#by: syntax6

[fine-nephrit]

🥏 Fic Rec #62: "Original Sin" by Syntax6

Today’s fic is another novel-length mystery by @syntax6 that showcases her well-honed craftsmanship with polish and confidence. The premise is intriguing: what if Scully really did leave and move to Utah at the end of Fight the Future? The fic picks up two years later with a casefile that unravels the mystery at the heart of the X-Files mytharc.

It never ceases to amaze me the way Syntax6 weaves the loose threads of canon into something even better—plausible, compelling, and still true to the series' classic vibe. Her original characters and her take on Diana are first-rate as always. An entertaining, powerful read!

---

🥏 on author's site 🥏 audio version on @audiofanficpod read by @red2007

length: novel, 102K / 52,000+ words season: post-FTF pairing(s): M/S UST to RST, Scully/Other, Mulder/Other tags: AU, casefile, angst, mytharc, jealousy, rift, separated/reunited, good OCs, Diana Fowley, Samantha Mulder rating: explicit/NC-17

Tagging @today-in-fic

[randomfoggytiger]

Your tags were correct!

@syntax6’s (Gossamer, FFN, Omni) Blood Oranges (2/2)

"You know, Scully, Valentine's Day is definitely not the most romantic day to get married."

"Oh?" She rested her chin on the back of her hand and looked up at him. "Pray enlighten me, Mulder. What then is the most romantic day to get married?"

"February twenty-ninth."

She rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh, I see. That way you only have to remember it once every four years. Very romantic."

"No, Scully, you're not looking at right. February twenty- ninth is actually present in *every* day for about one extra minute. We just choose to add it back in all at once."

Scully thought about the idea for a moment and realized he was right: there was a bit of February twenty-ninth tacked on to every day of the year. She smiled at him. "Okay, Mulder, you talked your way out of that one. Very well, I might add."

He grinned cheekily and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Told you."

you guys remember the end of that x files fic where mulder tells scully the most romantic day to get married is february 29th because there's a little bit of feb 29th in every day? yeah....

[enigmaticxbee]

Tropes & More - Fic Recs

All the tropey-goodness!

Body-Swap:

Underneath Your Skin by crescentmoon222 - Dreamland AU, NSFW

What if Feels Like for a Girl by @mldrgrl - Dreamland AU, NSFW

Dreamland III by @admiralty-xfd - Dreamland sequel

Flea Market Economy by Punk

I’ll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours by Tv_Saved_The_Teenage_Girl

Masters of Time by @sisterspooky1013 - time travel to 1960s Masters of Sex, NSFW

Times Colliding by onlytheinevitable- time travel 1998/2018 body swap, NSFW, WIP

Cubed by Louise Marin - Scully wakes up as an alternate version of herself, NSFW.

Parallel by @sisterspooky1013 - Scully wakes up as an alternate version of herself, NSFW.

Fake-Dating:

Never by Allison Kinney - Undercover, NSFW

Diversion by @sisterspooky1013 - Stakeout, NSFW

Just Another Dinner Party by @somekindofseizure - Undercover at a swingers party during Arcadia

Amish Country by Lolabeegood - Undercover with the Amish, NSFW

We’re Married Now by @skinfull - Undercover in a cult, NSFW

Hallowed by onlytheinevitable - Undercover in a cult, NSFW

More Than a Feeling by @sisterspooky1013 - Undercover at a carnival, NSFW

Undercover Swing by 2momsmakearight - Undercover at a sex party, NSFW

It’s Just Pretend by @storybycorey - Undercover in a motel, fake sex turning into real sex, NSFW

The Marriage Spectacular by @cecilysass - Lost FBI agents. Stormy weather. A marriage retreat in a mountainside inn with one room available.

The Newlywed Game by onlytheinevitable - While going out for dinner, Scully runs into an ex and Mulder valliantly pretends to be her husband. However, that little lie traps them into having to play the Newlywed Game in front of a bunch of strangers and they have to navigate admitting feelings they haven't even admitted to themselves.

Baseball Metaphors by @leiascully - Scully runs into an ex and they pretend to be dating, NSFW

Just Go With It by @skinfull - Mulder runs into old high school classmates and they pretend to be married, NSFW

The Annapolis Grant by @slippinmickeys - AU, Scully pays Mulder to play the role of her boyfriend, NSFW

Wedding/FBI Ball Date:

Plus One by @alienqueequeg - Mulder convinces Scully to let him be her plus one at an old friend's wedding, NSFW

Hardball by Missy Pennington - Scully gets a sexy red dress to wear to the FBI ball when she finds out Phoebe Green will be attending

Five Ballrooms by @admiralty-xfd - Five Christmas parties. Five separate POVs.

The Twelve Tropes of Christmas by @mangokiwitropicalswirl - Christmas ball and all the tropes

Holidays:

far away and to the west by @audries - Thanksgiving with the Gunmen

at the close of the day by @audries - Thanksgiving on the road

Fairies, Skip Hence by @slippinmickeys - Christmas at the Scullys, NSFW

Shades of Winter by @piecesofscully - Christmas at the Scullys, NSFW

Marshmallow World by @agoodwoman - Christmas 1998, set Season 6, our beloved agents are working under AD Kersh. Mulder and Scully get into the holiday spirit. NSFW

Regular People by @chimerical1975 - Thwarted Christmas plans, impulsive decisions, and unexpected visitors make two extraordinary FBI agents into regular people. NSFW

Chicken Dinner by @cecilysass - Dinner at Mrs. Scully’s. Mulder overhears Maggie speaking to her friends about her daughter’s relationship with her partner. What he hears floors him.

