#the scullys are messy and i LOVE it

[baronessblixen]

I FIGURED IT OUT.

Okay, so, I gave Bill the benefit of the doubt in my Apologia analysis because, y'know, what do I know? Buuuut I remembered a little detail that made everything entirely unpalatable:

Maggie, I had assumed, was suffering in silence all those months to respect her daughter's wishes. I'd forgotten that she was a gossip, and that she'd spilled the beans about her daughter's infertility the DAY after Scully told her and kept pressing her about the baby's sex in S8 (which makes sense why Scully was deterred from finding out the gender/told no one, because if she can't-- or won't-- tell her mother, then why tell the world?)

How does this relate to Bill? Opening of Gethsemane he mentions he JUST got off his boat and sped (over to see Scully) to make it in time for the party... and ALSO made a point to question (read: mildly interrogate) if his sister had gotten her birthday card a few months ago; and Scully notes how odd that was for him to do... MEANING Maggie told him months ago; and the only reason why Bill hadn't confronted his sister about her cancer, yet, was because he was on a boat and unable to get in touch.

I will, however, give him the benefit of the doubt after Emily because he was (to my recollection) truly remorseful in the church. He also didn't have significant screentime after that, so I'll never know if he took his big foot off the pedal and decided a hands-off approach was the best policy. Again, not that type of series.

But in general: Maggie gossiped, Bill swooped in to assess what was going on, spilled the beans when Scully didn't confide in him (which, tbf, that's gotta hurt-- being left out of his sister's terminal diagnosis and only swooping in in time to see her die incidentally because Maggie gave him the heads up-- for both of them-- thinking her mom kept it private because she doesn't want to think about the deadline only to find out Maggie told Bill and her priest months ago), and ratted their mother out. Twice.

Sooooooooooooooooooo, I wanted to drop in and thank you for your thoughts from yesterday(?)-- got me to think and pull up some rusty quotes. (Now I'm REALLY excited to dig into this messy dynamic when I get around to finishing her family series. Some day. XDDD) Hats off to our discussion~. :DDDD

They really do have a messy dynamic, don't they? I love that cause it feels real. Yes, their mother is a gossip, and Bill tries to be the head of the family, and Scully is too private for her own good - and we never even met Charlie!

I know that wasn't part of your analysis yesterday, but I really hate that Maggie told Bill about his sister's infertility. That's really her thing and something she should have disclosed herself. But I suppose that's how it is with many parents. Still, I hate it. It feels like stripping Scully of her agency.

I always love your meta posts and I love discussing these things too. So thank you for your hard work!!

[bisexualfbiagents]

There is no right or wrong. Life is just a path. You follow your heart and it'll take you where you're supposed to go. God, you sound like a greeting card.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE X FILES Day 3: Favorite Character ➤ Melissa Scully

[bonafidehero]

I am so distracted by Scully in the sixth extinction (and Amina Ngebe tbh) ha ha… now kiss 😳

[ao3topshipsbracket]

Obviously Spirk and Mulder/Scully are iconic pairs, but I can't get over how low they were seeded (I'm not arguing with the data, or your awesome methods -- It's just wild).

I looked at some sports rankings and imagine if the US Open finals were Women's Tennis: Emma Navarro vs Yulia Putintseva

Men's Tennis: Daniel Altmaier vs Arthur Rinderknech

Or March Madness ended with a game between Missouri vs Kent St.

I love it!

Wangxian is the only one of the semifinalists that was seeded in the top 32! We knew going in that number of works on ao3 is a messy proxy at best for weight class in the actual polls, but it's been fascinating watching that play out in practice.

[randomfoggytiger]

I have an idea!! We all love it when Scully borrows(/steals) Mulder’s clothes in fic, but what about Mulder borrowing(/stealing) Scully’s clothes?

Mulder had been a good boy, restlessly applying himself to complete recovery after waking with the scars of smoked-out beetles in his throat. A little over ten days in the hospital-- a record, barring their previous quarantines-- a little under one for the flight home, a little over two to sleep off the return trip, and (he'd assumed) a few more days, a few more meds, a few more teasing touches and everything would be business as usual.

Today had not been a good day.

He'd woken coughing up an ecosystem, lungs burning and head throbbing with each heaving inhalation. Scully had insisted he stay in bed, repositioning him away from the puddle of sweat pooling under his back and mopping away the gunk he spat into his hand. She'd pulled them both back from the vivid recollection of that hand spattered with blood two weeks ago: "Excess mucous production, Mulder-- the membranes in your respiratory tract are irritated. You'll be fine." And she'd willed it so, handing him the full dosage they'd tapered off yesterday and only leaving because he'd insisted she head in to work.

Three hours in, Mulder found his second wind through sheer desperation.

Scooting and sliding his way to the bathroom, the stink of sweat and acidic saliva oozed from every pore of his skin, collected in every fiber of his clothing. His clothes hit the tile with a half-damp plop; and he gripped the sink with one hand while splashing messy water rivulets down his face and back with the other. Too exhausted to pat himself dry, Mulder monkey-branched from the wall to the doorknob, bracing himself for the incoming change in temperature. His cough predictably hacked in rebellion-- not as violently as it had for reveille, but enough to halt his forward progress in fits and stops.

He refused to go back to the swamp bed, shivering towards the closet for something quick to throw on. Clutching the hangers feebly for balance, Mulder darted from shirt to shirt, wondering if he'd rather freeze than attempt to stretch one over his head.

Hello. That was new.

There was a giant men's coat tucked away in the far-left corner where he knew that Scully knew he knew coats no longer belonged. He scowled-- shivering, sweating, trembling body forgotten-- and made a grab for it, twisting the cuffs around to look for a stitched identification or insignia. There were none.

On closer inspection, it wasn't a giant men's coat, after all: it was a giant, fluffy men's robe.

Hungrily pulling it off the rack, Mulder wrapped himself up in a slice of heaven and resumed his shuffle to the couch. It defied all known laws of nature, leeching the sickness from his body, the aches from his muscles, the pounding from his head. He decided not to question it.

Mulder propped up against his favored arm rest, wiggling his toes until sleep began to fuzzily descend. Before the tide pulled him completely away, Scully's key clicked and turned the lock. Earlier than her usual lunch hour.

"Mulder...?" floated softly into the room; and, at peace, he dreamed.

*****

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

Tagging @today-in-fic

[mindibindi]

⭐(Re)Visit a Classic XF Fic [7/7]⭐

So, as part of The X files 30th anniversary celebrations, I took it upon myself to highlight some of the AMAZING authors I first read in this fandom. They were a HUGE part of my experience of watching the show during it's original run. For shippers, the original run was a marathon in faith, frustration and endurance. We were judged, dismissed, ridiculed and gaslit throughout. But in fandom, we found solidarity, and in fanfic, we found solace. (AND we won in the end, so THERE).

As a retired author, I also have a vested interest in pleading the case of older writers. Fanfic archives are libraries, not social media sites. Don't just read whatever comes up most recently in your feed. Search. Discover. Explore. Experiment. Yes, there are some differences in older fanfic culture that are evident in these seven recs. Characters may be understood differently in their original context, narrative style may also differ (more 1st/2nd person address that even addresses the reader directly), there may also be less clear trigger warnings and fewer opportunities for feedback/community. I know we all love AO3 and are grateful for its good works. But don't forget that there are other avenues through which to explore fanfiction.

For this final rec, I want to return to the first author I rec-ed. I urge you to check out her other works. The characters are sometimes a little overwrought or OOC but even when they are, her stuff is tremendously messy, sexy and fun. Here Mulder and Scully are perfectly in character in a rather rauchy scenario. (If you're a babyphile and you don't know the politics at play then ask an auntyphile to fill you in). I will post links below for all the classic authors I have rec-ed, along with a few archives you may want to check out.

