#good things come...

But there wasn't much he could say beyond polite small talk. He wasn't happy, he wasn't fine, although the hypocrisy wasn't lost on him, father of two by another woman. He wasn't rational, not when it came to her. He was one, big, red, exposed nerve, and life just shoved a taser up his ass. She knew it and didn't stop him when he said goodbye sooner than usual. They both cried for an hour after they hung up.

He went home and helped Emily finish the puzzle she was playing with before dinner, bouncing Danny on his knee. The boy munched on toys and ran a slight fever, but was happy to be a part of the game. Mulder showed him each piece and let the boy guess where it should go, missing every time but laughing anyway. Diane thought it was just another awful case and left them in peace. It wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last.

Mulder was convinced that he didn't have that thing only moms have, that thing that could right all wrongs and made everything better, but if he could take care of himself in college, he could take care of a couple of teenagers. Once it was decided, that the kids would move in with him, he promised himself that under his roof they won't live solely on tv dinners and junk food. He learned to cook something more than pasta and canned soup, they all ate their daily dose of veggies and fruit, went shopping together and shared chores proportionately to their arm's reach and abilities. Lately Emily started helping with the cooking, though her love of salads was disproportionate to their needs. Danny took out the trash each night and didn't have to be reminded to do it anymore. Homework was done, tv was rationed, opinions heard and considered. Sometimes a strong and final no was needed, but those occasions were few and far between, for now at least. If anyone asked, they would unanimously agree that they were fairly happy, and for Mulder, that was something to be proud of.

"Guys, I need to talk to you about something" Mulder began, hoping that the rare pizza dinner wouldn't cloud their brains completely, just softened them a little. Two pairs of curious eyes and full mouths looked up and he almost chickened out, wiping his plate with pizza crust to buy time. Man up, he berated himself, tell them. "You know, I've been helping a friend lately" Danny went back to his food, deciding pizza was more important, but Emily raised her eyebrows and smirked knowingly "set up their new apartment, for her and her son, because they're moving here from Boston" words tumbled out in a rush, the need to explain himself overcoming embarrassment. "She's an old college friend, and she moved there a while ago, and now she's coming back and I'm the only one she stayed in touch with so she kind of has no other friends left around here, just her mother, and I was wondering, if you guys would want to meet her and Will sometime before Christmas" the last part sounded like one word in his ears, leaving deafening silence around the kitchen table. "Okay" Danny shrugged, unfazed, dipping his crusts in garlic sauce as if nothing happened. Mulder looked at Emily, watching the gears behind blue eyes spinning, connecting the dots she collected over the last few weeks. "How old is Will?" she asked, sipping her coke. "He's ten, and probably will go the same school as Danny" that got the boy's attention "Don't worry, you won't have to babysit him or anything, if he's anything like his mom, he'd probably be offended if you tried" The kid snorted and went back to his crusts. Emily kept silent, the good cop bad cop routine in her blood. "Emily, she's a good friend of mine, we've known each other forever, I just want you to know that they are not someone random people and maybe give them both a chance" the silence stretched for an uncomfortable minute. The girl regarded him carefully but finally her expression softened. "Okay dad" He tousled her short brown hair affectionately and Emily shook her head giving him half a smile in return and in that moment, Mulder felt like she was the grown up and he the teenager one step closer to getting what he always wanted.

Will got out of the car, leaving the telescope he guarded with his own life all the way from Boston on the back seat, and looked up, wondering which windows were his. Top floor, so much he knew, the neighboring buildings the same hight or lower, perfect. Queequeg was already sniffing around, marking the nearest tree he could find. "I don't get it" Scully stoped beside them, looking up and down the street, seeing nothing but some parked cars and heaps of swiped away snow, no truck in sight "They should be here by now" Fishing the phone out of her jacket pocket she dialed a number the movers gave her, sinking feeling growing in the pit of Will's stomach. He had funny feelings sometimes and usually they were right. "Hi, this is Dana Scully, we've just arrived, can I ask where you guys are?" she listened for a moment then covered her eyes and sighed, then seconds later her head sprang back up. "Four hours?" she exclaimed, color rising to her cheeks that had nothing to do with the cold "why does it take four hours to change a tire in D.C.?" the man on the other end sounded defensive, speaking quickly. "Okay, but I expect a solid discount for this mess, call me when you get here" Hanging up, she looked at the boy, the struggle to stay calm hidden behind a smile. "You heard that? The truck won't be here anytime soon" "Is everything okay? with our things I mean" Will reeled in the dog's leash. "We'll see once they get here, but we're insured" saving her strength for later, she put one arm around his shoulders, guiding him up the six steps leading to the front door "in the meantime, let's go see the place"

The ride up was fairly short and Will was getting more excited with each floor. "This is yours" Scully declared, stoping in front of brown doors at the end of the hall and showing him bright silver key on a plain ring "Do the honors" Will grinned and unlocked the door, pushing them open into a bright hallway. Dog's paws clicked on wooden floors pulling the boy and his mother inside. The place was warm, smelling faintly of fresh paint and something else, that had no reason to be there. Will went straight through, into the living room and stoped frozen in place. "Mom, come see this!" She knew the view was nice, but it took only few steps to see, that his wonder came from something else entirely. In the corner between two windows stood a tree, a Christmas tree, tall and elegant, filling the place with scent of fresh pine. Blueish green and bare, except for a string of warm white lights and a single funny ornament next to a greeting card. "It's a UFO!" Will laughed looking closer at the silver glass trinket. Scully took the card, knowing exactly who it was from. Mulder's elegant cursive was unmistakable.

