The Scully-Mulder household was a flurry of activity on prom night. The triplets had been preparing for weeks, but as the evening approached, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Dresses were hung on their closet doors, shoes were scattered around the floor, and curling irons and makeup brushes had taken over the bathroom counter.
Mulder stood in the hallway, leaning against the doorframe of the girls' shared bathroom, watching the chaos unfold with a bemused smile. "You know, I've faced alien conspiracies and government cover-ups, but I think this might be the most overwhelming thing I've ever seen," he teased.
"Dad, not helping!" Sabrina called from her room, frantically searching for her earrings.
"Where's the hair spray?!" Beatrice yelled, her voice muffled as she leaned under the bathroom sink.
"Jo, did you take my necklace?!" Sabrina hollered again.
Joanna, sitting at the vanity, calmly applied her lipstick. "Nope. I've been in here the whole time. Ask Bea."
"Don't drag me into this!" Beatrice shot back.
Scully appeared behind Mulder, a steaming cup of coffee in hand and a knowing smile on her face. "Don't you remember being this age?" she asked him quietly, her tone amused.
"I do," Mulder said, smirking. "But I was never this... sparkly."
"I'm sure you were just as dramatic," Scully countered with a grin before stepping into the fray. "Alright, girls, let's take a deep breath. One at a time. What's the issue?"
"Can you help me zip this?" Joanna asked, holding up the back of her dress.
Scully stepped over and carefully zipped her daughter's gown, smoothing the fabric. "There. Perfect," she said.
Sabrina came rushing into the room. "Mom, does this color lipstick work, or do I need to go darker?"
"It's perfect, honey," Scully reassured her. "You all look stunning."
"Agreed," Mulder chimed in from the doorway. "Though I can't promise I won't embarrass you by taking a thousand pictures."
"Dad!" the girls groaned in unison, making Scully laugh.
Once everyone was finally ready, the girls lined up in the living room for pictures. Mulder adjusted his tie, acting as the unofficial photographer while Scully helped them with last-minute touch-ups.
"Alright, big smiles," Mulder said, snapping photo after photo. "Bea, maybe not the peace sign. Sabrina, don't hide behind Jo. Perfect, just like that."
Their dates arrived shortly after, all looking slightly nervous under Mulder's watchful eye. He shook their hands firmly, giving each of them a pointed look that said without words: You hurt them, and you'll answer to me.
As the girls piled into the car and waved goodbye, Scully slipped her arm around Mulder's waist. "You did good," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"They're growing up too fast," he murmured, watching the car disappear down the street.
Scully smiled, squeezing his hand. "I know. But they'll always be our little girls."
Mulder nodded, already mentally counting down the hours until they'd be back home, safe and sound.