married that's all. It's a big step
in our lives. It's going to change some of the things." Jo Jo said.

 "Nothing but taxes. I've thought for a very long time now that we
were married. We act like it, why not just make it official. It's not
going to change anything really." Sam said.

 Jo Jo sighed. "You don't get it."

 "What's there to get? I love you. I want to be with you for the rest
of my life. I've decided that, Church or no Church standing.  Legal
standing or no legal standing.  You are the one I'm happy with."  Sam
said. "So explain to me how it changes everything."

 "It just does, Sam. Think about it. We won't be Sam Doggett and Jo Jo
Wolfe anymore. We'll be Mr. and Mrs....  Sam Doggett. It'll be so
different."

 "Oo, a name change. I still don't get it." Sam asked her, trying to
figure out what she was trying to say.

 "It just changes everything in the way we are viewed. Think about
it."  Jo Jo sighed.

 "It's going to be just fine. Who gives a fuck what the world thinks
of our marriage. It's between you and me. We'll be fine and I'll be
happy married to you. You don't have to change your name, you know."  
Sam smiled at her.

 "I know. Let's get some sleep."


 The day finally arrived for Sam and Jo Jo. They had agreed that Sam
and Jo Jo should go first for the weddings. Mike stood up by Sam by
where the judge stood. Sam was fidgeting in his suit, trying to remain
calm about the whole thing.

 The door opened and Jo Jo walked through, Doggett the one to give her
away. She wore her dress elegantly, though she was crying underneath
her veil. Sam watched her, not believing that this was Jo Jo walking
down the aisle in that dress.

 Though Jo Jo looked very pregnant, the dress was not to overdone for
a Justice of the Peace wedding, nor was it too simple for the
occasion.

 The Justice of the Peace started the ceremony. Sam forgot all of what
was going on, and could only look at Jo Jo, finally sealing his love
for her into a legal contract.  He looked a little nervous and a lot
scared, as if he finally realized the committment he was making.

 Jo Jo was just as nervous about what was happening, but she was
happy. She sniffed a few times, stumbling over her lines as she stated
what she would do for the rest of her life with Sam.

 Sam took her hand into his when it was time to put the rings on. He
slid it on her finger, mumbling the words he was supposed to say,
forgetting most as the Justice told them to him. It was all a blur in
front of his eyes.

 Jo Jo felt the cold metal of the ring with the single diamond in the
middle slide down her ring finger. She smiled at Sam through her
tears.

 She did the same, having the same problem as Sam had:  remembering
the words. It was so new for them to be doing this that she was afraid
she might stumble too much. When the ring was finally on his finger,
she felt him grab onto her hand, holding it tight.

 The Justice said, "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the
bride."

 Sam turned, whispering in her ear before he did, "Now that's a little
silly, if you think about it. We already got a jumpstart on the
babies." He kissed her, before she could respond.

 Everyone that was the witnesses applauded them. Sam smiled at Jo Jo,
glad that the ceremony was over. He was happy and he knew that it was
the right thing. Jo Jo smiled back, knowing that she had made the
right decision as well.

 After they were married, they all left to party at a small restaurant
they had reserved.  Doggett said, "Well, this is the day I thought I'd
never see.  You gettin' married. You know, Sam, no more strip clubs
for you. You're not a free man anymore."

 "Aw come on. I've got the most beautiful woman of them all and she
doesn't have to be shared with about 40 other men all at once." Sam
said, holding Jo Jo's hand.

 Scully said, "I'd shut up, John.  We're two days from now."

 Sam laughed. "Come on, let's party."

 Mike and Kathy walked behind them, as if they were always going to
take up the rear and silently.  Mike smiled at Kathy quietly. He took
her hand into his, squeezing it a little, as if he had some type of
secret.

 Sam shouted back, "Are you coming you two? What's the hold up?"

 Mike said, "Nothing. Don't worry about it."

 Sam shook his head. "I almost think that you're almost going to go
and get married right now. The way you two have been the past couple
of weeks is just screaming that."

 Mike shook his head. "No. I don't know."

 Scully said, "Let's get going."


 They arrived to the restaurant, taking their table. Jo Jo and Sam sat
next to one another, holding hands as they sat. Jo Jo said, "I wonder
what we will have for supper. It's such a small wedding party that I
don't think we need the whole catered part."

 Sam said, "I say we order whatever we want and that's that."

 Doggett laughed. "I knew you would say that."

 Mike said, "I like that idea. Let's just order what we want. We're
small so it'd be silly to make this some fancy fashion more than it is
already."

 A waiter came, and each person ordered what they wished to have.  
While they were waiting for the food, the traditional ploy to get the
bride and groom to kiss happened. Doggett started dinging his fork on
his glass, then Scully followed, causing Mike and Kathy to follow
suit.

 Sam sighed. "Alright." He leaned over, kissing Jo Jo. "There, you
happy. Stop that shit or I'll ding my glass from the moment we get to
your party until we leave it."

 Doggett laughed. "Hey, I couldn't resist doing that once. It's funny
when you're the one dinin' the glass, not so much there person bein'
forced to be kissin'."

 Scully laughed. "We will see what our party will be like, I'm sure."


 Doggett and Scully finally reached the day that they would get
married. Doggett stood next to his brother, who he had chosen as his
best man. He smiled at him, a little nervous, though he knew what was
going to happen during the service, having done this before.

 Scully walked into the door, her dress trailing behind her only a
little, Brian on her arm.  Since she had almost no one to give her
away, and her father had already passed away, she was left with so few
options.  Doggett stared at her, his mouth going dry at her sight. He
was unsure of what to think, the veil highlighting her red hair.  His
first wedding didn't compare to this one at all.

 Scully arrived, her eyes only moist as Jo Jo stood on her side, Brian
making his way to allow the wedding to progress. She smiled at
Doggett, knowing that this was going to change everything, but she
felt that it was right and what she wanted and she didn't feel forced
into the whole affair, where a marriage with Mulder, even before his
insanity, would have felt to her.

 The Justice began, and both the bride and the groom turned their
attention to the Justice.  Doggett felt that he couldn't take his eyes
off of Scully, the love he felt for this woman clouding his entire
memory of his first wedding with major church pomp and circumstance
and the almost 500 guests that his then bride had insisted upon.

 When it came to the exchanging of the rings, he fumbled for a moment,
then with a shaking hand slid the simple band of gold encrusted with
tiny diamonds and emeralds onto her finger. He smiled at her, as she
calmly slid his onto his hand. He wondered how she was handling this
affair so calmly.

 The Justice gave the permission that he could kiss her. He lifted the
veil up slowly, kissing her for the first time as man and wife. It
felt right and it felt wonderful. He took her hand into his.

 The wedding party applauded.  Sam said, "Well, that wasn't so bad,
now was it?"

 Doggett snorted. "You were just as nervous and ten times more scared
than I was. I'd shut it if I were you."

 Sam mimicked his brother, laughing.  "Well now, let's get the party
done so the sooner we get this done we can get ready for Christmas.
Since it's two weeks away, mind if we stay at your place till after
then?"

 "Not a problem. I was just gonna suggest that to you. Mike and Kathy
are welcome to stay as well if they wish to."

 Mike said, "Sure we'll stay. It might be nice to have friends and
family around for Christmas for a change."

 Sam clapped him on the back. "I hear you, man."

 Mike glared at him. "Ow. Don't fucking do that to me."

 Sam laughed. "Thanks man. I needed the laugh after all of that mush."


 It was finally time to head to see Mrs. Scully for Christmas.  
Scully and Doggett had William in the back seat, strapped into his car
seat. He had half of his teeth, a full head of red hair, and had
doubled in size. He still couldn't talk or walk.

 Doggett said, "Now, what should I expect from your mother and
brother? I already know how Sam and Mike are goin' to react."

 Scully said, "Mom will be very nice and will be preoccupied with
William. Bill, well, he's the wild card here. He might do a few
different things. We'll see."

 Doggett looked back to see Sam and Jo Jo with Brian, Jean, Mike, and
Kathy in his car. He waved at them quickly then continued. He said,
"Dana, do you think it will upset your mother that we married without
invitin' her?"

 "She might. Let's get there and find out." Scully said.

 Doggett pulled into the drive, Sam pulling into the curb to park.
They got out of the cars, and Scully said, "There's Bill's car."

 Doggett picked William up, carrying him to the door with Scully. Sam
shouted, "We'll be up in a minute.  Jo Jo is having a hard time
getting out of the car!"

 "Okay. I'll let her know!" Doggett shouted back.

 Scully rang the door bell. Her mother opened the door, a smile on her
face. "Well hello John, Dana.  Where is your brother and his friend,
John?"

 "They're helpin' my brother's wife.  He'll be here in a moment."
Doggett said, dodging William's attempts to pull on his nose.

 Mrs. Scully said, "Here, let me take him. You two make yourselves at
home and we'll be having hot chocolate shortly." She took the baby
from him, allowing Scully and Doggett to sit down.

 Bill nodded at Doggett, then hugged his sister. He asked, "Who is
this, Dana?"

 Scully smiled wide then. "Bill, this is my husband, John Doggett."

 "Husband? You two got married and never invited us? Dana, why?" Bill
asked, now glaring at Doggett.

 Scully sighed, "Bill, don't get mad.  Let me explain first."

 Just then Sam and Mike came in.  Sam said, "That was not fucking fun
at all. All that fucking ice almost broke Jo Jo's ankles."

 Bill said, "Now who the hell is that?"

 Doggett sighed. "That is my brother, Sam."

 "What? I heard someone say my name."  Sam said, looking around. He
helped Jo Jo sit down onto the couch.

 Doggett said, "Could you try to tone it down a little? You're
upsettin' Dana's brother."

 Sam snorted. He sat down next to Jo Jo. He asked her, "Are your
ankles okay?"

