Part 6
As the agents get off the plane in Los Angeles, California Mulder gives a wink to the blond stewardess that served them lunch and gives her his business card. As they walk out of the gate Scully grabs his elbow and says sarcastically, "What was that all about?"
"What was all what about?", he asks innocently.
"You know darn well what I mean", says Scully her eyes flashing.
"No Scully I have no idea what you are referring to and let go of my elbow. You're hurting me", replies Mulder with a deadpan face.
Scully looks down to her hand which has an iron grip on his elbow. She releases him. "You just tried to pick up some blond bimbo stewardess. A complete stranger Mulder. How can you be so shallow?"
"Shallow? I was only trying to meet people Scully. Besides, I can remember a certain redhead doing the same thing back in DC. What was his name now, Captain Carter?" Scully purses her lips and nods.
"But I did not give him my phone number. Mulder, we are on a case and I hope this little trip isn't an excuse to pick up chicks." At that moment the crew of the plane disembarks and the same stewardess walks by giving Mulder an appreciative look. Mulder smiles and nods back while Scully glares at her as she walks by. She notices that she has entered the nearby ladies' room.
"Mulder!", says Scully. "What the hell are you doing?"
Mulder looks down at Scully like he is seeing her for the first time. "What did you say Scully?"
Scully tosses her head and snorts. "Never mind Mulder. I can see your mind is silicone based."
"Scully, you're jealous", says Mulder looking amazed at her.
"In your dreams", says Scully. "Watch our luggage, I'm going to the ladies' room. I'll meet you in ten minutes." She walks away. Mulder can't hold back the laughter. He bites his finger as he watches her make her way toward the bathroom. Her steps are quick and he can see by her facial expression that she is ticked off. He decides to make his way to the men's room himself as he had one too many iced teas on the plane. He lugs the luggage with him.
Meanwhile Scully has entered the bathroom and after doing her business she approaches the sinks and washes her hands. She opens her purse as the stewardess approaches and the two of them stand there reapplying their makeup. Finally Scully can't handle it anymore.
"Listen here Sister, you know that Romeo that just gave you his business card?"
The stewardess looks over in surprise. "Yeah, he was a real dream", she replies.
"Well I just want to inform you that I'm his FBI partner and I want to give you a little insight."
"Oh really? What is he like", the stewardess asks with obvious interest.
"Well, he is already married and has three kids", blurts out Scully. "And he has some really perverse hobbies if you know what I mean."
"Really? He sounds like a dog. Thanks for warning me", says the stewardess packing up her makeup bag.
"No problem. Just doing my duty as a fellow female", says Scully applying lipstick in the mirror. She watches as the stewardess leaves and then puts away her lipstick. She closes her pocketbook and stares in the mirror. "Why did I just do that?", she asks herself. 'You know why', she thinks to herself. 'Just don't ever admit it to him. Besides he would kill me if he knew what I just told that woman.'
Meanwhile Mulder has exited the men's room and waits with the luggage. He notices the same stewardess come out of the bathroom and he gives her a dazzling smile which she returns with a glare and one fingered salute. He is dumbfounded at her response and he frowns as Scully approaches him.
"Whats wrong Mulder? Lost your touch?", she teases as she reaches for her suitcase and computer case.
"Don't say anything", replies Mulder walking away. "What gate is Honolulu?"
"Gate 23", replies Scully walking behind him. Disgusted that he is ignoring her due to his male ego being rejected she sticks her tongue out at his back. At this moment he turns and she fights to act normal.
"Why are you walking way back there?", he asks turning to look at her.
"No reason", says Scully catching up with him. He turns away from her and they walk to Gate 23 together.
Part7
"Aren't you going to talk to me at all on this trip?", asks Mulder as Scully reads a book.
"What is there to talk about?", asks Scully not looking up.
"I don't know, the case, the weather, the Knicks, the theory of spontaneous human combustion, anything", replies Mulder glancing over at Scully.
"Thats nice Mulder", replies Scully turning a page.
"Thats it", says Mulder taking the book from her. "I'm not going to have you ignore me." He looks at the cover of the book. "Lets see what Agent Dana Scully has chosen as her book of the week."
"Mulder! Give me my book back", says Scully grabbing for it. He leans toward the aisle holding it from her hands as she tries to get it back.
"Scully, I'm surprised that you would read a book like this. I mean its obviously not a book from Oprah's book club. Wow this is really graphic." He turns a page and continues reading. "Can I ask you a question Scully? Like does this stuff turn you on? I mean you complain about my video collection, but I can see you have hidden interests as well."
Scully finally manages to retrieve the book. "Its a romance novel Mulder, nothing more. Do you have to know absolutely everything about me?" Her face turning a shade of pink as she puts the book back into the side of her computer case.
"No Scully I don't, but therefore I seem to have to find out a lot on my own as you don't talk very much", replies Mulder picking up a airline catalog in the seat pocket in front of him.
"I don't talk very much?", replies Scully. "What about you? You aren't so very open unless you're talking case material."
"I bet you know more about me than I know about you Scully."
