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OCTOBER 31st, 1993
Though her father had hemmed and hawed about it, Dana Scully had still grown up having had fun at Halloween with her brothers and her sister. She still even had fun every October thirty-first as an adult. This even included at home. Everyone in her building, especially the children, were vastly aware that the lady at Number 35 gave out the best candy. It could be counted on.
Scully did have friends. Here and there. But they were all busy, raising their children. Or they’d moved away because they were just in a time of life where those kinds of options made sense. But at the end of the day, Scully did have one loyal companion. For that? Scully was thankful. Permanently.
On top of being loyal, Fox W. Mulder was wildly smart, gentle, kind, surprisingly funny, and he even had a long memory for important details (including the names of the other Scullys). But hardly anyone at the Hoover building knew this about him. All they saw? Just the weird guy who kept the one office in the building basement, beside the storage area. Scully still gave him the time of day because she found him interesting.
Upon finally accepting that Scully really did just wish to be nice to him, he returned the friendship she was offering.
Even this short time they’d been partners already, Scully had come to learn that Mulder also enjoyed Halloween. And when she invited him to hang out with her on the day-of this year, he cheerfully accepted. It was better than a night alone. Scully was fun. And Mulder appreciated this about her. Often.
Tonight would also be about a reset from the Eurisko business. After all… the supercomputer system had tried to kill Scully. Neither agent would forget this. And for a good long while.
Mulder gathered himself as he approached Number 35. While the building owner had paid to have the halls decorated with fun things befitting the holiday, Scully’s door was the only one on her whole floor that was decorated. But it seemed only half-done. Mulder spotted cutouts of pumpkins, black cats, and witches taped to the door of Number 35. He next noticed that the door was open. Odd.
Standing in the doorway, Mulder called out, “Scully? Are you home?”
She called from further back, “Yeah! Please make yourself at home: I’ll be there in a second!”
Mulder entered the apartment now. “Take your time!”
He had never been to Scully’s apartment before. But it was warm, cozy. Mulder liked this aspect. Noticing how orderly things were, Mulder was quick to hang up his coat and set his shoes out of the way. But he did make sure to hold on to a small wrapped parcel he’d had in his coat pocket. Mulder was already hoping that Scully would at least be tickled by the idea of a present on Halloween. He also just wanted to give her a nicer memory in light of recent events.
Then he reached Scully’s kitchen. And he felt amusement. While there was a platter laid out on the table with a variety of miniature sandwiches, two plates, napkins, drinking glasses, and a clear pitcher filled with a fun-colored kind of drink, Mulder also spotted a different wrapped parcel wrapped in jack-o-lantern bedecked paper. So Mulder set his own gift beside it. And waited.
Meanwhile, Scully finished one last chore in her bedroom.
Then she checked her appearance. Mulder had more often than not seen her in business attire. It was rare he’d seen anything casual. And today, Scully was just trying to keep her cool. But she at least felt confident with her appearance. Today, she wore jeans, and a purple t-shirt with an image of a black kitten peeking out of a jack-o-lantern taking center stage. And because she was cold? Scully quickly put on a hoodie with a pattern of the Japanese flag all over it. Everything else checked out. So Scully went to find Mulder.
Lighting up when she joined him at the table, Mulder said, “Hi. You look nice. Casual suits you great.”
Unable to fight a blush, Scully said, “Thanks. You look nice, too.”
Mulder beamed at the compliment. Because he was not a Halloween Grinch, he’d paired his jeans and socks with a t-shirt showing Snoopy and Woodstock standing together in identical ghost costumes. FBI life didn’t often allow Mulder to show his quirky side. But he had one.
Quickly remembering that Scully had paid him a compliment, Mulder said, “Thanks.”
Pointing to the t-shirt, Scully asked Mulder, “What’s with Snoopy and Woodstock?”
“Oh.” Mulder quickly smoothed his shirt out. “I remembered that you said kids turn up here for trick-or-treating…?”
“Yep.” Scully confirmed. “Are there kids in your building?”
Mulder shook his head as he answered, “No.”
Scully laughed. “Well… There’s an elementary school around the block.”
“Oh?” Mulder grew curious. “Anything more?”
“Yeah. There is also a school campus that hosts middle school and high school. Every kid in this building attends one of those places. At least, those of age.” Scully chuckled nervously. “Am I rambling?”
“No.” Mulder answered in earnest. “Have any other tidbits there? I like learning about your off-the-clock life because it’s way more interesting than mine.”
After a moment of thinking, Scully said, “Hm. One family at the end of the hall has a daughter named Sarah. And she has a brother called Noah.”
“I like them already. Nice, normal names.” Mulder commented.
“Sarah is five now. Noah is almost two months old.” Scully informed Mulder. “I saw him when I brought the family a casserole after he first came home from the hospital.”
Mulder said in surprise, “Wow. That was really kind of you to bring them food. Seriously. And… You like kids?”