 Jo Jo nodded. She said, "I'm just thirsty now."

 Sam nodded. "Okay."

 Bill came into the room, angry, his face red. "How dare you use such
language in my mother's house!"

 Sam glared up at him. He said, "Who the hell are you?"

 Scully sighed. "That's my older brother, Bill, Sam. Please, be nice."

 Sam sighed. "I'm such a dumbass.  Look, I'm sorry I was offensive to
you. I just got frustrated with the ice and Jo Jo here has swollen
ankles from her pregnancy that I was worried she might break an
ankle."

 Bill wasn't going to accept that.  He said, "Listen you sorry son of
a bitch. You can not just come into my mother's house and say whatever
you want."

 Mike and Kathy stood off to the side. Mike said, "Hey, he said he was
sorry. Leave the man alone."

 Bill glared at him. "Who are you?"

 "Mike Flood. I'm Sam's friend and ex-band leader. I don't think you
should talk that way to him.  If you want to talk to anyone like that,
talk that way to me. I'll tell you where you fucking belong."

 Bill said, "Dana! You consort with these barbarians?"

 Scully said, "Bill, be nice. Sam did apologize and I will not ask
Mike to apologize. You crossed the line by not accepting Sam's
apology.  In his book that's morally wrong."

 "He didn't really apologize. He repeated his actions."

 Scully said, "Can it. He's had a hard past few months."

 "He's a rock star. What could he possibly face that's so difficult?"  
Bill said, arms crossed.

 "In a word: Mulder." Scully said. "Case closed. One more remark
against anyone I brought with and I'll refuse to speak to you for a
very long time. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to ask Mom for a tub to
soak Jo Jo's ankles in."

 Bill watched her stomp away towards the kitchen. He couldn't believe
how assertive she had been. Something had changed about his sister. He
noticed that she was not going to take anything from him. She used to
take it in silence, now she just told him to stop and if he didn't
what she would do about it.

 Doggett whistled. "She's got some spunk now. I'd be careful if I were
you. She won't be takin' that crap from anyone."

 Sam said, "Only way to be."

 Mrs. Scully came out with hot chocolate on a tray. She asked, "So
tell me, Sam, what is it you exactly do? I've never met anyone from
John's family before."

 "I'm a lead singer/band leader.  We just had the worst tour I've ever
been on, but it could have been worse." Sam said, taking a cup from
the tray and passing it to Jo Jo. He took another, smiling at her.
"Thanks for the hot chocolate and the tub for poor Jo Jo's ankles."

 Mrs. Scully asked, "Jo Jo, when are you due?"

 "February some time. We're having twins." Jo Jo said proudly. She
smiled, sipping her hot chocolate.

 Mrs. Scully said, "My. Boys or girls?"

 "Both." Sam said. "It's really exciting."

 "I bet. So who is this other young man here?" Mrs. Scully said,
turning her attention towards Mike.

 "I'm Sam's friend. My name is Mike. And that sounded corny."  Mike
laughed.

 "Oh don't worry about it. Nice to meet you, Mike." Mrs. Scully said.  
"Who's your lady friend?"

 "That's Kathy." Mike said, taking her hand into his.

 Kathy nodded shyly. Bill had made her more nervous than she already
had been. She looked back down to the floor, not sure if she should
say anything or not.

 Brian said, "Well, I suppose I should introduce Jean and myself.  
I'm Sam's body guard and this is my girl friend Jean."

 Mrs. Scully said, "My, you travel with a lot of people, Dana."

 "We traveled together for almost 6 months. We've all gotten pretty
close, Mom." Scully said, stirring her hot chocolate.

 Bill said, "I don't know why you traveled with them, Dana."

 "Because John's brother was being stalked by Mulder. I don't really
want to talk about it, but if you must know, Mulder is insane now.  
He's been hospitalized and we're lucky to be here for Christmas. We
feared we might not make it. Let's leave it at that."

 Bill nodded. He knew that he shouldn't push his sister now.

 Mrs. Scully said, "So, Dana, what else is new with you? It's been so
long since we've been able to talk."

 "John and I are married now.  We married two weeks ago. I'm sorry I
didn't invite you, Mom, but I wanted a quiet private ceremony after
all of the excitement we had."

 "It's okay, Dana. I'm very happy for you. I know that you would have
liked to have me there, but it's okay as long as you are happy. Do you
guys have gifts that you have to bring into the house to put under the
tree?"

 "Yes." Doggett said. "Someone want to help me brin' in the gifts?"

 Mike said, "I'll help."

 Doggett said, "We got heaps of gifts for everyone!"

 Mike grumbled when he came in.  "Yeah, and you made me carry the
heaviest one. Thanks." He smiled wryly then.

 Scully shook her head. "Mike, there is no reason to complain, unless
you're Scrooge in disguise."

 Mike said, "I'm Dracula, remember?"

 Jo Jo giggled. "You are not.  You're so much cuter than he ever was.
Besides, he's really mean and really dead. You're not dead, or are
you?"

 "Want to find out?" Mike said, glaring at her to make her squeal.
 
 "Don't!" Jo Jo squealed. "Sam!  He's trying to scare me again."

 Sam shook his head. "You totally got yourself on that one. I'm not
going to help you with it."

 Doggett and Mike put the gifts under the tree. Doggett said, "Well,
no matter what happens, at least we're all here and no, Mike is not
Dracula or going to kill you or suck your blood or whatever. Now,
let's be nice and calm down."

 Mrs. Scully asked, "May I see William? It'll be his first Christmas.
I have something for you, Dana."

 Scully smiled. "Baby's first Christmas ball?"

 "That would be the one." Mrs.  Scully went to where William was
crawling around on the floor. She picked him up, carrying him back to
her seat. She said, "He's just so cute, Dana. It's too bad that Fox
isn't able to share in the joy of this child."

 Scully sighed. "Yes it is.  But John has decided that he'll adopt
William."

 Mrs. Scully smiled at the baby.  She looked up asking, "Are you going
to try for another child, Dana?"

 "We're thinkin' of startin' in January. It's been so hectic that we
hope that things will be smoother now." Doggett said.

 Mrs. Scully smiled. "I wish you all the luck in the world. I'm glad
that you make my daughter happy, John. I won't have to worry about her
being so alone anymore now, especially with William."

 Scully smiled, taking Doggett's hand. "I'm happy about that too, Mom.
When do we get to open gifts?"

 "Oh you know the rules. Not until morning."


 That night, Mike and Kathy went into the new guest room at Mrs.  
Scully's house. Mike stretched, sitting down onto the bed. "I don't
think I'll be able to sleep a wink tonight. I'll be wondering what you
got me all night long."

 Kathy giggled. "I'm sure you will, Mike. I don't really like that
Bill fellow. He's mean."

 "Yeah. I thought he was a little pompous and needed a kick in the
rear." Mike sighed. "Come here.  I'm going to give you one gift early,
just because I want to."

 Kathy smiled. "Oh? Really?"

 "Yeah." He took a box out of his bag, wrapped with a blue bow on top
of it. He said, "I really hope you like it. It took me awhile to find
it."

 Kathy smiled shyly at him. "I'm sure I will." She opened the little
box, finding a locket necklace inside. She asked surprised, "A
locket?"

 "Open it up. See what's inside."  Mike said, eager to see her
reaction.

 Inside was a picture of him with her. It also had a note inside. She
opened the note, reading what he had to say. It read:

Kat,

I know we haven't know each other for very long, but for the first
time in my life I think I might have found that person that completes
me. I thought I'd let you know.

Merry Christmas, Mike

 Kathy threw her arms around his neck, hugging him. "I love it. Mike,
this is the best gift I've ever had in my entire life."

 Mike smiled. "I'm glad you like it so much. I looked really hard for
the locket that would hold our photo and I meant every word I said in
that note."

 Kathy kissed him. "I might give you your gift early then."

 Mike wondered what she had gotten him. She walked over to her bag,
opening it up. She took out a box.  "Here. I hope you like it. I saw
it and all I could think of was you."

 Mike opened it, finding a necklace with a piano on it. He smiled. "I
like it a lot. Where did you find this?"

 "I went all over to find this.  I found it in a store at Union
Station when Dana and Jo Jo took me shopping for Christmas gifts.  
Here, read the card."

 Mike took the card from her hands, reading:

Mike,

These past months I have found that I don't feel so shy anymore. I
actually have someone to be shy with, if you think about it. I hope
that we'll get to spend many Christmases together. I don't know where
I'd be if it wouldn't have been for you.

Love, Kat

 Mike smiled. "I love your gift a lot. I actually play a lot of piano
on some of my songs.  Keyboards with new fangled piece putter together
thingys sorta replaced the standard, but I still love a piano every so
often."

 "I know. You play piano on me sometimes in your sleep." Kathy smiled.

 "I do?" Mike asked, looking surprised.

 "Yes. You do. It's cute, you know."  Kathy said. "Don't worry about
it.  That's why I knew to get this for you."

 Mike slipped it over his head.  He smiled. "Merry Christmas.  
Technically it's Christmas now."

 "Merry Christmas to you too, Mike.  And no, we're not opening more
gifts until it's day light out."

 "Damn. I thought I could get you on that one."


 Scully and Doggett went into Scully's old room from when she was a
child. She sat down on the bed, closing her eyes.  Doggett sat down
next to her, taking her hand into his.  "Something the matter, Dana?"

 Scully opened her eyes looking into his. "No. Not at all. I'm just
thinking of some of the memories in this room. It's amazing how
everything changes.  A year ago I celebrated Christmas with Bill and
Mom. This year I have you, I'm married, I have a child, and I have
loving family that is around me. I was just thinking about all of
that, that's all."

 Doggett held her close. "Yeah.  It is amazin'. I spent last Christmas
alone at my house.  Sam sent me a card and said he couldn't make it
because of recording deadlines. He visited for a day during January
though, then took off again."