Scully doesn't throw anything back at him and Mulder knows that she has come to a dead end as she knows he is right. He decides to change the subject for her sake. "Hey look at this telescope in here. I always thought I would buy one, but they are so expensive", he cringes when he sees the prices. "This one really takes the cake." Scully leans over and looks at the price.
"Its because its in one of those airline catalogs. You pay more than you would in the World of Science", replies Scully.
"Oh maybe I'll just get a package of those glow in the dark stars instead. You can even get planet ones with little aliens."
"What in the world would you want those for?", asks Scully trying very hard not to laugh.
"I would stick them up on the ceiling of my bedroom, so when I lay there at night I could look at the stars. Its a hell of lot better than that mirror I had"
"What mirror?", asks Scully frowning.
"Oh you don't remember, thats right you don't remember", says Mulder.
"Remember what?", asks Scully suspiciously. "You aren't confusing some twisted fantasy of yours are you."
"No, I came home one night and I had all this new furniture and I was really surprised to find a waterbed with a mirror and a zebra print throw on it. It was really cool. You've got to remember as a few months later the bed sprung a leak. Thats why I was late for the monthly progress meeting and then we had that situation at my bank", replies Mulder.
"Oh, that waterbed", says Scully. "I remember you talking about it, but not the mirror. Who in the world would have given you new furniture?"
"I still have no idea. Maybe I have another friend in the FBI", replies Mulder. Scully laughs.
"I like it when you laugh. You don't laugh enough Scully. I mean my jokes are bad, but not that bad", replies Mulder.
"Lately I haven't had anything to really laugh about Mulder", replies Scully looking up at him.
"To laugh you have to be happy Scully. Tell me what would make you happy", says Mulder leaning toward her. She pauses a moment in thought.
"I don't think you are prepared to hear what would make me happy Mulder", says Scully her eyes glancing away.
"Yes I am. Tell me", says Mulder. "Unless its, 'Mulder I can't stand your guts and I'm going to ask Skinner for a transfer as soon as we get back. ' Then I'd have to say that I would be devastated and probably would go sulk in my apartment for about three months without coming out."
"Mulder, I would never quit on you. You know that", says Scully smiling. "Three months? You would really be that depressed if I were to leave?"
"Did I say three months? I meant six months", says Mulder smiling. "You still didn't say what would make you happier Scully. There must have been a day in your life that if you could replay it you would."
She glances up at him. "I suppose there is, but its never going to happen Mulder."
"Well how do you know if you don't let others know about it?", asks Mulder. "Now for the last time tell me."
"Its embarrassing Mulder", says Scully. "You would probably either laugh or be offended."
"I would never laugh at you Scully and unless your favorite day involves Ed Jerse I won't be offended, just hurt", replies Mulder.
Scully smiles. "Ed Jerse is the last thing I want to relive Mulder. If I was to relive a day of my life, or rather a moment of my life as the majority of that day was actually not very pleasant I would have to say I would choose the final moments of December 31st 1999." She looks down into her lap after the words have been said. 'I made a huge error. Thou shall not reveal romantic feelings to your partner', she repeats in her head.
Mulder is stunned and takes a moment to collect himself. He looks over at Scully who is feeling embarrassed at her confession to him. He finally decides there is no moment like the present. He reaches over and taking her chin in his hand he turns her to face him.
"Its not midnight Scully, but I would have to say that it feels like is", says Mulder leaning in towards her. Scully's eyes go wide and she debates pushing him away, but she doesn't. Her eyes close as Mulder's lips gently meet her own and for fifteen marvelous seconds all conscious thoughts disappear from her mind except the feeling of her partner's lips against her own. Courage overtakes her and unlike the New Year's kiss she kisses back.
He finally breaks away and giving her a little smile he asks, "Happy?"
She sighs and then giving a hesitant smile back she replies, "Very."
Part 8
Agent Dana Scully jumps when the book she had been reading falls on her foot. She blinks at the sudden light and realizes that she had fallen asleep. She frowns as she doesn't remember falling asleep and she glances over at her partner who is engrossed in a conversation with an elderly man across the aisle from them. She glances down at her book and then back at her partner. 'I thought I put the book away before we.... I couldn't have dreamt that. Could I?'
Mulder glances over at Scully. "Hey! You're finally awake. We've only got about half an hour and we land in Honolulu. I was just chatting with Mr. Reynolds here. Turns out he is a retired CIA agent and you think we've seen weird stuff. You should hear about what he saw during World War II." Mulder turns back to continue his conversation.
Scully puts her book in the side of the computer case and lightly touches her lips with her fingertips. She struggles to remember what had happened once her and Mulder had boarded the flight, but she is at a loss.
"Did you hear that Scully? Truly amazing, its just like I always said", says Mulder.
"Yeah Mulder. Just like you say", replies Scully still staring into outer space.
"Hey, whats wrong with you. You look like you aren't totally here", says Mulder turning around to look at her.
"Mulder, how long have I been asleep?", asks Scully removing her hand from her face and staring at him.
"Well, we got on the plane and sat down. You didn't say much. You just pulled out a book and started reading. I tried to make small talk with you, but you didn't seem that interested so I gave up. The next thing I knew you were sawing wood", says Mulder.
"I was snoring?", asks Scully appalled.
