#oholyno

He arrived at the Christmas party with the simplest of plans: find her in the crowd, confess his love for her and hope for the best. The best has happened without him having to lift a finger. He grins, letting Scully lead. That has always been the way to her heart.

“Where are we going?” he asks her.

“I don’t know,” she admits. “Just- away.”

That’s enough for him. They’re standing in front of the elevator, waiting. Their hands till entwined, they turn to each other. They’re both slightly out of breath, but breathing in sync. The smile on Scully’s face is carefree and reckless. He doesn’t know what he looks like, can’t even begin to guess, but he knows he’s full of love for her.

She said she’s scared and he’s taking it to heart. He won’t confess his love for her now, or here. The words want out, but he can keep them inside a while longer. Until she’s ready to hear them and not give him another “Oh, brother”. He knows what she’s feeling. He knows it’s love. He’s seen it in bright colors, has heard it loud and clear when he could read her mind. For now, that’s all he needs.

“Away sounds good,” he says, stepping closer to her. The elevator is taking its time. Standing here in a hallway isn’t the most romantic setting for a first kiss. Her only stipulation though was for them to get away from their ex-partners. What were the chances of Diana and Ethan being there? They could have avoided this if only they’d talked beforehand. But they’ll never learn.

“Why are you smiling?” she asks, sporting a smile herself.

“You,” he says simply. “You make me smile.” She blushes furiously and it makes him hold her closer. Anyone could see them here but so far, she doesn’t seem to mind. He, of course, couldn’t care less who sees them.

“Where is that damn elevator?” she mumbles, slipping from his embrace and pressing the button a few more times. He follows her, needing to be close.

“Hey you,” he says quietly and it sounds loud here with no one around. She turns to him and tips up her face. He’s been reading her expressions for years. He knows this one; it’s impatience. She, too, wants this. Their first kiss. All they have to do is take that last step. But Mulder hesitates. Should he just plunge in or resist and wait until they’re out of here?

“Mulder?” He’s been thinking so hard, analyzing this to death, that he hasn’t noticed how close they’ve come. Like magnets, they’ve drawn close. Their bodies have no doubts or tribulations. They know exactly what they want. Their heads are the problems.

“I can’t wait,” he says, his eyes fluttering shut. Their heads move closer and there she is; he can smell her. Her breath comes fast, and so does his. Their noses bump together in their blind approach and they both giggle. Mulder cracks one eye open to see hers closed, and her mouth open slightly. An invitation. She, too, doesn’t want to wait any longer.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Yes,” she breathes and he can taste the word on his lips. This is the moment. This is it. His heart is hammering against his chest and his whole body buzzes. There’s music somewhere in his head, growing louder and louder. Their lips brush for the first time and then, in that same instance, the elevator dings and the doors open. They jump apart flustered and come face to face with the smiling faces of a group of Christmas carolers dressed as elves and reindeer.

“Silver Bells,” one of them sings, and the others join in, “It’s Christmas time in the city. Ring-a-ling, hear them ring.” Mulder stares at the carolers, dressed in green and red before his eyes find Scully. She’s biting her lip, her cheeks red as ripe tomatoes, and her eyes full of glee. He smiles, touching his lips absent-mindedly. They tingle in anticipation of what’s to come. But first, he takes a deep breath, and when the carolers are back on the chorus, he joins in.

“Ring-a-ling,” the carolers sing and Mulder answers with a slightly out-of-tune “ring-a-ling" of his own. He grins at Scully all the while, and she looks at him as if he’s hung the moon. They may not be kissing yet, but this moment is theirs all the same.

“Hey, you should join us.” One of the carolers shakes his hand after the song. “We’re here for the Christmas party.”

“Maybe next year,” Mulder says. “I have a date.” The whole group turns to look at Scully, who’s slipping away into the elevator, barely waiting for Mulder to join her.

“We need to get out of here,” she says.

“I will follow wherever you go,” Mulder says. The elevator takes them downstairs, and then, a few glorious moments later, they’re outside. “I took a cab here.”

“So did I,” Scully says.

“Should we-” He doesn’t get to ask his question because just then, a snowflake lands on his nose. Then another, and another, and another. Scully lifts her face to the sky, snowflakes catching in her lashes. He’s been waiting for the perfect moment, and he doesn’t know who he has to thank, but he knows he won’t wait another second.

He touches her arm and she turns to him, her mouth turned upwards. He pulls her close and she crashes into his chest. He lowers his head, their mouths meeting halfway. Finally. Their lips moving against each other, their tongues getting acquainted, he thinks he hears music again. But he only smiles, kissing her until they’re both out of breath.

“I’d ask to take you home,” Mulder says, not letting her out of his arms, “but-”

“I’m taking you home with me,” Scully says and it’s settled.

“He’s walking Toodles. Why?” She pretends to occupy herself with making dinner. Her mother must have been in the middle of cooking when the weed from the cookies hit. Scully has no idea what her mother was planning to make.

“Didn’t expect to see him here. Family Christmas and all.”

“Mom invited him.”

“I respect him, you know.” Scully turns to him, her face full of shock. “You can send him away a million times and he just comes back. He’s like-, it’s like- he’s like Toodles.” Bill snickers and as if to signal that the conversation is over, he opens the fridge, his face disappearing inside. She’s gonna ignore that he brother compared Mulder to a dog and decides it’s still better than Bill hating on him. Though his good-natured mood might just be because of the weed cookies. She’s tempted to keep a few, just in case Bill turns back into a grouch.

By the time Mulder and Toodles return from their walk, a new bond between the two newest family members, Bill has fallen asleep as well. He’s half leaning against the armchair in the living room, a gnawed at carrot in his hand that Toodles steals from him without a hint of remorse.

“Hey, you.” Mulder is grinning and putting his arms around her. He’s been gone half an hour and she missed him. She has it bad. Who knew a kiss and a night of passion could change so much about them? This is what she wants. She doesn’t want this cookie-cutter house that looks like all the others in the neighborhood, with interchangeable families. But she wants this. She wants them to come home to each other. Maybe a dog and maybe… no, she won’t allow herself that dream. Not today. Not this Christmas. It’s been two years since Emily and the memory of her, while scarred, is always present.

“I hope you didn’t power yourself out,” she says, turning around in Mulder’s arms and tipping her face up to his. There’s mischief in his eyes.

“Do you have special plans with me, Agent Scully?”

“I do,” she says and leans up to kiss him softly. She can’t get enough of him and his taste. If she could, she’d drag him upstairs and have her way with him. And judging by his look, that’s exactly what he thinks she’s offering. She’ll have to disappoint him – and herself. “We need to go and get the Christmas tree. Usually, it’s Bill’s job. Today it’s going to be us.”

