The transfer appointment had gone smoothly, but being on bedrest for 48 hours was driving Scully crazy. Typically most people would only take a day, at most, but Doctor Parenti had insisted on two due to her "sensitive situation". 24 hours in and Mulder had already hand-cooked three meals and eaten beside her in bed to keep her company. She was grateful for his presence and attentiveness, but she felt a little stifled. However, she had to admit that she was enjoying living together. But they still hadn't worked out their permanent living arrangements. She figured he'd just go back to his apartment once she was self-sufficient again. She would miss him.
"Can we at least move to the couch? I need a change of scenery." She stuck her bottom lip out in a dramatic pout.
He looked her over. "Fine. But you've got to take it easy when we're out there, okay? Keep the fidgeting to a minimum."
She rolled her eyes. "I know. You don't have to baby me, Mulder."
He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not trying to. Just trying to take care of you."
She sighed. "I know. And I appreciate it, I really do."
She padded over to the couch with him and settled herself against the cushions. Mulder pulled a blanket over both of them as he put his arm around her waist and held her close. He flipped the television on to a mindless sitcom. Both of them needed something to drive out the silence.
Finally, though, Mulder broke the silence.
"Scully?"
"Hmm?"
"How would you feel about actually living together?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean maybe I start living here instead of my apartment. I know we hadn't talked about it with the wedding and all the chaos, but since we have some down time, I feel like maybe we should discuss it now."
She interlaced their fingers. "I guess you're right. And we're officially married now, so I don't see a reason not to. Especially if the treatment works, it might be more convenient to be living together."
"I thought we agreed that this was a real marriage, not just a convenience thing," he said softly, the hurt evident in his voice.
Her eyes widened slightly. "I thought you were just saying that to make me feel better."
He looked her in the eyes. "I'm dead serious, Dana. I went into this with the full intent of being your husband, and of you being my wife, if you'll have me. Is that still what you want?"
Scully nodded silently.
"Then it's okay if I move in?"
"Yes."
He gave her a squeeze. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Still a little woozy and nauseous, but otherwise okay."
"You want a hot water bottle for your stomach? Maybe some soup?"
She smiled gratefully. "That would be great."
