I of course have no right to the characters within this storyline. Chris Carter, 1013 Productions and of course Twentieth Century Fox own all copyrights. I am just using my creative processes to have a little fun.
I wrote Seventy-Two Hours, Secret Admirer, Bluff Creek and Mulder's Island, Class Reunion and Apple for the Teacher so I've written some fanfic in the past. I had previously posted it a couple years ago on Fox's X-Files message board. This story is based around Mulder's 20th high school class reunion.
Part 1
Its Friday morning and Scully wanders into the office that she shares with her partner, Fox Mulder. She flips a light on in the dark office and then tosses her purse and keys on her table. She glances at her watch, frowning at the time and wondering why Mulder has not arrived yet for work. Yawning, she saunters over to her partner's desk and sits down. Picking up a book lying open she glances over a story describing a woman's encounter with a froglike creature. She rolls her eyes as she tosses it aside and then focused on a pile of mail and interoffice envelopes. An envelope with the return address of Chillmark HS Class of 78' catches her eye. Hearing footsteps she drops it back to the desk.
"I hear steam works the best", says an amused Mulder as he stands in front of his desk.
"I was just killing time Mulder, why were you late?", asks Scully in embarrassment.
"My alarm clock decided to quit this morning", replies Mulder picking up his pile of mail and scanning through it. He reaches the envelope that Scully had been intrigued by and after glancing at it quickly he tosses it into the garbage.
"Mulder, why are you throwing that away? Isn't that from your high school?", asks Scully in amazement.
"Um, yeah I guess so", replies Mulder in a bored voice as he opens an interoffice envelope and glances over a couple of crime scene photographs.
"Well, why are they sending you an envelope?", asks Scully.
"I don't know, maybe they are looking for contributions for new cheerleader uniforms or something", replies Mulder walking over and sitting on the edge of her table.
"Aren't you even going to open it Mulder", asks Scully.
"No", says Mulder.
"Well if you won't, I will", says Scully pulling the envelope out of the trash. Mulder immediately hops off of his perch and dashes over to her side. Pulling the envelope out of her hand he grins at her.
"Its not important Scully, trust me. They're just looking for an annual contribution and I already sent them my customary ten bucks. They've been trying to get me to up it to fifteen for years", says Mulder about to throw it in the garbage again.
"I'll pay the fifteen if thats what it takes to get you to let me open that envelope", says Scully grabbing it out of his hand. Before he realizes it she has it ripped open. Her mouth drops open before she starts to grin ear from ear. "Your presence is cordially requested at the 20th Class Reunion of the Graduating Class of 1978, Chillmark High School? Mulder, its your class reunion and you were going to throw this away? You are going aren't you?"
Mulder grabs it back out of her hand and stares at it a moment. "No, I wouldn't dream of going back there and rubbing shoulders with people that wouldn't even talk to me in high school. Name tags, old yearbook photos, reminiscing of embarrassing stories. Most of the guys will have graying hair.....or no hair. The women will probably all be about 50 lbs. overweight and will be telling everyone 'you haven't changed a bit' while they whisper to everyone else how 'they can't believe how Helen has let herself go'. No, thats not for me Scully."
"Mulder, I think you should go. You've got to do something besides.....this", she holds up her hands and motions to his messy office. "There must be some people you would like to see after all these years?"
"Well there was one teacher that I did have a little crush on", admits Mulder.
"A teacher? You had a crush on the teacher Mulder", asks Scully in disbelief.
"I was a mature thinking kid, what do you want?", says Mulder. He starts to count on his fingers. "Trouble is I probably wouldn't recognize her now, she is probably around sixty now.
"Oh I wouldn't give up Mulder. If you went you may luck out. She may be a rich old widow now with a fat Social Security check", jokes Scully. Mulder gives her a sarcastic look.
"I wouldn't want to overwhelm everyone. I want to keep a low profile and I think that when people find out that I'm attending they'll feel like their lives haven't turned out as exciting as they could have. I don't want to throw my success in other's faces Scully", says Mulder.
"Mulder, you are afraid to face those people aren't you", accuses Scully.
"No, I have nothing to be embarrassed about Scully. My life has turned out.......just the way I ah, expected it to."
"Then you have nothing to worry about", says Scully standing up and walking up to him. She grabs the invitation and holds it behind her back. "I am filling out this response card and mailing it in. I suggest, no I demand that you take that Friday, Saturday and Sunday off and go up there and enjoy your weekend. I can handle things here."
"I'm not going", says Mulder. "You can't *make* me."
"Do I have to go up there with you and hold your hand?", asks Scully.
"That would be nice of you Scully", says Mulder. "It would only be three days."
"Aha! So you will go if I go with you?", accuses Scully.
"Well, I suppose you *could* twist my arm", replies Mulder sheepishly.
Scully gives him a look before she sits down and pulls out the response card. She picks up a pen and fills in that there will be two attending. Just as she is about to write in their names on the nametag request line Mulder interrupts her.
"Ah, Scully before you finish filling that out I think I need to tell you something. I'm kinda glad that you're sitting down because you may not be happy with what I'm going to tell you", says Mulder looking at the floor as he picks at his fingernails.
"What? What is going to be so bad about spending three days with you at your class reunion?", asks Scully her pen in midair.
"Well there is my old basketball teammate, David Anderson. We kinda had a little wager on graduation day", says Mulder. "Its not a big deal, but it will affect you and your decision on attending."
"Okay Mulder, out with it", says Scully staring at him.
"I bet David on graduation day that I'd get married before him", replies Mulder.
"So? You lost, you'll have to pay up", replies Scully starting to write again.
"I bet him $10,000", says Mulder his voice cracking slightly.
"What! Thats the craziest thing I ever heard!", says Scully. "You definitely better not go to the reunion unless you are sure that David is not married."
"I was just procrastinating about not going. The truth is Scully is that there is another bet", says Mulder.
"Oh God, it gets worse?", says Scully.
"I bet him $20,000 that I would attend every reunion. I have to go, but I just read in my last school newsletter that a catastrophe has happened", says Mulder.
"What? Did he get into an accident or had a death in the family?", asks Scully.
"No, he got engaged", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, you are screwed", says Scully.
"Scully, do you think you could......", asks Mulder.
"No, don't even think it", replies Scully.
"Pose as my....", continues Mulder.
"Wife? Don't make me laugh", says Scully.
"It would mean David would lose. I'd split the $10,000 with you", offers Mulder. Scully taps her pen a moment.
"Separate rooms, no kissing in public, no honeys and ......", says Scully.
"You can keep your maiden name", finishes Mulder.
"That too, but its got to be a carot", says Scully.
"Zirconia", says Mulder.
"Whatever", says Scully.
Part 2
Three weeks later:
"We're only going for three days Scully, not three weeks", says Mulder as he tosses her suitcase into the trunk of their sedan.
