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atths--twice · 1 year

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Chapter Eighteen

It's time for a reunion. What will happen when Fox and Dana see each other again?

December 28th

“You heading somewhere special?” the cab driver asked as they drove from the airport to the train station.

“Uh… home actually,” Fox said. “But, the people I’m meeting to travel there with are special. Very special.”

“Your wife?”

“No. A… a friend,” Fox said.

“Hmm. A friend. Okay,” the cab driver said with a chuckle as he made a right turn and Fox nodded as he smiled and thought about Dana.

Their phone call on Christmas Eve had ended only when his phone had beeped menacingly that the battery was about to die and she had yawned for the third time, stating that it was nearly midnight.

He had hung up and went upstairs in search of his charger, walking quietly through the dark and silent house.

The fire had been extinguished and the finished bikes set out by the colorfully lit tree, big red bows attached to each of them. The stockings had been filled, cookies and carrots eaten, milk drunk, and other gifts had been added from Santa for Nina and Dave, Greg and Samantha, and even for him. He had smiled, knowing Samantha had been the one to make sure everyone was included.

“Everything’s okay, I’m assuming,” Samantha had said quietly, yet it still had caused him to jump.

“Jesus,” he had whispered. “Don’t sneak up on a guy like that.” He had placed a hand on his heart and she had laughed softly. “Where’d you come from?”

“I was in the kitchen getting some water,” she had said, putting her hands into the pockets of her robe. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” he had said, unable to keep the smile off of his face. “More than okay.”

“Well,” she had said with a slow smile. “Okay then. I’ll hold my many questions until tomorrow and let you simmer in this happiness that’s practically pouring off of you.” She had made a motion with her hand, waving it to encompass his body and he had laughed quietly.

“Thanks, Sam.”

“You’re welcome.” She had smiled and then walked toward him, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing tight. “Merry Christmas, brother.”

“And to you, sister,” he had said, closing his eyes as he returned her hug. Stepping back, she had smiled and nodded as she turned toward the stairs.

“I told you, she’s good people,” she had said, looking back over her shoulder and smiling at him. “My judge of character is never wrong.”

“She is at that,” he had agreed.

“Goodnight, Fox. Don’t stay up too late. Those two boys will be waking all of us up at the butt crack of dawn.”

“So eloquent. Goodnight, Sam,” he had said and she chuckled, waving over her shoulder as she went down the stairs.

He had smiled and glanced at the tree and the gifts once more before taking his charger from the wall and going back downstairs.

After using the bathroom, he had changed and plugged in his phone. A message had caused it to vibrate and he had smiled when he saw it was from Dana.

Merry Christmas, my friend Fox.

A gif of Santa flying across the sky in his sleigh had been below it and then another gif of a glowing Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas to you, my friend Dana.

He had found a gif of a package being wrapped and then steaming coffee in a Santa mug.

A reply had come in quickly and he had smiled as he shut off the light, laying down and covering up.

I love you. ❤️

I love you too. ❤️

They had liked each other’s messages almost simultaneously and he had laughed as she sent one final message.

That was spooky. Goodnight. Zzzz.

Goodnight. And yes, it was.

She had liked his message again and as he had closed the app and set the phone on the nightstand, he had smiled.

Christmas Day, they had exchanged early morning messages and then she had flooded him with pictures and videos of Ivy opening her gifts. Compared to the stilted messages she had been sending before their phone call, it had felt like she now wanted to share everything with him.

More than once, as they had opened their own gifts, Samantha had met his eye as his phone buzzed and he had reached for it. She had said nothing, but smiled with a knowing look.

A picture of Dana’s entire family had been sent and he had asked after each one, wanting to know more about them.

She had sent back a long message detailing everyone, with numbers written onto the picture so he would not be confused. He had smiled when he saw it, loving the details and effort she had put into it.

Her parents, William and Margaret, known to all as Will and Maggie, had been married for thirty six years and they owned a hardware store in town, Scully’s Hardware. Her mother was more knowledgeable about everything held within it, a fact which her father never failed to mention, and was incredibly proud of, when customers came in searching for an item.

“Let me refer to the smarter one of this duo,” he says every time, Dana had written and Fox had laughed. He could easily imagine that was the case when he had looked again at the picture of the beaming, balding man with his arm around his wife.

Her older brother, Bill, named after their father, and his wife Tara, had been married for ten years. They had three children, with another on the way. Bill owned a very busy construction company, proudly sponsored by Scully’s Hardware.

Melissa you know, Dana had written. Well, sort of, I suppose. 😊 She and her husband, Artie, have been married for nine years and they have two daughters, whom you’ve already heard about.

And, to round out the Scully clan, there’s Charlie, who just got engaged to Beatrice.

We’re a large group of redheads who need to buy the highest SPF sunscreen anytime we’re outside, even if it’s only slightly cloudy.