Gingersnap by @cecilysass - Holiday baking, NSFW

if the fates allow by @all-these-ghosts - Christmas with Mulder and Scully, 1993-2016

Birthdays by @syntax6 - seasons 1 through 7

One Bed (see Faking Dating above too):

Let’s Play a Game by @danasculllie - Motel room Truth or Dare, NSFW

Truth or Dare by Adrienne - Mulder and Scully have a wicked game of Truth or Dare while sharing that hotel room in Rain King. NSFW

Twenty-Questions and a Winter Storm by @danascully77 - NSFW

Designated Mulder by onlytheinevitable - Mulder had always wanted to see what Scully would be like drunk, but he didn't anticipate it would finally happen on the one night they had to share a bed. NSFW

Sexy Snowed-In by @peacenik0 - Mulder and Scully are snowed-in together, will they find a way to escape their boredom? NSFW

Hot and Sticky by Megan Reilly - One hotel room, two FBI Agents...and it's a hell of a hot night besides. NSFW

One room. One bed. by spooky66 - NSFW

Free Merlot at the Cool View Motor Court by @sarie-fairy - post The Rain King, NSFW

Turn that damned thing off by @sunflowerseedsandscience - The Rain King missing scene.

Time Enough At Last by bayloriffic - The Rain King missing scene.

Conversation in the Dark by Cass - The Rain King missing scene.

Stop Me by Gina Rain - post The Rain King, NSFW

Unbidden by @phillippadgettwrites - NSFW

Bunkmates by @leiascully - There's only one hotel room, and it's got a special surprise.

Expense Report by 13th_blackbird - The Bureau conducts an audit, and Scully considers the costs.

Scully/Other:

Universal Invariants by @syntax6 - set over the course of a canon-parallel version of season 1 and early season 2 where Scully’s boyfriend Ethan who was cut from the pilot sticks around. NSFW

Early On by @sunflowerseedsandscience - Mulder and Scully are drawn to each other from the start but Scully is still with Ethan. NSFW

Homicidal Tendencies by Swikstr - Casefile crossover that pairs Scully with the detective from Homicide: Life on the Street. NSFW

You He Did Not Fail by extraordinarily_ordinary - After Scully leaves the X-Files for a position in LA a case brings them back together. Starts Scully/Other but ultimately MSR. NSFW

Original Sin by @syntax6 - post FTF Scully moves to Utah. Scully/Other but great MSR. NSFW

Arizona Highways by Fialka - Visions of Melissa lead Our Heroes on a case confirming the existence of a series of Emilys. But does Melissa really have a message, or is it all in Scully’s head? Scully/Other but ultimately MSR. NSFW

No Regrets by MystPhile - During Arcadia Scully reconnects with Detective John Kresge. Ultimately MSR but not until the very end. NSFW

Promises to Keep by Prufrock’s Love - post Requiem Scully/Skinner, I really struggled with this one, but still an interesting read. NSFW

Heart’s Desire by @malibusunset - post Two Fathers/One Son Scully reconnects with an old boyfriend during a case. My favorite Scully/Other fic - ends in MSR, but it’s probably the only fic where I’ve thought that Mulder might be the wrong choice. NSFW

La Lacuna by @aloysiavirgata - Scully explores her feelings after Milagro while investigating a murder. Scully/Other but ultimately MSR. NSFW

Mulder/Other:

The Waters of Babylon by @aloysiavirgata - As they prepare to become Rob and Laura Petrie, Mulder thinks back on his life and the paths not taken.

Seventeen by @scapegrace74-blog - Explores how Mulder's sexual relationships shaped (and mis-shaped) him as a man. Each chapter represents a different partner. Mulder/Other, ultimately MSR, NSFW

Triptych by @iconicscullyoutfits - married to Diana AU, ultimately MSR

To Love Somebody by Tess and Jacquie LaVa - In the midst of attempting to have a normal romance, Mulder's escalating feelings for Scully, and her deteriorating health due to her advancing cancer, make it impossible for him to commit... Mulder/Other but ultimately MSR. NSFW

The Guts by @wtfmulder - How would Scully react if Mulder dropped an open condom wrapper in front of her? MSR but dealing with Diana.

Dr. Scully's School for Exceptional Boys by Prufrock’s Love - post series, Mulder/Other and MSR, NSFW

One for the Road by @phillippadgettwrites - post breakup, Mulder has a girlfriend but mostly MSR, NSFW

Pregnancy/Baby/Family:

The Family G-Man by Neoxphile and FelineFemme - A double tragedy strikes Mulder the week before Christmas of 2003. What if he could go back and change things, save the son one lost and give the other the family she wanted? Could it keep them safe? NSFW

Five Years and a Lifetime by @monikafilefan @slippinmickeys - One night stand AU. Five years later, Scully and Mulder work at the same pediatric hospital, and Scully's four year old daughter bears a striking resemblance to the picture of a dark haired girl that sits on Mulder's desk... NSFW

In the Best Interest of the Child by @mldrgrl - AU When tragedy strikes, Mulder is forced to take guardianship of his young niece, but the matter is complicated by the arrival of a sister-in-law he's never met.