Rec #7:

MSR, obligatory stakeout fic

Prompted by current events, Mulder and Scully discuss oral sex

Some knowledge of the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal required

READ MORE BY:

Rachel Anton (inc lots of Krycek content)

Beduini

Suzanne Schramm

Shalimar

Terma99

Narida Law

The search engine is not great but Gossamer IS still up and running:

X-Libris is a current archive that is doing a great job of recovering older works. You can suggest fics to be added to the site or even ask for a long lost fic to be tracked down!!

Smaller archives but also still up and running is Whispers of X and XFSM, both of which are good for different pairings, threesomes and a bit of kink, if that's your jam.

In particular, if you're into BDSM then you may want to check out Kristel St Johns "Aphrodisia" which does a beautiful job of putting Mulder and Scully in a v different, intense kind of physical relationship . The novel is unfinished but definitely still worth a read.

[aloysiavirgata]

Hi! I'm not sure if you've done this before, but my prompt is: 2023 Mulder and Scully rediscovered an old copy of their Hollywood AD film. Thanks so much!😍

It was the kind of autumn Gothic novels were written for, blustery and orange-gold with purple velvet twilights. The house was creaky with uneven seams that the cold seeped into, left Scully in thick wool socks at breakfast, flannel pajamas at bedtime.

She went to the thrift store after work to hunt for handmade quilts. She liked to rescue them from the sad racks under fluorescent lights, imagined women gossiping and sewing them with fingers as nimble as any surgeon. Remembered how Playtex seamstresses sewed the first space suits with 1/64th of an inch tolerances.

Scully perused the DVD bin as she waited in line, a Rising Sun quilt in shades of blue over her arm. She smiled as she went through them, remembering the times she had seen the films. A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Gladiator, and…oh.

Christ.

Scully felt her face go hot, glanced around as though anyone were paying attention. She tucked The Lazarus Bowl under the quilt, tossed a twenty on the counter, and fled.

***

Mulder hadn’t really stopped smirking since she came home with it, cracking wise as he assembled a large plate of nachos for them to share.

Scully, angry at herself for this weakness, glared at him from the depths of a laundry-basket quilt in shades of green.

“Should I call Walter?” he asked, settling next to her. “Your main squeeze?”

“Fuck off.”

“How many Hail Marys from Sister Spooky for that?” He hit play.

Scully, visible only as narrowed eyes and a messy bun, watched Téa Leoni sprint across the screen in Manolo Blahniks.

Mulder loaded a chip with refried beans. “Look at her go,” he said with admiration. “You’ve got to be impressed with her commitment to verisimilitude.”

Her onscreen doppelgänger paused to let her bosom heave.

“I would never run in that bra, that would just ruin your neck.”

“Well, that’s why she got paid the big bucks.”

They watched in silence for a while longer, eating, listening to the wind scrape tree branches together over the mortifying dialogue.

“You ever miss it?” Scully asked. She’d be sixty in a few months. Sixty, my god. She was thirty-six when this mess had come out and had been starting to feel past her prime just then.

She’d been a child. An infant.

Mulder made a non-committal noise around a pickled jalapeño. “Sixty-two now, I’d have been punted out 5 years ago anyway.”

“I think the kids say yeeted now,” Scully remarked. “We’d have been yeeted.”

“That’s very lit of you, Scully.”

“I’m hip to the lingo. All the new residents are like…sixteen.”

Gary Shandling waved his gun, made dire threats that violated the Geneva Convention.

“Look at this fucking idiot,” Mulder scowled. “I showed him how to hold the thing, Jesus Christ.”

Scully smirked. “You ever show him whether you dress to the left or the right?”

He grabbed her under the quilt, drew her against him as the windows rattled. “Just you. In the limo, if I recall. God this is a terrible movie.”

“Only on the way back,” she clarified, his hands under her shirt. “I made you buy me dinner first.”

“Always a lady,” he mumbled into her neck. “Though…that was the Bureau card. I guess ol’ Walter bought you dinner and I just reaped the benefits.”

Scully shoved him away.

“Wh-“

“I can’t live this lie any longer, Fox. I’m in love with Associate Producer Walter Skinner.”

[numinousmysteries]

Dancing the Tandava (10/10)

We've reached the end. Thank you for all your kind words, likes, and reblogs. I'm so happy you enjoyed this story and I'm thankful this fandom is still alive and kicking <3

[on Ao3] @today-in-fic

Geneva, Switzerland 2023

The rumbling stops abruptly. Mulder opens his eyes and sees that light, both from the fluorescent overhead and the window, has returned to the room. He’s still huddled under the desk with Scully and Hannah but there’s no longer any debris strewn on the floor.

“What the hell was that?” Scully says, her voice taking on the high-pitched tone he knows she only uses when she’s faced with something she truly can’t explain.

Equally baffled, he shrugs as the three of them get up from the floor. They’re in the same office as they were before, but there’s no sign the room was just rocked by a seismic quake. Instead, the desk is neatly organized. The messy piles of paper are gone, along with the bael tree in the corner of the room.

“Look at this,” Hannah says, holding up a framed photo on the desk. Bellona is in the picture alongside an olive-skinned woman around his age and three teenagers who must be their children. All five are dressed in hiking gear, smiling atop a mountain.

Mulder tries the door again and this time it opens easily. Hannah and Scully follow him out into the hallway. There’s no sign of Bellona or any of his followers. The door closes behind them and he notices the nameplate bearing Bellona’s name is gone and is replaced with one that reads “Dr. Samita Shah.”

Hannah and Scully spot the nameplate as well and the three of them stare at each other in bewilderment.

“We should check the collider tunnel,” Hannah says.

Hannah doesn’t have the authority to access the LHC tunnel as an intern, but after a few texts to her friend Emmanuelle from the control center, she’s able to swipe her ID card at the ATLAS entry point. Her card grants her access to the elevator, too. The giant elevator lurches into action and they begin their long descent hundreds of feet underground.

The elevator opens into the tunnel that houses the LHC. There’s a narrow walkway along the side of the curved wall, tracing the body of the collider that extends for miles ahead of them.

Mulder spots movement up ahead and the three of them sprint down the walkway toward the shadowy shape.

“It’s William,” Scully shouts as they get closer. Mulder steps aside to let her reach William first.

Their son is on his hands and knees with his head bowed.

“Don’t move,” Scully cautions, as she checks him for signs of injury. “Did you hit your head?”

“No, I don’t think so,” he says. “I’m okay.”

Mulder joins Scully as they gently help him up to his feet. “I’m in the LHC tunnel? At CERN?” He asks.

“Yeah, buddy,” Mulder says.

“And it’s 2023?”

Mulder confirms the year for him as Scully keeps a firm grip on William’s forearm, both to keep him steady and ensure he won’t disappear again.

“Mom,” William pulls her into a hug. “You saved the world.”

“She has a habit of doing that,” Mulder says, embracing both of them.. He’s reminded of the night William was born, finding Scully and the baby in that dilapidated room, and feeling so overwhelmed by fear and love. His heart hammers as he squeezes his family tighter, unwilling to let them go.

“William!” He hears Hannah shouting and heading towards them.

William frees himself of his parents’ grasp and runs past them along the walkway to meet Hannah. Mulder and Scully watch as Hannah goes to hug him but William takes her face in his hands and kisses her on the lips. They can see Hannah’s shock melting into joy as she grabs him around the waist and draws him in closer. Their lips draw apart but their faces stay close as they whisper to each other. Mulder can’t hear everything they’re saying but he can make out a few “missed yous” and “love yous”

“They make a good team,” Scully says quietly.

“They remind me of us. I guess declarations of love following near-death time-travel experiences run in the family.”