He had laughed at her messages and looked at their family picture again. As he had, the familiar aching feeling in his chest pained him. Seeing the happiness they shared, the happy family life and obvious love they had for one another, had made him sigh and shake his head.

A fabulous looking bunch, he had sent back. And it’s a good thing it’s winter, so you don’t have to worry about sunscreen… much anyway.

Haha, she had sent back and he had smiled.

Sending back the family picture that had been taken that morning, everyone in their pajamas and in front of the tree, he had told her more about Samantha, Greg, William and Adam, and Nina and Dave.

We both have a William in the family, she had sent. Or two in my case. 😊

Indeed we do, he had sent back as he smiled. My father’s name was William as well. William Adam actually. When Samantha found out she was having twin boys, their names were decided before they left the doctor’s office, Greg insisting they do it to honor our father.

That’s… that’s just beautiful.

Agreed.

“You know,” Samantha had teased him, two days after Christmas, as they once again stood in the indoor bike park, drinking coffee while they had watched the twins ride their new bikes. “I’m surprised you haven’t torn out of here by now to go see Dana.”

“You’re hilarious,” he had said, shaking his head. “Believe me, I would love to see her, but she’s with her family right now. I’m not going to disrupt that time and if I went home before she was due to return, I’d be sitting there alone while I waited for her. Being here with you all is definitely the better option.”

Samantha threaded her arm through his and smiled with a nod.

“So thoughtful and kind you are, my brother.”

“Stop,” he had said, bumping her and making her laugh.

“I’m so glad you found each other, Fox,” she had said, her tone low and serious, laying her head on his shoulder. “When you moved away, I was sad that you’d be so far from us, but now I know the reason for it. Dana had unknowingly been waiting for you and you, likewise, were unknowingly on a quest to find her.”

“Jesus, Sam,” he had said, clearing his throat and shaking his head again.

“It’s true though,” she had said with a sigh. “You deserve to be happy and loved. You deserve that so much, Fox.”

She had ended her sentence on a sob and then they were embracing, words not necessary as they had both cried quietly, their grief near the surface as it always was during the holidays, despite the happiness surrounding them.

“Mommy, you’re not watching!” William had called out and Samantha had started laughing as she had nodded against Fox’s shoulder.

“You’re right, my love,” she had said, pulling back and wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry, show me again, please.”

“Okay! Watch me!” William had turned and ridden down the small hill as Fox had wiped his own eyes and then had taken Samantha’s hand, giving it a squeeze.

“I love you, Sammy,” he had said, looking at her and smiling.

“I love you too, Fox,” she had replied, tears shining in her eyes as she had squeezed his hand.

Coming back that evening, he had made a decision. He would not infringe on Dana’s time with her family, just as he had told Samantha, but he would make a plan to meet her sooner than he had previously planned.

Calling the airline, he had changed his flight home to arrive at the airport closer to where Dana’s family lived. From there, he would go to the train station to meet her and Ivy and ride home with them.

And the best part about it, neither of them had any idea that he had done it and that he was now currently en route to said train station to wait for them to arrive for their scheduled departure, in just under an hour.

It had been a time squeeze and he had been incredibly anxious as the airplane seemed to take its sweet time to arrive at the gate. Thrumming with nervous energy, worried he would be late for the surprise meet up, he had waited impatiently for his bag at baggage claim, grabbing it as soon as he had seen it, and then hurried to the taxi line.

“Should be there in just a couple of minutes,” the cab driver said, breaking into his thoughts, and Fox nodded with a smile. “Traffic isn’t too bad for a Sunday after a holiday. Sometimes it’s crazy with people who are returning gifts or looking for sales, but it’s good today. Works out well for you to meet up sooner with your uh… friend.” He caught Fox’s eye in the rearview mirror and grinned.

“Yeah,” Fox said with a smile of his own, looking out the window as he spied the sign for the station on their left.

Two more lights and he was grabbing his backpack and his bag as he got out of the taxi.

“Thanks,” he said to the cab driver and he nodded, waving as he drove away.

Letting out a calming breath, Fox walked into the station and to the ticket booth to buy his ticket. On a whim, he asked if he could pay for a first class upgrade to Dana and Ivy’s tickets, knowing that Dana would most likely not have purchased them herself.

The woman was very kind and put the order through, handing him three tickets with a smile and wishing him happy holidays. Thanking her, he picked up his bags and walked through the station to platform number eight.

Finding a spot to wait and watch for them to arrive, he took a deep breath, his stomach nervous and excited all at the same time. His phone beeped and vibrated and he took it from his pocket to find a message from Dana.

We’re leaving for the station soon and then it’s only a couple of hours until we’ll be home. I can’t wait to see you. ❤️

He grinned and nodded as he typed back quickly.