 "Oh John. You should have said something." Scully said, looking into
his eyes. "No one should be alone on Christmas."

 Doggett sighed. "Last Christmas you were so pre-occupied with your
pregnancy. I couldn't ask you to do things like that. It would be too
much to ask for from you at the time."

 Scully sighed. "That's all in the past now. I'm going to give you a
gift now. Even though Mom wants us to wait, I'm going to give you one
anyways."

 Doggett smiled. "You are such a rebel."

 Scully sat down on the bed, handing him a box wrapped in gold paper
with a red bow on it.  She said, "I hope you like it. I looked all
over for it."

 Doggett opened it quickly, throwing the paper onto the floor.  He
took out of the medium sized box a gold wrist watch. Scully said,
"Look at the back."

 Doggett flipped it over, reading:

To John with love. May time never escape us to enjoy the little things
in life with one another.

Love, Dana

 Doggett said, "I love it."

 "It's not just any watch.  It will never need a battery.  You'll
always be able to tell time with that."

 Doggett kissed her. "I got you something too. Somethin' for you to
open early since you let me open one early." He got up, handing a box
to her.

 It was a jewelry shaped box, with a white bow on it. Scully opened
it, finding a bracelet inside. It was William's birth stone with
diamonds encrusted around it. He smiled. "Do you like it?"

 Scully smiled. "Like it? John, I love it."

 Doggett smiled. "Good. Cause I knew you would."

 Scully smiled. "John Doggett, you are so sweet to get me this. I love
you."

 "I love you, too. Man, is it going to be hard to get to sleep
tonight.  I'm going to be tossin' and turnin' wonderin' what else I'm
gonna get."

 Scully laughed. "Don't you try to be sneaky and open the rest of your
gifts. Morning is the rule. Now, let's check up on Will and go to
sleep."


 Sam lead the tired Jo Jo to bed.  He sighed. "You're so tired. Let's
get you to bed and get some sleep.  You really need it." He pulled the
blankets back, letting her climb in.  He kissed her forehead.

 Jo Jo made a protest sound, then said, "I don't wanna go to sleep."

 Sam laughed. "But you are so tired your eyelids are droopy and you
keep yawning. It's time for bed."

 Jo Jo sighed. "I just want to open one gift. Please?"

 Sam sighed. "Alright. If you get to open one, I get to open one
then."

 Jo Jo smiled. "Deal."

 Sam grabbed a box from his travel bag. It was wrapped in purple paper
with a green bow on top. He grinned when he saw how she liked the
paper he chose.

 She smiled. "I'm so happy that you picked this paper." She opened it
slowly, trying not to tear it.

 Sam laughed. "What are you doing?"

 "My great grandmother had a tradition of saving gift paper.  Okay, so
I'm really trying to save this purple paper because I like it."

 "Why the hell would you save gift paper?"

 "I don't know. She was an old lady. How the hell am I supposed to
know?" She opened it then, finding inside a teddy bear.

 He said, "I found a carebear just like yours at the mall and I
thought you'd love to give it to one of the babies. You'll be
surprised tomorrow. I just had to have this one for you to give to a
baby."

 Jo Jo started to cry. She hugged the bear tightly.

 Sam said, "Did I do something wrong?"

 She bit her lip, took a breath, saying, "No. It's so sweet of you to
get me this. And my stupid hormones are acting up again."

 Sam laughed. "My turn." He picked up the large box she had told him
to grab from her bag, ripping the Santa paper off of it. He took out
the newest gaming system. He read the card, reading what she had to
say:

Sam,

Though the past months have been hard and the next few months will be
hard, I just wanted to let you know that I'm glad I went through it
all with you by my side. I gave you this to let you know that it's
okay for you to be a kid sometimes.

Love, Jo Jo

 Sam smiled. He gave her a kiss.  "Thanks Jo Jo. The X-Box had to cost
you a lot."

 "We won't get into that.  Besides, I know that you wanted it. I saw
you in the stores when we shopped for Mike and your brother. You kept
eying it so I got it for you."

 "I'm glad you got it for me.  I love you. Merry Christmas."  Sam
said, hugging her after he put his new toy down.

 "I love you, too. Merry Christmas."  She started to cry again. "Damn
hormones! I hate this."

 Sam laughed. "It's okay. Now, let's get some sleep."


 In the morning, Doggett, Scully, Bill, and Mrs. Scully were the only
ones awake. Doggett shook his head when he got downstairs. "Sam never
fails.  He refuses to get up early for anythin'."

 Scully said, "John, be nice.  I'm sure he stayed up fighting the urge
to rush down here and open gifts that he fell asleep really late and
now he's catching up on it."

 Mrs. Scully shook her head when she saw how the two acted.  She was
very happy that her daughter was happy and with someone who loved her
very much.  She could tell that Doggett wouldn't let anything hurt
her.

 Bill sat at the table drinking a cup of coffee. Scully sat down at
the table, Doggett taking the chair next to her. She said, "Good
morning, Bill. Merry Christmas."

 "Merry Christmas, Dana. Tara's still sleeping." Bill said.

 "I thought she was here."

 "She arrived very late last night. She had to catch a flight later
than when I left because she had some family business to take care of
with her family."  Bill said.

 "I see." Scully said, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "John, will
you go and check up on Will?"

 Doggett nodded. "Sure. Be right back." He kissed her on the cheek.

 After Doggett left, Bill asked, "What's John like?"

 "He's kind, gentle, loving, and always a gentleman. After Mulder was
abducted, he came on board to help me find him. I must admit, I wasn't
always so nice to him. But over time I found myself liking him, and in
May, Mulder left me with Will. John let me stay with him and things
went from there."

 "How did you get involved with his brother, who from what I can tell
is very loud and rude." Bill said, standing firm on his observation.

 "Sam, he visited to tell John that he was going on tour for his new
album.  He stayed for a few days at John's while I was there, we
became friends.  When we went to visit his father, we ended up putting
his mother away from his father. Very complicated. Mulder threatened
Sam and John got him a body guard. Then we ended up traveling with him
after Mulder abducted Jo Jo to get to me. The rest we really don't
need to get into. It's Christmas."

 Doggett came back in carrying William.  He said, "The little guy
wanted to see his mother."

 Scully took William into her arms, holding him. She said, "It's your
first Christmas, little guy. What do you think about that?"

 William giggled, hugging his mother. Scully sighed. "You are just too
much sometimes."

 A loud clatter could be heard up stairs. Mrs. Scully said, "My
heavens, what is that?"

 Doggett said, "Sam just woke up.  That's what."

  Bill Scully looked sour about the whole ordeal. He glared at the
door way, waiting to see Sam.

 Sam stumbled through the door yawning. He said, "Get me some coffee,
please. I stayed up way too late last night trying not to go open
presents early."

 Doggett laughed. "Sounds like you, Sam. It just wouldn't be you if
you weren't impatient when it comes to gifts."

 Sam glared at him, gladly taking the cup of coffee from Mrs. Scully's
hand. He said, "Thanks. Jo Jo's on her way. She'll be a little crabby.  
I kept her up most of the night."

 "SAM!" Scully exclaimed. "You know she needs her sleep. That was very
inconsiderate of you."

 "Don't you start on me too. She's already tongue lashed me enough for
one morning." He sipped on his cup of coffee. "So, when do we open
gifts?"

 "Well, I thought we could have a nice lunch and then open them this
afternoon." Mrs. Scully said.  "That's if you can wait that long."

 Doggett laughed. "He can. He fell asleep in his chair."

 Sam had put his cup of coffee down onto the table, putting his head
on his folded arms. Soft snores could be heard. Doggett sighed.
"Apparently he was way too wired when he went to bed last night."

 Jo Jo stumbled in. "Oh no you don't, Sam. If I'm awake you're gonna
be awake too." She nudged him awake.

 Sam groaned. "Go the hell away. I'm sleeping."

 "Not if I'm not." Jo Jo said.

 Sam sat up, rubbing an eye.  "Here's the deal. How about we go back
to bed then?"

 "After you had to come downstairs to open presents NOW!" Jo Jo glared
at him.

 Doggett shook his head, laughing.  "You two don't quit."

 Scully sighed. "Why don't you just go back to bed and rest up so you
don't rip everyone's heads off and make the whole day not very good
for any of us."

 Sam yawned. "Sounds like an excellent plan to me. Come on Jo Jo."

 Mike and Kathy came downstairs after Sam and Jo Jo went back to bed.
Mike sat down in the seat that Sam had just vacated, Kathy taking a
chair next to him. He yawned.

 Doggett said, "You just missed Sam."

 "No we didn't. We saw those two when we were coming downstairs. They
said they were going back to bed or something silly like that. Do you
have any idea what's that all about?"  Mike said, taking the cup of
coffee from Mrs. Scully.

 "I think he kept her up all night and now he's tired which means
she's tired. She was reamin' him when she came downstairs."  Doggett
said. "You know how those two are in the mornin'. If it's early and
they're tired it's like tryin' to communicate with grizzly bears."

 Scully sighed. "John, how many times do I have to tell you to be
nice? You are always picking on your poor brother like that."

 "Poor? That boy isn't poor. Okay, okay. I'll be nice." Doggett said,
after Scully glared at him.

 Kathy giggled quietly next to Mike.  Mike said, "Now Kat, what was
that all about?"

 Kathy shook her head. "They're just funny, that's all."

 Mrs. Scully took her seat. "I have to agree with you. You two do
argue a lot, don't you?"

 "Only on some things." Scully said.

 Mike scratched his head. "I think I'm gonna grow my hair out again.  
This short thing just doesn't work."

 Scully laughed. "Really? You don't think so?"

 "No. It's itchy this way and it sticks up straight too much." Mike
said, running his hands through his hair trying to get it to stay
flat. He didn't succeed.

