Part 21
Mulder immediately lays Scully down on her sleeping bag upon their arrival back at the campsite. He pulls a T-shirt out of his duffel bag and dashes out of the tent and over to the spring. He dips the shirt into the spring and then brings it back to Scully. He lays it over her forehead biting his lip as he realizes how pale she is.
"You're the doctor Scully. What do you think is wrong with you? You've got to tell me how to help you", he says.
"Mulder relax please. You've got that look on your face again", replies Scully licking her lips and weakly smiling.
"I have a reason to be panicked Scully. You're sick and we have absolutely no way to contact anyone or get any medicine", says Mulder in frustration.
"Just get me some water to drink, keep cool wet cloths on me and don't let me fall asleep for too long of a time. I don't know what it is. It could be something as simple as food poisoning, but it could also be something serious such as a tropical illness transmitted by a mosquito or another insect", she pauses and catches her breath. "If its something like that it could be highly contagious which means that you could become infected. You shouldn't be here Mulder. You've got to leave me and let me treat myself.'
"Thats not an option", Mulder firmly as he reaches for a bottle of water from a small cooler. "I am not leaving you here Scully so just forget about it. We are in this together. He lifts her up by the shoulders and presses the bottle to her lips. "Now take a drink of water and get some rest. Scully reluctantly nods and drinks. She knows when not to argue with her partner, but at the same time she knows the risk that he has chosen to take by staying with her.
Mulder releases her and she falls asleep. Over the next two hours he constantly changes the cloth on her forehead. He removes her sneakers and socks to place clothes over her bare legs. Lastly, knowing that its an emergency and if it wasn't Scully's life that was in danger he wouldn't be unbuttoning her shirt and placing more clothes on her chest and stomach. She jerks awake at the cold sensation on her stomach, but doesn't resist when she realizes what Mulder has done.
"Mulder?", she says.
"I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere", says Mulder as he smoothes the hair off her forehead."
"Mulder, I'm scared', she says softly. Mulder blinks a second. He knows that it takes a lot for Scully to admit that to him. He lies down next to her and puts his arms around her.
"I am too Scully, but we have to believe that we'll overcome this. That its just another battle that we have to win." He kisses her forehead.
"Mulder, if I were to die......", says Scully.
"You are not going to die", says Mulder immediately. "Don't talk that way. I won't let you die do you understand? There are things that we have to discover and thats not part of the plan."
A tear runs down his cheek and she wipes it away. "But if I were to Mulder I need to know that you would be there for my mother. She has lost so much and I've given her such grief. Bill lives so far away and despite your guilt on my sufferings......my mother thinks of you as a foster son. She loves you and would want you to continue to be in her life if I was to die."
Mulder swallows before he is able to speak. "Of course I would be there for your Mom Scully. You don't know how good it was to have someone to talk to during your abduction and illness. I just didn't understand though how she was so willing to pull the plug on you. I had the faith to believe that you would come back to me and you did. So don't even think for a second that you are going to check out on me again. I still have a lot to prove to you and you've got to keep Skinner from firing me", says Mulder jokingly.
"I'm the only thing thats standing between you and the unemployment office", says Scully.
"Now that sounds like my Scully. You must be feeling better", says Mulder feeling her forehead. "You know you do feel slightly cooler."
"You know Mulder I told you that I had the strength of your beliefs when I awoke from that coma. I meant that. I truly believe that you were a factor in my getting well."
"Does that mean that Muldericine needs patenting?", he asks her.
"Only if I hold the patent", says Scully softly. "Mulder, I think you have been trying to say something to me for this entire trip. What is it?"
Mulder releases her and sits up cross-legged next to her. "Thats not important right now Scully. I just want you to rest and concentrate on getting well."
"Mulder you care about me, you said so yourself and you always refer to me as your Scully. Why is it that you are so sensitive to my pain, but can't admit to me your true feelings. Now please tell me, what is on your mind?"
Mulder stares at her a moment and then looks toward the flap of the tent. He debates whether or not he should run now or make a fool out of himself first. Finally he decides that unless there are any murdered victims, drums or parrots out there he is going to find out what he wants to know.
"Scully?"
"Yes....."
"Is your mother the only Scully female that loves me?"
Part 22
Scully stares at Mulder a moment. "Mulder, what are you exactly asking me? If you are asking me if I love you like family of course I do."
Mulder shakes his head. "No Scully thats not what I mean. I keep trying to tell you that lately I feel a deeper connection to you. Its not something I can put into words. Its more like a feeling of completeness when I am with you."
"Well I feel the same Mulder, I always have", replies Scully cringing as she sits up.
"You shouldn't be trying to sit up already. You just got rid of your fever", says Mulder trying to push her back down.
"No, I feel fine. Really", replies Scully swatting his hands away. "Besides, we need to talk about this. We've been avoiding this conversation for a long time. I think maybe that after this case is over we should think about going to a communication seminar."
"Scully! I do not need any seminar. I've been trying to communicate with you for the past three days about something thats been on my mind and I just can't seem to get a chance to say what I want to. Hell, three days.......I've been trying to figure out a good way to say it for almost seven years."
"Say what Mulder", asks Scully staring at him intently.
"Say, say. say that I, I think you're a great partner", says Mulder chickening out.
"You've already told me that Mulder. Numerous times in fact", says Scully smiling. "I was hoping that there was more to this than my abilities of backing you up."