"Well maybe just a little and drooling too", says Mulder with a grin on his face.
"We never ordered anything to drink?", asks Scully.
"No Scully you did not order anything to drink. Have you experienced lost time and you aren't telling me?"
"No Mulder, at least I don't think so", replies Scully softly.
"Whats the matter? You act like you've just had a disappointment."
"Maybe I have?", says Scully glancing over at him. "Never mind its not important."
"You must have been having an interesting dream Scully", says Mulder with an amused look on his face.
"Why?", asks Scully suspiciously.
"I'm not saying anything that will embarrass you Scully, but it sounded like you were engaged in how can I say this.......a romantic moment."
Scully stares at him and turns a shade of pink. "What did I say?"
"Well I don't want to put you on the spot Scully, but my name was mentioned in there somewhere", says Mulder playing with the air-conditioning button above them.
Scully laughs nervously. "You are obviously mistaken Mulder. Thats something you dream about, not me."
Part 9
At this point the plane starts to descend and ten minutes later they have landed in Honolulu. As they get off the plane they are given traditional Hawaiian leis.
"Wheres Tattoo?", Mulder asks a girl with a handful of leis. She gives him a annoyed look and turns to give the next passenger a flower garland.
"Mulder, I am really tired. Where are we staying?", asks Scully readjusting the heavy weight of her suitcase and computer carrying case.
"We are staying at the Holiday Inn Scully. I must say that its right on the beach. Which is where I am headed as soon as we get settled", says Mulder leading Scully to the transportation center of the airport. They hail a cab and fifteen minutes later they are at the hotel checking in. They walk to their rooms and insert their keys into their respective doors.
"You going to hit the beach Scully?", asks Mulder hopefully.
"I don't think so Mulder. You know I burn really easily and I better take advantage of the electrical outlets while we have them. I should take some notes on the laptop before we go."
"Come on Scully, bring the laptop to the beach and recharge it later. Besides I know you and you must have brought sunscreen with you. And, I know you have a swimsuit with you", says Mulder.
"Mulder, I am not wearing that swimsuit. I mean its not decent", says Scully looking down.
"They why did you buy it?", presses Mulder.
"I don't know. It was just a spur of the moment kinda thing", replies Scully.
"Well why don't you make wearing it a spur of the moment thing", replies Mulder.
"We'll see", says Scully looking up and finding Mulder staring at her.
"Dana Scully, I dare you to wear that swimsuit", says Mulder.
"Fox Mulder, you are so bad", says Scully. "That is not fair."
"Life is not fair Scully", says Mulder. "I'll see you in twenty at the beach. Last one on the beach has to buy the margaritas." He goes into his room and Scully shakes her head. She enters her room and tosses the suitcase and computer onto the bed.
'I can't believe that I am going to wear this', thinks Scully to herself as she pulls out the bikini that she had haphazardly stuck in the outside pocket of her suitcase when Mulder had mockingly thrown it in her face in the DC airport. She goes into the bathroom and quickly takes a shower. Putting on the bikini she looks at herself in the mirror. 'Well I do look pretty good', she thinks to herself. 'Maybe for just a little while.' She walks out into the other room and digs in her bag for a cover-up, sunglasses and sandals. Glancing at her watch she realizes that she is going to be stuck buying margaritas if she doesn't hustle. She grabs her computer case, notebook , towel and sunscreen. She heads out the door.
Once on the beach she looks around, but doesn't see Mulder anywhere. "I beat him", she says gleefully as she sits down in a beach chair and spreads out her stuff. She notices a couple of handsome men stroll by. "Oh, what the hell", she says as she hops up and strips off her cover-up exposing her blue and white gingham printed bikini.
She sits back down and flips open the laptop and opens her notebook. Sitting cross-legged on the lounge chair she becomes engrossed in her typing. She doesn't notice someone approach her from the side until she hears a mysterious voice say, "Excuse me Red, but is this seat taken?"
Without glancing up she says, "Um no, but you've got to leave one for my partner if he ever shows up."
"Well I believe that he would be foolish if he never did", he replies. Scully frowns as the voice sounds slightly familiar, but it borders on a hint of disguise. She glances up to see Mulder standing there in sunglasses, a towel under his arm, a tray with two margaritas on it and wearing a ........red speedo.
"Mulder! What you are wearing is....is ....indecent", says Scully quickly whipping her eyes back to her computer screen. Her face flaming. She can only hope she can blame it on the sun.
"Not any more than the number you're wearing", says Mulder sitting in the next lounge chair. "Lighten up Scully." He hands her a margarita.
'I can't believe that he would wear that in public', thinks Scully to herself. Whats worse is that she knows she is enjoying it as she sneaks a side glance at him. He catches her looking at him. "Cheers Scully." He raises his glass and clinks it against hers. She looks at him and then takes a sip.
"Oh, brother", she says. But she is thinking, 'Oh my God!'
Part 10
Ten minutes later the agents haven't said much to each other. Finally Scully lowers her sunglasses and looks over at Mulder.
"Getting back to this case Mulder, if we by chance do encounter a lost tribe what do you intend to do? I mean what if they aren't friendly or they are cannibals or headhunters or something?", asks Scully.
