Distribution: Please let me know.

Category: Stand alone

Rating: PG

Spoilers: none really

Summary: Mulder and Scully have a day at the fair

Feedback: I'd love it.

"You volunteered us for WHAT?"

"Come on, Scully, it’ll be fun. We only have to work from 8 a.m. to noon, then we can play the rest of the day." Mulder tried out his best wistful grin.

Scully looked at her partner in amazement. Of all the insane ideas he had, this was the silliest.

"So, Mulder, let me get this straight. Friday night we fly to Syracuse, New York, spend the night at a REAL hotel, spend Saturday morning walking around in a crowd of people, then play the rest of the day, all on the FBI’s ticket?"

"Well, yeah, Scully, except you left out the part about keeping an eye on Hillary and Bill while they enjoy the fair."

"Mulder, are you sure that Skinner asked us to do this? Or did you see this posted on a bulletin board in the coffee room?"

"Um, uh, Scully I have some things to do before our trip. See you later!"

On Friday, true to promise, they checked into the local Marriott hotel, with real doormen and room service.

"Mulder, how did we rate a suite? Are you sure about this?’

"Scully, stop being so skeptical. The only reason we got these rooms was because all the cheap motels were booked with people attending the fair. Now, where do you want to eat, Grimaldi’s Chophouse, or the Green Onion Café?" Mulder was clearly enjoying himself.

Over dinner, the conversation turned serious. Mulder asked Scully about some of her Quantico experiences. She described her favorite instructors and classes, then asked him about his years at the FBI academy.

"You know, Scully, it’s a miracle that I made it through Quantico, with Bill Patterson on my tail."

"Mulder, you were the top agent at Quantico. How much better could you have done? Are you sure that Patterson wasn’t jealous of you?"

"I don’t think so, Scully. He was on me from day one. I wanted to punch him out every single day."

"Well, Mulder, it’s a good thing you didn’t, or we wouldn’t be sitting here!"

Early the next morning, they headed for the New York State Fairgrounds. Scully was amazed at the crowd of people already waiting to enter the gates. They located the employee entrance, and after flashing their badges, were whisked into a room crowded with FBI agents. SAC John Blaine briefed the agents.

"Okay, thanks for coming. I know you all volunteered for this duty. You know the drill, just mingle in the crowd, and keep an eye out for any unusual events. The President and Mrs. Clinton will be here shortly, and will spend a few hours touring the fairgrounds. This is a social visit, so we don’t have a strict plan. Any questions, check with me."

Finally they were released from the room, and began their patrol. The President and First Lady appeared around 10 a.m., and for the next two hours wandered aimlessly around the fair. Just before noon, Scully and two other female agents were asked to escort Hillary Clinton to the restroom.

Scully was standing at the mirror, smoothing back her hair when the First Lady appeared next to her.

Mrs. Clinton reached across Scully for a towel. To her amusement, Scully noticed that Mrs. Clinton was wearing blue nail polish.

Mrs. Clinton saw her glance and chuckled. "I know, not very professional is it. Chelsea left this at home the other weekend and I decided to try it out. I forgot to take it off this morning."

Scully smiled and assured Mrs. Clinton that it was fine for a casual day. They left the restroom with the other two agents.

Shortly afterwards, the Clintons left, the agents were dismissed, and encouraged to stay and enjoy the fair.

"Well Mulder, what now?"

Mulder was studying a list of events. He looked up at her with a smile. "Well, Scully, I vote we check out Brian Ruth, Master of the Chainsaw. Unless you would rather watch the soapmaking demonstration."

Scully’s attention was snagged by a familiar tune. "three blind mice, three blind mice, see how they run, see how they run . . . " She turned to see a booth that sold candy apples. Suddenly her stomach was rumbling, reminding her that it was long past lunchtime. She just had to have a candy apple!

While she purchased her apple, Mulder wandered over to the fried ice cream booth. As he joined her on a nearby bench, she eyed the concoction.

"Fried ice cream, Mulder? At least mine has some nutritional value in the apple!"

"Yeah, Scully, but at least I don’t get mine stuck in my teeth." Mulder’s fingers brushed across her mouth.

His touch was electric. For a moment they gazed at each other, then Scully hurriedly dug in her pocket for a tissue to remove the offending piece of sticky candy.

They spent the rest of the day enjoying the fair. Scully couldn’t remember when she had enjoyed a day more. No X-files to solve, no conflicts, not even an argument with Mulder when she wanted to watch the butter sculpture presentation.

They watched in amusement at the Hatfield and McCoy High Dive demonstration. Mulder even joined in with the Dance Ranch Cloggers when they asked for volunteers, although Scully refused to join him. She had never seen him so happy, trying hard to keep up with the dancers on the stage. They both collapsed with laughter as the music ended.

Stopping to rest by the Story of Chocolate, Scully inhaled the rich smell in the air.

"You want some chocolate, Scully? I’ll buy!" Mulder was digging out his wallet.

Scully stopped him with a smile. "No, thanks, Mulder, I’ve gained 5 pounds just smelling that aroma."

"Okay, Scully, but you don’t need to worry about a few pounds. You are always too skinny. What now, the Goo Goo Dolls concert?"

She looked around. "No, Mulder, I think I’d rather visit the Wine Garden."

Mulder laughed, and led them off to share a bottle of wine.

Improv elements:

Scully eating a candy apple and getting it stuck in her teeth

First Lady Hillary Clinton

Mulder discussing Bill Patterson with Scully

Blue nail polish

Three Blind Mice

And an extra that just happened to work in, A Boy Band