Title: "Hidden Gifts"
Author: Angel-Wings Gaskins
Rating: G
Cater.: VA (just a wittle bit o' A)
Keywords: Scully emotional A, Doggett emotional A, holiday fic
Spoilers: Season 8
Summary: Christmas comes in a variety of ways.
Archive: Sure, just ask :O)
Feedback: Pweeze!!!  CHSSassyLassy@aol.com
Disclaimer: Not mine, but Merry Christmas CC!

Notes: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

**"Hidden Gifts"**
A young woman, though aged beyond her years, wiped her tears 
ruthleslly from her cheeks with mitten-clad hands.  It wouldn't do 
to fall apart now--not after all she had discovered, accomplished, 
and stood against.  It wouldn't be fit to erupt in tumultuous 
overflows of sobs in the middle of this mall walkway where people 
would look, and some, in light of the holiday season, might even 
care.  It would misconstrue her chosen soul, and eventually it would
cause her to become as helpless as the infant that grew in her womb.

So she stood there, alone and silent, staring at something as dozens
of people passed by her, fumbling with their bags with one
hand and clinging to their bundled children with the other.  She saw
Christmas pass by in the corner of her eye, in this corner of such a
vast and enormous universe.  Giggles, bells, and images of mingling
green and red swirled and filled the air with a peppermint cloud
overhanging the batch.  She was lulled between joining the crowd and
holding her position.

She had tried with all her might this year to have something akin to
a normal Christmas, though she was alone and stressed beyond any
acceptable extent.  Last year the holidays had seemed to rejuvenate
her and bring back glorious childhood memories with her family.  Her
mother enjoyed her company, as did the rest of family.  Her partner
had even spent that year rekindling his spirit by staying with the
Lone Gunmen and their families, treating himself to a comforting,
loving environment buried within the excess of a supernatural world.

This year, however, was harder.  Her mother had taken a planned trip
to see family in Canada, and everyone else was busy entertaining 
their own.  Bill was staying with his wife and children, as was
Charlie and the rest of the world.  Noone offered support--noone
really understood.  She had sacrificed a sturdy institution and 
children for the X-files and Truth.  She had finally found her hopes
and the vision had started to process and come into the clear, just
as it was taken away with the twist of a hand or the beaming of a
light.  Noone truly knew how it felt to be alone on Christmas, noone
but her.

Shaking her head, the lights came into focus around her and she was
shoved accidentally by a rushing shopper, hearing his muttered
apology and yuletide cheer ringing over the crowds behind him.  Her
hand moved to the front of her stomach, rubbing the small protrusion
and bringing a bittersweet smile to her face.  Looking up at the 
sight before her, she was reminded how hope was still present--not
all was lost.

She felt a prescence beside her and the brush of an arm against her
own.  She closed her eyes, unwilling to guess or percieve who the
person was, or perhaps just not caring.

"It's a beautiful tree, isn't it Agent Scully," Agent Doggett said,
staring at the enormous creation towering over them both, its
brillant bouquet of lights painting a virtual halo around him.  She
nodded silently looked at her feet guiltily.

"Yes, Agent Doggett, it's very lovely."  Her voice was soft, yet
strong.  Still, though, it harvested a whimsical tone, which even 
she couldn't hide.

Doggett seemed to stare at her bent head and torn composure.  She 
had been so hurt, and the holidays could terrorize anyone's wounds.
Clearing his throat, he looked upward as she wiped her eyes, giving
her some measure of privacy.  "I've always hated Christmas."

"Even as a child?"

"Always," he said, nodding.  "My younger brother died when I was 
fifteen; disappeared Christmas Eve and found eight years later--
murdered."

"I'm so sorry," she offered genuinely, surprised he had shared 
something so personal.  His response was an understanding glance.

"Agent Scully, Christmas has never been a good time for me, but it's
always been a little more bearable when I had someone to share it
with."  Resting his hand on her shoulder, he continued.  "I'm so
sorry for your loss."

Ruefully, she pushed his hand off her.  "Thank you, Agent Doggett, 
but I'm afraid you're mistaken.  Mulder is still alive, and I will
find him.  I appreciate your concern, but I am not going to give 
up."

"That's not what I meant, Scully.  I meant the loss of his 
*presence*."  She looked flustered at this revelation, and muttered
an embarrassed apology.  "Not everyone's against you," he whispered
before offering his Merry Christmas and walking away.  She couldn't
help but watch him as he marched sullenly away.

Losing one last glance to the star nestled on the tree-top, she
followed her partner, catching up with him quickly.  Noone likes to
be alone on Christmas, she thought.

In the recesses of her mind she envisioned that fated night of Mary
and Joseph, with the glow of the glorious Christmas star.  Perhaps,
this man was her star, and he was leading her to something great,
something she couldn't quite comprehend.  He was leading her to
strength, and for that she thanked him.

Merry Christmas, Mulder, she thought, smiling as she glanced back at
the tree before walking out into the snow with Doggett.  Thank you
and Merry Christmas.

**J*O*Y*E*U*X**N*O*E*L**

Feliz Navidad, y'all!  I love Doggett (sorry) because I think he has
a good soul, and even if he doesn't, Christmas is loving everyone
time.  This has been my first fic in a while, so Happy, HAPPY
Holidays to everyone :O)

CHSSassyLassy@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/chssassylassy
 ~*~*~*~*~*~
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas... now....