"What could go wrong Scully? Besides we will be armed and I came bearing gifts."
"Mulder, what could you possibly have brought that a native could want?"
"I brought a Polaroid camera, a bag of chocolate and a deck of Pokemon trading cards", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, that sounds like what you would give a group of five year olds."
"And what better group could you think of in comparison to a uncivilized and wild tribe Scully?", replies Mulder laughing. He glances up at the sun and then says, "I think I'm going for a dip. Care to join me?"
"No, that is where I draw the line Mulder. But please, be my guest", says Scully making a notation in her notebook.
Mulder walks out to the water and Scully watches him wade out. 'What has gotten into him lately', she thinks. 'He is acting so... so weird. I mean not Mulder weird, just weird.' She goes back to her notes and ten minutes later she looks up and combs the water with her eyes. She sees Mulder swimming along and he waves at her. She gives a small wave after pretending a moment that she didn't see him. Just then a huge wave comes in and crashes down on the unsuspecting Mulder. Scully frowns and chews the tip of her pen waiting for her partner's head to reappear again. It doesn't. Seconds and then a full minute ticks by and Scully's heart is in her mouth. An image of Mulder floating face down in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle comes to her mind and she bolts out of her lounge chair. Racing to the edge of the water she scans the beach for a life guard, but the nearest one is hundreds of feet away. She decides that she is going to find him herself.
Scully enters the water and with smooth even strokes heads toward the last area where she had seen Mulder. She starts yelling, "Mulder! Mulder, can you hear me?" Frantically she looks around as she treads water, but there is no answer. 'How could he drown after all that he has lived through', she thinks to herself. 'He can't be dead, I'll never forgive myself.' She holds her breath and dives under the water reaching out with her arms she reaches blindly in front of her. She opens her eyes, but the sting of the salt water causes her discomfort instantly and the water isn't as clear as she thought it would be. She resurfaces. At this point she is panic stricken. She combs the beach and glances up at their deck chairs and is shocked to see a soaked Mulder calmly drying himself off with his towel.
"He is going to pay for this big time", she says to herself as she starts to swim back. All of a sudden something brushes against her leg. Visions of the movie Jaws race through her mind and she freezes about fifteen yards from shore. If it is a shark she doesn't want to cause any extra attention to herself by splashing around. Unfortunately she still can't touch bottom and she is forced to slowly dog paddle toward the shore. She catches Murder's eye and he jogs down to the waterline.
"I wondered where you were", says Mulder. "Why didn't you tell me that you changed your mind?"
"I didn't change my mind Mulder. I came in to save your a**", yells Scully as she treads water. All of a sudden she feels something brush against her leg again.
"Mulder, there aren't any sharks in these waters right?!", yells Scully.
"Its warm water Scully. I would guess Tiger sharks, Lemon sharks, some Blues, maybe even some Makos. Why?", asks Mulder.
"I just felt something against my leg twice", yells Scully in a panicked voice.
"I'm sure there is nothing to worry about Scully. Do you want me to come in and get you?"
"No, yes.......no", says Scully. "I can do this Mulder. I do not need you to come and retrieve me like a little kid and besides I wouldn't want you to get bit", says Scully.
"Scully, I still say you care about my well being", says Mulder teasingly. "Now if you won't let me come in after you, please start moving very slowly back toward shore."
Scully doesn't move for a moment and hates to admit it, but says, "I can't Mulder."
"Why not?"
"I'm......I'm not comfortable doing that."
"You're scared Scully?"
"No, I'm not scared Mulder", she says. All of a sudden something bumps into her leg hard. "All right! I'm terrified okay?", yells Scully biting her lip.
"Okay, I'm coming in", says Mulder as he wades out.
"No! Damn it Mulder, I said I would be fine. I only needed a moment to toughen up", says Scully as Mulder swims toward her.
"Lets just say you owe me Scully", says Mulder as he finally reaches her. He pulls her a couple feet. "Can you stand now?"
"No, can you?", asks Scully.
"Yeah, get on my back, I'll bring you in", replies Mulder.
"I don't need to be carried in. Just pull me in", says Scully.
"Scully, will you just do what you are told for once?", says Mulder his hazel eyes flashing with just a hint of anger. "I mean you are so straight laced. I'm telling you as your partner and friend that I want to help you get to shore the easiest way possible. I am not asking you to bear my children.......jeez."
Scully reluctantly nods and grabs onto Murder's shoulders and wrapping her arms and legs around him he starts walking toward shore again.
"Its actually low tide", says Mulder. "So the water isn't that deep....at least for some people."
"Shut up and keep walking Mulder", replies Scully in his ear.
Just then something surfaces in front of them and a fin swims by.
"Whoa, holy sh*t", exclaims Mulder gripping Scully's knees tighter and stepping back.
"Oh my God", says Scully grabbing Mulder more firmly around the neck.
"Scully you are choking me", says Mulder scanning the water around him.
"Sorry", says Scully softly letting up slightly.
Just then a lifeguard stands on top of his tower and announces into a megaphone, "Everyone out of the water NOW! There has been a shark sighting."
"No duh", says Mulder glancing over his shoulder at Scully.