The Way Things Are by Sukie Tawdry - One night and their whole lives were changed forever. Season 1 AU. NSFW

Right Hand Return by humphreywrites - Scully is returned from her abduction with a baby, no memories of anything prior to her captivity and some PTSD.

All That Is Dark and Bright by @malibusunset - Emily lives AU. NSFW

Five Years and One Night by Shalimar - Scully leaves the X-Files post-Emily but gets drawn back in when Mulder discovers Emily wasn’t the only child created. NSFW

Intimacy Deux by Mojo - The one in five billion happens. NSFW

40 Weeks by @malibusunset - What if the IVF attempt in Per Manum had been successful? NSFW

A Boy and His Fox by 6hoursgirl - What happens when two FBI agents have a platonic relationship based on trust and mutual respect...and an exchange of genetic material. NSFW

The 13th Sign and 7 Days in May by Prufrock’s Love - Post-Deadalive. Mulder saw no reason for life, death, sex, Armageddon, or emotional dysfunction to stand in the way of true love.

Hurricane Season by rah and beduini - Post-Existence week at the beach with the Scully family and baby Wim. NSFW

Terra Firma series by @malibusunset - Post-Existence domestic family drama, a classic comfort read for me. NSFW

Misc:

Partners With Benefits by onlytheinevitable - Friends with benefits, NSFW

Truncated by Lysandra31 - Scully and Mulder find themselves in a tight spot. Spooning ensues.

You Send Me by @spooky-nerd - Portals keep popping up around Mulder. It's rather inconvenient until he realizes it's possible the universe is trying to tell him something.

[tennant-the-tigger]

Recommendations for X-files Fics?

I've read a lot of the newer ones from Ao3, but I heard that the x-files fandom is a little special with sites predating Ao3 and fanfiction.com.

So what are the must read fics? What are your all time favourites, you know, the ones you've saved to re-read later. I'm a baby-phile what have I missed?

Some of my re-reads

Unbroken by Fox_sync

Felix Felicis by misslilli

More Than A Feeling by SisterSpooky1013

Goshen by Bonetree (Todesfuge)

Universal Invariants by Syntax6

[cecilysass]

XF Fanfic Writers Who Went On To Professional Writing Careers

Clearly these are just the folks I know.

Johanna Schaffhaussen (@syntax6) - She wrote fanfic as Syntax6 and is now a crime novelist. Check out her fanfic (very, very good casefiles). Check out her novels.

Claudia Gray (@claudiagray) - I don’t hear XF fandom bringing her name up as much, but I heard her talk once and even mention her background in fanfic. She wrote XF fic as Amy Vincent and now does paranormal YA romance / Star Wars novels as Claudia Gray. (Side note: CC said in a podcast interview last year that an author who had written Star Wars novels approached him with an idea for an XF novel, and he liked it and approved it. I really hoped it might be her, but I never heard more.) Check out her fanfic. Check out her Wikipedia page. Check out her novels.

Laura Bontrager (@writingwell) - I mentioned her recently because @randomfoggytiger is such a fan! She wrote XF fanfic as RocketMan, and she's gone on to write romance / mystery novels. Check out her fanfic. Check out her novels.

Sonny Whitelaw - She wrote as Spider and became an ecothriller / speculative fiction author. She apparently also teaches classes at the New Zealand Writers' College. Check out her fanfic. Check out her Wikipedia page. Check out her novels.

Y'all, I bet there are more. There are probably anonymous authors we'll never know. But add to the list if you know some. Including yourself, obviously.

[randomfoggytiger]

Collector's Edition: Mulder's POV

Here's a few first-person fics for your enjoyment.

Loose chronological order below~

@eggschiptune/@ferdieylisse's until it ends (Tumblr)

“Mulder! I need your help!” had come Scully’s strangled voice from the receiver, interspersed with a barrage of awful knocking and shattering noises. In that instant he had been 12 years old again and just as helpless. 

One Breath Mulder's evolving thoughts.

David Hearne's

A Petition to Heaven

I wasn't just worrying about a woman who had survived the poison injected into her body. I had a bad feeling about this investigation. This one, I kept thinking, is not going to end happily. This one will have few survivors.

Firewalker Mulder frantically runs back to his partner.

Nine

11:19

Please, Scully. You've always come through in a clutch for me before. Don't fail me now.

10:52

FTF Mulder stares down a bomb.

Agent L's

Mystery Date

All right, so I'll make it up as I go along. Not much different than the rest of my life.

AU-- Post-Small Potatoes Mulder and Scully blunder through his wooing attempts.

Unlikely Intercessor

I could imagine her here, sitting primly in the pew on Sunday morning, dressed in something feminine and pretty. She would rise and sit at the appropriate times, sing the hymns in her off-key voice and give herself up to the ancient, comfortable rituals. Most proper and sober, until the sun happened to strike one of the stained-glass windows at just the right angle, and cover her in rainbows. Then she would look up and smile with pure joy at being alive.

God, please restore her joy....

