Part 11
"Hey you two! Are you nuts?', yells the lifeguard. "Out of the water now!"
"We have a slight problem dimwit", yells Mulder back.
"Mulder, don't get him po'd at us", says Scully. Just then the fin swims by again. "I can't believe this is how is all going to end Mulder. Seven years of chasing monsters and aliens with you and I'm going to become fish food." She turns her head nervously scanning the water around us.
"I wonder if this is some sort of payback", says Mulder.
"What? If you are going to tell me that someone is controlling that shark by psychokinesis I am going to start choking you again", says Scully shifting her weight.
"I just wondered if my fish decided to get even with me for not feeding them on a regular schedule", Mulder makes a bad attempt at getting Scully's mind off of the situation. "Seriously Scully I think I see one of the lifeguards coming out here with a raft. I just hope he gets here before we are sushi."
"You're right Mulder he is heading this way", replies Scully.
"Thats not the only thing heading this way", says Mulder as the fin appears again and this time its intent is obviously to attack them. Just as the it appears over for the agents they hear a clicking sound and the head of a dolphin appears. It swims straight for the shark and creates a distraction which Mulder takes advantage of. He heads to shore as fast as he can and doesn't look back. Once on the beach he drops Scully to the sand and they look out into the water. The water is a churning mass of white sea foam that quickly turns to red. Scully looks away in disgust. Finally it stops.
"That dolphin I think just sacrificed itself for us Scully", says Mulder turning to her. "Now who could have been controlling the dolphin?"
"God", says Scully. "A miracle that can only be explained as being divine. Don't argue with God's plan Mulder", she says to her partner as he opens his mouth to argue.
"And what is God's plan Agent Scully? Why would he bother saving Spooky Mulder?", he asks.
"Because he was carrying the faithful Agent Scully?", smiles Scully walking back toward their lounge chairs.
"Am I supposed to take it that God intervened to stop you from being killed? If it had just been me would that mean that I would be on my way to hell via the stomach of a carnivorous fish?", asks Mulder.
"I don't know Mulder", says Scully gathering her things. "Is that what you think? That you are destined for hell?", asks Scully looking at him.
"Well I'm not known to attend church regularly Scully", says Mulder. "Did you forget to put sunscreen on?" He presses a finger into her shoulder and it instantly turns white and then back to a pink. "You are going to have one killer sunburn later."
"I'll be fine Mulder. It will probably just hurt for a day and then turn into a tan", replies Scully. "I'm going back to my room. I've had enough beach for the day."
"Don't forget the luau tonight Scully. Its at six", says Mulder. "Its about four now."
"I don't know Mulder. I am so tired and after that shark ordeal I'm just not sure I'm up for it."
"Scully! We're in Hawaii. When is the next time we'll be here?", pleads Mulder.
"Okay, okay. Just let me rest awhile", says Scully walking toward the motel. Mulder follows along.' She opens the door to her room and starts to go in.
"Oh Scully. I never told you that you look pretty damn good in that swimsuit. Now aren't you glad that I convinced you to wear it?"
Scully rolls her eyes. "Like you were an influence on my decision. Besides what in the world is with your swimsuit? I mean I could never picture you wearing a speedo."
"Have you tried to envision it Scully", asks Mulder smiling as he opens his door.
"No!", quickly replies Scully
"Well, I just thought that it would get a reaction and it did", Mulder bites the tip of his tongue laughing and goes into his room shutting the door. Scully slowly walks into her room in defeat. The two doors shut simultaneously.
Part 12
Its about 5:15 PM and Mulder is lying on his bed watching a payper view movie of questionable intent. Munching sunflower seeds he reaches for a can of frozen orange juice and spoons it into a bottle of vodka. He is shaking it as the phone rings.
"Mulder."
"Mulder? Its me", says Scully.
"You getting ready?", he glances down at his Hawaiian shirt and tan pants as he takes a swig from his bottle. He makes a face and reaches for more of the orange juice.
"I can't go", says Scully.
"Why not?", asks Mulder disappointedly.
"I fell asleep and I didn't even bother to change my clothes. Mulder, I am lying here on the bed in my swimsuit and I am so red that I can honestly say that my hair is a coordinating accessory. It hurts so bad", moans Scully.
"That scene you described Scully sounded really inticing until you mentioned the sunburn thing. Are you going to be all right?", asks Mulder. "I mean do you want me to go out and get you something to put on it?"
"No, I don't want to bother you, besides you want to go to the luau", says Scully.
"Well, I don't want you to be there by yourself suffering while I am stuffing my face with roast pig and pineapple Scully", replies Mulder. "What kind of guy do you think I am?"
Scully ignores the question. "Well, if you don't mind could you run out and buy some Noxzema? I think that would cool off my skin a bit."
"Sure, no problem", says Mulder. "Anything else?"
"Well if its no trouble, could you please pick me up a sandwich or something? Earlier I thought I wouldn't be hungry, but now I am."
"I think I can manage that", says Mulder. "I'll run out and get the stuff. I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't move."
"I don't plan on it", replies Scully as she hangs up.
Mulder goes out and finds a drugstore. He buys Noxzema, a cold pack and a can of Solarcaine. He thinks where he can buy something to eat and glances at his watch.
"Scully can't go to the luau, so I'll bring the luau to her", he says aloud. Twenty minutes later balancing two Styrofoam containers, two beers and holding the bag of first aid supplies in his teeth he knocks on the door with his foot.
"Its open", says Scully.
"How did you manage that?", asks Mulder entering the room and shutting the door.
"It took about fifteen minutes for me to get up and over there and about one minute to lie back down", says Scully. "I wish someone would just turn a huge water hose on me and I could just drown." She sighs and turns over on her stomach, thus affording Mulder a clear view of her bikini clad backside.
"Ah, Scully? Hmm is there anything I can get you to put on? Do you want a cover-up?"