As the agents get off the plane in Los Angeles, California Mulder gives a wink to the blond stewardess that served them lunch and gives her his business card. As they walk out of the gate Scully grabs his elbow and says sarcastically, "What was that all about?"
"What was all what about?", he asks innocently.
"You know darn well what I mean", says Scully her eyes flashing.
"No Scully I have no idea what you are referring to and let go of my elbow. You're hurting me", replies Mulder with a deadpan face.
Scully looks down to her hand which has an iron grip on his elbow. She releases him. "You just tried to pick up some blond bimbo stewardess. A complete stranger Mulder. How can you be so shallow?"
"Shallow? I was only trying to meet people Scully. Besides, I can remember a certain redhead doing the same thing back in DC. What was his name now, Captain Carter?" Scully purses her lips and nods.
"But I did not give him my phone number. Mulder, we are on a case and I hope this little trip isn't an excuse to pick up chicks." At that moment the crew of the plane disembarks and the same stewardess walks by giving Mulder an appreciative look. Mulder smiles and nods back while Scully glares at her as she walks by. She notices that she has entered the nearby ladies' room.
"Mulder!", says Scully. "What the hell are you doing?"
Mulder looks down at Scully like he is seeing her for the first time. "What did you say Scully?"
Scully tosses her head and snorts. "Never mind Mulder. I can see your mind is silicone based."
"Scully, you're jealous", says Mulder looking amazed at her.
"In your dreams", says Scully. "Watch our luggage, I'm going to the ladies' room. I'll meet you in ten minutes." She walks away. Mulder can't hold back the laughter. He bites his finger as he watches her make her way toward the bathroom. Her steps are quick and he can see by her facial expression that she is ticked off. He decides to make his way to the men's room himself as he had one too many iced teas on the plane. He lugs the luggage with him.
Meanwhile Scully has entered the bathroom and after doing her business she approaches the sinks and washes her hands. She opens her purse as the stewardess approaches and the two of them stand there reapplying their makeup. Finally Scully can't handle it anymore.
"Listen here Sister, you know that Romeo that just gave you his business card?"
The stewardess looks over in surprise. "Yeah, he was a real dream", she replies.
"Well I just want to inform you that I'm his FBI partner and I want to give you a little insight."
"Oh really? What is he like", the stewardess asks with obvious interest.
"Well, he is already married and has three kids", blurts out Scully. "And he has some really perverse hobbies if you know what I mean."
"Really? He sounds like a dog. Thanks for warning me", says the stewardess packing up her makeup bag.
"No problem. Just doing my duty as a fellow female", says Scully applying lipstick in the mirror. She watches as the stewardess leaves and then puts away her lipstick. She closes her pocketbook and stares in the mirror. "Why did I just do that?", she asks herself. 'You know why', she thinks to herself. 'Just don't ever admit it to him. Besides he would kill me if he knew what I just told that woman.'
Meanwhile Mulder has exited the men's room and waits with the luggage. He notices the same stewardess come out of the bathroom and he gives her a dazzling smile which she returns with a glare and one fingered salute. He is dumbfounded at her response and he frowns as Scully approaches him.
"Whats wrong Mulder? Lost your touch?", she teases as she reaches for her suitcase and computer case.
"Don't say anything", replies Mulder walking away. "What gate is Honolulu?"
"Gate 23", replies Scully walking behind him. Disgusted that he is ignoring her due to his male ego being rejected she sticks her tongue out at his back. At this moment he turns and she fights to act normal.
"Why are you walking way back there?", he asks turning to look at her.
"No reason", says Scully catching up with him. He turns away from her and they walk to Gate 23 together.
Part7
"Aren't you going to talk to me at all on this trip?", asks Mulder as Scully reads a book.
"What is there to talk about?", asks Scully not looking up.
"I don't know, the case, the weather, the Knicks, the theory of spontaneous human combustion, anything", replies Mulder glancing over at Scully.
"Thats nice Mulder", replies Scully turning a page.
"Thats it", says Mulder taking the book from her. "I'm not going to have you ignore me." He looks at the cover of the book. "Lets see what Agent Dana Scully has chosen as her book of the week."
"Mulder! Give me my book back", says Scully grabbing for it. He leans toward the aisle holding it from her hands as she tries to get it back.
"Scully, I'm surprised that you would read a book like this. I mean its obviously not a book from Oprah's book club. Wow this is really graphic." He turns a page and continues reading. "Can I ask you a question Scully? Like does this stuff turn you on? I mean you complain about my video collection, but I can see you have hidden interests as well."
Scully finally manages to retrieve the book. "Its a romance novel Mulder, nothing more. Do you have to know absolutely everything about me?" Her face turning a shade of pink as she puts the book back into the side of her computer case.
"No Scully I don't, but therefore I seem to have to find out a lot on my own as you don't talk very much", replies Mulder picking up a airline catalog in the seat pocket in front of him.
"I don't talk very much?", replies Scully. "What about you? You aren't so very open unless you're talking case material."
"I bet you know more about me than I know about you Scully."
