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CHRISTMAS EVE DAY 1995
It had only been a week since the solving or whatever of the case concerning the killer bugs in Miller’s Grove, Massachusetts. Life at The Hoover Building just grew to a very mind-numbingly slow grind.
Until Mulder and Scully found themselves in a building-wide pool of randomly-selected agents made to attend a three-day-long seminar with other agents from field offices in the area at a local convention hall in the middle of Arlington. It was dull. Adding insult to injury came the ending date of December twenty-fourth. Meaning? There was no going anywhere for Christmas. At all.
The event in and of itself on the whole was just so frightfully dull that the partners wished they were back in Miller’s Grove during the height of the bug mania. Kind of. Scully was just glad a neighbor was looking after her dog.
Meanwhile… The higher-ups did pay for everyone’s accommodations. But the agents were spread across the locale. Vacancy at this time of year was difficult because they were in a tourist-attracting area. Mulder and Scully were lucky. Fate found them sharing a hotel room in the hotel across the street from the meeting center.
But everything came with a price. Why? Because reality bit. Hard.
According to a news report Mulder and Scully noticed on a television in the hotel’s lobby, bad weather was on the way. Electing to follow through on a calculated risk, Mulder and Scully stocked up on survival food at a local grocery store. The next plan was to have a chat at the front desk about extending their stay. Arlington had gotten interesting. Finally.
But the hotel's main door only just closed behind Mulder and Scully as they entered when…
WOOSH!
A tremendous downpour began.
“Wow.” said Mulder. “Talk about making it in the nick of time…”
Scully laughed softly. “Mhm. No kidding. But come on. We’re not going to make it far if we don’t ask for a luggage cart to put the groceries on. Follow me. Okay?”
Mulder did. Scully was better at these kinds of conversations. And they really did need a luggage cart. However… The desk clerk perked up when she saw them. It’d been she who had pointed them in the direction of the grocery store in the first place. Now? She had a surprise.
“I was hoping that you two’d make it back before the weather hit.” she looked from one person to the other. “Agents Mulder and Scully… Right?”
“Yes. I’m Scully,” the woman indicated herself. “And he’s Mulder. The bureau put us up here because we had an event at the convention hall across the street. By the way, we’ve just come back from the grocery store that you told us about. It was a lifesaver.”
“Yes.” Mulder added. “We were able to get exactly what we wanted. Thank you.”
“What he said.” agreed Scully. “But… We read people well. And you look like you have something to say.”
Mulder asked the clerk, “What’s up?”
She said, “We’ve had a number of cancellations today because of the weather. Many rooms have opened up. Even the apartment suite.”
“Wow.” said Scully. “That’s crazy luck on a night like this one.”
“Indeed.” the clerk agreed. “But because tomorrow is Christmas Day, there was a random drawing by my boss to see who’d be moved to the apartment suite.”
Now the others chorused excitedly, “And…?”
“It only just happened,” the clerk reflected. “But the two of you have been upgraded!”
Greatly taken aback, Mulder blurted, “Woah.”
Taking advantage of the tall counter, Scully trod on Mulder’s closest foot while maintaining the clerk’s gaze as she said, “My partner means, “Thank you.” And so do I. Truly. Is there anything we should know?”
And with a nod, the clerk said, “My boss also told me to tell the two of you that it’s all-expenses paid until the storm clears up. Every penny from when you first checked in and up until you check out will be covered. No strings attached. We feel bad that you aren’t going to be home for Christmas.”
Scully returned, “Thank you very much.”
“Both of these,” the clerk set two cardkeys on the countertop. “Will open up your apartment suite.”
While they pocketed their cardkeys, Mulder said, “Wow. Thank you again.”
“I’m glad I can help. Now these,” the clerk heaved two heavy brown shipping boxes in turn on to the countertop. “Came while you were at the grocery store. One is marked as being from an ‘E. Kuipers.’ That would be…?”
Mulder perked up. “That’s my mom: her formal name is Elizabeth.”
“Alright.” the clerk tapped the other box. “And this one is from an ‘M.K.’ Scully. I’ve connected the dots. But…”
Scully chuckled when she realized what was being driven at. “And the ‘M.K’ in ‘M.K. Scully’ stands for ‘Margaret Katherine.’ She’s my mother.”
