Maggie Scully's House
10:05 am, Christmas Eve


Maggie opened her front door and looked out anxiously, waiting for Dana and Fox to get back. Whilst she didn't think that there was anything to worry about, Bill was already making a fuss that they were all going to be late leaving if they didn't get back soon. They were only going shopping and so it didn't really matter if they left later than planned but she knew her eldest son would make a big argument out of it. She spotted the two of them turning the corner into the street and was at first concerned that her daughter had hurt herself as Fox was carrying her. As they got nearer however, she gasped in amazement and then smiled when she saw that they were both fine and were kissing.

Thinking that they might stop once they knew they were being observed she darted into the house to get both Charlie and her camera. She dragged a bewildered Charlie to the door, motioning for him to keep quiet and look down the street. He gawped in astonishment as he saw whom she was pointing to and then turned to grin at his mother. Maggie took a few photos of the pair of them; delighting in the elated smiles she could see on both faces as they took a breath between kisses. As they got nearer to her, Dana saw her and waved, turning swiftly back to continue kissing Mulder. Maggie smiled gleefully as she realized that they weren't going to hide it from them and instead were quite content to let them all know.

"Where the hell are they? They were supposed to be back so we could leave fifteen minutes ago."

"Calm down, Bill. It doesn't matter if we're slightly late. We're only going shopping."

"This is just like Mulder. Totally selfish."

"Bill that's enough, they'll be here in about two minutes."

"How do you know mom? Knowing him, he's probably found a case to investigate or something."

"Stop it Bill. I know they'll be here because they're just walking up the street."

"Walking up the street? Where? ...What the hell!?"

"Bill. I'm warning you. Don't even think about saying anything to either of them. Look how happy she is Bill - can't you let your sister be happy?"

"Happy...with him? I don't think so mom."

"Look at her Bill, just look at her. She's not only happy with him, she's happy because of him. He makes her happy - why can't you see that?"

"Mom..."

"No Bill. I don't want to hear another word. If you can't see that she's happy, take it from me. Accept it and let it go. Mulder's done nothing to deserve this animosity from you."

"But..."

"But nothing Bill. Stay quiet and let everyone enjoy their Christmas."

"Fine."

"Thank you."

Bill trudged moodily back into the house, not wanting to have to look at the pair of them any longer. Mulder let Scully down from his arms but they maintained a strong hold on each other as they walked up the path. Mulder excused himself to go use the bathroom before they left and Scully caught her mother's eye, blushing at the knowing sparkle that she saw in them. She looked down at her feet and didn't speak until Mulder returned carrying one of the twins in his arms, followed by Charlie, holding the other twin, Jessica and Peter. They all made their way to Charlie's car, Mulder stopping briefly to give her a kiss and squeeze her hand tightly. Scully watched them stroll down the path and didn't look at Bill as he passed her, face stony. Tara followed Bill with Matthew in his car seat and the three of them walked to Bill's car in the driveway.

"Right that's everyone. Are you ready Dana?"

"Yup, let's get going mom. You're coming with me and Mulder right?"

"That's right, sweetie. I'll drive if you like though."

"Mom it's okay. We're going in my car, why would you be driving?"

"I just thought you and Fox would want to sit together. If I drive and you two are in the back we won't have any accidents from certain distractions."

"Mom! ...Okay, you can drive. ... Thanks."

Scully had been going to protest but, as she watched Mulder buckle Adele into her car seat, she realized that her mom was right; she did want to keep kissing and cuddling with Mulder. When he flashed her a smile and winked at her, she handed her mom the car-keys with a short word of thanks and half-skipped down the path to join him. They held hands and exchanged brief kisses while Maggie opened the car and tooted the horn cheekily at them. They reluctantly pulled apart so that they could get into the car but once inside with their seatbelts fastened, they swiftly cuddled back together. Maggie started the car and pulled out onto the road, unblocking the driveway to allow Bill to pull out. The three cars drove off in quick succession and it wasn't until they had been driving for about five minutes that Mulder realized what was strange about the driving arrangements.

"Scully...why is your mom driving? This is your car."

"She offered to drive. Don't you like this arrangement better?"

"Definitely but..."

"But nothing Fox, just enjoy it. So...are you two going to tell me or are you just presuming I know?"

"We're presuming you know already mom."

"I suppose it'd be hard not to really. So...when did this...when did you two stop being 'just friends'?"

"This morning, when we went for our walk."

"Your walk? But..."

"But what mom?"

"This morning when I...never mind. I'm just glad you two finally saw some sense."

"Glad? ...Does that mean you're okay with this Maggie?"

"Am I okay with it? Fox, seeing the two of you together and so happy - it's the best Christmas present I could have ever hoped for."

"You mean you don't want the luxury Yacht we got you? Damn."

"Ha ha Dana. Seriously though - I'm over the moon about this. Probably not quite as thrilled as you two, but I'm not far off."

"Thanks Maggie, it means a lot to us to know we're not alone in this."

"What? ...Oh you mean Bill. I've already spoken to him about it, just before you two got back. He's not happy but he's not going to say anything about it."

"Thanks mom. We didn't want to cause an argument but we don't want to have to hide it from family."

"No problem sweetie. I understand."

Maggie smiled at the pair in the rear-view mirror, happy that they had declared their feelings to one another and to her. She was still slightly confused, as she had been convinced that they had done it before she interrupted them earlier but she realized that it didn't really matter. The important thing was that they were together now and were both unquestionably floating on cloud nine about it. She turned on the radio and listened to it until they arrived in the shopping mall's car park, allowing them to kiss and cuddle to their hearts content. She parked the car, clearing her throat to get their attention and smothered a laugh at their obvious disappointment at having to release their hold on the other. She gestured to the large precinct letting them know that they were there and they had to get out of the car. The two sheepishly untangled themselves before getting out of the car, joining hands as soon as they were both standing and followed Maggie to the entrance, ready to shop.