Scully doesn't throw anything back at him and Mulder knows that she has come to a dead end as she knows he is right. He decides to change the subject for her sake. "Hey look at this telescope in here. I always thought I would buy one, but they are so expensive", he cringes when he sees the prices. "This one really takes the cake." Scully leans over and looks at the price.
"Its because its in one of those airline catalogs. You pay more than you would in the World of Science", replies Scully.
"Oh maybe I'll just get a package of those glow in the dark stars instead. You can even get planet ones with little aliens."
"What in the world would you want those for?", asks Scully trying very hard not to laugh.
"I would stick them up on the ceiling of my bedroom, so when I lay there at night I could look at the stars. Its a hell of lot better than that mirror I had"
"What mirror?", asks Scully frowning.
"Oh you don't remember, thats right you don't remember", says Mulder.
"Remember what?", asks Scully suspiciously. "You aren't confusing some twisted fantasy of yours are you."
"No, I came home one night and I had all this new furniture and I was really surprised to find a waterbed with a mirror and a zebra print throw on it. It was really cool. You've got to remember as a few months later the bed sprung a leak. Thats why I was late for the monthly progress meeting and then we had that situation at my bank", replies Mulder.
"Oh, that waterbed", says Scully. "I remember you talking about it, but not the mirror. Who in the world would have given you new furniture?"
"I still have no idea. Maybe I have another friend in the FBI", replies Mulder. Scully laughs.
"I like it when you laugh. You don't laugh enough Scully. I mean my jokes are bad, but not that bad", replies Mulder.
"Lately I haven't had anything to really laugh about Mulder", replies Scully looking up at him.
"To laugh you have to be happy Scully. Tell me what would make you happy", says Mulder leaning toward her. She pauses a moment in thought.
"I don't think you are prepared to hear what would make me happy Mulder", says Scully her eyes glancing away.
"Yes I am. Tell me", says Mulder. "Unless its, 'Mulder I can't stand your guts and I'm going to ask Skinner for a transfer as soon as we get back. ' Then I'd have to say that I would be devastated and probably would go sulk in my apartment for about three months without coming out."
"Mulder, I would never quit on you. You know that", says Scully smiling. "Three months? You would really be that depressed if I were to leave?"
"Did I say three months? I meant six months", says Mulder smiling. "You still didn't say what would make you happier Scully. There must have been a day in your life that if you could replay it you would."
She glances up at him. "I suppose there is, but its never going to happen Mulder."
"Well how do you know if you don't let others know about it?", asks Mulder. "Now for the last time tell me."
"Its embarrassing Mulder", says Scully. "You would probably either laugh or be offended."
"I would never laugh at you Scully and unless your favorite day involves Ed Jerse I won't be offended, just hurt", replies Mulder.
Scully smiles. "Ed Jerse is the last thing I want to relive Mulder. If I was to relive a day of my life, or rather a moment of my life as the majority of that day was actually not very pleasant I would have to say I would choose the final moments of December 31st 1999." She looks down into her lap after the words have been said. 'I made a huge error. Thou shall not reveal romantic feelings to your partner', she repeats in her head.
Mulder is stunned and takes a moment to collect himself. He looks over at Scully who is feeling embarrassed at her confession to him. He finally decides there is no moment like the present. He reaches over and taking her chin in his hand he turns her to face him.
"Its not midnight Scully, but I would have to say that it feels like is", says Mulder leaning in towards her. Scully's eyes go wide and she debates pushing him away, but she doesn't. Her eyes close as Mulder's lips gently meet her own and for fifteen marvelous seconds all conscious thoughts disappear from her mind except the feeling of her partner's lips against her own. Courage overtakes her and unlike the New Year's kiss she kisses back.
He finally breaks away and giving her a little smile he asks, "Happy?"
She sighs and then giving a hesitant smile back she replies, "Very."
Part 8
Agent Dana Scully jumps when the book she had been reading falls on her foot. She blinks at the sudden light and realizes that she had fallen asleep. She frowns as she doesn't remember falling asleep and she glances over at her partner who is engrossed in a conversation with an elderly man across the aisle from them. She glances down at her book and then back at her partner. 'I thought I put the book away before we.... I couldn't have dreamt that. Could I?'
Mulder glances over at Scully. "Hey! You're finally awake. We've only got about half an hour and we land in Honolulu. I was just chatting with Mr. Reynolds here. Turns out he is a retired CIA agent and you think we've seen weird stuff. You should hear about what he saw during World War II." Mulder turns back to continue his conversation.
Scully puts her book in the side of the computer case and lightly touches her lips with her fingertips. She struggles to remember what had happened once her and Mulder had boarded the flight, but she is at a loss.
"Did you hear that Scully? Truly amazing, its just like I always said", says Mulder.
"Yeah Mulder. Just like you say", replies Scully still staring into outer space.
"Hey, whats wrong with you. You look like you aren't totally here", says Mulder turning around to look at her.
"Mulder, how long have I been asleep?", asks Scully removing her hand from her face and staring at him.
"Well, we got on the plane and sat down. You didn't say much. You just pulled out a book and started reading. I tried to make small talk with you, but you didn't seem that interested so I gave up. The next thing I knew you were sawing wood", says Mulder.
"I was snoring?", asks Scully appalled.