"You didn't elaborate on how formal of an event this is Mulder, I had to bring a variety of clothes to fit every occasion", says Scully as they get into the car and fasten their seatbelts.
Mulder puts on his sunglasses and starts the car. "Most of the weekend we're on our own. Tonight there's a pig roast at the old high school and tomorrow night is the actual reunion at the Sheraton, thats where most everyone is staying, including us", replies Mulder as he pulls into traffic.
"Pig roast?", asks Scully with a questioning look in her eye.
"Its a tradition, don't knock it until you try it Scully", replies Mulder.
Scully sighs and faces forward as she opens a copy of "National Geographic". "So how dress-up is this reunion? And....I'm not talking about the pig roast Mulder", says Scully flipping a page.
"Its black tie", says Mulder. "I've got my tux in the back. I'm just hoping that someone doesn't decide to tricky string me or something, its rented."
"Mulder!", exclaims Scully. "Thank God I packed a formal, otherwise I'd look like a fool. You are the most laid back person I know. When were you going to tell me this? I suppose you figured you'd be running me to Macy's an hour before the reunion?"
"Well actually there is a huge mall about twenty minutes from the hotel", replies Mulder in a joking voice.
"For once in your life will you be serious?", asks Scully.
"I'm sorry I *offended* you", replies Mulder sarcastically as he drives. "Apparently this weekend is starting off with a great start. No one is going to suspect anything. We sound like we've been married about ten years."
"Try five", replies Scully. "Which reminds me, we've got to get our stories straight so no catches on. What do you do for a living?"
"Thats not a secret, everyone knows I joined the FBI after graduating from Oxford", replies Mulder. "We have to think up something to come up with your background though."
"Can't we just tell them we met at work", asks Scully. "Or are you embarrassed to tell people that your wife is an agent too?"
"No, I suppose we could do that, but I just didn't want to raise any red flags", says Mulder. "It would be easier to just say that you're a forensics pathologist for the FBI and you teach at Quantico." Scully frowns. "I mean it isn't exactly a lie, its just stretching the truth."
"So you are saying you don't want anyone to know I'm your partner too?", asks Scully.
"I don't think that would be a good idea. Besides no one would believe that the government would allow a husband and wife to be partnered together", says Mulder.
"You're right Mulder. I didn't think of that", replies Scully. "Okay, so I teach at Quantico while you save the world from aliens."
"Actually I don't want to elaborate on what exactly I do in the FBI. I was hoping it wouldn't really come up. If it does though I want you to just tell people I work in Violent Crimes. I have enough problems with my reputation at work, I don't need these people referring to me as "Spooky" and reminding me about it at my fiftieth reunion", replies Mulder.
"Okay, so where do we live?", asks Scully.
"Alexandria", says Mulder stopping at a traffic light.
"Do we have any hobbies?", asks Scully pulling a notebook out of her purse.
"We golf, play bridge and collect antiques", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, no one in their right mind is going to believe this. You're making us sound like.."
"Rob and Laura Petrie?", asks Mulder.
"Something like that", says Scully. "What about kids? Are we pretending that we left them home with the nanny or hasn't Fox, Jr. been born yet?"
"Um, I haven't thought of that. I think that would be hard for you to talk about. We don't have any children and don't have any immediate plans of building the Mulder family tree", says Mulder.
"We're going to sound like snobs Mulder. Our profiles sound like a couple who belong to a country club and their entertainment is going to art museums and wine tasting events. Can't we be more normal?"
"I don't know what normal is", replies Mulder. "Besides, if we act better than anyone else people won't want to talk to us because of our obnoxious attitudes. Which reminds me", he suddenly pulls over to the side of the freeway and stops the car. "We may as well get used to wearing these." He pulls open a small ring box and pulls out three rings.
Grinning, Mulder grabs Scully's left hand before she can protest. "Okay, will you marry me Dana? Yes? I'm ecstatic." He then puts a two carot diamond on Scully's ring finger. Before she can open her mouth to say anything he interrupts her. "I take Dana Katherine Scully to be my lawfully wedded wife....yada, yada, yada.........I do." He slips a diamond wedding band on her finger and blows her a kiss after which he quickly slips a gold band on his own finger and drives the car back into traffic.
"Mulder, you wouldn't know romance if it came down and attacked you", says Scully sarcastically as she twirls the rings on her finger. "These rings look too real Mulder and they are way too flashy."
"We've got to stick to our profiles Scully. Oh, and the reason they look real is because they are. Just be careful they're rented too."
"Oh brother, how did I get talked into this?", says Scully as she stares out the window at the passing trees.
Part 3
Mulder carries their luggage through the revolving door with Scully following him. Walking across the marble flooring he stops at the desk and sets the bags down.
"We're here for the class reunion", says Mulder.
"Oh yes, name please", says the clerk whose tag reads 'Rick'.
"Mulder. There should actually be two rooms", says Mulder pulling out his wallet to get his credit card as Rick looks it up in the computer.
Scully leans against the counter and takes in the surroundings. She thinks to herself what a fancy hotel it is. Sadly she wishes things could be different as she looks down at "her" rings and twists them around her finger. She looks up to see Mulder staring at her.
"Are they too small?", he asks her.
"No, I'm just tired I guess", replies Scully looking away and turning to look at Rick as he frowns at the computer.
"There may be a problem", says Rick.
"What?", asks Scully standing on her tiptoes to attempt to look at the computer screen.
"Did you register through the reunion chairman?", asks Rick looking at Mulder and Scully.
"Yeah, we mailed it in, but I specified that we wanted two rooms", says Mulder.
"He snores", says Scully giving Mulder a sideways look.
Rick clears his throat and looks back at the screen. "Well apparently they must have thought it was a mistake because I have only one room registered to a Fox and Dana Mulder. If there is a problem with this I can try to find you a second room."
"Please do", says Scully glaring at a smirking Mulder. "You find this funny don't you?", she whispers annoyingly.
"If you could only see your face right now", smiles Mulder as he looks at Rick giving them a funny look.
"Well this is the best I can do Mr. Mulder, I can put you in room 417, but Mrs. Mulder would be in room 892. Thats four floors away and in another wing."
"You don't have any connecting rooms?", asks Mulder.
"No I don't", says Rick.
Mulder turns to look at Scully. "Can I talk a moment with you *babe*."
"Of course *Poopyhead*", says Scully sarcastically as Mulder takes her by the elbow and leads her several feet away from Rick's prying ears.
"I want *separate* rooms Mulder. We'll have to wait until a cancellation", hisses Scully glancing over at Rick who is giving them a strange look. "We are *not* staying in the same room."
"Well we can't take the rooms they gave us. It will take too long to get back and forth between the two rooms. If Dave decides to just *show* up at "our" room and you're not there its going to be kinda difficult to call you on the phone and tell you to come down to "our" room because we've got a visitor. He is slick and I wouldn't put it past him to *check* up on me."
"Mulder....", says Scully.
