Work Text:
“Hey, Scully, are you busy tonight?”
Scully looked up from what she was reading, “No, why?” she answered.
“I was thinking, maybe, you wanna come over?” Mulder asked.
Scully tilted her head, as if contemplating deeply before answering, “Sure, I’d love to.” A smile graced her own face when she saw Mulder’s face light up.
“Alright! Want me to pick you up?”
“Nah, I’ll just drive later.”
“Okay, I can’t wait.”
Scully laughed, “Me too.”
Mulder was glad that she said yes, although a bit bummed out that she seemed to have forgotten what day it was, not that it really mattered…but still.
Little did he know, Scully has already had something planned days prior.
She knew Mulder wasn’t the type to really celebrate his birthday, but years of being together has both of them celebrating it (and hers). It all started with simple greeting cards to cupcakes, then to small gifts; her own Apollo 11 keychain still kept safely in her nightstand drawer.
For Mulder’s birthday, she got him something special, something small that she hoped he’d like.
When the clock struck five, they both left the office, bid each other goodbye at the parking lot, and drove to their respective homes.
Mulder immediately set his living room up – cleaned the area, laid out the movies he picked up, made sure the couch was comfortable, and placed the snack bowls on the coffee table. He looked at his work and when he was satisfied, he decided to go change before Scully would arrive.
Meanwhile, Scully rushed to change out of her work clothes into much comfortable casual ones. She even touched-up her make-up and fluffed her hair. She blushed at the thought that she was doing all of that when she knew Mulder would still like however she looked. Shaking her head, she smoothed out her clothes and left her room to grab the bottle of wine, cupcake box, and the gift she had for him. She packed the box and gift in a small paper bag before leaving. She looked forward to see his reaction upon seeing what she got him.
Driving to Mulder’s, Scully couldn’t help but feel excitement and nervousness form in her stomach. They’ve done birthdays together for how many times now, but this time, it somehow felt different and she didn’t know why. She just hoped it was going to turn out good.
Arriving at his place, she knocked at his door and waited patiently for him to answer. When he did, she couldn’t help but admire how good he looked – all cleaned-up and a sight to behold.
“Hey, you’re finally here!” he greeted.
“Yep, here I am!” she replied, raising the bottle of wine.
Mulder had to laugh at that, “Aww, Sculls, you didn’t have to.”
She simply shrugged as he let her in and led her to the living room. She smiled when she saw the set up.
“So this is why you wanted me to come over.” She said, turning to look at him. He had a sheepish smile on and she couldn’t help but smile back.
“Yeah, well, I thought it would be nice to…you know…” he trailed off, one of his hands rubbing the back of his neck, obviously trying to contain his embarrassment.
Scully’s teasing look softened as realization hit her. She stepped closer to him and placed a hand on his cheek to make him look at her.
“Oh, Mulder, did you really think I forgot your birthday?” Mulder simply shrugged. “No, I haven’t, I even got you something!”
Scully grabbed his hand and led them to the couch. Mulder followed her silently, not really knowing what to do next. When they sat down, Scully opened the paper bag that she had with her and pulled out the cupcake box that thankfully didn’t look jostled or smashed.
“Happy birthday, Mulder.” She softly said, presenting him the cupcake she brought and placing a small blue candle at the top.
Mulder felt his heart constrict. He truly thought that she had forgotten, yet there she was, holding a cupcake in front of him and fumbling with a lighter (which he didn’t even know she owned).
“Make a wish.” Scully said after she successfully lit the small candle.
Mulder didn’t even have to wish for more since what he wanted was already in front of him, but to humor her, he closed his eyes and after a beat, blew out the small flame. When he opened his them, Scully was smiling, her blue eyes almost sparkling.
“Thank you.” He said to her before dipping his finger on the icing and swiftly wiped it on the tip of her nose.
Scully let out a shriek of laughter, “Mulder!”
She wiped the icing off her nose and shook her head at his ridiculous antics.
“You know, I got you something else, as well.” She told him, taking out the last piece of item inside the paper bag. It was small, rectangular in shape, and covered in a gift wrap with the solar system in it.
Mulder raised his eyebrows before taking it from her hand. Scully watched with much anticipation as he tore the paper.
Mulder’s eyes grew misty as he held the picture frame in his hands. It was a photo of the both of them both in their FBI jackets, clearly while on a case. It was beautiful, a true representation of who they are. He didn’t know how she got the photo, but he absolutely loved it.
Looking up to her, he pulled her into him and engulfed her into a hug which she returned. He whispered ‘thank you’ into her ear and kissed her temple before pulling away.
“I hope you like it.” Scully told him.
“’Like’ it? Scully I love it,” He replied. “This might be the best thing I’ve received for my birthday.”
Scully’s heart leapt with joy upon hearing those words. She was beyond glad to know that he loved it.
“It’s not much, but when one of the forensic photographers gave it to me, I fell in love with it,” she told him. “I figured, this would remind you that no matter what, I’m always here for you, just like how you are to me.” She added.
From that moment, Mulder wasn’t able to contain himself; he dropped the frame on his lap and leaned in to kiss Scully on the lips. It took her by surprise, but she immediately closed her eyes and relished in the moment and the way his lips felt against hers.
Soon they were panting for air when they pulled apart. Lips swollen and cheeks flushed. Scully’s previous anxieties now all gone.
“I can’t thank you enough for staying.” He told her, his hands gently held her face as he looked into her eyes. She looked at him with so much love and trust.
They spent the rest of the night snuggled on the couch, watching the movies he picked and eating the snacks, and drinking the wine. And not to mention the occasional make-out sessions.
Every birthday with Scully in it was a good one, but this one was the best he’d had. He only hoped that it would continue next year and the years to follow.