"No, I'm burning up Mulder! I'm as comfortable as I'm going to get short of stripping naked."
"Don't let me stop you Scully", says Mulder. She turns over and gives him a glare. He opens up a food container and brings it over to her sitting on the edge of the bed. She sits up as he hands her a fork. "I brought some food from the luau for ya."
"Oh Mulder. That was so sweet of you", says Scully as she spears a piece of pork and eats it. "You know I never said that you weren't an uncaring guy. I mean you are just the opposite. Underneath that aloof and alien obsessed persona is one great guy."
"Scully, I'm blushing", says Mulder looking away embarrassed. He opens up his own food and starts to eat.
"No, really Mulder. I never thought I would say this to you, but you are going to make some lucky girl someday a really good husband", she focuses on her food container not looking at him.
Mulder bites his lip and reaches for a beer. He opens it and hands it to Scully who takes it and raises an eyebrow. "Partaking of alcoholic beverages in a motel room with opposite sex partners? Totally against bureau regulations Mulder. You know that."
"Yeah I imagine that if Skinner walked in right now it would look pretty bad", says Mulder setting aside his food and taking a swig of beer.
"Imagine what he would think", laughs Scully. "Like we would ever.."
"Ever what Scully?"
"Ever make the mistake of becoming physically involved", replies Scully.
"You view me as a mistake waiting to happen Scully?", asks Mulder.
"What do you mean waiting to happen. Its never going to happen Mulder", replies Scully.
"Never say never Scully", says Mulder scooting to sit beside her and reaching for the remote.
"Do you mind? This is my room Mulder and you better not be renting one of those kind of movies on my tab." Mulder snickers as he flips the channels until a Cooking with Julia Childs show is on."
"Please, turn that off and give me what you brought for my sunburn", says Scully. "I'm dying here."
"Okay", says Mulder getting up and walking to a side table and to retrieve the bag. "Here is your Noxzema and I got you a can of Solarcaine too. Lastly, I thought this cold pack would be good for your head if you get a headache from it." He tosses the can of Noxzema. She catches it and Mulder sits down on the end of the bed facing the tv. As he watches the tv he can't help but watch Scully smearing Noxzema all over her body in the mirror.
'You are such a dog Mulder', he thinks to himself. 'Here your partner is burned to a crisp and is miserable and all you can think of is how she looks in her bikini and how you would love for your hands to be her hands at the moment.' Scully looks up and their eyes meet in the mirror. He quickly forces his eyes back to the tv. After five minutes he stands up and turns around.
"Well unless there is something else you need Scully I'm going to go hit the hay. We've got to be up at six to catch the helicopter, unless of course you aren't feeling up to it and I'll go on alone." He starts to walk toward the door. Putting his hand on the doorknob he turns to look at her one last time.
"Mulder, I do need you to do one more thing for me", says Scully.
"What?", he asks.
"I need you to do my back and the backs of my legs. I can't reach." She tosses him the jar of Noxzema which he barely catches. She turns over on her stomach and Mulder stands there holding the jar with his mouth open.
Part 13
"Mulder?", Scully says after a few moments. She turns her head and the jar of Noxzema is sitting on a table by the door which has been left ajar.
"Chicken", mumbles Scully getting up slowly and painfully walking to the door she locks it. "He acts so sure of himself, but ask him to do one little thing that requires body contact he's out of here faster than the roadrunner." She grabs a pair of satin pajamas out of her suitcase and heads into the bathroom to change. Later she comes out and crawls into bed.
Meanwhile next door Mulder is back to drinking his vodka and orange juice. He just couldn't handle Scully asking him to rub her down with Noxzema. Not with the way he really feels about her. On the other hand he had let her down. She really needed relief of some kind and he had acted selfishly. It probably just confirmed in her mind what a big loser he was. Here she had been risking her life for years because of his obsession with finding his sister and never asked him for anything in return. Now when she asks him one little favor he goes and overreacts. He stares at the phone and he thinks how he should call her and explain. He picks it up and dials her room number.
"Scully", she mumbles.
"Its me. Did I wake you", asks Mulder now regretting that he called.
"No, I was watching tv. Why did you leave so suddenly?"
"I don't know Scully. I honestly don't know why. I guess it was just hot and stuffy in there and I had to get some air. Do you want me to come back and do your back for you?"
"No, I'm fine now. I'm in bed now and resting. I should be feeling much better tomorrow in time for the helicopter", she says muting the television. "What are you doing?"
"I'm watching tv", replies Mulder.
"What are you watching Mulder? Baywatch?", teases Scully.
"Actually I'm watching the Honeymooners. You've got to love that Ed Norton guy Scully."
"What channel is it on?"
"Ten", replies Mulder.
Scully flips the channel and the two of them watch the Honeymooner's in silence until Ed does one of his famous signing a document scenes. The procrastination he goes through in signing it gets a giggle out of Scully.
"Was that actually a laugh from you Scully?", asks Mulder.
"Yes. I do laugh Mulder", replies Scully.
"You do? I wouldn't have noticed", says Mulder back.
The credits start to roll and the agents sit for another moment. "Mulder, I don't view you as a mistake waiting to happen. I view you as a blessing in disguise."
"What is that supposed to mean Scully? It sounds like I'm walking around with a halo on my head and I assure you that I'm not."
"No, I mean that we're busy all the time investigating cases and I never really thought about how lucky I am with having a partner like you. I can depend on you to provide the pieces that I can't find with my science. You're my other half Mulder."
"I told you before Scully, you're my first mate. I meant that. I wasn't kidding", replies Mulder softly.
"So should I start calling you Captain?", asks Scully.
"No, I'm just Mulder. You are the Captain Scully. You have the authority to chart the course. Our journey depends upon you. Goodnight Scully."
