Two years on the run, they are finally settled in a real home. Christmas is nearly upon them and Scully wants to spend it with her mother.

Early December 2004

Two months had passed since they bought their little home in the middle of nowhere. Two months of cleaning, repairing, clearing, and planning what to add and how to get it to the house while also keeping Mulder unseen.

Scully had gone on her own to buy many items, choosing furniture in rich dark colors, something she felt Mulder would like and be comfortable living in every day.

She was happy with the choices she had made, happier still that he liked them, his smile as he sat on the couch or at the table, all the thanks she needed.

The room with a small fireplace had been designated a library and the shelves were filled with books she bought from second hand shops. At night, the firelight glowing around them, he read aloud as they cuddled together in the overstuffed chair she had purchased, his voice soothing her to sleep as his fingers trailed through her hair.

They were happy and at peace, though still apprehensive and careful, always watching over their shoulder.

Although they were closer than they had been in two years, she had yet to see her mother. Wanting to be sure they were safe, before she put her mother in any undue harm, only phone calls had been made, from phone booths away from the house.

But as the first snow fell, and Christmas lights began to be seen on homes and businesses, Scully was overcome with an ache to see her mother. To hug her and see for herself that she truly was fine.

Coming back one early December afternoon from a grocery run, the thought of seeing her weighing on her mind, she walked around the house to the backyard shed which Mulder was currently clearing out. He had music playing and was singing along as he took out rusty shovels and rakes, hoses, and beat up and stained cardboard boxes full of old yellowed papers left by the previous owners.

"But I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more," he sang, spinning around as he threw a shovel to the side. Seeing her standing in front of him, he smiled and came closer, pulling her to him. "Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door."

"You're in a good mood," she said with a smile.

"Ta da da ta!" he shouted, spinning them around and she laughed. "Ta da da ta! Ta da da dan te la dan te la dan te le la da da!"

"Are you sure those are the right words?" she asked with a laugh as he dipped her and kissed her neck.

"I don't know. Does anyone truly know those words?" he asked, bringing her up and dancing slower, both of them breathing hard, white mist puffing out around them.

"You getting a lot done out here?"

"Hmm… it's getting there, but I don't feel the need to rush. I would walk 500 miles… how was the store? Busy?"

"Not quite yet, but it will be soon."

"Hmm," he hummed, spinning her and pulling her back. "Need help bringing the groceries in?"

"That would be nice."

"Good, it's cold out here and I really don't want to do this anyway." She laughed as they broke apart and he turned off the portable radio, moved things back enough to close the door, shrugging as she raised her eyebrows. "I'll get it done later."

"Sure you will," she said with a laugh as they walked towards the car.

"Nothing but time, Scully," he reminded her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

Each grabbing a few bags, they walked into the house and put the groceries away, not saying much.

"I would… hmm miles and I… hmm hmm 500 more," he half sang, half hummed and she smiled, watching him dancing as he put the food into the cupboards.

"I like seeing you this way," she said and he looked at her with a smile.

"Which way?"

"Happy, animated," she said, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around his neck. "I like my Mulder this way."

"Your Mulder, eh?" he asked, hooking his thumbs in the back belt loops of her jeans.

"Yes, my Mulder," she said, her fingernails scratching gently at the base of his neck. He hummed and closed his eyes with a small smile.

"Why does that make me super aroused to hear you say that?"

"Because it should," she whispered, standing on tiptoes to kiss him, her tongue tracing his bottom lip.

The groceries forgotten, he lifted her, her legs encircling his waist, carrying her to the couch.

His head on her naked chest, both of them attempting to catch their breath, her body thrumming with pleasure, she broached the thought she'd had all day.

"It's nearly Christmas," she whispered and he hummed softly, his fingertips feathering the side of her hip. "I want to celebrate it with my mom." His fingers paused and she waited.

"Not exactly the pillow talk I had imagined," he said and she laughed softly.

"You're not exactly lying on pillows," she replied and he kissed the top of her breast.

"Disagree vehemently," he said and she laughed again, running her fingers through his hair. He kissed her breast again, his nose brushing between them with a hum.