"Oh crap, I don't believe this. Here comes Dave now", says Mulder as he watches a tall
man with thinning black hair walk into the lobby followed by a short woman with blond shoulder length hair. Mulder turns quickly, but its too late as he hears.
"Fox! Fox Mulder, is that you?"
"Yeah, its me Dave", cringes Mulder as Dave punches Mulder in the arm.
"Whats it been? Five years now? Hows life in the *FBI*?", asks Dave giving Scully a once over.
"Its *AOK*", jokes Mulder giving Scully an apologizing look.
"Well is this Mrs. Mulder?", asks Dave leaning in toward Scully.
"Actually its Dana Scully.......Dana Scully-Mulder", says Scully linking her arm through Mulder's and putting herself slightly behind him.
"Shes quite a catch there Fox. You've done well for yourself." Mulder turns a slight shade of pink.
"Is this your fiancee?", asks Mulder quickly.
"Yep, this is Gina", replies Dave putting his arm around Gina and pulling her forward. Gina smiles and nods. "So you guys staying here?"
"Yeah, we're working on our reservation", says Mulder sheepishly. "They screwed it up and now I'm not sure whats to going to happen."
"Hey Fox, I've got a great idea. Joe Malone and I had chipped in and got the penthouse for the weekend. Its a two master bedroom suite. He canceled but its all paid for. Doesn't make sense that only half of it gets used. What do you say?"
"Um....I don't think that .....", says Mulder nervously looking at Scully.
"Ah, what are friends for", says Dave walking backwards toward the desk. "Ill let the clerk know everything is all worked out." He walks to the desk and comes back with two room keys. One he hands to Mulder who just stares at it a moment before looking at a glaring Scully.
"Is there a problem Fox?", asks Dave.
"No", replies Scully for him. "Nothing that can't be worked out."
"Good", replies Dave beaming as he signals a bellhop with a cart. Mulder and Dave pile the luggage on the cart. Dave and Gina follow the bellhop to the elevator while Scully and Mulder stand a moment.
"Nice going", says Scully walking toward the elevator. Mulder slowly follows her.
Part 4
In the elevator:
"Your keys also fit in this small slot here", says the bellhop sliding a card into a slot in the elevator. "The only people that can get to your level is those who hold keys and housekeeping."
"I feel like Frank Sinatra", says Mulder glancing over at Scully who is chewing her lip.
Just then the door slides open and the four of them follow the bellhop off of the elevator which enters directly into the sunken living room of their suite.
"This here is the living room", says the bellhop. "Theres a mini-bar over there in the corner and a control panel over there on the south wall. Press #1 and its an intercom to the front desk, press #2 and a 60" tv comes down out of the ceiling with over 150 channels. Over on the north wall is the controls to the AC and a stereo system that plays over 50 stations with divided coverage for all three zones. Theres a balcony out here", he continues as he walks over to the far side of the room. He opens up the curtains and opens the sliding glass door. "There is a table out here, so if you would like room service to deliver they would be more than happy to bring you anything you would like. Lastly, through here is one of the master bedrooms. Each room comes with a large color tv with the same coverage as the living room, king size bed, shower and whirlpool tub."
"All the comforts of home, huh Scul... Dana", says Mulder putting his arm around Scully. She gives him an annoyed look as the bellhop walks out the door followed by Dave and Gina.
"Well, since you seem to be pleased with this room you guys can have it. Gina and I will take the other one", says Dave winking at Mulder before exiting the room.
Scully pulls away from Mulder. Pointing her finger in his face she glares at him. "What the hell were you thinking? How are we going to survive staying here with them for three days and two nights without them finding out that we're not married?"
"They're never going to find out Scully, just play along", replies Mulder grinning.
"Where the hell are you going to sleep?", asks Scully crossing her arms across her chest and tapping her foot.
"In bed", says Mulder.
"Not this one", replies Scully pointing to the bed. "Thats your problem, not mine. You're the one who decided to take up Dave's hospitality and stay here in the Penthouse Tower."
"Where do you think I'm going to sleep?", asks Mulder.
"In the chair, on the floor, in the bathtub, I don't care as long as its not in here", says Scully.
"Is there a problem in here folks? It sounds like theres trouble in paradise", says Dave carrying in Mulder and Scully's suitcases and setting them down just inside the door.
"Theres no problem Dave, thank you for bringing in our luggage. Mul....Fox and I were just trying to figure out......."
"Our sleeping arrangements. Dana here likes to sleep on the side nearest to the bathroom, isn't that right *honey*?"
"Thats right *Spooky*", replies Scully beaming at him.
"Spooky? What kinda nickname is that?", asks Dave.
"Its a long story", says Mulder. "I'd rather not get into it right now", he says giving Scully an annoyed look.
"Well Gina and I are going to unpack and then head down to the pool. Care to join us?"
"I don't think that......", starts Scully.
"Sure, we'll be right down", says Mulder quickly. "Just give us time to unpack, grab our suits and we'll meet ya."
"Great", says Dave as he walks out shutting the door behind him.
"What?", asks Mulder as Scully grabs her suitcase and throws it on the bed.
"I can't believe you just did that", replies Scully opening up her suitcase and taking out her makeup bag.
"Did what?", asks Mulder following her into the bathroom.
"We're here only twenty minutes and we're not only rooming with your friends, but now we've got to go the pool with them", asks Scully tossing the makeup bag next to the sink and turning she leans back against it. Crossing her arms across her chest she shakes her head. "I don't know about this Mulder. This is going too far."
"Didn't bring a swimsuit Scully?", asks Mulder. "Twenty minutes to Macy's."
"No, I hate to admit it, but yes I brought a swimsuit although I never thought I would actually use it ", replies Scully pushing past Mulder back into the bedroom. She starts removing clothes from the suitcase and putting them into a drawer. Mulder switches on the tv to a Knicks game before he tosses his own suitcase on the bed. He puts away all of his clothes and carefully hangs up a suit and tuxedo in the closet next to Scully's gown and dresses. He then walks back to his drawer to pull out his swim trunks. Scully arranges her shoes at the bottom of the closet and turns around to find Mulder shirtless and unzipping his pants.
"What are you doing!", she exclaims.
"I'm getting dressed to go swimming", he replies.
"You're getting undressed in the open", says Scully turning a slight shade of pink. "Go in the bathroom to change. I'll get dressed out here. Just tell me when you're ready to come out."
"I didn't know my body was so repulsive", replies Mulder grabbing his green plaid swim trunks and walking past her into the bathroom.
"You're body is not repulsive Mulder", says Scully.
"Oh, so you have noticed my body", replies Mulder as he shuts the door.
"In your dreams mister, and don't think you're going to get into my good graces. Get used to the bathroom, cause you'll be sleeping there", says Scully sitting down on the bed facing the door to the bathroom. She quickly changes into a two piece electric blue suit that once its on she regrets bringing it. She puts on a cover-up with sandals and waits for Mulder.