“I love them.” Scully grew momentarily bashful before finding herself again. “FBI life just really doesn’t allow for people to see that as often as I’d like. Sarah’s and Noah’s parents were also very helpful when I moved in here.”
Mulder asked, “When was that?”
Scully said, “Nine years ago today.”
Mulder echoed blankly, “Nine?”
Arching an eyebrow playfully, Scully said, “How old is it you think I actually am?”
“Uh…” Mulder shuffled his feet. “There is no good way to answer that question.”
“And you’re damn right. Please come and have a seat now.“ Scully took one. “It will still be awhile before people arrive. And I made this food for us. But if you’d like to stay for dinner and a movie later on, we can order takeout. Okay?”
“Sounds like a good time. I would love to stay. Thanks.” Mulder sat opposite Scully. “Pick a place and I’ll pay. Alright?”
Scully perked up. “Okay. Now please help yourself to sandwiches. There is raspberry lemonade in the pitcher. Would you like a glass?”
Mulder answered, “Sure. Thanks again.”
Talk turned to topics befitting of this nice moment as the two soon began to dine together. It was nice. They could just be people.
After a few minutes, Mulder said to Scully, “I saw the decorations on your door. But… Am I wrong that you have another idea up your sleeve?”
“Mm-mm.” Scully admitted. “I was folding laundry in my room just now because that kind of thing clears my head. Usually.”
“Okay.” sighed Mulder. “What happened?”
“I couldn’t find my stepstool.” Scully responded. “Turns out, I need something reasonable to stand on because I do have more things that need hanging up. Streamers. And the like. It wasn’t until you got here that I remembered my error.”
“And…?” prompted Mulder.
“Morning of the Eurisko case, I tossed my step stool out when I was on the way to my car because it’d broken.” Scully rolled her eyes. “Then I forgot completely. Now I need a new step stool. ASAP…”
Mulder chose his next words carefully. “I certainly can’t produce a step stool out of thin air. But I can hang that crepe. Where is it?”
“Closet. I’ll be right back.” Scully stood quickly. “Thanks!”
Mulder felt amazed while Scully hurried off. Watching her be herself was amazing because he had a feeling that not many people knew this version of her. At all.
Scully soon returned before she came back with a clear storage tub of crepe rolls. Each one seemed to be dedicated to a different major holiday.
“I guess you really like the holidays?” Mulder guessed.
“Mhm.” Scully sat back down. “They just make me happy.”
“I think that’s really nice.” Mulder plucked at his t-shirt. “My sister loved holidays, too. And Peanuts. Helping children smaller than herself was also something she liked. So I always give to kid charities during Halloween and all the holidays kids get excited for. What do you think? I’ve never told anyone that before…”
Making a mental note to do the same about donations from now on, Scully said, “I think you are a kind man with a warm heart. Please don’t let anyone ever say otherwise. Ever. Okay?”
Beaming for the second time since entering Number 35, Mulder said, “Okay. And thank you for the kind words.”
With a wink, Scully told him, “Every part’s true.”
Now at his most curious, Mulder asked, “Why are you being this kind?”
“You are worth getting to know. And loneliness does not suit you. People just don’t know that there is a man just as pleasant as the rest of them in the basement office because they haven’t really put much effort into figuring that out.” Scully said. “The two of us even had our most recent harrowing adventure last week.”
“I think you make excellent points.” Mulder agreed.
“You show me kindness by just treating me like a person. It’s a refreshing change from those who only see a slightly-overgrown wunderkind. For that? I thank you.” Scully went on. “Plus… Despite the times when we just drive each other insane, I’ve thought of you as a friend. Even from the start.”
“Wow. Thanks. Oh, and… I’ve also considered you as a friend since that first day.” Mulder then pointed to Scully’s hoodie. “And what’s the story there?”
Distracted, Scully said, “Hm?”
Mulder tried again. “What’s the story on your hoodie? I noticed it has the Japanese flag on it.”
Scully glanced at her hoodie again before having a laugh. “My dad is a Navy man. Because of that, I lived mostly abroad while I was growing up.“
Mulder furrowed his brow. “Okay. Then where are your parents from?”
Scully answered, “They are both American-born. But pertaining to specificity? My parents are from Wall Street and Red Hook.”
“Woah.” said Mulder. “New York City?”
“That’s right.” confirmed Scully. “My grandparents on both sides immigrated from Europe. All of their children are from New York.”
Quite curious, Mulder asked, “How did your parents even meet in the first place?”
“That is a different story for later. Except for one brief period when I was in middle school? I was educated abroad.” Scully cleaned her throat. “As it is… The rest of my siblings were born abroad. Bill and Charlie are from England.”
“Life just worked out that way for your parents?” asked Mulder. “Twice? What about you?”
“Yes to the first part.” said Scully. “Annapolis, to the second.”
“I see.” Mulder said. “Then that leaves Melissa as the one from Japan. Correct?”