Dear Dana and William Welcome home and Merry Christmas Mulder, Emily and Daniel

"Is this from your friend?" Will asked as he knelt down to free Queequeg. "Yes, you like it?" she handed him the card and he read it quickly. "It's awesome, who's Daniel and Emily?" he asked returning the card and she set it on the window sill next to the tree. "His kids, Daniel is about your age" she looked at the twinkling lights and smiled "you want to meet them? We could go and say hi, the truck won't be here until after lunch" "Only if you show me my room first" he dragged her by the sleeve and started to open doors one after another.

They kissed hello, arms around each other for two seconds too long. Her new wedding band didn't stop him nor did she say a word, instead she kissed his cheek once more before letting go. "Happy birthday" Scully smiled, more comfortable in his space space than most married people. "Congratulations" he replied sounding only a little forced, having a few months to get used to the thought of her marrying yet another man, when all he got was a phone call. "Thank you, and thanks for the toaster" she giggled linking her arm through his, pulling him outside and across the street towards tall windows hidden beneath striped awnings.

The bar wasn't crowded, a jazz band played some lazy number for a barely awake audience. Scully caught a passing waitress and whispered a few words, the girl smiled and nodded leaving them to take their seats in a booth in the far corner. She sat by the window and patted the couch beside her. The waitress came back, took their order, disappeared again. "You cut your hair" she smiled, brushing his temple "I like it" "It's been a while" he didn't try to fight the warmth, but let it push the case and the weariness aside "You love this don't you" "It does kind of make me laugh" she admitted, withdrawing her hand "me at a conference, same hotel, I'd like to know the odds on that" "Long, very long" he smiled taking her hand "almost as long as finding a gift I actually like" "Well then, we're both very lucky tonight" leaning into his side, she laced her fingers through his "who goes first, me or you?" "You go first" he made himself comfortable, a fraction of an inch to one side and his lips brushed her temple. "Dad hates my new husband" she admitted. "Your dad probably never liked any guy you dated. Take me for example" he chuckled "Emily isn't even five yet but I begin to understand why he felt that way." "Isn't it a little early to worry about that?" "It changes the perspective you know, today I look at boys and cringe, what if my girl likes a brat like that, was I anything like him?" feeling her warm and as comfortable around him as ever soothed him better than anything he might think of as a distraction an hour earlier. "Mulder, any father would eventually give you his daughter's hand" "Why?" "Because any mom would love to have you as a son" she laughed and sat up, kissing his cheek and smiling wide. Only then he noticed the waitress come back with their order and a huge slice of cake, two small forks on the side. "To long odds" Scully raised her glass, clinking it against his as he joined her toast. They tossed back the shots and before he knew, her lips were on his, burning hotter than scotch, killing brain cells faster than pure ethanol, fast enough to make him chase after her when she pulled back. Realizing what he'd done, head hung low, he laughed at himself, shaking the moment off before looking up. He met her her smile, expecting warm but sad, but instead saw half a promise, quarter of a challenge, eighth of come on, sixteenth of hope and a few drops of why not. On the street outside, twinkle lights draped around the trees made the yellowing leaves shine bright against the city night, shimmering with gold as the wind picked up. They shared the cake, dragging things out, talking about everything and nothing, laughing and drinking until they were, very politely, kicked out.

On their way up, both leaning against the back wall of the elevator, she found his hand, held on when doors opened. He followed.

Scully straddled his lap, knees digging into the mattress, keeping his face in her hands and kissing deeply. Mulder devoured her mouth, each sweep of her tongue matched, as if she was his first and last meal, full lips pressed against hers, breathing loud in his ears. He didn't waste time, large hands firm over the curve of her back, drawing her in without resistance. His shape still familiar despite years that passed, made her give in and relax. However the silk of her blouse wasn't enough, Mulder made quick work of tugging the hem free. Single draw string that kept the sides in place surrendered to his long fingers and once touching bare skin, he closed his arms around her and held on tight, his kisses slowing, finally convinced she wasn't going anywhere without him. Hips grinding shamelessly, grip loosened just enough for him to unhook the bra, push it out of the away, squeeze breasts, flick nipples until hard. He remembered what she liked and the thought made her smile, breaking the kiss into smaller parts, letting them breathe, savor the touch. Short hair felt like silky smooth wires slipping beneath her fingers, when he trailed kisses down her neck, following a path she showed him by leaning back. Letting go one hand at a time, the featherlight silk fell to the floor, sheer lace not far behind. Mulder finally reached her nipple with the tip of his tongue. One arm around her waist other across her back, she felt herself lifted and swung sideways, yelping as she hit the bed, the cool comforter, the bounce made them laugh. His shirt gone in one fluid motion that she always loved to watch, they paused, gazing at each other for a silent moment, searching for a reason to stop. She reached for him the second he leaned in. They hid in each other's arms, as if there was no tomorrow.