I can’t wait to see you either. Both of you. ❤️❤️

😊 Ivy has her backpack stuffed with gifts that she is dying to show you. She’s packed and unpacked it so many times, putting what she feels are the most important ones at the top.

Aww, I love that.

Yeah. Okay. I have to get going. Gotta double check we have everything and then get it all in the car. See you soon, my friend Fox. Love you. ❤️💋

“Oh,” he said, his eyebrows raising at the kiss emoji, which she had never used before. He swallowed and released a breath as he typed back, grinning like a complete fool.

Make sure you don’t forget Pandy. Princesses can’t be left behind. See you soon, my friend Dana. Love you too. ❤️💋

No, we would never forget the princess, she’s far too precious. 🐼 Bye for now. 💋❤️💋

“God, I can’t wait to see her,” he breathed as he put his phone away, his heart now racing even faster. Standing up, he paced within the space of the bench and the light post in front of him.

A train arrived on the odd numbered side of the tracks and there was a flurry of activity for a few minutes before the train left and the crowd of people thinned out.

Another train arrived on the even numbered side, but did not stop at the station.

He looked at the large clock above the station doors so many times, but time dragged by, the minutes beginning to feel like hours.

And then he saw them and his heart stopped for a second. Melissa was with them, pulling his borrowed suitcase behind her and laughing about something. Dana was also laughing and he exhaled deeply at the sound, so happy to see her again.

Ivy was wearing the panda earmuffs over the panda beanie he had given her and had the panda scarf wrapped around her neck. She was walking and occasionally jumping, her arms out at her sides for balance. She looked up and saw him, then did a double take before she grinned.

“FOX!” she shouted, running toward him, dodging around anyone in her way.

“Ivy! Get back here! What are you- oh my God!” Dana said, catching sight of him, a hand going to her chest.

“Fox! Fox! Fox!” Ivy chanted, flinging her arms around his waist and smiling up at him. “I missed you so much! We made snow ducks! They were so cute! Look at my ear puffs! Aren’t they so cute? You gave me a good present. Thank you for my present.”

He laughed, his heart feeling full and happy. He bent down to pick her up and her legs dangled as he rocked her from side to side, hugging her tightly.

“Oh Ivy, I missed you too,” he said, squeezing her one more time before setting her down and smiling at her.

He raised his head and looked at Dana, who was now a few feet in front of him, her hand still on her chest, staring at him in disbelief.

“Hi,” he said and she let out a shaky laugh.

“Hi,” she whispered.

“Fox! I want to show you something!” Ivy said, starting to take off her backpack. “It’s in here and it’s so good.”

“Ivy,” Melissa said, reaching for Ivy’s hand. “Why don’t you come with me?”

“No thank you, Auntie Missy, I want to stay here. I want to show Fox something.”

“I know you do, hon, but I just realized we didn’t bring any fun snacks for you guys to take on the train. Let’s go get some candy or a cookie, if they have them. There’s a coffee shop inside. Let’s go see what they have. Come on.”

She took Ivy’s hand and started to walk away, despite Ivy’s half hearted protests, glancing back at them with a smile.

“What are you doing here? I didn’t know you…” Dana shook her head and he smiled, stepping closer to her and wiggling his fingers.

“Surprise,” he said softly and she choked out a laugh as she launched herself at him and he caught her, breathing in her familiar scent and holding her tightly.

“I missed you. So much. I can’t believe you’re here,” she whispered and he hummed, his eyes closed.

“I was thinking about how it would be, waiting for your train to come in and knowing you both were getting closer and closer… I think I would have left a hole in the pavement from my pacing. I thought coming here and surprising you would be better for my nerves.”

She laughed and he felt her nod against him. Pulling back, she looked at him and smiled.

“Hi,” she said again.

“Hello,” he said, smiling as he cupped her cheek, his thumb gently grazing her skin. He looked down at her lips and back into her eyes.

At the same time that he leaned forward, she did the same, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. She whimpered as she clutched at his coat, his hand moving to her neck as his thumb ran along her jaw and he kissed her again.

Her mouth opened slightly and he kissed her bottom lip before moving to the top one, her breath entering his mouth in a warm minty exhale.

Attention on the train platform, the three o’clock southbound train will be arriving shortly.

“Oh,” Dana breathed as she pulled back, her eyes closed, hands still on his chest. “Hmm, I… that…” She opened her eyes slowly and stared at him. “That was good.”

“I completely agree,” he whispered, stroking her jaw with his thumb. He kissed her again, soft kisses that caused her to stumble into him, the hold he had on her tightening.

“You made my knees weak,” she whispered against his lips. “I didn’t think that was something that really happened, but you did it.” She kissed him as he smiled and then she pulled back again.

“You’re a really good kisser,” she breathed and he laughed. He kissed her lips, the tip of her nose, and then her forehead as she hummed.

“You are too,” he whispered, kissing her forehead again.