“Very good. I myself have only been there once.” replied Scully. “And that was for Christmas 1990.”
Mulder asked Scully, “What happened? A visit to relatives?”
“Exactly. My mother’s brother lived there with his wife.” said Scully. “He is Franklin. She's called Penelope. The family name there? O’Donovan. Super tip-top Irish.”
“Yeah.” Mulder agreed. “It probably stood out in Japan. Were they there because even Uncle Franklin was in the Navy?”
“Correct.” said Scully. “My uncle had an extremely long assignment. The very beginning of 1991 was when they moved back to England to the states. Okay? Are you following?”
Mulder said, “Yes. Where are they now?”
“On Wallace Road in Farrs Corner.” Scully tapped the tabletop absently. “But going back to December 1990… They invited my sister and I to join them. Everyone else? They were in California.”
“Ah.” said Mulder. “Is that a different story for later on?”
“Mhm. But our trip there was utterly magnificent. Franklin and Penelope chose to share their last Christmas in Japan with family, since they were already packing up.” Scully pointed to her hoodie. “On our first day, Melissa saw this and bought it for me without a second thought when I mentioned I liked the softness of it.”
“Amazing.” said Mulder. “Is your sister always that giving?”
“Yes. However…” Scully sighed. “I have always been her blindspot.”
Mulder asked, “How’s that?”
Scully replied, “My sister has been my kooky but extremely loyal guard dog for as long as I can remember.”
“Oh?” Mulder sat back in his chair. “Then what about your big brother? Hm?”
“Even without bearing our dad’s whole entire name, Bill has always been just like him. The realist.” Scully said. “Most people assume it’s my mother.”
“Oh.” Mulder connected a new dot. “She’s the dreamer. Have I missed anything?”
“No. My mother and her big brother were both born during the middle of The Great Depression, but they always chose optimism. It still shows.” then Scully furrowed her brow. “Just a second. Where was I?”
“You described Melissa like a loyal guard dog.” Mulder quickly reminded Scully. “But then you all but called Bill boring. I guess that leaves Charlie.”
“Yeah. It does.” realized Scully. “My baby brother is just so much younger than the rest of us that it’s practically a ‘Ground Control to Major Tom’ situation.”
Vastly smitten because of the Bowie reference, Mulder said, “Okay. Then what was the whole dynamic like when you were all kids?”
“One time, I asked how to spell ‘hellion’ because Charlie was having an epic temper tantrum.” recalled Scully. “And wouldn’t you know? My mother was unimpressed that I knew the word.”
“She scold you?” Mulder wanted to know.
“Almost.” Scully admitted. “First, Bill told me that the answer was b-r-a-t instead of h-e-l-l-i-o-n.”
“Uh-oh.” said Mulder.
“That’s the exact sentiment. But Melissa realized Bill meant me.” said Scully. “My sister had my brother in a headlock so fast. They were the same size then.”
“Excuse me?!” protested Mulder. “What did your mom even say?!”
Scully said, “Nothing to them because Charlie had chosen that moment so as to hightail it out of the room. I guess my mother chose her battles.”
“No kidding.” Mulder quipped. “How old were you?”
“Six, but a handful of months from turning seven.” confirmed Scully. “My sister was freshly-turned eight. Bill? He was already there. So Charlie would’ve been about two.”
Electing to ask later about the noticeably-small age gap later, Mulder said instead, “You can’t just leave me hanging. What became of things? Melissa had Bill in a headlock. Did she make him say ‘uncle’? Or… Did your old man find everyone first?”
“The second one. My dad’s a nice enough man and he did employ some sharpness he learned in the Navy when it came to raising us kids. But so say Bill, Melissa, and even my mother, he let most of those things go by the time I was born.” Scully shrugged. “All I know? Dad was just way too flabbergasted at the sight by the time he caught up to even be mad.”
Mulder chuckled. “That’s lucky.”
“I explained the whole situation as it’d happened.” said Scully. “Then dad made Bill spell ‘hellion’ the right way. And say sorry to me. Bill did.”
“If that’s that,” Mulder said carefully. “Then why do I have the feeling that your dad had to physically separate them?”
“Because your intuition is that sharp.” Scully gave another wink. “Dad told Bill to wait for us outside. He did.”
“Okay.” Mulder said. “What happened then?”
Scully thought about it. “Hm. Dad told Melissa that he was proud of her for defending my honor.”
“Ah.” Mulder connected a dot. “I’m guessing he then said to not go that route again?”
“Actually…” Scully performed another shoulder shrug. “Dad gave Missy advice on how to employ a proper headlock. She’d been a hop, skip, and a jump from unintentionally making Billy pass out.”
“Wild.” said Mulder. “Please tell me she at least felt remorse.”
“Oh, yeah. That is definite.” Scully nodded. “It was a learning moment.”
Mulder asked, “Then does that mean your dad really didn’t feel the need to punish either of them?”