Wrapping last of the wine glasses and gently putting it away in a box, Scully sighed and wiped her forehead. She didn’t realize how manny things she accumulated over the years. When she was in college she could make due with two mugs a couple of plates, two pots and a frying pan, now china only filled three boxes weighing what felt like 100 pounds. Glad she wouldn’t be carrying all of it on her back, she taped the box shut and put a warning sticker on each side. Will hasn’t come out of his room for a while so she went to check, if he was packing his toys and books as she asked. “Will? Is everything alright?” she knocked, then pushed the door open. The boy sat curled up on the bed, hugging his stuffed gray alien, quickly wiping his eyes. Queequeg beside him, head on Will’s feet, looked like a ginger ball of sadness. “I’m fine, mom” he tried to sound convincing but a loud betrayed him. “Sweetie” in three steps she was sitting next to him, arms tight around his slim shoulders, the plush toy squished between them. He didn’t cry, but hugged his mom back. Scully didn’t ask what’s wrong, the toy was a birthday gift from his best friend Holly, and as much as Will was excited about the move, the thought of leaving his best behind must’ve been weighing on his young heart. In that moment Scully didn’t care about half empty drawers, toys scattered everywhere, a pile of comic books spilled over the floor next to the bed, she held her son, feeling his pain like it was her own.   “I will never see Holly again” he whispered, voicing the worst of fears spinning inside his head. “You will, when we come visit aunt Missy” she assured him, stroking his back but they both knew it wasn’t much of a consolation. “She will forget me” he sighed, falling deeper into her arms. “No, don’t say that. It doesn’t have to be this way” his silence screamed skepticism and she wanted to give him something to hold on to. She stroked his reddish brown hair, carefully weighing her words “I have an old friend, whom I haven’t seen since before you were born” “So?” the kid sniffed again. “His name is Mulder” she couldn’t help the slight shake in her voice although the boy didn’t yet realize the significance of that particular part of her past “we met in college and after I graduated, he stayed in D.C. and I moved to Boston” “With aunt Missy?” the boy quickly connected the new facts with things he knew already. “Yes, we barely seen each other after that, spoke on the phone once or twice a year” the boy was listening now “So you see, we too were separated and yet, years later, we’re still friends” “You just say that to make me feel better” “No” she dropped a fond kiss on the top of his head, smiling at his wounded tone. Ever since Jack left them, he didn’t like to be treated like a kid, feeling he should be strong for her sake “I met him when I was looking for a place for us, and now he’s helping us set it up. I sent him the sketches we made and he talked to the painters so that I or grandma wouldn’t have to be there.” “Because grandma went to see uncle Charlie in France?” “Exactly, so you see, distance doesn’t have to mean the end of a friendship, there are ways to stay in touch, phones, letters” Will freed himself from her embrace looking a little better, but kept the stuffed alien near by “you just have to give it a chance” “I will” he smiled and they both looked around the room. “You decided which toys you want to keep?” Scully changed the subject and picked up the dog, set him in her lap to scratch behind his ears. “Books, lego and the telescope, everything else can go” “Okay, I’m taking Queequeg for a walk, you can order pizza for dinner” “With whatever I want?” at the mention of pizza Will’s humor was coming back fast. “As long as there’s pepperoni and mushrooms in there somewhere” she laughed and left, taking the dog with her.

The rain kept drumming against the windowsill, their clothes piled together on the floor, his lean runner's body pressed up behind her beneath an odd poster adorning the wall. "I want to believe?" she read out loud and he replied with soft lips pressed to her shoulder.

“Mom can I go out with Danny?” Will came to the living room, where the grownups were having their boring coffee. “Where to?” Scully looked over Mulder’s shoulder, Will already had his jacket in hand. “Just the park” Danny explained coming in after him “we’ll be back before it gets dark” he assured, glancing at his dad, who exchanged quick looks with Will’s mom. “Okay, but don’t go far” she smiled and the boys ran off. Mulder kept his eyes fixed on her, listening to the fumbling of shoes, mittens and jackets. “Bye” they called and the doors clicked shut. She didn’t have time to blink before he was on her, pulling her down on the couch, head on a throw pillow, lips on hers swallowing her surprised laugh. Hands pulling at the hem of her sweater, tongue in her mouth. She couldn’t get enough fast enough, leg around his hips, silky smooth hair beneath her fingertips. He squeezed her breast, lace added friction to the experience. He was wonderfully heavy, and he smelled like heaven, the cologne she gave him subtle enough to mix with his warmth, she felt surrounded by him, sucked into him, and yet not powerless. Tugging gently at his hair, freeing her mouth, brushing his lips as he moved south. “Mulder” sloppy kisses, soft, wet and warm traced a path down her neck, no need to mark her, he did that years ago “what if Emily comes back” He followed the border between skin and lace with the tips of his fingers then pinched her nipple, squeezing again. “She’s at Carols', she won’t be back before dinner” the tip of his nose pushed her head up, throat exposed he kissed her again, slower and more gentle, reassuring and adoring “we got time, ladies choice, bed or couch?” “I want to feel you” she breathed, closing her arms around his shoulders. “Your wish is my command” feeling him move away, Scully locked her arms and legs around his torso and he lifted her, almost effortlessly. “You still work out” she praised, smiling and breathing him in again. Racing pulse woke his scent and her memories of summer nights in tents, naked between sleeping bags instead of sheets, times he carried her on his back, when she took a wrong step, sprained her ankle. “Job requirement” he replied pushing the bedroom door open, and stepping inside he felt her slide to the floor. Scully walked backwards pulling the navy blue V-neck sweater over her head to reveal sheer black lace, barely hiding pink nipples. Her round hips in a black skirt made his mouth water. She crooked one finger and he almost floated of the ground into her open arms. She drew him in, painting the roof of his mouth with her tongue, distracting enough to turn them around and push him to sit on the bed. His hands were warm and calm sliding down her back, finding the zipper pull give easily, feeling the thrill growing with every inch. The fabric pooled at her feet and Mulder stopped, surprised by the bare skin where he expected fabric. He broke free and squeezed her ass glancing down, she wore panties alright, but that was far too many letters for the amount of cover they provided. Ready to reveal her surprise, Scully took a step back and twirled. “You like it?” She asked looking over her shoulder to see him lick his lips at the sight of her hips wrapped in black lace, covering only tops of her buttocks, the curve peeking as if from beneath a curtain. Black thigh-highs and black lace bra made the ensemble look like something out of a magazine he probably kept somewhere near by. She finished the pirouette and gently ran the tips of her fingers along the edge of the cup and down between her breasts. His gaze burned, leaving her flushed wherever if went. “I saw it one night in a store window and thought about you” bending down to picking up the skirt, legs straight and hair falling over one shoulder, she allowed the gravity to do the teasing for her. One step between his thighs to unbutton his shirt, she let him roam free over her body again. “I ” he croaked, cleared his throat “I love it” fingertips outlining the edges of fabric. She tugged the shirt out of his pants and he leaned forward, kissing her belly. "Mulder" a little surprised by his choice at first, she laughed, realizing he was kissing the faint lines of stretch marks, souvenirs from the pregnancy "you're still not over that." "I'll never be over it" he nipped at her hip and reached for the bra hook "I ignored it before, but now I want to see you" She let the bra drop to the floor and with arms around her middle he pulled them down, rolling around in sheets, both laughing. She giggled when he closed his mouth around her nipple and sucked, but then he nipped and licked it, and her giggle became a gasp. Trying to push the panties down he stopped her "Can I unwrap my gift?" "I thought you forgot" he kept kissing her breast, looking at her from under his lashes, tongue laving at the pebbled nipple. "I know, we ain't got all day" he moved down, caressing her sides, kissing each rib and stretch mark, tip of his nose tickled her abdomen, she sighed, ruffling his hair. Lingering nowhere for too long, kissing every inch of reveled skin, gentle fingers hooked beneath the lace and slowly pulled down her panties. She lifted herself to her elbows wanting to watch, but his tongue was on her clit and her head fell back. She could feel him smile while making her writhe. He licked the inside of her thigh, letting her gather her thoughts. "Don't stop" fingers in hair brought him back, two fingers taking over, stroking her from the inside. "If you want more just ask" he teased surfacing for a breath, she searched for support, one leg hooked over his back as he knelt on the floor by the bed. "More" she moaned, back arched of the bed, searching for that sweet spot he purposefully avoided and he obliged. Fingers finally pumping hard, tongue pressed to her clit, flicking it and circling, until she squeezed, pulsed in his hands with a clipped gasp "Oh God". Climbing the bed to rest beside her, hear her panting as he stroked her gently, she looked flushed and dazed, otherworldly beautiful as he licked his fingers. "I meant kids Scully, if you want more, just say the word" he leaned in and kissed her and the tangy taste of her sex was on his tongue. "I will" she said pushing him to lie back, palming him over the denim of his jeans "but right now I want you" Mulder smiled pulling her into his arms.