"Well maybe just a little and drooling too", says Mulder with a grin on his face.
"We never ordered anything to drink?", asks Scully.
"No Scully you did not order anything to drink. Have you experienced lost time and you aren't telling me?"
"No Mulder, at least I don't think so", replies Scully softly.
"Whats the matter? You act like you've just had a disappointment."
"Maybe I have?", says Scully glancing over at him. "Never mind its not important."
"You must have been having an interesting dream Scully", says Mulder with an amused look on his face.
"Why?", asks Scully suspiciously.
"I'm not saying anything that will embarrass you Scully, but it sounded like you were engaged in how can I say this.......a romantic moment."
Scully stares at him and turns a shade of pink. "What did I say?"
"Well I don't want to put you on the spot Scully, but my name was mentioned in there somewhere", says Mulder playing with the air-conditioning button above them.
Scully laughs nervously. "You are obviously mistaken Mulder. Thats something you dream about, not me."
Part 9
At this point the plane starts to descend and ten minutes later they have landed in Honolulu. As they get off the plane they are given traditional Hawaiian leis.
"Wheres Tattoo?", Mulder asks a girl with a handful of leis. She gives him a annoyed look and turns to give the next passenger a flower garland.
"Mulder, I am really tired. Where are we staying?", asks Scully readjusting the heavy weight of her suitcase and computer carrying case.
"We are staying at the Holiday Inn Scully. I must say that its right on the beach. Which is where I am headed as soon as we get settled", says Mulder leading Scully to the transportation center of the airport. They hail a cab and fifteen minutes later they are at the hotel checking in. They walk to their rooms and insert their keys into their respective doors.
"You going to hit the beach Scully?", asks Mulder hopefully.
"I don't think so Mulder. You know I burn really easily and I better take advantage of the electrical outlets while we have them. I should take some notes on the laptop before we go."
"Come on Scully, bring the laptop to the beach and recharge it later. Besides I know you and you must have brought sunscreen with you. And, I know you have a swimsuit with you", says Mulder.
"Mulder, I am not wearing that swimsuit. I mean its not decent", says Scully looking down.
"They why did you buy it?", presses Mulder.
"I don't know. It was just a spur of the moment kinda thing", replies Scully.
"Well why don't you make wearing it a spur of the moment thing", replies Mulder.
"We'll see", says Scully looking up and finding Mulder staring at her.
"Dana Scully, I dare you to wear that swimsuit", says Mulder.
"Fox Mulder, you are so bad", says Scully. "That is not fair."
"Life is not fair Scully", says Mulder. "I'll see you in twenty at the beach. Last one on the beach has to buy the margaritas." He goes into his room and Scully shakes her head. She enters her room and tosses the suitcase and computer onto the bed.
'I can't believe that I am going to wear this', thinks Scully to herself as she pulls out the bikini that she had haphazardly stuck in the outside pocket of her suitcase when Mulder had mockingly thrown it in her face in the DC airport. She goes into the bathroom and quickly takes a shower. Putting on the bikini she looks at herself in the mirror. 'Well I do look pretty good', she thinks to herself. 'Maybe for just a little while.' She walks out into the other room and digs in her bag for a cover-up, sunglasses and sandals. Glancing at her watch she realizes that she is going to be stuck buying margaritas if she doesn't hustle. She grabs her computer case, notebook , towel and sunscreen. She heads out the door.
Once on the beach she looks around, but doesn't see Mulder anywhere. "I beat him", she says gleefully as she sits down in a beach chair and spreads out her stuff. She notices a couple of handsome men stroll by. "Oh, what the hell", she says as she hops up and strips off her cover-up exposing her blue and white gingham printed bikini.
She sits back down and flips open the laptop and opens her notebook. Sitting cross-legged on the lounge chair she becomes engrossed in her typing. She doesn't notice someone approach her from the side until she hears a mysterious voice say, "Excuse me Red, but is this seat taken?"
Without glancing up she says, "Um no, but you've got to leave one for my partner if he ever shows up."
"Well I believe that he would be foolish if he never did", he replies. Scully frowns as the voice sounds slightly familiar, but it borders on a hint of disguise. She glances up to see Mulder standing there in sunglasses, a towel under his arm, a tray with two margaritas on it and wearing a ........red speedo.
"Mulder! What you are wearing is....is ....indecent", says Scully quickly whipping her eyes back to her computer screen. Her face flaming. She can only hope she can blame it on the sun.
"Not any more than the number you're wearing", says Mulder sitting in the next lounge chair. "Lighten up Scully." He hands her a margarita.
'I can't believe that he would wear that in public', thinks Scully to herself. Whats worse is that she knows she is enjoying it as she sneaks a side glance at him. He catches her looking at him. "Cheers Scully." He raises his glass and clinks it against hers. She looks at him and then takes a sip.
"Oh, brother", she says. But she is thinking, 'Oh my God!'
Part 10
Ten minutes later the agents haven't said much to each other. Finally Scully lowers her sunglasses and looks over at Mulder.
"Getting back to this case Mulder, if we by chance do encounter a lost tribe what do you intend to do? I mean what if they aren't friendly or they are cannibals or headhunters or something?", asks Scully.