"Goodnight Mulder." She hangs up and jumps as she hears the sound of glass breaking. She is aware of Mulder's drinking habits when staying at motels and guesses he must have dropped the bottle or glass on the nightstand.
Next door Mulder sits on the edge of the bed staring at the shards of glass from the broken bottle that he has just thrown at the wall in frustration.
"Thats it. I'm telling her tomorrow", he says.
Part 14
Mulder awakes to a pounding headache and someone pounding on the door.
"Mulder! Its me", says Scully annoyingly through the door.
He slowly gets up, puts his pants on over his boxer shorts and shuffles to the door stopping once to grab onto the bureau when gravity starts to prevail. He opens the door blinking back from the sunshine outside. Scully looks at him agape.
"You look awful. Are you sick?" She feels his forehead and averts her eyes from his rumpled unbuttoned pants and shirtless chest.
"No, I just overslept", says Mulder trying to change the change the subject. "I'll meet you next door." He starts to close the door. Scully sticks her foot in it.
"You wouldn't by chance be trying to get rid of me would you? I mean the last time you tried to ditch me like this in a motel I found you sprawled out on your bed with Detective White straddling you", says Scully staining to see past Mulder.
"No!", says Mulder annoyed. "Like I've had time to pick up anybody. Since I've been here I've been either sitting on the beach with you, rescuing you from a shark or seeing to your sunburn." He holds unto the door frame for support.
"Well, I didn't realize that I was weighing you down", says Scully sadly. "I'll wait for you next door." She turns to go.
"Scully, wait", says Mulder grabbing her by the wrist. "Wait in here." Scully raises an eyebrow. "I just didn't want you to see what a mess my room was before housekeeping comes." He stands aside.
"Like its any different than your apartment", says Scully walking past him into the room. She glances around and sees that it is indeed a mess, but is relieved to see that there is no woman there and no evidence that there ever was. The bed is unmade and the blankets on the floor, obviously thrown there because the occupant had shed them due to the heat. An open duffel bag sits next to the door with clothes spilling out and she nearly trips over the pair of sneakers lying in the middle of the floor.
"Sorry", mumbles Mulder moving to toss them in the corner with his duffel bag. "I'm going to take a shower and then I'll pack up. I won't be long." He grabs some clothes and enters the bathroom shutting the door.
Scully sits down on the edge of the bed and looks around for the remote. She finds it on the nightstand covered in a pile of sunflower seed shells. She shakes the remote until they all come off and makes a face of disgust. She flips on the tv and puts on the weather channel. The report for the week is two days of sunshine, one cloudy and two rainy. Theres even a possibility of a tropical storm. The report ends for Hawaii and starts on the East coast. She hears the shower being turned on. She flips the channel and glances around the room again. Thats when she notices it. On the floor by the far wall she sees shards of broken glass. She gets up and walks over and bends down to carefully pick up a piece bearing the vodka label. "How the hell did this happen? He must have been inebriated last night."
She goes and sits on the bed again and watches tv for a while. Then she decides that if Mulder is truly suffering from a hangover he could stand a good cup of strong coffee. Luckily the rooms have coffee pots so she turns it on and fills up the filter. Ten minutes later she has a full pot and Mulder still has not come out to the bathroom. The water is running and she hasn't heard any noises coming out of there in a while. She walks up to the door and knocks.
"Mulder? Are you all right in there?"
There is no answer and so she tries the door and its jammed. She starts to rattle the door when finally Mulder replies, "I'm just trying to wake up Scully. Geez give a man some privacy will ya? Unless you're coming in to join me I'll be out in a minute." Scully turns away from the door in embarrassment. She walks around the room pacing with her arms folded. A minute later she hears a crash and then Mulder saying, "S**t!"
She runs over to the door. "Mulder, what happened?"
"I must have started to nod off and I stepped on the bar of soap. I don't usually have witnesses in these cases", says Mulder from inside the bathroom.
"Are you okay? Do you need help?", asks Scully.
"Depends on what kinda help you're offering Agent Scully", replies Mulder.
"I made you coffee, so when you are done you can have some", says Scully changing the subject. The water has been turned off and five minutes later Mulder emerges from the bathroom dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. He wipes his wet hair with a towel and Scully hands him a cup of coffee.
He takes the cup of coffee. Taking a sip he glances at Scully as she nervously picks at her fingernails. "You know Scully when I was laid on that table while they did that surgery on me I had a dream or vision of what life could be like for me without the X-Files. One morning I went out to get the newspaper in front of my beautiful home and I turned around and received a cup of coffee just like this."
"From who?", asks Scully.
"Diana", replies Mulder.
"Where was I?", asks Scully flatly. "Or did your perfect life involve never meeting me?"
"No, that was the whole point Scully. My life wasn't perfect and I was blind to it. It was you at the end who showed me the way to the truth that I had been hiding from. It was you who found me and told me that I was a traitor and a coward. You rescued me."
"Diana helped. I told you that", says Scully looking at him.
"Yes, but when you just handed me that cup of coffee it made me realize something. I don't want that perfect life. I want you to be handing me that cup of coffee every morning."
"I do Mulder. Every morning when you come to the office I ask you if you want a cup of coffee and you usually say yes", says Scully.
"But......", Mulder tries to explain the impact of his vision.
"Mulder why is there glass all over the place? Did you throw that bottle against the wall and break it?", asks Scully pointing to the mess.
"I don't remember", lies Mulder as he sips his coffee in frustration. 'She won't let me get a word in edgewise', he thinks to himself.
"You don't remember", says Scully mockingly. "Okay, fine whatever." Mulder returns to the bathroom and gathers everything together and puts it in his duffel bag afterwards he zips it. He sits down in a chair to put on his sneakers.
"Are you all packed up?", he asks as he pulls on a pair of socks.
"Yes, I have everything including my evidence kit. Just in case we do find something worth examining", she says in response to Mulder's look. He pulls on his second sneaker and ties it.