Still amused, the clerk said, “Amazing. Moms really do think of everything. I will have these boxes brought up to your new space while you pack the current one up.”
“Okay. Thanks again. By the way,” Scully tacked on a new thought. “Is there any way that we can please borrow a cart to transport the groceries upstairs?”
Brightening, the clerk said, “If you leave those things on the counter, I will also have it all brought up. Just give your old keycards to whomever it is that comes to collect the cart. Okay?”
Mulder and Scully chorused, “Okay. We understand.”
Once they did leave their grocery purchases behind, they headed away. It already seemed that this Christmas was going to be very memorable.
Packing their shared space did not take very long. The only part that did take a dash bit longer was taking the elevator from the ground floor, all the way up to the last stop. Floor ten. According to their keycards, they were in the thirteenth room. It didn’t take long to find.
Mulder entered behind Scully after she unlocked the door and turned on the light.
Now they were in a fully-furnished living room type area. But on the whole, even this part was much nicer than what they’d expected after their previous space. They felt grateful. Scully also noticed that the television was even already on and playing the end of Miracle On 34th Street. And it was to Scully's amusement when she realized that doors on either far wall had to lead to their bedrooms. Tying it all off? A brass-colored luggage cart sitting in the middle of a full kitchen. Their grocery bags and care packages were neatly situated on its bed. Everything was perfect.
Scully remarked, “Wow. I’m really impressed.”
“Me, too.” agreed Mulder. “Let’s put our things up and settle in. Okay? Do you have a preference…?”
“Mm-mm. But I have to call my neighbor who’s looking after Queequeg so she can go get more supplies.” the woman sighed because she missed her dog. “After that? I wish to call my mother.
“Guess I should also call mine. The two of us aren’t exceedingly close,” reflected Scully’s partner. “But she does care about my well-being.
“Hm. Funny how moms are like that.” joked Scully. “Where is she?”
Mulder answered, “Florida.”
“Wow. I hope Teena has fun.” Scully turned up the unit’s thermostat when she realized it was cold. “Okay. I will be right back.”
Scully took her belongings into the bedroom on the left. So Mulder took the other. Knocking out two birds with one stone, he called his mother while putting his things away. Mulder also put his and Scully’s care packages atop the kitchen counter. It was hard. They really did weigh a lot.
By the time Scully finished her own chores and her own phone calls, Mulder had also finished. Now he was regarding the packages and the groceries. It seemed he had his own agenda. As for Scully? Her previous amusement only increased.
“What,” she said as she joined him. “Have you done?”
“I did also call HQ so they know just what is what with us. And I called for a bellhop. One should be here soon.” explained Mulder. “By the way, my mother says hello.”
Scully perked up. “That really is nice of her. My mother also says hello. Did yours explain what your parcel is about?”
“Mm-mm. But mom’s pleased it got here on time.” said Mulder. “What about Maggie?”
“Much of the same.” replied Scully. “Now I understand why she was curious about the address of this hotel. But… I’ll be permanently amused by the fact that our mothers have never met, live in different places, yet they had the same idea to send us packages for the holiday. Especially because they both aren’t home. Wild.”
Mulder was prevented from answering when there came a knock at the door. He went to answer. The bellhop had arrived. Mulder sent him on his way with both of the previous key cards, the luggage cart, and a generous monetary tip. After that? Mulder hung a ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign on the door in the main hallway. Now he and Scully could have their fun.
And they opened their packages after that.
Scully felt pleased at what she found inside hers.
Tucked amongst packing material, she discovered a variety of gifts wrapped in holiday paper. So she unwrapped them to soon have a mountain of treasures. A box of her favorite snacks and candy, a book of word search puzzles with a new box of pens, a cozy blanket, a blank journal, Jurassic Park in hardcover novel form, and last but not least? Even a new edition of The Game Of Life. Maggie had sent her a care package.
Now Scully looked over at Mulder. He seemed stunned. But Scully could see why. Her partner had extracted a pile of similar treasures from his own box.
Recovering, Mulder quipped, “Hm. For someone who isn’t really big on sharing feelings anymore, my mother knows me very well. Check it out.”
He should Scully a new yet-to-be opened VHS copy of Die Hard With A Vengeance.