Post-Orison Mulder supports his partner.

Misinformed

Judging by the brief flight time and the bumpy landing, I'm guessing we're still on Planet Earth, although I have no idea where. They left the hood on as I was carried off the plane -- again by humans, unless aliens use colorful four-letter words and wear Old Spice cologne -- and put me wherever I am now. That was at least an hour ago by my calculations.

AU-- Post-Requiem Mulder comes face-to-face not with aliens, but with men.

And We Drown and The Journey Back

The first time I came here was to escape from the voices in my head, to find a quiet corner, to feel fresh air on my skin. To be alone. Yet I wasn't alone. The boy was here then, playing in the sand as boys will, patiently answering my questions about what he was doing. I helped him build the most beautiful sand sculpture...Then I woke up in the hospital, a bloody bandage wrapped around my head, with no recollection of how I got there, except for the woman who was with me. The woman with red hair....The woman....

I can't remember her name.

TINH Mulder rediscovers the boy on the beach.

Wish List

I want to go running.

I want to wake up and dress in the dark, stumble outside in the chilly pre-dawn air. Do a few stretches, feel the slow burn as my muscles wake up and obey my mind's commands. The shock of the pavement against my shoes, the concentrated effort of mind and body working together until the rhythm is comfortable, familiar. Autopilot at a quarter of a mile. Sometimes I focus on the run, on how my body feels, trying to regulate my breathing or push myself a little harder, a little faster. Sometimes I operate on muscle memory and my mind leaves my body behind to do its own workout. Free association. Stream of consciousness. Last night's game. The latest case. Life. Love. Death. The usual.

At this point, I'd settle for walking. Or even sitting up without assistance.

Post-Deadalive Mulder is impatient for release.

@amplifyme/wonderland/Lydia Bower’s

Affinity 2

I can remember every single detail of that night. I'll bet she can, too. We're on the outskirts of D.C. before another word is spoken. I just keep coming around to the same thing and it just keeps gnawing at me. I bite the inside of my cheek but it comes out anyway. "Hey, Scully. You really thought it was me that night. Right?"

She heaves a weary sigh. She's probably tired of answering the same questions. No, if that were the case, she would have answered my last one. It was something new and different.

Post-Small Potatoes Mulder and Scully slowly reconnect. (Part 2 to Affinity 01 [Ao3].)

Primal Sympathy

I don't cry for myself this time. I've shed enough selfish tears. And, anyway, it's not like I had a sterling reputation to begin with.

It's her I cry for. For what she'll have to go through. For what she's already suffered. For what she'll believe. Not yet knowing it's just another lie - another in an endless line of them going back more years than we've been alive.

I cry for her. Die for her.

AU-- Redux Mulder is swept up in the hybrids' counter-conspiracy, unable to tell his partner he's alive.

Satchie's

Dancing with Mephistopheles

"You've sustained an injury to your left anterior cerebral artery, which has caused some hemorrhaging into your brain. That's why you're having speech difficulties and the weakness on your right side. We're going to repair the damaged artery and evacuate the clot."

Brain surgery? You've really outdone yourself this time, Mulder.

Post-Demons Mulder wakes, alone.

Jenna's IOU

We spend the next few hours reliving the past 22 years through my eyes. I tell her everything, but mostly about my time spent with Scully and all that has happened to us over the last two years. She finally has gained the nerve to ask "the" question.

"This Scully, is she is a "partner?" Or is she is a "partner, partner?"

AU-- Post-Redux II Mulder and Samantha root around their childhood memorabilia.

Jamie Greco's Quirky (Gossamer)

She had an idea about making a fire to warm me, but it is a failure so she returns and begins to tug awkwardly at me. I don't know what she wants; but whatever it is, she can have it. I tell her I don't want to wrestle; but truth be told, I'd like nothing better. It turns out she wants to hold me in her arms, in her lap no less, and I have won the fortune's lottery.

Detour Mulder's thoughts while in shock.

syn's The Ending That I Wanted

Anyway, the mystery was solved, wasn't it?

It was over. My sister had been returned to me.

But it wasn't the ending that I wanted.

Post Modern Prometheus Mulder is struggling with current reality.

Alanna's Fortress

We continue to drive, not watching the clock, until I notice a sign for the exit to Tijuana in front of us. I take it. I don't know why, but I take it. The miles pass below us as the tires lull us into complacency. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice she is looking at me, so I turn my head. She smiles, softly, and squeezes my hand.

"Thank you, Mulder." I don't reply, but I know that I'm starting to witness the breakthrough.

Post-Emily Mulder and Scully and grief.

Rachel Anton's Just Words 01

Alright this pacing around the apartment thing is getting old. Time for a new task. Maybe I'll clean the grout in my tub. I'll bet she never gets grout.

Chinga Mulder hates weekends.

mimic117's

Imperfect Penance

It's a dangerous assignment, I won't kid you about that. I knew what I was getting into from the start, although I wasn't happy about going in without backup. Still, Skinner was right. I couldn't risk the operation just because I feel naked without her next to me. But she found out anyway. Wish I could have seen her worming the details out of Skinner.

Pine Bluff Variant Mulder is glad to have Scully on the "in."