The park three blocks down shone white. Sun lurked just beyond the clouds when a cold breeze kept the snow from melting down. They raced each other from the door, competitive nature driving them forward, the swept pavement safe, Saturday early afternoon made the street almost empty for them. Everyone was already there, they felt it in their freezing cheeks and misty breaths. "Come on Will" Danny called, surprised he didn't have to slow down for the kid. "Right behind you" he laughed, swirling around the old lady who walked into his path, calling a quick apology as he passed. They ran through green lights, the traffic gods watching over them right up until last crosswalk. Danny caught Will's arm and they waited. "You think there's gonna be fireworks in the park tonight?" Will asked, catching his breath. "They always have something going on, but it's not that big like downtown" the light changed and they walked side by side "I bet we'll go see it together" "You do that every year?" "No, we're at mom's usually, in California" he shrugged "You miss it?" the snow crunched beneath their feet on the white path beyond the gate. "A little, but I don't miss her boyfriend, and how dad would always somehow find a reason to work by now" "Really?" "He'd say something like, the bad guys don't do holidays Danny" he kicked a pinecone someone lost, picked it up "then disappear for the day, leaving us with mom and the rat" "That sucks" Will stayed a few steps behind. "Yeah, the rat's no fun, I like your mom better" he found another lost pinecone, pocketed it with the first one "and dad likes her too. You wanna build a snowman?" he asked without looking back. "Sure" Will replied "how about now?" A snowball hit Danny's back and he turned around swiftly, Will burst out laughing. "I'll get you for that!!" Danny laughed and dropped to his knees, gathering snow in his gloved hands as Will ran, trying to reach the nearest tree to hide behind it, before he could make good on his promise. The snowball whooshed past his ear. "You can try!" He called back reaching his hideout, preparing for another shot. "Try not! Do" the last word came on a huff, snowball sent through the air by the best pitcher in his class, hitting the tree, Will fast enough to hide from it. "Or do not" he finished the line, teasing. Will’s next snowball went sloppy, not even making it halfway across the distance. Danny laughed and threw another one, missing his target by a mile. Gloves wet, snow flying back and forth, Danny moved closer with every pitch, sneaking up on Will, convinced that he’s safe behind his tree. Six feet between them, he kept quiet, soft snowball ready in hand. "Danny?" the boy called out, suspicious of the pause between flying missiles. He moved a little to the side, remembering how Will favored his right. "Dan?" Will stepped out from behind the tree and fistful of loose snow splashed against his coat, dead center of mass. "Bullseye!" hands thrown up in celebration as Will theatrically fell on his back, snow pillowing his fall "Sucker!" still laughing, hand reaching to help his friend up Danny instructed "never let your eyes off the enemy" "Right" Will yanked at his hand making him slip and land right next to him, both of them laughing.