“My sister will have heard that announcement,” she said quietly. “She and Ivy will be back in a minute.”

“Hmm,” he hummed, kissing her temple and then her cheekbone. “Makes sense as the train is coming soon.” He smiled and she scrunched her chin, her eyes shining.

“I seriously can’t believe you’re here. You… you are such an amazingly good man,” she said, shaking her head. He shook his as well and she placed her hand on his face, running her thumb over his lips. “You are, Fox. You truly are.”

“Thank you,” he whispered, kissing her thumb and smiling.

“I love you. So very much.”

“I love you too. And God, have I missed you. I’m so happy to see you.”

“Me too.”

He turned his head and kissed her palm, smiling at her and then taking her hands into his own.

“Your hands are cold.”

“Are they?” she asked softly and he laughed.

“Should we make you a doctor's appointment? Seeing as you can’t feel your hands?” he teased and she shook her head.

“Not sure there’s any medicine that could be given for one who is lovesick,” she said with a smile and he laughed.

“A kiss would work perhaps?” he asked and she nodded.

“Yes, please.”

Squeezing her hands, he leaned closer and kissed her softly twice before pulling back and smiling at her.

Glancing up, he saw Melissa and Ivy headed their way. Melissa was pointing out something to Ivy, keeping her attention away from looking for him and Dana. Melissa caught his eye and smiled with a nod.

“They're nearly here,” he said, squeezing Dana’s hands and then letting go. “I think there needs to be a conversation with Ivy before we’re overly affectionate in front of her. So she understands my intentions and how I feel about you… and her.”

“Fox Mulder,” she said, smoothing down the lapels of his coat. “God, but I love you.”

“And I love you, Miss Scully.”

“Mommy!” Ivy yelled and he took two steps back from Dana as he smiled at her. “Auntie Missy got some snacks for us.”

“Did she?” she asked, still staring at Fox. “That was nice of her.”

“It was nice of me, wasn’t it, Dane?” Melissa said and Dana turned her head to look at her. She grinned and then handed a small paper bag to Dana. Holding her hand out to Fox, she nodded. “Hello, Fox. It’s nice to meet you properly at last.”

“And you,” he said, taking her hand and smiling, liking her instantly. “Thank you.” He squeezed her hand and she squeezed back, nodding once again, understanding between them at why he had thanked her.

“The train will be here soon. You guys should be ready.”

She let go of Fox’s hand and pulled Dana in for a hug, saying goodbye. Ivy was picked up and then turned upside down as Melissa sang goodbye to her, over and over, and Ivy laughed loudly. Setting her down, Melissa nodded at him and tucked her hair behind her ears.

“Well, I’m gonna head back home now. I leave you in Fox’s very capable hands. Message me when you get home, so I know you’re okay.”

“I will, Mel. Thank you for everything,” Dana said, hugging her again and saying something quietly to her that made her laugh.

“Yeah,” Melissa said, nodding at her as she pulled back. “Goodbye, Ivy Ivy.”

“Bye, Auntie Auntie. Love you.”

“Love you too. Goodbye, Fox.” She held his eyes for a beat and then smiled with a nod. Blowing Dana and Ivy a kiss, she turned and walked through the gathering crowd of people.

Fox looked at the two of them with a smile. Ivy, in the panda items he had bought her, bouncing from foot to foot and humming happily under her breath while Dana smiled at him, her cheeks rosy and eyes shining.

“Well,” he said, clearing his throat, and starting to gather their bags. “We better get ready for the arrival of the train. Get ready to head home.”

“Home,” Dana said with a nod. “Yes, we’d better.”

A bell rang in a soft ding dong fashion and he looked around, his hand on both of his suitcases, his backpack on his back once again.

“Got everything?”

“Yup,” they both said, checking with each other and smiling.

“Good.”

The train arrived and they hefted everything onto it, double checking one more time. Dana began to head towards coach seating, but he stopped her, gesturing with his head to continue to the first class section. Squeezing his hand as she passed him, she shook her head with a smile.

Luggage stowed as the train began to move, they found a table to share, Ivy sitting across from them, her backpack beside her. She opened it, telling him about all she was going to show him and he smiled as he waited for the items to be shared.

The treats Melisa had bought were brought out and eaten as the train traveled down the tracks, the sun setting and lighting the sky with beautiful golds and pinks.

Ivy looked out the window, Pandy on her lap, and gave a running commentary about all she saw, looking for familiar landmarks.

Dana took Fox’s hand under the table, interlacing their fingers and laying her head against his shoulder. He rested his head against hers and closed his eyes with a sigh as he gently squeezed her hand, his heart happier than he ever imagined could be possible.

#the x files #xf fanfic #alternate universe #modern setting #msr #developing friendship #changing relationship #new relationship #declarations of love #kissing #hugging #reunited

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