She smirks at him but rises on her tip toes to kiss his cheek, imprinting the spot where she once landed a right hook on a ghost ship. Her lips are warm and soft on his skin, a far gentler sensation than the one her sharp knuckles left back in 1939.

William turns back towards them and calls out, “Let’s get out here.”

William and Hannah walk back to the elevator holding hands. Mulder smiles at Scully, happy to see the relief in her eyes, then guides her in the direction they came from with his hand on the small of her back.

***

Once Scully feels confident that William doesn’t have a head injury or other serious physical damage from his disappearance, the foursome make their way to CERN’s Restaurant 1 cafeteria for dinner. William fills them in on his trip to Camp Hero in 1993. A Google search on Hannah’s phone fails to turn up any articles on Samita Shah’s death. Instead, she’s currently listed as a visiting scientist at CERN, on a one-year fellowship while her husband, Vincent Bellona, continues his work as a tenured physics professor at Princeton.

“It worked, mom,” William says to Scully, smiling. “You convinced Dr. Shah not to join the project.”

“Apparently,” Scully says. “But what I don’t understand is, why do we have no memory of this? If we were able to change the past by altering Shah and Bellona’s timeline, why don’t dad and I remember meeting you in the past? Or any of this happening in 1993?”

“They must’ve wiped our memory before we left Camp Hero,” Mulder says. “The military had that technology back then. They did it to me at Ellens Air Base on one of our very first cases together.”

“Or we could be dealing with a multiverse scenario,” Hannah says.

William looks at her agape. “We must be if you’re seriously proposing that. I think I like you even more in this universe.”

“Ha, ha,” Hannah intones sarcastically and William winks back at her.

“Anyway, I can’t believe how young the two of you looked,” William says to his parents in between bites of his burger. “And even though you were just partners, I could totally tell you liked each other. It was kind of cute.”

“Oh, William,” Scully says. “I can only imagine which ridiculous suit I was wearing, or what tie your dad had on. We must’ve seemed terminally uncool.”

“Well, I wouldn’t really call you guys cool now,” William counters. Mulder playfully flicks a piece of paper straw wrapper at his son. William adeptly dodges it and the balled-up paper flies over this shoulder.

Hannah pokes Wiliam’s bicep with her finger. “Don’t tease them,” she says. “Your parents are awesome. Look how they helped me find you, and how they helped you back in 1993 when they didn’t even know you.”

“They got to know me,” William says, smiling wryly at Mulder. “It took my mom a little more time to believe me, but she got there.”

Scully glances down and Mulder rests a hand on her thigh trying to comfort her. “I wouldn’t have expected any less,” he says.

“It’s just that now—” Scully starts, her voice breaking as a breath catches in her throat. “I couldn’t imagine life without you. We were so scared when you disappeared.”

The mood of the table sombers until William stands up and comes around to the other side to hug his mother. Still seated, she rests her head against his stomach and embraces him around the waist. “I would love you in any universe,” she whispers, pulling back slightly to wipe tears from her eyes.

“I know,” William says, smoothing down her auburn hair. “I think we’d always recognize each other. You too, dad.” He smiles at Mulder then over the table at Hannah. “And you too, Hannah.” Across their trays of half-eaten food, Mulder sees Hannah blushing.

Since finding out William had disappeared, Mulder’s been running on adrenaline, not giving himself a moment to pause and consider the possibility that they’d never see their son again. Now, the relief washes over him like a crashing wave and he doesn’t fight the tears as they come.

So much has changed in thirty years since a skeptical, red-headed spy sauntered into his office haughty with the confidence that comes from never seeing the supposedly immutable laws of nature mutate before your eyes. They tested and challenged each other and forged an elemental bond that couldn’t be shattered with all the energy the world’s largest particle accelerator could muster.

So much has changed for the better. They have a miracle of a son. He just heard Scully essentially admit to believing in alternate universes, although he has no intention of pointing that out to her. He hasn’t abandoned his quest for answers, but he’s found that unraveling the mysteries of the universe can coexist with loving and being loved. It’s more than he ever thought he deserved, and it’s all he could ever want for his son.

[deathsbestgirl]

Was catching up on some tags that I missed during the shadow ban era (what a time that was) and came across a thought of yours that I'd love to hear more about:

In my One Son meta, I said Scully would have walked away if Mulder hadn't shaped up; and you proposed-- rightly, I believe-- that she wouldn't have. I guess I meant it never reached that point w/ them (even during the Revival breakup) because Scully knew Mulder would always take what she had to say into account and prove her or him right and wrong. Even in One Son, she still gave him an unspoken chance to make it right and still called him no matter what while on her way to get Cassandra from the train car.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't believe they've ever truly gotten to that unrecoverable point (well... I mean other than the fact they're still together) because even though Mulder and Scully are "messy" with each other at times (withholding necessary information from each other because of their fears, not wanting to face the truths each tells the other), their bone-deep trust wins out each time.

What say you? :DDDDDDDD

yes yes yes. because they always listen to each other, even when they disagree. they have a basis of the truest respect i've ever seen, and as long as they have that and they're able to hear each other, they won't lose that or their trust. two fathers/one son really tested their trust, which they really earned through season one giving them a solid foundation reinforced the other years. this is the first time it was so personal to them, to their relationship.

scully says something about, 'without the fbi, personal reasons are all she has left' so if he 'takes that away' then she 'can't help him anymore.' but that's really in respect to his quest if he's going to continue trusting diana. but it's personal to scully outside of mulder, which is why she immediately jumps when she hears about cassandra. her & cassandra are the only two left and as much as mulder can't give up, neither can scully (not at this point). and even though to scully, mulder isn't trusting her, she still trusts him and despite things they've kept from each other, she doesn't usually keep the work from him (only when it involves her & she's afraid to face it).

and this is why his touchstone speech in amor fati was so important. mulder finally knows the truth about diana, but he reaffirms scully. finally telling her what she needed to hear, and then later after william, "the truth they both know."

between iwtb & the revival is different. there was a fic taking place during the revival, that i should find again, that has scully pushing mulder away when he tries to get her to come home because she wasn't good for him and i think that's the only thing that could get her away from him. like when she tried to leave in fight the future. she wasn't helping him, he didn't need her, she held him back.

them being apart has a lot more to do with their individual struggles & beliefs & insecurities than it does their actual relationship. at least that's how i see it.

did that answer your question? 😂😅

[multimilfs]

Mother Miranda x Fem!Reader: In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning

Summary: cool-beans-scully sent... Mother Miranda + 17 -- "You did all of this for me?"

Prompt found here!

AO3

A/N: GOD I love fics that have Eva in them so I wanted to write one of my own. We all need a little softness every now and again. I hope you all enjoy!!

Full Ficmas List

Tag List: @ghostsunderstoodmysoul @escapetodreamworld @multifandomfix

Warning(s): None

You are perilously close to destroying the makeshift kitchen. If you graze your hand on the burner one more time you may damn it all and throw it through the window; another repair to add to yours and Miranda’s list. 

It’s sweet, what she’s doing to better the place for Eva, but ultimately infuriating. You don’t consider a room without a layer of dust and grime to be unreasonable. Though you can’t tell by the state of the place. 

“Good morning.” Her voice comes from behind you. 

You jump and true to form, you graze your hand against the hot burner, swearing lowly, “Damn it!” 

Miranda raises an eyebrow. She’s dressed in a long, dark robe, absent of any head covering with her short hair lying perfectly. If you didn’t love her constant composure, it would add to your current mood. 

“Damning the burner won’t soothe your wounds.” 

“No, but it will keep me from going insane.” 

Her mouth twitches, “Insanity on you could be appealing.” 