"Okay we're off", says Mulder picking up the duffel bag and slinging it over his shoulder. He opens the door and ushers Scully out by the small of her back.
Part 15
Before meeting their helicopter the agents make a couple of stops to buy food and supplies. At the grocery store Scully picks up a box of granola bars and reads the nutrition label cringing when she sees the fat grams.
"I can't believe how bad these are for you", she says.
"Live it up Scully", says Mulder grabbing them and tossing them into the cart. She looks into the cart and then stares at him.
"Thats what you've bought so far? Granola bars, sunflower seeds and orange juice? Mulder, orange juice needs to be refrigerated you know that!", says Scully.
"Oh, you're right. I was just buying my normal weeks groceries not thinking", says Mulder removing the juice and putting it on a nearby shelf.
"We'll have to bring things that will keep, like canned tuna and crackers. Packaged snacks, fruit and don't forget fresh water", says Scully walking away.
"You take the joy out of living Scully", says Mulder pushing the cart behind her.
She stops and turns around to look at him. "Whats with the remarks?"
"Its just the food you've selected.....it doesn't sound very appetizing thats all."
"And what would you like us to bring? Cheeseburgers and fries? Like I said whatever we bring can't require refrigeration. Besides, we are only going to be there for five days. How much can you eat in five days?"
"Well, I do tend to eat when I'm bored and if we don't find the tribe right away....", replies Mulder.
"Fine. Put whatever you think you will eat in the cart and I'll pick what I want. However, remember about the refrigeration thing and if you do decide to purchase something that is questionable I am not responsible. And.....don't think that just because I'm a doctor you can afford to take chances. I won't have access to medicines and equipment out there and if you get sick I may not be able to save you. I'm going to go pick out my stuff. I'll get another cart and meet you in the front in twenty minutes." She walks away taking her luggage with her.
Exactly twenty minutes later Scully stands waiting. In her cart she has everything she suggested to Mulder: fruit, bottled water, tuna and other canned goods, a bag of baked potato chips, a loaf of wheat bread and a package of chocolate bars for energy. She taps her foot and looks at her watch. Finally a grocery cart pulls up beside her.
"You know Scully the grocery store is one of the top five places where you have the best chance at meeting your significant other", says Mulder giving her a flirty look. Her heart does a little leap, but she dismisses it as a Mulderism and glances into his cart. Sure enough she sees sunflower seeds, cookies, chips, a can of nuts, peanut butter, bread and a dozen bottles of iced tea.
"Thats what you're eating for the next five days?"
"Well maybe since I'm willing to share.......you would share too?", asks Mulder hopefully.
"I'll think about it", says Scully wheeling her cart to the checkout. She starts to unload things unto the belt once there is room.
"Here we may as well put everything together and pay with the bureau card", say Mulder handing her a credit card.
"How come I don't get one of those", says Scully handing it to the cashier.
"Its simple Scully, they know you're always with me", replies Mulder.
"Yes, my whole life revolves around you", says Scully looking amazed at him.
"Really....I had always hoped", says Mulder.
"Thats seventy-two ninety seven", interrupts the cashier.
After their purchases are made they walk to the Walmart next door and head to the camping equipment section. "I don't think we really need to overdo it, like you said Scully we are only going to be there for five days. So.....we only need sleeping bags, one kerosene lamp, a couple of flashlights, matches, a long-range radio and oh...a tent." He starts to pile stuff into the cart as Scully watches holding onto the handle.
"You mean two tents Mulder. I am not sharing a tent with you", says Scully.
"No I mean one tent....you and me and thats it", says Mulder. "If there is anything unusual out there I'm not going to lay there all night wondering if you're okay", he says firmly.
"But.......", Scully starts to argue.
"I'm not kidding this time Scully. Its one thing when you are safe staying in a cozy motel and I'm only a connecting door away, but out in the jungle anything can happen, but I must tell you that don't think that you're going to take advantage of the situation. I'm armed remember."
"Take advantage of the situation?", asks Scully frowning. "What do you mean?"
"I don't want you to think that just because I am going to allow you bunk in with me that you can take any non-consensual liberties with me." He turns to pick up a flashlight and examine it and laughs softly as he hears her lightly swearing to herself behind him.
"And I just thought this was an excuse to for us to "sleep" together", replies Scully sarcastically.
"Really?", asks Mulder turning around to see Scully halfway down the aisle.
The agents check out the purchases and Mulder uses a nearby phone to call a cab. Its now about 10 AM and Scully is hungry. She pulls out an apple and starts to eat it.
"Did you wash that Scully? They say you never know what those chemicals do to you or better yet what is growing on that apple", teases Mulder.
"Mulder....shut up", replies Scully taking another bite as the cab pulls up. Mulder instructs the cab driver to take them to the airport where the pilot helps them load the helicopter with their supplies. They hop in as the blades start up and put their safety headgear on and buckle themselves in. They don't bother talking at all as they couldn't hear anything anyway. After ten minutes though Mulder grabs Scully's sleeve and points down to the ocean where a school of dolphins are jumping over the waves. She smiles and nods.
Finally they arrive at the island and the helicopter sets down. The pilot stops the blades and the agents disembark pulling off their luggage and supplies. The pilot nods to the two of them and Mulder hands him a tip.
"Well I don't really understand how you could call this a romantic getaway for a honeymoon Mr. Mulder. I mean a abandoned island with a lot of spooky tales connected with it, but I'll be back in five days just like we agreed."
"Well you don't really know us do you?", replies Mulder putting his arm around an uncooperative Scully. The pilot gets in and takes off.
"Mulder!", says Scully pulling away from him. "That man just said we were on our honeymoon! Why in the hell did he think that?'
"Oh, come on Scully I got a discount on the chopper ride. I had a coupon." Scully rolls her eyes as she picks up her bag and walks away.
"This is paradise?", she asks herself.