"There is", blurts out Mulder. "I think I take it back when I say that I don't need a communication seminar."
"Okay, let me see if I can guess what you are trying to say", says Scully. Mulder nods with relief that she is going to help him with the words that he can't seem to find himself. "You want to let me know that you are glad that I am your partner, that I help make you a whole person and you have a deep connection to me because of all we have been through together. Correct?" Mulder nods happily as she has gotten most of it without him saying anything.
"But.....there is something besides our FBI partnership on your mind and you can't find the words to express something that you have thought about over the last seven years. Stop me if I am incorrect." Mulder motions to continue.
"Okay, so you said something earlier about its high time that you and I did something. Now I don't think resigning is in the plan because we haven't found the truth and CSM is still around smoking his Morley's and causing havoc in our lives, therefore you must mean something else. Something that is not work related because you have always been very direct about talking about your theories. I think I have an idea of what you are trying to say. You think thats its time that we started dating people don't you? Well I've been thinking the same thing and I was kind of nervous asking you this, but what do you think of Rob in Forensics? I mean I feel bad about Agent Pendrell, but thats in the past and I suppose I shouldn't feel guilty about it." Mulder stares at her with his mouth hanging open.
"Where in the *hell* did you get that was what I was implying?", asks Mulder.
"Well if thats not it, theres nothing else but for me to guess", says Scully leaning forward and looking at him. "Hmm...what else could be on your mind? I know whats been on my mind." She grabs a surprised Mulder and kisses him full on the mouth before releasing him.
"I had you big time", she smiles.
"You love torturing me don't you?", he grins back.
Part 23
"Since when have I tortured you Mulder?', asks Scully.
Mulder laughs. "Like you don't know Scully. You've been slowly driving me insane since I first met you."
"And I thought it was your job", replies Scully. "You know Mulder if you hadn't always treated our relationship in such a trivial way you would have realized something a long time ago."
"And whats that?", he asks.
"Fox Mulder, you are always seeking the truth, but you are so blind to it when its standing right in front of you. How more direct can I be? I had admired you even before I had ever met you. When I first met Blevins to discuss my new assignment he was amazed that I had ever heard of you. How couldn't I have? You were a legend at Quantico and I must confess that although we hadn't ever met before I had a little crush on you."
"Dana Scully are saying that you liked me?", Mulder asks in a little boy's voice.
Scully blushes slightly but continues. "When I did finally get to meet you that day in your....our basement office I thought 'Wow Dana, this is going to be a difficult assignment working with this guy.'"
Mulder frowns. "Why would you find working with me difficult?"
"Because.....you were so smart, good looking and intimidating", says Scully. "Although I think I did a pretty good job at covering up my nervousness."
"You thought I was good looking?", asks Mulder amazed.
"Yes, and don't let that go to your head", says Scully looking down.
"I have a confession to make Scully", says Mulder. "Taking her chin in his hand and raising her face to look at him. "When I heard that I was getting another partner I was not a happy person. I hadn't had a good history regarding partners. Most of them viewed their assignment to me as a punishment and wanted no part of the X-Files. Those that did work out....well I don't want to go there. But when you walked into my....our office with such confidence and enthusiasm I thought to myself, 'Now this is going to be interesting. I loved the look on your face when I asked you if you believed in the existence of extraterrestrials. But the first thing I thought to myself was 'Mulder you better watch out because this little redhead is Blevins way of getting you to forget about aliens. I almost gave myself away that time when you first met the gunmen remember?"
"You said that you could see where someone would think me hot", says Scully smiling. "And I thought that was a joke."
"Trust me Scully that was no joke. Just like it wasn't a joke what I said in the hospital after being pulled out of the Bermuda Triangle. My heart was broken when you didn't believe me."
"Please refresh my memory of what you said that day so I can reevaluate my reaction", says Scully softly.
"Scully.........I love you."
"And I love you Mulder", replies Scully. Mulder nods and smiles at her before leaning in to give her a deep kiss which she returns enthusiastically. After several moments they come up for breath. "That was much better than that wimpy New Years kiss Mulder", says Scully.
"Well I was injured at the time, and I didn't know if I would get a fist in my face again. I was taking a chance Scully", replies Mulder pulling her against him.
"Fist in the face? Whoever would punch you in the face for trying to kiss them? I certainly never would have", says Scully looking up at him.
"Forget it Scully. Thats all history now", replies Mulder kissing her again. "You better rest some more and we'll talk about it later."
"You're playing hard to get now aren't you?", asks Scully brushing a lock of hair off his forehead. "Seven years of waiting and you aren't going to finish this?"
"Well...you're ill and we're in a tent and its hot and I don't think....", rambles on Mulder.
"Shut up Mulder and kiss me", says Scully pulling him down into the sleeping bag.
"Well I suppose if you really insist", says Mulder.
"You know Mulder I've had my own little quest going on."
"Really? And what may that be?", asks Mulder as he pulls her against him.
She whispers something in his ear and he smiles as she starts to unbutton his shirt.
"Like I always say Scully, the truth is out there", replies Mulder tossing his shirt over his shoulder and kissing her again.
-We'll leave at that as we know what they do next :) ~Nancy~
Part 24
"If Skinner could see us now", says Mulder as the two agents lie entwined in Scully's sleeping bag.
"I would definitely be headed to Salt Lake City immediately this time", smiles Scully looking over at Mulder.