 Kathy giggled. "Don't do that. The more you rub your hair the more it
sticks up."

 Mike sighed. "Alright. I'll just have to wait to comb it then."

 Bill Scully couldn't stay silent any longer. "What type of music do
you do, Mike?"

 "Some call it hard rock. Some call it industrial. Some call it
electronica.  And some call it Synth. It's a whole bunch of those
elements. I take my big fat computer and program what I want into it.
I use a lot of distortion in some of the lyrics from time to time.
It's how I started, it's how I'll end my career." Mike said, sipping
his coffee.

 "What does that really mean? How can you really make music with a
computer.  That's pretty ridiculous."

 "Well, if you get right down to it, it's not. You use midi-files to
program with. I just recorded Sam's scream, slowed it way down, added
a bit of distortion and changed it into something else. A fucking car
horn can be a dog barking if you want it to be." Mike said, knowing
that Bill was trying to make him angry.

 Doggett shook his head when he saw Bill's outraged expression. "Hey,
you did ask, didn't you?"

 Bill looked outraged non the less. He said, "How dare you use such
language."

 Mike said, "Listen. It's America. You don't like it, don't talk to
me."

 Scully said, "Bill, what did I tell you.  Be nice."


 That afternoon Doggett started to sort out the presents. He made
piles for each seat that they decided that they wanted.  He said,
"Alright, all of the presents are sorted. Let's get seated and get
these open."

 Scully took her seat, smiling.  "You sorted well. I must admit."

 Sam and Jo Jo took their seat, eager to open their gifts. Sam said,
"Wow, I got a lot of gifts.  Didn't know you guys loved me so much."

 Jo Jo smiled. "Yes. We love you a lot. Didn't you know that already?  
Of course you're loveable. Apparently so am I."

 Mike laughed. "I must not be nearly so loveable. I've got half of
what you've got."

 Kathy said, "Mike, don't be so hard on yourself. Maybe your just so
loveable they spent more money on you in the smaller amount of gifts."

 Mike laughed. "Nice explanation."

 Mrs. Scully shook her head.  She was glad that these people were a
part of Scully's life now.  They made things more lively for her
daughter. She noticed that her daughter smiled and laughed more now
than she had while being with Mulder. It made her happy.

 Doggett said, "I think I'm even less loveable. Just kiddin'."

 Scully elbowed him. "Of course you're loveable. Of course William
opens his gift first. He's the youngest."

 William giggled, crawling on the floor, trying to walk towards his
mother by pushing himself up off the presents on the floor.  William
stood up, only to fall back down and try again. Scully said, "Come on,
Will. You can do it. Just a little bit more. One more try."

 Tara said, "Your little boy is so cute."

 "Thanks. Come to Momma. You can do it. Come here. We've got a gift
for you." Scully said, kneeling down to encourage him.

 William took a step, then another.  He smiled, giggling causing him
to fall down. Scully said, "You did it! You took your first step."  
She got up picking him up. "That has to be the best Christmas gift."

 Doggett smiled. "I agree. But let's open the other ones anyways."

 Scully shook her head. "I knew you'd say that." She held William,
leaning into Doggett for a kiss.  "Let's open Will's first."

 Doggett and Scully took William's gift, opening it for him. William
started to giggle, clapping his hands, watching Doggett and Scully
open his gift. He knew it was for him.

 Scully said, "Look Will, it's a teddy bear of your very own."

 William was so excited that when Scully handed the bear to him, he
punched it onto the floor, making the adults laugh.  Doggett said, "I
don't know, Dana. He's a fighter."

 He picked the bear up, handing it to William. William squeezed the
bear, then started to hit Doggett's lap with it. He stopped when
Doggett started to laugh.  Doggett said, "You weren't hurtin' me at
all, little guy."

 William giggled, cooing. He turned to hide his face into Scully's
chest, giggling. Scully sighed. "Okay, so who is the next youngest?"

 Kathy looked down shyly. "I guess I am. I'm only 32. I don't know if
anyone else is."

 Jo Jo said, "I'm only 32. What month?"

 "November." Kathy said quietly.

 "September. You didn't tell us when it was your birthday."  Jo Jo
said.

 "I didn't think it was important at the time." Kathy said, looking
down shyly. She felt Mike take her hand, squeezing it gently. Mike
handed her the gift. She read that it was from Sam and opened it. She
said, "You got me a snow globe of Paris?"

 "Read the card." Sam said, smiling at her.

 Kathy opened the card, two tickets falling into her lap.  "You're
sending me to Paris?"

 "Not just you. You and Mike.  We thought you'd like to go there for a
while." Sam said.

 Kathy looked as if someone had given her the best gift she could ever
imagine. She hugged Mike, feeling embarrassed. Mike said, "It's okay.
I didn't give you the tickets. He did."

 Sam said, "I think she's too shy. It's okay. Let's let Jo Jo open a
gift."

 Jo Jo picked up a gift, reading the tag out loud. "From John."  She
opened the gift, finding inside a set of pens. She smiled.  "These
look pretty expensive."

 "Well, I saw them and I knew you'd like to have them, bein' a writer
and all." Doggett said.  "I know I'm not much of a writer myself, but
I knew you'd like the set of pens."

 Jo Jo sighed. "If I could get up without knocking gifts over, I'd hug
you."

 Doggett laughed. "Here, let me get up so you can hug me." He got up,
walking over to where she sat, bending down so she could hug him. She
smiled, then let him go."

 "Who's next?" Scully asked.

 "Me!" Sam said. "I'm only 33.  I'm next."

 Doggett laughed. "I knew you'd be impatient. Here, open this one."

 Sam opened it up, finding a baseball glove and ball. He said, "What
the hell is this?"

 "It was Luke's. I don't expect you to use it, but I thought that it'd
be nice to give it to you.  Sorta like a tradition, teachin' the boy
to play ball." Doggett said.

 Sam smiled. He had some tears in his eyes, knowing how hard it was
for his brother to part with the glove and ball. "I'll be sure to
teach Trent that."

 Scully smiled. "I like that name.  It's cute."

 Jo Jo started to cry. "Hormones."

 Sam hugged her. "It's okay. Who's next?"

 Mike said, "Dana, you or me older?"

 "What year? I'm in 1964." Scully said, smiling.

 "I'm younger by a year. 1965. I'm a spring baby." Mike said.

 "So. So am I, dumb ass." Sam said.

 Mike snorted. "Just hand me a gift." He took a box from Scully's
hand, opening it. He said, "Wow, you got me a suit? But I just bought
a suit for your guy's wedding."

 Scully smiled, "But Mike, it's for when you got to Paris. I thought
you'd like a suit that wasn't used for a wedding, to make it a little
more special."

 Mike blushed. "I suppose so."

 Scully picked up her gift, seeing that it was from Sam.  She said, "I
hope this isn't some type of gag gift."

 Sam looked appalled. "Me? Gag gift someone? Never. You should be
ashamed of yourself."

 Scully laughed. "What ever, Sam.  If it's a gag remind me to hurt
you."

 Doggett sighed. "Just open the gift, Dana. Get it over with. Other
people want to open their gifts.  Namely me."

 Scully opened it, finding inside a pair of salt and pepper shakers
shaped like alien heads.  Scully laughed. "Sam, how did you know to
get me something like this?  It's funny. I like them."

 Sam said, "I saw them and thought of you. I'm sure you think they're
funny. At least I hope so."

 Scully laughed. "I do. I do.  They're cute. Really cute. What do you
think, John?"

 "I like them. Not my taste, but cute." Doggett shook his head.  
"Where the hell did you find them?"

 Sam said, "Funny story."

 "Oh no. Look out guys." Doggett groaned.

 Sam glared. "Anyways, I was looking around for gifts at Shopko, and I
found them there, hidden in a corner. I said to myself, 'What the fuck
is with these sitting by themselves?' Then I saw what they were. I
thought to myself, 'Now, I remember Dana saying something about Aliens
to me or something.  She'd like these.' So that's how I ended up
buying them. Okay, so it's not as funny as my airplane escapade."

 Doggett shook his head. "You never learn. Who's next before he tells
the airplane story."

 Scully said, "Let's see, all that's left is Bill, you, and Mom.  So
who's younger? Bill or you?"

 Doggett said, "1959. You?"

 Bill said, "1957. A couple of years older than you."

 Doggett said, "Finally my turn."  He picked up a gift, ripping the
wrapping paper off. He found inside a toy NasCar car. Doggett laughed.  
"I forgot to look, but who got me this one?"

 Brian said, "Scully told me that you liked it so I got it for you.  
You know, to put on your desk or something."

 "No. This goes on my desk and I'll never get anythin' done ever
again." Doggett laughed.

 Scully sighed. "Yeah. I know."


 A month later, Sam and Jo Jo were still staying with John to make
sure that the twins came along fine. Scully sighed.  "Poor Jo Jo. Her
size makes it hard for her to do anything.  She's been bedridden for
the past week."

 Sam sighed. "I know. Who does she bitch at the most. She's due in a
couple of weeks though."

 Scully said, "That she is. I'm sure you're nervous."

 "Hell yeah, but I know I'll be okay. I've had some time with William
to get an idea. I know it's not the same, but I know some of the
things to look forward to."

 Scully smiled. "Just you wait. You're going to make a good dad."

 Doggett smiled. "I agree. You will."

 Sam sighed. "I hope so. I hope that Mike and Kathy are having fun in
Paris right now.  More fun than I am here waiting on twins. It's a
little hectic."

 "I'm sure that they are, Sam."  Scully said, smiling. "I won't be
surprised if they come back engaged or married. The way those two are,
it could happen.  The only problem is that they are too shy with one
another."

 Doggett sighed. "I know, but we've got to let them make their own
decisions. I'm sure they'll be just fine. Don't expect Mike to leave
Kathy or vice versa."

 Jo Jo shouted down the stairs, "I need some ice water, please?"

