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[Mulder’s Home Office - Farrs Corner, VA]
“Mulder! I thought you were doing research for our case, but here I see you looking at baseball tickets. You sneak!” said Scully in her fake exasperated tone, which let Mulder know that although he wasn’t doing what he should, she was still endeared by it. “I should have known you really weren’t interested in those nightclub deaths, but that you wanted to go to NYC for sports!” said Scully, while rolling her eyes.
Although Mulder and Scully were no longer working full time at the FBI, they were occasionally called on for their unique areas of expertise. Usually Mulder was called on for his unbeatable profiling abilities, or Scully was called on for her unsurpassed autopsy skills, but on occasion they’d be called on together to consult on cases involving possible paranormal phenomena. They both relished those opportunities to work together like the good old days. This case was one that went straight to Mulder. Law enforcement agents across the country were trying to get to the bottom of a series of deaths that occurred among young male patrons who had been at various nightlife venues. At first the deaths seemed like accidents, people who were likely intoxicated, high, or both, leaving a night out and found dead in nearby bodies of water. It wasn’t until police stations in urban areas nationwide started seeing an unusual number of deaths with strikingly similar circumstances that the case got bumped up to the FBI. The current theory being that it was most likely a group of killers targeting the men, but the motives were unclear. When the local FBI field offices remained stumped they asked for Mulder, hoping he could come up with a profile to help them out.
Mulder wasn’t particularly interested in the case at first glance, he figured he would throw together a profile and be done with it in a few days, leaving the other capable agents to work out the rest. Especially with Scully being pregnant, his main interest became hovering over her - intent on not missing any part of this second chance at parenthood they had both been given, and finally building a family together. He and Scully were still figuring out their relationship and putting it back together. After sharing news of the pregnancy Scully quickly moved back into their unremarkable house and things overall were easy between them. In fact, the only thing they really argued over these days was just how much Mulder hovered. It was still very early in the pregnancy and Scully was happy to be busy with work at the hospital. She loved that Mulder wanted to be there for her, for them, and was giving 200%, but sometimes she felt it was a bit stifling. She was relieved the bureau sent him a case, thinking it would buy her a little freedom from the incessant hovering for a few days.
“You know Scully, this case, I think it might be an X-File, actually” said Mulder. “Really? Wait, are these men vampires going to that vampire club you told me about once, Mulder? Please don’t tell me that’s what you think it is” Scully answered. Mulder instantly regretted telling her about that case during the time she was abducted, he could practically feel Scully’s glare boring into his brain. At least he never told her ALL the details of that case. “Well, Scully, so far there is no clear motive, all the victims’ personal effects were recovered, ruling out robbery. None of the victims appear to be connected in any way. The events they attended were all different, from raves to indie rock shows to jazz sessions. Half of the victims had no illicit substances in their toxicology reports and some did not even have alcohol in their systems, and none had any unusual toxicology findings, making drugging unlikely. There were no signs of trauma or sexual assault. All victims were found in the bodies of water and drowned and the autopsies were consistent with that. It’s as if someone or something willed all these men into the water.” said Mulder excitedly, pacing the room. “You mean like a mermaid, or a siren?” said Scully with a slight smile forming at the corner of her lips. “I don’t know Scully, but I think we need to go to NYC. I want to take a look at the scene.” said Mulder. “Why NYC versus any of the other places? Do these baseball tickets have something to do with things, Mulder? And why did you say we, you know I have a full week of surgeries scheduled.” Mulder rose from his seat, placed his hands on Scully’s shoulder and said “I need you on this with me” providing his best puppy dog eyes. “Besides, the most recent cases occurred in NYC, and there have always been a cluster of 3-5 victims in each city before, so I think there will be more victims in NYC. It will be the best place to try and catch the perpetrators.” Scully sighed and said “Okay, I’ll reschedule my cases, but you still didn’t tell me why you’re looking at baseball tickets”. Mulder stared intently at the floor and could feel his cheeks burning. “Well, Scully, baseball season just started so the Yankees are playing and the Knicks also have a wild card game, if they win they could make the playoffs! We have to go! Plus the Bureau will be footing the bill for our hotel. Oh, and there’s one more thing, I think to really get to the bottom of this case we should go undercover at one of the venues.” “What?! You want me to go to, not one, but TWO sporting events and undercover?!” Scully was incredulous. “C’mon Scully! I thought you liked baseball” Mulder said with a wink. “Plus, we are long overdue for a date” he added, waggling his eyebrows. Scully knew she was powerless against that particular move so she sighed again and said “Fine, but dinner better not be ballpark hotdogs, Mulder.” Wearing a smirk Mulder emphatically pumped his fist and said “Yesss! Only the best for you m’lady, no stadium hot dogs, but world famous Madison Square Garden hot dogs instead!” That earned Mulder a slap on the arm from Scully. He feigned injury hoping for a kiss or hair tousle to make it better. Scully just rolled her eyes and walked out of the room, while Mulder pouted.