"Well all I can say is that my sleeping bag fantasy finally came true", says Mulder looking at Scully out of the corner of his eye.
"Mulder!", says Scully punching him in the arm. He catches her fist in his hand and brings it to his lips.
"See I told you that you like to torture me. You just can't admit it", he says.
"I'm learning a lot about what I like on this trip", says Scully turning over on her side and leaning in for a kiss which Mulder happly receives. Once again the drums sound again and Scully breaks away. "Well Mulder, as much as I am enjoying myself at the moment we really need to investigate those drums." She sits up and looks at him.
"Remind me never to go on vacation with you again", says Mulder. "You are an absolute slave driver, although I wouldn't mind being your slave." He raises his eyebrows at her.
"Mulder, like when do we ever get a chance to do something normal like have a vacation? I mean when was the last time you actually planned a trip to go somewhere?"
"I find that when I go on vacation you tend to get into trouble. Thats why I stick around", says Mulder covering his mouth as he yawns. He glances at his watch and sees its only 3:00 PM.
"What do you mean I tend to get into trouble?", asks Scully tilting her head and staring at him.
"Well when I went to Graceland, a trip that I was looking forward to for only the past twenty-five years or so may I add and what happens? I put you in charge of investigating that Russian guy in Philadelphia and you meet up with a complete stranger and end up getting a tattoo. I'm glad I finally was given the opportunity to see it."
"Nothing happened between me and Ed Jerse. I already told you that. You can trust my word on that", says Scully. "I would hope you would believe me. I would believe you if you told me something similar to that." She reaches for her clothes.
Mulder bites his lip looking away. He thinks of the time when he was so depressed that Scully was missing. He hadn't cared if he lived or died and was willing to gamble with his life by sleeping with a vampire named Kristen. He had regretted his reckless behavior from the moment he saw Scully in the hospital. Brought in by an anonymous person she lay in a coma for days. All he could think of was how he had been a coward and although they weren't romantically involved he felt he had betrayed her just the same. He still lives with the guilt and he doesn't know if we will ever find the strength to tell her. He reaches for his own clothes.
Wordlessly they get dressed in each others presence as if they had done it every morning for years. Once dressed they simultaneously reach for their guns checking the clips for the number of bullets and looking up at each other realizing how similar their thinking processes are. They then exit the tent. Mulder grabs Scully's hand as she turns to walk toward their food provisions. "Scully, I just want to tell you that I believe you, although I had no right to be jealous. I wasn't man enough to tell you how I really felt. Even if you had decided to get a real life I wouldn't have blamed you." He releases her hand and starts to turn away, but she grabs his hand back again.
"Mulder, the past is the past now and all that matters is that we know how we feel about each other. Besides, I have a lot of time invested in this particular "project" and don't be surprised if I come to collect my interest a lot." She smiles.
"Oh so I'm a good investment now am I?", asks Mulder with a gleam in his eye.
"Well, lets see your FBI pension must be at worth at least.......", she starts counting on her fingers.
"Very funny Agent Scully", says Mulder. "Grab our flashlights with some fruit and water and lets go search out those drums. We're lucky that they haven't stopped yet."
Scully grabs a small bag and tosses in the flashlights, the bottles of water and fruit with some crackers in case of hunger and closes it up. She walks up to Mulder and he passes her gun to her which she had put down to gather the food. "I'm really hoping we don't need these Scully, but with those two dead bodies I'm not feeling too optimistic. I'll be there for you, but watch your back." Scully nods and puts her gun into her holster on the waistband of her jean shorts. Mulder does the same and takes the time to grab a map and a compass.
They start walking through the thick foliage again with Mulder holding the compass and map in front of him.
"Are you sure you know where you are going?", asks Scully. "I didn't even think that this island was charted, where did you find a map of it?"
"I bought it at the Walmart in Honolulu", says Mulder not looking up as he studies the map.
"Just how remote is this island Mulder if they are selling maps of the island?", asks Scully as she follows along.
"Its likely to get more populated, I hear the natives are debating on putting in a casino", says Mulder snickering over his shoulder.
"What would I do without your dry sense of humor?", asks Scully.
"You would probably be a doctor at a university, married with 2.3 children, but you would be miserable Scully."
"Why?", asks Scully.
"You wouldn't have me to prove wrong", replies Mulder as they continue to walk along.
"You're not always wrong Mulder", says Scully. Mulder whips around and stares at her.
"Did the ingenious Agent Scully actually say what I think she said? That Agent Mulder actually has been *right* when it comes to discovering answers to the X-Files?"
"I said you're right sometimes Mulder, not always. Just because I slept with you does not mean that I'm changing the scientific reasoning behind my theories."
"And I thought I could influence you", says Mulder continuing on.
"Nice try, but no", says Scully. The agents continue on as the drums become louder. Mulder stops behind a tree and motions Scully to his side. He puts his finger over his lips and then points to a clearing. Scully looks and sees about fifty native men with headdresses dancing around a fire. She nearly becomes physically ill when she sees that on either side of the fire is a pole and the heads of the two dead victims are set on them.
"What should we do?", whispers Scully.
"Just observe for now", whispers Mulder back as he looks down at her. "We're good as long as they don't hear us or spot us. He glances back to the group of natives and his heart suddenly sinks to his stomach when one of them points toward them and makes a strange cry. The natives stop in mid dance and all turn toward the direction of the agent's hiding place.