"Are you decent?", asks Mulder from the other side of the door.
"Yes, thank you for asking first", replies Scully as the door opens. Mulder comes out carrying a couple of towels. Grabbing the key off of the bureau, he then shuts off the tv.
"You all set Scully?", asks Mulder.
"Yes, and you've got to stop calling me Scully or they're going to suspect", says Scully. "Although I'm having a problem remembering to call you Fox." Mulder nods and walks out the door of the bedroom into the living room. Scully follows behind. On the coffee table is a tray of sandwiches. Mulder takes one and takes a bite. He wrinkles his nose as spits out the piece in his hand.
"I think this has gone bad. It tastes bitter and its only egg salad. I better leave a note to tell Dave and Gina not to eat it", says Mulder picking up a notepad and scribbling a message on it."
Scully picks up another sandwich and smells it. "It doesn't smell like its gone bad."
"Trust me, it tastes terrible. I'm starving, but we better try to get something downstairs", says Mulder leading Scully to the elevator by the small of her back. They wait for the elevator which finally comes.
"We could really screw up this hotel if say we did this.....", says Mulder flipping the emergency stop button. The elevator jerks to a stop.
"Mulder, stop acting like a immature adolescent and turn that back on", warns Scully.
"Come on Scully, its a class reunion. I've got to have something to tell my grandkids about someday", says Mulder as the emergency phone starts to ring. Picking up the phone he answers it, "Dominoes, we deliver. No, yeah its really the Penthouse elevator. Me and the Mrs. were just having a little fun. We're newlyweds, you know how it is. I understand, okay no problem", he replies as he switches back on the elevator and hangs up the phone.
"What did you just tell them", asks Scully accusingly.
"I told them we were getting it on in the elevator", replies Mulder looking at the ceiling. Scully punches him hard in the arm.
"Oww! Spousal abuse!", whines Mulder.
"I'll show you spousal abuse", says Scully holding her fist in Mulder's face just as the elevator opens to a crowd of people. They gape at Scully.
"Excuse me", says Scully getting out of the elevator. Mulder follows behind her not meeting anyone's eye.
"You can see who wears the pants in that marriage", replies one woman to another as they get onto the elevator.
Part 5
At the indoor pool:
"Hey great! You guys made it", says Dave from a deck chair. He sips a mixed drink as Gina reads a copy of "Cosmopolitan". Dave is wearing a pair of red swim trunks while Gina wears a gold bikini. Scully gives the unsuspecting Mulder an annoyed look as he blatantly stares at Ginas's tanned body.
"Sorry we took so long", replies Scully walking in front of Mulder and dropping her cover-up she takes the chair next to Gina. Mulder glances from Gina to Scully. His mouth drops open before he turns his back and takes the seat next to Dave.
"You've got yourself a great little gal there pal. Where did you two ever meet", asks Dave taking another sip of his drink.
"Ah, work actually. She works out of Quantico and I'm over there periodically picking up test results and such. She conducted a few of the autopsies on a serial murder I was working on. In one way I'm sorry so many people were murdered, but then on the other hand I'm glad that the killer gave me an excuse to keep going back. We didn't hit it off too well at first. I mean her explanations were a little too clear-cut for me, but I won her over with a smile and well, the rest is history", says Mulder grinning at Dave.
"Always had a way with the ladies", says Dave. "I'm just surprised that you didn't settle down sooner."
"I guess I just hadn't met the right one', says Mulder as a waitress comes up and offers him a drink. He orders a screwdriver before he turns back to Dave. "So where did you meet Gina?"
"Ah, actually it was a blind date", says Dave. "A buddy of mine was dating her best friend and well he suggested we go out on a double date. Lets just say that it was love at first sight. The next date we went by ourselves and well three months later we were engaged."
"Whens the wedding?", asks Mulder.
"Next June", says Dave coughing and then averting his eyes from Mulder. "So how long have you and Dana been married? The last reunion you brought what was her name?"
"Diana", winces Mulder. "It just didn't work out. Shes too controlling. I like a smart woman, but she made me feel like I wasn't doing my job right. We worked together and I guess I just saw her too much."
"Yeah, I can't imagine working all day with someone and then having to go home with them", replies Dave. "It could get real boring fast."
Mulder nods but glances over at Scully talking to Gina. 'Or it could be wonderful', thinks Mulder to himself.
Meanwhile:
"So where did you meet Fox?", asks Gina.
"Oh, well I work at Quantico", replies Scully carefully. "Mul.....Fox works with the Violent Crimes division. He needed an opinion on a case and usually my supervisor works with the agents. In this case he wasn't available, so I assisted him with some field work regarding a suicide case that looked suspiciously like a homicide."
"Really?", says Gina. "How can you work with all those dead people and blood?", continues Gina making a face.
"Well, it wasn't my first choice in medical school, but I figure that the living get enough answers to why they're sick. The dead deserve answers too", replies Scully. "Working with the FBI has been the best decision I've ever made." She glances over at Mulder talking to Dave.
"Well you obviously got a lot out of the deal, didn't you", winks Gina.
After a while Dave challenges Mulder to a few laps in the pool which Mulder eagerly accepts. Gina and Scully sit on the edge and dangle their toes into the deep end. After a while Scully glances up and notices the pool area is getting rather crowded, but doesn't see Mulder or Dave anywhere. All of a sudden there is a huge splash just in front of the two women and they're both pulled in the pool by their ankles. Scully swallows a mouthful of water and coughs as she surfaces.
"Mulder!!!!!!!!!", she yells.
Gina and Dave give her a questioning look as Scully realizing her error hangs onto the side of the pool. Mulder paddles up next to her.
"Why did you just call him by his last name?", asks Gina frowning.
"We work for the FBI", says Scully. "I've called him Mulder so long, sometimes I forget."
"She's called me worse", replies Mulder wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her to him. She gives him a warning look.
"Yeah, I know how that can be", says Dave glancing at his watch. "Wow, look at the time.
I still want to shower and rest up a bit before tonight" He climbs out of the pool and Gina follows.
"Get your paws off of me", hisses Scully.
"You said no kissing. You didn't say anything about hugging or cuddling", replies Mulder whispering in her ear.
"Do you want a black eye?", asks Scully softly. She shivers from Mulder's breath on her neck.
"Scully you are not treating your *husband* very nicely", says Mulder.
"We are *not* married Mulder, so let go of me", says Scully. She pulls away and crawls out of the pool.
"Well since we're *not* married you're still single. So I can tell you that you look rather ravishing in that little blue number", he says looking up at her as she stands on the edge of the pool.
She blushes slightly. "You're just saying that Mulder, you don't really mean it."
"I *never* say things I don't mean Scully. They just get interpreted wrong. Think about it", says Mulder getting out of the pool he notices Dave watching them. "Come on babe, we've got to get going!", says Mulder slapping Scully on the behind as he walks by. Scully gives him a glare, but then it softens into a smile.