You glare. Ignoring the spark of warmth her words inspire, you turn back to the eggs in the pan, flipping them gently. You hold your breath until it’s evident the yolks are whole. Eva loves them unbroken and you want to make her happy; as if the bare minimum doesn’t impress the little girl. 

A hand settles on your hip and another turns your head. You’re pulled back away from the burner. 

“Good morning.” She repeats. 

“Good morning, Miranda.” You return. 

The hand on your face slips below your chin and pulls you to a cold, but soft pair of lips. You melt nonetheless. You find your mouth dominated by her own lips and tongue, moaning shamelessly when fingernails dig into your hip. 

Miranda is everywhere. You’re not sure if that’s a product of the Cadou or her, but you won’t complain, not when she controls you so deliciously. 

You’re released suddenly. The whine that leaves your mouth is involuntary, but mirth dances in Miranda’s eyes. She motions back to the burner and you jump to take the eggs off before they overcook. 

Three plates sit waiting on the table, one a piece of beautiful china, inlaid with blue and baby pink flowers, the others plain pieces of porcelain; Eva’s eggs are added to the fine china. There’s already warm toast with accompaniments of butter and jam and fresh vegetables. You turn around and change the old pan to a fresh pot, throwing ingredients into saltwater. 

“Mămăligă cu Lapte?”

You hum, “She likes it.” 

“It’s peasant food.” 

“Peasant food that your daughter enjoys. Your prejudice is your problem alone.” 

Your neck cracks as you’re yanked by the hair, sharp nails digging into your scalp. It’s delightful and awful. Miranda’s form is stiff against your back. 

“Careful.”

“I’m sorry.” You whisper back. 

You’re not. Not even in the slightest. However, you’re going to overcook breakfast if she doesn’t let go of you. 

As if reading your mind, she sighs, “No, you’re not.” 

She lets you take up your place in front of the pot, stirring in slow circles. Miranda pours herself a cup of coffee and settles at the—very messy—table. It’s covered in diagrams and notes bearing her writing. You offer a pointed glance, but she waves you off. 

A haphazard stack of paper is lifted from her place at the table and tossed on another surface. You grit your teeth—her papers should be in her workshop. No matter how many times you move them, they appear back in your space. You’re almost convinced she moves them back to drive you crazy. 

Miranda watches you work over the rim of her cup. You blush under her unwavering gaze, but try to hide your reaction. She’s smug enough. 

Down the hall, a door opens. Miranda’s eyes are drawn to the doorway. There’s the quiet scuffling of footsteps before Eva walks into the kitchen, clad in an oversized nightshirt, hair lying in messy blonde waves around her face. Her fists rub furiously at her eyes. 

“Good morning, Eva.” Miranda says. 

She holds a hand out, which Eva takes, and finds herself pulled in. Miranda kisses the top of her head. 

“Morning, Mama,” Eva yawns, then patters over to lean against you, “Morning, Ursa.”

You smile at the nickname and run your free hand through her hair, gently working through any tangles. She yawns and leans into you more. 

“Morning, my little star, sleep well?” 

Eva makes a small affirmative noise, “Had weird dreams.” 

“What of?” 

“Scary men, like wolves. They had sharp teeth.” 

You share a look with Miranda. Her eyes give away nothing, but the set of her jaw is tense. This isn’t the first time Eva’s had dreams about the deformed creatures that once roamed the village. 

“Those are weird. It’s good that your Mama is around to protect you from odd wolf-men, isn’t it?” 

“Mhm.” 

The burner is turned off and you transfer a healthy portion of porridge to yours and Eva’s plates. She clutches onto your skirt while you drift between the counter and the table. It’s a wonder you don’t trip or spill anything with her hold limiting your mobility. 

Miranda’s acquainting herself with the last of her notes from the night before. A black pen is poised in her fingers and scribbling corrections now that she has a clear mind. You slide a plate in front of her, she only lets out a small noise of acknowledgement. 

“Eva, darling, why don’t you sit down and eat your breakfast?” You suggest. 

You pull out the chair next to Miranda and help the sleepy child into it. She rubs her eyes one last time before they widen, the gorgeous plate before her covered in food. She pokes at all of it with the fork you offer. 

“You did all of this for me?” Eva asks. 

“Of course. Who else?” You grin, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

Miranda’s eyes catch your own over Eva’s head. The look in them makes you smile wider than before, your heart fluttering in the cage that is your chest. You’re pleased when she takes a bite and nods. 

“Say thank you, Eva.” Miranda instructs. 

Through a mouthful of porridge, “Ph’ank ‘ou!” 

“Eva.” 

Eva swallows down the mouthful, not the slightest bit contrite. Her eyes sparkle with amusement. It’s infectious and you offer her a wink when Miranda isn’t paying attention. The little girl descends into quiet giggles. 

“Thank you, Ursa!” 

“Anything for you, little star.” 

You cross around the table and place a kiss on Miranda’s forehead, ignoring her grumbling, before returning to clean up your mess. You’re more cautious of the hot elements this time around. 

[atths--twice]

Next sentence prompt- “I can’t wait forever.”

Decision Made

They were quiet as they drove, a different quiet that seemed to settle over them these days. Their personal lives had begun to intertwine in a new way and it had scared her, doubtful thoughts filling her head. She could sense his annoyance at times and she did not know how to push past the barrier that had settled between them.

A sniff from the backseat reminded Scully that they were not alone. Agent Dena Roman, one of the agents they were working with on a missing persons case in Alabama, was catching a ride back to the motel where they were all staying.

“It’s so dark,” Agent Roman said and Scully had a hard time not replying that, of course it was dark, as that was what happened at night. Holding her tongue, she crossed her arms and looked out the window.

“Is your motel room okay?” Agent Roman asked and Scully closed her eyes as she rolled them.

“Yes. It’s fine.”

“Yeah. Mine too, I suppose. Could I ask your advice, Agent Scully?”

“Uh,” Scully said, opening her eyes and turning her head, meeting Mulder’s eyes for a quick second before she looked back at Agent Roman. “I… okay.”

“How long would you wait around for a man to decide if he loved you?”

“I’m sorry?” Scully asked, completely taken aback, having expected the advice to be about the case.

“I know that’s not what you were anticipating, and perhaps not the best thing to discuss in mixed company, but I could really use an outsiders opinion.”

“I… I really don’t think that I’m the person-”

“It’s just… you seem to have it all together and me… well, I’m a mess.”

Scully caught Mulder’s eye again, but he offered no help with the awkward situation in which they both now found themselves.

As they drove, out came Agent Roman’s tale of woe and within a few minutes, Scully felt her cheeks flame and she was glad for the dark of night to hide her discomfort.

Agent Roman could have been detailing her own life, so similar was the story being told. Friends with a man for seven years, closer to him than anyone else she had ever been in her life, she and Z, as she called him, had been drifting closer together recently and she wholeheartedly welcomed it.

“He’s my best friend,” she said quietly, shaking her head as it lay on the headrest. “I love him. I think I always have, but he… I don’t know how he feels. Or I do, but I feel as though he feels that way only because… I don’t know, like I’ve forced the situation or something. It’s always been so easy between us and now it feels like there’s a strain. I want more, but I don’t think he does. Or maybe he does and I’m… I don’t know. I’m not getting any younger and I… I can’t wait forever.” She let out a deep breath and Scully, her head down, looked at Mulder out of the corner of her eye.

“I just don’t know what to do,” Agent Roman continued, sighing again.

“You should tell him how you feel,” Mulder said, surprising both of the women, having not spoken throughout the entire story.

“You think I should?”

“Yeah.”

“Why? What if… if he says he’s not interested?”

“At least then you’d know,” Mulder said. “You wouldn’t be wondering and second guessing yourself.”

“But if I lose him? His friendship?” Agent Roman asked, sitting forward and looking at Mulder, as Scully raised her head and did the same.

