Part 11
After picking up a bag of popcorn at the hotel gift shop the two agents return to the penthouse and sit on the couch. "What do you want to watch", asks Mulder reaching over on the coffee table for the tv guide.
"You're actually asking my opinion?", asks Scully amazed. "Theres no big game on that you want to watch?"
"Theres always a game on Scully, I'm just being sensitive to your needs", replies Mulder.
Scully snorts. "Whatever looks good Mulder."
"How about Casablanca", asks Mulder flipping the channel.
"You don't really want to watch Casablanca do you", asks Scully ripping open the popcorn bag and eating a few kernels.
"Why not?", asks Mulder looking at her.
"Its not really *your* style of movie", replies Scully.
"I told you we're watching whatever you want to watch tonight", replies Mulder. "And if you want to watch Casablanca we'll watch it."
"Fine", replies Scully.
"Fine", says Mulder tossing the remote on the coffee table. He puts his feet up on the coffee table and leans back, casually putting his arm around the back of the couch behind Scully. She holds out the popcorn bag to him and he takes a handful.
"This is nice Mulder", says Scully without looking at him. "I mean taking time off and not worrying about a case. I think we both needed some R and R."
"Yeah, too bad our roommates are annoying as hell", replies Mulder tossing a piece of popcorn up in the air and catching it in his mouth. Scully looks at him and laughs out loud.
"Agent Mulder, you have talents I didn't know about", says Scully.
"You don't know *everything* about me Agent Scully", replies Mulder giving her an intense look. Scully stares at his mouth a moment and then faces forward.
"The movie is starting Mulder, quit talking", she says.
"Who said anything about talking", says Mulder removing his arm from around her and
clasping his hands in his lap.
The movie starts and Scully gets engrossed with the story that Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman made famous. Thinking how the parallels were similar to Mulder and herself. Two people put together for the purpose of solving a case, but the movie ended as it had started. Separation. Just then she hears a soft snoring sound and looks over to see Mulder has dropped off to sleep. She looks back over at the tv for a few moments and tries to get back into the movie. Mulder grunts in his sleep and then rolls slightly that his head comes to rest on her shoulder. She glances sideways and bites her lip slightly. Brushing her hand through his hair she turns back to the movie.
About fifteen minutes later Mulder groggily awakens. "Sorry", he says as he attempts to move away from her.
"You're tired", replies Scully. "and the movie is almost over. Why don't use just lie down and use my lap as a pillow? Its okay, really." She puts her feet up on the coffee table and crosses her ankles.
Mulder raises his eyebrow at her. "Why Agent Scully are you putting the moves on me?"
Scully colors slightly. "No, I just thought you were uncomfortable, but wanted to watch the end of the movie."
"I wasn't refusing", says Mulder swinging his legs up on the couch and resting his head in her lap. He turns sideways and the agents continue to watch the movie until they both drift off.
They are awakened at the sound of a door and arguing.
"I saw you flirting with Hank at the pig roast. Thats not what you are here for, do you understand", yells Dave.
"What the hell gives you the right to tell me what to do", returns Gina. "Besides, what kind of weekend do you think this for me? Coming to this hicktown reunion and sharing this penthouse with your weird friend and his boring wife? Let me tell you Dave, they are the most abnormal couple I've ever seen."
"Hey Fox was my friend in high school and you don't have to like him. I offered the other room cause they were in a jam. We'll be out of here in two days and you won't have to worry about ever seeing them again or me for that matter if thats what you want." Gina laughs and then gasps when she sees the tv is on. Mulder and Scully stare at them from the couch.
"Hey aren't we cozy here", replies Dave nervously. "Sorry you had to um, hear me and Gina arguing. Gina here had a few too many beers at the pig roast and well I think I better put her to bed right now before she says too much." He grabs her arm and pulls her into their bedroom. The door slams.
Part 12
Mulder sits up and stares at the closed door. Scully turns around and follows his gaze. "What was *that* all about?", he asks.
"I told you Mulder, they're an unhappy couple. They've been good at hiding it thus far, but I think *their* charade has just started falling apart", replies Scully looking at Mulder.
"Weird friend? Abnormal couple?", asks Mulder looking back at Scully.
"Boring wife", sighs Scully. "We're not the most outgoing people Mulder, I guess we don't make the grade." "If we weren't role playing I would feel bad, but we are and I don't feel bad Mulder. You shouldn't either."
"Am I *weird* Scully", demands Mulder. He stares at her awaiting her reply.