I wrote Seventy-Two Hours, Secret Admirer, Bluff Creek and Mulder's Island, Class Reunion and Apple for the Teacher so I've written some fanfic in the past. I had previously posted it a couple years ago on Fox's X-Files message board. This story is based around Mulder's 20th high school class reunion.
Part 1
Its Friday morning and Scully wanders into the office that she shares with her partner, Fox Mulder. She flips a light on in the dark office and then tosses her purse and keys on her table. She glances at her watch, frowning at the time and wondering why Mulder has not arrived yet for work. Yawning, she saunters over to her partner's desk and sits down. Picking up a book lying open she glances over a story describing a woman's encounter with a froglike creature. She rolls her eyes as she tosses it aside and then focused on a pile of mail and interoffice envelopes. An envelope with the return address of Chillmark HS Class of 78' catches her eye. Hearing footsteps she drops it back to the desk.
"I hear steam works the best", says an amused Mulder as he stands in front of his desk.
"I was just killing time Mulder, why were you late?", asks Scully in embarrassment.
"My alarm clock decided to quit this morning", replies Mulder picking up his pile of mail and scanning through it. He reaches the envelope that Scully had been intrigued by and after glancing at it quickly he tosses it into the garbage.
"Mulder, why are you throwing that away? Isn't that from your high school?", asks Scully in amazement.
"Um, yeah I guess so", replies Mulder in a bored voice as he opens an interoffice envelope and glances over a couple of crime scene photographs.
"Well, why are they sending you an envelope?", asks Scully.
"I don't know, maybe they are looking for contributions for new cheerleader uniforms or something", replies Mulder walking over and sitting on the edge of her table.
"Aren't you even going to open it Mulder", asks Scully.
"No", says Mulder.
"Well if you won't, I will", says Scully pulling the envelope out of the trash. Mulder immediately hops off of his perch and dashes over to her side. Pulling the envelope out of her hand he grins at her.
"Its not important Scully, trust me. They're just looking for an annual contribution and I already sent them my customary ten bucks. They've been trying to get me to up it to fifteen for years", says Mulder about to throw it in the garbage again.
"I'll pay the fifteen if thats what it takes to get you to let me open that envelope", says Scully grabbing it out of his hand. Before he realizes it she has it ripped open. Her mouth drops open before she starts to grin ear from ear. "Your presence is cordially requested at the 20th Class Reunion of the Graduating Class of 1978, Chillmark High School? Mulder, its your class reunion and you were going to throw this away? You are going aren't you?"
Mulder grabs it back out of her hand and stares at it a moment. "No, I wouldn't dream of going back there and rubbing shoulders with people that wouldn't even talk to me in high school. Name tags, old yearbook photos, reminiscing of embarrassing stories. Most of the guys will have graying hair.....or no hair. The women will probably all be about 50 lbs. overweight and will be telling everyone 'you haven't changed a bit' while they whisper to everyone else how 'they can't believe how Helen has let herself go'. No, thats not for me Scully."
"Mulder, I think you should go. You've got to do something besides.....this", she holds up her hands and motions to his messy office. "There must be some people you would like to see after all these years?"
"Well there was one teacher that I did have a little crush on", admits Mulder.
"A teacher? You had a crush on the teacher Mulder", asks Scully in disbelief.
"I was a mature thinking kid, what do you want?", says Mulder. He starts to count on his fingers. "Trouble is I probably wouldn't recognize her now, she is probably around sixty now.
"Oh I wouldn't give up Mulder. If you went you may luck out. She may be a rich old widow now with a fat Social Security check", jokes Scully. Mulder gives her a sarcastic look.
"I wouldn't want to overwhelm everyone. I want to keep a low profile and I think that when people find out that I'm attending they'll feel like their lives haven't turned out as exciting as they could have. I don't want to throw my success in other's faces Scully", says Mulder.
"Mulder, you are afraid to face those people aren't you", accuses Scully.
"No, I have nothing to be embarrassed about Scully. My life has turned out.......just the way I ah, expected it to."
"Then you have nothing to worry about", says Scully standing up and walking up to him. She grabs the invitation and holds it behind her back. "I am filling out this response card and mailing it in. I suggest, no I demand that you take that Friday, Saturday and Sunday off and go up there and enjoy your weekend. I can handle things here."
"I'm not going", says Mulder. "You can't *make* me."
"Do I have to go up there with you and hold your hand?", asks Scully.
"That would be nice of you Scully", says Mulder. "It would only be three days."
"Aha! So you will go if I go with you?", accuses Scully.
"Well, I suppose you *could* twist my arm", replies Mulder sheepishly.
Scully gives him a look before she sits down and pulls out the response card. She picks up a pen and fills in that there will be two attending. Just as she is about to write in their names on the nametag request line Mulder interrupts her.
"Ah, Scully before you finish filling that out I think I need to tell you something. I'm kinda glad that you're sitting down because you may not be happy with what I'm going to tell you", says Mulder looking at the floor as he picks at his fingernails.
"What? What is going to be so bad about spending three days with you at your class reunion?", asks Scully her pen in midair.
"Well there is my old basketball teammate, David Anderson. We kinda had a little wager on graduation day", says Mulder. "Its not a big deal, but it will affect you and your decision on attending."
"Okay Mulder, out with it", says Scully staring at him.
"I bet David on graduation day that I'd get married before him", replies Mulder.
"So? You lost, you'll have to pay up", replies Scully starting to write again.
"I bet him $10,000", says Mulder his voice cracking slightly.
"What! Thats the craziest thing I ever heard!", says Scully. "You definitely better not go to the reunion unless you are sure that David is not married."
"I was just procrastinating about not going. The truth is Scully is that there is another bet", says Mulder.
"Oh God, it gets worse?", says Scully.
"I bet him $20,000 that I would attend every reunion. I have to go, but I just read in my last school newsletter that a catastrophe has happened", says Mulder.
"What? Did he get into an accident or had a death in the family?", asks Scully.
"No, he got engaged", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, you are screwed", says Scully.
"Scully, do you think you could......", asks Mulder.
"No, don't even think it", replies Scully.
"Pose as my....", continues Mulder.
"Wife? Don't make me laugh", says Scully.
"It would mean David would lose. I'd split the $10,000 with you", offers Mulder. Scully taps her pen a moment.
"Separate rooms, no kissing in public, no honeys and ......", says Scully.
"You can keep your maiden name", finishes Mulder.
"That too, but its got to be a carot", says Scully.
"Zirconia", says Mulder.
"Whatever", says Scully.
Part 2
Three weeks later:
"We're only going for three days Scully, not three weeks", says Mulder as he tosses her suitcase into the trunk of their sedan.
"You didn't elaborate on how formal of an event this is Mulder, I had to bring a variety of clothes to fit every occasion", says Scully as they get into the car and fasten their seatbelts.
