Title: The Oxford Comma Debate
Author: S J Smith
Rating: General
Summary: It's simply ridiculous.
Disclaimer: If I had any part of this, I wouldn't wonder if I can pay my bills this month.
Notes: Written for the LJ Community, Comment_Fic. Story takes place sometime post-series finale.
"That's as ridiculous as the Oxford comma debate, Scully."
She folded her arms, eyebrow arching. "I beg your pardon?"
Mulder leaned back in his chair, making the springs sing with his new position. "Surely you know the debate, about whether a comma is necessary at the end of a list or not. The example goes something like, 'Molly filled her picnic basket with a pair of plates – comma – utensils – comma – two wine glasses and food for her picnic lunch.' The debate is whether a comma should go between 'glasses' and 'and'."
"And you find that ridiculous?" Scully asked.
"I find it pedantic," Mulder said, reaching for a pencil and spinning it in his hands. He glanced at the ceiling, where more yellow pencils decorated the tile like so many rubber-tipped porcupine quills. "And yes, ridiculous, truth be told."
Scully pursed her mouth. "I see. And my theory of this," she nodded at the paper clipping Mulder had on his desk, "is ridiculous, as well?"
Mulder smiled faintly, spreading his hands wide.
"Remind me again why I decided to leave behind a relatively promising career with the FBI to live with you?"
"My boyish charm, good looks, and porn collection?"
Scully rolled her eyes, walking out of Mulder's office. "Yeah," she called over her shoulder, "that's definitely it."
~ end ~