Chapter Text
Mulder and Scully stood outside Maggie’s home waiting for the older woman to answer the door. They’ve been invited for lunch and it’s an invitation both of them couldn’t refuse. So, they’re outside with dessert on hand, and Mulder fidgeting in his shoes like a child.
“Mulder, stop it.” Scully slightly chastised him.
“I’m sorry. It’s just that, I’m nervous.” He told her and she smiled at him sympathetically.
“Oh, Mulder,” She sighed, “It’s just my mom. Plus, you’ve been to numerous lunches and dinners with us, it’s not like it’s the first time.”
“I know, Scully. But it’s the first time that I’ll be eating lunch here not as you friend or co-worker.” He pointed out.
Scully simply gave him a smile and stood on her tiptoes to press a kiss on his cheek.
“It’ll be okay, I promise.” She reassured him, squeezing his hand. Mulder was about to lean in and kiss her cheek when the door opened making both of them jump.
The door revealed a beaming Maggie Scully.
“Dana, Fox! Oh, it’s so good to see you, sweethearts!” she greeted.
“It’s so good to see you too, Mom.” Scully said as she kissed Maggie’s cheek before she was pulled into a hug.
“Always a pleasure to see you, Mrs. Scully.” Mulder said.
“Oh, Fox, call me Maggie.” She told him as she moved to hug him next. “Now, come in, come in.”
Maggie ushered Mulder and Scully inside the house and instructed them to take off their coats.
“I’ll just be at the kitchen.” She told them, taking the dessert from Mulder’s hands.
As the couple tidied their coats and other belongings, Scully asked Mulder if they should tell her mom about their relationship.
“Well, it’s up to you, Sculls.” He told her.
She hummed in response at first, mulling over her mind what they should really do, then she said, “Alright, we’ll tell her,” she paused. “Maybe after dessert?”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.” Mulder agreed.
They headed to the kitchen where Maggie was setting plates on the table.
“Oh there you are,” she said as she spotted the couple enter the room. “I was about to call, why don’t you take your seats.”
Both Mulder and Scully looked at each other and shrugged before taking their seats. They were more than happy to offer Maggie some help, but they knew she’d refuse and would most likely tell them that they were guests.
“Oh, Mom,” Scully sighed as she caught sight of the casserole dish Maggie was bringing to the table. “Lasagna?” she asked, her mouth already watering at the smell. Even Mulder looked like he was close to salivating himself.
“Yes, sweetheart. You’re favorite.” Maggie told her with a smile as she set the dish on the table. “And I have some fresh garlic bread as well.”
Scully almost moaned out loud, but caught sight of Mulder smirking at her and she just rolled her eyes at him. Although, the corners of her mouth lifted a bit.
When Maggie returned with the bread and settled on her seat, she said a quick prayer of thanksgiving and they began to eat. They did small talk while they ate – joking and bantering a bit about certain topics here and there – little did Mulder and Scully know, Maggie was silently observing them both, especially when got too carried away while talking. She couldn’t help but smile inwardly as she watched her daughter and her partner interact – all gummy smiles and eye crinkling. She was happy knowing and seeing that her daughter was happy.
Time quickly passed and they’ve finished their main course, and Scully suggested for dessert. Mulder volunteered to get the cheesecake from the fridge and Scully smiled as she watched him get up from his seat and get the dessert. Her expression did not go unnoticed by her mother.
They savored their dessert – the sweetness and tartness balancing out the taste of the lasagna they had. Once they were finished, Scully cleared her throat and began to speak.
“Mom,” she started and Maggie turned her attention to her daughter. “I, well, we, um” Scully said, gesturing to herself and Mulder, her cheeks reddening. “Well, Mulder and I are dating. Officially. We’re together.”
Maggie’s face broke out into a smile and let out an excited noise. She was beyond happy.
“Oh, this is such great news!” she exclaimed, getting up from her seat. She hugged them both and repeatedly told them how happy she was for the both of them. “It’s about time.” She told them.
Scully blushed even more and Mulder’s neck reddened. Nonetheless, they were glad for Maggie’s reaction. It was what they were truly hoping for.
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Since they still had errands to run, they had to excuse themselves and had to tell Maggie that they had to leave. The older woman was only slightly disappointed they couldn’t stay longer. She hugged the couple goodbye and bid them a safe drive. She watched them head to their car from a window at the living room when she remembered something. She quickly went to her room and retrieved a camera. She rushed to the door, mindful of her footing, just in time to catch Mulder opening the door on the passenger side for Scully.
Scully noticed her mother rushing and she felt panic rise within her as she met with her halfway.
“Mom? Is everything alright?” she worriedly asked. Mulder immediately by her side.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m alright.” Maggie told them and Mulder and Scully looked at her confusedly. She raised the camera in front of them and Scully muttered an ‘oh my god’ under her breath.
“I need a picture of you both.” Maggie said with a smile and gestured to the couple to get close to each other.
To humor her, they closed in the space between them. Scully crossed her arms and Mulder placed an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him, and they both smiled at the camera when Maggie instructed them to.
“Perfect.” Maggie whispered after capturing the photo. “I’ll get these printed.” She told them, and Scully just shook her head with a smile before going to her mom and saying goodbye.
“Bye, Mom. I’ll call soon.” She said. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Dana.” Maggie told her before pulling her in for a hug.
She went inside the car first and waited for Mulder to bid his goodbyes to her mother. What she didn’t notice was how Maggie nodded her head and patted Mulder on the shoulder as she reassured him he’ll have a copy of the photo.
“Thank you, Maggie.” He said to her after they pulled away from a hug.
“Of course, sweetheart.” Maggie replied. “Now, why don’t you go and enjoy the rest of your day.”
Mulder nodded then rounded the car to get into the driver’s seat.
Maggie Scully watched her daughter and her partner drive off with a smile on her face; happiness warming her heart.