A few weeks later…
As Skinner returned from his lunch break, he noticed a small box in the centre of his desk with a note attached to it. Frowning, he approached it with caution; when he saw what was written on the note, he relaxed:
Merry Christmas
Your Secret Santa
Skinner picked up the box, removing the note, and opened it methodically. Inside was a simple yet smart-looking watch, one that was more practical than fashionable, but it was evident that thought had gone into it. He knew instantly that it was from Agent Scully. Smiling to himself, Skinner wrapped the watch around his wrist and clipped it on, admiring the way it looked. He considered thanking Scully outright for the gift, but inevitably settled for giving her a knowing look next time he saw her.
Busy working on a case, Mulder hurried out of his office, shrugging on his coat on the way. Before he reached the exit, he came to an abrupt halt when an ageing man casually stepped in front of him, blocking his path. A puff of cigarette smoke blew directly into Mulder's face, stinging his eyes.
"Agent Mulder," the man began, gazing coolly at the agent.
Mulder remained silent, but maintained eye contact.
"That case you're working on – the serial killer known as 'The Ghost'?" The question was rhetorical, therefore Mulder didn't answer. "We've caught your suspect. He was arrested this morning, with solid evidence against him. I thought you'd want to know."
A crease appeared between Mulder's eyebrows. "But I nearly had him," was all he could think to say.
"Yes," The man agreed, much to the agent's surprise. "You and I both know that that was the problem."
The crease in Mulder's forehead deepened.
"Anyway, case closed. Merry Christmas." Before he walked away, the man held up a small piece of paper between two fingers and slipped it into Mulder's breast pocket. Then, without another word, he was gone.
Mulder waited a moment, allowing his brief encounter to sink in, before gingerly removing the piece of paper from his pocket. It read, in his own handwriting:
Fox Mulder
"Mulder?"
Mulder snapped back to reality, realising he'd zoned out, and saw his partner gazing up at him expectantly.
"I… My case is closed." He muttered, still distant.
"Congratulations." Scully replied drily.
Shaking his head, Mulder let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. He then looked down at Scully in surprise, as if noticing her for the first time. "Scully! Just the person I wanted to see."
"Nice to know when I'm wanted." Scully commented, raising her eyebrows at him.
Mulder began to frantically pat himself down, mainly targeting his pockets. He paused when he felt inside his jacket, grinning to show he'd found what he was looking for. "Here," he said, passing something small to his partner.
"What's… this?" Scully asked warily, lifting her hand up to her face.
"Merry Christmas!" Mulder exclaimed.
Squinting at the object, Scully realised it was a metal keychain in the shape of a UFO. When she looked closer, she observed an engraving curved around its edge; it said 'I WANT TO BELIEVE'. She closed her eyes for a second to avoid rolling them at her partner.
"Thanks." Scully eventually said, unable to resist a small smile at the irony of his gift.
"I knew you'd like it!" Mulder beamed. "I got it made 'specially."
"That's very thoughtful of you." Scully's tone remained monotonous. She frowned disapprovingly as something occurred to her. "Hang on, this is my Secret Santa gift, right?"
"Right…?"
"You're not supposed to tell me who it's from. That's the whole point."
"Ah, come on, Scully! There's only – what – two, three people I actually know who work here? The options are very limited, chances are you'd get something from me or Skinner. Besides, you know my handwriting, and you're a detective, I'm sure you'd figure it out." Mulder had a point.
Scully couldn't argue with his reasoning, for once.