Scully said, “Yes. My big siblings both felt like the appropriate lessons had been learned.”
“And,” Mulder laughed. “What about you?”
“I just felt stunned because it was so fantastic. And I also already knew my sister loved me, but that was the first time in my life that I fully understood how much.” Scully said. “To cap it off? Dad also told us to make sure our mother didn’t learn about the headlock advice part until we kids were grown.”
“Did you keep your word?” Mulder asked.
“Yes. The woman did not find out until my twenty-first birthday.” said Scully. “But for the record? My little brother has no memory of the chaos.”
“Drat. So much for his version of events.” Mulder sighed. “Why was he melting down, anyway? And why was everyone so concerned about a kept schedule? Church? Or… Something?”
“Uh-uh.” Scully shook her head. “It was Halloween.”
Mulder said, “Incredible...”
“There was an on-base trick-or-treating event happening for the kids. I was ready. Same for Bill and Melissa. Charlie was the heel-dragger because he didn’t want to take a bath before getting into his costume. It happened. But not before dad sent all of us to go ahead to the event hall because it was at the end of the block.” said Scully. “His timing was excellent.”
Mulder asked, “In what way?”
“I won the door entry prize. My six-year-old self was astonished. But you know? I also won ‘best costume’ for my age group.’ That was fun. Melissa was a well-intentioned person made of tin. And Bill? He looked like a certain iconic scarecrow. Precious Charlie forgot all of his problems after being made to look like a particularly easy-to-scare lion.” said Scully. “Guess who I was?”
Mulder said at once, “Dorothy Gale.”
“Gold star.” praised Scully. “I had everything, right down to the slippers, and a little picnic basket with a toy dog inside.”
“Wow.” remarked Mulder. “And what about the door prize?”
“Hand to God, it’s a deck of playing cards featuring Dorothy and company.” Scully said. “I still have it. Everything about that evening was the best Halloween of my life. Truly.”
“Thanks for sharing. Have you told it before?” asked Mulder. “I love it.”
“I’ve only ever told you.” Scully rose to her feet as a signal of changing lanes. “Hm. I guess we plowed through the food.”
Mulder laughed when he noticed their now-empty plates and glasses. “Hm. I guess time flies when you’re with a friend. Scully, do you need any help clearing up?”
“Mm-mm.” she said. “But that’s a kind offer. And you’re a guest.”
Mulder laughed again when he realized that she took being a hostess very seriously. “Okay. Then where's the restroom?”
Scully pointed in its general direction. “Just over there.”
After thanking her again, Mulder left. Scully made quick work of cleaning up. She was having fun with Mulder here. She already did consider him fun. He proved himself capable on an extremely frequent basis. However… Seeing him in an ‘off-the-clock’ way as he’d earlier put it, was enchanting. Scully soaked it up. They weren't even far into the evening. Yet.
When Mulder came back from the facilities and resumed his earlier seat, he said, “I didn’t think you’d be into Halloween.”
“Is my family stereotypically Irish Catholic? Just about.” Scully took her own seat when she’d finished the last of her chores. “I actually know for a fact that my parents would have had more kids after Charlie if we’d had a more ‘permanent lifestyle’ back then. Everybody assumed that it’s my mother who’s the ‘overly-concerned’ Catholic in our family. And I can tell you that she does have her moments. But…”
“Oh.” said Mulder. “It’s your dad.”
Scully nodded. “Mhm. Still… Both of my parents would love you.”
“Then maybe the universe will make it happen so I can meet one of them some time.” suggested Mulder. “That’d be fun.”
“So long as you don’t freak them out? Be my guest. Please.” decided Scully. “But anyway… My mother has always been the one reminding dad about relaxing. So we always did Halloween when I was growing up.”
“Copy that.” said Mulder. “Did you all ever pull off another group costume?”
Scully shook her head. “Mm-mm. So I guess that makes looking back even more special. My brother also went out of his way later to surprise me with an extra bounty of trinkets and candy. Part of it? My brother later felt sorry about being unkind to me.”
“What about the rest?” Mulder wanted to know.
“Billy was immensely proud that I'd gotten the door prize and first place in my league for the costume contest.” said Scully. “That man can still be an obnoxious overprotective bonehead at times. But… He’s the only big brother I have. And he knows I love him.”
“Good.” said Mulder. “Is the rest of… everything that your life has never been quiet because you’ve never known things without overdramatic siblings?”
“Bingo.” Scully then pushed the small jack-o-lantern wrapped parcel across the table to Mulder. “Gifts are definitely a Christmas thing. I do love to give them…”
Amused by her mounting apprehension, Mulder prodded, “But…?”
Scully exhaled noisily. “But I swear that I can’t read minds.”
Mulder understood what she meant after unwrapping the paper and removing the item from the box. But he also turned into a puddle. His partner had gifted him a small wooden figurine of Charlie Brown in his holey ghost costume.