Mulder puts on his sunglasses and starts the car. "Most of the weekend we're on our own. Tonight there's a pig roast at the old high school and tomorrow night is the actual reunion at the Sheraton, thats where most everyone is staying, including us", replies Mulder as he pulls into traffic.
"Pig roast?", asks Scully with a questioning look in her eye.
"Its a tradition, don't knock it until you try it Scully", replies Mulder.
Scully sighs and faces forward as she opens a copy of "National Geographic". "So how dress-up is this reunion? And....I'm not talking about the pig roast Mulder", says Scully flipping a page.
"Its black tie", says Mulder. "I've got my tux in the back. I'm just hoping that someone doesn't decide to tricky string me or something, its rented."
"Mulder!", exclaims Scully. "Thank God I packed a formal, otherwise I'd look like a fool. You are the most laid back person I know. When were you going to tell me this? I suppose you figured you'd be running me to Macy's an hour before the reunion?"
"Well actually there is a huge mall about twenty minutes from the hotel", replies Mulder in a joking voice.
"For once in your life will you be serious?", asks Scully.
"I'm sorry I *offended* you", replies Mulder sarcastically as he drives. "Apparently this weekend is starting off with a great start. No one is going to suspect anything. We sound like we've been married about ten years."
"Try five", replies Scully. "Which reminds me, we've got to get our stories straight so no catches on. What do you do for a living?"
"Thats not a secret, everyone knows I joined the FBI after graduating from Oxford", replies Mulder. "We have to think up something to come up with your background though."
"Can't we just tell them we met at work", asks Scully. "Or are you embarrassed to tell people that your wife is an agent too?"
"No, I suppose we could do that, but I just didn't want to raise any red flags", says Mulder. "It would be easier to just say that you're a forensics pathologist for the FBI and you teach at Quantico." Scully frowns. "I mean it isn't exactly a lie, its just stretching the truth."
"So you are saying you don't want anyone to know I'm your partner too?", asks Scully.
"I don't think that would be a good idea. Besides no one would believe that the government would allow a husband and wife to be partnered together", says Mulder.
"You're right Mulder. I didn't think of that", replies Scully. "Okay, so I teach at Quantico while you save the world from aliens."
"Actually I don't want to elaborate on what exactly I do in the FBI. I was hoping it wouldn't really come up. If it does though I want you to just tell people I work in Violent Crimes. I have enough problems with my reputation at work, I don't need these people referring to me as "Spooky" and reminding me about it at my fiftieth reunion", replies Mulder.
"Okay, so where do we live?", asks Scully.
"Alexandria", says Mulder stopping at a traffic light.
"Do we have any hobbies?", asks Scully pulling a notebook out of her purse.
"We golf, play bridge and collect antiques", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, no one in their right mind is going to believe this. You're making us sound like.."
"Rob and Laura Petrie?", asks Mulder.
"Something like that", says Scully. "What about kids? Are we pretending that we left them home with the nanny or hasn't Fox, Jr. been born yet?"
"Um, I haven't thought of that. I think that would be hard for you to talk about. We don't have any children and don't have any immediate plans of building the Mulder family tree", says Mulder.
"We're going to sound like snobs Mulder. Our profiles sound like a couple who belong to a country club and their entertainment is going to art museums and wine tasting events. Can't we be more normal?"
"I don't know what normal is", replies Mulder. "Besides, if we act better than anyone else people won't want to talk to us because of our obnoxious attitudes. Which reminds me", he suddenly pulls over to the side of the freeway and stops the car. "We may as well get used to wearing these." He pulls open a small ring box and pulls out three rings.
Grinning, Mulder grabs Scully's left hand before she can protest. "Okay, will you marry me Dana? Yes? I'm ecstatic." He then puts a two carot diamond on Scully's ring finger. Before she can open her mouth to say anything he interrupts her. "I take Dana Katherine Scully to be my lawfully wedded wife....yada, yada, yada.........I do." He slips a diamond wedding band on her finger and blows her a kiss after which he quickly slips a gold band on his own finger and drives the car back into traffic.
"Mulder, you wouldn't know romance if it came down and attacked you", says Scully sarcastically as she twirls the rings on her finger. "These rings look too real Mulder and they are way too flashy."
"We've got to stick to our profiles Scully. Oh, and the reason they look real is because they are. Just be careful they're rented too."
"Oh brother, how did I get talked into this?", says Scully as she stares out the window at the passing trees.
Part 3
Mulder carries their luggage through the revolving door with Scully following him. Walking across the marble flooring he stops at the desk and sets the bags down.
"We're here for the class reunion", says Mulder.
"Oh yes, name please", says the clerk whose tag reads 'Rick'.
"Mulder. There should actually be two rooms", says Mulder pulling out his wallet to get his credit card as Rick looks it up in the computer.
Scully leans against the counter and takes in the surroundings. She thinks to herself what a fancy hotel it is. Sadly she wishes things could be different as she looks down at "her" rings and twists them around her finger. She looks up to see Mulder staring at her.
"Are they too small?", he asks her.
"No, I'm just tired I guess", replies Scully looking away and turning to look at Rick as he frowns at the computer.
"There may be a problem", says Rick.
"What?", asks Scully standing on her tiptoes to attempt to look at the computer screen.
"Did you register through the reunion chairman?", asks Rick looking at Mulder and Scully.
"Yeah, we mailed it in, but I specified that we wanted two rooms", says Mulder.
"He snores", says Scully giving Mulder a sideways look.
Rick clears his throat and looks back at the screen. "Well apparently they must have thought it was a mistake because I have only one room registered to a Fox and Dana Mulder. If there is a problem with this I can try to find you a second room."
"Please do", says Scully glaring at a smirking Mulder. "You find this funny don't you?", she whispers annoyingly.
"If you could only see your face right now", smiles Mulder as he looks at Rick giving them a funny look.
"Well this is the best I can do Mr. Mulder, I can put you in room 417, but Mrs. Mulder would be in room 892. Thats four floors away and in another wing."
"You don't have any connecting rooms?", asks Mulder.
"No I don't", says Rick.
Mulder turns to look at Scully. "Can I talk a moment with you *babe*."
"Of course *Poopyhead*", says Scully sarcastically as Mulder takes her by the elbow and leads her several feet away from Rick's prying ears.
"I want *separate* rooms Mulder. We'll have to wait until a cancellation", hisses Scully glancing over at Rick who is giving them a strange look. "We are *not* staying in the same room."
"Well we can't take the rooms they gave us. It will take too long to get back and forth between the two rooms. If Dave decides to just *show* up at "our" room and you're not there its going to be kinda difficult to call you on the phone and tell you to come down to "our" room because we've got a visitor. He is slick and I wouldn't put it past him to *check* up on me."
"Mulder....", says Scully.