Mulder looks at Scully. "Oh crap", he says.
Part 25
"Oh my God Mulder they see us", hisses Scully backing away from the tree. Mulder grabs her by the wrist and gives her a warning, but she notices that panicked look on his face as he glances at the tribe again. The tribe hasn't launched into a full attack yet. They still glance around, but now have turned their attention back to the fire.
Scully firmly pulls Mulder away from the tree and leads him away from the tribe into the forest. Reluctantly he follows and once they are a good distance away from the situation he turns to her.
"Why did you make me leave Scully? They must have thought they heard something, they were not going to attack us", says Mulder running his hand through his hair. "We were probably the first people to see that ritual and now its a lost opportunity, we'll probably never get to see it again."
Scully shakes her head in disbelief. "You're absolutely right Mulder we probably will never be given the chance to see it again, because if we had stayed we would be dead. Why are you always so willing to take chances?"
"Because life would be boring if I didn't", replies Mulder pulling out the map.
"No life would be normal and I really hope that you grow out of this someday", says Scully putting her hands on her hips and looking around. "Where the hell are we Mulder? I don't feel totally secure out here with the cannibal crew out there."
"We're right here", says Mulder walking up beside her and pointing at the map. "Why don't we walk a ways and then have a snack and investigate the volcano."
"Mulder, its 4:15 and its going to get dark soon. Don't you think it would be better if we got up early tomorrow and went exploring?"
"We brought our flashlights Scully", says Mulder insistently.
"I don't believe this", says Scully. "We already are involved with one X-File, the tribe and you want to investigate an active volcano just because it has a legend connected with it?"
"You don't have to worry about the virgin thing Scully", smiles Mulder.
Scully blushes. "That is not what I am talking about Mulder. Here we are investigating one thing on this island which may I add is very important. We have two dead victims that seem to have been here for a reason. Its our job as FBI agents to discover why they were here and stop this from happening again - not wander into another potential situation by hiking around an active volcano."
"Fine, whatever", says Mulder curtly as he snaps the map to fold it shut.
"Mulder, don't do this. Do not shut me out because you didn't get your own way", says Scully. "I didn't say we wouldn't investigate the volcano. I just said we should concentrate on the victims first", says Scully touching his arm.
"I'm not upset. Just disgusted with the situation", says Mulder. "There must have been over fifty men around that fire. Not to mention there must be a village around here somewhere with women and children. Obviously its part of their religion to kill people and use their heads in some rite. I'm just trying to think of a way that we can stop this from happening again, but I'm wracking my brain and I can't think of a god damned thing that we can do. We are only two agents and if we go in there with guns a blazing I can't guarantee that we'll come out alive. Thats not something a responsible FBI agent would allow himself or his partner to do", says Mulder. "There is nothing we can do for the victims. We can only take their IDs and report it once we are back in Honolulu. Believe it or not I say we avoid the tribe for the remainder of our three days here. We can explore the rest of the island, but maybe we should think about moving our campsite. Its not safe staying at one site for too long." Mulder exhales in frustration.
"I'm glad you are seeing reason Mulder. Maybe once we get back to Honolulu and report the incident they will send in forces to investigate. Maybe they'll even let us come back here and assist", says Scully reassuringly rubbing his back.
Mulder nods. "Do you want to move the campsite tonight or tomorrow?"
"I think we should move it tonight. We are strangers in a foreign land and those people must obviously know every niche and cranny of this island. They may have already spotted our gear", says Scully nervously glancing around. "Before it gets dark", she adds.
The agents track back to their campsite and notice that things have been scattered around. Some of their gear is missing including their sleeping bags and their food has been picked over.
"They've already been here", says Mulder walking through the site and turning to face Scully. "Pack up because we've got to get out of here *fast*." Scully nods and starts to gather up the food and small items as Mulder takes down the tent. In fifteen minutes the agents have everything packed.
"Where to?", asks Scully. "The sun is going down."
"The volcano is on the other side of the island Scully. From what I read before I came here there are a lot of caves along the boundary of it. So many in fact I can pretty much guarantee......no hope that they won't find us there", says Mulder slinging stuff over his shoulder.
"Mulder, you want us to sleep in a cave", asks Scully amazed.
"Forgive me Scully, the local Holiday Inn is booked", says Mulder sarcastically.
"Thats not what I meant", says Scully. "I just thought that there is a possibility of other creatures living in the cave."
"I'll take my chances", says Mulder walking up to her.
"I guess there isn't any choice, besides I heard on the Weather Channel before we left that tomorrow is supposed to be cloudy and the next two days its going to rain. There is even a possibility of a tropical storm so I suppose its best if we can find shelter somewhere."
"Great, just another factor in this failure", says Mulder. "Once again Fox Mulder has blown it."
"Mulder, you have not blown it", says Scully. "You discovered your lost tribe and have solved two murders that may have gone unsolved for eternity. Besides, there may even be more victims that we don't know about. Only further investigation will bring to light the scope of what is really going on here. This trip was worth it for me."
"Really?", asks Mulder.
"Of course.....it got you to open up to me.....*finally*." They smile at each other and she gives him a peck on the cheek.
"You're right it was worth it", replies Mulder.
"Now come on, we have to find shelter", says Scully.
The two agents start to walk along. "You know Scully I bet you never thought that I would suggest us living in a cave. Now thats abnormal."
"No Mulder, thats just you", replies Scully.
