From: ephemeral@ephemeralfic.org Date: 24 Dec 2005 04:04:48 -0000 Subject: Family Traditions by Deia Source: direct Reply To: deiasm@deiasaddiction.net Title: Family Traditions Author: Deia Category: V, MSR Rating: PG Feedback: deiasm@deiasaddiction.net Website: http://www.deiasaddiction.net/xsense Distribution: go ahead, just let me know Spoilers: Season 9 Disclaimer: Not mine, not making any money from it Summary: Every family needs its own traditions A.N. This story was written for the BTS Secret Santa, and is dedicated to my darling friend Kimmie. It's a sequel to 'Sharing' and a prequel to 'To Have and To Hold', but you don't have to read those to follow this one. Thank you once again my dearest Sallie for your beta services. Family Traditions Scully turned around on the bed and stretched out her arm searching for Mulder. His place was empty and the sheets were cold. She must have been more tired than she thought. She usually woke up whenever Mulder left the bed. Curious now, she left the warmth of her comforter to look for him. Her first stop was Will's bedroom, but father and son were nowhere to be found. She frowned. It was late, and Will always slept through the night, but he had been so excited about Christmas, that he probably couldn't sleep. Scully walked down the hallway, trying to listen for voices, but the house was completely quiet. She finally found them in the living room. The sight of the two of them together made her eyes soften and brought a tender smile to her face. The sight of the two of them together caused her look of concern to soften and brought a tender smile to her face. They were sound asleep on the sofa, Will sprawled across his father's chest, Mulder with a protective arm wrapped securely around his son. This would be their first Christmas together. For so long, Scully thought this day would never come. Every Christmas she'd think about Will, trying to imagine how he'd be celebrating the holidays, if he was already walking, talking, what toys he liked best. At those times, Mulder would show up by her side, as if he could sense her mood, and envelope her in his arms. It never made the pain go away, but knowing she wasn't the only one missing him helped. Sometimes they'd look at the photo album Scully had made for Mulder, and she'd tell him stories about Will. After each time, he'd kiss her gently, and thank her for telling him about their son. He knew it hurt her to remember, and that she felt guilty about the adoption, so he never asked her to share those stories with him. Mulder always let her take the initiative. It was only ten months before that they had found their little boy again. Scully was amazed at how well Will had adapted, after three years without them. When she saw him that first time, he smiled at her, his father's smile, and hugged her legs. She was so shocked, and shaking so hard, that the only thing she could do was hold him close to her body. A few moments later Will had turned to his father, and stretched out his arms to be picked up. As soon as he was in Mulder's arms, he leaned his face on his father's shoulder, facing Scully. The smile never left his face, as if he knew he belonged right there. Maybe he did. He had always been a special boy. As she gazed at "her boys," Scully found out that one of them was looking right back at her with wide eyes. When he noticed that his mother was aware that he was awake, Will grinned at her, his eyes darting to the gifts under the tree. Scully chuckled softly and shook her head, mouthing to him 'Not yet.' Will pouted, and she was startled once again by how much like Mulder he was. Mulder who was stirring, and blinking his eyes slowly, those eyes first peering sleepily at Will, then at Scully. He beckoned her to join them on the couch, and she went willingly. He sat up, still holding Will, to make room for her, and pulled her to him when she was within his reach. "What time is it?" He asked, his voice rough from sleep. "Almost 5 in the morning." He looked startled at that. "When I left the bed it was only a little past midnight. I heard little steps in the hallway, and decided to investigate. Turns out someone was making his way to the living room to wait for Santa." Will was looking innocently at his father, and bitting his lips to keep from giggling. "Did Santa show up?" "He was gone by then, but he left gifts." At the mention of gifts, Will started squirming in his father's lap. Mulder looked at Scully, and she nodded slightly. He kissed his son's forehead, before releasing him. "Go ahead, Will. You can open them now." The little boy squealed and jumped to the floor, running to the wrapped packages awaiting him. Scully left the couch to sit on the floor, needing to be closer to her son at that moment. She was laughing at her baby's delighted expression at each new toy he uncovered, when she felt Mulder come and sit behind her. Putting his arms around her waist, he leaned his face close to hers so they could watch their son play. They stayed like that, enjoying the sight before them, until they noticed that Will was getting tired from all the excitement and not having had very much sleep the night before. Mulder picked him up, but the boy was still resisting sleep. In those cases, Mulder would cradle his son's head to his neck, hum a low tune, and sway with him until he fell asleep. Scully stood to join them, as she always did when she had the chance. It was what Mulder called "family dance." Scully would put her arms on her husband's waist, and they'd move slowly to the song. She remembered their first family dance, on a Valentine's Day, a few months before Will was born. On the first night after they got Will back, Mulder had hugged a very sleepy boy close to his heart, pulling Scully to his other side, and whispered to her that it was time for them to start their traditions again. She had cried during the entire dance. "He's sleeping." Mulder's low voice brought her back to the present. Scully stepped back, and followed as Mulder carried their son to bed. They stood watching him sleep for a few minutes before going back to their bedroom. They should get some sleep themselves, as they'd have guests for dinner, but as soon as they walked into their room, Mulder began kissing her neck, and sleep became the furthest thing from her mind. He smiled when he heard her moan softly, seeking his mouth with her own. When their lips were barely an inch apart, Mulder looked into her eyes and smiled. "Can I open my gift now?" She hooked her thumbs in the waistband of his boxers. "Only if I can open mine." "Deal." As their lips met and they tumbled into bed, Scully knew they had just started a new tradition, one she would treasure for a long time to come. End.