Family Traditions
Author: Deia
Category: V, MSR
Rating: PG
Feedback: deiasm@deiasaddiction.net
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
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 her arm searching for Mulder. His place was empty and the sheets were cold. She must have been more tired than she expected. She usually woke up whenever Mulder left the bed. Curious now, she left the warmth or 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. She walked down the hallway, trying to listen to their voices, but there weren't any noises in the house. Scully finally found them in the living room. The sight made her eyes soften and brought a tender smile to her face. Will was sprawled on his father chest, who had a protective arm around his son. Both sound asleep on the couch. It would be their first Christmas together. For so long, she thought that would never happen. Every Christmas she'd think about Will, trying to imagine how he'd be celebrating the holidays, if he was already talking, walking, 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 she had made for Mulder, and she'd tell him stories about Will. After each time, he'd kiss her, 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. Letting her take the initiative. It was only ten months before that they had found their little boy again. She was amazed at how well Will had adapted, after three years without them. When she saw him that first time, he smiled at her, the same smile of his father, and hugged her legs, she was so shocked, and shaking so hard that the only thing she could do was hold his head to her. A few moments later he turned to his father and stretched 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 leaving his face, as if he knew he belonged to them. Maybe he did. He had always been a special boy. As she gazed at her boys, she noticed 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'. He pouted at her, and she was startled once again at how much like Mulder he was. Mulder who was stirring, and blinking his eyes slowly. His eyes first landing on Will, then on Scully. He beckoned her to join them on the couch, and she went willingly. He sat down, still holding Will, to make room for her, and pulled her to him when she was under 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 past midnight. I heard little steps on 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 forehead, before releasing him. "Go ahead, Will. You can open them now." He squealed, and jumped to the floor, running to the wrapped packages that waited for him. Scully left the couch to sit on the floor, needing to be closer to her son at that moment. She was laughing at the delighted expression of her baby at each new toy he uncovered, when she felt Mulder sitting behind her, and putting his arms around her waist, he leaned his face close to hers so they could both watch their son play. They stayed like that, enjoying the sight before them, until they noticed that Will was getting tired, after all the excitement and not having 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'. She would put her arms on his waist, and they'd move slowly to the song. She still 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, pulling Scully at his other side, and whispering to her that it was time for them to start their traditions again. She had cried the whole dance. "He's sleeping." Mulder's low voice brought her back to the present. She 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 started kissing her neck, and sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. He smiled when he heard her moaning softly, and seeking his mouth with hers. When their lips were only an inch apart, he looked into her eyes and smiled. "Can I open my gift now?" She hooked her thumbs on his boxers. "Only if I can open mine." "Deal." As their lips joined, and they tumbled into bed, Scully knew they had just started a new tradition. A very welcome one. End.