"Hey you two! Are you nuts?', yells the lifeguard. "Out of the water now!"
"We have a slight problem dimwit", yells Mulder back.
"Mulder, don't get him po'd at us", says Scully. Just then the fin swims by again. "I can't believe this is how is all going to end Mulder. Seven years of chasing monsters and aliens with you and I'm going to become fish food." She turns her head nervously scanning the water around us.
"I wonder if this is some sort of payback", says Mulder.
"What? If you are going to tell me that someone is controlling that shark by psychokinesis I am going to start choking you again", says Scully shifting her weight.
"I just wondered if my fish decided to get even with me for not feeding them on a regular schedule", Mulder makes a bad attempt at getting Scully's mind off of the situation. "Seriously Scully I think I see one of the lifeguards coming out here with a raft. I just hope he gets here before we are sushi."
"You're right Mulder he is heading this way", replies Scully.
"Thats not the only thing heading this way", says Mulder as the fin appears again and this time its intent is obviously to attack them. Just as the it appears over for the agents they hear a clicking sound and the head of a dolphin appears. It swims straight for the shark and creates a distraction which Mulder takes advantage of. He heads to shore as fast as he can and doesn't look back. Once on the beach he drops Scully to the sand and they look out into the water. The water is a churning mass of white sea foam that quickly turns to red. Scully looks away in disgust. Finally it stops.
"That dolphin I think just sacrificed itself for us Scully", says Mulder turning to her. "Now who could have been controlling the dolphin?"
"God", says Scully. "A miracle that can only be explained as being divine. Don't argue with God's plan Mulder", she says to her partner as he opens his mouth to argue.
"And what is God's plan Agent Scully? Why would he bother saving Spooky Mulder?", he asks.
"Because he was carrying the faithful Agent Scully?", smiles Scully walking back toward their lounge chairs.
"Am I supposed to take it that God intervened to stop you from being killed? If it had just been me would that mean that I would be on my way to hell via the stomach of a carnivorous fish?", asks Mulder.
"I don't know Mulder", says Scully gathering her things. "Is that what you think? That you are destined for hell?", asks Scully looking at him.
"Well I'm not known to attend church regularly Scully", says Mulder. "Did you forget to put sunscreen on?" He presses a finger into her shoulder and it instantly turns white and then back to a pink. "You are going to have one killer sunburn later."
"I'll be fine Mulder. It will probably just hurt for a day and then turn into a tan", replies Scully. "I'm going back to my room. I've had enough beach for the day."
"Don't forget the luau tonight Scully. Its at six", says Mulder. "Its about four now."
"I don't know Mulder. I am so tired and after that shark ordeal I'm just not sure I'm up for it."
"Scully! We're in Hawaii. When is the next time we'll be here?", pleads Mulder.
"Okay, okay. Just let me rest awhile", says Scully walking toward the motel. Mulder follows along.' She opens the door to her room and starts to go in.
"Oh Scully. I never told you that you look pretty damn good in that swimsuit. Now aren't you glad that I convinced you to wear it?"
Scully rolls her eyes. "Like you were an influence on my decision. Besides what in the world is with your swimsuit? I mean I could never picture you wearing a speedo."
"Have you tried to envision it Scully", asks Mulder smiling as he opens his door.
"No!", quickly replies Scully
"Well, I just thought that it would get a reaction and it did", Mulder bites the tip of his tongue laughing and goes into his room shutting the door. Scully slowly walks into her room in defeat. The two doors shut simultaneously.
Part 12
Its about 5:15 PM and Mulder is lying on his bed watching a payper view movie of questionable intent. Munching sunflower seeds he reaches for a can of frozen orange juice and spoons it into a bottle of vodka. He is shaking it as the phone rings.
"Mulder."
"Mulder? Its me", says Scully.
"You getting ready?", he glances down at his Hawaiian shirt and tan pants as he takes a swig from his bottle. He makes a face and reaches for more of the orange juice.
"I can't go", says Scully.
"Why not?", asks Mulder disappointedly.
"I fell asleep and I didn't even bother to change my clothes. Mulder, I am lying here on the bed in my swimsuit and I am so red that I can honestly say that my hair is a coordinating accessory. It hurts so bad", moans Scully.
"That scene you described Scully sounded really inticing until you mentioned the sunburn thing. Are you going to be all right?", asks Mulder. "I mean do you want me to go out and get you something to put on it?"
"No, I don't want to bother you, besides you want to go to the luau", says Scully.
"Well, I don't want you to be there by yourself suffering while I am stuffing my face with roast pig and pineapple Scully", replies Mulder. "What kind of guy do you think I am?"
Scully ignores the question. "Well, if you don't mind could you run out and buy some Noxzema? I think that would cool off my skin a bit."
"Sure, no problem", says Mulder. "Anything else?"
"Well if its no trouble, could you please pick me up a sandwich or something? Earlier I thought I wouldn't be hungry, but now I am."
"I think I can manage that", says Mulder. "I'll run out and get the stuff. I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't move."
"I don't plan on it", replies Scully as she hangs up.
Mulder goes out and finds a drugstore. He buys Noxzema, a cold pack and a can of Solarcaine. He thinks where he can buy something to eat and glances at his watch.
"Scully can't go to the luau, so I'll bring the luau to her", he says aloud. Twenty minutes later balancing two Styrofoam containers, two beers and holding the bag of first aid supplies in his teeth he knocks on the door with his foot.
"Its open", says Scully.
"How did you manage that?", asks Mulder entering the room and shutting the door.
"It took about fifteen minutes for me to get up and over there and about one minute to lie back down", says Scully. "I wish someone would just turn a huge water hose on me and I could just drown." She sighs and turns over on her stomach, thus affording Mulder a clear view of her bikini clad backside.
"Ah, Scully? Hmm is there anything I can get you to put on? Do you want a cover-up?"