“I like the idea of us,” he admits, punctuating his words with a kiss. They need to stop kissing or they’ll never get out of the house.

“We need to go – now.”

“What’s the hurry?” Mulder asks, nuzzling her cheek and her neck. He makes a very valid and persistent point and she feels herself give in, her hands gripping his sweater, ready to tear it off. Toodles barks and they jump apart. Mulder grumbles. “Toodles, I thought we were friends,” Mulder says to the dog.

“Toodles is right. We need to get going. It’ll be too late otherwise and Mom would be sad.” She sees the change in his expression. Mulder is too much of a sweetheart and he loves her mother too much to cause her any disappointment.

“Lead the way, G-Woman.”

*

The Christmas farm is crowded, and instinctively, Mulder reaches for her hand. She can barely pay attention to the trees because it hits her that she and Mulder are a couple. They didn’t talk about it; between having sex all night, running into her mother, flying to San Diego, and confiscating weed cookies, there hasn’t been any time for serious conversations. And they aren’t very good at them anyway.

With Mulder’s warm hand around hers, she has to face the facts. They have crossed a line, one they’ve been tiptoeing around for ages. He’s flown across the country to be here with her and her family. What if they’re moving too quickly after all?

“Hey,” Mulder says, unaware of her conflicting thoughts. “What do you think about this one?” Leave it to her partner to choose one of the biggest Douglas firs they have here.

“Don’t you think it’s… too much?” What she really wants to know is whether he has the same doubts she has. Back at the house, everything was fine. Now, with Mulder grinning at her, his hand around the fir, she feels like she did the night they ran into a scantily dressed Diana; she feels the need to run away.

“I think it’s perfect,” Mulder says. “But we can keep looking if you want.” She sees him mouth a “bye” to the tree and her heart fills with love. This is Mulder. Her Mulder. And that’s the root of it all. The fact that this is Mulder makes this whole thing so scary. One wrong step and she’s going to lose him. Not just as her boyfriend – though she can’t imagine ever calling him that – but as her best friend and partner, too.

“What about this one?” The next tree is smaller, but still huge in Scully’s eyes. What if it doesn’t fit? What if they’re making a mistake? “Scully, it’s just a tree.” Mulder’s voice is gentle and reassuring. She nods, trying to keep her lips from quivering.

“Do you want to get one of those mini trees over there?”

“Let’s look at them.” The small trees are as lackluster as Mulder’s expression. He wants the big tree. He’s ready to jump in, just like always. Will she jump in after him?

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asks her, reaching for her hand again. “Damn Scully, your hand is ice-cold.” He sandwiches it between both of his, warming her. All she can do in return is stare at him. His eyes that are always curious and always searching for hers. His nose that she knows he struggles with and that she just loves. His mouth with the pouty bottom lip that she’s tasted now. His jaw that’s full of confidence and defiance. Her Mulder. Her love. Why was she so scared just moments ago? She's not anymore, not in the least. She opens her mouth, ready to say the words she’s been wanting to say, that he’s already uttered once before.

“Mulder, I lo-”

“Watch out!”

The words cut through the moment and are emphasized by a loud crack and a sound that reminds Scully of an old wooden door falling shut. She doesn’t have enough time to think about it. She sees Mulder blanch and reach out for her. She, however, remains rooted to the spot but turns around, glimpsing a bunch of blurred green before the fallen fir lands on her, burying her under it.

“Help me get it off her!” Scully hears Mulder’s panicked voice and her attempt to assure him that she’s fine almost ends with her having a mouth full of fir needles.

“Holy shit, Scully.” As soon as the tree is lifted off her, she’s in Mulder’s arms. “Are you okay?” His hands touch her everywhere, surveying the damage. “Talk to me, please.” He isn’t the only one waiting for her to say something. There’s a small crowd, some more shocked than others.

“We need a doctor,” someone says.

“I am a doctor,” Scully says. “I am… okay. Really.” Almost as if bored or disappointed, the crowd dissolves, and people continue to go about their business. Except for a man who’s wringing his hands.

“I’m so sorry,” he says. “My son, he… I should have made sure there was no one close by.” Mulder takes a step forward and Scully stops him with a hand on his arm.

“Nothing happened. I’m fine.” Mulder winces next to her. Once the man has taken the tree and his son away, she turns to him. His smile is shaky as he plucks a few fir needles from her hair.

“Green looks good on you,” he jokes feebly. “How are you? Are you really okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” She feels lightheaded looking at him and trying to keep up with his quick-fire questions.

“I think I-” Mulder catches her around the waist when she falters.

“Yeah, we’re going to the hospital.”

“Mulder, no. No, I’m okay. I just think- I think I need to lie down.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am sure. Let’s get a tree and-”

“Fuck the tree. I’m taking you home.”

“We can't go home empty-handed,” she says, gently touching his cheek. “Let’s get the first one you showed me. The big one.” She’s ready she decides. Her doubts almost felled her, but she won’t be easily beaten. Her head is spinning as she sits in the car waiting for Mulder. He’s grinning when he pays for the tree. Something good has come out of this after all.

Tara and Matthew are home when she and Mulder arrive back at the house. Matthew skids into her arms with a bright smile and a kiss on her cheek.

“There was an accident,” Mulder says to no one in particular. “We, um- Dana was, well…”

“What happened, Dana?” Tara asked, worried. Bill who must have slept it off is looking her up and down before he glances at Mulder, probably wondering if he can blame him for whatever happened.

“Some idiot-,” Mulder starts and Scully stops him, motioning towards Matthew. “Some guy wasn’t paying attention and a tree fell on her.”

“I’m fine,” Scully says as an answer to the collective gasps from her family.

“Go lie down,” Mulder says softly, his hand on her back. “I’ll bring you tea and something to eat, all right? Take it easy for today.” She finds herself nodding, ascending the stairs. Mulder is about to face Bill, Tara, Matthew, and her mother all on his own.

She removes the suitcase she never got around to unpacking from her bed and crawls under the comforter. The last few days are catching up with her quickly. She feels exhaustion sweep her away, her eyes heavy. She can hear her family including Mulder chatting downstairs and it’s like a sweet lullaby. She’s half asleep when she hears footsteps on the stairs.

“Hey, I’m sorry.” That’s not Mulder’s voice, it’s her brother’s. Scully pretends to be asleep, suddenly feeling more alert. “I’m still not- those weed cookies were something.”

“I just want to be around,” Mulder says softly, and Scully tears up.

“My mother said- when you two were still gone and we were, um, the weed was wearing off, she said to me, she said that you and I aren’t so different. That we both love Dana. I just wanted to know… is it true? Do you love my sister?” Scully holds her breath, thankful she left the door open. She can see their shadows dancing in front of the bedroom, and she can hear them loud and clear.