Returning his gaze to Scully again, Mulder told her, “Thank you very much. It’s amazing.”
Pleased, Scully said, “Glad you love it.”
“And…” Mulder handed Scully the parcel he’d brought for her. “I don’t usually get fox-shaped things. But… I’ll be damned if this one isn’t at least whimsical.”
Understanding dawned on Scully when she unwrapped her own box. And she was also a puddle. Why? Mulder had given her a very cute wooden figurine of a fox shaped like a pumpkin.
“Definitely whimsical. I love it. Thank you.” Scully set both of their figurines in pride of place on the table before checking the time. “Hey. Come on. We have to finish decorating my door before the trick-or-treaters arrive.”
Having forgotten, Mulder said as he stood, “Then let’s get to work.”
Mulder hung up the streamers decorated with bats and vampires while Scully affixed a few more kid-friendly decorations to her door. It went by fast.
After they’d finished and were admiring their handiwork, Mulder said, “Who needs team-building events? Hm? Not us.”
Shaking her head, Scully playfully scoffed, “Okay. Then I’ll just pretend I didn’t notice that our upcoming trip to rural Washington state is definitely scheduled for the same time that the multi-day bureau team-building seminar starts in Hagerstown.”
“Deal.” Mulder said swiftly. “Now… Are there any more chores that need tending?”
“Yeah.” Scully beckoned Mulder. “In the kitchen.”
Mulder quickly retrieved a large mixing bowl from one cabinet for her at Scully's request. Rather pink in color and showing off an all-over pattern of garden vegetables, the thing was large. Mulder guessed it was at least twelve inches in diameter. Then he noticed the bowl was surprisingly deep. His next thought? Wondering if Scully was used to cooking for a large scale when the situation demanded so. Then every other thought left his mind in the next moment. Why? Now Scully was opening a two pound bag of bulk Halloween candy at the table.
“Come on!” she called. “I need you to bring that here before everything spills out over here!”
Mulder set the bag directly in the spot Scully needed. “Okay. There you go. But…”
Scully emptied the candy into the bowl. When it all filled to the top and every piece was in the bowl, Mulder felt amazed. He understood how astronomically smart Scully was. But he still wondered how fast her mind worked to know that two pounds of candy would fit so cleanly into this particular bowl. Mulder soon decided that he appreciated his partner’s mad genius in that aspect. Everything about her was amazing. Full-stop. Even this part.
Scully threw away the empty bag and then set a stack of games she’d been keeping elsewhere on the table before asking, “Mulder? What’s up?”
Mulder asked, “How’d you know that this pink bowl was exactly what we’d need? Come on.”
Without missing a beat, Scully answered, “Experience.”
“But,” Mulder said. “You already have another bag. Am I incorrect?”
Scully shook her head. “Nope. Two bags is definitely sufficient.”
“I will take your word. But,” now Mulder pointed to the games. “What is up here? And why do you have so many games when you live alone, anyway? There are four games on that stack.”
“Actually, five.” Scully laughed. “This is just what I already had out for you to take your pick of. My family is tremendously big.”
“Oh? Two parents and three other siblings doesn’t automatically connect any dots to ‘tremendously big,’ Scully.” said Mulder. “What have you left out?”
“My dad’s much older sister, Olive,” began Scully. “Is local.”
“With you so far.” Mulder encouraged. “Is she married at all?”
“Yes. Her husband is my cool Uncle Aubrey.” answered Scully. “The punchline is how many kids they’re parents to.”
Heaving a big sigh, Mulder said, “Okay. Hit me.”
“I swear,” Scully replied. “That they have ten sons and no daughters. Every son is married. They even all have kids of their own.”
Rightfully dazed, Mulder could only say, “What?”
“I never said that either side of my family made it to the states at the same time.” Scully explained. “My dad and his big sister are two decades apart.”
Mulder murmured, “How does one even respond to that…?”
”A short version is that dad is his parents’ ‘we really thought we were done’ child. He surprised them in every sense of the fashion.” Scully shook her mixing bowl to mix the candy. “Guess what? My aunt and her husband were both born in spring 1915.”
Experiencing sheer amazement, Mulder said, “But… They’d have to be…”
“Eighty-one.” Scully confirmed. “Aunt Olive was even born the same day of the allied landing at Gallipoli.”
Refraining from proposing out of even further amazement on the spot because she’d casually dropped mention of a historical battle to prove a point, Mulder said to Scully, “Then do Aunt Olive and Uncle Aubrey have a heap of grandchildren?”
“Oh, yes. There will even be two new babies joining that branch of the family next year.” Scully regained herself before she could start rambling. “Anyhow… Of those grandchildren who are old enough to care, they are well aware that I am the cousin… or whatever… that has the treasure trove of games to share. I love it. And bringing them to my parents’ place for holiday gatherings? Well…”
“Can it be counted on?” Mulder guessed.