“Is your friendship with him enough for you anymore?” Mulder asked and Agent Roman sighed.

“No.”

“Then I think you have your answer.”

“But… it could be messy. It could undoubtedly break my heart one way or the other.”

“It might,” Mulder agreed, turning his head and looking directly at Scully. “Or it could be what you’ve always wanted despite thinking you could live just fine without it.”

“Hmm, I don’t know about that,” Agent Roman said, sitting back again, completely unaware of the silent conversation now taking place as Mulder and Scully stared at one another. “But… it’s given me some things to think about. Thank you.”

“Yeah,” he said, his eyes back on the road, though he glanced at Scully a few times.

The motel came into view and he pulled in and parked. They all got out and made their way to their rooms. Scully looked at Mulder, two doors down, but he did not do the same. Agent Roman called goodnight and disappeared inside her room, leaving Scully the only one standing outside on the step.

“Goodnight,” she whispered, unlocking her door and stepping into her room.

She paced once she was inside, thinking of all that Mulder had said in the car.

He had kissed her on New Year’s and she had reciprocated two days later as she had left his apartment, his arm still in a sling. Then case after case had piled on and she had pulled away, trauma from said cases plaguing her. Worry began to make her second guess things and she had cooled things between them before they even became lukewarm.

He had not said anything, not verbally anyway, but she saw it in the way he looked at her. She heard it in the silence and in the moments of awkward discussions.

Is your friendship with him enough for you anymore?

“No,” she whispered, stopping her pacing. “No, it’s not.”

Grabbing her key, she left the room and hurried to Mulder’s room, knocking twice on the door and waiting nervously for him to open it. It creaked as it did and he sighed, staring at her and waiting.

“It’s not enough for me anymore,” she whispered. “I want more.”

A smile worked its way across his lips and he opened the door wider, silently inviting her inside. She drew in a deep breath and stepped into the room, the door closing behind her with a soft click.

The frantic sound of an alarm pulled her from slumber and was silenced quickly. A low, grumbly voice cursed the sound as an arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer and a kiss was placed on the back of her neck.

“Good morning,” Mulder whispered, kissing her again.

“Yes,” she said with a smile. “Yes, it is.”

[thescullyphile]

spoilers to: I guess the whole mytharc?

my problem with the x files mytharc isn't that it's messy or dense or basically unexplainable (it's all of these things), but rather that in the end it creates a plot that is almost the antithesis of the rest of the show. The reveal that alien colonization is imminent, there is no hope for the future, countless cruelties have been made and endured on all sides only for the end to come just as feared. Nearly everyone Mulder and Scully love dies, literally 6 out of their 8 immediate family members. They have to give up their son. Their health, happiness, and even existence in the eyes of society are thrown away. But the worst part of it all is how Mulder and Scully are pulled apart. How a show could set up the ability of their characters to persist, even without hope, but to live each day and choose to fight when the odds are stacked against them. To find solace in those who understand, to choose to live each day bravely and to love even after enduring loss, even with the guarantee of loss in the future. To believe in a better future, even when knowing that it's impossible. But no. Instead, they are torn apart by the darkness, and left alone in a world without hope.

[backintimeforstuff]

don't mind me i'm just thinking about the x-files revival rn. i know a lot of people don't like it. and sometimes it was a bit terrible. but wasn't it also WONDERFUL ???

mulder and scully were so BACK. everything was just as chaotic and messy and nonsensical and incredible as it always was. we got romantic msr and insane angst and MOTWs and incomprehensible mytharc and. i am just so glad that it even happened at all. it was 2018 and we got to see fox and dana again ??? are you kidding me ??? if you told someone in 2002 that sixteen brand-new episodes were even on the cards they would have thought you were insane. but there we were. and there it was. and everything was just so so so special. 2016-2018 was such a WEIRD time. but it was made that slightly more bearable by the x-files being with us again. and i will always love it for that.

[starwalker42]

febuwhump day 18: can't stay awake

Fight the Future | no warnings apply | general audiences

It’s been days since I slept. The exhaustion, and the cold, and the background whistle of the wind across the icy plains outside, are starting to lull me to sleep, but I can’t. I can’t close my eyes, because if I do, I’m not sure if I’ll open them again.

Maybe I should; maybe it’s evitable that this is how it’ll all end, in the middle of nowhere, at the end of the world, freezing my ass of in a snowcat that’s out of gas. There’s no hope of rescue – the only response to my radio call was static. If I was alone, I think I would’ve given up, probably before even reaching here. I’d still be out on the ice, letting the snow cover me, too tired to move.

But I’m not alone. That’s why I’m at the end of the world in the first place, how I managed to summon the energy to get back to the relative shelter of the snowcat, why I can’t allow myself to go to sleep just yet.

A nudge of an elbow into my side. “M’lder.”

I try to ignore how her speech is starting to slur, try to forget that slurred speech is a sure sign of hypothermia. When I reply, my words are just as messy as hers, slipping out of half-frozen lips. “Still here.”

I think she laughs a little. Thank god for that – that I can still make her laugh, even here. Even now.

“Where are we?”

My heart stops for a moment. Confusion and memory loss, further signs that something’s wrong. But when I look down at her, tucked against my side, she’s looking right back with clear, bright eyes, and I realise what she means. ‘Where’ as in the wider sense – I haven’t had chance to tell her.

“Antarctica.”

She laughs again. Her breath clouds the air between us.

“You came… to Antarctica. To save me.” It’s not a question.

“Had to. No one around to tell me I was being st-stupid.”

She nods against my shoulder, bumping her nose against the sleeve of my jacket. Underneath our cocoon of blankets, trembling fingers wrap around mine. I barely feel the contact, but I’m glad for it all the same. It’s not lost on me that not an hour ago, she was frozen in ice on the brink of death, and now she’s the one comforting me. She’s too good at this – looking after me when she’s the one in pain. I know I don’t deserve Dana Scully. I certainly don’t deserve to die next to her. But I’m glad that if I have to go, I get to go like this.  

And then, just when I think it can’t get any more painful to lose her, she speaks.

“Seen any penguins?”

It’s my turn to laugh, now, and it burns my lungs. “N-no. But it’s polar bears in the Antarctic.”

“Nuh-uh. Penguins.”

“Oh yeah?”

Her thumb traces the back of my hand. “Yeah. We didn’t see any when… when we were in Alaska. So they’re at th’ south pole.”

It takes me a moment to understand what she’s talking about. “We were in Alaska for ice worms, Sc’lly.”

“You were there f’ ice worms. I wanted to see penguins.”

“Scully.” My head slides to rest on top of hers.

“Penguins, r’ cute, M’lder.”

“Scully.”

“Mm.”

The words sound weak from my lips. “I love you.”

She breathes, turns her head so her nose bumps against me again. “L’ve you.”

It’s permission, I think. Permission to close my eyes, to let go now. There’s only one thing I needed to say, and I’ve said it.

“Sorry,” I whisper. “Tired.”

“Me too.” Her weight is heavy against my side. “Sleep.”

I close my eyes. We sleep.

@today-in-fic

[unremarkablehouse]

Ambiguous Dating Activity

MSR | MA | S6 | WC 3926 | A03

Summary: Season 6, post Kroner, Mulder and Scully go to the movies but they’re dorks about the whole thing. This is some long form semi-fluff. 