“More than anything in the world,” Mulder says without hesitation. There’s not a single hitch in his voice. He’s calm and soft-spoken. “She’s my best friend and my confidante. She’s the smartest person I know. She’s amazing at her job. She is kind and passionate. I don’t know why she chose this life, Bill. Or me. But she did. I know you wanted something else for her and hell, some days I do, too. She’s stubborn as a mule – I love that about her, too. So to answer your question, yes, I love her. I intend to be here with her as long as she wants me to be.”

There’s a long pause and Scully wishes she could see her brother’s face. She wishes she could kiss Mulder and pull him into bed with her. The pillow under her cheek is wet from her tears. Happy tears.

“I will still keep an eye on you,” Bill says.

“I wouldn’t expect anything else.”

“And I'm not going to hug you.”

“Oh please, no. I’m just going to check on Dana and see if she needs anything.” A moment later, one pair of footsteps retreats and another comes closer.

“Scully?” Mulder whispers and she can’t help but smile. She no longer wants to pretend. Neither does she want to run away anymore.

“I’m awake.”

“I brought you some tea,” Mulder says, “and a few cookies. Not the weed cookies. Your mother is making dinner. She sent me up to thank you for getting the tree. How are you?”

“Tired,” she says honestly. “Long day.”

“Very.”

“You’re tired too? There’s enough space here.”

“Scully, are you coming on to me? In your brother’s house?”

“Maybe,” he says and the girl’s eyes grow wide.

“He’s not Santa,” one of the older kids says. “He’s Aunt Dana’s boyfriend.”

“Auntie Dana is married to Santa Claus!”

“Hey Scully,” Mulder says, while the kids start looking through the gifts, the adults filing into the living room, not even half as excited as their offspring. “Did you hear? We’re married now.”

“Hm?” She’s barely awake, cracking open an eye. How she slept through all this is a mystery to him. She can sleep anywhere, anytime – and through everything. It makes him fall in love with her just a little bit more. After last night, he didn’t think that was possible. The gift she gave him means more to him than he could put into words. And then there was what she said to him. I love you. She said it, the three small words. The jury is still out on how they’ll cope once they’re back in the real world, away from this candy cotton-flavored fairytale they’re living. But he’s hopeful. He’s a believer.

“Let’s get some coffee, hm?” Mulder helps her up and leads a sleepy Scully into the kitchen where they meet Mrs. Scully.

“Good morning, you two.” She and Mulder exchange a smile, Scully goes straight for the coffee. “Do you have any idea who did this?” Mrs. Scully asks and points at the kitchen table where an elf sits with an engagement ring in his hand. She’s looking at him as if waiting for him to admit that he’s the one who put it there, ready to ask Scully for her hand in marriage. For once, he's completely clueless.

“Um,” is all that he gets out. Scully, now with a cup of coffee in her hand, joins him and almost chokes.

“Mulder?” she asks, her voice squeaky.

“No,” he says quickly. “It wasn’t me. I swear.”

“It was me,” Bill says, walking into the kitchen with Matthew in his arms. Both father and son look like they didn’t get much sleep. “I had some help from my own little elf, right, Matty?” The boy grins up at his father.

“You’re already married,” Scully says

“I know, but I-” he trails off when Tara walks into the kitchen. Mulder just watches the two of them, a smile appearing on his face. “There she is,” Bill says, reaching for her hand. Tara comes cheerfully, giggling, and exchanging looks with the rest of them.

“What is happening here? Why is our elf on the shelf holding a ring? Bill?”

“Tara Scully, I want to ask you to marry me – again. We had to get married so quickly last time because I was leaving. This time I want us to have the big wedding you always dreamed about. Our son will be there, and our families. What do you say?”

“Oh, Bill.” She throws herself at her husband and her son who squeals in delight. Mrs. Scully, teary-eyed, joins in. Mulder pushes Scully towards her family and she goes willingly. He just watches the moment, glad he was able to witness it.

“That is the best Christmas gift you could have given me,” Mulder hears Tara whisper, crying openly. He wants to quietly slip away, thinking he should leave them alone now. Someone grabs his arm and to his surprise, it’s not his Scully.

“I’m hoping you’ll be there, too. When Tara and I get married,” Bill says. “As my sister’s date.” Mulder swallows hard and nods.

“I’d love that. Congrats, by the way.” Bill gives him a handshake and a nod. Maybe one day they will manage a hug. Looks like this won’t be the last time he’s present at a family event.

“So,” Mulder says later, with Scully tugged into his side on the couch, the Christmas celebrations going on around them. “Your brother invited me to his wedding.”

“He did.”

“It was a cute proposal.” He’s not going to ask her any time soon. Or maybe ever. He knows he wants to spend the rest of his life next to her. They don’t need the party or the paper. “Hey, maybe at the wedding we can investigate the case of the stolen purple dildo.” Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Scully chuckle.

“You’re not going to give up on it, are you?” she asks him, her head against his shoulder.

“Have you ever known me to give up?” he jokes, but when she turns to him, she’s serious.

“No,” she says. “I haven’t. It’s one of the many reasons why I love you.”

“What are the others?” He’s grinning. He can’t stop. If he could, he’d preserve this moment in time. As if reading his mind, Mrs. Scully and her new digital camera find them. She’s smiling when she asks him to sit still so she can take a picture. Mulder puts his arm around Scully and grins. This is the first of many. Maybe he’ll frame it and put it up, too. Just like his picture of Samantha.

A part of him will always peek into the past, remembering his little sister. But he can commemorate this too. His and Scully’s love; a slice of happiness. He doesn’t know what’s to come, but he’s ready for it. Scully smiles at him, kisses his cheek, and giggles, mumbling something about him being scratchy. And Mulder laughs, too, the happiness just bubbling up inside of him.

Tomorrow they’ll face the world again. Mulder knows he’ll have to talk to Diana. Make her see and understand that all he’s interested in is her friendship. If she won’t listen, he’ll let her go. While spending the day with Scully and her family, Mulder gets an email with a possible new case. He shows it to Scully and he sees the interest flicker in her eyes. But that’s for later. He shuts off his phone and Scully raises an eyebrow.

“The only person I’d want to hear from today is currently giving me an adorable look.” She kisses him, laughing against his lips.

Back at the house, it’s late and quiet. Scully finds Mulder asleep on the couch and she says goodnight to her mother, Tara, and Bill. Once she’s sure they’re all upstairs, she joins Mulder on the couch, snuggling against him. He grumbles, and she waits to see if he’s woken up.

“Back already? What time is it?”

“Late. Do you want to go upstairs?”

“Um, no. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but one of the kids threw up in your bedroom.” Scully grimaces. “So I said they should just stay up there and we’d take the couch.”

“Ever the hero, hm?”