“Yes. It can.” Scully indicated her games again. “I have these for us to pass the time while we keep the door open. Although I do love kids, I don’t know that I could stand the constant door-knocking and the constant doorbell-ringing.”
“Yeah. That’s fair.” said Mulder. “When will the first customer show up?”
“As per building policy? Six o’clock.” Scully checked the time again. “It will be in seconds. Might as well pick a game.”
5:59:59 PM
Little Sarah from down the hall felt excited. Today was Hallloween. She knew it was a day for fun. However… There were other things on her mind. She hoped that going to the best stop first for sweets would sooth her nerves. Or something.
6:00:00 PM
Just as Mulder chose Jenga for their first game, a tiny voice called out from the open front doorway, “Miss Dana? You home?”
“I am, Sarah!” Scully picked up her mixing bowl. “Just a second!”
The little girl trilled, “Okay!”
Turning back to Mulder, Scully said, “I’ve seen you talk to kids before. Just be cool with Sarah. Capiche? The kid’s already got something happening at school tomorrow.”
Mulder promised, “I will follow your lead.”
Scully gathered herself as she made it to her door. Sarah was an exuberant little girl who loved to wear fun clothes regularly. But now she was dressed up as a red fox for the holiday. Scully realized the universe was trying to tell her something. But she couldn’t imagine what.
“Sarah,” Scully held her mixing bowl of candy out to her. “I love the costume. Did you pick it out?”
“Mama found the right size. But,” Sarah said with comical emphasis as she politely helped herself to a miniature Crackle bar and stuck it in her candy tote. “I did choose by myself to be a fox.”
“What a wonderful job.” Scully complimented. “Why’d you choose a fox? I know I’d choose foxes every time because they’re my favorite animal.”
Beside Scully, the heart of the man in question skipped a beat over this revelation. But he didn’t say anything about it. This moment was not his. At all.
Greatly astonished by what her neighbor had said, Sarah told Scully breathlessly, “But foxes are also my favorite."
Scully told Sarah, “That is excellent.”
“Why?” asked Sarah.
“Because,” Mulder told Sarah while he put a very generous amount of candy in her bag. “My name’s Fox.”
“Am I dreaming?” asked Sarah before dissolving into little-girl giggles.
“I can tell you,” Mulder added two more pieces of candy into Sarah’s tote. “That you are wide awake.”
But Sarah giggled again. “Okay…”
Jumping back in, Scully asked her little neighbor, “Excited about the school play tomorrow?”
Sarah came back to Earth with a bump as she responded, “Yeah-huh…”
Ever so gently, Mulder asked, “What is the play?”
Looking up at him, Sarah said, “Mister Fox? I’m going to be Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz.”
Mulder told her, “That is totally cool.”
While Sarah began perking up, Scully told her, “I was Dorothy for Halloween when I was a little older than you. My sister was The Tin Man. My big brother was good ol’ Scarecrow. And my little brother? He was the lion.”
Sarah physically pinched herself through her costume as she said, “Seriously?”
Each holding back their laughter, Scully and Mulder chorused, “Yes.”
“Then…” Sarah said to Scully. “Are you still coming to the play tomorrow?”
“You bet.” Scully laughed softly when Sarah gave a noisy exhale of relief. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Her heart flip-flopping, Sarah said, “Miss Dana? I was nervous. But not anymore.”
Scully told her, “That is marvelous. Do you have any other big thoughts?”
“I think that my toes weigh a bajillion pounds because I’m a fox. But there is even one at your side.” Sarah’s words came out in an excited rush when she glanced at Mulder before she refocused on whom she'd been speaking to. “Miss Dana? I forgot what day this is. Even my name…”
This little girl had become so smitten with Mulder that every other sensible thought seemed to have left her brain. At least momentarily.
“It’s definitely Sunday. And your name is definitely Sarah Katherine.” Scully put her candy bowl into Mulder’s arms. “I am going to help you get back to your mom now.”
Mulder told Sarah, “Thanks for coming to visit!”
Sarah said in an unable-to-help-herself dreamy tone, “Okay…”
Scully told Sarah, “Do say good-bye to Mister Fox.”
Obediently, Sarah echoed, “Good-bye to Mister Fox.”
“Hey.” the man said when Sarah waved. “I’ll see you around. Best of luck with your play.”
When Sarah could only giggle again, Scully finally steered her away. Sarah’s mother was just down the hallway. She’d been watching the interaction. Dawn had also noticed Sarah standing taller at one point in the conversation. Her daughter’s concerns about her play had been alleviated. This was good. But even as Dawn held her dozing baby son in her arms, she still experienced amusement while the other party approached. Sarah was no longer on Planet Earth. At all.
“Mama,” Sarah said to Dawn. “I just met a actual fox. He gave me lots of candy because I like foxes. And guess what? So does Miss Dana.”
“That is amazing. But,” now Dawn eyed Sarah’s loot. “Why don’t you go inside and ask daddy to put your treasures up so your bag won’t be heavy when we walk around the building. Hm?”