"Can I help?" Will looked a little embarrassed when Danny passed him with an armful of plates. "Sure" kneeling by the oven Mulder glanced over his shoulder and nodded at the counter "you can take the glasses to the table" "Okay" the boy smiled and picking up one in each hand, followed Danny his friend. Scully walked into the kitchen, gently brushing his hair as he passed her. "You raised him well" Mulder whispered getting up, the white apron he wore proclaimed his cooking to be out of this world. "He was always like this" she smiled breathing in the yeasty scent of home made pizza “he just doesn’t like cleaning his room” “I wonder where he got that from” “I’m home” Emily called from the hallway, peeking into the living room. “Just in time” her dad said with a hint of reprimand.   “Smells good” she smiled and waved “hi Dana” “Hi” Scully smiled back, warmly and sincerely. The phone rang and Mulder answered, his grin fading slightly at the voice on the other end. “Hi Diane” he said trying to sound casual “how’s the vacation going?” Standing close to him, Scully couldn't help but catch a thing or two, the woman seemed happy to hear him. Her insecurities bubbled like melting cheese. “That sounds nice, I’ll give you Danny but please make it short, we were just about to eat” he handed the phone to the boy and noticed Scully’s mood slip downward. “We made a snow man, mom” Danny said to the receiver jammed between his ear and shoulder as he took the last two glasses to the table “no, not Emily, me and Will” "Hey, what's wrong?" Mulder rubbed her arm gently as she listened to the conversation with one ear, unable to stop herself, drifting away from him. “Don’t worry” he said, leaning past her for a pair of oven mitts hanging above the stove, arm casually around her “she’s just checking in” She glanced up and the warmth was still there, in his eyes, his smile. "I feel like, this is a dream" she sighed, foolishness of her feelings hitting her. "A very good dream" he supplied, pulling her into his side, fighting the urge to kiss away her doubts. "Em!" Danny yelled at the top of his lungs, startling everyone. "No shouting indoors" Mulder scolded. The bathroom door slammed as Emily came in and took the phone her brother offered.   "Hi mom" she knelt by the dog and scratched him behind the ears, getting next to no response because he was busy keeping a watchful eye over everything going on in the kitchen "no, we're staying home, dad is making pizza" The timer chimed, Queequeg, following Mulder's each step, sat up on high alert, whatever fell of the table was fair game. Mitts on, Mulder opened the door and pulled out the pan, cheese still sizzling, green peppers, pepperoni and mushrooms, as fresh and hot as it gets. "This looks amazing" Scully's mouth watered. "Beats waiting for delivery too" he added. "Mom, I gotta go, say hi to Alex" Emily's hand tightened on the dog's collar as her dad passed them "happy New Year to you too, love you" "Boys, go wash your hands" Scully said and they both listened, almost tripping over their own feet in haste, as if the food would vanish before they came back. Pizza in the middle, they took their places, Will next to Danny, Scully opposite Mulder, on each end of the table, Emily between them. Cutting the pie, apron hung over the back of his chair, Mulder glanced around the table at his kids, his love, and the home cooked dinner. Soft pressure on his knee saved him from tearing up, breaking the trance. "You're here too?" he said to the dog teasingly "Sorry pooch, I don't think there'll be anything left for you this time" finally trusting his voice, he looked up "What are you waiting for?" Cleaned up plates and happy sighs was all he needed to make it worth his while.

Quarter to midnight, they were walking down the street. The boys insisted on showing off their snowman, Emily walked behind them, hands in her pockets, woolen hat pulled over her ears half-listening half buffering their excitement. Scully with her hand under Mulder's arm soaked up the warmth, his and the moment's, ignoring the cold night. She bid farewell to the last twelve months with little sorrow. She finally felt at home and it was a wonderful feeling to hold on to. They found the snowman amidst the crowd, holding a spot for them, staring into the night with his pinecone eyes and arms made of twigs pointing to the sky. People began counting down, gathering loved ones into their arms. Five people tied together with four bits of DNA, three kids, two adults, maybe one family some day. A flash of light ignited the crowd, rainbow of fire burned in the sky. Mulder hugged Emily kissing her cheek, then Danny and Will, his wonderful boys together in one tight embrace, and finally Scully, his long lost love, the one he waited for. The time felt right to press his lips to hers, in front of their children, the world and stars above. He waited for the world to explode from the joy in his heart, but it did not. She stayed in his arms, her back to his front and together they watched the sky burn bright.

Doors to Emily's room were closed, she risked a peek into they boys’ bedroom, Danny in his bed, Will sprawled on the air mattress. Sheets tangled, bare feet peeking from under the blankets, both facing the door. If anyone saw them, they wouldn't be able to deny the boys shared a parent. Scully closed the door gently and pushed the last one open. "Mulder?" It was barely a whisper but he was waiting for her. He pulled back the covers and she climbed in, between the sheets and into his open arms. It was muscle memory, the way their bodies fitted together, a kiss on her neck, shoulder. She shifted to glance behind her and even with eyes useless in the darkness he found her, mouth on hers for a lingering moment. "The world didn't end" he whispered letting her go. "No it didn't" she rested her head on the pillow, lacing her fingers through his. "Happy New Year, Scully" he sighed slipping away, pulling her with him. "Happy New Year, Mulder" she sank into his embrace, following him into the land of dreams.

Coming back from the bathroom Emily wandered to the living room, saw the pulled out couch empty and went back to bed smiling gently.

“We can’t be late” Scully was running around the apartment looking for car keys that somehow always had to hide when she was in a hurry. A phone call from the hospital asking her to come in early because her new boss was about to be called in to perform some emergency surgery. Will already dressed, finished his breakfast in double time although he didn't want the Christmas break to ever end. “Mom, come on” he was waiting by the door, shoes tied, teeth brushed, unruly hair combed as best as possible, ready to face the new school “Mom, I can go alone!” "No honey" she sighed, finding the keys behind the dish she usually left them in, relief palpable as she slipped on her boots "you shouldn’t go alone, it’s your first day too" "But they called you, you can’t be late" he argued, another round of their usual tug-off war over him being old enough. "And I won’t" she smiled and pulled the hat over his head "you got your mittens?" "Mittens, backpack, lunch, everything’s here" he sighed, already picking up Mulder's habits "and I have time." "No, we don’t, come on!" She smiled a broad smile, pushing him out the door, Queequeg barking one last goodbye. Having fixed her lipstick in the elevator mirror, Scully found the phone and dialed. “Hi, it’s me” Will looked up at his mom, watching her relax “I need your help”