[Yankee Stadium - Bronx, NY]
“Mulder, I’ve always wondered, how come you are a Yankees fan? You grew up in Chilmark. I thought folks from there were fiercely loyal to all the Boston and New England teams” asked Scully. Mulder laughed and responded “Well, way before the other kids made fun of me for what happened to Sam, they already hated me for being a Yankees and Knicks fan. You’re right in assuming that wouldn’t go over well in Red Sox/Celtics nation. I got them to leave me alone about that as I got older because I kicked everyone’s asses in both sports" said Mulder smugly. He continued saying "But anyway I have Grandpa Joe Kuipers to thank for my sporting allegiances. My mom grew up in NYC, but dad hated the craziness of it all, even DC was more than he could deal with. His dream was to live quietly by the water so mom and him moved up to Chilmark as soon as they could. As a kid Sam and I would spend many summer weekends in NYC with our grandparents. I loved it and wanted to live in the City when I grew up. Grandpa Joe would take us to eat pastrami sandwiches larger than my head at the lower east side delis and then to Yankees games. He was the one who taught me all about baseball - how to read box scores, the players and their stats. He would bring me to the park down the block from their apartment and we’d play catch. While all my classmates loved spending time at the New England beaches and boating, I wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by the energy of NYC and watching the Yankees play. Grandpa Joe was also a basketball fan, and like any good New Yorker, he was a devoted Knicks fan. During the school year, we didn’t really get to NYC much, but Grandpa Joe always said that he’d bring me to a Knicks game one day. I couldn’t wait to see one live, and in the meantime I learned all I could about basketball and the Knicks. Unfortunately grandpa Joe died suddenly of a heart attack when I was 10 years old. I was crushed, we never made it to a Knicks game together. Although life didn’t quite lead me to live in NYC, I’ve remained a devoted Yankees and Knicks fan in honor of Grandpa Joe.” Scully listened to all this with great attention. When Mulder finished she wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a tight squeeze and said “Thank you for sharing your love of these games with me too.” Mulder tossed his head back and chuckled, returning the hug. He spent the remainder of the game telling Scully literally everything he knew about the Yankees and baseball. Things he’d told her countless times before at other baseball games. Although her eyes glazed over before the 7th inning stretch she let him talk, knowing that he was expressing his love for her in his own Mulder way by sharing this, as well as keeping the memory of his grandfather alive. Mulder was thrilled leaving the game - the Yankees won, they got on the kiss cam, and he caught a foul ball. It was debatable if maybe his long arms had snatched the ball from a child, but he looked as happy as a child when he caught it so Scully decided to let it go and not admonish him.
[Madison Square Garden - New York, NY]
Mulder’s jubilatory mood did not last. Leaving the Knicks game later that evening Scully noted that he was again child-like, but this time as petulant as a toddler. The Knicks had lost, throwing away their season. When the Knicks air balled their last shot, failing to tie, and the whistle blew Mulder was absolutely livid. His anger had not diminished even with Scully’s usual trick of grabbing his wrist and pushing on his acupressure points. He frantically kept saying to Scully “Are you sure you didn’t wash my Knicks t-shirt? You know that it can’t be washed right before the game or they’ll lose!” Scully decided she needed a new tactic, she stopped walking, grabbed his face in her hands, and said quietly, but firmly, “Look at me. While your shirt could probably use a wash, I didn’t wash it, you know I like to sleep in it and have it smell like you, and I’d never sabotage their season by washing your talisman because then I would have to deal with you like this ALL the time.” Mulder knew that when Scully used that tone, that she was serious. He kept his mouth shut, but sulked all the way back to the hotel. Once inside their room Scully sat on the bed and said to Mulder “So, what happened to this date night I was promised?” As disappointed as Mulder was, it killed him more to see Scully disappointed. She had dutifully followed him to NYC for this case and went with him to all of the things he had wanted to do, as she always did. By her own choice, of course, she would say, but he knew that after all they had been through and their separation, that he had to be better this time around. Besides how could he ever actually be unhappy with Scully there with him, he couldn’t. “Fuck the Knicks, there’s always next season. I promised you a date night and I fell short, but I can think of a few ways I can make it up to you…” Mulder said suggestively to Scully as he sat down beside her. To which she whispered into his ear “I know someone else who should get fucked besides the Knicks…”
[Various Locations - New York City]