“Woah.” said Scully. “Didn’t that just get released the other day?”
“Mhm.” confirmed Mulder. “It did.”
Shaking her head in even more amusement, Scully voiced a new idea. “The entertainment system in the sitting room does have a VCR. I saw it. Why don’t you get things going? I will make dinner.”
“But,” Mulder protested. “I can help!”
Scully scoffed, “I have seen you burn toast almost to cinders before.”
Now Mulder tried, “That was one time. And the fire marshall did say that it brightened up his otherwise dull day. Remember?”
“Excuse me! ‘One time’? You say that like it wasn’t a week before Miller’s Grove!” Scully laughed as she pointed to the living room. “Hey. Would you like dinner or not?”
As carefully as he could, Mulder answered, “Yes…?”
“Then go set up the film.” Scully laughed again. “Please?”
Mulder bowed theatrically. “Alright. Your wish is my command.”
Scully went about with making dinner while Mulder headed away. She was a good cook, but she never had anyone to share with. Today was different for several reasons. But Scully still made a mental note so as to have Mulder over at her apartment so she could cook a proper meal for him. That would be delightful.
Mulder was very surprised when he laid eyes on the final products: grilled cheese and ham sandwiches, minute rice, and even fresh fruit from a fruit salad bowl they’d purchased. Scully also pulled two bottles of water from the refrigerator. In truth? She had made a feast from nothing.
Vastly amazed, Mulder said, “Wow. It all really looks great. Thank you.”
Scully returned as she set their plates down on the coffee table, “You are very welcome. I love to make food. There’s just never anyone around when I do. Unless you count Queequeg.”
Mulder quipped as he sat on the couch and made sure the beginning of the movie was on pause, “I’m sure he appreciates what you put out for him.”
“He does. But as it is…” now Scully fought so as to not blush. “I’m glad to be able to do something nice for my best friend. Especially on Christmas Eve.”
“I’m your best friend?” Mulder asked in surprise.
“Yep.” Scully sat beside him. “Never mind everything we’ve ever been through since we met, but you’ve also fought for me without hesitation before, when I wasn’t in any position to stand up for myself. Or just not around. I’ll always love that about you for the rest of my life. Mulder… I wouldn’t be here if you ever gave up. I’ve also fought for you more than once. Exactly who’d go to that kind of length but for a best friend?”
“Caring about you comes naturally because you were the first person to come through that basement door who just saw me.” Mulder said to her. “And yes, we do drive each other crazy, But I cherish what we have. So much. You are my best friend. I would never trade any of this. Ever. Would you?”
“Mm-mm.” Scully shook her head. “I really would not.”
“Then… Mulder said thoughtfully. “Friends for life?”
“Friends for life.” Scully promised as she then looked around. “Now… Just where is the remote?”
Mulder held it up from where he’d set it on the closest end table. “Here!”
And he pressed play. The movie began.
CHRISTMAS DAY 1995
Scully felt a thrill of excitement when she woke the next morning. Today was Christmas. And she enjoyed it.
Hammering rain on the window told her the bad weather outside had yet to let up. So Scully moved on to making herself presentable. Nor would it be long before Mulder was awake. Still, she did stop to gather up one item in particular on her way out.
Mulder exited his own bedroom, also fully ready for a Christmas Day with his best friend. He also had some surprises for her. Still… His head was in the clouds. Mulder had had a dream about living somewhere quiet with Scully in the future. Best of all? They had children. And a dog. Everything felt utterly perfect. Would he tell her? Maybe.
Just… Not for a few more years yet. Or so.
Meanwhile, Scully was making breakfast. And she felt pleased for the busywork. In the night, she’d actually dreamt of living some place quiet with Mulder. One day. In the future. Best of all? They’d had children. And a dog. Everything felt utterly perfect. Would she tell him about it? Maybe. Just… Not for a few more years yet. Or so.
When Mulder entered the room, he noticed the television was on. And it was playing A Charlie Brown Christmas. Mulder also noticed a small wrapped parcel on the coffee table. It sat beside the remote. However, Mulder’s heart skipped a beat when he realized it was for him. So he set down a similarly-wrapped parcel of his own. Mulder finally joined Scully after that.
Rather surprisingly, she was cooking.