The plastic chair in the clinic waiting room creaked as Will kicked his legs mindlessly. He watched the people around, the lady with a crying baby, the old man with a bag of peas against his forehead, a couple of teens the girl's arm in a sling, a folded magazine stabilizing her  hand. And then at his mother, the man speaking to her in low voice, leaning in as if she couldn’t hear him otherwise. He didn’t like it, the man looked odd, stood too close, and mom didn’t like it either. He saw her like this with Uncle Bill, when they argued about something and she couldn’t say what she wanted. Mom was mad. The man put his palm on her arm and she flinched away. Will was ready to get up, go to her but a long dark coat caught his eye, a familiar face smiled from the entrance, spotting him immediately in the crowd and walking swiftly to where he waited. “Hey buddy, where’s your mom?” Mulder knelt by his chair and looked around the room just like Will had. “There, with the other doctor” the boy nodded to the nurses reception desk. Following his gaze Mulder frowned, seeing the exact same things he boy saw, only drawing far more accurate conclusions. “Come on” he said taking the hat out of Will’s hands and pulling it over his head “Let’s go say goodbye and get you to school, Danny’s waiting in the car” “Okay”

Emily didn't have to ask if it was hard to move your whole life someplace new, she had first hand experience. Mulder passed them from time to time, carrying boxes back and forth between rooms, and having done that, decided to help out Danny and Will or they would never go to bed tonight. Emily unwrapped the plates, glasses and mugs, leaving them on the counter to be put away, either into the dishwasher or one of the kitchen cabinets, working in companionable silence until one item caught Emily's eye. "Oh, dad would love this one" she said smiling, holding up a white mug, well used and loved at some point, the edge chipped in one place, the inside a little worn out. The graphic on it showed a boy, sitting on a hovering UFO, a pair of Chuck's on his feet dangling from the edge, looking down at a red haired girl standing in a beam of light. Scully looked up from the dishwasher rack and smiled, taking the mug from her hands. "He did, he gave me this, shortly before I moved to Boston" she rinsed the mug and dried it with a dish towel, then examined the image fondly "It survived a lot over the years" "We have no idea what to get him for Christmas this year" Emily confessed, hoping for some fresh suggestions. "When we were in college he had this thing, it always caught everyone's eye" Scully looked at the girl, then over her shoulder to see if Mulder wasn't around, then leaned in to whisper in her ear.

Some time later, with essentials unpacked and the place looking home enough to sustain life Mulder rounded up the kids and reluctantly they said their goodbyes, taking home a sense of a job well done. With Will in the shower, Scully let herself relax for a moment. Half eaten piece of pie on the coffee table, sinking into the couch, she sipped tea and admired the tree, trying to remember where had she put the Christmas ornaments and if she should take them out or leave the tree the way it was right now. Twinkling lights filled the room with warm glow, soft shadows hiding boxes and all things that needed to be done tomorrow. If only she could keep Mulder to cuddle with right now. “Mom?” Will came into the living room, silent as a cat, startling her from a doze. “What is it sweetie” “Will Danny and Emily come visit tomorrow?” “No, I don’t think so" "Even for a little while?" he whined, trying his best pout. "Will, Grandma is coming back tomorrow, and we still have a lot to do around here" it sounded true and reasonable, but she couldn't stop the light sting of regret from not seeing Mulder either. "Okay" he hung his head, looking as if she canceled Christmas and with a mumbled goodnight went to bed. She knew it was largely a ploy to get her to do what he wanted, but still it made the pain a little sharper. Queequeg got up from his spot by the heater, and came to her, pressing wet nose against her thigh. "You too?" she asked the dog rhetorically, getting nothing more than a blink from the sad black eyes. She got up and went to kiss the boy goodnight.

On the way home, Emily watched the falling snow through the front passenger's window. Getting to know your parent's friends was a process, but it wasn't hard to give them the chance her dad asked for earlier. She had nothing against Scully or Will, liked them actually, and she wasn't a child anymore, not like Danny anyway. At first it felt a little strange to see someone who not as far as this morning was a complete stranger, behave so comfortably around her dad as if a huge chunk of life had already happened. Which in fact was exactly the case, and from the looks of it, they most likely dated,   She thought she'll be angry, expecting the woman to be a glitter bomb with no brain to speak of, but she was wrong. She liked her calm smile and clear eyes, she liked that Dana Scully always knew the answer to every question, had a clear plan. Now, seeing dad around her was like seeing him in a new light. Not so long ago, when he'd come home late from work, physically tired and emotionally exhausted, he'd force a few smiles for their sake and as soon as he'd think they weren't watching, he'd sink into the couch to stare mindlessly at the tv until he fell asleep. It was happening more often than he'd like to admit. Yet since he came back from that date, and now she knew it was a date with Scully, he wasn't as depressed as he used to be. Now, although they were all tired, he smiled and listened to Danny talk about Will's comic book collection and how many times Will thought he saw a UFO through his telescope. It felt as if something healed inside him, and she knew it was all thanks to Dana Scully.

