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Mid November and the snow was falling.
Denise was a simple woman, who had learned after many years to appreciate many of the pleasures in life other people take for granted. One of these pleasures was the snow.
They were in peak heterosexual Hallmark movie form today, drinking cocoa in her apartment together.
“Are you going home for Thanksgiving?”
“No. My parents and I don’t speak anymore given… everything.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s okay. I’m probably going to hang out with a few friends that day.”
“Nice. You can come over to my place if you like. I’m not doing anything.”
“None of your friends…”
“My friends protest Thanksgiving every year. I’m pretty sure it’s because Frohike gave them food poisoning with a raw turkey one year. And Scully… she invited me to her mom’s, but… I get the vibes sometimes that she’s expecting something from me. Something she won’t say but wants me to figure out and I guess I need a break from the mind games.”
Mulder took a swig of his hot cocoa and then added, “That’s what’s nice about you. You don’t play games with me.”
“A lot of guys would say that since I didn’t come out right away, I was playing a game.”
“Those guys are dumb.”
They kissed, hot cocoas almost tipping over onto the floor until Denise collected herself and righted the mugs.
“Careful, Fox. The couch is new.”
“I wanna show you off somewhere. Maybe you can be my date to Scully’s mom’s place.”
“Well, might be a little awkward since I used to date her sister.”
“You used to date Melissa?”
“Yep.”
Mulder stared blankly into space.
“Mulder? Earth to Mulder?”
She waved her hand in front of his face, but he did not move.
“Sorry, Dee. Just…”