Tagging @today-in-fic

Fitted sheets were invented by Satan, Scully mused as she fought valiantly with her bedding trying to get it adjusted just right. Dressed in sweats and a messy ponytail she looked like the diametric opposite of her work persona. Between work and paranormal excursions with Mulder, Scully had fallen decidedly behind on her life chores. So, unless she wanted to wear her bathing suit as underwear, she needed to do laundry. Which is how she ended up changing her bedding on a Friday night instead of eating takeout at Mulder’s. All in all there was actually something dissatisfying about the amount of progress she’d already made. A part of her kept expecting Mulder to knock on her door or call and drag her away on a case, so the fact that there’d been radio silence since they left the office was disconcerting. It had been a few weeks since their tryst in Kroner, and although neither had acknowledged it, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking about the way his hands felt on her body and the intensity of kissing him.

Scully tried to shake off her disappointment, struggling to change the comforter cover, almost knocking herself off balance in an attempt to get the insert to match up. The ringing of her home phone added urgency to the struggle, finishing off her battle with the comforter she reached the phone on the 6th ring with a breathy hello. “Hey Scully it’s me-“ “Hey ‘Me’.” The sound of Scully panting as she answered the phone threw an already nervous Mulder off his game. “Very funny. Did I catch you at a bad time?” “No, I was just wrestling with my comforter.” Scully continued to change her pillow cases, happy that the long established pattern of late night calls from Mulder had not been retired as she had feared. “Did you win?” “It put up a valiant fight but I got the bed made so I feel victorious.” “Good to hear you didn’t have to pull out your firearm to get your sheets changed” “I’ll be sure to announce I’m armed next time.” With a chuckle and a prolonged pause they both felt an unfamiliar awkwardness emerge between them before Mulder continued. “So, I’m actually calling because I wanted to know if you’re free tomorrow night -“ “Mulder, I already told you I’m not working this weekend.” “No, that’s not it! I just saw that Roman Holiday is playing at the Landmark-” “I love that movie-” Scully interjected. “I remembered. I could get us some tickets if you want to go?” “Sure, what time?” “8:15, let’s get dinner at that new place by G street you wanted to try.” Mulder held his breath waiting for her response. “Are you sure, that place is fancy, no plastic forks?” “I’m sure smart ass, I’ll pick you up at 6.” “I can just meet you-“ “No, parking is a pain by the Landmark, I’ll just pick you up at 6.” There was an anxiousness to Mulder’s responses that put Scully on alert, something about this invitation didn’t sound as casual as he wanted to make it seem. “Alright, what’s the catch?” “Excuse me?” “Is the theater haunted? Am I going to get there only to discover we’re investigating some kook who saw a swamp monster?” Mulder couldn’t help but chuckle at Scully’s trademark skepticism, of course she would question a movie invitation. “No catch Scully. Just you, me and Audrey Hepburn riding around Italy on a Vespa.” “Sounds fun then” Scully said with a smile Mulder could feel over the phone. Before he could hang up on her Scully called out his name. “Mulder, if this does turn out to be a ghost hunting trip you will pay.” Shaking his head Mulder hung up and wondered if he was going to be trying to convince Scully of his intentions for the rest of his life. The Christmas Ghost hunting trip was definitely ill advised and now she triple checked his plans. Scully’s Saturday passed without much fanfare, distracted by errands and cleaning her thoughts barely turned to her plans for the evening. If she was honest with herself she’d admit that she was a bit happier than usual, humming tunelessly as she picked up her dry cleaning and put groceries away. By 4pm her thoughts turned towards her plans with Mulder and she remembered the way his normally confident tone was layered with uncertainty and nervousness. This anxious vulnerability was a side of him she’d rarely seen, and she wondered if what she’d assumed was a regular outing between them was actually a date. Would Mulder actually go to the trouble of planning a date without making his intentions clear or using any words which could clarify it? Mulder was so direct in other areas of his life, why would he be so cagey when it came to relationships? Scully wasn’t sure but it made her question her entire outfit choice for the evening. In case this was just a plutonic outing, Scully didn’t want look like she tried too hard but also wanted to convey the message that she was open to more. Torn between casual jeans versus a provocative dress, Scully decided to split the difference with a skirt and a low cut blouse. The outfit said a little more than friends, a little less than lovers. Mulder’s knock on the door filled her stomach with butterflies as she took a minute to check the loose curls she made in her hair before answering with a smile. As she opened the door to Mulder with a warm familiar greeting suddenly it was as if all the air was sucked out of the room and Mulder froze in place. Feeling self-conscious Scully looked down to check if she had horribly misjudged her outfit or spilled something, confused by Mulder’s exaggerated reaction. Seeing her concern Mulder quickly snapped back to earth and clarified “no, Scully you look fine. Better than fine, amazing actually. Sorry you just caught me off guard when you answered so quickly, it just threw me off.” With an embarrassed smile Scully invited Mulder in while she grabbed her bag and coat. She felt foolish for hyping this up in her head. Obviously she was reading too much into this night and she needed to take a step back. That was easier said than done with Mulder looking decidedly sexy in his dark jeans, soft cashmere sweater and leather jacket. “Ready to go?” Scully asked as she brushed past Mulder out the front door, amused by the uncharacteristic way he seemed to fall over his feet as he tried to follow after her.