"No, I'm burning up Mulder! I'm as comfortable as I'm going to get short of stripping naked."
"Don't let me stop you Scully", says Mulder. She turns over and gives him a glare. He opens up a food container and brings it over to her sitting on the edge of the bed. She sits up as he hands her a fork. "I brought some food from the luau for ya."
"Oh Mulder. That was so sweet of you", says Scully as she spears a piece of pork and eats it. "You know I never said that you weren't an uncaring guy. I mean you are just the opposite. Underneath that aloof and alien obsessed persona is one great guy."
"Scully, I'm blushing", says Mulder looking away embarrassed. He opens up his own food and starts to eat.
"No, really Mulder. I never thought I would say this to you, but you are going to make some lucky girl someday a really good husband", she focuses on her food container not looking at him.
Mulder bites his lip and reaches for a beer. He opens it and hands it to Scully who takes it and raises an eyebrow. "Partaking of alcoholic beverages in a motel room with opposite sex partners? Totally against bureau regulations Mulder. You know that."
"Yeah I imagine that if Skinner walked in right now it would look pretty bad", says Mulder setting aside his food and taking a swig of beer.
"Imagine what he would think", laughs Scully. "Like we would ever.."
"Ever what Scully?"
"Ever make the mistake of becoming physically involved", replies Scully.
"You view me as a mistake waiting to happen Scully?", asks Mulder.
"What do you mean waiting to happen. Its never going to happen Mulder", replies Scully.
"Never say never Scully", says Mulder scooting to sit beside her and reaching for the remote.
"Do you mind? This is my room Mulder and you better not be renting one of those kind of movies on my tab." Mulder snickers as he flips the channels until a Cooking with Julia Childs show is on."
"Please, turn that off and give me what you brought for my sunburn", says Scully. "I'm dying here."
"Okay", says Mulder getting up and walking to a side table and to retrieve the bag. "Here is your Noxzema and I got you a can of Solarcaine too. Lastly, I thought this cold pack would be good for your head if you get a headache from it." He tosses the can of Noxzema. She catches it and Mulder sits down on the end of the bed facing the tv. As he watches the tv he can't help but watch Scully smearing Noxzema all over her body in the mirror.
'You are such a dog Mulder', he thinks to himself. 'Here your partner is burned to a crisp and is miserable and all you can think of is how she looks in her bikini and how you would love for your hands to be her hands at the moment.' Scully looks up and their eyes meet in the mirror. He quickly forces his eyes back to the tv. After five minutes he stands up and turns around.
"Well unless there is something else you need Scully I'm going to go hit the hay. We've got to be up at six to catch the helicopter, unless of course you aren't feeling up to it and I'll go on alone." He starts to walk toward the door. Putting his hand on the doorknob he turns to look at her one last time.
"Mulder, I do need you to do one more thing for me", says Scully.
"What?", he asks.
"I need you to do my back and the backs of my legs. I can't reach." She tosses him the jar of Noxzema which he barely catches. She turns over on her stomach and Mulder stands there holding the jar with his mouth open.
Part 13
"Mulder?", Scully says after a few moments. She turns her head and the jar of Noxzema is sitting on a table by the door which has been left ajar.
"Chicken", mumbles Scully getting up slowly and painfully walking to the door she locks it. "He acts so sure of himself, but ask him to do one little thing that requires body contact he's out of here faster than the roadrunner." She grabs a pair of satin pajamas out of her suitcase and heads into the bathroom to change. Later she comes out and crawls into bed.
Meanwhile next door Mulder is back to drinking his vodka and orange juice. He just couldn't handle Scully asking him to rub her down with Noxzema. Not with the way he really feels about her. On the other hand he had let her down. She really needed relief of some kind and he had acted selfishly. It probably just confirmed in her mind what a big loser he was. Here she had been risking her life for years because of his obsession with finding his sister and never asked him for anything in return. Now when she asks him one little favor he goes and overreacts. He stares at the phone and he thinks how he should call her and explain. He picks it up and dials her room number.
"Scully", she mumbles.
"Its me. Did I wake you", asks Mulder now regretting that he called.
"No, I was watching tv. Why did you leave so suddenly?"
"I don't know Scully. I honestly don't know why. I guess it was just hot and stuffy in there and I had to get some air. Do you want me to come back and do your back for you?"
"No, I'm fine now. I'm in bed now and resting. I should be feeling much better tomorrow in time for the helicopter", she says muting the television. "What are you doing?"
"I'm watching tv", replies Mulder.
"What are you watching Mulder? Baywatch?", teases Scully.
"Actually I'm watching the Honeymooners. You've got to love that Ed Norton guy Scully."
"What channel is it on?"
"Ten", replies Mulder.
Scully flips the channel and the two of them watch the Honeymooner's in silence until Ed does one of his famous signing a document scenes. The procrastination he goes through in signing it gets a giggle out of Scully.
"Was that actually a laugh from you Scully?", asks Mulder.
"Yes. I do laugh Mulder", replies Scully.
"You do? I wouldn't have noticed", says Mulder back.
The credits start to roll and the agents sit for another moment. "Mulder, I don't view you as a mistake waiting to happen. I view you as a blessing in disguise."
"What is that supposed to mean Scully? It sounds like I'm walking around with a halo on my head and I assure you that I'm not."
"No, I mean that we're busy all the time investigating cases and I never really thought about how lucky I am with having a partner like you. I can depend on you to provide the pieces that I can't find with my science. You're my other half Mulder."
"I told you before Scully, you're my first mate. I meant that. I wasn't kidding", replies Mulder softly.
"So should I start calling you Captain?", asks Scully.
"No, I'm just Mulder. You are the Captain Scully. You have the authority to chart the course. Our journey depends upon you. Goodnight Scully."