Mulder immediately lays Scully down on her sleeping bag upon their arrival back at the campsite. He pulls a T-shirt out of his duffel bag and dashes out of the tent and over to the spring. He dips the shirt into the spring and then brings it back to Scully. He lays it over her forehead biting his lip as he realizes how pale she is.
"You're the doctor Scully. What do you think is wrong with you? You've got to tell me how to help you", he says.
"Mulder relax please. You've got that look on your face again", replies Scully licking her lips and weakly smiling.
"I have a reason to be panicked Scully. You're sick and we have absolutely no way to contact anyone or get any medicine", says Mulder in frustration.
"Just get me some water to drink, keep cool wet cloths on me and don't let me fall asleep for too long of a time. I don't know what it is. It could be something as simple as food poisoning, but it could also be something serious such as a tropical illness transmitted by a mosquito or another insect", she pauses and catches her breath. "If its something like that it could be highly contagious which means that you could become infected. You shouldn't be here Mulder. You've got to leave me and let me treat myself.'
"Thats not an option", Mulder firmly as he reaches for a bottle of water from a small cooler. "I am not leaving you here Scully so just forget about it. We are in this together. He lifts her up by the shoulders and presses the bottle to her lips. "Now take a drink of water and get some rest. Scully reluctantly nods and drinks. She knows when not to argue with her partner, but at the same time she knows the risk that he has chosen to take by staying with her.
Mulder releases her and she falls asleep. Over the next two hours he constantly changes the cloth on her forehead. He removes her sneakers and socks to place clothes over her bare legs. Lastly, knowing that its an emergency and if it wasn't Scully's life that was in danger he wouldn't be unbuttoning her shirt and placing more clothes on her chest and stomach. She jerks awake at the cold sensation on her stomach, but doesn't resist when she realizes what Mulder has done.
"Mulder?", she says.
"I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere", says Mulder as he smoothes the hair off her forehead."
"Mulder, I'm scared', she says softly. Mulder blinks a second. He knows that it takes a lot for Scully to admit that to him. He lies down next to her and puts his arms around her.
"I am too Scully, but we have to believe that we'll overcome this. That its just another battle that we have to win." He kisses her forehead.
"Mulder, if I were to die......", says Scully.
"You are not going to die", says Mulder immediately. "Don't talk that way. I won't let you die do you understand? There are things that we have to discover and thats not part of the plan."
A tear runs down his cheek and she wipes it away. "But if I were to Mulder I need to know that you would be there for my mother. She has lost so much and I've given her such grief. Bill lives so far away and despite your guilt on my sufferings......my mother thinks of you as a foster son. She loves you and would want you to continue to be in her life if I was to die."
Mulder swallows before he is able to speak. "Of course I would be there for your Mom Scully. You don't know how good it was to have someone to talk to during your abduction and illness. I just didn't understand though how she was so willing to pull the plug on you. I had the faith to believe that you would come back to me and you did. So don't even think for a second that you are going to check out on me again. I still have a lot to prove to you and you've got to keep Skinner from firing me", says Mulder jokingly.
"I'm the only thing thats standing between you and the unemployment office", says Scully.
"Now that sounds like my Scully. You must be feeling better", says Mulder feeling her forehead. "You know you do feel slightly cooler."
"You know Mulder I told you that I had the strength of your beliefs when I awoke from that coma. I meant that. I truly believe that you were a factor in my getting well."
"Does that mean that Muldericine needs patenting?", he asks her.
"Only if I hold the patent", says Scully softly. "Mulder, I think you have been trying to say something to me for this entire trip. What is it?"
Mulder releases her and sits up cross-legged next to her. "Thats not important right now Scully. I just want you to rest and concentrate on getting well."
"Mulder you care about me, you said so yourself and you always refer to me as your Scully. Why is it that you are so sensitive to my pain, but can't admit to me your true feelings. Now please tell me, what is on your mind?"
Mulder stares at her a moment and then looks toward the flap of the tent. He debates whether or not he should run now or make a fool out of himself first. Finally he decides that unless there are any murdered victims, drums or parrots out there he is going to find out what he wants to know.
"Scully?"
"Yes....."
"Is your mother the only Scully female that loves me?"
Part 22
Scully stares at Mulder a moment. "Mulder, what are you exactly asking me? If you are asking me if I love you like family of course I do."
Mulder shakes his head. "No Scully thats not what I mean. I keep trying to tell you that lately I feel a deeper connection to you. Its not something I can put into words. Its more like a feeling of completeness when I am with you."
"Well I feel the same Mulder, I always have", replies Scully cringing as she sits up.
"You shouldn't be trying to sit up already. You just got rid of your fever", says Mulder trying to push her back down.
"No, I feel fine. Really", replies Scully swatting his hands away. "Besides, we need to talk about this. We've been avoiding this conversation for a long time. I think maybe that after this case is over we should think about going to a communication seminar."
"Scully! I do not need any seminar. I've been trying to communicate with you for the past three days about something thats been on my mind and I just can't seem to get a chance to say what I want to. Hell, three days.......I've been trying to figure out a good way to say it for almost seven years."
"Say what Mulder", asks Scully staring at him intently.
"Say, say. say that I, I think you're a great partner", says Mulder chickening out.
"You've already told me that Mulder. Numerous times in fact", says Scully smiling. "I was hoping that there was more to this than my abilities of backing you up."