 Sam said, "I'll get it." He made his way into the kitchen, pouring a
glass of water for her. He walked up the stairs, saying, "Here you go,
Jo Jo."

 Jo Jo smiled, taking a gulp of water. She said, "Thank you, Sam.  I
don't mean to be such a bother."

 "Jo Jo, you're not a bother. In about two weeks you're going to have
our babies. Of course you need to rest and take care of yourself." Sam
said, sitting down onto the bed.

 Jo Jo smiled. "I know. It's just so annoying to have to ask you to do
things for me all the time."

 "Don't worry about it. You look tired. Why don't you take a nap." Sam
said.

 "Wanna nap with me? It's so lonely up here." Jo Jo said, making a
pouty face.

 "Oh alright. I'll nap with you."  Sam curled up to her, holding her
close to himself. He smiled at her.  "Now, let's get some rest."


 Mike and Kathy arrived in Paris, heading for their hotel first, tired
from the long flight from the States.  Kathy put her bags down,
crashing onto the bed. She yawned.

 Mike crashed next to her, noticing that it was a king sized bed. He
smiled. It was comfy. He yawned as well. "I say we take a nap first.
I'm so tired and I have such jet lag that all I want to do right now
is sleep. Here, so we don't be nocturnal the whole time we are here,
let me set the alarm so we wake in an hour."

 "Sounds like a plan to me. I'd love to just nap for a bit." She
curled up at the top of the bed, lying on her side. She listened as
Mike set the alarm. She then felt him curl up behind her.

 She turned, to face him. "What do you think we'll all do while we are
here?"

 Mike sighed. "Don't know yet. Any particular place you want to see in
Paris?"

 "The Louvre. It's supposed to be the largest art museum here in
France. I want to see that." Kathy smiled.

 "Sounds good to me. I don't know all that much about France. Guess
growing up in a small town didn't do me any good." He laid down onto
his back, yawning. "Well, I'm going to go to sleep." He put his hands
behind his head, closing his eyes.

 Kathy fought with herself. She finally decided to curl up onto his
chest, falling asleep to the sound of his heart beat. She felt him put
an arm around her and she smiled.

 They were already enjoying their stay in Paris. They were there
together and that was all that they needed. Mike opened an eye, moving
his hand over her hair. He pulled a few strands away from her ear,
sighing.

 Kathy sighed in her sleep, her arm draped over his belly. He shook
his head, letting sleep take over his own mind. They would have plenty
of time to see Paris and everything there was to see.


 Mike woke up awhile later, noticing that Kathy was no longer
sleeping. He asked, "Kat? Where did you go?"

 Kathy came out of the bathroom.  "I had to go to the bathroom. I
didn't want to disturb you."

 "Oh." He smoothed his hair out, it's longer locks now falling into
his face. He said, "Cutting my hair was a mistake."

 Kathy sat down onto the bed. She smiled shyly at him. "I like your
hair."

 Mike laughed. "You do? It's still too short."

 Kathy said, "It's soft. I must admit, you look better with longer
hair."

 Mike sighed. "Yeah. I cut it to keep myself from being easily
spotted. Kinda hard with my nose, don't you think?"

 Kathy nodded. "It's not a bad nose. It's just a little large."

 "A little? It's a honker." He laughed. "So, what do you want to do
now?" He was a little unsure of what he wanted to do and he wondered
if she had something in mind.

 Kathy scooted closer to him. "I don't know. Is there anything you
want to do? I don't know if I want to go see anything tonight. I'm
still trying to get settled into this time zone. I sort of just want
to relax."

 Mike took her hand. "I agree. That might not be such a bad idea. I
say we do relax this first night in Paris.  Who says we have to do a
million things right when we get here?"

 Kathy smiled, then looked down.  "So since we are staying in here,
what do you want to do now?"

 "I don't know. We could always watch T.V. in French and make fun of
it, I suppose. Haven't you always wanted to see Friends in French?"  
Mike said, his eyes playful.

 Kathy shook her head. "Not really. It wouldn't be as funny cause I
wouldn't understand it."

 Mike smiled. "So, what can we possibly do while we are relaxing
tonight?"

 Kathy wondered what he was up to. He seemed to be up to something, as
if he was being playful. She was curious to find out what he was
doing.

 Mike sighed. He really wanted to kiss her, but he wasn't sure if she
would want to do that or do something else while they were there. He
got up, trying to decide what he should do.

 Kathy watched him, then too got up. She took his hand, startling him.
He turned around, looking at her, noticing that she looked away right
away. He asked, "Something wrong?"

 "No. Just wondering what you are doing. I hope that you want to be
here with me, I guess. I don't know." She was looking down at their
hands.

 Mike laughed low in his throat. "Where else would I want to be? I
could always go home and record, but I don't know if you'd want to go
with me."

 Kathy looked up. "Why wouldn't I?"

 "I don't know. Why would you think I wouldn't want to be here with
you?" Mike asked, giving her another question, instead of answering
hers.

 "Well, I don't know. I just thought that maybe you might want to do
something else." Kathy looked back down.

 He titled her chin up. "You're silly.  No, I don't want to just go
home." He kissed her, finally ending his game.


 Sam watched Jo Jo sleep, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He
smiled at her, feeling comfortable sitting with her as she slept.  He
heard her softly snore in her sleep, and he found it cute.

 Sam didn't mind the domesticated feeling his life was now in. He felt
that it was just the place he wanted to be. He wondered if they
weren't expecting twins if he and Jo Jo would be together still. He
wondered if Jo Jo would have wanted to stay with him for so long.

 He also thought of what had happened with Mulder. It could have been
so different. Mulder could have torn them apart. Sam knew that it
could have happened, but it didn't. He wondered if during all the
tough times when they struggled if at any one of those times could
they have gone their separate ways.

 He realized then that no matter what, he would have tried to keep
them together. He knew that he couldn't be without her and it dawned
on him that everything they went through proved that to him. He felt a
little silly for just realizing it, but he had been caught up in
surviving and keeping everyone he cared about intact that he hadn't
realized how strong it had made him and those that he loved. He shook
his head slightly.

 Jo Jo rolled over, facing away from him. He leaned over, kissing her
cheek, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close. He brushed
hair away from her face, smiling.

 Doggett stood in the door way. He asked, "How are things up here?"

 "Okay. She's sleeping and that's what counts." Sam said.  "I've been
thinking too. I was thinking about all of the things that could have
gone differently but didn't. It amazed me to find out that things were
meant to be this way."

 "Well, Sam, I must say that I have too. We've been through a lot and
we've stuck through it all." Doggett said. "The things we've faced
were no small things and we all grew and thankfully we grew closer.
You're right.  We could have had things turn out differently."

 Sam looked down at Jo Jo, then back at his brother. "You have no idea
how glad I am they didn't turn out differently."

 "Oh, I think I have an idea."  Doggett smiled. "I'll check up on you
two later."


 Kathy kissed him back, running her hand through his longer hair.  
She wondered what he was up to, where he was going with this. He held
her close, kissing her slowly.

 Kathy allowed him to kiss her, enjoying the feeling of it, and how
tender it was. She always felt that he was trying to keep her from
feeling pressured, as if he didn't want to upset her, as if he was
almost afraid of what she might do if he didn't kiss her this way.

 Mike put his hands onto her cheeks, allowing him to kiss her deeper,
but not forcefully. To force her would ruin everything and he knew it.
He didn't want her to feel as if he was using her, as if she did not
matter to him. He was almost afraid of how she might react if he did
things differently, still unsure of what was going to happen and where
they were headed in this relationship.

 Kathy broke the kiss off, looking down quietly. She asked quietly,
"Mike, are you afraid of something?"

 Mike let go of her. "Why do you ask that?"

 "Because I get the feeling that you are nervous about how I'll react
to something." Kathy said, taking his hand into hers so he couldn't
turn around.

 Mike looked down. He said, "Yeah. You're not like other girls. You're
so different from other people I've met.  Most of them want to get to
know me and jump me for my name. I'm not above doing things that are
somewhat disgusting, but with you, I want things to be different.  I
don't want to be this person who just has a fling with you.  I want to
be with you in a serious relationship, because almost my entire life
I've never had that."

 Kathy smiled. "Really?  You're scared that I'll be like everyone else
and leave you? Mike, since I've met you I have only found happiness
and I know that you're doubting that you bring me that, but it's
true."

 Mike smiled. "I'm glad that you feel that way. It's very
nerve-wracking for me, I guess.  It's so new to me."

 Kathy led him to the bed. "Mike, just because others have done this
does not mean that I will. I like you a lot and you know what, I don't
think I'm going to go anywhere.  I have no where else to go, and even
if I did, I don't think I'd want to.  I meant everything I said in
that Christmas card."

 Mike squeezed her hand. "I hope so."


 Jo Jo woke later, finding that Sam wasn't there. She called out,
"Sam? Where did you go?"

 Sam popped back in, after he heard her call. "I just went downstairs
for a moment to get something to drink. I was thirsty."

 "Oh." She yawned, getting up slowly to stretch. She sighed.

 Sam put his glass of water down onto the table. "Something the
matter, Jo Jo?"

 "No. Just waking up, that's all.  I'm hungry." Jo Jo smiled at him.  
"Too bad the kitchen is all the way down the stupid stairs."

 "Well, what do you want?" Sam asked, looking at her.

 "Hmm, I don't know. Something sweet."  Jo Jo said.

 "You and your sweet tooth. I'll see what John has and if he doesn't
have anything sweet I'll go and get something for you, fending the
fans off, just for you." Sam said, kissing her.

 "You'd do that for little ol' me? That would be so sweet of you." Jo
Jo said, smiling at him, her eyes misting a little.

 Sam said, "Damn straight I would. No doubt about it. I will. Let me
go check."