Dawn's Restored

The kid's looking at me like *I'm* the bug, and I realize I've just completely lost track of time and the question. If he thinks I'm crazy now, wait until he hears my answer. With mild surprise, I notice I'm not really amused by the idea. Somehow, messing with his head doesn't hold its usual appeal.

Post Folie a Deux Mulder and Scully shakily recover in the aftermath.

(Part 2 to Broken [Ao3].)

Starbuck's One More Thing

It found you again, Scully. I fumbled with the hook for a few seconds, then reached my arms behind her to fasten the clasp. One hand remained behind her head, stroking her hair, while the other traced the gold of the chain as it rested against her chest, one finger remaining on the cross briefly before moving away.

AU-- FTF Mulder has unfinished business.

KatyBlue's Mortal Solicitude (Gossamer)

I pity the people who were on that flight from D.C. to New York with me. It's not that I bothered anyone. I couldn't even speak. I don't think that I said one word to anyone from the time I called the hospital until I made it there. But I maintained a dangerously precarious silence.

Tithonus Mulder directs his rage at one Agent Ritter.

Maria Nicole's Yesterday

I've missed you.

Ever since you were shot in New York, you've been quiet, and in the bullpen we can only discuss the work. I don't know what's going on with you, and that worries me.

Post-Tithonus Mulder works through the guilt of injuring his partner professionally, if not physically. (Part 2 to Maybe Today.)

Zephathah's Breathing in Time

"Just wanted to make sure you were still breathing."

She considers me for a moment, then closes her eye and takes a deep breath, filling her lungs completely before letting it out between rounded lips.

Her eye pops open again. "Yep, still going."

I smile at her, a big one this time. "Good."

Post-Monday Mulder hides away from a nightmare (in Scully's bed.)

J. T. Filipek's Title: Beautiful (Gossamer)

Suddenly the nightmare plays back in my mind-- highlights, like in a movie trailer. It's bad, even on the replay. I sit forward and rub my eyes with the heels of my hands, wincing a little at the pain. It's enough to distract me, to keep me from remembering.

Post Milagro Mulder hits upon two epiphanies: the proof of Scully's love and the mechanism of Padgett's powers.

Mish's (WBM) Memorable Hallway Moments

Call me weird, but I am *not* especially fond of hallways. And if you ask Scully, she would probably agree.

AU-- Post-The Unnatural Mulder and Scully deviate a little from canon.

Gwendolyn's Eight and Twelve

"An only child, huh?"

"Yes. An only child." Suddenly I felt Scully behind me; her gaze on my back was like a physical force. She had heard me. I was frozen in place, unable to turn around and face her.

Mulder is guilt-ridden by an easy lie.

MaybeAmanda/maybe_amanda's (xffics, LJ)

Sojourn (Gossamer)

In, out.

Tell yourself it's just like any other day, any other visit.

It's just Scully; you're just going to see Scully.

See if that helps.

IVF arc Mulder's nervous thoughts on his way to Scully's apartment.

Grave Goods (Gossamer)

My name is still on the headstone, of course. It marks the spot where, without question or Y-incision, she left me behind. Left me, in my favorite suit, under layers of sod and snow and sky, to rot.

Post Three Words Mulder takes a trip to his grave. (Similar to @cecilysass's masterpiece All The Dead Mulder, which is in third person.)

Under Construction (Gossamer)

Then I got the arms. The *pick-me-up* arms. The *you're-my-dad- and-the-toes-of-my-tiny-little-Reeboks-belong-in-your-abs-pick-me-up* arms. I shouldn't hesitate - I shouldn't have to hesitate - but I always do. Anytime Scully noticed, she tried hard to look like she was trying hard not to look pained, but I saw it, anyway. It wasn't that I didn't want to hold William - hold my son. It was just that, every time I reached for him, for an instant I was sure my arms were going to pass right through him and I'd find myself passed out on the cold cement floor of my cell again, clutching my chest and aching for all I'd lost. If the price I had to pay to keep this dream up and running was never really holding it, I was prepared to accept that.

But William wasn't. "Up!" he insisted, so I accommodated.

He was solid. Real. I'm his dad. His toes do belong in my abs.

AU-- S9 Mulder is returned to a saved world with a boatload of trauma (that he and Scully are doing their best to avoid.)

Susanne Barringer's

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Scully hates my meatloaf. I know it. She has never told me that, nor has she ever hinted at it, but I know it just the same. She tries to hide her disgust, but I cannot miss the struggle in her eyes, the intensity of her face, as she fights not to show it. I didn't notice at first; it was maybe the third or fourth time that I served meatloaf that the signs began to register.

Mulder revels in a game of bait-and-reward.

Simian Line

"Simian line, Scully. The heart and head line are chained instead of being separate. That can cause lots of problems. People with a simian line may have difficulty separating their intellectual desires from their emotional ones, and often spend their lives searching for something they never find. They're very single minded, and very intense." I hold up my hand. "I have one."

"Big surprise." The aforementioned eyebrow lifts to emphasize the sarcasm.

AU-- S9 Scully finds out her partner took William to a palm reading.

black.wood/Blackwood's Restored To Grace (Gossamer)

Still, all that was before: before Modell taught us how easily the mind is misled; before the illusion of normalcy with Emily was given and taken away; before an icy tomb nearly claimed her and a soujourn to the Ivory coast challenged her most sacred beliefs. Maybe Dana Scully had simply had enough of disillusionment and darkness. Maybe. But this time, she travels the path of reincarnation alone. That's what we do, Scully and I. After each encounter with the dark side, we lose ourselves and must find a way to regenerate into functioning human beings again.