"Goodnight Mulder." She hangs up and jumps as she hears the sound of glass breaking. She is aware of Mulder's drinking habits when staying at motels and guesses he must have dropped the bottle or glass on the nightstand.
Next door Mulder sits on the edge of the bed staring at the shards of glass from the broken bottle that he has just thrown at the wall in frustration.
"Thats it. I'm telling her tomorrow", he says.
Part 14
Mulder awakes to a pounding headache and someone pounding on the door.
"Mulder! Its me", says Scully annoyingly through the door.
He slowly gets up, puts his pants on over his boxer shorts and shuffles to the door stopping once to grab onto the bureau when gravity starts to prevail. He opens the door blinking back from the sunshine outside. Scully looks at him agape.
"You look awful. Are you sick?" She feels his forehead and averts her eyes from his rumpled unbuttoned pants and shirtless chest.
"No, I just overslept", says Mulder trying to change the change the subject. "I'll meet you next door." He starts to close the door. Scully sticks her foot in it.
"You wouldn't by chance be trying to get rid of me would you? I mean the last time you tried to ditch me like this in a motel I found you sprawled out on your bed with Detective White straddling you", says Scully staining to see past Mulder.
"No!", says Mulder annoyed. "Like I've had time to pick up anybody. Since I've been here I've been either sitting on the beach with you, rescuing you from a shark or seeing to your sunburn." He holds unto the door frame for support.
"Well, I didn't realize that I was weighing you down", says Scully sadly. "I'll wait for you next door." She turns to go.
"Scully, wait", says Mulder grabbing her by the wrist. "Wait in here." Scully raises an eyebrow. "I just didn't want you to see what a mess my room was before housekeeping comes." He stands aside.
"Like its any different than your apartment", says Scully walking past him into the room. She glances around and sees that it is indeed a mess, but is relieved to see that there is no woman there and no evidence that there ever was. The bed is unmade and the blankets on the floor, obviously thrown there because the occupant had shed them due to the heat. An open duffel bag sits next to the door with clothes spilling out and she nearly trips over the pair of sneakers lying in the middle of the floor.
"Sorry", mumbles Mulder moving to toss them in the corner with his duffel bag. "I'm going to take a shower and then I'll pack up. I won't be long." He grabs some clothes and enters the bathroom shutting the door.
Scully sits down on the edge of the bed and looks around for the remote. She finds it on the nightstand covered in a pile of sunflower seed shells. She shakes the remote until they all come off and makes a face of disgust. She flips on the tv and puts on the weather channel. The report for the week is two days of sunshine, one cloudy and two rainy. Theres even a possibility of a tropical storm. The report ends for Hawaii and starts on the East coast. She hears the shower being turned on. She flips the channel and glances around the room again. Thats when she notices it. On the floor by the far wall she sees shards of broken glass. She gets up and walks over and bends down to carefully pick up a piece bearing the vodka label. "How the hell did this happen? He must have been inebriated last night."
She goes and sits on the bed again and watches tv for a while. Then she decides that if Mulder is truly suffering from a hangover he could stand a good cup of strong coffee. Luckily the rooms have coffee pots so she turns it on and fills up the filter. Ten minutes later she has a full pot and Mulder still has not come out to the bathroom. The water is running and she hasn't heard any noises coming out of there in a while. She walks up to the door and knocks.
"Mulder? Are you all right in there?"
There is no answer and so she tries the door and its jammed. She starts to rattle the door when finally Mulder replies, "I'm just trying to wake up Scully. Geez give a man some privacy will ya? Unless you're coming in to join me I'll be out in a minute." Scully turns away from the door in embarrassment. She walks around the room pacing with her arms folded. A minute later she hears a crash and then Mulder saying, "S**t!"
She runs over to the door. "Mulder, what happened?"
"I must have started to nod off and I stepped on the bar of soap. I don't usually have witnesses in these cases", says Mulder from inside the bathroom.
"Are you okay? Do you need help?", asks Scully.
"Depends on what kinda help you're offering Agent Scully", replies Mulder.
"I made you coffee, so when you are done you can have some", says Scully changing the subject. The water has been turned off and five minutes later Mulder emerges from the bathroom dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. He wipes his wet hair with a towel and Scully hands him a cup of coffee.
He takes the cup of coffee. Taking a sip he glances at Scully as she nervously picks at her fingernails. "You know Scully when I was laid on that table while they did that surgery on me I had a dream or vision of what life could be like for me without the X-Files. One morning I went out to get the newspaper in front of my beautiful home and I turned around and received a cup of coffee just like this."
"From who?", asks Scully.
"Diana", replies Mulder.
"Where was I?", asks Scully flatly. "Or did your perfect life involve never meeting me?"
"No, that was the whole point Scully. My life wasn't perfect and I was blind to it. It was you at the end who showed me the way to the truth that I had been hiding from. It was you who found me and told me that I was a traitor and a coward. You rescued me."
"Diana helped. I told you that", says Scully looking at him.
"Yes, but when you just handed me that cup of coffee it made me realize something. I don't want that perfect life. I want you to be handing me that cup of coffee every morning."
"I do Mulder. Every morning when you come to the office I ask you if you want a cup of coffee and you usually say yes", says Scully.
"But......", Mulder tries to explain the impact of his vision.
"Mulder why is there glass all over the place? Did you throw that bottle against the wall and break it?", asks Scully pointing to the mess.
"I don't remember", lies Mulder as he sips his coffee in frustration. 'She won't let me get a word in edgewise', he thinks to himself.
"You don't remember", says Scully mockingly. "Okay, fine whatever." Mulder returns to the bathroom and gathers everything together and puts it in his duffel bag afterwards he zips it. He sits down in a chair to put on his sneakers.
"Are you all packed up?", he asks as he pulls on a pair of socks.
"Yes, I have everything including my evidence kit. Just in case we do find something worth examining", she says in response to Mulder's look. He pulls on his second sneaker and ties it.