The drive to the restaurant was comfortable and filled with their usual banter. Something about being in a car together seemed to trigger some sort of muscle memory response and the earlier nervousness had melted away. In fact, the two were lost in the world of their own conversation; they barely noticed the activity of dinner had occurred until the waiter asked if they’d like dessert. Scully turned down the offer like an automatic response, but Mulder ordered their flourless chocolate torte which earned a raised eyebrow from Scully. “You’re not usually a dessert person Mulder,” Scully commented with mock surprise. “It's for science, I need to know what a cake without flour tastes like.” The chocolate cake looked decadent and Scully was secretly thrilled the waiter brought out two spoons. Encouraging her to take a spoonful of cake, Mulder held up his and eyed it suspiciously. “Alright Scully, are you ready to find out what flourless chocolate cake tastes like?” With an amused shake of her head Scully and Mulder tried the chocolate cake together, each watching for the other's reaction. The rich chocolate taste was heavenly and both let out a moan of pleasure and a nod of agreement that it was delicious. “Mulder this cake is incredible,” Scully grabbed another spoonful and made an exaggerated show of enjoyment that Mulder loved. “Looks like flour was holding cake back this whole time. This is amazing!” Mulder mimicked Scully’s previous display of enjoyment as he took another bite, eliciting a hearty laugh from Scully that seemed to imbue the entire room with warmth. Mulder marveled at this rare sight, and gave her a smile filled with adoration. Scully caught Mulder’s intense gaze, with unadulterated affection. Raising her hand to his face with a giggle, she wiped the corner of his mouth to remove the smudge of chocolate there. Never losing eye contact Mulder grabbed her wrist and kissed her thumb. Scully felt her cheeks blush red as she removed her hand from his face while Mulder gave a chuckle. “What? I don’t want to waste any cake.” Mulder’s fake innocent act was met with a genuine laugh from Scully as he gently bumped her shoulder with his, earning him a playful shove. The bill came and Mulder promptly placed his credit card down immediately, waving off Scully’s offer to split it. The walk to the theater was filled with a comfortable silence, somewhere along the way Scully had found her hand in Mulder’s but she decided not to question it. While sharing a meal with Mulder was a fairly common occurrence in Scully’s life, it had been quite awhile since she’d actually gone on a date with anyone. Even though she wasn’t sure if this outing actually constituted a date, she had to admit it was one of the best dates she’d ever been on. Scully often took for granted just how companionable her relationship with Mulder actually was. Once she had feared that work was the only tethered which tied them together, now she could see that it was merely one facet of an intricate tapestry. “What are you thinking about?” Mulder’s question broke the silent stroll and Scully looked up to see his soft gaze. “Just that I like spending time with you outside of work and life threatening situations.” Mulder smiled and was a little surprised by her honesty. “I like spending time with you too, but there’s no one I’d rather be with at work or in life threatening situations.” “Well the night is still young, maybe we can uncover a nefarious conspiracy at the concession stand.” Mulder guided Scully confidently to their seats, balancing his soda and their shared popcorn as they prepared to watch the show. The air temperature in the theater struck Scully as colder than normal and she found herself unconsciously shivering. “Are you cold Scully?” “Yeah and I left my jacket in the car.” “I could go and get it?” “Don’t be silly Mulder you’ll miss the start of the movie-“ “I have an idea, hold this.” Mulder handed Scully their popcorn, moved his drink from their shared arm rest and lifted the armrest up. “How did you do that?” “The armrests come up in some of these seats, so we got lucky. Come here, airplane style.” Scully smiled, countless flights across America Mulder had made himself her body pillow, however this time he had his arm around her. With his left hand, Mulder reached for the popcorn on Scully’s lap. “Warmer?” “Much.” “Good. The only problem with this position is you’re going to have to feed me red vines.” With a giggle Scully roughly put a red vine in his mouth, making sure to poke his face and gently hit him with the candy a few times for good measure. “Gee, thanks Scully-“ Mulder said while managing to slap her forehead with his red vine, earning him a slap and an exaggerated shush from Scully as the lights dimmed in the theater. As the movie played, Scully relaxed into her familiar place in Mulder’s arms; she wondered if perhaps they were too comfortable with each other to ever progress their relationship to the next level. While anyone looking on might judge their position as being intimate, it was nothing outside the realms of their everyday close relationship. The pretense that they were just cuddling for warmth was flimsy, especially given Mulder could have given her his jacket. Still, she made no attempts to sit back in her own chair, enjoying the warmth of his arms and the feel of his chest. Perhaps she was looking at things the wrong way, their relationship had grown well beyond the bounds of a normal friendship years ago. The intimacy and closeness she shared with Mulder far exceeded most of her sexual relationships so defining it as strictly plutonic was inadequate and diminished what they really had. Scully looked up at Mulder as he watched the movie, fully transfixed by the drama on screen. He unconsciously squeezed her tighter as the lovers experienced angst, making brief eye contact with her for reassurance. Scully’s heart clenched in her chest at this innocuous gesture, the perfect example of Mulder’s sweetness and romantic heart. For so long she had fought her desires to start any sort of relationship with Mulder, deciding his obsessive workaholism would always be an issue. Scully had been down that road with her ex, Jack Willis, and didn’t want to have to fight for a place in someone’s life. However, somewhere along the road in their five years of partnership Mulder had proven to be more than capable of putting her first. He had definitely come a long way from the obsessive cocksure investigator she met years ago. She remembered how despondent he’d been when the X files had been shut down the first time, and while he was restless to reclaim his quest, these past few months he seemed to be trying to find a way to function without them. Her train of thought was interrupted by the lights coming up in the theater and the other movie goers leaving their seats. Scully attempted to sit up and move away from her human body pillow, but Mulder’s arms wrapped around her tighter and pulling her closer to him, making her laugh. “Don’t get up Scully, I was so comfy.” Mulder’s whiny plea earned him a few extra seconds of Scully time until she started to squirm again. “Come on Mulder, they’re going to kick us out, plus I’ve gotta pee.” “Fine-“ Mulder released Scully with a resigned sigh, beaming as she took his hand and led him out of the theater. Mulder discarded the empty popcorn and soda as they left the theater heading straight into the men's room, while Scully took her place in the long line for the women’s restroom. As she waited it occurred to her that while she was definitely open to progressing her relationship with Mulder she still had no real clarity whether this was actually a date or not. What was the protocol for concluding ambiguous dates, does she catch a cab home or invite him up? As Scully left the bathroom she’d made up her mind to let Mulder take the lead and just be open to whatever happened at the end of the night. That was until she spotted Mulder laughing with an attractive brunette, who was obviously giving him her number. The brunette had an alternative edge about her, with multiple piercings in her ear and a nose ring. Her tight black T-shirt showed off her long slender frame, complimenting her fitted black jeans. Scully felt like an idiot at having enjoyed herself tonight only to discover that the notion this was a date was just in her head. It was clear that Kroner hadn’t meant anything to Mulder and their relationship was not meant to progress out of their current limbo. Scully stopped herself from going down a shame spiral, deciding that whether or not they were on a date it was still pretty rude for Mulder to try picking up other women while she was in the bathroom. Screw him she thought, and Scully marched over to Mulder with her head held high, ready to cockblock with the best of them. The steam was knocked out of her sails the moment she approached Mulder, thrown off by his enthusiasm when he saw her. “Scully, come meet Aubrey! She does some consulting with the Gunmen.” A spark of recognition flashed in Aubrey’s soft brown eyes as she grabbed Scully’s hand. “So this is the famous Dana Scully. Mulder doesn’t shut up about you, I’ve appointed him head of your fan club.” Scully’s eyebrow raised pointedly questioning Mulder. “It’s more of a figurehead position, I share the administrative duties with Frohike.” Mulder casually draped his arm around Scully, pulling her to his side in an affectionate way that sent a clear message that they were together to any onlookers. The gesture was most likely unconscious but she immediately found herself relaxing into him and letting her guard down to give Aubrey a chance. “Scully, Aubrey plays in a jazz band and was kind enough to offer us tickets for her show at Stone Tower winery.” “I’ve always wanted to check out that place. What instrument do you play?” “Alto sax, the winery is really beautiful, it’s a fun venue. The place is much too nice for most of my friends, it’d be nice to get some friendly faces in the audience.” ”Oh, so we’d be like your plants. Clap along and laugh at your jokes?”

”Exactly!” Aubrey said with a laugh. “You’re in trouble Aubrey, Scully never laughs at my jokes.” “Maybe they’re just not that funny Mulder?” And with that Scully and Aubrey both chuckled at Mulder’s expense. Scully caught Aubrey’s genuine smile and noticed that her eyeline was focused on her cleavage, it was clear that this woman had no interest in Mulder.

“So musician and hacker, that's a weird mix,” Scully said in an attempt to keep the conversation moving. Leaning in to brush an errant curl behind Scully’s ear, Aubrey invaded her space with a flirtatious smile that was not missed by Mulder. “Come on Dana, band geek and computer geek really aren’t that much of a stretch.” Taken back a little by Aubrey’s blatant flirting, Scully felt Mulder’s grip around her tighten and she fumbled a little in her response. “I guess not, I was the science nerd and fellow band geek.” Aubrey and Scully share a knowing smile. “So what kind of geek were you Mulder?” Aubrey asks, still not taking her eyes off Scully. “Speak for yourself, I was cool in high school. I still am!” Scully and Aubrey laugh at Mulder’s petulant reply. Moving out of his arms, Scully gives a loud conspiratorial whisper to Aubrey. “He was a Trekkie.” “Of course he was.” The girls laugh together leaving Mulder left out of the fun. Grabbing his dangling arm Scully pulled it around her once again, delighting Mulder with this action. Aubrey took this as a not too subtle hint that Scully wasn’t interested, but took a moment to appreciate how the two looked together.

“You know, you guys look pretty cute together. Maybe it’s the height difference, but you compliment each other well.”

“We definitely do,” Mulder replied looking down at Scully.