“I try,” he says with a grin. He looks sleepy and she touches his face, following the lines she knows so well. “How was it?”

“I honestly don’t know. I wasn’t paying attention.”

“You rebel.” He grins.

“It’s your fault. I kept thinking about you.”

“If it’s any consolation, I was thinking about you the whole time too.” He proves it by gently kissing her and she forgets what they were even talking about. She lets herself enjoy their intimacy for a moment, knowing they can’t take it anywhere tonight while they’re sleeping on the couch.

“It’s because,” she says, breaking the kiss and licking her lips. “I was wondering if your mission was successful.”

“Mission purple dildo? It wasn’t.” Scully watches him, waiting for him to continue. “I have no idea who snatched it, but it’s gone.”

“Someone took it.” He nods. “You couldn’t find it anywhere?” He shakes his head no. “Must be an x-file.” His expression is so adorable that she just has to kiss him again.

“You know,” he says. “It’s after midnight.”

“And?”

“And that means it’s Christmas. Merry Christmas, Scully.”

“Merry Christmas, Mulder.”

“We can exchange gifts. Oh, wait. One of your cousins asked us – well, me to put out the last few gifts for the kids. One of them is getting a bike and he didn’t want them to know.” There’s a gleam in his eyes. He didn’t get excited earlier in the day, but he is now, and it touches her that he can’t wait to play Santa with her.

“Let’s do this.” They bring in the bike and several bags of gifts, tiptoeing around, closing every door as quietly as they can. Toodles follows them around, making it difficult to navigate around him. But they manage. They giggle as they listen for any sounds from upstairs but there is nothing. Everyone is fast asleep. They put out all the gifts, arranging them so the smaller kids can find theirs more easily. After, they share the glass of milk and the cookies the children left out. There’s a drop of milk on Mulder’s nose that Scully kisses away. He kisses her back, claiming he saw a crumb on her lips.

“Now we?” he asks her. “Unless you left your gift for me upstairs.”

“You’re in luck,” she whispers against his mouth. “I put it under the tree earlier. Let me get it.” She finds the gift easily enough, even now, and sits down next to Mulder on the couch, suddenly feeling nervous.

“You’ve already given me two gifts. And not to be corny, but being here is like a gift, too.” He gives her a peck on the lips. “Now it's my turn. I didn’t know where we’d- what we were. I got your gift before- I mean obviously I got this before everything happened.” Their fingers tangle as Mulder hands her the neatly wrapped present. It’s small. Scully doesn’t think he’d get her jewelry. It’s not a ring. Her curiosity gets the better of her and she starts unwrapping, Mulder’s eyes following her every move.

“Before you get your hopes up,” Mulder says. “It’s not a romantic gift.”

“It’s… a piece of paper?” She holds the folded piece of paper in her hand, staring up at Mulder.

“Read it,” he prompts. She unfolds it and at first, she doesn’t understand what it is. As she keeps reading, however, she gets it. She lifts her eyes, glancing at Mulder. “Not a Christmas present you get every day, is it?”

“Your will, Mulder?” She stares at the words in front of her that deem her the beneficiary of all his assets, including money and property. “What- what does this mean?”

“I realize now that I probably shouldn’t have given you this as a gift. I just wanted you to have it. All that is mine, Scully, is yours. Or will be once I’m dead.” Only Mulder would think of putting his will into a box and wrap it as a Christmas present. She doesn’t know what to say. Laughter bubbles up inside her, against all odds.

“I honestly don’t know what to say.”

“I’ll get you something better as a late present, I promise. But it’s important to me that you know this. It’s not something I just thought of. It’s been- it’s been you for a while.” His eyes are earnest. This is what he was going to give to her the night Diana set this curveball into motion. How would she have reacted to this days ago? She can’t say. She’s still holding on to it, slowly realizing what all of this means. He’s making it official. His lawyer knew before she did. And it’s the best and the worst moment to do what she’s been meaning to do for a while now.

“Mulder?” She wants his full attention. “I love you.” The three words fall from her mouth easily and the transformation on his face is worth it. Even if her heart threatens to jump out of her chest.

“I love you, too,” he says, and then she finds herself in his arms, the two of them just holding each other silently, bathed in Christmas lights. “Best present ever,” Mulder says a moment later, rubbing his cheek against hers. “You saying it out loud.”

“Out loud?”

“I heard you say it before,” he says. “But this is better. Way better. Thank you, Scully.” He leans in to kiss her, but she stops him.

“I have a gift you can unpack,” she says and the corners of his mouth tick up. “An actual gift, Mulder. Not me.”

“You are a gift.” He kisses her soundly, grinning. She decides to give him this moment and reaches for the last present she has for him. The one that’s not a gag gift. He mouths a thank you and doesn’t waste any time, tearing the paper. Once it’s unpacked, he stops and stares. He lifts his head and his eyes are full of tears. “I- I love it, Scully. How did you- where did you?” He’s a blubbering mess and while still holding his gift, he hugs her with one arm and she feels his hot tears against her skin.

“You like it?”

“Like it, Scully? I love it. It’s… I haven’t seen these pictures of me and Samantha in so long.”

“I asked your mom if she had a picture of you two together that I could get framed and she gave me several. I thought… you should have these memories. The good ones.” She watches Mulder trace the collage of him and Samantha. Mrs. Mulder must have sent her ten or twenty pictures, saying they were all copies and she shouldn’t think about sending them back cause she had her own.

So Scully got to work, cutting the pictures into hearts and shapes before she put them all together and had them framed. Mulder and Samantha didn’t have enough time together. Never will. But he’ll have this. A collage of so many moments they spent together. From the day Samantha was born up to her last birthday.

“I don’t know how to thank you,” Mulder says, wiping away his tears and then, a moment later, hers, too. “And after I gave you my will.” He laughs. “You sure you love me?”

“I’m sure, and Mulder, I’m so happy you like it.”

“Come here, you.”

He quietly hums a Christmas song that’s stuck in his head, moving his body to the silent rhythm, and wonders where Scully stores the cinnamon. He’s going to wake her with a freshly brewed coffee, sprinkled with sweet cinnamon and a kiss. It’s going to be perfect. Mulder turns around, a spoon in hand that he uses to orchestrate the music in his head, and then he freezes.

There, at the door stands a person - and not just any person. They stare at each other for a millisecond before one of them screams and Mulder quickly covers his groin with his hands, embarrassment covering his whole skin.

“Hello, Mrs. Scully,” he says with a shaky voice and fake cheer. “Did not expect to see you here this early.”

“Obviously,” she says, clearing her throat. She shields her eyes with her hand and it gives Mulder enough time to reach for a dishtowel that he drapes in front of him as best as he can. “I wanted to surprise Dana.”

