Story 131: "Alchemy" by tree
During the discussion of "Dance," a couple of members mentioned they'd enjoy the chance to read more early season fanfiction. Compared to seasons four and beyond, it's a neglected part of the canon, with plenty of space for the aspiring fic writer to work in. So why do people keep re-writing the same old tired tropes stories, over and over again? No, really, I want to know. Post your theory, if you have one, in comments.
In "Alchemy," tree gives us an incisive look at Mulder, his contradictions on full display. He's arrogant yet insecure, suspicious of Scully and her motives, yet longing for a deeper connection to her, one he can barely imagine. Of course, we also get a look at Special Agent Dana Scully, as seen through the eyes of one Special Agent Fox Mulder. As always, tree's writing is pitch perfect, clear, yet lyrical.
The quality of silence late at night is different from other silences he's known. It is crisper, larger; all hush and echo. Sound travels more readily, satellite images are clearer. He imagines telepathy might also be easier at night, possibly psychokinesis. Anything requiring clarity, really, and distance. But the stillness has an underwater feeling, too, the press of liquid and held breath.
Mulder moves away from the window, past the soft light of the fish tank. The room is lit by its blue glow and the streetlights outside. Arms folded across his chest, the bump of his heart is an odd experience, half heard, half felt. He thinks the sound of his blood moving would be like the ocean. If only his body was a shell he could press his ear against - the vibrations a little bit hollow, somehow inside out.
"I'm not a part of any agenda. You've got to trust me." Her voice echoes in his head sometimes like that. Maybe memory is a sort of telepathy. Maybe he's just crazy. She said that to him once, but she was laughing at the time. He liked it.
He likes her. And he doesn't want to.
I love this story so much I want to have its babies. How's that for insightful commentary?
No warnings, except spoilers for the Pilot, Deep Throat and Squeeze. The link is to her account at Archive of Our Own, where you can also check out the rest of her work, and leave her comments.
Read it here: "Alchemy".
In "Alchemy," tree gives us an incisive look at Mulder, his contradictions on full display. He's arrogant yet insecure, suspicious of Scully and her motives, yet longing for a deeper connection to her, one he can barely imagine. Of course, we also get a look at Special Agent Dana Scully, as seen through the eyes of one Special Agent Fox Mulder. As always, tree's writing is pitch perfect, clear, yet lyrical.
The quality of silence late at night is different from other silences he's known. It is crisper, larger; all hush and echo. Sound travels more readily, satellite images are clearer. He imagines telepathy might also be easier at night, possibly psychokinesis. Anything requiring clarity, really, and distance. But the stillness has an underwater feeling, too, the press of liquid and held breath.
Mulder moves away from the window, past the soft light of the fish tank. The room is lit by its blue glow and the streetlights outside. Arms folded across his chest, the bump of his heart is an odd experience, half heard, half felt. He thinks the sound of his blood moving would be like the ocean. If only his body was a shell he could press his ear against - the vibrations a little bit hollow, somehow inside out.
"I'm not a part of any agenda. You've got to trust me." Her voice echoes in his head sometimes like that. Maybe memory is a sort of telepathy. Maybe he's just crazy. She said that to him once, but she was laughing at the time. He liked it.
He likes her. And he doesn't want to.
I love this story so much I want to have its babies. How's that for insightful commentary?
No warnings, except spoilers for the Pilot, Deep Throat and Squeeze. The link is to her account at Archive of Our Own, where you can also check out the rest of her work, and leave her comments.
Read it here: "Alchemy".