“Hey.” Mulder sat on a tall stool at the breakfast bar. “Merry Christmas.”
“Right back at you.” Scully returned. “What do you usually do on Christmas, anyway? I’ve never asked…”
“Me?” Mulder shrugged. “I usually stay home and order Chinese takeout. And sometimes? I visit my friends at The Lone Gunmen HQ. If they’re around.”
“Oh. I like those guys.” said Scully. “Are they busy this year? Or… Something?”
Mulder laughed. “Yeah. Wildly, they’re at a poker tournament in Atlantic City right now. Can you believe it?”
“Hm.” Scully said. “Audentes fortuna iuvat.”
Arching his eyebrows in recognition, Mulder said, “Wow. ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ Since when do you know Latin?!”
Scully pretended to think hard about it first. “Well… I did go to medical school. One certainly learns a little bit of Latin along the way, no? But what about you? Hm? Why did you immediately recognize a dead language?”
Mulder answered blandly, “Because of my time at The Orson Belmont Preparatory School For Troubled Young Men.”
Qutie thrown, Scully cried, “What?!”
Mulder shrugged. “My grades plummeted quite dramatically after my sister vanished. I’m sure you can imagine that that kind of thing is a normal response to such an extremely life-altering event. Remember when we met Colonel Belt and I told him that I stayed up to watch the space walk?”
“Uh-huh.” answered Scully. “Was that a lie?”
Mulder shook his head. “Mm-mm. But it was the beginning of spring when that happened. I really only passed grade eight by the skin of my teeth.”
Now Scully prompted, “But…?”
“It was the next morning that my parents informed me I’d be finishing out the rest of my education at that place. Only reason I didn’t go sooner?” Mulder shrugged. “Well… The school’s admission began with boys who were fifteen. Or turning it. So I started there that September.”
Promptly connecting the dots on her own, Scully asked, “So you learned Latin at Belmont Preparatory because it was required?”
“Bingo.” answered Mulder. “Come to that? Learning Latin is what happens when your school’s in rural England.”
Amazed, Scully said, “Woah. Except for a brief period where we were homeschooled because of a short stint in the states, my siblings and I were mostly educated in England.”
“Did your father have a super long-term assignment there?” asked Mulder.
“Yes.” answered Scully. “Didn’t do Latin during that stint in the states, but we were most certainly made to learn it at school in Europe. My siblings actively purged it from their brains ASAP.”
"That sounds right." said Mulder. "So then when did you do your original deep-dive? I know you. There isn’t any way a deep dive didn’t happen before you even thought about pre-med.”
Touched that Mulder could read her that well, Scully admitted, “It began when I moved to America for college. Excellent analysis. But… What do you think? Hm?”
“I think it’s all refreshingly pleasant and way more exciting than even the beginning of my boarding school dramatics.” Mulder then waved one hand over the spread on the countertop. “Hey. Just what’s your secret? Looks like you made a second feast.”
Scully beamed. While they’d been talking, she’d finished making breakfast. Now it was laid out before Mulder. Scully had made waffles, instant oatmeal, half-breakfast sandwiches, bacon, and even biscuits. There were also two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. None of it had taken very long. But Scully had moved fast.
“Microwaves and toasters are magical.” Scully quipped as she began loading up two sturdy plates from a nearby cabinet. “Would you like to know the whole story?”
“Yes. Please.” Mulder watched Scully fetch a few more dining necessities. “I would.”
“When I was a kid,” said Scully. “My family did things like take holiday vacations around the corresponding time of year. Even in the cold of England.”
“Keep going.” Mulder encouraged.
“My mother can give you her version of events one day if you ask her, but,” Scully went on. “There was one year when we were supposed to go to a ski lodge.”
“Uh-oh.” said Mulder. “What happened? Mega blizzard?”
“Yes.” answered Scully. “It was just fast too late to turn back, so my dad stopped off at a roadside grocery store. He got food for us all. It was enough to last the entire storm. After that? We arrived at the first motel we could find.”
Mulder pressed, “Was there space?"
"Uh-huh. Ahab was able to secure side-by-side rooms." answered Scully. "It was the best that could be offered."
"Everything else was taken?" guessed Mulder.
"Correct." Scully confirmed. "My parents had a room with Charlie. That left me to share with Melissa."