“It’s a surprise for sure,” Mulder stammers, trying to hide himself away and sneak away from the kitchen. Would it be impolite if he just ran off and left her standing here?

“What is going?” Scully shuffles in from her bedroom dressed in a robe – lucky her! - rubbing her sleepy eyes. “Oh,” she says looking back and forth between Mulder and her mother. “Mom, you’re here early.” Yes, unlike him, she seems perfectly calm. Then again she isn't standing here naked.

“As I just told Fox,” she says, no longer shielding her eyes now that her daughter is in the kitchen and Mulder at least somewhat decent, “I wanted to surprise you. I brought breakfast.” As if on cue, Scully’s stomach grumbles.

“That sounds great,” she says, licking her lips, and Mulder’s penis chooses that moment to twitch. He can only hope Mrs. Scully didn’t see that. The dishtowel isn’t giving him much privacy.

“I brought enough for three people,” Mrs. Scully says, unpacking her paper bag. “If you want to join us, Fox.”

“Um, sure. I just…” he makes a hand gesture, forgetting he’s holding the dishtowel which slowly falls to the ground, and then, in a moment of sheer panic, he runs back into the bedroom.

With the light switched on, he finds his boxers easily. His jeans, too. He puts everything on, safe for his socks, and sits on the bed, his head in his hands.

“Are you okay?” He doesn’t notice Scully until she’s standing next to him, a hand on his shoulder.

“That was-,” he says, unable to find the right word. How can he ever face Mrs. Scully again?

“Unfortunate,” Scully says, but she’s smiling. “I thought we had time, but Mulder… why were you naked in my kitchen?”

“That, too, was unfortunate,” he says. “I didn’t want to wake you and couldn’t find my clothes. I figured the only person who might see me is you. Does your mother hate me now?”

“No,” Scully assures him, her voice as soft as the fingers she runs through his hair. “She adores you, Mulder. Believe it or not, my mother has seen a naked man before.” Mulder groans. “But she did send me in here to tell you that because of what she saw, and because you now owe her, you can’t say no to spending Christmas with us.”

“I- what? She wants me to spend Christmas with you after what she- after what just happened?” Scully nods. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You better say you’ll be there.”

“But-” It’s in San Diego. Scully wants him there with her family in San Diego. And her mother does, too. Like he’s part of their family. He was there once before. For Christmas, too. Going back for the first time will bring back memories of Emily. Scully must be thinking the same thing. He can’t deny her this. If she wants him there, he’ll be there. “I’d love to,” he finishes and her eyes grow wide.

“Really?”

“Unless you were just saying that to-”

“No,” she cuts him off, planting herself in his lap, surprising him. This is a new side of Scully and he can’t get enough of her. How many surprises are awaiting him? She puts her hands on his face, her thumbs gently caressing his skin. “I want you there and I wasn’t kidding when I said my mom is expecting you to show up now. No more excuses.” She leans in, gently kissing him. He thought he’d have to go days without being able to taste her while she was with her family. Now he gets to be there, too. And he’ll get to kiss her like this.

“I’ll go home,” he says in between kisses, “pack a few things and take the first flight I can get. How does that sound?”

“Perfect,” Scully says, giving him one last kiss before she gets up from his lap. “Let’s eat something. I worked up quite an appetite last night.” When she winks at him, he thinks he’s still dreaming. It’s all too good to be true.

He arrives in San Diego in the afternoon, a good few hours after Scully and her mother. He told her not to worry about picking him up from the airport and that he’d get a cab. On his way to Bill Jr.’s house, he finds himself nervously pulling at his clothes, worried how he’ll fit in. After all, Scully’s big brother isn’t his greatest fan. He doesn’t want to cause any animosity. He’s booked a hotel room for a few days so if Bill Jr. throws him out, he at least has somewhere to go.

Mulder is as jumpy as a teenager who is about to ring his crush’s doorbell, knowing he’ll have to face her father. In his case, it’s the big brother. He swallows hard, waiting for someone to open the door. For a moment he fears, Bill Jr. is deliberately keeping him out here to send a subtle message. Not welcome here. But just as he’s about to ring the bell again, the door opens.

“Hey.” Mulder is convinced he’s stepped into an alternate universe. There’s Bill Jr. and instead of a greeting growl, he gets a smile. A big one. So big in fact that Mulder even wonders if that is the same Bill Jr. he’s met before.

“Hello,” he says cautiously. “I’m, um…”

“Spooky,” Bill says. “Come on in. We’ve been waiting for you.” This cannot be real. He fell asleep somewhere and never woke up. He’s dreaming. But when Bill hauls him inside and into a hug, he has to concede that this is in fact happening.

“You were?”

“Sure.” Bill fishes a candy bar out of his pocket and stuffs it into his mouth. “Mom said we couldn’t eat until you were here. We’re starving.” Mulder follows Bill into the kitchen where Mrs. Scully is standing by the stove, giggling like a schoolgirl. Scully looked stressed out of her mind.

“There you are,” she says, quickly giving him a kiss in front of everyone and the dog. A dog that looks half beagle and half poodle and who Mulder has never heard of before. At least it's bigger than that orange fur ball Queequeg. The dog sniffs his pant leg, its tail wagging tentatively as if saying the jury is still out on whether Mulder is accepted or not.

“What is going on?” Mulder whispers, watching Bill and Mrs. Scully with their heads suspiciously close together, giggling uncontrollably. Scully leans against him and sighs.

“Weed Christmas cookies.”

“Excuse me?”

“Mom’s neighbor dropped off a box of cookies and well, they weren't your average sugar cookie. They were weed cookies. I’ve since taken them away because look at them. From Mrs. Henson, too, because she had no idea what they were. She thought she was using herbs her grandson had hidden in the kitchen. She was going to give these cookies to all her church friends.” Mulder has to refrain from laughing. Glancing at Scully, he sees that the feeling is mutual.

“As much fun as Mom and Bill are having,” Scully says. “It means we are in charge for now.”

“We are?” Scully nods.

“Tara and Matthew are at her parents and won’t be back until tonight. Someone has to make dinner and take care of Toodles.”

“Toodles?” The dog wags its tail and licks Mulder’s hand. “Oh, so you’re Toodles. Hi. So we make dinner, walk the dog and-”

“And get a Christmas tree,” Scully finishes for him.

“Sounds like… are there still any of the cookies left?” Scully playfully hits his arm.

“Must be entertaining,” Mulder says, walking into the kitchen, startling her. He points at the coffee machine, where the dark liquid slowly drips into the glass carafe. “Is it okay if I join you?” His smile is disarming and welcome, so she nods. They stand side by side, watching the machine work its magic. Silence settles over them again, uncomfortably. Scully wrings her hands, trying desperately to think of something to say. There are days when they talk with their mouths open, half chewing their lunch because there is so much to say. Now, after their first kiss, when there should be nothing but elation, there’s only this.