"Oh crap, I don't believe this. Here comes Dave now", says Mulder as he watches a tall
man with thinning black hair walk into the lobby followed by a short woman with blond shoulder length hair. Mulder turns quickly, but its too late as he hears.
"Fox! Fox Mulder, is that you?"
"Yeah, its me Dave", cringes Mulder as Dave punches Mulder in the arm.
"Whats it been? Five years now? Hows life in the *FBI*?", asks Dave giving Scully a once over.
"Its *AOK*", jokes Mulder giving Scully an apologizing look.
"Well is this Mrs. Mulder?", asks Dave leaning in toward Scully.
"Actually its Dana Scully.......Dana Scully-Mulder", says Scully linking her arm through Mulder's and putting herself slightly behind him.
"Shes quite a catch there Fox. You've done well for yourself." Mulder turns a slight shade of pink.
"Is this your fiancee?", asks Mulder quickly.
"Yep, this is Gina", replies Dave putting his arm around Gina and pulling her forward. Gina smiles and nods. "So you guys staying here?"
"Yeah, we're working on our reservation", says Mulder sheepishly. "They screwed it up and now I'm not sure whats to going to happen."
"Hey Fox, I've got a great idea. Joe Malone and I had chipped in and got the penthouse for the weekend. Its a two master bedroom suite. He canceled but its all paid for. Doesn't make sense that only half of it gets used. What do you say?"
"Um....I don't think that .....", says Mulder nervously looking at Scully.
"Ah, what are friends for", says Dave walking backwards toward the desk. "Ill let the clerk know everything is all worked out." He walks to the desk and comes back with two room keys. One he hands to Mulder who just stares at it a moment before looking at a glaring Scully.
"Is there a problem Fox?", asks Dave.
"No", replies Scully for him. "Nothing that can't be worked out."
"Good", replies Dave beaming as he signals a bellhop with a cart. Mulder and Dave pile the luggage on the cart. Dave and Gina follow the bellhop to the elevator while Scully and Mulder stand a moment.
"Nice going", says Scully walking toward the elevator. Mulder slowly follows her.
Part 4
In the elevator:
"Your keys also fit in this small slot here", says the bellhop sliding a card into a slot in the elevator. "The only people that can get to your level is those who hold keys and housekeeping."
"I feel like Frank Sinatra", says Mulder glancing over at Scully who is chewing her lip.
Just then the door slides open and the four of them follow the bellhop off of the elevator which enters directly into the sunken living room of their suite.
"This here is the living room", says the bellhop. "Theres a mini-bar over there in the corner and a control panel over there on the south wall. Press #1 and its an intercom to the front desk, press #2 and a 60" tv comes down out of the ceiling with over 150 channels. Over on the north wall is the controls to the AC and a stereo system that plays over 50 stations with divided coverage for all three zones. Theres a balcony out here", he continues as he walks over to the far side of the room. He opens up the curtains and opens the sliding glass door. "There is a table out here, so if you would like room service to deliver they would be more than happy to bring you anything you would like. Lastly, through here is one of the master bedrooms. Each room comes with a large color tv with the same coverage as the living room, king size bed, shower and whirlpool tub."
"All the comforts of home, huh Scul... Dana", says Mulder putting his arm around Scully. She gives him an annoyed look as the bellhop walks out the door followed by Dave and Gina.
"Well, since you seem to be pleased with this room you guys can have it. Gina and I will take the other one", says Dave winking at Mulder before exiting the room.
Scully pulls away from Mulder. Pointing her finger in his face she glares at him. "What the hell were you thinking? How are we going to survive staying here with them for three days and two nights without them finding out that we're not married?"
"They're never going to find out Scully, just play along", replies Mulder grinning.
"Where the hell are you going to sleep?", asks Scully crossing her arms across her chest and tapping her foot.
"In bed", says Mulder.
"Not this one", replies Scully pointing to the bed. "Thats your problem, not mine. You're the one who decided to take up Dave's hospitality and stay here in the Penthouse Tower."
"Where do you think I'm going to sleep?", asks Mulder.
"In the chair, on the floor, in the bathtub, I don't care as long as its not in here", says Scully.
"Is there a problem in here folks? It sounds like theres trouble in paradise", says Dave carrying in Mulder and Scully's suitcases and setting them down just inside the door.
"Theres no problem Dave, thank you for bringing in our luggage. Mul....Fox and I were just trying to figure out......."
"Our sleeping arrangements. Dana here likes to sleep on the side nearest to the bathroom, isn't that right *honey*?"
"Thats right *Spooky*", replies Scully beaming at him.
"Spooky? What kinda nickname is that?", asks Dave.
"Its a long story", says Mulder. "I'd rather not get into it right now", he says giving Scully an annoyed look.
"Well Gina and I are going to unpack and then head down to the pool. Care to join us?"
"I don't think that......", starts Scully.
"Sure, we'll be right down", says Mulder quickly. "Just give us time to unpack, grab our suits and we'll meet ya."
"Great", says Dave as he walks out shutting the door behind him.
"What?", asks Mulder as Scully grabs her suitcase and throws it on the bed.
"I can't believe you just did that", replies Scully opening up her suitcase and taking out her makeup bag.
"Did what?", asks Mulder following her into the bathroom.
"We're here only twenty minutes and we're not only rooming with your friends, but now we've got to go the pool with them", asks Scully tossing the makeup bag next to the sink and turning she leans back against it. Crossing her arms across her chest she shakes her head. "I don't know about this Mulder. This is going too far."
"Didn't bring a swimsuit Scully?", asks Mulder. "Twenty minutes to Macy's."
"No, I hate to admit it, but yes I brought a swimsuit although I never thought I would actually use it ", replies Scully pushing past Mulder back into the bedroom. She starts removing clothes from the suitcase and putting them into a drawer. Mulder switches on the tv to a Knicks game before he tosses his own suitcase on the bed. He puts away all of his clothes and carefully hangs up a suit and tuxedo in the closet next to Scully's gown and dresses. He then walks back to his drawer to pull out his swim trunks. Scully arranges her shoes at the bottom of the closet and turns around to find Mulder shirtless and unzipping his pants.
"What are you doing!", she exclaims.
"I'm getting dressed to go swimming", he replies.
"You're getting undressed in the open", says Scully turning a slight shade of pink. "Go in the bathroom to change. I'll get dressed out here. Just tell me when you're ready to come out."
"I didn't know my body was so repulsive", replies Mulder grabbing his green plaid swim trunks and walking past her into the bathroom.
"You're body is not repulsive Mulder", says Scully.
"Oh, so you have noticed my body", replies Mulder as he shuts the door.
"In your dreams mister, and don't think you're going to get into my good graces. Get used to the bathroom, cause you'll be sleeping there", says Scully sitting down on the bed facing the door to the bathroom. She quickly changes into a two piece electric blue suit that once its on she regrets bringing it. She puts on a cover-up with sandals and waits for Mulder.