 Jo Jo giggled. "Okay." She sat back down on the bed, pulling the
blankets over herself, sitting back to relax. She sighed after Sam
went downstairs.

 Sam came back upstairs with a bowl of ice cream. He said, "Here you
go. Tell me if it makes you cold and I'll warm ya up, okay?" He smiled
at her mischievously.

 Jo Jo said, "Yeah, uh huh.  Warm me up, will you?"

Sam laughed. He sat down on the bed next to her. She watched him,
wondering what he was going to do next. He dipped his finger into her
ice cream, liking it off.

 Jo Jo glared at him. "Mine."

 "Hey! I got you that ice cream."  Sam pouted. She laughed at him.

 "Yeah, so?" Jo Jo ate a spoonful.  "I can't wait till the babies are
here and I won't be so large any more. I hate being this fat."

 "Oh Jo Jo, don't worry about it.  You'll be just fine."

 "I hope so. I'm sorta nervous about this whole baby thing.  It's
sorta scary for me." Jo Jo said.

 "I'll be there for you. It'll be okay."

 "Hey, you're not the one who has to squeeze two babies out, so shut
it." Jo Jo said, smiling at him.

 Sam laughed. "Well, no. I think of it as a good thing."

 "Of course you do." Jo Jo said.

 "Not for that, but because if I was having the babies, I'd never make
it." Sam said.

 "I know that."


 Kathy smiled at him. She startled him when she hugged him, putting
her head onto his chest. He said, his voice echoing in her ears, "You
have to stop doing that. Startling me, I mean."

 Kathy giggled. She moved her head to his shoulder. "I love you,
Mike."

 Mike said, more sure of himself with her now, "I know. I love you,
too."

 Kathy lifted her head up. She said, "What's gonna happen when we go
back to your place and I move in with you? How are we going to handle
that situation?"

 "Well, we know where you will be sleeping. I don't think I could
sleep alone now. It'd seem silly.  Of course, if you want to have
separate bedrooms, that'll be okay with me. What ever makes you
comfortable." Mike smiled at her.

 Kathy shook her head. "You're right, it'd be silly." She put her head
back onto his shoulder.  "I just want to be happy with you."

 Mike smiled a little. "Well, I agree on that one. So, what exactly
are you asking me?"

 "I don't know. Everyone else lately got married. I'm not suggesting
that, but I want to know what we exactly are doing.  I know I'm going
to live with you already. That's been settled already."

 Mike smiled. "So it has." He smiled, thinking about what might lie
ahead for them. He sighed.  "I don't know, Kat. Would marriage be the
right path for us or is it too soon for us?"

 Kathy put her arm around him, keeping her head rested on his
shoulder. "I don't know. Maybe.  Maybe it is moving too fast, but
Mike, I don't want to just be this person who happens to live with you
and happens to share your bed. I know we haven't done anything really
physical, and I know that maybe it will happen, but I want to be
important."

 Mike sighed. "Kat, you are important.  Very important. You're the
most important person in my life, but I know if I mess one thing up,
you'll be gone forever and I'll be alone again and I don't know if I'd
ever fix my heart again."

 Kathy lifted her head, looking into his eyes. She saw how insecure he
was, and it made her feel sad. She didn't want him to be so insecure
and it broke her own heart to think that he was afraid of what she
might do. She kissed his cheek.  "Mike, I think that when we are
ready, we should get married. It may take awhile, but in the long run
it may be the best thing we can do."

 Mike nodded. "Okay. I agree. We'll wait."


 Sam and Jo Jo were sleeping early one morning when Jo Jo felt a
contraction hit. She gasped, immediately poking Sam in the side. He
grunted, rolling over facing away from her. She gasped again, a few
minutes later as another one hit. She gritted her teeth, poking him
hard in the side.

 Sam sat up. "What the fuck are you doing? It's too early to be
getting up."

 Jo Jo glared at him. "I think the babies want to arrive right now."

 "They do not, now go back to sleep." He fluffed his pillow up, lying
back down.

 She felt another one hit, and she gasped louder, kicking him.  "I say
they do and that's final.  Get your ass out of that bed and get me to
the hospital."

 Sam said, "Ow!" He fell out of bed.

 Jo Jo sat up, easing herself back onto a pillow. She bit her lip,
doubling over in the bed as another contraction hit her. She said, her
teeth clenched, "We're going to the hospital now, if I have to get
your brother to take me."

 Sam got up, noticing that she was not bluffing. "This is for real? Oh
my God. We have to get to the hospital. Now!"

 "You're a fast one." She sighed.  "Just help me get into something
decent so I can get to the hospital and let's get there."

 Sam quickly threw pants on, taking a dirty t-shirt from the floor and
pulling it over his head. He looked through Jo Jo's clothes, trying to
find something good for travel. He tossed a shirt and a pair of her
maternity pants at her.

 Jo Jo got up slowly, avoiding jarring anything and causing more pain
than she already had. She took her nightgown off quickly, pulling the
shirt over her head.  She had to sit back down after she felt another
contraction start. They were getting a little slower and smaller. She
also knew that this was just the beginning.

 Sam helped her get into her pants, then socks and shoes. He said,
"I'll tell John and Dana.  Be right back. We'll get you to the
hospital as soon as we can."  He kissed her cheek.

 "John! Dana!" Sam shouted.

 Doggett came out of the bedroom.  "What is the matter, Sam? It's four
in the morning for Christ's sake."

 "Jo Jo says the babies are on their way. We have to go to the
hospital now." Sam said, already frantic now that he was wide awake.

 Doggett said, "She's in labor?  You sure?"

 Jo Jo confirmed his question when she screamed, "SAM!"

 Dana came out, wrapping a robe around her nightgown clad body.  
"What is going on?"

 "Jo Jo's in labor."

 "Oh dear. Get her into our car and I'll drive you there. I don't
think you're in any condition to drive either, Sam." Scully said,
taking clothes out of the closet.

 Sam made his way back to Jo Jo.  He helped her up, supporting her.  
He said, "We're going to get into Dana's car and go to the hospital.  
It's going to be alright."

 Jo Jo glared at him. "Just get me to the car!"

 Scully joined Sam and Jo Jo in the car, sitting in the back seat.  
She said, "John will be out in a moment to drive us there. Jo Jo, how
far apart are your contractions?"

 "They come in bursts, but they seem to be about 15 minutes apart.  
Sometimes they are closer." She gasped then.

 Sam said, "She'll be okay, right?"

 "Yes. If this birth goes well she'll be just fine. We have to get her
to the doctors and they will make sure things will be just fine. Now,
Jo Jo, rather than having you break someone's hand, take this and
squeeze it as needed." Scully handed a small pillow to her, and Jo Jo
immediately squeezed onto it.

 Doggett got into the car, starting it up. "Let's get these babies
born."

 Jo Jo cried out, squeezing harder onto the pillow Scully had given
her. She was beginning to sweat a little.

 Doggett sped down the street, trying to avoid getting in a crash or
getting stopped by the police. He didn't have time to spare and as he
heard Jo Jo, he knew it would be a bad idea for them to stop.

 Sam looked a little scared, unsure of what was going to happen next.
He squeezed her shoulder gently, trying to reassure her. He didn't
seem to succeed. She promptly elbowed him.

 They got to the emergency drop off, and Doggett opened the door.  
"Get her out of the car, Sam.  I'm goin' to tell the doctors what's
goin' on."

 Sam nodded. He helped Jo Jo out of the car, slowly. She kicked him in
the shin, causing him to yelp but not get angry.  He was too scared to
get angry.

 Scully took Jo Jo around the waist, supporting her as she walked. Jo
Jo bit her lip, walking slowly, so she would not fall. A doctor ran
out with a wheel chair, placing her into it.

 Sam followed them, walking quickly behind them, his pain in his shin
all but gone. He was in a daze as he followed her to the delivery
room.

 The doctor asked, "Who is the father?"

 "I am." Sam said, his usual dark complexion a pale white.

 "I'll have a nurse help you into some scrubs and we'll get this show
on the road."

 Sam nodded quickly. He followed the nurse that had been ordered to
help him. Scully followed.  She said, "Sam, now when you go in there,
Jo Jo isn't very happy with you right now. She'll be saying some
things that she won't really mean later on, but she'll mean them right
now. Trust me, this is not going to be fun for her."

 Sam looked as if he were a deer standing in the middle of some
highway, waiting for the semi to hit. He asked, his voice shaking,
"What things?"

 "Oh, I won't spoil it for you.  John and I will be waiting. Did you
want us to try and get a hold of Mike and Kathy?"

 "Yeah, yeah. Do that." Sam said, tossing the scrubs over his head and
his arms through.

 Scully said, "Good luck, Sam."

 Sam walked into the delivery room, nervous. He heard Jo Jo scream
when he entered. As he walked up to the bed side, he smiled nervously
at her, afraid of what she might do to him. She glared at him,
gritting out, "It's all your fault that I'm hurting. Don't ever touch
me again!"

 Sam cringed. He didn't know how to respond or even if he should. He
stepped back a little, letting a doctor get a few things ready.

Sam stepped forward again. He said, "It's going to be alright.  It'll
be worth it."

 "Oh shut up or I'll make you know what real pain is. Next time you
get to have the babies.  I'd like to see you squeeze something through
that worthless appendage of yours." She gasped, leaning forward.

 Sam cringed again. He knew that she was going to say some nasty
things. Scully had told him so.  He sighed. He wondered if they'd
survive this ordeal.

 The doctor said, "I want you to try and keep her calm as much as
possible. I'm going to get her some drugs soon, so the birth will go a
little smoother. I noticed you're having twins."

 Sam smiled nervously, turning towards Jo Jo, who simply glared at
him. He said, "You're going to get some drugs soon.  It'll be okay."

 "I have ears, dumb ass. I can fucking hear what the doctor said. I'm
telling you, I ever see you try to get me pregnant again, I'll cut it
off."