Post-Orison Mulder and Scully have a hard but necessary conversation.

@contrivedcoincidences6/Spooky66/geektime66's Contemplating Death

I’d asked Scully to do the autopsy despite knowing the pain it would cause her. She was the only one I trusted and if this was a part of the conspiracy I needed her to do it.

She banned me from watching the autopsy so I sat in the dark at home waiting for her.

A glimpse into Sein und Zeit's characters.

Namarie's (LJ) Breathe

I was vaguely disgusted at the fact that I couldn't keep my hand from shaking a little as I held the glass to my mouth. That was probably at least partially due to residual adrenaline from my dreams, I thought. Luckily I managed to drink the water without choking. That hadn't been the case the first time I'd woken up tonight.

Brand X Mulder knows Scully will always save him.

Lolabeegood's Ten Things 01

The fourth time we slept together and I stayed at her house, it was a weeknight. We had been up late discussing a case and one thing lead to me waking up in her bed when the alarm went off at 6:15 am. Like at my place, I hit the snooze button and rolled back over to snuggle into the warmth of her nearly-naked body. Eight minutes later it went off again and she practically blindsided me with a fist as she tried to turn the alarm off.

Mulder enjoys observing Scully's domestic quirks.

@starbuck09256's Differences

Dana is still there hiding behind the long black lashes, the well tailor suits, she is hidden in silk pajamas, extra coffee and real cream cheese. Dana lurks at night in face masks and steals the covers and moans my name into the darkness.

Mulder reflects on his partner's work and home personas.

Suzanne Schramm's Le Chat

"Okay, Mulder, I'm curious." Scully doesn't look up from winding the spaghetti around her fork. "I have to know. What was your final wish?"

"You *have* to know?" I take a sip of water, watching her over the rim of the glass.

Post-Je Souhaite Mulder and Scully discuss wishes.

dee_ayy's Burdened

Dead and buried? For months? I wanted to shout and rail and scream and thrash and beg someone to tell me it wasn't true. But trapped in that still-worthless body, wedded to my plan of waiting out these constant assaults, of letting them pass until I was able to process them in my own time, all I could do was keep my eyes clenched tightly closed, and silently implore these women to leave me alone.

"You heard me, didn't you, Mr. Mulder?" she asked.

Leave. Just leave me alone. This, I was sure, was a burden I could not bear.

Post-Deadalive Mulder wakes to the horror of his abduction and resurrection.

Michelle Kiefer's Second Wind

It seems to be my fate to wake in hospital beds, repeating the experience over and over, perhaps until I get it right. Just about every time, I'd force my eyes open to find Scully, favoring me with a rare smile, holding my hand, touching my face. But she always seemed guarded, as if afraid that the next time, I might not wake at all. Maybe she has finally lived her worst nightmare.

Three Words Mulder can't get warm.

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

Looking for recs of character study fics from Mulder's POV. Anything that has to do with the original seasons, (no revival!). Thank you!

[roarkeve]

I need like an AO3 algorithm. You’ve read all of @slippinmickeys may we suggest *insert just as awesome similar authors* you’ve binged all of @aloysiavirgata perhaps you’d enjoy *inserts all the stories that are fantasticly similar.

Oh you’ve reread @syntax6 *insert similar works which are amazing and compelling stories.*

And sometimes the algorithm will suggest too much of that one fic you started and kinda hated but felt you had to finish cause everyone loved it and then you have to go and re read all the @malibusunset-xf-blog Terra firma series to get your suggestions back on track.

[spooky-jordan]

Good morning X-Files fandom 👋 🛸 I am once again jumping on here to ask for fic recs, rather than trawling through the 1000s of rec lists I already have saved in my notes app 🥲

Looking specifically for case files, preferably novel length, obviously MSR but don’t mind a healthy dose of angst before we get there, in fact I prefer it. Smut is encouraged but not essential.

Bonus points for anything hurt/comfort or Mulder Torture-heavy.

I just got done reading all of Syntax6’s works and loved every single one of them, so anything with a similar vibe! However, I’m pretty open so if you’ve got any great fics that don’t fit any of the above but you love anyway, pls hit me up!

[numinousmysteries]

do you have any recs for msr, pining, angst, pre-relationship, (maybe jealously), multi-chapter stories?

I am officially the worst at recs because I have no memory but I'd like to open this up to anyone else who has better answers.

I don't even know if these count but the only two I could think of are Isometry by syntax6 and Cycles by Prufrock's Love.

Can anyone help anon out with some more recs? I know there are probably hundreds of great options out there that fit this criteria but, alas, my brain.

[pennyserenade]

Below the cut is a list compiled of X-Files fanfic that I've enjoyed in the past month or so. Some of these fics (or maybe all of these fics) are ones that are probably well known by this fandom, but they are new to me. The purpose of this list is both to share my recommendations and also to have something to refer back to when my mind gets to wondering about one of them. There's nothing more heartbreaking than losing a good fic you remember vividly. Special thanks to those beyond incredible websites like X-Libris and Gossamer, as well as tumblr users with impressive fic recs such @lilydalexf, @enigmaticxbee, and @randomfoggytiger.