"Mulder is this a rhetorical question?", asks Scully.
"No, I just want to know if you think I am weird", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, Gina doesn't know you like I *know* you. You've never cared what others thought before, why now?"
"I don't know. Maybe its because I've always been labeled "Spooky" because of my work, not my personal life. I mean she called me "weird" and she knows nothing about me.....us", says Mulder. "You're right, I don't trust her."
"Mulder, its late and we can have this discussion all night, but I'm tired and I need my sleep. So lets go to bed and hope that Ralph and Alice stop fighting." Scully gets up and picks up the remote. She shuts off the tv leaving the room lit by one small lamp. She walks into the bedroom as Mulder gets up and flips off the lamp.
Walking into the bedroom he shuts the door behind him. "Since I hogged the bathroom when we first got here Mulder you can use the shower first", says Scully sitting down on the bed after propping up a couple of pillows. "I'll just sit here and read for a while." She opens a book.
"Thank you", replies Mulder in a dull tone as he opens up his drawer and pulls out a pair of plaid pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. He goes into the bathroom and shuts the door.
After showering and washing his hair he pulls on his sleepwear and walks over to the sink. He towel dries his hair and brushes his teeth using the mirror. Spitting in the sink he wipes his mouth on a towel and puts his toothbrush back in his bag. Yawning he rubs his face and runs his hand through his hair. As he stares at himself in the mirror the unfamiliar image of the gold band on his left hand startles him for a moment. He looks down at his hand and flexes it for a second before he turns and opens the door to the bathroom. "All yours Scully", he says as he turns and picks up his scattered clothes. He then walks back into the bedroom and throws his dirty clothes into his bag. "Scully?"
Looking over he sees that she has fallen asleep reading her book. Kneeling down next to her he stares at her a moment. Thinking how beautiful she really is and how lucky he is to have her in his life he gently removes the book from her chest. He closes the book and quietly puts it on the nightstand.
Standing up he gently removes her shoes and covers her with the quilt. He gives her small kiss on the forehead and shuts off the light. Walking over to the other side of the bed he grabs the extra pillow and goes into the bathroom shutting the door almost all the way behind him.
Part 13
Scully awakens to a soft tapping on her door. She jumps up and realizes that she has fallen asleep with all of her clothes on, but someone covered her with the quilt. Squinting at the digital clock next to her she flips on the light. Its 2:00 in the morning. "Come in", she says without thinking. The door slowly opens and Dave cautiously sticks his head in.
"I'm sorry to wake you Dana, but I really need to talk to you." Dave frowns at the fully dressed Scully sitting up in bed. "Wheres Fox?"
"I'm right here", says Mulder staggering out of the bathroom half asleep. "Whats up Dave?" Mulder takes the empty spot next to Scully on the bed. She looks at him a moment before pulling one of the pillows from behind her and handing it to him. He takes it without saying anything and stuffs it behind his head. Snuggling down he crosses his arms across his chest and stares at Dave.
"I just want to apologize for Gina's behavior out there tonight. It was uncalled for. You see Gina came from money and well she's having problems dealing with my frugalness. Suddenly I'm not good enough for her and then this weekend seeing how well you've done for yourself Fox I can see where she is right", says Dave sadly.
"Don't beat yourself down Dave", says Mulder suddenly feeling like a heel for lying to him. "She'll come around. She's crazy for you and material things don't matter when you're happy."
"What was it about Fox that made you know he was the one for you?", Dave asks Scully.
Scully's mouth drops open and she is at a loss for words as she glances from Dave's questioning face to Mulder's curious one. "I......I found him different, different from anyone else that I had.....dated. He was kind, loyal, dashing and I just couldn't help trusting him."
"Did you know that you loved him right away, or did he grow on you", asks Dave.
"Well when we first met we had a our differences. I thought he was a little strange, but he proved to me that normal is *not* always what its cracked up to be", replies Scully.
"Thats not what he asked", says Mulder. "When did you realize you loved me?" Scully turns to look at Mulder who stares challengingly at her. Scully gives him a 'I'm going to get you for this' look.
Scully looks back at Dave and clears her throat. "Um, I would guess when I first walked into his...no I mean when he first walked into my laboratory I found him incredibly.....sexy. However, it would take me several months of working with him to realize that I had fallen in love with him." Scully looks down and plucks at the edge of the quilt.
"What about you Mr. Hotshot?", Dave asks Mulder. "When did you know you loved Dana?"