Deciding that her mother’s idea was a good one, Sarah strolled into their apartment as she replied, “Okay. I can do that.”
Dawn turned to Scully again after her daughter went back inside. “Hey. What’s this about a fox that’s got my firstborn acting like a little smitten kitten?”
Pointing behind herself in the direction of her own door without looking, Scully said to Dawn, “See him? That’s Mulder.”
Having heard about Scully’s work partner before today, Dawn stole a fast glance before speaking to her neighbor again. “I see. Wow, Dana. He’s handsome.”
Unabashed, Scully said, “That is completely true.”
Chuckling because the other woman still blushed slightly, Dawn asked, “But his first name is Fox?”
“Yep. That’s real.” Scully confirmed. “He gave Sarah more candy when she said she chose her costume because she loves foxes.”
“That was incredibly kind of him.” Dawn reflected. “At what point did Sarah forget how to think in a straight line?”
“Basically after he told her his name.” Scully admitted. “I did also manage to brighten her mood about the production, and I will tell you the whole thing tomorrow. But one tidbit? I was once Dorothy Gale as a child.”
“Now my daughter’s choosing amazement instead of nervousness because you and Fox made a positive impression on her.” Dawn marveled. “That’s amazing.”
Before she could say anything else, a tiny sneeze filled the air. Both women looked to baby Noah. The little boy could now be seen rubbing his nose before sinking into a deeper sleep. Life was too good to let something like a sneeze wake him dreaming. The coziness of his fuzzy bumblebee costume also helped.
When something important popped into her brain, the older woman said to Scully, “I have something you’ll appreciate. Can you please hold Noah for a minute?”
“Sure.” Scully took the little boy into her arms. “Not a problem. We’ll be right here.”
Dawn headed back into her apartment.
Noah continued to sleep, although he curled up against Scully when he realized she was there. The boy also loved how soft the sweater was that Scully wore. So Noah just sighed in content when Scully hugged him. And Scully’s heart fluttered at his reaction. Did Scully notice Mulder happily watching from Number 35? She did not.
Dawn returned after only a minute. She did have something that did belong to Scully. And one more extra bonus.
Grinning, Dawn said fondly, “Noah fell asleep almost immediately after we put that costume on him. But never mind that he’d been acting like a hellion because he was unappreciative of my husband playing The Beatles just before that. Sarah even asked how to tape couch cushions to her ears. My children are so odd.”
“I’ve got stories for days because I’ve got two older siblings and one younger one,” Scully laughed. “But they are my friends.”
“Good. Then there’s hope. Anyway…” Dawn said after a beat went by. ”Trade you the baby for something that belongs to you?”
“Okay.” Scully agreed. “Then here’s your little prince back.”
While Dawn soon had her son in her arms again, Scully had her own serving dish. But she also saw an envelope taped inside. Curious.
Dawn said hastily, “I’m sorry it took Noah’s entire life to return…”
Amused by Dawn’s funny but accurate phrasing, Scully told her, “Please don’t worry about it. Seriously. What’s in the envelope?”
“Cash.” Dawn told her. “It’s a thank-you for looking after Sarah yesterday while we took Noah to his check-up.”
Flustered, Scully began, “I… I couldn't…”
“Please.” Dawn said firmly. “It’s Halloween. And you do have a friend over. Put the money towards a pizza dinner with Fox.”
Promptly brightening, Scully said, “Okay. That’s doable.”
“Great.” Dawn praised. “Then I guess I'll just leave you to it and see you tomorrow at Sarah’s play. Alright? Have a wonderful evening, Dana.”
She returned the sentiment before making her way back to Number 35.
“Wow.” Mulder told Scully when she returned. “That was really nice to see. Learning about your world has been amazing. I mean it.”
“Glad you can be here.” Scully’s heart skipped a beat as she realized she meant it more than one way. “Provided we’re not off on a case or at a team-building seminar, then you’re welcome to as many more Halloweens here with me as you’d like. Okay?”
Mulder said, “Okay. Also… Were you telling the truth when you said to Sarah that you’d choose a fox every time because they’re your favorite animal?”
“Mhm.” said Scully. “I meant every word of it.”
Flattered, Mulder asked something else. “Then is her Wizard Of Oz production the reason you told me the other day that you’d be unavailable until the afternoon?”
“Yes.” answered Scully. “I bought the ticket two weeks ago when she came over to bring the topic up. The story is genuinely one of my favorites. And… You saw her…”
“Yeah.” said Mulder when he realized what Scully meant. “She’s adorable.”
“Uh-huh.” said Scully. “Like I was really going to burst her bubble.”
Mulder indicated the casserole dish. “Is that what you lent the family?”
Quite aware of how heavy it was in her hands now, Scully said, “Yes. And long story short? Well… Courtesy of Sarah’s and Noah’s folks, we now have a pizza dinner paid for. I did get a coupon flier for the local pizza parlor in the mail yesterday. It should be on the coffee table. Can you please fetch it?”