"Grandma!" Will shouted and jumped in the air, hand waving above the crowd, trying to get Maggie's attention. She spotted him and waved back, bag trailing behind her like a faithful dog, used to traveling back and forth between her children scattered around the world. Now when she had her favorite daughter and grandson close to home, she would be happy to breathe a little. "Will" she hugged the boy who flung himself into her arms the moment she stepped through the gate "you've grown since last time I saw you" Scully hugged her mother a little tighter than usual "He did not"   "So good to have you here Dana" she sighed, rubbing her back a little, truly happy to be home, with family. "It's good to be back" Scully kissed her mother's cheek "How's Charlie?" "Oh, you know your brother, he has a new boyfriend and is up on cloud number 9 all over again" "Let's hope this time it last longer than Valentines" Scully sighed, equal parts fond, concerned and exasperater "This means he's not coming for Christmas?" "No, they have a week planned in Provence, from Christmas Eve till New Year's Day, and he wishes he could be here" "But he's not really sorry and we'll all get lavender scented candles" Scully finished for her, smirking. "He's got a wonderful scarf for you too" Maggie hugged her non-nonsense daughter who not-so-secretly had a dozen of scented candles, bath salts and oils in her bathroom "I got it with me, and you'll get it for Christmas" "What have you got for me, Grandma?" Will walked backwards through the crowd, somehow managing not to bump into anyone. "It's a secret and you'll have to wait to find out" "But you told mom!" He argued. "Because your mother hates surprises" "It's not fair" Will turned, playing frustrated, making both of them laugh.

Scully unlocked the door and before she knew Queequeg was dancing around Maggie's feet. "Sorry about the mess, we're still unpacking" "It's okay, I didn't expect you to get everything done in one evening" "We had help" Will chimed in, wrestling with his scarf "from Danny and Emily" "Who?" Maggie handed Dana her coat and immediately Will pulled her away, ignoring the question and pushing open one of the doors "This is my room, it's bigger than mom's" "Very nice" Maggie praised and hugged him, dropping a kiss on top of his head before moving on to the living room, where she paused a little surprised "You just moved in, but you found the time to put up a Christmas tree?" "It was a housewarming gift" Scully said brushing past her into the kitchen, to put coffee on "from Mulder" "Danny's dad" Will added by way of explanation, unaware that his grandmother knew perfectly well who Mulder was. "How sweet of him" she smiled, glad that some things didn't change despite the years that passed "Will, I've got something for you in my bag, could you get it for me?" "Sure" he ran off and Maggie followed her daughter, taking a place at the table. "So, Will met Fox" "Yes" Scully stood with her back to the room, filling the pot with fresh water "and his kids, the boys are apparently best friends now" "Dana" the older woman sighed, concerned but not really surprised. "Got it" Will came back running and Maggie smiled at him, rummaging through her purse until she found a small box. "Here you go, that's from Uncle Charlie" "A Concorde model!" Will exclaimed and shook the box, making plastic parts rattle before he ran of to his room, already tearing it open. "What do you say Will?" Scully shouted after him, placing the last of the pie on the table. "Thank you!" the door slammed behind him and Maggie looked up at her daughter. "They met" she stated, Scully nodded, reaching for mugs and milk for coffee from the fridge "and?" "Mulder didn't say anything" she kept her voice low in case Will came back for something. "You think he noticed anything?" "I don't know" the coffee machine gurgled in the background, Scully hid her face in her hands, the words came out muffled "but you should see them together mom, Will and Danny, they look like two peas in a pod" she sighed letting go of the fear that kept coming back in waves since yesterday. Peeling one hand free and squeezing it in silent reassurance, Maggie spoke softly "You have to tell him, soon" "I know" Scully looked up at her mom, the angel who forgave her adultery and loved her son without reservations. Her warm gaze and smile was something Scully could depend on, even more than her own judgment. Glancing at the pie, the older woman's smiled widened. "Now I know you don't usually bake, not to mention the lack of time, don't tell me this is" "It's all Mulder, mom" Scully smiled and cut them each a solid slice. Maggie took a bite and sighed, just like Scully the first time. And no wonder, from all the men in her daughter's life, boyfriends, even husbands, Mulder was always her number one.

Mulder's week flew by. Between work and Christmas shopping it consisted mostly of standing in lines and sitting in traffic. Still, by Friday the turkey was waiting in the freezer, the produce for stuffing were bought and chopped. He made the pie on Christmas Eve, the scent putting all three of them in festive mood. What seemed daunting at first turned out to be quite exciting, and he felt more confident about this fancy-ish dinner with his brutally honest kids than about taking them to see their mom in California and facing three awkward days of sunshine and her new man, to whom he was completely indifferent. He bought two ugly sweaters in memory of his mother who passed away last summer, and one item each from the kid's Christmas lists. The softest blanket he could find for Emily and adult sized acoustic guitar for Danny. The gift he'd grudgingly buy for Diane, was blissfully easy to pick when it came to Scully, although they agreed they wouldn't exchange gifts. A pair of soft leather gloves and a book of feminist poetry, for Will he found a puzzle, two thousand pieces of night sky with Milky Way in the middle. If the boy was as stubborn as his mother, he won't be able to resist the challenge. As Mulder prowled the mall during lunchtime in search for these gifts, his mind kept wandering to a comfortable apartment where a young boy most likely helped his mother unpack shopping bags of her own, pestering her with millions of questions. He watched Danny and Will reading comic books instead of unpacking and assemble the telescope, dragging him to come see the lights they saw through it, pulling his leg knowing perfectly well that it was a plane approaching landing. He couldn't believe how similar the boys looked, even acted sometimes. His psychology training spun theories in his gut, memory brought back facts he pushed out of his mind, his brain did the math. Now, deep down in his heart, he had a feeling and a few questions of his own, all he needed was a right moment to ask.

