#6x20 three of a kind

[fine-nephrit]

🥏 TXF Fic Rec #19: "The Caller You Are Trying To Reach" by Cecily Sass

My favorite missing scene/post-ep of episode 6x20, “Three of a Kind,” this fic is so fun, hot, and hysterical!

What if drugged Scully talked to Mulder on the phone in the Las Vegas casino?

The dialogue is consistently stupendous. M&S are so in character that I can’t get enough. I love, love this story. All around brilliant.

---

🥏 on AO3

author: @cecilysass length: short, 3,000+ words season: season 6, 6x20 Three of a Kind pairing(s): M/S UST tags: episode-related, humor, talk!fic rating: mature/R

[bedlund]

castiel trans zine. click for quality. bibliography under the cut

2street2car (2021). Romantic Theory. Archive of Our Own. Available at: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31427978

@bedlund (2021). There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in. Tumblr. Available at: https://bedlund.tumblr.com/post/667421049623805952/there-is-a-crack-a-crack-in-everything-thats

@bedlund (2022). *lying on my stomach kicking my legs grinning and giggling* cas became something other than an angel because he has a body and the ability to consent to possession. he’s literally the first of his kind (also he’s trans). Tumblr. Available at: https://bedlund.tumblr.com/post/690873746717818880/lying-on-my-stomach-kicking-my-legs-grinning-and

@calamitysong (2020). cas is trans because he came into being without gender and then became a gay man. dean is trans too. Tumblr. Available at: https://calamitysong.tumblr.com/post/635674769551966208/cas-is-trans-because-he-came-into-being-without

Edlund, B. (2011). Supernatural 6x20 'The Man Who Would Be King' Promo. Youtube. Available at: https://youtu.be/TvJd7NCoKVw?si=cwUWr7UdHflZx2ko

Edlund, B. (2011). Supernatural Preview: 'Lies, Omissions and Secret Agendas' Play Into Castiel-Centric Hour by Gelman, V. TVLine. Available at: https://tvline.com/interviews/supernatural-preview-ben-edlund-castiel-213629/

Edlund, B. (2013). Angel Warrior - The Story of Castiel Featurette. Youtube. Available at: https://youtu.be/FqgJYoM_sc0?si=J7am-hrW6r92hTCD

Edlund, B. (2021). “O, Angel” #officeart, sharpie on paper, acetate, Supernatural, Season 8. Twitter. Available at: https://twitter.com/ben_edlund/status/1440730181237305350

Kraaijeveld, K., Gregurke, J., Hall, C., Komdeur, J., Mulder, R. A. (2004). Mutual ornamentation, sexual selection, and social dominance in the black swan, Behavioral Ecology, Volume 15, Issue 3. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arh023

@marxandangels (2021). If we talk about Cas himself, as a character that’s a result of interpretation, he is a trans man. A trans man who is, importantly, gay and a father. All three of those things are essential parts of Cas as a character. Tumblr. Available at: https://marxandangels.tumblr.com/post/648648117339734017

seperis (2014). Down to Agincourt. Archive of Our Own. Available at: https://archiveofourown.org/series/110651

@steveyockey (2022). #easiest refutation of my life. cas developed into something other than an angel because he literally has a body and the ability to give  #other beings consent to possess it. Fin. Tumblr. Available at: https://steveyockey.tumblr.com/post/680206404343234560

Taleb, N. N. (2007). The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable. Random House Publishing Group. Available at: https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/1324807

@themanwhowouldbefruit (2022). “knowing you has changed me” SHUT THE FUCK UP KNOWING ASS CHANGED ASS BITCH. Tumblr. Available at: https://themanwhowouldbefruit.tumblr.com/post/699695907897262080/knowing-you-has-changed-me-shut-the-fuck-up

Walton, R. (1997). Typographics 2: Cybertype : 'zines + Screens. Hearst Books International. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=QWpSKQAACAAJ

if anyone reads this far and is interested in a copy hit me up

[phannibal]

THE X-FILES | 6x20 'THREE OF A KIND'

[sun-3-160]

But who's got a match? | 6x20, "Three of a Kind"

[multifandominfj]

A New Beginning: A Supergirl 6x20 Re-Write

Chapter Eleven: A Much Deserved Rest

After all of that running around, crossing names off like a grocery checklist, Lena was ready to change out of her clothes, and put on some sweats that were not just comfortable but they read “I am in couch potato mode. Do not disturb me.” Upon opening the door she was greeted with a sight she not only didn’t expect, but she got a show in the process.