"Okay we're off", says Mulder picking up the duffel bag and slinging it over his shoulder. He opens the door and ushers Scully out by the small of her back.
Part 15
Before meeting their helicopter the agents make a couple of stops to buy food and supplies. At the grocery store Scully picks up a box of granola bars and reads the nutrition label cringing when she sees the fat grams.
"I can't believe how bad these are for you", she says.
"Live it up Scully", says Mulder grabbing them and tossing them into the cart. She looks into the cart and then stares at him.
"Thats what you've bought so far? Granola bars, sunflower seeds and orange juice? Mulder, orange juice needs to be refrigerated you know that!", says Scully.
"Oh, you're right. I was just buying my normal weeks groceries not thinking", says Mulder removing the juice and putting it on a nearby shelf.
"We'll have to bring things that will keep, like canned tuna and crackers. Packaged snacks, fruit and don't forget fresh water", says Scully walking away.
"You take the joy out of living Scully", says Mulder pushing the cart behind her.
She stops and turns around to look at him. "Whats with the remarks?"
"Its just the food you've selected.....it doesn't sound very appetizing thats all."
"And what would you like us to bring? Cheeseburgers and fries? Like I said whatever we bring can't require refrigeration. Besides, we are only going to be there for five days. How much can you eat in five days?"
"Well, I do tend to eat when I'm bored and if we don't find the tribe right away....", replies Mulder.
"Fine. Put whatever you think you will eat in the cart and I'll pick what I want. However, remember about the refrigeration thing and if you do decide to purchase something that is questionable I am not responsible. And.....don't think that just because I'm a doctor you can afford to take chances. I won't have access to medicines and equipment out there and if you get sick I may not be able to save you. I'm going to go pick out my stuff. I'll get another cart and meet you in the front in twenty minutes." She walks away taking her luggage with her.
Exactly twenty minutes later Scully stands waiting. In her cart she has everything she suggested to Mulder: fruit, bottled water, tuna and other canned goods, a bag of baked potato chips, a loaf of wheat bread and a package of chocolate bars for energy. She taps her foot and looks at her watch. Finally a grocery cart pulls up beside her.
"You know Scully the grocery store is one of the top five places where you have the best chance at meeting your significant other", says Mulder giving her a flirty look. Her heart does a little leap, but she dismisses it as a Mulderism and glances into his cart. Sure enough she sees sunflower seeds, cookies, chips, a can of nuts, peanut butter, bread and a dozen bottles of iced tea.
"Thats what you're eating for the next five days?"
"Well maybe since I'm willing to share.......you would share too?", asks Mulder hopefully.
"I'll think about it", says Scully wheeling her cart to the checkout. She starts to unload things unto the belt once there is room.
"Here we may as well put everything together and pay with the bureau card", say Mulder handing her a credit card.
"How come I don't get one of those", says Scully handing it to the cashier.
"Its simple Scully, they know you're always with me", replies Mulder.
"Yes, my whole life revolves around you", says Scully looking amazed at him.
"Really....I had always hoped", says Mulder.
"Thats seventy-two ninety seven", interrupts the cashier.
After their purchases are made they walk to the Walmart next door and head to the camping equipment section. "I don't think we really need to overdo it, like you said Scully we are only going to be there for five days. So.....we only need sleeping bags, one kerosene lamp, a couple of flashlights, matches, a long-range radio and oh...a tent." He starts to pile stuff into the cart as Scully watches holding onto the handle.
"You mean two tents Mulder. I am not sharing a tent with you", says Scully.
"No I mean one tent....you and me and thats it", says Mulder. "If there is anything unusual out there I'm not going to lay there all night wondering if you're okay", he says firmly.
"But.......", Scully starts to argue.
"I'm not kidding this time Scully. Its one thing when you are safe staying in a cozy motel and I'm only a connecting door away, but out in the jungle anything can happen, but I must tell you that don't think that you're going to take advantage of the situation. I'm armed remember."
"Take advantage of the situation?", asks Scully frowning. "What do you mean?"
"I don't want you to think that just because I am going to allow you bunk in with me that you can take any non-consensual liberties with me." He turns to pick up a flashlight and examine it and laughs softly as he hears her lightly swearing to herself behind him.
"And I just thought this was an excuse to for us to "sleep" together", replies Scully sarcastically.
"Really?", asks Mulder turning around to see Scully halfway down the aisle.
The agents check out the purchases and Mulder uses a nearby phone to call a cab. Its now about 10 AM and Scully is hungry. She pulls out an apple and starts to eat it.
"Did you wash that Scully? They say you never know what those chemicals do to you or better yet what is growing on that apple", teases Mulder.
"Mulder....shut up", replies Scully taking another bite as the cab pulls up. Mulder instructs the cab driver to take them to the airport where the pilot helps them load the helicopter with their supplies. They hop in as the blades start up and put their safety headgear on and buckle themselves in. They don't bother talking at all as they couldn't hear anything anyway. After ten minutes though Mulder grabs Scully's sleeve and points down to the ocean where a school of dolphins are jumping over the waves. She smiles and nods.
Finally they arrive at the island and the helicopter sets down. The pilot stops the blades and the agents disembark pulling off their luggage and supplies. The pilot nods to the two of them and Mulder hands him a tip.
"Well I don't really understand how you could call this a romantic getaway for a honeymoon Mr. Mulder. I mean a abandoned island with a lot of spooky tales connected with it, but I'll be back in five days just like we agreed."
"Well you don't really know us do you?", replies Mulder putting his arm around an uncooperative Scully. The pilot gets in and takes off.
"Mulder!", says Scully pulling away from him. "That man just said we were on our honeymoon! Why in the hell did he think that?'
"Oh, come on Scully I got a discount on the chopper ride. I had a coupon." Scully rolls her eyes as she picks up her bag and walks away.
"This is paradise?", she asks herself.