 Sam looked very afraid now. He
 said, "It's going to be alright.  Do you want to hold my hand?"

 "Only if I can break it." Jo Jo grimaced. She felt another strong
contraction hit, causing her to scream.

 Sam looked very upset and wished that she wouldn't be so angry at
him. He knew she was shouting just to shout and hopefully later she
would tell him she hadn't meant any of it. He looked a little lost as
he stood by her bed side.

 Jo Jo was sweating. She was all prepped for delivery and she only
wished that it would be over and soon. She gripped the bed rail next
to her, squeezing it as hard as she could.

 Sam wanted to reach out and try to soothe her, but he was afraid what
she might do to him. He feared she might try to bite him or possibly
hit him.

 The doctor came back. "We've got some drugs for you and it will be
just fine. You're doing just fine."

Jo Jo screamed and when the doctor came near her, placing her hand
onto Jo Jo's arm, Jo Jo promptly bit her. The doctor didn't seem to be
phased, simply shook her hand, and injected the drugs that would take
most of the pain away.

 Sam knew that if he got any closer she'd surely bite or do worse to
him. He didn't know what to do so he stood watching, trying to figure
out what was happening.

 Jo Jo felt the drugs start taking effect, but she still felt the
pain. She gasped, leaning forward to try and ease some of it. The
doctor said, "You're almost ready.  We'll try to get those babies out
as soon as possible."

 Jo Jo gripped the railing.  As another contraction hit, she screamed.
Sam cringed next to her, almost feeling faint at the sight and sound
of what was happening.

 Jo Jo yelled, "SAM! I swear to God that I'll kill you before you
touch me ever again."

 Sam cringed, looking afraid of what might happen to him when they had
to go home. He wondered if he'd survive getting there at this point.  
He felt so stressed out and nervous that he finally passed out, unable
to handle the pressures being placed upon him.

 One of the doctors lifted him up, taking him to a different room. He
would be able to see Jo Jo and the babies later.  He was wheeled past
Doggett and Scully.

Scully said, "What happened?"

 "He passed out, that's all.  We're going to let him rest, get the
babies born and when he wakes if we're finished, we'll let him see her
and the babies. Right now she's not very happy." The doctor said.

 Doggett said, "I gathered that when I heard her yell. She's not going
to kill him, is she?"

 "I don't know about not killing him. She's pretty angry right now."
Scully said. "Things will settle down in time."

 Doggett laughed. "I sure hope so. She sounds like she's out to murder
him."

 Scully sighed. "Jo Jo is very vocal and you know it. Let's wait and
when it's time one of us will go and get Sam. It's going to be awhile,
I think."


 Sam woke up in a room by himself. He realized then that he must have
fainted and they had taken him here.  He hoped everything was going
alright with Jo Jo.

 Scully said, "We were wondering when you'd wake up. Jo Jo is resting
now and they are taking care of the babies."

 "Oh? Did they turn out alright?"  Sam asked, afraid of what had
happened suddenly.

 "They're perfectly healthy babies.  They got one or both of your
vocals though. Both of them put up a fuss right after being born.
Don't worry.  Things are just fine now." Scully said, smiling at how
nervous Sam was.

 "What about Jo Jo? She doing alright? She still hate me?" Sam asked,
now afraid of what might happen if he went to talk to her.

 Scully laughed a little. "Jo Jo's fine. She's tired and sore, but
she's fine. After she held her babies for the first time, she didn't
seem to mind all the pain she went through to get to hold them."

 Sam smiled. "I just hope she doesn't try to kill me."

 "Oh, I think if you go and visit her, she might say she's sorry for
being so mean to you.  I'd just be very very quiet and very very
apologetic if I were you. She might still have some animosity towards
you for causing the painful ordeal she just went through."

 Sam sighed. "I figured as much.  I'm going to visit her. Wish me
luck."

 Sam walked down the hall to the room Scully told him she'd be in.  
He opened the door slowly, asking, "Jo Jo? Is it okay if I come in
here?"

 Jo Jo said quietly, her voice tired, "Yes, you can come in. I won't
kill you."

 Sam smiled shyly at her. He stepped up to her bedside. "How are you
feeling?"

 "I'm feeling a lot better now.  I'm just tired now. Have you seen
them yet? Trent looks just like his daddy."

 Sam smiled. He noticed that she wasn't angry or threatening at all
anymore. He said, "Really? Just like me?"

 "Yeah. You should really see them." She smiled. "I'm so glad that
whole mess is over though.  I don't like giving birth very much. But
it was worth it in the end to have those two." She smiled at him.

 He stepped closer to the side of the bed, feeling her take his hand
into hers. He smiled quietly.  "Did you mean all of those things you
said earlier?"

 Jo Jo smiled quietly. "No, but I don't want to really go through that
again any time soon. That would be way too much for me."

 Sam smiled. "Me too. You kicked me a whole bunch."

 "Sorry." Jo Jo smiled, squeezing his hand a little. "Don't worry too
much. I said and did a lot of things while I was in pain. Having held
the babies made it all worth going through that pain."

 Sam said, "I bet."

 A nurse opened the door, bringing in both babies. Sam watched as she
wheeled both babies in. He felt a little nervous about actually
holding one of them.  The nurse picked Beth up, handing her to Sam.

 Sam held onto her very carefully, looking into her eyes. She had her
mother's eyes. Beth yawned, stretching the tiniest arm he had ever
seen. He felt tears come to his eyes as he held his little girl for
the first time. He couldn't believe that this was happening.

 The nurse asked, "Would you like to hold your son?"

 Sam looked nervous about letting his girl go, but he handed Beth back
to a nurse, accepting Trent.  He held his son, who was slightly bigger
than his sister, but not by much, close to himself. Trent opened his
eyes, looking at his father with wide eyes.

 Sam held him close, turning to look at Jo Jo. "You're right, it was
all worth it."

 Jo Jo smiled, watching him with his children. She said, "Sam, these
two are going to be the handful someday."

 "I'm sure they will. I just hope this little guy here doesn't get his
father's bad habits." Sam smiled at him. "He's got my nose."

 Jo Jo said, "Yes, he does."

 Trent started to cry a little, fussing. Sam started rocking him
slowly, trying to get him to calm down a little. He said quietly, "Do
you want to see your mother?"

 Jo Jo took the baby from Sam's arms, allowing Sam to pick up Beth
again. She soothed him quickly.

 The door opened, Doggett, Scully, Mike, and Kathy all walking in as
quietly as possible. Doggett said, "Well, you did it. Let me see one
of them."

 Sam said, "You should see Beth."

 Mike said, "Wow. Congrats to the twins. I suppose I should say
congrats to you, Sam, for surviving Jo Jo's wrath, but I won't." He
smiled a little.

 Kathy looked at Beth while Doggett held the child. She said, "She's
beautiful."

 Sam smiled, proud now of the babies. He said, "Isn't she though?"

 Scully looked at Kathy. She watched as Kathy lifted her hand,
touching Beth's little hand. She noticed a ring on her finger.  "Are
you two not telling us something?"

 Mike blushed when he realized he was caught. "Yeah. While in Paris we
got engaged. I didn't want to spoil Sam and Jo Jo's excitement
though."

 Sam said, "It didn't at all.  When you setting the date?"

 "We want to do this soon. We were going to wait, but we thought it
would seem silly. I know it's a little sudden, but we just thought it
was what we should do."

 Scully smiled. "Well, you two deserve it. I'm sure you'll be very
happy."

 "Well, we want you guys to be there for it. It wouldn't seem right if
we didn't have you guys there. Where's William?"

 "I called my mother and told her to rush right over. We passed her on
the way to the hospital.  I know it's a little risky leaving William
alone for any length of time, but Jo Jo needed to get here and fast."

 Mike laughed. "So how much did you want to kill him, Jo Jo?"

 "You have no idea."


 After they left the proud parents, Scully said, "So, Mike, Kathy, I
want the details of what happened here. How did it come about you two
getting engaged?"

 "We were in this little French restaurant and he had them sneak the
ring into my glass of wine.  It was very romantic, but I didn't
 expect it at all." Kathy said.

 Mike said, "Yeah, I wanted to surprise her, but not be overly showy
about it with the whole on one knee bull shit. I wanted to surprise
her another way."

 Scully smiled. "Let me see that ring."

 Kathy showed her hand to Scully.  She looked at the ring. It was a
gold band with a large diamond in the center. Scully said, "My, that
is very pretty and expensive to boot."

 Mike said, "I can afford it and what else was I gonna spend it on?  
A car I can go real fast in just to go real fast in?"

 Doggett laughed. "I'm sure that would nice, but this is much better."

 Mike laughed. "So tell me the details of what Jo Jo did to Sam."

 "She kicked him out of bed this morning when he disregarded her
contractions, then she kicked him in the shin when we got to the
hospital. The rest were a bunch of threats."

 "Tell me a good one."

 "I heard her tell him she'd rip it off if he came near her.  You
know, the standard. She bit the doctor though." Scully laughed.

 Mike shook his head. "She's got spunk and adding that to her was not
a good idea. Jo Jo can get very angry very quickly, can't she?"

 "Especially if you toss that pain factor in. I think for awhile there
Sam might have had to worry if she was going to kill him or not. I
think she was about to."

 Kathy laughed softly. "But they'll be happy and you know it. I'm sure
that once things calm down a little bit they'll do just fine. I'm glad
I missed it. He didn't get angry at her?"

 "No. I think he was scared of her. He was sure she was goin' to kill
him." Doggett laughed.  "He was white as a sheet and shaking so badly.
Before the babies were born he passed out and didn't get to see the
babies till just before we came in."

 Mike laughed hard then. "He passed out? That's too funny."  He shook
his head. "I can see it now. Sam out cold on the floor."