"There is", blurts out Mulder. "I think I take it back when I say that I don't need a communication seminar."
"Okay, let me see if I can guess what you are trying to say", says Scully. Mulder nods with relief that she is going to help him with the words that he can't seem to find himself. "You want to let me know that you are glad that I am your partner, that I help make you a whole person and you have a deep connection to me because of all we have been through together. Correct?" Mulder nods happily as she has gotten most of it without him saying anything.
"But.....there is something besides our FBI partnership on your mind and you can't find the words to express something that you have thought about over the last seven years. Stop me if I am incorrect." Mulder motions to continue.
"Okay, so you said something earlier about its high time that you and I did something. Now I don't think resigning is in the plan because we haven't found the truth and CSM is still around smoking his Morley's and causing havoc in our lives, therefore you must mean something else. Something that is not work related because you have always been very direct about talking about your theories. I think I have an idea of what you are trying to say. You think thats its time that we started dating people don't you? Well I've been thinking the same thing and I was kind of nervous asking you this, but what do you think of Rob in Forensics? I mean I feel bad about Agent Pendrell, but thats in the past and I suppose I shouldn't feel guilty about it." Mulder stares at her with his mouth hanging open.
"Where in the *hell* did you get that was what I was implying?", asks Mulder.
"Well if thats not it, theres nothing else but for me to guess", says Scully leaning forward and looking at him. "Hmm...what else could be on your mind? I know whats been on my mind." She grabs a surprised Mulder and kisses him full on the mouth before releasing him.
"I had you big time", she smiles.
"You love torturing me don't you?", he grins back.
Part 23
"Since when have I tortured you Mulder?', asks Scully.
Mulder laughs. "Like you don't know Scully. You've been slowly driving me insane since I first met you."
"And I thought it was your job", replies Scully. "You know Mulder if you hadn't always treated our relationship in such a trivial way you would have realized something a long time ago."
"And whats that?", he asks.
"Fox Mulder, you are always seeking the truth, but you are so blind to it when its standing right in front of you. How more direct can I be? I had admired you even before I had ever met you. When I first met Blevins to discuss my new assignment he was amazed that I had ever heard of you. How couldn't I have? You were a legend at Quantico and I must confess that although we hadn't ever met before I had a little crush on you."
"Dana Scully are saying that you liked me?", Mulder asks in a little boy's voice.
Scully blushes slightly but continues. "When I did finally get to meet you that day in your....our basement office I thought 'Wow Dana, this is going to be a difficult assignment working with this guy.'"
Mulder frowns. "Why would you find working with me difficult?"
"Because.....you were so smart, good looking and intimidating", says Scully. "Although I think I did a pretty good job at covering up my nervousness."
"You thought I was good looking?", asks Mulder amazed.
"Yes, and don't let that go to your head", says Scully looking down.
"I have a confession to make Scully", says Mulder. "Taking her chin in his hand and raising her face to look at him. "When I heard that I was getting another partner I was not a happy person. I hadn't had a good history regarding partners. Most of them viewed their assignment to me as a punishment and wanted no part of the X-Files. Those that did work out....well I don't want to go there. But when you walked into my....our office with such confidence and enthusiasm I thought to myself, 'Now this is going to be interesting. I loved the look on your face when I asked you if you believed in the existence of extraterrestrials. But the first thing I thought to myself was 'Mulder you better watch out because this little redhead is Blevins way of getting you to forget about aliens. I almost gave myself away that time when you first met the gunmen remember?"
"You said that you could see where someone would think me hot", says Scully smiling. "And I thought that was a joke."
"Trust me Scully that was no joke. Just like it wasn't a joke what I said in the hospital after being pulled out of the Bermuda Triangle. My heart was broken when you didn't believe me."
"Please refresh my memory of what you said that day so I can reevaluate my reaction", says Scully softly.
"Scully.........I love you."
"And I love you Mulder", replies Scully. Mulder nods and smiles at her before leaning in to give her a deep kiss which she returns enthusiastically. After several moments they come up for breath. "That was much better than that wimpy New Years kiss Mulder", says Scully.
"Well I was injured at the time, and I didn't know if I would get a fist in my face again. I was taking a chance Scully", replies Mulder pulling her against him.
"Fist in the face? Whoever would punch you in the face for trying to kiss them? I certainly never would have", says Scully looking up at him.
"Forget it Scully. Thats all history now", replies Mulder kissing her again. "You better rest some more and we'll talk about it later."
"You're playing hard to get now aren't you?", asks Scully brushing a lock of hair off his forehead. "Seven years of waiting and you aren't going to finish this?"
"Well...you're ill and we're in a tent and its hot and I don't think....", rambles on Mulder.
"Shut up Mulder and kiss me", says Scully pulling him down into the sleeping bag.
"Well I suppose if you really insist", says Mulder.
"You know Mulder I've had my own little quest going on."
"Really? And what may that be?", asks Mulder as he pulls her against him.
She whispers something in his ear and he smiles as she starts to unbutton his shirt.
"Like I always say Scully, the truth is out there", replies Mulder tossing his shirt over his shoulder and kissing her again.
-We'll leave at that as we know what they do next :) ~Nancy~
Part 24
"If Skinner could see us now", says Mulder as the two agents lie entwined in Scully's sleeping bag.
"I would definitely be headed to Salt Lake City immediately this time", smiles Scully looking over at Mulder.