"Alright." said Mulder. "Then where was Bill? Away for basic training?"
"Yes." answered Scully. "Still... My parents definitely still came to the conclusion to ask for separate rooms before Ahab even made it in to the registration office because they would've gotten cabin fever even faster than us kids."
"Had that happened before?" said Mulder with amusement. "Is it a different story for later on?"
"Yes. To both." Scully laughed. "The five of us even only just made it."
Mulder heaved a sigh as he connect Point A to Point B by himself. "Wait. Your family got snowed in.”
“Mhm.” confirmed Scully. “I can promise you that all of us did.”
Mulder asked, “How many days…?”
"My sister and I," said Scully. "Had five whole days two ourselves before we were all dug out by the authorities. It also took that long for the storm to happen. And settle.”
“But,” Mulder said. “That’s crazy.”
“And that's what happened.” Scully shrugged. “The authorities dug us out when the roads were safe again.”
“And what,” said Mulder. “Did the two of you do in the meantime? Before your bail-out?”
Scully answered, “We talked with our parents by way of the telephone. But Missy and I were in our own bubble.”
Shaking his head in amazement, Mulder said, “Crazy.”
“Mhm.” Scully agreed. “It really was.”
Turning reflective, Mulder told his partner, “One of my favorite things about Melissa was that she was vastly protective of you. Did she look after you? During the interlude?”
“Yes. And she did it because she chose to on her own." said Scully. "The two of us were definitely close. But it really took off after that vacation."
"I believe it. And what certainly accounts for a lot of what I noticed about Melissa when you were the topic in question." said Mulder. "What did you two do on your bubble?"
Scully said, "My sister made sure my appearance was tidy. And she also did her best so as to keep my lion's mane at bay..."
Curious, Mulder asked Scully, "Was your hair thick back then?"
"Still is." absently, Scully ran her fingers through her short locks as more old memories came back. "And you know? It was nearly down to the middle of my back. My hair has always grown fast. But I guess I prefer keeping it short these days because of practicality when monster-hunting... or... whatever is happening."
Mulder felt more amusement. Though Scully had hemmed and hawed about their everyday cases over the years, the habit had gone out after the loss of her sister. Losing Melissa seemed to have inspire her to really take things to heart as best she could. The comment about practicality was her sealing the fact. Mulder even fell for her a little more over the admission.
The man still found himself in time to ask, "What else happened?"
"Missy let me help her use our groceries to eat while we watched whatever we could find on the television. Or we played the board games that were already in the room.” Scully paused briefly when a new thought came to her. “Hm. Actually… My sister taught me to play Scrabble during that time. She was really patient about it.”
“How old were you?” asked Mulder.
“Well… Missy was ten. And that made me eight.” his partner said. “We were only two years apart.”
“I beg your pardon?” said Mulder. “Do you mean to tell me that you were born on her second birthday?!”
“Mhm. But we were both also born the day before our mother's birthday, too." Scully replied. "So there is also that."
"Amazing." then Mulder cleared his throat. "So... Then those five days in that motel room with her just really struck a cord because the two of you were so close?”
“Mhm. Exactly.” answered Scully. “I think everyone just assumes I’m buttoned-up all the time. But I’m really not. My life has always been interesting. However… No one asks. Ever.”
Now Mulder lamented, “That’s too bad. But I am happy to learn about you. Always. Right now? I’m happy to hear anything about your growing-years.”
“Okay. I’ll tell you more stories. But…” Scully pointed to one of the treasures from his care package that he’d brought along. “Hey. What’s this about?”
Mulder’d brought over a VHS copy of Jurassic Park. He’d forgotten until just now.
“Oh.” he said when he’d spared it a glance. “My mom also put this in my care package. Ever seen the movie?”
“Mhm.” said Scully. “I went with Melissa when it came out. And we loved Jurassic Park. Very much. Did you see it?”
“Mhm. I did.” Mulder answered. “Uh… Would you like to…? I mean… It’s quite the opposite of Christmasy, but…”
Scully understood. “The two of us never do anything normal. Just why should we start now? Breakfast with Jurassic Park playing for background noise totally sounds fun. And when we’re done, we can break into my new board game. How’s that?”
Refraining from any and all ‘making a family’ jokes when he remembered that Scully’s board game was The Game Of Life, Mulder answered, “It sounds perfect.”