Waking up to a buzzing phone became Mulder's favorite part of his morning, but on this particular Christmas Sunday, apart from now customary text from Scully wishing him a great day, he woke up to loud sounds of wrapping paper being ripped apart followed by happy gasps and cheers. With a warm smile he gathered himself up and trotted to the living room, changing bed for couch, dropping a kiss on each head on his way, thankful for groans and yucks and you-have-to-do-that-s. "This had your name on it" Emily pushed a large cylindrical package into his hands. "You didn't have to do this" he sighed, happily exasperated. "You always say that" Danny munched on a candy cane, tuning the guitar as Mulder forced his way though layers of wrapping paper. "Did you pay the salesgirl to pack it extra tight?" "Gently! It's" Emily tried to warn him but he tore through the package and found a foil wrapped roll of glossy paper. Tugging at the last layer, he peeled it off in one long transparent lock of plastic and unrolled the poster, his eyes growing wider with every inch. "No way!" Mulder exclaimed, the paper rustling through his hands, the UFO and the white letters at the bottom feeding his grin "Who told you about this?" "Santa" Emilly said innocently, wrapping herself in her new blanket. "More like Scully" he smiled and leaned over to kiss Emily's cheek, knowing full well it was her doing. She scooted closer and caught the end, unfolding the image to see it in it's full glory again. Bold letter at the bottom shouted 'I want to believe' into the sky or at whoever lay his eyes on the poster, and it was probably the most essential truth about their father, who never buried his missing sister, who believed in mystic creatures and aliens despite getting into the heads of worst scum of the earth on daily basis. He believed in them, that they could be whoever they wanted, Danny who preferred music over sports, herself the computer geek bored by dolls. Emily watched her father smile, some memory glowing through his eyes and was glad she asked Scully for advice.

The turkey didn't burn into a black unidentifiable mass, no one sustained any injuries operating a hot frying pan, the cranberry sauce was too sour to eat but other than that, they licked their plates clean. Scully and Will came, gifts in hands, kisses and hugs and well wishes exchanged. They shared promised pie and the kids disappeared in Emily's room to watch a movie, leaving the adults on the couch. "You told Emily about the poster" he whispered, keeping his arm around her, watching her play with a twig of mistletoe he just used as an excuse to kiss her breathless. "I just told her that you had something like it and where she could find it" she turned to kiss the corner of his mouth sweetly "not that we argued over it, naked between the sheets after the first time we had sex" "Thank God" he sighed, brushing her lips again "it was a great night, wasn't it." "One of best nights of my life" she snuggled closer, wrapping one arm around his chest. "by the way, my mother sends you her best wishes, " "She knows we're" he paused, looking for the right word. "Seeing each other?" she supplied, filling the words with much more warmth than they implied "yes, she always liked you." "Really? I thought she was so sweet for people in general" he stifled a yawn, the week and the day catching up to him surrounded by her warmth. "Tired?" Scully asked freeing herself from his embrace, noticing his hooded eyes and sleepy smile, he missed her immediately "why don't you sit here, while I clean up" "Leave it, it's just dishes" he tried to keep her hand in his, but she got up and, cupping his cheek kissed him sweetly one last time. "Rest for a while, I'll handle the cleanup" he gave up, simply happy to have her around. "Maybe I could rest my eyes for a few minutes"

Kids loved the pasta for lunch, eating like all teens, exchanging stories with new friends, noisy and happy. Emily nudged Danny under the table, when his story about their vacation on the Vineyard, when they saw a white shark swimming by, close enough to touch, veered too far from the truth and began resembling the script of Jaws. Mulder sat across the table from Scully, both laughing at them. Their eyes meet over the food and noise, both trying to name the thing they felt growing around them. The movers called somewhere around 4pm and they all went to help. The large furniture that came on a separate truck was already brought in, boxes were loaded into the elevator and traveled up to their designated rooms. The movers trembled in face of Scully's anger, her cold fury coming back with vengeance the moment she saw them. All involved determined to wrap up the whole operation in the shortest amount of time possible.

Locking the door behind the last one of the movers, she leaned against them and sighed, she felt like it was the longest and at the same time the shortest day of her life. "It's done" she let Mulder pull her into a hug and made the most of the warm reassurance his arms could provide. "We should start with the bedrooms, in case you fall apart mid-box" rubbing her back and rocking her gently "I ordered Chinese, it should be here in half an hour or so" "Thank you" the soft, well worn wool of his sweater felt like home she forgot she had long ago. "Come on, let's start with your bed, the kids can do Will's room, just give them the sheets, Emily will handle the rest" As she handed out the bedding and stopped Will from showing off his telescope first, Mulder had boxes pushed out of the way and the mattress back in its' the frame. She found him sprawled across it, arms folded under his head, shoes kicked off, ankles crossed dangling off the edge. Closing the door, careful not to make too much noise, she stepped out of her shoes and crossed the room "Mulder?" He opened one eye and reached for her hand, yanking at it just enough to tip her over and land on the bed beside him. "This is one comfortable bed, Doctor Scully" he said quietly, lifting himself on one elbow to look at her. "We're not doing this now" she warned, but didn't stop him, when half of his body covered hers, hand caressing her side seeking skin to touch. Neither did she protest when he leaned down, capturing her lips with a low, satisfied hum. Instead she pulled him closer, fingers twined in his hair, squeezing all she could from the brief moment they had. When their lips parted, they both breathed a little harder then usual. "I know" he smoothed out her t-shirt but kept his hand on her side "I just couldn't resist" "I know what you mean" Scully drew him into another kiss, his hand on her breast squeezing enough to make her shiver. This time it was him who broke free. "Okay, time out" he sighed, rolling off of her and onto his back, both panting "let's just relax for a minute" She found his hand, fingers lacing, speaking softly "You have great kids Mulder" The image of Danny and Will, standing side by side came back, but he hid it away quickly, afraid of saying too much "Will seems like a pretty cool kid too, I'm glad they hit it off from the start" "So am I" he brought her hand to his lips and sat up, pulling her with him. "Come on, let's get this done before we get caught" "I'm starving" she admitted and right on cue, the bell rang.