"I don't mean that I would leave you here," she said, arching into him, unable to stop herself despite the heavy feeling of her sated body.

"You want her to come here?" he asked, raising his head to look at her and she nodded, stroking his face with one hand.

"What do you think?"

He took a breath and let it out, smiling as he moved his head to kiss the palm of her hand.

"I'll have to get that shed clean after all," he said and she smiled with tears in her eyes, as he kissed her palm again.

Christmas Eve

Simple decorations were put up, a small artificial tree with white lights was plugged in and placed on a side table with very small gold and silver bulbs added to it.

A white tablecloth decorated with holly, red candles in glass candlestick holders, and white plates were set on the table, ready for their meal.

Scully sighed as she stirred the potatoes being kept on a low heat and looked at the clock, anxiously awaiting her mother's arrival. The ham smelled heavenly and her mouth watered as she opened the stove for a peek.

"Stop or it won't cook," Mulder said and she turned to look at him as he smiled.

"I'm so nervous," she admitted and he nodded, walking to her and hugging her. "It's been over two years since I've seen her. What if…?"

"Honey, don't worry. It's going to be okay. It's your mom," he said quietly and she nodded against his chest.

"I know," she breathed, holding him tight, hoping to absorb some of his calm. "I just…"

"It's going to be fine." He kissed the top of her head and she closed her eyes briefly as she sighed.

"I love you, you know," she whispered and he chuckled softly.

"I do," he answered, rubbing her back in small comforting circles. "And I love you too."

Light flashed through the windows and they heard the crunch of tires in the snow. Pulling back, she let out a deep breath, looking at the door and then at him.

"Do I look alright?" she whispered and then shook her head. "That was a dumb question. God, Mulder, I'm so nervous."

"Come on," he whispered back, taking her hand and kissing it, before turning toward the door. Her heart ached and her eyes burned with tears as they walked across the room and he opened the door.

Her mother was standing at her car door, looking at the house before her eyes landed on Scully. Covering her mouth, tears filled her eyes as she shook her head. Scully let go of Mulder's hand and hurried carefully down the stairs, threw her arms around her mother, both of them crying.

When they pulled back, her mother reached out to touch her hair, exclaiming over the length of it, and they both laughed with a sob, hugging again.

"I missed you so much," her mother whispered and Scully nodded.

"Me too."

"Oh, Dana," she whispered, hugging her tightly. Scully breathed in her familiar scent and every ounce of nervousness disappeared.

Pulling apart, they laughed again, her mother cupping her face and shaking her head. Scully closed her eyes as her mother kissed her forehead, smiling as they pulled back, gripping her mother's upper arms gently.

"Fox," her mother said, laughing and crying simultaneously as she looked up at him.

"Hello, Mrs. Scully," he said, coming to stand beside Scully and smiling at her happily.

"It is so good to see you," she said, hugging him as he hugged her back, his eyes closed as Scully watched them, tears on her cheeks. Her mother shook her head as she pulled back, smiling through her own tears.

"I'm so happy you're both okay," she said, taking each of their hands and squeezing. "I prayed for you every day, for your safety and return, and my prayers have been answered." She smiled at them and Scully nodded, wiping at her eyes.

Snow began to fall, which startled them all and they laughed, walking inside where it was much warmer.

They gave her a tour of the house, which she exclaimed over, stating how much she liked it. Her overnight bag was set down in the second upstairs bedroom. The twin bed, recently purchased for her to stay over, along with a side table and lamp were the only items currently in the room.

Downstairs, they talked and laughed as the food was set on the table and they sat down to eat, her mother praying for the meal and thanking God for their safe return.

Mulder squeezed Scully's hand and she raised her head to look at him with wet eyes and a happy smile.

Peacefulness washed over her for the first time in two years, Christmas not feeling like a day of grief and sadness.

Her heart still ached for William, worrying about him, and thinking of him every day. But for the moment, with her mother beside her as she laughed heartily at one of Mulder's silly jokes, her hand held to her chest, Scully felt at peace.