“I gotta say Nia, I never would’ve listened to this music before. I’ve been missing out, clearly. And this show, Drag Race…” Kara was dancing to an upbeat bop by Trixie Mattel. The Song: C’mon Loretta. “This song will definitely be on repeat for the foreseeable future.”

“I told you both you would get hooked the minute we started.” Nia proudly watched her friends knowing she had roped them into her obsession. “You’re welcome.”

“Yes, it was, how you said, all tea and no shade. Or better yet, an extravaganza eleganza!” Like clockwork, Brainy did one of his signature flourishes whenever he did an expletive expression.

Kara and Nia simply looked at each other, and couldn’t help but crack a chuckle. “Hearing you use drag phrases Brainy, kinda fierce.” Kara grinned as she finished up the dinner while singing along to another Trixie Mattel song.

“Meet me in the middle

Comin' through just a little

Baby, you wanna

Talk, talk, talk, tell me about it

C'mon, uh-huh, alright

Yeah, yeah

'Cause I'm just the kind you can't ignore

Yeah, I'm just the kind that you like to say: "Hello, hello"

(Hello, hello) hello, hello

(Hello, hello)”

“You know what?” Nia wraps an arm around Brainy’s shoulders, pulling him close. “Hearing it come from you, I can handle it. But Kara, I fear I may have created a monster. How likely do you think she will incorporate it into her regular vocabulary?”

“99.1% that she took this, what was the word you used again? A yassification. There is without question a high probability that Kara will use such terminology to describe everything now.” Brainy declares without hesitation, knowing his guess was undoubtedly correct.

“Oh god, what have I…done.” Nia tapped Brainy on the shoulder. Both chuckled seeing Lena standing there, watching all three of them. Lena signals with a shhh, wanting to see how long it would take Kara to notice. Getting the hint clearly, they pretend nothing was wrong and go back to conversing. “What song are you listen to now, Kara?”

“Take your time, everybody says so

You'll be fine, when you learn to move slow

How did I lose it at the intro?

Take me, I wanna go

Ah-ooh, ooh, Malibu

I wanna go

Ah-ooh, ooh, Malibu

I wanna go

To me and you in Malibu”

“I think Kara may have found her new Karaoke song the next time we go to Al’s.” Brainy loved seeing his best friend happy. It not only brought him both joy and amusement, but seeing Kara this at ease helped him learn to be more like her.

“Never been with a type like you before

Chilled out, top down, just what I've been looking for

Pullin' up, you got your hair real neat

Came cruisin' from the coast to scoop me

And I've been counting down the days to jump back in

Take your time, everybody says so

You'll be fine, when you learn to move slow

How did I lose it at the intro?

Take me, I wanna go”

Just as Kara was about to get the cheesecake out of the fridge as she reached the chorus, completely clueless to her girlfriend watching the free show.

“Ah-ooh, ooh, Malibu

I wanna go

Ah-ooh, ooh, Malibu

I wanna go

To me and you in Malibu”

As she finished, she heard that familiar chuckle, and clapping. Turning around so fast she nearly dropped the dessert, Kara’s face was the shade of a red you turn after eating a Carolina Reaper. “H—How long were you standing there?”

“Long enough to get the full experience. And I must say, can’t wait to see the entire show at Al’s in the near future.” Lena couldn’t help but be delighted by everything before her. “What’s all this?”

“Date night. I know we’ve both been ungodly busy, so…” Sheepishly she motions to the set up at the couch, before laser focusing on Brainy and Nia. “How long did you know she was standing right there?”

“Long enough to savor the mutual enjoyment, and to listen to you sing.” Nia smirked, seeing the crimson color deepen on Kara’s face.

“And long enough to help you set up your evening with Lena. I think it’s time Nia and I both bid you adieu.” A pep in his step, Brainy meets Kara for a hug, then Lena.

“We really had fun. We definitely need to do this again, and don’t worry, I’ll give you a heads up next time.” Nia lovingly kids as she follows with the same embraces.

“Thanks again you guys. Drive safe.” Kara shuts the door, with her face still red, she tucks some hair behind her ear as she makes her way back over toward Lena. “So, what did you think of the free concert?”