“I should have gotten you a new coffee machine,” Mulder says, and Scully turns around, slapping his chest in the process.

“Gifts!” she exclaims. “We can exchange gifts like we were… we were going to do that last night.”

“Um, I didn’t think of bringing it with me,” he admits, touching his neck and giving her a sheepish look.

“I can wait,” she says softly and for the first time in a while, she feels normal around Mulder. She touches his wrist and the same electricity she experienced earlier today rushes through her. Her eyes find his and once more, all her worries evaporate. Only Mulder has that effect on her. The anxiety falls from her shoulders and she finds herself laughing.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, sounding amused.

“This,” she says, gesturing between them. “Come on. Let’s do something that feels normal.”

“I hate to break this to you, Scully, but no one would describe either of us as normal,” he jokes, his breath tickling her neck because he’s that close.

“Shush now,” she says, taking his hand and dragging him into the living room. The Christmas lights bathe him in a soft, golden hue and she catches herself losing focus for a moment. He’s grinning, removing a small Santa hat from one of the reindeer figures she’s displaying on her mantle and putting it on his head.

“I’m ready for my present,” he says, sitting on the couch with his hands folded in his lap. She wonders if that’s what he looked like as a child. Curious and excited to unwrap a treasure. The thought warms her heart. And it breaks it, too. One day he lost it. The excitement vanished from his eyes much like his sister had. Yet, here he is, his eyes once more full of wonder and happiness.

“I, um, have three,” she says, blushing slightly. She reaches for one that she’s put under the Christmas tree. It’s the one she was going to give him yesterday. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” he says with a sweet smile before he tears the wrapping paper. The smile on his face never leaves, not even when he sees what she got him. He laughs out loud, unfolding the tie with the tiny alien heads on it.

“They’re gray,” Scully says.

“I can see that,” Mulder replies, his finger tracing the heads. “I love it, Scully. I can’t wait to wear it at work. Skinner is gonna love this.” He lifts his head and she sees that his joy is genuine. It’s one of two silly gifts she got him. She’s not sure she’s quite ready to give him the other one yet. Lost in thought, she barely notices him leaning over and pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This isn’t the first time he does this, but it’s the first time his lips linger. Her eyes fall shut and her lips seek out his, craving the connection. They don’t need to talk. They’ve had seven years of verbal foreplay. Now it’s all about this.

When his hand sneaks under her sweater, she shivers and moans into his mouth. He said he didn’t bring her any presents. She begs to differ. This here – him – is the only present she wants and needs. And she can’t wait any longer. She breaks off their kiss, temporarily mesmerized seeing his lush lips she’s just tasted, and which he licks.

Scully tugs at his sweater, begging him to help her. He’s just as eager as she is and his sweater comes off. As soon as it’s gone, her mouth is back on his, and her hands are on his naked stomach where his undershirt has ridden up. Her hand is on its way to his jeans when the doorbell rings. Their mouths come apart and they stare at each other, their hair as wild as their eyes.

“Are you expecting someone?” Mulder asks her and she shakes her head.

“My mom isn’t going to be here until tomorrow morning.”

The doorbell rings again and Scully uses Mulder's shoulder to get up from the couch. She gets on tiptoe to look through the peephole and gasps when she sees who it is.

“It’s Skinner,” she whispers, panic in her voice and on her face.

“What is he doing here?” Mulder gets up and joins her, checking the peephole just in case. The doorbell rings again and they both startle.

“You need to hide,” Scully says.

“Why? We’re not doing anything.” She tilts her head and gives him a look. “Well, we're not doing it at work.”

“You really want to greet Skinner with that erection, Mulder?” They both look at the prominent bulge in his pants and finally, he relents.

“Fine,” he grumbles and she watches him disappear into her bedroom. Only when she’s sure he’s hidden does she open the door, hoping she looks presentable.

“Sir,” she says, faking a smile. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk,” he says, sounding serious and Scully’s heart plummets. “Can I come in? It won’t take long.” She closes the door behind Skinner and hopes Mulder will behave for another five minutes.

“May I ask what this is about?”

“It’s a somewhat delicate topic.” Skinner clears his throat and she notices the small bag he has in his hand. “As you know, the FBI has organized a Secret Santa.”

“I know,” she says slowly. She was his Secret Santa. She got him a bottle of expensive whiskey, not knowing what else to get him. But how did he find out the gift was from her?

“Well, I know they are supposed to be secret but… I think there was a slight mix-up.” He reaches into the bag and takes out a very familiar garment.

Oh, fuck.

“I don’t think this was supposed to be for me.” And he’s right. He hands her the pair of boxer shorts that she got for Mulder. They’re a deep forest green with a few paw tracks on them and the word “Sascrotch”. She thought it was funny and she knew Mulder would, too.

“I’m sorry, Sir,” she says, trying to hide the shorts away from sight. “I don’t know how this could have happened. Wait… that means your actual present is still here.” She throws the shorts behind the couch, unable to look at them any longer, and grabs another present from under her tree.

“This is for you.” He is reluctant to take it from her. “I promise it’s the right one this time.” She’s crimson, her whole face on fire. So is Skinner’s.

“Thank you, Agent Scully.” Ever the polite Walter S. Skinner. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you as well, Sir.” She opens the door for him and luckily, he seems just as happy to be leaving.

“And Merry Christmas to you, too, Mulder,” he says a bit louder. Scully thinks she might start hyperventilating. She finds she can’t say anything or deny Mulder’s presence so she just puts on another smile and gently but firmly ushers him out of her apartment. When the door falls shut, Mulder peeks his head out of her bedroom.

“You think he knew I was here?” He’s grinning. “Hey, it’s okay, Scully.” He walks towards her, taking her into his arms. “I think he knew about us before even we knew.”

“It’s not even that, it’s- it’s the gift.”

“What gift?” So he hasn’t heard everything.

“There was a mix-up with the Secret Santa gifts,” she says, walking to the couch and picking up the discarded boxer shorts. “I got Skinner a whiskey bottle but I must have confused it with your other gift.”

“What is it?” Mulder is too curious to stay away.

“Please keep in mind it was supposed to be funny.” Scully hands him the shorts and watches his face as it turns into a beautiful grin.

“’Sascrotch’?” He beams at her. “Thank you, Scully.” He leans forward and kisses her softly. No corners this time, but fully on the lips. It ignites her fire again, making her quickly forget about Skinner. “Do you want me to model it for you?” Mulder asks with a waggle of his eyebrows.

She thought back on the last few weeks and how she and Mulder had spent almost every waking moment together. At work and after. How they had spent many a night talking on the phone right before sleep. Weekdays and weekends blurred. Not a single day went by without them talking or seeing each other. How could she have been so blind?