THE X-FILES ORIGINAL SERIES era:

SHORTER STORIES:

The Angle of the Wrist by pqlaertes (1.7k) (explicit):

season four, cancer arc. A heartbreakingly good, soft smut story where a concerned Mulder watches intently over a sick Scully, and loves her in his own ways. 

LONGER STORIES:

Inspection by IngridGradient (22k+) (explicit):

set seasons one through seven. Beginning in season one, Mulder and Scully begin to inspect one another’s bodies for ticks after certain field cases. What begins as a rather innocuous exercise gradually forms into something much different than intended. I loved this because it felt very Mulder and Scully in the way it was full of yearning and all the flirting and the loving was done so silently as to be almost deadly to the two of them. Mulder is so sappy and in love in this, too, and I adore it so much. Also it's hot! 

*Equilibrium by astronaught (currently at 14k+) (teen):

currently season one through eight. A deep look into the ever-adapting relationship of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully throughout the series, as well as the agents themselves. Begins in season one and offers insightful and moving analysis for each of the seasons. This one is truly literary and absolutely breathtaking. The author is beyond talented, offering insightful and touching analysis of these two brilliant characters in a decidedly brilliant way. I’ve re-read many of these chapters, not only because they are so good, but because I feel there’s always more to find within them. This isn’t finished yet but it is definitely worth checking out.

Overnight Sensation by Syntax6 (50k+) (explicit):

set in season six, between Tithonus and Arcadia. A peeved post One Son/Two Father’s Scully debates her future with The X-Files and Mulder. She ends up taking a case in Boston to try out another life for a size, and Mulder - being Mulder - follows her out there. Chaos ensues when past grudges (and loves) are dredged up, and a killer continues to unleash hell on the city of Boston. This is another good profiler Mulder fic and also a lovely jealousy fic. Mulder was such an ass in season six and some of Scully’s decisions in this feel a little gratifying. I wouldn’t say it was so much explicit in the case of sexual situations, but definitely in terms of the content surrounding the murders. Another to be wary of if you can’t do dark, but very, very good. This author is excellent at case file fics. 

All the Way Home by Syntax6 (48k+) (explicit):

set early season seven, a bit after The Sixth Extinction: Amor Fati. Mulder is forced down memory lane when a serial killer he tried to help catch years ago seemingly comes back -- and he wants Mulder’s attention. This one I remember being distinctively creepy. It's definitely what I would consider a case file fic and I highly recommend it (but you ought to know it does get dark and if you feel uncomfortable with say, the contents of Silence of the Lambs, you should be wary of this. If you can get through that then you should be okay, though). I love the way this writer writes Mulder and Scully, and quickly found that I’m quite attached to fics where Mulder is a profiler. It’s a different and captivating side to him and I love, love, love the way the author weaves who Mulder is into how he responds to cases such as these. Mulder is such a nuanced individual and this author always writes he and Scully with such respect and accuracy. I would not be surprised to find out they have also written X-Files episodes in real life. 

Eclipse by Diana Battis and Alanna (20k+) (explicit): 

set in season seven. Scully asks Mulder to help her conceive children and they spend the next few months fighting that battle together, close as they ever have been. This story is so heartbreakingly tender and I fear my heart won’t ever recover from reading it (especially with that ending).  

Parabiosis by Penumbra (50k+) (explicit):

set in season seven. Mulder and Scully’s relationship as it evolves during the era of season seven, with a little bit of Mummy casefile to top it off. This one was a bit hard to wrap my mind around at first, but once I got the hang of the structure, it was smooth sailing from there. The way this author writes Mulder and Scully’s evolving relationship is beautiful--almost so intimate that you feel intrusive just for reading. I couldn’t put it down. Also, I must say this in relation to this fic: Chris Carter, eat your heart out.

X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE era (either pre or during):

SHORTER STORIES:

Phenomenology by h0ldthiscat (3.6k+) (explicit):

Mulder wakes up frightened, afraid something has happened to Scully when he can’t find her in bed, and she comforts him. This is angsty but very good.

Porch Sex by icedteainthebag (1.8k+) (explicit):

I love, love, love a good flirty Mulder/Scully fic. This is definitely that. See also: the addressing of height difference during doggy sex. *chef’s kiss*’

LONGER STORIES:

Gravity by Malibu Sunset (26k+) (explicit):

Follows Mulder and Scully inside their life of exile, with Scully working as nurse and Mulder flying entirely under the radar; that is, until the events of the movie take place and he’s able to have a life outside of the unremarkable house again. I love this one for a lot of reasons -- the domesticity of Mulder and Scully, in which we get so little of in the original and revival series; the talk of William, of what they lost, and what they continue to lose; and the soft, comforting vignettes in between it all. I’m also particularly fond of the descriptive but accurate sex. It’s not always perfect (an aging Mulder has to wait until he can get another erection; they have drunk, imperfect sex while the lasagna cooks; Scully doesn’t cum each time; and Scully - yes even Scully - gets UTIs). 

