It was late afternoon when Scully stepped into her home, tired but feeling lighter after her appointment. The sound of Maddie's giggles guided her to her daughter's room. Pausing at the doorway, she found Mulder sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a circle of stuffed animals, holding a tiny toy teacup. Maddie stood proudly over him, pouring imaginary tea from a plastic teapot.

Mulder looked completely out of place and yet entirely content. His tie was loosened, his sleeves rolled up, and he was leaning into the moment with an amused smile on his face.

Scully couldn't suppress her grin. "Hey, Cookie," she greeted softly, stepping inside. "Are you having a good time?"

Maddie spun around, her face lighting up. "Mommy!" she squealed, running to her.

Scully bent down, pulling her into a tight hug before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. As she straightened, she leaned over and kissed Mulder on the cheek, a gesture that made him grin.

"The tea is divine," he said, holding up the tiny cup with mock seriousness. "You should try it."

Scully chuckled as she sat down next to them, accepting a toy cup from Maddie. As she adjusted to the tiny space, she caught Mulder's gaze. He was watching her closely, trying to read her mood. She met his eyes and gave a small nod, silently telling him they'd talk later.

Scully lifted the toy cup to her lips. "No scones with that tea?"

Maddie crossed her arms and gave a dramatic sigh. "Mr. Fox ate them all!"

Mulder smirked. "I was hungry."

Maddie placed her hands on her hips. "Did you know Mr. Fox lived in England? So, he knows how good my tea is!"

Scully chuckled, setting her cup down. "I'm sure it's the best tea he's ever had, sweetie."

Maddie beamed with pride, already pouring another round. Mulder leaned back slightly, his grin widening as he watched the two of them. Despite the heaviness of the day, the scene felt warm, grounding.

After Maddie was tucked in for the night, Scully joined Mulder on the couch. The room was dim, the only light coming from a small lamp on the side table. Mulder sat close but kept his hands in his lap, a quiet sign that he didn't want to push her.

Still, he couldn't keep his curiosity at bay. "How did the appointment go?" he asked softly.

Scully hesitated for a moment, then sighed, leaning back into the cushions. "I don't think I'll ever get that memory back," she admitted. "But we worked through some of the memories I do have… of the aftermath. It was a good appointment."

Mulder nodded, watching her closely. "That sounds like progress."

She glanced at him, a faint smile on her lips. "She told me to just let things develop naturally. You know, with a future partner."

Mulder's lips curved into a smile. "So, we're right on track…"

Scully's smile deepened, and she turned to face him more fully. "It would seem so." She paused, her voice growing softer. "I'm glad you came to my lecture that day and asked me that question about the report. I would've never known you're not at all like your reputation."

Mulder chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Not at all, huh? You sure about that?"

Scully tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, maybe a little like your reputation. But just the good parts."

Mulder's grin widened as he leaned slightly closer. "And what would those be?"

Scully rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "That you're persistent… curious… and maybe a little brilliant."

He pretended to think it over. "I can live with that."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, their smiles lingering, before Mulder reached out to gently take her hand. "I'm glad I came to that lecture too, Dana."

Her fingers tightened around his, and for the first time in a while, she felt a true sense of hope. "I've made a few more appointments," she added quietly. "The therapist thinks it's worth giving it another try. She said I should keep coming back, that healing isn't just about the memories… but also about letting myself move forward. So, I'm going to really give it a try."

Mulder squeezed her hand gently, his eyes soft with affection. "I'm proud of you, Dana. That's a big step."

Scully nodded, feeling the weight of her decision settle into her chest. "I'm not a nutcase, you know," she added, almost to herself, her voice a little more self-assured. "I was doing alright before, taking care of Maddie and with my work and with us." She exhaled slowly, the words feeling almost like a relief. "I've been handling things. I think I've been doing okay."

Mulder's gaze softened, and he nodded in agreement. "You've been handling everything, Dana. Taking care of Maddie, staying strong for yourself... you've done more than just 'okay.' You've done really well."

Scully smiled, a quiet warmth spreading through her at his words. It wasn't easy, and there were times she doubted herself, but hearing him say that gave her strength. The weight of her past didn't have to define her future.