And now she’s here, at the FBI’s Christmas office party, bored out of her mind without Mulder, guilt gnawing at her. It's her own fault he isn’t here. She wonders where he is and what he’s doing. She tried calling him on her way here, prepared to apologize profusely. For a moment, she considered dropping by his apartment but decided against it, instead trying his cell phone every half hour or so.

With her phone at her ear, the other agents leave her alone. Mostly, anyway. She’s seen the looks people throw her and she can see what they’re wondering about. Where is Mulder? They have been a package deal for far too long. Her head shoots up whenever someone new enters. Maybe Mulder has decided to come here after all, even though he hates office parties.

When Skinner mentioned it a while ago, asking them to come, Mulder snorted. And after what happened last night, Scully can’t imagine why he should show up here. As much as she wants to see him. She grabs another glass of champagne, stands to the side, and calls Mulder again. She listens to the dial tone, her heart hammering in her chest.

“Why aren’t you picking up?” she wonders out loud, pressing disconnect and pocketing her phone. Taking a sip of champagne, she lets her eyes wander around the room where agents in various stages of inebriation are having the time of their lives. There are a few faces she recognizes, but mostly, these people are strangers to her. It makes her miss Mulder even more. It reminds her of years ago when Agent Pendrell was still alive. When Chuck would attend these parties. She’s only half paying attention when she catches sight of a face she hasn’t seen in many years. Seven, to be exact.

Ethan, her ex-boyfriend.

Scully chokes on her champagne, coughing loudly. Ethan is too far away and too preoccupied with the group of people he’s standing with to hear her. His appearance hasn't changed much. From a distance, he looks like the same man she left seven years ago. She remembers breaking up with him, explaining in clinical detachment why they no longer worked. He wished her all the best and disappeared from her life.

If she’s honest, she hasn’t thought about him often in the last few years. Melissa had asked her about him once on a rare night out. There was never enough time with her work on the X-Files. But unlike her friends, Melissa never complained. Instead, she appreciated the time they spent together even more. Even now, thinking about Melissa makes her tear up. If her sister were still around, if she could have talked to her about Mulder and their complicated relationship, maybe yesterday wouldn’t have happened.

Lost in her memories, she notices a moment too late that Ethan’s eyes have found her across the room. He seems surprised for a second before his face breaks into a smile. She watches as he excuses himself from his group and walks towards her.

“Dana,” he says, sounding genuinely happy to see her.

“Hello, Ethan. What are you doing here? Are you leaving your broadcasting career behind?” She, too, puts on a smile, hoping it looks natural.

“Not all. I’m here with my girlfriend.” He turns and points at an agent Scully has never seen. “Guess I can never get away from the FBI ladies.” He chuckles and Scully forces her smile to stay in place. “How have you been? I hear about your cases sometimes. Crazy stuff.”

“It can be,” she admits. “I’ve been well.”

“Is your partner here too?” She startles, thinking he’s asking her about her life partner. He sees her reaction, putting his hands up. “I meant your work partner. Fox Mulder. I hear he’s like a legend around here.”

“He’s a great agent,” Scully says, avoiding Ethan’s persistent look. “I don’t know where-” Speak of the devil. Her words trail off when she sees Mulder walk into the room, turning more than a few heads. His eyes quickly scan the room, obviously looking for someone. Her heartbeat picks up, hoping it’s her. When he finds her, he straightens up. His eyes land on Ethan and even from afar, Scully sees that they narrow. Mulder pauses, seemingly torn between joining and avoiding her.

“Excuse me, Ethan,” Scully says, already starting to walk away. “There’s someone I need to talk to.”

“Nice seeing you again,” Ethan calls after her, but she’s already gone. Mulder is still standing there, not moving and it reminds her of last night, when he looked frozen, too, right after Diana threw herself at him.

“Mulder,” she says, her voice full of relief. “I’ve been trying to call you.”

“My phone’s dead,” he says and the corner of his mouth lifts slightly. “Didn’t have the best night.”

“Neither did I. Can we- can we talk? I need to apologize.”

“I came here to apologize to you.” This time, he displays a full, albeit sheepish smile.

“Mulder, I’m so sorry for how I reacted last night.” He shakes his head, taking her hands into his. “I should have stayed and let you explain. I just-” How can she explain it to him? What can she say when she doesn’t quite understand it herself yet?

“Diana,” Mulder says.

“You know how she pushes my buttons.”

“No, she’s here.” He groans. And if Scully needed even more proof that she completely misjudged the scene at Mulder’s apartment last night, she gets it now. Her face reddens, the feeling of shame hitting her full force. “Hey. Hey, Scully? Look at me, please. I didn’t invite her here. I’ve been trying everything in my power to-”

“I know, Mulder. It’s not you. Or even her. It’s me. I’m so- I’m so sorry for how I reacted last night.”

“I get it. It looked bad. Fuck, she’s coming over here. Scully, I know you said you need time and I’ll give you all the time in the world, but right now, would you dance with me?” She’s taken aback by his question, staring up at him.

“Dance? Here?”

“Look.” He points at another few agents, who are clearly drunk out of their minds, moving in a way that could be described as dancing. “People are dancing. Diana won’t cause a scene, I’m sure of it. She’ll leave us be if we’re on the dance floor. Would you do me the honor?” He offers her his hand and she doesn’t hesitate for one second before she takes it. His touch is so familiar and his skin so warm that every worry just leaves her body. Her body follows his on instinct. The smile he throws her before he starts leading her over the impromptu dance floor makes her heart flutter.

“I was right,” Mulder mumbles into her hair, not quite moving to the rhythm of the cheesy Christmas song in the background. “Diana looks pissed off.”

“You look happy,” Scully says, noticing how soft his smile is, and how rosy his cheeks.

“I am,” he replies, looking at her. “Now, anyway. I’m here with you.”

“I need to apologize and please don’t interrupt me, Mulder.” He opens his mouth, changes his mind, and just nods. “I overreacted last night. I was so looking forward to spending time with you and everything up until that moment was going so well.” Too well. She didn’t notice it last night, but she does now. Everything was leading up to that one thing. The change in their relationship has been simmering low for a while, but these last few weeks, it’s been taking up speed to a point where it was inevitable that they’d crash or derail. She had to stop before that happened.

“I was scared,” she admits to him, and to herself. “I saw Diana there and in that moment, it justified my fear."

"You were scared of me?"

She shakes her head. "Of us. Of what could happen. Of what I know would have happened."

“I get it, Scully. I think I do. That doesn't change the fact that I should have thrown her out. I wanted to. I have no idea why she was there. I don’t know how she got my key. It must have been from when I was sick. She was at my apartment then and I can’t say I remember much about that. The only person I wanted at my apartment last night was you. I couldn’t sleep last night because every time I closed my eyes, I saw- you know.” His face pales and he grimaces, making Scully chuckle softly. “Are we good?”