"Are you decent?", asks Mulder from the other side of the door.
"Yes, thank you for asking first", replies Scully as the door opens. Mulder comes out carrying a couple of towels. Grabbing the key off of the bureau, he then shuts off the tv.
"You all set Scully?", asks Mulder.
"Yes, and you've got to stop calling me Scully or they're going to suspect", says Scully. "Although I'm having a problem remembering to call you Fox." Mulder nods and walks out the door of the bedroom into the living room. Scully follows behind. On the coffee table is a tray of sandwiches. Mulder takes one and takes a bite. He wrinkles his nose as spits out the piece in his hand.
"I think this has gone bad. It tastes bitter and its only egg salad. I better leave a note to tell Dave and Gina not to eat it", says Mulder picking up a notepad and scribbling a message on it."
Scully picks up another sandwich and smells it. "It doesn't smell like its gone bad."
"Trust me, it tastes terrible. I'm starving, but we better try to get something downstairs", says Mulder leading Scully to the elevator by the small of her back. They wait for the elevator which finally comes.
"We could really screw up this hotel if say we did this.....", says Mulder flipping the emergency stop button. The elevator jerks to a stop.
"Mulder, stop acting like a immature adolescent and turn that back on", warns Scully.
"Come on Scully, its a class reunion. I've got to have something to tell my grandkids about someday", says Mulder as the emergency phone starts to ring. Picking up the phone he answers it, "Dominoes, we deliver. No, yeah its really the Penthouse elevator. Me and the Mrs. were just having a little fun. We're newlyweds, you know how it is. I understand, okay no problem", he replies as he switches back on the elevator and hangs up the phone.
"What did you just tell them", asks Scully accusingly.
"I told them we were getting it on in the elevator", replies Mulder looking at the ceiling. Scully punches him hard in the arm.
"Oww! Spousal abuse!", whines Mulder.
"I'll show you spousal abuse", says Scully holding her fist in Mulder's face just as the elevator opens to a crowd of people. They gape at Scully.
"Excuse me", says Scully getting out of the elevator. Mulder follows behind her not meeting anyone's eye.
"You can see who wears the pants in that marriage", replies one woman to another as they get onto the elevator.
Part 5
At the indoor pool:
"Hey great! You guys made it", says Dave from a deck chair. He sips a mixed drink as Gina reads a copy of "Cosmopolitan". Dave is wearing a pair of red swim trunks while Gina wears a gold bikini. Scully gives the unsuspecting Mulder an annoyed look as he blatantly stares at Ginas's tanned body.
"Sorry we took so long", replies Scully walking in front of Mulder and dropping her cover-up she takes the chair next to Gina. Mulder glances from Gina to Scully. His mouth drops open before he turns his back and takes the seat next to Dave.
"You've got yourself a great little gal there pal. Where did you two ever meet", asks Dave taking another sip of his drink.
"Ah, work actually. She works out of Quantico and I'm over there periodically picking up test results and such. She conducted a few of the autopsies on a serial murder I was working on. In one way I'm sorry so many people were murdered, but then on the other hand I'm glad that the killer gave me an excuse to keep going back. We didn't hit it off too well at first. I mean her explanations were a little too clear-cut for me, but I won her over with a smile and well, the rest is history", says Mulder grinning at Dave.
"Always had a way with the ladies", says Dave. "I'm just surprised that you didn't settle down sooner."
"I guess I just hadn't met the right one', says Mulder as a waitress comes up and offers him a drink. He orders a screwdriver before he turns back to Dave. "So where did you meet Gina?"
"Ah, actually it was a blind date", says Dave. "A buddy of mine was dating her best friend and well he suggested we go out on a double date. Lets just say that it was love at first sight. The next date we went by ourselves and well three months later we were engaged."
"Whens the wedding?", asks Mulder.
"Next June", says Dave coughing and then averting his eyes from Mulder. "So how long have you and Dana been married? The last reunion you brought what was her name?"
"Diana", winces Mulder. "It just didn't work out. Shes too controlling. I like a smart woman, but she made me feel like I wasn't doing my job right. We worked together and I guess I just saw her too much."
"Yeah, I can't imagine working all day with someone and then having to go home with them", replies Dave. "It could get real boring fast."
Mulder nods but glances over at Scully talking to Gina. 'Or it could be wonderful', thinks Mulder to himself.
Meanwhile:
"So where did you meet Fox?", asks Gina.
"Oh, well I work at Quantico", replies Scully carefully. "Mul.....Fox works with the Violent Crimes division. He needed an opinion on a case and usually my supervisor works with the agents. In this case he wasn't available, so I assisted him with some field work regarding a suicide case that looked suspiciously like a homicide."
"Really?", says Gina. "How can you work with all those dead people and blood?", continues Gina making a face.
"Well, it wasn't my first choice in medical school, but I figure that the living get enough answers to why they're sick. The dead deserve answers too", replies Scully. "Working with the FBI has been the best decision I've ever made." She glances over at Mulder talking to Dave.
"Well you obviously got a lot out of the deal, didn't you", winks Gina.
After a while Dave challenges Mulder to a few laps in the pool which Mulder eagerly accepts. Gina and Scully sit on the edge and dangle their toes into the deep end. After a while Scully glances up and notices the pool area is getting rather crowded, but doesn't see Mulder or Dave anywhere. All of a sudden there is a huge splash just in front of the two women and they're both pulled in the pool by their ankles. Scully swallows a mouthful of water and coughs as she surfaces.
"Mulder!!!!!!!!!", she yells.
Gina and Dave give her a questioning look as Scully realizing her error hangs onto the side of the pool. Mulder paddles up next to her.
"Why did you just call him by his last name?", asks Gina frowning.
"We work for the FBI", says Scully. "I've called him Mulder so long, sometimes I forget."
"She's called me worse", replies Mulder wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her to him. She gives him a warning look.
"Yeah, I know how that can be", says Dave glancing at his watch. "Wow, look at the time.
I still want to shower and rest up a bit before tonight" He climbs out of the pool and Gina follows.
"Get your paws off of me", hisses Scully.
"You said no kissing. You didn't say anything about hugging or cuddling", replies Mulder whispering in her ear.
"Do you want a black eye?", asks Scully softly. She shivers from Mulder's breath on her neck.
"Scully you are not treating your *husband* very nicely", says Mulder.
"We are *not* married Mulder, so let go of me", says Scully. She pulls away and crawls out of the pool.
"Well since we're *not* married you're still single. So I can tell you that you look rather ravishing in that little blue number", he says looking up at her as she stands on the edge of the pool.
She blushes slightly. "You're just saying that Mulder, you don't really mean it."
"I *never* say things I don't mean Scully. They just get interpreted wrong. Think about it", says Mulder getting out of the pool he notices Dave watching them. "Come on babe, we've got to get going!", says Mulder slapping Scully on the behind as he walks by. Scully gives him a glare, but then it softens into a smile.