“I loved it. Just like all the other times I’ve heard you sing. And I truly wasn’t expecting such a lovely surprise. You made all of this?”

“Yeah, with the help of some of mom’s recipes, I thought we could use a night in. Just us.” Lena always knew how to make Kara flustered, even with them dating for a while. “And after all of the hard work you did running around today, I thought homemade takeout and an at home movie date would be just what we needed.”

“I’ll take that as my cue to get changed into something comfy.” A delivery of a quick peck to her cheek, and she headed to the bedroom to change. “So how was your day?”

“Oh, it went great. Finished ahead of schedule for next issues featured article about life after Crisis, and how much things have really changed. Lead a pitch meeting for a spread, which Miss Grant surprisingly let me take the lead on. Super Friends got a call in the middle of the day: Apparently that giant cat was still around. Oh, and I thought you’d like to know…Miss Grant wants to do an editorial on your foundation.”

“What?” Lena’s eyes expanded to the relative size of a dollar coin, her head shooting out from behind the divider wall of the bedroom like a cartoon.

“Don’t be mad…” Kara starts to shovel food into her mouth, hoping that would prevent her from babbling. “During the pitch, I had brought the idea up. The whole next issue is about people who came from less than ideal beginnings, and turning them into something that can help people. I pitched you and Sam for the Lena Luthor Foundation because not only did the both of you get the short end of the proverbial stick, you are working together to help others…”

As Kara was pitching the idea to her, Lena had a million thoughts racing in her mind while she was eating: “Will this go okay? What kinds of questions will they ask? How personal will they get? Will they ask about Lex?” were just the top four she thought of first. And even though she and Kara were together, she wanted this to go well; she didn’t want to let Kara down. She had done the interview with Iris for the grand opening, and now with THE Cat Grant, who was essentially becoming an adjacent in-law to her because Cat had become a part of her family…to say she was apprehensive was an understatement. But it wasn’t in the way you’d think. She was apprehensive because she wanted this to go well for Kara. She knew how much this pitch meant to her.

“I know I may have complicated things for you…but I only want people to see what I see…which is a mesmerizing, sensational, exquisite humanitarian who has not only saved thousands of people…but…who is the definition of magical, in ever meaning of the word.”

“Kara, sweetie.” Lena stops her from taking another bite. “Slow down, first of all. I know you’re an alien who has the metabolism of a hummingbird, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune from choking.” Plate set aside, she takes both of her hands and starts to rub the pressure points between her thumb and index fingers. “I’m not mad, I’m just surprised that Cat went for it. She’s usually so particular about what she prints. But, then again, that glowing charm of yours…” A coy simper, followed by a smooch to halt Kara’s next babble. “I’m honored you chose Sam and I. I will tell her the good news in the morning.”

“Mhmmmm.” Kara’s second form of Kryptonite was how she felt every time Lena kissed her; it was a good kind of Kryptonite. It was her personal heaven. “A couple more things…” She took a swig of her wine to wet her whistle before she continued. “This is for next month's issue, so you and Sam have time to prepare, the actual interview will be towards the end of the month, so no need to panic, and…I’m going to be the one interviewing you both.”

“How did you swing that?“ A shocked, but pleased grin crossed her face. “Did you have to flatter Cat a lot?“ an inquisitorial eyebrow cock quickly followed.

“I did. But I also made the firm point that there are certain questions that are off limits, and no outside interviewer is going to know that. And if difficult questions should be asked….I should be the one to ask. And she gave me the green light.”

“Well, now that I know Sam and I are in the safety of your strong hands I have a lot less to be worried about.” Placing both of their plates in their hand, this time including the cheesecake, with her one free hand she pulled the blanket over them as Kara started the movie. “And this date…exactly what I needed.” Not for the reason Kara clearly thought earlier.

“Good, I’m glad.” Kara peppers a top of the head kiss to Lena’s raven hair. “Because I love pampering you after you work hard to make other peoples’ lives easier. And I’m sure you know this by now, but Lena…” She leans towards her ear. “You are my hero.”

A feeling of Euphoria washed over her right there in that very moment. She had said that to Kara many times before, but to hear it come from her girlfriend, it not only made her even more excited to pop the question to her, but just as nervous. This woman before her, whom she loved with every fiber of her body, said she was her hero. “That’s…the first time you’ve ever said that to me. You’ve shown it, but to hear those words allowed…” Too speechless to finish, she turns her head to the right angle to meet Kara’s lips for an enamored, effulgent kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She kissed Lena right back, then proceeded to give the tip of her nose a kiss too. “Now let’s enjoy the rest of our date.”