“Of course we are,” she says as the music changes to Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You. Several people around them begin to cheer and jump around as if they were at a club. But it shields them from Diana and right now, Scully only has eyes for Mulder anyway. “I’m the one in the wrong here, Mulder.”

“Be still my heart,” Mulder says with a grin. “Let’s forget this ever happened, okay? Can we try again? Mariah Carey is on about something here. I support her message.”

“I do, too.” They smile at each other and this is the moment. This is what she’s been waiting for - and what she's been afraid of. Her fear is still there, but it’s taken a backseat. She wants to know what he tastes like. Finally. She wants to know what will happen if they kiss.

“Don’t be scared,” Mulder says, his lips awfully close to hers. “What could possibly happen? Do you think the world will end? I don’t see any bees or anything else that might stop us this time. What do you say?” Mariah Carey hits the high note and Scully closes her eyes, relying on all her other senses. She can feel Mulder close to her, smell him, and she can almost taste him. All she has to do is close the last remaining distance between them.

With her eyes closed, the memories come. She thinks of Ethan, who is here at the party with his girlfriend. She thinks of Diana, who may or may not be watching them. Her eyes fly open and Mulder stares at her, a big question mark on his face.

“I can’t- I- I can’t do this here while our exes are watching.”

“Our- wait, what?” Mulder asks, lowering his face to hers. Their almost kiss almost forgotten once again.

“The guy I was talking to when you walked in?” Mulder nods. “That’s my ex, Ethan.”

“We really can’t catch a break at the moment, huh? What is he doing here? Don’t tell me he’s trying to win you back. I’m prepared to fight.” He lifts his arms and Scully stops him, giggling.

“He’s dating someone at the Bureau. Not me, if that wasn’t obvious.”

“We should be more obvious. Which is why I’m just gonna go right out and say it, Scully. I want to kiss you.”

“Come on,” she says, taking his hand and dragging him off the dance floor, past Ethan, Diana, and everyone else who might be watching.

“I did. I’m sorry we didn’t come back down again. We were tired.” Even Matthew falls quiet, watching the adults and their strange behavior. It’s quiet in the kitchen, no one looking at anyone. Clearly, they don’t believe he and Scully had sex upstairs while they were down here having dinner. At least he hopes they don’t.

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Mulder watches her, still silently sipping his coffee. “I came in to check on you,” Mrs. Scully admits almost apologetically. “Today is going to be a busy day and I’m glad you got some rest.” He can’t be entirely sure but he thinks Scully’s mother winks at him. An actual wink. He needs another cup of coffee. A stronger one.

“What do you mean by busy?”

“Did Dana not tell you? We’re having a big family Christmas celebration today,” Mrs. Scully says.

“Won’t be more than 20 or 30 people,” Bill says as if that weren’t a lot.

“30 people.” Mulder glances at Scully, who chuckles.

“I’ll be with you the whole time,” she says softly, and that’s the only thing he needs.

The 20 to 30 people turn into a good 40. Mulder has lost count of how many people he’s said hello to. At first, he made sure to remember their faces and names. Now he’s lost. Most of them are Scullys. There are a few people from Tara’s family here, and a few neighbors and friends who aren’t related. Mrs. Scully introduced him as ‘Dana’s boyfriend and partner’ and at some point, translation must have been lost cause someone asked if he was the boy toy and another one called him Dana’s husband. He can live with both.

“Scully, your family is…” Mulder is cornering her, even though she’s carrying a tray with snacks for the kids. They’re already on edge, waiting for their presents. But he needs to spend two seconds with her before he can set her loose again.

“It’s not always like this,” she says. “Next year, it would be…”

“It would be what?”

“I didn’t mean to assume you’d want to do this again.”

“Scully, these people think I’m your husband. Or your boy toy, depending on who you ask. I will be here. If you want me here.”

“I do.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“Let me get this to the kids and then I’m with you, okay?”

He just nods, watching her put the tray down and interact with the children. She smooths Matthew’s hair and helps him sit down so he can snack with the older kids. They’re all beaming at her and Mulder knows exactly what that feeling is like. She catches him watching her but he’s not going to pretend he wasn’t.

Instead, he just smiles. She walks over to him and he puts his arm around her, just standing there, observing. Scully gives him a few tidbits about this cousin or that and as he just listens to her while she’s leaning against him. There's just this; no danger anywhere near them, nothing to take him or her away from here. He realizes - surprised himself - that he's happy.

Their moment doesn’t last long, because the kids get whiny, wanting their presents. So everyone gathers in the living room and the children are handed gifts. Wrapping paper flies around like confetti, some kids squeal, one of them cries, and it’s a new kind of mayhem. When it all slows down, and the kids are playing, the adults start exchanging gifts too. Mulder glances at Scully, because he didn’t bring anything. The only gift he has is for Scully and it’s still in his bag.

“Scully, I don’t have any presents for anyone,” he whispers into her ear.

“Don’t worry,” she assures him, patting his hand. “It’s the Scully version of a White Elephant exchange. Everyone brought a gift and everyone gets one. No one knows who it’s from.”

“Did you bring something?”

“Of course,” Scully says.

“The right present this time?” he teases her and chuckles. “What is it?”

“It’s a scented candle.”

“Very original, Scully.” She gently elbows him and he just laughs again, deciding to stop teasing her and waiting until it’s their turn.

Scully’s scented candle isn’t the worst or most unimaginative gift. There’s an ugly angel figure, a bottle of what Mulder is pretty sure is cheap wine, and his own personal highlight is an ashtray shaped like a lung. Then it’s Bill’s turn. Everyone watches excited as he unwraps the elegantly wrapped box. He lifts the lid and then falls quiet.

“What is it?” Tara asks, trying to see inside.

“Show us, Bill,” someone else says. He takes it out of the box and no one says a word for a good ten seconds.

“What is it?” One of the older ladies readjusts her glasses.

“It’s a chew toy,” Bill says, clearing his throat. “A chew toy for dogs. Next!”

“Scully,” Mulder murmurs. “That is- is that?”

“A purple dildo? Yes, it is.”

“Who brings a sex toy to a White Elephant exchange?” Mulder asks, scanning the crows. No one here looks guilty. No one is blushing. Bill has put the purple dildo back into the box and is looking for a good spot to hide it. “I want to say hello to them.” Scully laughs quietly next to him. “What do you think Bill will do with it?”

“Mulder, I don’t want to think about it. That’s my brother.”

“What if…”

“What if what?” She looks at him.

“What if we snatch that gift?” Her eyes grow wide.

“You’re not serious, are you?”