After enjoying swankier accommodations than normal courtesy of the Bureau and ordering themselves a well deserved room service breakfast after all their vigorous physical activity the night before, Mulder and Scully headed out to meet some contacts about the case. A pair of NYC field agents and a detective from the NYPD brought them to the club where the most recent victim was last seen, as well as to where the body was found in a nearby canal. The agents then split up, with Mulder going to interview some of the witnesses, while Scully headed to the ME’s office to review the files and look at the body. They easily fell back into their investigative routine as if no time had passed. For dinner Mulder really wanted to grab a slice, or four, of NY pizza, but he knew Scully wouldn’t have the same appreciation for this culinary masterpiece as he did. On the occasions that their FBI work brought them to NYC she would always say she couldn’t taste any difference between NY pizza and the pie from her usual pizza man. Blasphemy in Mulder’s mind. He was also relieved when they moved in together, because he still always wondered if there was something he should know about with Scully and her pizza man. He did seem awfully familiar with her apartment’s layout. He ceased his mind’s wandering on that thought, lest it create something out of what was definitely nothing. On his way to meet Scully he stopped by his favorite slice joint and grabbed two pepperoni slices. Then he took Scully to a fancy Michelin starred prix fixe tasting menu restaurant to make up for the hot dogs of the day before. He used his bureau credentials to convince the hostess to give them a table since the place was booked solid for months. As soon as the first course came out Mulder was glad he chose to eat the pizza beforehand. “These portions are made for ants!” he remarked, annoyed that the meal was going to cost so much. But Scully was delighted by all the creative plating, exotic ingredients and overall “healthiness” of the food. Seeing her enjoy the whole experience so much, Mulder decided not to think about the price until his credit card statement arrived in a few weeks. While Scully truly enjoyed her meal, she really appreciated that Mulder was willing to go to this restaurant for her. She knew the bird food sized portions annoyed him, but she also was pretty certain he snuck some pizza beforehand, noticing a small tomato sauce stain on his tie. Scully was also relieved that it was a no tipping restaurant, she didn’t think she could bear the embarrassment of Mulder’s lousy tipping at such an upscale place. Over dinner they compared notes and concluded that they really hadn’t come up with anything new to make any headway on the case. “It’s a good thing we’ll be going undercover tonight.” said Mulder. “Tonight?! It’s already 8pm and it’s been a long day, I just want to take a bath and head to bed Mulder.” said Scully, sounding tired and exasperated. “Oh no, no, but date night #2 has just begun! We’ve got a night of live entertainment to enjoy and maybe a chance to get into a serial killer’s head.” Mulder remarked. “Well, I guess a night out at a lounge with some mocktails and nice jazz music could be fun” Scully acquiesced.
[Old Warehouse Turned Nightclub - Brooklyn, NY]
Scully could not believe this. Somehow, despite all the voices in her head telling her to just make Mulder do his little undercover exercise alone, she dragged herself out of bed at the ungodly hour of 1AM to go stand around in uncomfortable shoes and a short dress at some godforsaken warehouse in Brooklyn at a rave of all things. “Not a rave Scully, this is one of the hottest DJ’s on the planet right now, and he’s performing his set” Mulder corrected. “That may be the case, but Mulder, we are in our 50s, some of these kids aren’t even old enough to drink! Why couldn’t you pick a quiet jazz club to do this undercover operation?” Scully whined. Of course Mulder didn’t mind she thought to herself, he never slept much anyway. He was dressed comfortably in dark jeans, a fitted t-shirt and leather jacket, with sneaker; Scully was suddenly envious of how warm and comfy he appeared while she felt cold, exposed, and extremely uncomfortable. Sensing his partner’s annoyance, Mulder offered to get them drinks, thinking it might cheer Scully up a bit or at least loosen her up. “Gee, thanks Mulder, first of all need I remind you that we are working a case so neither of us can actually drink, secondly, if you want me to have this baby you’ll be getting me a mocktail” said Scully, practically scowling. In any case, the sugar should at least take some of Scully’s venom out, thought Mulder. So he dutifully went to the bar to procure the beverages. While he was waiting to get the bartender’s attention, Mulder saw a young man approach Scully from behind and touch her lower back with his hand. Mulder knew this set of actions well himself, having performed them many times, this young whippersnapper was trying to put the moves on Scully, he mused. Mulder smiled and said to one in particular “Let him try, she’ll rebuff you so swiftly, your head will spin.” He leaned back on the bar to watch the show play out.
