The bright neon lights of the 24-hour sushi place contrasted sharply with the quiet night outside. Mulder stepped inside, shaking off the chill from the winter air, and approached the counter. The small restaurant was cozy, with the hum of a refrigerator case and the soft clatter of utensils in the background. A cheerful cashier greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Welcome! What can I get for you tonight?"
Mulder glanced at the large illuminated menu behind the counter, his eyes scanning the colorful photos of sushi rolls, sashimi, and bento boxes. There were so many options that it made his head spin, and for a moment, he wondered if Scully had a specific roll she liked. But then again, she'd probably be happy with anything after months of abstaining.
"Uh..." he started, still looking at the menu. "I'm here for... sushi. For a new mom. She just gave birth, so I want to get her something... nice."
The cashier's smile widened knowingly. "Ah, you're looking for the New Mother's Special, then."
Mulder blinked. "The... what?"
"The New Mother's Special," the cashier repeated, gesturing toward a small, handwritten sign on the counter. "It's three of everything. One of each for mom, dad, and the baby—or, really, just a ton of sushi for the mom who had to abstain for a really long time. It's popular with folks from the birthing center across the street."
Mulder chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Three of everything, huh? Sounds like overkill."
The cashier grinned. "Trust me, new moms love it. Plus, we throw in a little dessert on the house. It's kind of a tradition."
Mulder hesitated for a moment, glancing at the sign and then back at the cashier. The price listed next to the special made his eyebrows lift slightly—it wasn't cheap. But then he thought of Scully, how she had managed her first contractions at the baby shower without making a fuss and therefore allowing everyone to enjoy the party, how she'd fought through labor, how she'd carried their child against all odds, how she deserved something special for herself after everything.
"Okay," he said finally, nodding. "One New Mother's Special it is. And... uh..." He glanced at the menu again. "Some miso soup. And a couple of chicken skewers, just in case the new mom doesn't want to share."
The cashier laughed. "Good call. You got it. I'll have your order ready in a few minutes."
As Mulder stepped aside to wait, he leaned against the counter and looked around the small restaurant. A few other customers were scattered at the tables, their quiet conversations blending with the background music. He tapped his fingers against the edge of the counter, a small smile playing on his lips.
He felt... lighter. Somehow, the simple act of ordering sushi felt like a step toward making things right with Scully. It wasn't grand or life-changing, but it was something. A way to show her that he cared, that he wanted to be there for her and the baby in whatever way he could.
When the cashier returned with his order—a neatly packed bag with the aroma of fresh sushi wafting from it—Mulder handed over his credit card, still shaking his head a little at the extravagance of the meal. But as he grabbed the bag and stepped back out into the cold night, he found himself smiling again.
This was for Scully. For their son. And for a future he hoped they could navigate together, one small step at a time.