"Well all I can say is that my sleeping bag fantasy finally came true", says Mulder looking at Scully out of the corner of his eye.
"Mulder!", says Scully punching him in the arm. He catches her fist in his hand and brings it to his lips.
"See I told you that you like to torture me. You just can't admit it", he says.
"I'm learning a lot about what I like on this trip", says Scully turning over on her side and leaning in for a kiss which Mulder happly receives. Once again the drums sound again and Scully breaks away. "Well Mulder, as much as I am enjoying myself at the moment we really need to investigate those drums." She sits up and looks at him.
"Remind me never to go on vacation with you again", says Mulder. "You are an absolute slave driver, although I wouldn't mind being your slave." He raises his eyebrows at her.
"Mulder, like when do we ever get a chance to do something normal like have a vacation? I mean when was the last time you actually planned a trip to go somewhere?"
"I find that when I go on vacation you tend to get into trouble. Thats why I stick around", says Mulder covering his mouth as he yawns. He glances at his watch and sees its only 3:00 PM.
"What do you mean I tend to get into trouble?", asks Scully tilting her head and staring at him.
"Well when I went to Graceland, a trip that I was looking forward to for only the past twenty-five years or so may I add and what happens? I put you in charge of investigating that Russian guy in Philadelphia and you meet up with a complete stranger and end up getting a tattoo. I'm glad I finally was given the opportunity to see it."
"Nothing happened between me and Ed Jerse. I already told you that. You can trust my word on that", says Scully. "I would hope you would believe me. I would believe you if you told me something similar to that." She reaches for her clothes.
Mulder bites his lip looking away. He thinks of the time when he was so depressed that Scully was missing. He hadn't cared if he lived or died and was willing to gamble with his life by sleeping with a vampire named Kristen. He had regretted his reckless behavior from the moment he saw Scully in the hospital. Brought in by an anonymous person she lay in a coma for days. All he could think of was how he had been a coward and although they weren't romantically involved he felt he had betrayed her just the same. He still lives with the guilt and he doesn't know if we will ever find the strength to tell her. He reaches for his own clothes.
Wordlessly they get dressed in each others presence as if they had done it every morning for years. Once dressed they simultaneously reach for their guns checking the clips for the number of bullets and looking up at each other realizing how similar their thinking processes are. They then exit the tent. Mulder grabs Scully's hand as she turns to walk toward their food provisions. "Scully, I just want to tell you that I believe you, although I had no right to be jealous. I wasn't man enough to tell you how I really felt. Even if you had decided to get a real life I wouldn't have blamed you." He releases her hand and starts to turn away, but she grabs his hand back again.
"Mulder, the past is the past now and all that matters is that we know how we feel about each other. Besides, I have a lot of time invested in this particular "project" and don't be surprised if I come to collect my interest a lot." She smiles.
"Oh so I'm a good investment now am I?", asks Mulder with a gleam in his eye.
"Well, lets see your FBI pension must be at worth at least.......", she starts counting on her fingers.
"Very funny Agent Scully", says Mulder. "Grab our flashlights with some fruit and water and lets go search out those drums. We're lucky that they haven't stopped yet."
Scully grabs a small bag and tosses in the flashlights, the bottles of water and fruit with some crackers in case of hunger and closes it up. She walks up to Mulder and he passes her gun to her which she had put down to gather the food. "I'm really hoping we don't need these Scully, but with those two dead bodies I'm not feeling too optimistic. I'll be there for you, but watch your back." Scully nods and puts her gun into her holster on the waistband of her jean shorts. Mulder does the same and takes the time to grab a map and a compass.
They start walking through the thick foliage again with Mulder holding the compass and map in front of him.
"Are you sure you know where you are going?", asks Scully. "I didn't even think that this island was charted, where did you find a map of it?"
"I bought it at the Walmart in Honolulu", says Mulder not looking up as he studies the map.
"Just how remote is this island Mulder if they are selling maps of the island?", asks Scully as she follows along.
"Its likely to get more populated, I hear the natives are debating on putting in a casino", says Mulder snickering over his shoulder.
"What would I do without your dry sense of humor?", asks Scully.
"You would probably be a doctor at a university, married with 2.3 children, but you would be miserable Scully."
"Why?", asks Scully.
"You wouldn't have me to prove wrong", replies Mulder as they continue to walk along.
"You're not always wrong Mulder", says Scully. Mulder whips around and stares at her.
"Did the ingenious Agent Scully actually say what I think she said? That Agent Mulder actually has been *right* when it comes to discovering answers to the X-Files?"
"I said you're right sometimes Mulder, not always. Just because I slept with you does not mean that I'm changing the scientific reasoning behind my theories."
"And I thought I could influence you", says Mulder continuing on.
"Nice try, but no", says Scully. The agents continue on as the drums become louder. Mulder stops behind a tree and motions Scully to his side. He puts his finger over his lips and then points to a clearing. Scully looks and sees about fifty native men with headdresses dancing around a fire. She nearly becomes physically ill when she sees that on either side of the fire is a pole and the heads of the two dead victims are set on them.
"What should we do?", whispers Scully.
"Just observe for now", whispers Mulder back as he looks down at her. "We're good as long as they don't hear us or spot us. He glances back to the group of natives and his heart suddenly sinks to his stomach when one of them points toward them and makes a strange cry. The natives stop in mid dance and all turn toward the direction of the agent's hiding place.