"What could go wrong Scully? Besides we will be armed and I came bearing gifts."
"Mulder, what could you possibly have brought that a native could want?"
"I brought a Polaroid camera, a bag of chocolate and a deck of Pokemon trading cards", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, that sounds like what you would give a group of five year olds."
"And what better group could you think of in comparison to a uncivilized and wild tribe Scully?", replies Mulder laughing. He glances up at the sun and then says, "I think I'm going for a dip. Care to join me?"
"No, that is where I draw the line Mulder. But please, be my guest", says Scully making a notation in her notebook.
Mulder walks out to the water and Scully watches him wade out. 'What has gotten into him lately', she thinks. 'He is acting so... so weird. I mean not Mulder weird, just weird.' She goes back to her notes and ten minutes later she looks up and combs the water with her eyes. She sees Mulder swimming along and he waves at her. She gives a small wave after pretending a moment that she didn't see him. Just then a huge wave comes in and crashes down on the unsuspecting Mulder. Scully frowns and chews the tip of her pen waiting for her partner's head to reappear again. It doesn't. Seconds and then a full minute ticks by and Scully's heart is in her mouth. An image of Mulder floating face down in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle comes to her mind and she bolts out of her lounge chair. Racing to the edge of the water she scans the beach for a life guard, but the nearest one is hundreds of feet away. She decides that she is going to find him herself.
Scully enters the water and with smooth even strokes heads toward the last area where she had seen Mulder. She starts yelling, "Mulder! Mulder, can you hear me?" Frantically she looks around as she treads water, but there is no answer. 'How could he drown after all that he has lived through', she thinks to herself. 'He can't be dead, I'll never forgive myself.' She holds her breath and dives under the water reaching out with her arms she reaches blindly in front of her. She opens her eyes, but the sting of the salt water causes her discomfort instantly and the water isn't as clear as she thought it would be. She resurfaces. At this point she is panic stricken. She combs the beach and glances up at their deck chairs and is shocked to see a soaked Mulder calmly drying himself off with his towel.
"He is going to pay for this big time", she says to herself as she starts to swim back. All of a sudden something brushes against her leg. Visions of the movie Jaws race through her mind and she freezes about fifteen yards from shore. If it is a shark she doesn't want to cause any extra attention to herself by splashing around. Unfortunately she still can't touch bottom and she is forced to slowly dog paddle toward the shore. She catches Murder's eye and he jogs down to the waterline.
"I wondered where you were", says Mulder. "Why didn't you tell me that you changed your mind?"
"I didn't change my mind Mulder. I came in to save your a**", yells Scully as she treads water. All of a sudden she feels something brush against her leg again.
"Mulder, there aren't any sharks in these waters right?!", yells Scully.
"Its warm water Scully. I would guess Tiger sharks, Lemon sharks, some Blues, maybe even some Makos. Why?", asks Mulder.
"I just felt something against my leg twice", yells Scully in a panicked voice.
"I'm sure there is nothing to worry about Scully. Do you want me to come in and get you?"
"No, yes.......no", says Scully. "I can do this Mulder. I do not need you to come and retrieve me like a little kid and besides I wouldn't want you to get bit", says Scully.
"Scully, I still say you care about my well being", says Mulder teasingly. "Now if you won't let me come in after you, please start moving very slowly back toward shore."
Scully doesn't move for a moment and hates to admit it, but says, "I can't Mulder."
"Why not?"
"I'm......I'm not comfortable doing that."
"You're scared Scully?"
"No, I'm not scared Mulder", she says. All of a sudden something bumps into her leg hard. "All right! I'm terrified okay?", yells Scully biting her lip.
"Okay, I'm coming in", says Mulder as he wades out.
"No! Damn it Mulder, I said I would be fine. I only needed a moment to toughen up", says Scully as Mulder swims toward her.
"Lets just say you owe me Scully", says Mulder as he finally reaches her. He pulls her a couple feet. "Can you stand now?"
"No, can you?", asks Scully.
"Yeah, get on my back, I'll bring you in", replies Mulder.
"I don't need to be carried in. Just pull me in", says Scully.
"Scully, will you just do what you are told for once?", says Mulder his hazel eyes flashing with just a hint of anger. "I mean you are so straight laced. I'm telling you as your partner and friend that I want to help you get to shore the easiest way possible. I am not asking you to bear my children.......jeez."
Scully reluctantly nods and grabs onto Murder's shoulders and wrapping her arms and legs around him he starts walking toward shore again.
"Its actually low tide", says Mulder. "So the water isn't that deep....at least for some people."
"Shut up and keep walking Mulder", replies Scully in his ear.
Just then something surfaces in front of them and a fin swims by.
"Whoa, holy sh*t", exclaims Mulder gripping Scully's knees tighter and stepping back.
"Oh my God", says Scully grabbing Mulder more firmly around the neck.
"Scully you are choking me", says Mulder scanning the water around him.
"Sorry", says Scully softly letting up slightly.
Just then a lifeguard stands on top of his tower and announces into a megaphone, "Everyone out of the water NOW! There has been a shark sighting."
"No duh", says Mulder glancing over his shoulder at Scully.