Mulder traded the candy bowl for the casserole dish. “I will go find it. And put the dish on the table. Now look sharp. Okay? I see new customers.”
True enough, other people were beginning to emerge from their homes for some Halloween fun. So Scully happily greeted each person who came to her door for a visit. And Mulder? He soon found the coupon.
Later…
Between playing multiple rounds of Jenga while they traded childhood stories, handing out Halloween candy to trick-or-treaters flew by. Scully had fun. So did Mulder. Still, when they did run out of sweets at last, Scully put a polite ‘no more candy’ sign above her doorbell. The only visitor that mattered now? Whoever it was that came from the pizza parlor with what they’d ordered. Now the next order of business was deciding what movie to watch. Mulder was doing just that by making use of the TV Guide channel on the television.
“I forgot to ask…” Mulder said to Scully when she sat beside him on the couch. “Where’s the pizza place? Nearby?”
“Try just around the corner.” Scully told Mulder. “Why? Did you find something to watch?”
“Yeah.” Mulder grew amused. “Uh… Wildly… The Wizard Of Oz will be playing by the time our stuff arrives.”
“Hm. I guess that’s that.” Scully then took a framed photo from the coffee table and handed it to Mulder. “By the way… I meant to show you this earlier on.”
Mulder took the picture and looked at it. Now things had truly come full-circle. Scully had handed him an old color picture of herself with her siblings. They were each beaming for the camera. But each Scully sibling was dressed in their Wizard Of Oz costumes. Perfect.
“I love that picture. Thanks for sharing.” Mulder put the frame back. “Who took it?”
“Event coordinator. It was a keepsake to commemorate my best costume win. But the coordinator was just so tickled that all of us were coordinated that my siblings joined me after being invited.” Scully then tacked on an afterthought. “Melissa was just as proud of me for my achievements that evening as Bill was. I’ve never forgotten that.”
“And,” said Mulder. “What was Charlie’s take on the evening after his bath time crisis?”
“He was just amazed to be included in all the fun.” Scully shrugged. “But… According to my parents, I had so much fun that night that I slept for thirteen straight hours when dad tucked me in after we made it home again.”
“Definitely the best Halloween ever.” said Mulder.
“Yeah.” Scully agreed. “But this one is definitely shaping up to be just as grand.”
Even later…
The pizza delivery man arrived soon enough. Everything was even in perfect order. So because he was feeling chivalrous and because it had begun to rain, Mulder used the money from Sarah’s parents to pay the fee. But he used money from his own pocket to give him a nice tip. The delivery man was grateful. After he left, Mulder closed the door behind him and put his wallet away. But held on to an extra bill. Now he had a mission of his own.
“What’s that you’ve got?” Scully said when Mulder joined her in the kitchen where she’d been divvying up the food already. “Drop something?”
“Mm-mm.” now Mulder pressed a twenty dollar bill into Scully’s closest hand. “Before you go off to Sarah’s production, take this to the florist. Or something. Okay? Get her a little bouquet and a stuffed animal. Maybe tell her they’re from us?”
“I can definitely do that.” Scully took the money. “But…”
Mulder asked, “Are you beginning to wonder how I know?”
“Yes.” confessed Scully.
“My sister was into ballet. My parents and I would always get her flowers after performances.” Mulder explained before changing to a lighthearted tone. “Unless things have changed so drastically, children love receiving presents. Especially after overcoming something so tremendous like a school play. It’ll probably make the rest of Sarah’s year.”
“That sounds right.” Scully agreed. “Thank you for being so thoughtful. But… Thank you for also not telling her to break a leg.”
“I decided that that’d be a bad idea.” Mulder said. “The idea was to cheer her up, not freak her out. I think we succeeded.”
“For sure.” Scully agreed. “I'll put this money away now. But my plate’s ready. Why don't you get yours?”
“Okay.” said Mulder. “Deal.
The next while was filled with putting the finishing touches on their meal.
Pizza had been delivered. That much was definitely certain. And as per the coupon, the meal also came with a drink big enough to share, breadsticks, and even a shareable dessert. Scully also found a salad kit in the fridge to use. But in the end? Mulder and Scully sat opposite each other on the floor at the coffee table. The movie’s opening credits even began to play on the television. Rainfall outside became the overall cherry on top.
Mulder turned to Scully. And she made the appropriate eye contact when she noticed him. But Mulder’s heart fluttered for the umpteenth time when Scully was looking at him unguarded content, simply because she enjoyed his presence.
Amazing. I can actually imagine spending forever with her, thought Mulder.
Amazing. I can actually imagine spending forever with him, thought Scully.
But Mulder quickly remembered himself. “Happy Halloween.”
Quickly pulling herself together so she didn’t begin daydreaming, Scully contently responded, “Happy Halloween.”