“Cheers to that.”

The impending proposal and engagement party in the back of her mind, she let her body unravel, de stress and float away as she enjoyed her date night the superhero of her dreams.

Kara being introduced to Trixie Mattel and a cute Date Night at home? Hope you all enjoy Chapter Eleven! 🥰

[mvalana]

The X-Files 6x20 Three of a Kind

[moiraiinesedai]

THE X-FILES | Three of a Kind (6x20)

“She’s gonna kick our ass.”

[enigmaticxbee]

✖️✖️✖️✖️ 6x20 Three of a Kind

The one where... where the Lone Gunmen trick Scully into going to Las Vegas with them and a mind control injection turns her into Loopy!Scully.

Best: I adore Loopy!Scully. The giggling and tickle fingers and the faces she makes in the hotel scene while Suzanne is examining her are... so cute 😂 GA has such phenomenal range to be able to play highly intelligent characters and also complete airheads. And her physical comedy! She should do more comedy, she’s hilarious.

Worst: It’s sincerely a tragedy that Mulder does not get to interact with Loopy!Scully. Although there’s no way that scenario wouldn’t have blown the lid off of the whole ‘platonic partners’ situation so I can see why the show didn’t go there (thank you for your service fanfic!)

❌ Flashlights

❌ Woods/Desert

❌ Slideshow

✔️ Autopsy

❌ Evidence Disappears

❌ Scully Misses It

❌ Mulder Ditch

❌ Sunflower Seeds

✔️ Voiceover: Byers intro

❌ Catch Phrase

❌ Scully is a Medical Doctor

❌ Mulder is Spooky

❌ Scuuullllaaaaayy! Muullllderrrr!

❌ Fox/Dana

❌ Inappropriate Touching (that I am here for)

❌ Casual Scully

❌ Casual Mulder

❌ Trench Coats

❌ Bad Tie Watch

❌ Glasses Watch

50 States: Nevada x4 (39/50)

Investigate: Apart

Solve Rate: 60%

✔️ Bechdel Test: Barely - it’s a stretch to call it a conversation but Suzanne Modeski and Loopy!Scully do interact.

MSR: 🐝

Goriness: 👽👽

Creepiness: 👽👽

Humor: 👽👽👽👽

Rewatch Thoughts:

It was all a dream: Byers’ dream really seems even more impossible in 2021 doesn’t it.

The Gunmen exploit the fact that Scully will drop everything and jump on a plane based on a 2am call from Mulder and think nothing of it.

Scully: My medical opinion? BEEEEEEEEEP (CLAP) I remember when we first watched this episode my sister and I thought this was HILARIOUS and kept reenacting it (we might still do this on occasion).

Frohike recognizes Scully’s laugh from across the casino. And I don’t blame him because Scully’s laugh: 😍

Scully: I just can’t decide who lights my fire...

I do appreciate that Scully got Morris back for those ass slaps. Although Morris obviously enjoyed his a lot more.

Mulder’s not the only one going around tasting blood at crime scenes! Weirdos.

Scully better kick their asses. Not that it’s their fault per say that she was drugged, but they definitely brought her out there on false pretenses. I mostly just enjoy this episode for a fun, silly Scully time but if you think about it from Scully’s perspective as someone who has been traumatized and violated too many times to count at and understandably likes to be in control of herself this could be very triggering.

Was Suzanne’s fate ever addressed in the Lone Gunmen spin-off? I kind of feel like Byers should have gone with her 🙈 Although maybe it was enough for him to know she was free and safe - he couldn’t abandon his buddies, his true soulmates.

Episode-Related Fanfic Recs:

82: Three of a Kind by @contrivedcoincidences6 - Under the influence Scully leaves Mulder a very explicit message, NSFW.