"From the first moment I laid eyes on her", replies Mulder immediately. Scully's head whips around to look at Mulder whose eyes are focused on Dave.
"Thanks guys. I guess that gives me some hope", says Dave backing up and reaching for the doorknob. "I'm sorry for disturbing you. Good Night."
"No problem bud", replies Mulder as Dave shuts the door. Scully gets up without looking at Mulder. She walks over to her drawer and fiddles around with her clothes.
"Do you want to talk about it?", he asks quietly.
"About what?", she asks tossing clothes on top of the bureau and digging deeper.
"You know damn well what I'm talking about", hisses Mulder sitting up cross legged and hugging his pillow to his chest.
"Mulder, Dave put pressure on us. We made stuff up and there is nothing to talk about", replies Scully. "Damn, I forgot to bring pajamas."
"Here, you can wear this", says Mulder getting off the bed he walks over to his drawer and pulls out the plaid top that matches the bottoms of his pajamas. He starts to hand it to her. "Are you saying you made all that up?"
"No.....not everything", replies Scully slowly taking the top from him. "And you? Did you make that up?"
"Well, no I guess its .....true", replies Mulder quietly. Scully nods and walks into the bathroom shutting the door. Five minutes later she walks out and finds Mulder lying down on *his* side of the bed staring at the ceiling. She slips into the other side of the bed and shuts off the light. Mulder starts to get up, but she grabs his arm.
"Stay", she says. Nodding he slips under the covers.
"We need to talk", he says quietly.
"Tomorrow", Scully replies scooting over to lie next to him. "Just hold for me tonight." Mulder pulls her to him and she burrows her face into his neck. He rests his chin on top of her head and thinks how hard it was for her to admit that she cared for him. Smiling to himself he knows that tomorrow was going to be one time that he didn't ditch an appointment with Dana Scully.
Part 14
Mulder awakens suddenly from a small crash in the living room. He leans over to look at the digital clock on Scully's side of the bed. It reads 4:30 a.m. He disentangles Scully's arms from around him and gets out of bed slowly in order not to awaken her. Feeling his way around the room he only reaches the chair by the door by stubbing his toe on it. Biting his tongue from the pain he blindly reaches for the pocket of his black leather jacket which he had hung over the back of the chair. Instinctively he pulls out his gun and cautiously approaches the door and opens it a crack. Looking out he sees Gina frantically trying to pick up mints that had scattered to the floor from a bowl that she had knocked over. She scoops up the last of the mints and places the bowl back onto the table and returns to her feet. Grabbing the purse she had put down she slings it over her shoulder and starts to walk to the door. Mulder notices she is dressed rather sexy and wonders where she is going at the late or rather early hour as she slips onto the elevator. Glancing down at his attire he knows he can't follow her dressed as he is.
Regretfully he turns on the light illuminating the room. "Scully", he says softly approaching her. She awakens and squints against the light. For a moment she is confused.
"Mulder, why are you in my room", she groans rolling over and covering her eyes with her hand.
"We're at my class reunion Scully, wake up. Gina just snuck out of the place and I want to follow her", replies Mulder flopping down on the end of the bed to pull on a pair of socks and sneakers. "Come on, you're my backup so get up before we lose her."
"Mulder, this is crazy. Its...its 4:35 in the morning and I'm tired. What do we care what Gina is up to? Turn out the light and come back to bed." She covers her face with the quilt.
"I can't believe that I'm passing up on that request, but I've got to check it out. It may be an.....", replies Mulder before being interupted.
"Its *not* an X-File", says Scully flinging back the quilt and glaring at him with a sleep deprived rage. "Mulder, we are at your class reunion for Pete's sake. Our roommates are having marital problems. She probably wants to be alone and decided to go take a walk. Maybe she's a closet alcoholic or maybe she jogs."
"In a leather mini skirt and corset?", asks Mulder raising an eyebrow.
"What?", asks Scully amazed.
"She was dressed a little *revealing* if you know what I mean", replies Mulder getting up and walking to the door. He picks up his gun from the bureau and turns. "Are you coming or not? We're going to lose her."
Scully sighs and pulls the covers aside. Getting up she walks over to her drawer and pulls on a pair of jeans followed by socks and sneakers. Pulling her own gun and badge out of her purse she walks up to Mulder. "I think you better bring your badge. I can just see us getting picked up for stalking a woman with guns. You better be right about this Mulder, or we're going to look foolish. Why don't we just wake Dave and tell him."