Mulder looks at Scully. "Oh crap", he says.
Part 25
"Oh my God Mulder they see us", hisses Scully backing away from the tree. Mulder grabs her by the wrist and gives her a warning, but she notices that panicked look on his face as he glances at the tribe again. The tribe hasn't launched into a full attack yet. They still glance around, but now have turned their attention back to the fire.
Scully firmly pulls Mulder away from the tree and leads him away from the tribe into the forest. Reluctantly he follows and once they are a good distance away from the situation he turns to her.
"Why did you make me leave Scully? They must have thought they heard something, they were not going to attack us", says Mulder running his hand through his hair. "We were probably the first people to see that ritual and now its a lost opportunity, we'll probably never get to see it again."
Scully shakes her head in disbelief. "You're absolutely right Mulder we probably will never be given the chance to see it again, because if we had stayed we would be dead. Why are you always so willing to take chances?"
"Because life would be boring if I didn't", replies Mulder pulling out the map.
"No life would be normal and I really hope that you grow out of this someday", says Scully putting her hands on her hips and looking around. "Where the hell are we Mulder? I don't feel totally secure out here with the cannibal crew out there."
"We're right here", says Mulder walking up beside her and pointing at the map. "Why don't we walk a ways and then have a snack and investigate the volcano."
"Mulder, its 4:15 and its going to get dark soon. Don't you think it would be better if we got up early tomorrow and went exploring?"
"We brought our flashlights Scully", says Mulder insistently.
"I don't believe this", says Scully. "We already are involved with one X-File, the tribe and you want to investigate an active volcano just because it has a legend connected with it?"
"You don't have to worry about the virgin thing Scully", smiles Mulder.
Scully blushes. "That is not what I am talking about Mulder. Here we are investigating one thing on this island which may I add is very important. We have two dead victims that seem to have been here for a reason. Its our job as FBI agents to discover why they were here and stop this from happening again - not wander into another potential situation by hiking around an active volcano."
"Fine, whatever", says Mulder curtly as he snaps the map to fold it shut.
"Mulder, don't do this. Do not shut me out because you didn't get your own way", says Scully. "I didn't say we wouldn't investigate the volcano. I just said we should concentrate on the victims first", says Scully touching his arm.
"I'm not upset. Just disgusted with the situation", says Mulder. "There must have been over fifty men around that fire. Not to mention there must be a village around here somewhere with women and children. Obviously its part of their religion to kill people and use their heads in some rite. I'm just trying to think of a way that we can stop this from happening again, but I'm wracking my brain and I can't think of a god damned thing that we can do. We are only two agents and if we go in there with guns a blazing I can't guarantee that we'll come out alive. Thats not something a responsible FBI agent would allow himself or his partner to do", says Mulder. "There is nothing we can do for the victims. We can only take their IDs and report it once we are back in Honolulu. Believe it or not I say we avoid the tribe for the remainder of our three days here. We can explore the rest of the island, but maybe we should think about moving our campsite. Its not safe staying at one site for too long." Mulder exhales in frustration.
"I'm glad you are seeing reason Mulder. Maybe once we get back to Honolulu and report the incident they will send in forces to investigate. Maybe they'll even let us come back here and assist", says Scully reassuringly rubbing his back.
Mulder nods. "Do you want to move the campsite tonight or tomorrow?"
"I think we should move it tonight. We are strangers in a foreign land and those people must obviously know every niche and cranny of this island. They may have already spotted our gear", says Scully nervously glancing around. "Before it gets dark", she adds.
The agents track back to their campsite and notice that things have been scattered around. Some of their gear is missing including their sleeping bags and their food has been picked over.
"They've already been here", says Mulder walking through the site and turning to face Scully. "Pack up because we've got to get out of here *fast*." Scully nods and starts to gather up the food and small items as Mulder takes down the tent. In fifteen minutes the agents have everything packed.
"Where to?", asks Scully. "The sun is going down."
"The volcano is on the other side of the island Scully. From what I read before I came here there are a lot of caves along the boundary of it. So many in fact I can pretty much guarantee......no hope that they won't find us there", says Mulder slinging stuff over his shoulder.
"Mulder, you want us to sleep in a cave", asks Scully amazed.
"Forgive me Scully, the local Holiday Inn is booked", says Mulder sarcastically.
"Thats not what I meant", says Scully. "I just thought that there is a possibility of other creatures living in the cave."
"I'll take my chances", says Mulder walking up to her.
"I guess there isn't any choice, besides I heard on the Weather Channel before we left that tomorrow is supposed to be cloudy and the next two days its going to rain. There is even a possibility of a tropical storm so I suppose its best if we can find shelter somewhere."
"Great, just another factor in this failure", says Mulder. "Once again Fox Mulder has blown it."
"Mulder, you have not blown it", says Scully. "You discovered your lost tribe and have solved two murders that may have gone unsolved for eternity. Besides, there may even be more victims that we don't know about. Only further investigation will bring to light the scope of what is really going on here. This trip was worth it for me."
"Really?", asks Mulder.
"Of course.....it got you to open up to me.....*finally*." They smile at each other and she gives him a peck on the cheek.
"You're right it was worth it", replies Mulder.
"Now come on, we have to find shelter", says Scully.
The two agents start to walk along. "You know Scully I bet you never thought that I would suggest us living in a cave. Now thats abnormal."
"No Mulder, thats just you", replies Scully.