***
Scully felt a touch on her lower back and she could’ve sworn it was Mulder, but she saw him at the bar so she knew it was not him. She turned around and was met face to face with a young man who looked to be in his late 20s to early 30’s. Having hit the bar/club scene a bit in her youth with Melissa she knew what this guy was up to. Her first instinct was to just tell him to shove off. But then Scully suddenly realized she must still look pretty damn good (well, at least to inebriated people) to get hit on. From the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of Mulder at the bar. He was staring at them. Feeling sexy, confident, and quite a bit annoyed at her partner, she decided to give Mulder a little entertainment while he waited for their drinks. When the young man asked her name and if she wanted to dance she leaned in close to whisper in his ear. The young man led Scully by the hand a bit deeper into the crowd and they started to dance together. They swayed lightly to the music facing each other while yelling the usual get-to-know-you questions and answers over the noise. Scully turned a bit so she could watch Mulder’s reaction. Even at a distance she could see his eyes darken. She knew his habits better than anyone and knew that he was clenching his jaw and balling his fists in jealousy, but that he’d never admit it if she confronted him about it. Scully threw back her head and laughed heartily.
***
Mulder was shocked to see Scully not only talk to the young man, but also willingly go dance with him. He knew she was annoyed that he brought them undercover to this late night warehouse party where she felt very out of place and uncomfortable, but he figured he’d work his best Mulder charm with her on the dancefloor and be back on her good side. But here this punk was ruining everything. “What was he even?” thought Mulder, “some dumb finance bro probably. Wait, what if he’s loaded and Scully runs off with him to live the life of stress-free luxury she really deserves.” This made Mulder panic, he had to get back to Scully. With the drinks in hand he practically threw his money at the bartender and yelled for him to keep the change. It was exact change though. With no tip the bartender yelled “Hey!!” after Mulder, but the agent was a man on a mission.
***
“Excuse me,” Mulder cut in between Scully and the young man, handed her a drink and put his hand at its rightful place on the small of her back to lead her away. Scully just gave the young man a bewildered look and smiled. The young man said to Scully “Is this man harassing you? You want me to get rid of him for you?” Before Scully could respond, Mulder said “She’s with me so you can beat it!” With his pride at stake the young man would not just walk away, instead he got up in Mulder’s face and said “I don’t think so brah, she and I were talking, she doesn’t have a ring, and I doubt she wants to hang off your old-ass arm like some trophy wife”. “What did you just call me? Brah? Old ass?” exclaimed Mulder. In that moment the older agent looked to grow about 1 foot taller than his already tall 6 foot frame, his eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fist in preparation to slug the young man. Scully, who was initially amused watching the scenario play out, realized that the fun was now over. Scully knew that despite his years, Mulder was still extremely fit and could run circles around the young man; he was still FBI-ready, after all. Before Mulder could strike, she held her hands out and yelled “Stop! Stop!” To the young man she said “I apologize for leading you on, this man is right, we are together, I was just having a little fun at both your expenses, but that was wrong of me. Please just get out of here, because his old ass can definitely rearrange your face.” The young man who was now frightened by Mulder’s larger than life appearance nodded and sulked away. She turned to her partner and said “Mulder, calm down, I was yanking your chain a bit because I was annoyed that we came here and I’m sorry for doing that, but you look so damn cute when you’re jealous!” After a beat they both laughed heartily. “You know, Scully, I was afraid you were going to leave me for a richer, younger man” said Mulder. “And miss out on all your tantrums when your sports teams lose…come to think about it…” replied Scully, with a smile. “No Mulder, there’s no way I’d walk away from this. From us. Not now. Not again. Not ever.” she added. At that moment a familiar, but new rhythm reverberated through the warehouse and the voice of Elvis started crooning Suspicious Minds, backed by a freshly remixed beat. Mulder grinned from ear to ear and said “Get over here Scully'' to which she readily obliged. Mulder grabbed Scully by the waist, while she wrapped her arms around his neck. They began to dance together. Mulder whispered in Scully’s ear “I think we should forget about the case tonight”. “Shut up Mulder, I’m dancing” said Scully in response. Mulder had the King and he had his Scully. Even if the Knicks were done for the season, all was right in his world.
Well, don't you know I'm caught in a trap?
I can't walk out
Because I love you too much, baby