THE X-FILES REBOOT era:

knock three times by wtfmulder (1k) (explicit):

season eleven, plus one. Scully initiates sex with Mulder in the connected motel rooms. I have a special place in my heart for smut with an older Mulder and Scully. This is short and sweet and absolutely perfect. 

THE X-FILES aus:

LONGER STORIES:

You He Did Not Fail by extraordinarily_ordinary (85k) (explicit):

seasons one-five, deriving from the plot a little after Scully goes into remission. Scully has left Mulder and the X-Files behind without an explanation, taking a reassignment in L.A. Needing an expert profiler to help her with a difficult case, Scully asks Skinner for one from Washington D.C. Mulder ends up being the one she gets, and he comes with lots of questions about her departure, along with the heavy weight of their shared past together. Scully is made to make some difficult decisions while she and Mulder make headway in the case. This fic was so good I devoured it in a single day. This derives from the plot in a way that I found equal parts realistic and painful, and I love the Mulder we get in this. He feels like Duchovny’s own deeply sorrowful man, who just can’t seem to catch a break no matter how he tries. Oh, and he’s deeply and pitifully in love with Scully. Scully too feels so well fleshed out here. This is an incredible, and perhaps more realistic, take on a plot I’ve always regarded with some questions in The X-Files, and it gives Scully back some agency that she deserves.

[fine-nephrit]

🥏 TXF Fic Rec #42: "Universal Invariant" by Syntax6

It’s rare to find a novel-length, all-encompassing fic set in season 1. Today’s fic is exactly that: a celebrated classic exploring a ‘what if’ scenario where Scully’s deleted live-in boyfriend, Ethan, sticks around. The story begins with Scully’s assignment to the X Files in the ‘Pilot’ and concludes with her return from abduction in ‘One Breath’.

We get to experience the M/S dynamic right from the very beginning, watching their partnership evolve from suspicion to trust, with a repressed, burgeoning attraction. In Syntax6’s skillful hands, you know what that means: lots of delicious, in-character UST.

Ethan plays a major role, adding to the emotional tangle. The ‘Other’ character is often reduced to a flat plot-device or crudely villainized, but Syntax6’s characters are always likable and sympathetic. She writes the best ‘/Other’ plot in this fandom, enhancing the journey to MSR.

It’s a lot of fun to see how the story neatly interweaves with canon episodes, a hallmark of Syntax6’s writing. What’s more, She’s best known for her case files, and there’s a strong original casefile tossed in the mix, which I enjoyed immensely. And we get another of her signature moves: a very hot, well-written sex scene with explosive intensity, placed at the perfect spot in the story. She really does it all, and makes it look effortless.

---

🥏 on author's site

author: @syntax6 length: novel, 80,000+ words season: season 1, early season 2 pairing(s): M/S UST, Scully/Ethan, Mulder/Other tags: AU, episode-related, casefile, angst, Mytharc, abduction arc, jealousy, amnesia, good OCs rating: explicit/NC-17

tagging @today-in-fic

[lilydalexf]

👽 Random X-Files Fic Rec

This series of fics is a delightful look at the progression of Mulder and Scully's relationship with their birthdays as anchors through the first 7 seasons. Title: Birthday Series Author: @syntax6 Summary: Take a tour down birthday lane, seasons 1 through 7. Length: Lots of words through 14 fics. Classification: None provided. Rating: Not rated Spoilers: Assume through season 7. Favorite line: Most powerful was the way the stories build overall, not any one line. Read the stories!

[thatfragilecapricorn30]

Fic Friday (10)

Today's recommendation is in honor of our girl Special Agent Dana Katherine Scully's birthday! hbd queen.

Title: The Birthday Stories

Author: @syntax6

Description: This recommendation is unique because there's actually 14 stories you can read - two each for seasons 1-7 (one for Mulder's birthday and one for Scully's). I am recommending two of Scully's bday stories. One is season 3 and one is season 6.

My thoughts: Neither have actual titles so I hope this isn't confusing :) The season 3 story is post-Pusher and is sooo angsty but in the best way. The season 6 fic is pre-Arcadia and is definitely lighter (still with a twinge of angst though). I frequently reread both stories; I enjoy them that much. Every time I wish there was more to read because syntax6 is such a great storyteller. Definitely check out the other stories too!

Enjoy! Tagging @today-in-fic

[syntax6]

Look, it's me, signing books! I would love to sign one for you too. You can order a personalized copy from Brookline Booksmith, where I am doing the launch tomorrow. When you order, at the veeeeery bottom there is an "order notes" section. Just say you would like a signed copy. If you say you are from XF, I will sign syntax6 as well as Joanna! :)

Link to order: https://www.brooklinebooksmith.com/search/site/dead%20and%20gone

[whenmuldermetscully]

I just finished reading everything written by syntax6 and the lack of love for the Shoe series is CRAZY!

All the Way Home

Head Over Heels

**same universe, different case: Every Evil

Case file, MSR, original characters…

[saintshivann]

to msr community / veteran fics reader!

i read fics on my phone but i can only seem to read msr fics on ao3? i cant enjoy classic msr fics on gossamer/omniscribe because the format really bothers me. :( this is an excerpt from overnight sensation by syntax6 i want to read it so bad but i don't know how to be comfortable with this format. :(

im sure this is entirely my phone's fault can anyone help pls!