Written by Phil Colvin,
Epilogue
St. George’s Rare Books
Christmas Morning
The events of last night were all a bit of a daze when everyone woke up. Grace and Scully woke up in the front of the shop both remembering something about half a bottle of whisky. Mosely woke up next to the real Santa (who was beginning to come round) and Gabriel and Mulder woke up next to each other and decided not to bother trying to work out the night’s events. The tree was still standing and the talisman still glowed on top. Mosely had got back to the shop quite soon after the decorations were up and the celebrations had begun. Mosely had at last begun to see what a real Christmas was all about, and he had enjoyed his pervious night’s work. Just then, the real Santa began to stir.
"Hey, Scully!", shouted Mulder, "Santa’s waking up". Scully went over and propped up some pillows, Santa awoke clutching his head.
"What happened?"
"Don’t worry, Santa", smiled Mulder, "You’re in safe hands"
"Oh God! It’s that annoying FBI agent!"
"Nice to see you too...."
"Did you knock me off that roof?"
"No, that pleasure belonged to my friend here, Gabriel Knight." Gabriel stood up and walked over to Santa.
"Hi Santa, sorry about that roof things but you have to admit it is a little suspicious when some fat guy wanders around on your roof at night."
"Don’t sweat it Gabe...", smiled Santa, "I came for a reason..."
"Yes, I know. I got the snowglobe."
"Good...", suddenly Santa stopped, "Hey! Wait a sec...how long have I been unconscious?"
"Only one night."
"One night! I just missed Christmas!"
"No you didn’t, we found you a replacement." Mulder ushered Mosely forwards. Santa eyed him a little suspiciously.
"Are you sure we’re not related?"
"Pretty frickin’ sure...oh yeah, get that steering fixed or next year you might have a really nasty accident."
"Thanks, Detective."
"Hey! How did you know I was a detective?"
"I’m Santa Clause, I know you all!"
"I see"
"Well, it looks like I’d better be going", smiled Santa.
"No you aren’t", said Scully, sternly, "You might have concussion, you’re staying here."
"Your concern is very sweet, Miss Scully but I...."
"Stay there!", ordered Scully. "I’m just going to get you an ice pack." She walked into the back of the shop leaving Mulder with Santa.
"She was always a pain when she was young", muttered Santa.
"You’re telling me....", sighed Mulder.
Gabriel and Grace were alone in the corner of the shop. They hadn’t spoken much all night and now was Gabriel’s chance.
"So, it’s finally Christmas", he sighed, "Was it really worth all the build-up?"
"Don’t tell me you STILL don’t like Christmas!", smiled Grace.
"Oh yeah, I like it now. But I just don’t like some of the idiotic build-up."
"Shame", smiled Grace, "I like some of the traditions", she held up a sprig of mistletoe. Gabriel smiled.
"It’s funny, I like that one too."
"Yeah, well, Merry Christmas", smiled Grace. Gabriel got ready to kiss her, but she promptly marched off towards Mulder holding the mistletoe.
"Hey!" shouted Gabriel, "What about me!"
"Sorry", smiled Grace, "But I know how much you wouldn’t want this to come into our professional relationship." She wandered off. Gabriel looked out of the window. He hated Christmas.
Afternoon
In between all the strangeness, Mosely and Grace had managed to slip away to prepare a turkey ("You’re lucking SOMEBODY went shopping", she sternly reminded Gabriel) and after dinner there was a quick exchange of presents. Scully smiled as she opened her Gameboy from Mulder ("For those long UFO watches") and a five year diary from Gabriel ("You might find some use for it, now.")
Grace was a little confused by Mosely’s gift of a teddy bear ("I found it on the bottom of the sleigh last night and it ain’t much frickin’ use to me") but Mulder’s choice in perfume went down well ("It’s the one I always buy my mom.") In comparison, Gabriel’s choice of T-shirt didn’t go down so well, although Gabriel thought it was appropriate to give her one saying ‘No Entry.’ However, the bunch of flowers he gave her were nice. Although he didn’t have the heart to admit he had stolen them from Bruno’s shop last night.
Mulder and Mosely got assorted junk from everyone and Santa was bestowed with a couple of bottles of sherry. Soon it was all down to Grace’s gift for Gabriel. She went into the back room and came back with a large package.
"Well", smiled Gabriel, "At last a bit of recognition for our long founded relationship. What is it?"
"I’ll give you a clue", smiled Grace, "It’s cold, wet and it bubbles."
"Champagne", smiled Gabriel, "You shouldn’t have."
"You’re right, I didn’t" said Grace as she pulled the wrapping off the box to reveal a tank with a goldfish swimming in it. Gabriel looked at the fish, the fish looked at him and blew a bubble.
"I suppose you think this is funny." said Gabriel. Everyone nodded.
If you have any comments, you can email Phil Colvin at sculder_mully@geocities.com.
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