He or she is at it again. Somersaults, slow and lazy. For the millionth time since returning to life Mulder resumes his favorite position in their bed, placing his arm over Scully's sleeping form, his hand resting on the roof of their soon-to-be-born child's cozy little home. And then he tunes in the best late show in town. He hasn't told Scully this, but since returning he has been able to hear her again. He's been pretty well behaved about it, but late into the night when they are laying side by side in the dark and only she is sleeping, he indulges himself and listens to her talking to their child. He is thrilled and humbled during these moments. It's started, and he hears her voice, beautiful and low.

"Of all the things I wish for you, what I want above all else is for you to be happy. It's the most important thing. Your father and I have known some horrible times, but when all is said and done, we're happy. You don't know how lucky you are to have your father for a father, and more importantly to have him here with us. He's the most amazing person, and I was so afraid that you would never know him. But he came back to us. Two miracles in one year. I can't say it enough, but we love you so, and will do everything in our power to make a good life for you. So, please, be happy."

Mulder's heard this a few times at least, but it never fails to move him to tears and he now is blinking away there in the dark. He knows their lives won't be any less complicated in the future than they've been already, and yet he's feeling somewhat contented. And yes, he is happy. He has nothing more to add tonight to what Scully has said, so he leans his head down to where his hand is placed and whispers, "Listen to your mother. She knows what she's saying." He then places a gentle kiss there. "She knows."

~ End ~

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This story is (c) Copyright 2003 by Christine Leigh. "The X-Files" and its characters are the property of the Fox Network and Ten-Thirteen Productions and are borrowed here without profit or intent for profit.