Saturday had been a perfect day, one of those rare moments where everything seemed to align effortlessly. Mulder had joined Scully and Maddie for a trip to a strawberry farm, where they spent the afternoon picking berries under the warm sun. Maddie was in her element, darting between rows with sticky red fingers, giggling every time she snuck a berry into her mouth instead of the basket.

Later, back at Scully's, they turned their harvest into an all-strawberry dinner. Maddie helped mash strawberries for jam while Mulder attempted to hull the berries, his technique leaving much to be desired. The kitchen was filled with laughter as they prepared strawberry salad, strawberry shortcake, and even a strawberry glaze for chicken. By the time they sat down to eat, the kitchen smelled like a dream, and their faces were flushed from the joy of the day.

After Maddie finally conked out on the couch during story time, Mulder carried her to bed, tucking her in carefully. When he returned to the living room, Scully was curled up on the couch, her gaze soft as she watched him approach.

They sat together, talking about everything and nothing, the ease between them growing with every passing moment. Eventually, talking gave way to kissing, and Mulder found himself losing track of time in the warmth of her presence.

When he started his usual "I should get going" ritual, standing reluctantly and reaching for his coat, Scully surprised him.

"Do you want to stay?" she asked softly, her voice steady despite the nervous energy in the room.

Mulder froze for a moment, processing her words. "Stay?"

"Yes," she said, sitting up straighter. "Just to sleep. If you want to."

He nodded, smiling shyly as he shrugged off his coat again. "I'd like that," he admitted. Then, after a moment, he added, "Just so you know, I'd have to sleep in my boxers and undershirt. I didn't exactly plan for a sleepover."

Scully's lips quirked in amusement, recognizing his comment for what it was: an attempt to gauge her comfort. "I think I'll be okay with that," she replied, her tone teasing.

Mulder smirked, his humor returning. "Wait 'til you see them," he quipped. "There are UFOs on them."

That had made her laugh, the sound light and genuine, and he'd grinned back, feeling more at ease.

When they were getting ready for bed, both were a little nervous. Mulder climbed into bed first, leaning against the pillows as he watched Scully brush her hair in front of the mirror. Her movements were deliberate, almost soothing, and he found himself struck by how beautiful she looked in the soft light.

But even with her calm exterior, he could sense her unease.

"You know," he said gently, breaking the quiet, "if this doesn't feel right, I can still go home. Or I could take the couch."

Scully paused mid-brush, glancing at him through the mirror. "No," she said quickly, shaking her head. "I'm nervous, but it's the good kind." She set the brush down and turned to face him, the faintest smile playing on her lips. "I haven't done this since before Maddie was born. I want to do it right."

Mulder's expression softened, his voice quiet and reassuring. "Dana, it's just sleeping. Nobody gets sleeping wrong. You'll be fine."

That earned him a small laugh, and her shoulders visibly relaxed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," she said dryly, but there was warmth in her tone.

She hesitated before speaking again. "I just… I don't want to mess this up."

"You won't," Mulder said firmly. "Trust me, you couldn't."

Her smile grew, a flicker of something lighter and freer passing across her face. "Thanks."

Mulder grinned. "Don't worry, I'm a pro at this whole sleeping thing. Stick with me, and you'll be a natural in no time."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing softly as she walked toward the bed.

After a moment of quiet, Scully confessed, "Mulder, I usually don't wear pajama bottoms in bed."

Mulder raised an eyebrow, unsure what to make of the information. "And… you forgot how to take them off?"

Scully chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, it's just… Are you okay with that?"

He considered her question, his expression softening. "Are you?"

In response, Scully slipped off the pajama bottoms and joined him in bed, wearing just her shirt and panties. She slid under the covers and turned to him with a small, almost shy smile.

"Hi," she murmured.

Mulder smiled back, his voice gentle. "Hi."

They kissed softly, the intimacy of the moment heightened by its simplicity. After a little while, they settled into a comfortable embrace, Scully resting her head on his chest as Mulder's arm wrapped around her.