 Scully laughed. "Yeah. Now that you put it in those terms it's really
funny."


 Sam looked at Jo Jo, holding Trent. He smiled at her. "Isn't he just
cute?"

 "Yes. It's amazing that they are really here. He's got your hair
color and your eyes. Wonder what he'll be like when he gets older." Jo
Jo said, looking up at Sam.

 Sam laughed. "If he's anything like me he'll be getting into a lot of
trouble."

 Jo Jo sighed. "He's a boy. Boys always get into trouble. Didn't you
know that already?"

 Sam laughed. "Beth's got dark hair too. She's got your eyes and nose
though." He rocked Beth.

 Jo Jo smiled. "Yeah. I don't know what is going to happen when these
two get older. Can you imagine what it's going to be like when they
get old enough to date?"

 "I don't want to really think about that yet. I like them just the
way they are right now. Little and cute."

 Sam played with Beth a little bit, putting his finger on her belly
and tickling her a little. She grabbed his finger with her tiny hand,
squeezing it a little. He said, "Would you look at that, she grabbed
my finger."

 Jo Jo smiled. "That's very cute. Trent's too busy sleeping right now.
When are we moving back home to take care of these guys?"

 Sam looked at her for a moment.  "I don't know. I'm going to miss
being here with everyone, but I know it's gotta happen. We all have
different things that we have to do. I'm sure we'll write a lot."

 Jo Jo smiled. "Christmas and other holidays will be very important,
I'm sure. What do you think about Mike and Kathy getting married?"

 "I'm surprised they didn't sooner. Those two have been so slow about
everything, but then Mike is very careful and shy with people. Kathy
is too.  I'm happy for them and I'll wish them the best."

 Jo Jo laughed. "I'm sure we'll keep in more touch with him.  You're
right. I'm going to miss everyone. At least Brian is coming with us.
Speaking of which, where was he this morning?"

 "Jean and Brian were settling things last night with the Bureau for
his transfer. He said they'd be out all night because he was going to
clean out his office so that it'd be ready to go and we could go home
whenever we needed to."

 Jo Jo nodded. "I see."

 Sam laughed. "Besides, Brian would have had to defend me from you
today."

 "Hey, you deserved that kick in the shin."

 "I did not." Sam said, laughing.

 "Oh really. Want me to kick it again?" Jo Jo laughed.


 Sam stood next to Mike at the Justice of the Peace, trying to keep
him calm. He said, "It's going to be alright.  She's not going
anywhere and she's going to marry you. You're just nervous."

 Mike was pacing. He said, "What if she thinks she's making a mistake?
What if she decides that she doesn't want to marry me?"

 "Chill out man. She's going to marry you and you'll be just fine.  
Quit being so insecure. She wouldn't have stayed with you this long
she didn't want you."

 "You sure about that?" Mike said, stopping for a moment. He looked at
Sam, his eyes a little feral with fear. He said quietly, "I'm just
scared of what might happen. I've never been here before. This is a
little scary."

 "You'll be fine." Sam said.

 Jo Jo sat in the front making sure Beth and Trent were comfortable.
She sighed. "I just hope we can get this done quickly. These two are
hungry."

 The doors opened and Kathy walked in, her dress simple.  She looked
shy as well and she walked slowly up to meet him. She smiled at Mike
shyly, hoping that she had done the right thing.

 Mike stood looking nervously at her, speechless all of the sudden. He
knew it was the right thing, but he just didn't know if she thought
the same thing he did. He felt her take his hand, making him feel a
little more secure.

 The Justice of the Peace started the ceremony, which neither
participant heard. They responded almost robotically, each fearing
that the other would disappear.  When it came time to slip the rings
on, Mike fumbled with it for a minute trying to grip it right so he
could slip it on.  He smiled at her shyly, almost a half smile.

 Kathy took the ring she would slide onto his, slowly slipping it
over. She looked down instead of up, in her customary manner of
nervousness and shyness.

Doggett and Scully shook their heads as they watched the two.  
Doggett whispered, "You think that they'll be this bad for the weddin'
night?"

 Scully laughed. "Be nice."

 When the Justice allowed them to kiss, Mike slowly kissed her,
feeling less insecure and more sure than he ever had. Sam clapped,
smiling at them.

 Kathy opened her mouth up, accepting the kiss, feeling how soft it
was and tender it was.  She kissed him back, finally feeling as if she
belonged with him. She smiled, whispering in his ear, "Mike, we
actually did it. We got married and no one ran from the room."

 Mike laughed. "So we did. So we did."


 After the wedding, Sam said, "Is it just me, or are we both getting
old?"

 Mike laughed. "Sam, of course we're getting old. What, did you really
want to stay twenty-one forever? I recall that you don't like being
too young cause it's tough to be that young."

 Sam shook his head. "Yeah, that is true. It's just amazing how we're
both married, and I have two babies. It's just a little odd. In May
you couldn't have made me believe that this was happening at all. I
would have laughed at you and told you that you were fucking nuts."

 Jo Jo made a pouty face at him.  "You mean you didn't see yourself
marrying me in May at all?"

 Sam put his arm around her.  "I don't know. What do you think?  It
happened, didn't it?"

 Jo Jo giggled. She picked up Beth and Trent's carriers, smiling at
him. "Shall we get these guys somewhere so we can party or whatever we
are planning on doing?"

 Mike said, "I've invited all of you out to dinner. Don't worry about
the babies, we'll have someone keep an eye on them with William. I
heard Dana say that her mother would be glad to take them."

 Scully said, "Yep. She's anxious to see the twins. She said that she
really enjoyed having all of you visit and wished that she could get
to know you all a bit better. Bill, on the other hand, said he could
have done with out it."

 Doggett laughed. "Apparently Sam didn't make friends with everyone."

 Scully nodded. "That's about right. Bill doesn't like anyone.  But
then he's always been that
 way. Don't mind him at all."

 Sam said, "I didn't really intend on making that guy happy. He's,
well, stuck up from what I can tell.  I know he's your brother, but
really.  I thought he was pretty rude and didn't seem to be accepting
of people different from him."

 "He's a Navy man. Not just a Navy man, a ranking Navy man who grew up
as a Navy Brat." Scully said. "Just don't bother with him."

 They all got into their cars, Sam and Jo Jo putting the twins in the
back seat. Sam said, "We'll meet you at the dinner hall, Mike!"

 "Alright. We'll see you there."  Mike said, holding Kathy's hand.  
He smiled at her, helping her into the car. He closed the car door,
walking to the other side.

 Doggett said, "Sam! We'll meet you at Dana's mother's place.  We've
got to pick up something first."

 "Okay. See you bro."


 Mike and Kathy arrived first to the restaurant. Mike asked the host,
"We're a wedding party and we're waiting for 4 other people to arrive.
They are named Mr. and Mrs. John Doggett and Mr. and Mrs. Sam
Doggett."

 The host smiled at them. "May I have your name please.  
Congratulations by the way."

"Mr. and Mrs. Mike Flood. We'll need a table of six when this whole
mess is finished." Mike said. He gripped Kathy's hand.

 The host said, "Right this way.  Don't you worry. We'll keep an eye
out for the rest of your party."

 They were led to a small dining hall part of the restaurant, complete
with a small dance floor. Mike sat Kathy first, feeling shy as ever
about the whole affair, but happy as well.  He smiled tentatively at
her, taking his own seat. He smoothed out the suit he wore, being the
one he had used in Paris as well.  He whispered, "So, are you happy?"

 Kathy smiled wide at him, her dark eyes illuminated by the candle
light that was in the hall.  She nodded, replying, "Yes. Very much
so."

 Mike smiled. "I'm glad. I was worried for awhile there."

 The room was suddenly full as the rest of the group joined them. Sam
walked up to Mike, smiling wide at him. He gave him a bear hug. "Man,
I'm glad that you finally found someone that makes you happy. We'll
have to keep in touch, know what I mean?"

 Doggett shook Mike's hand. "I'm glad that we got to know one another
while we were on that trip. Glad you're happy too. It was sure fun."

 Scully smiled. "Well, I must admit it is the happy ending we all
hoped for. I just hope it lasts."

 Sam laughed. "It had better. Jo Jo, why don't you come here and get
sat."

 Jo Jo smiled. She said, "What? I don't get to hug the bride and
groom?"

 Sam shook his head. He said, "Alright, go ahead and then come and sit
here. Just kidding. You don't have to do anything."

 Jo Jo stuck her tongue out at him. "Don't make me make a raspberry at
you."

 Mike laughed. "That's almost as bad as threatening to leave.  I'll
leave this room so you don't have to put up with me! See, that's a
pretty pathetic threat."

 Jo Jo laughed. "Hey! I just may not hug you."

 Mike shook his head, looking away for a split second when he felt Jo
Jo throw all of her weight at him, her arms wrapped tightly around
him. He grunted as he felt her squeeze him tightly. When she let go of
him, she smiled wide at him. Mike sighed. "Did you really have to
squeeze that hard?"

 Sam laughed. "Jo Jo!"

 Jo Jo smiled at Sam. She saw Kathy, and hugged her, less tightly. She
said, "I'm glad that we could get to know one another more. Like Sam
told Mike, we'll really have to keep in touch. I don't know what I'd
do without all of the people we traveled with. I'm just glad we could
get the band to be in a safe place without being hunted.  I worried
about that."

 Kathy smiled shyly. She felt tears come to her eyes, and she hugged
Jo Jo back.  She said, "I'm glad you guys accepted me."

 Sam said, "Come on, before it's almost ten years down the road let's
get the party going. Hey, what do you think we'll be doing ten years
from now?"

 "Oh for the love of God, don't fucking think of ten years from now.
I'll be really old then." Mike said.

 Everyone laughed. Sam said, "Hey, you just gotta wonder sometimes."

 Jo Jo said, "Shut up, Sam. Really.  We'll find out then."