When they finally settled at the coffee table with everything Scully had prepared, they both finally remembered their gifts for each other. And grew amused.
“Well…” Scully handed Mulder the gift meant for him. “I saw this the other day. And I knew you had to have it.”
Mulder gave Scully her own parcel. ”I can honestly say the same.”
They unwrapped their gifts together. Scully felt her heart skip a beat. Mulder had given her a beautiful realistic wooden hand-painted replica of a ladybug. And Scully found it lovely. Meanwhile, Mulder had unboxed a similarly-made replica of a handsome coal-colored rhinoceros beetle. It even seemed proud.
Mulder said to Scully, “I love it. Thank you so much.”
“And you are very welcome.” Scully replied bashfully. “I’ve always thought rhino beetles are cool. And I also know that they stand for good fortune. Perhaps this one can help you get over your dislike of bugs on the whole. Maybe?"
Chuckling as he remembered the initial revelation of this fact about himself, Mulder said, “Thank you. And you know? It’s working. But… Regarding the ladybug…”
“Yes?” asked Scully. “What is it?”
“I read somewhere that those creatures actually symbolize good fortune and happiness. You? I daresay that you’ve more than been through the wringer since we’ve met. So I thought your ladybug could be a physical manifestation of those good things and happy wishes for you into the universe.” Mulder now fought an impulse to turn any shade of red. “What do you think?”
Scully hugged Mulder. “I think that’s really sweet. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”
When they pulled apart again, they knew they’d reached a new level in their friendship altogether. But they cherished it. And so? That became that.
Speaking again, Scully told Mulder, “Why don’t you get the movie started?”
Heeding her hint, Mulder said, “Okay. Just a second.”
Once the movie was in previews, Mulder turned his attention to Scully. And she began telling him a different story from her childhood. It was fascinating to Mulder. Especially because by the end, he learned something else new about his partner. The woman did not care for horses. At all.
Incredulous, Mulder said when the story was done, “I guess it’s a good thing you had the sense to move out of the horse’s way.”
Scully shuddered. “No kidding…”
Mulder asked, “How old were you during that misadventure?”
“Thirteen.” said Scully. “It was during our six months in the states. For the record? We were in San Diego because that was where Ahab ended up getting stationed.”
“Okay.” Mulder acknowledged. “Have anything else to add?”
Scully decided, “No matter what my mother might ever say if you ask her about her version of events? Visiting the horse ranch was absolutely her idea in the first place.”
Mulder laughed. “Okay. So noted.”
Sighing, Scully tacked on, “I still wouldn’t’ve thought to move if Melissa hadn’t physically moved me away. But at least I wasn’t the Scully sister frightened of snakes.”
“Okay.” Mulder said in dejection. “What the hell happened?”
Scully smirked. “Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom is what happened. Plus a trip to the zoo. I loved the movie. So did Charlie. Melissa? Not so much of either.”
Back to his feeling of incredulity from before, Mulder asked, “And why were the three of you hanging out?”
“I guess you can say that the short version is that my parents went away for a wedding.” said Scully. “But because Charlie was yet in high school, he stayed behind because mom and Ahab didn’t want him to miss anything. Our parents even began their travels on a Friday morning.”
“Hm.” said Mulder. “Then I take it that you and Melissa were tasked with being responsible adults because you had to look after Charlie? Did any of you break a limb?”
“No.” Scully answered. “That was a physical enlightenment that made me realize I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up.”
“Excuse me?!” Mulder protested.
“It’s true. And I was only three years old.” Scully laughed at Mulder’s bewildered expression. “Shall I go from the top? Hm?”
“Yes.” Mulder said. “Please just start from the top of the ballad concerning Indiana Jones. And the zoo.”
“Okay. I can do that.” promised Scully. “But before I go further? Merry Christmas.”
And Mulder cheerfully returned, “Merry Christmas.”
From there, Scully began to inform him of the first memory.
Outside, the bad weather continued to rage. But Mulder and Scully saw only each other. Plus what was in their bubble. They had everything that made them cozy. But the last happy detail? One very fun movie was playing. Mulder and Scully were content. Each had all they needed.
Including the audience of one rhinoceros beetle and one ladybug.