Illicit Desires by @gaycrouton - What if Mulder came along to Las Vegas? NSFW (consent issues are handled pretty well but your mileage may vary)

Cold Coffee and Cologne Coats by @catarinquar - Scully’s having a bad weekend but finds Mulder waiting at the airport for her 🥰

[i-want-chips]

[scullydubois]

thoughts on Three of a Kind (6x20)

Written by Vince Gilligan and John Shiban  Directed by Bryan Spicer

Okay, the original Suzanne Modeski episode kinda bopped...I’m not mad about this

John Fitzgerald Beyers...that’s his name

He’s married to Suzanne in his dream...good for him

Oh no….he loses it all

Def-Con ‘99, woohoo

Are Mulder and Scully gonna be in this

They doing some joint spying 

And some cheating at poker

And some getting caught 

And some losing money

Jimmy and Timmy are here

Not that these guys aren’t great fun, but one of my basic requirements is seeing Mulder and Scully every episode….show me!!

Byers is a man in love, don’t blame him

Hi Madame 

OMG, that’s so funny, they’re generating Mulder’s voice

She listened…

It’s herrrrrrr

Oh yikes

Poor Byers

“Stop trying to kill yourself Byers, it’s not deep enough”

Byers NEEDS to get into the conference, and he needs to get in NOW

Ahh, the art of vent traveling

Plot twist: Timmy is in there

Scully is vastly too chill about all this

RIP Jimmy

Frohike’s in Suzanne’s room

Oof-caught on tape

They meet again

Remember when Suzanne accused Mulder of kidnapping her fake daughter

Dana Scully? Smartest woman in the world

Eww...I feel you Langley

Kinda wish he threw up on the body

I swear to fucking god!!!!!!

I was having a good fun time until Scully got fucking attacked!

Is she gonna try to kill herself

Gillian Anderson has talent

I feel some fear regarding Miss Scully

Explain, Suzanne, explain

What the fuck, the drowning metaphor is so moving 

Where’s Scully!! I demand to know!

That’s her laugh, I’d know it anywhere

Icon, iconic

It’s that dude...Morris Fletcher!

I’m literally in love with her

They made her forget her autopsy findings...snakes

Langley looking sharp

Langley fucking murdering Suzanne in plain sight

She did not deserve that! Shit!

Fake?

Y’all really had me fooled for a hot second 

Whew, I just had deja vu for whatever reason 

The actress that plays Suzanne is really talented

He’s turning on them

Suzanne Modeski is dead, but she’s actually not

Scully is gonna kick their asses

Aww, Suzanne...good for Beyers...kinda

Consensus: A pretty fun episode that kept me on my toes.

4.5 out of 5 stars

[alwaysbeyondhope]

watching 6x20 Three of a Kind. I wasn’t sure how this episode was gonna go but hot damn Scully

[naniewithane]

Ok, so that was the reason, Winona? I totally get it.

The X-Files: 06 x 20 Three of a Kind

↳ Dana Scully + anoetic histamine 

[iama-doubleagent]

Scully got high in Three of A Kind (6x20)

I always feel like drugged Dana is so like Gillian Anderson.

[gillovny1013]

LANGLY:  Uhhhm, Scully? What killed him?

SCULLY:  My medical opinion? BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

The X-Files / / 6x20 Three Of A Kind  

X

[owl-with-a-pen]

real talk, do you have any songs that specifically speak Brainia to you? Bc same.🧍‍♀️

https://open.spotify.com/track/2AYEOC02WLhUiOoaig2SEH?si=FdTPdB6xRFi7x3S-yRlhpQ

https://open.spotify.com/track/3AVrVz5rK8Hrqo9YGiVGN5?si=Owzdl46jQ5SyR17-39LgVg

https://open.spotify.com/track/6Qyc6fS4DsZjB2mRW9DsQs?si=rg03_VX5SwamelwNZU81Yw

Oh you know I do. I've made like three playlists surrounding Brainia for that exact reason. 😅

And these are excellent songs! I love the vibes and rhythm for Apocalypse. It's got a bittersweet melancholy that works really well for the feelings that surrounded Brainy's leaving in 6x20. In kind, do I even need to say how perfect Out of My League is picturing it from Brainy's perspective, especially in the early days of their relationship?

Also you legit read my mind with Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls! It was actually a late addition to my In My Dreams playlist! I put it on there about a month ago when the song popped up on the radio and it just instantly made me think of Brainia.

As for songs that specifically speak to me, I'd say just about any song in any of my Brainia playlists, but I'll list a few in no particular order that really stand out for me:

Nights in White Satin - The Moody Blues

I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith

Think About Things - Daði Freyr

Firewall - Les Friction

Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt

[contexfiles]