Promising to call about the tickets, Aubrey took off in the opposite direction as Mulder and Scully walked to the car. “Aubrey seems cool-” Mulder smiled at Scully’s assessment, loosely swinging their hands while walking back to the car. “Yeah, since she broke up with her girlfriend she’s been hanging out with the Gunmen more lately so she’s up to date with the Mulder mocking policy.” “I wouldn’t call it a policy so much as a beloved tradition.” Mulder gave her a big smile as he opened the car door for her, enjoying every minute of their banter. The trip to her apartment seem to happen on autopilot, and Scully found herself in the kitchen while Mulder hovered. “Do you want tea or decaf?” Scully asked as she motioned to put her kettle on. “No, that’s fine I’m going to get out of your hair-“ “Oh, well thank you so much for a wonderful night.” “Any time.” As Mulder moved towards her door he suddenly stopped as if remembering something. Scully watched him curiously and wonder if he’s trying to work up an excuse to kiss her goodnight or if he was about to tell her about a new species of bigfoot found in Georgetown. Pulling a crumpled box of Red Vines from his jacket pocket Mulder enthusiastically hands them to Scully. “Here, you can keep the leftover red vines.” Before she can say anything, Mulder placed a piece of red licorice her mouth and put the rest of the packet on the side table. Turning to leave again, he stopped and used his mouth to bite off the end of her red vine with a growl, mimicking a dog. Scully was momentarily stunned by this but managed to call out to him to wait before he reached the door. Taking the candy out of her mouth she gathered her courage and asked “Mulder, was this a date?” Mulder stilled himself, “do you want it to be a date?” “Yes.” “Then it was a date.” Mulder’s smile was sheepish as he looks down at Scully, frozen in place by the door. With the dating ambiguity clarified, Scully went up on her tippy toes and pulled Mulder’s head down for a kiss. The kiss was warm and playful, they both tasted like red licorice and there was something comforting about that. As Mulder went to pull away Scully’s tongue entered his mouth and the innocent goodnight kiss turned into a frantic teenage make out session. Ravenous for each other and Scully wrapped her arms around Mulder’s neck while he lifted her body, her legs wrapping around him as he pressed her against the door. Moaning her name as he kissed her, Mulder's hand roughly palmed Scully’s breast over her shirt while grinding hard against her. Scully’s mind had lost all capacity for reason and her thoughts became consumed with how quickly she could get him inside of her. Her mouth hungrily sucked on his jugular as her hands reached to undo his pants. This action snapped Mulder back to reality and he tenderly pulled away from her and patted her hand, signaling to stop. Gently he placed Scully back on the ground, straightening out her shirt and stroking her cheek with his hand, giving her an intense stare as they both gained control over their breathing. Scully’s cheeks began to color and she demurely looked down towards her feet, starting to feel embarrassed about their juvenile display. Tilting her chin up to face him Mulder explained “I just think we should take things a little slower.” “That makes sense.” The disappointment in Scully’s voice almost breaks Mulder’s resolve but he’s determined to make her understand that this is more than just sex. Touching his forehead to hers they seem to regain their equilibrium. “Scully, what we’re doing is too important to rush-“ “I know.” “Besides, I don’t put out on the first date.” With a gentle chaste kiss, Mulder heaved a heavy sigh. “Good night Scully, I’ll call you later.” As the door closed and their date concluded Scully had to admit that she was relatively happy with how this night turned out. Placing her cordless phone on her nightstand, she mused that soon enough Mulder might not have to call her before bed. His words played on a loop in her mind, giving her hope that they finally on the same page, and with any luck she wasn’t going to have to wait too much longer.

[homenecromancer]

here's more about this X-Files/Maximum Ride crossover that is possessing me lately... if you want to see the bits that aren't boring "here's how i'm making this specific sausage" fic-writer chatter, scroll down a bit lmao

the formulaic nature of network television makes it really easy to just make up your own episode that follows the basic beats of a given series. only problem is choosing which extant episodes i want to rip off the hardest. and this is really only a "problem" because it's been a while since last time i rewatched some X-Files, so i'm refreshing my memory by skimming over summaries (then diving deeper into episodes that seem like a good fit)

another issue is aligning timelines, because this is a thing that's very important to me (until it isn't, lmao). Maximum Ride has a wobbly-at-best timeline, whereas X-Files is much more firmly rooted in the 1990s. so i've chosen to set this fic circa 1998, before the events of the first X-Files movie -- meaning, when it comes to pulling from that canon, that's my terminus ante quem. ok, easy. but i may have to move some Maximum Ride details backwards in time to fit the vibe i want. sorry, not all that sorry

so here's my extremely fucking messy, incomplete "outline":

Opening: Nowheresville, California. Two teenagers smoking weed at the local lovers' lane catch a glimpse of a huge bird in front of their car. Terrified, they floor it out of there, almost hitting said "bird". (This is, of course, young Max, who's found a way to sneak out of the School.) Scene reference: the weed-smoking kids in "Deep Throat".

Enter Mulder & Scully: Washington, D.C. A lightweight scene where Mulder brings Scully in to the latest case: the "Mojave Mothman". Possible mythology/cryptid references: thunderbirds, "pterodactyl" sightings. After Mulder gives the wingspan of the largest living bird, then the largest extinct bird, Scully wonders if people might be misreporting sightings of California condors. But no, people seem to be reporting something with brown feathers... and much longer legs. The two banter a little and depart. Scene reference: lots.

They Get There: Nowheresville (where we remain for the rest of the episode). The weed-smoking kids are not the first people to report seeing this "Mothman"; there have been multiple sightings over the past year. (Which is when Max discovered a hole in the fence / way to sneak out.) There were no sightings before then. Mulder and Scully interview some townsfolk, some of them new to the area (some of these people are School employees we might see later), and finally end up speaking to a real old-timer. This person supplies two leads, the first of which they miss at the time: first, a crotchety complaint about all those new people moving in; second, "I appreciate you young folks giving me your time, but you really want to go talk with [Local Crank], she loves this stuff", and collects all kinds of weird phenomena. Scully isn't happy -- she quips that Mulder and [Local Crank] will get along -- but they go.

after that I haven't worked things out in nearly as much detail, but here are some concepts/thoughts:

The Local Crank is another longtime resident, and is happy to have a receptive ear for her ideas about what's going on around town. Her first meeting with Mulder & Scully is pretty brief, and just serves to get her into the story.

Nowheresville is such a small town that, like, as Mulder & Scully return to their motel, they find someone from the School waiting to greet them, and offer them an opportunity to come visit the facility in the morning. Mulder asks this person if they've ever seen anything weird around town, and they say something snarky about "well, other than you, no".

The visit to the School is suspiciously boring. Mulder tries asking people they meet if they've seen or heard of anything odd, and gets repeatedly stonewalled. Meanwhile Scully notices that while everything seems to be above-board, it all looks more like a movie set than a serious, working facility. They're working, but it all looks a little pointless.

They return to town and split up or something, maybe Scully goes to work on her report. Mulder goes to visit the Local Crank, and this time asks if there's anything weird about [Legitimate Science, Inc.]. "Everything is weird about it," she says, and shows him a map of "Mothman" sightings... which mainly cluster near one edge of town, where the lovers' lane is, in the direction of the School. Mulder decides it's worth checking out.

Because it's kind of how an X-Files episode works, Mulder manages to "sneak up" on Max a little. Thinking she's an ordinary kid (and maybe reminded a little of his sister), he calls out to her and attempts to approach. Max immediately takes flight. Mulder wishes he had a camera, but hey, it's night anyway. But he does find a few feathers in the sand.

Anyway, at the end, Mulder and Scully are approached by agents from [The Man], who strongly caution them to stop investigating, because there isn't anything abnormal going on in Nowheresville, and there's no reason to waste their time chasing things seen by weed-smoking teens. At this point in the series, that's an obvious tell that there is something weird going on. They leave. Scully expresses disappointment.

Stinger: Mulder shows the feathers to his friends, the Lone Gunmen, who pass them on to their [Weird Friends] for identification. Totally inconclusive, no one's ever seen anything like it. Maybe they manage to get a DNA analysis run (by knowing a guy who knows a guy), and it comes back as "Are you guys pranking me? Part of this is human, part of it I can't tell. What the hell did you send me a sample of?"

we have fun here