"Because he may not know what is going on", replies Mulder grabbing his badge from the nightstand and then opening the bedroom door. "He even may be being influenced by her."
"Mulder, get real. The woman is probably having an affair", replies Scully following Mulder as they creep to the elevator. The numbers decend as Gina reaches her destination,
"Lets take the stairs", whispers Mulder as he opens the door next to the elevator. He holds it open for Scully and then slips through behind her.
Part 15
Once the agents reach the lobby of the hotel Gina is nowhere in sight. "Damn it, we lost her", says Mulder in frustration. He looks in all directions, but its hopeless.
"She couldn't have gone far", says Scully. "Lets check the bar." Mulder nods and they head to the near empty bar. Gina sits on a bar stool next to a blond man. Mulder pulls Scully behind a plant so they won't be spotted.
"I don't believe it", says Mulder under his breath.
"What?", asks Scully looking up at him.
"Its Hank Edwards. The guy that Dave was accusing Gina of flirting with. You may be just right Scully. Maybe they are having an affair", replies Mulder looking down at her.
"And you thought this was an X-File", replies Scully with a slight smile. The two agents watch Gina and Hank as they lean in toward one another in conversation After a few minutes Gina picks up her purse and the two leave the bar with their arms around one another.
"This is terrible", says Mulder once they are gone. "How can I tell my friend that his fiancee is a two timing bimbo? It will break his heart."
"You've got to tell him Mulder", replies Scully. "It would disrespectful to your friendship with Dave if you didn't. I wouldn't suggest waking him up when we go back, but I think tomorrow you should maybe take a walk with him and tell him in the kindest way you can."
Mulder nods and they head back to the lobby where he hits the elevator button. He shakes his head. " I still can't believe that I have to let the poor guy know. I mean is she like this all the time, or is this some spur of the moment fling that she has chosen to have. I mean of all the low things. Imagine having an affair with one of your fiancée's classmates at a reunion?" The elevator opens and they get on. Mulder goes to press the button to their floor. "Oh crap."
"What?", asks Scully.
"I forgot the keycard to the penthouse", replies Mulder.
"We'll have to go back to the desk", says Scully as the door closes. "Or we could always walk."
"I have a better idea", says Mulder pressing the tenth floor button. They ascend about eight floors and he presses the emergency stop.
"Mulder, you are not going to pull that prank again", says Scully giving him a look. "Thats getting really old." Just then the telephone rings. Mulder pulls open the little door and reaching in he takes the phone off the hook. Placing it to the side of the cradle he shuts the door.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?", asks Scully suspiciously as Mulder turns to her and puts his hands on her shoulders. Turning he sits down on the floor of the elevator and pulls her to sit on his lap.
"Mulder, we're in an elevator", says Scully.
"Its tomorrow", replies Mulder.
"What do you mean its tomorrow?", asks Scully looking into his gaze.
"I said we needed to talk and you said that we should wait until tomorrow", replies Mulder calmly as he brushes a lock of her hair behind her ear.
"Mulder, you didn't need to stop the elevator to get me to talk", says Scully.
"I'd stop the world Scully if I needed to", replies Mulder. "Besides, you've got no where to run and don't try avoiding the issue."
"Mulder......", says Scully.
"Lets get it out in the open Scully. I love you. Now what do you have to say to that?", asks Mulder to an open mouthed Scully.
After picking up a bag of popcorn at the hotel gift shop the two agents return to the penthouse and sit on the couch. "What do you want to watch", asks Mulder reaching over on the coffee table for the tv guide.
"You're actually asking my opinion?", asks Scully amazed. "Theres no big game on that you want to watch?"
"Theres always a game on Scully, I'm just being sensitive to your needs", replies Mulder.
Scully snorts. "Whatever looks good Mulder."
"How about Casablanca", asks Mulder flipping the channel.
"You don't really want to watch Casablanca do you", asks Scully ripping open the popcorn bag and eating a few kernels.
"Why not?", asks Mulder looking at her.
"Its not really *your* style of movie", replies Scully.
"I told you we're watching whatever you want to watch tonight", replies Mulder. "And if you want to watch Casablanca we'll watch it."
"Fine", replies Scully.
"Fine", says Mulder tossing the remote on the coffee table. He puts his feet up on the coffee table and leans back, casually putting his arm around the back of the couch behind Scully. She holds out the popcorn bag to him and he takes a handful.
"This is nice Mulder", says Scully without looking at him. "I mean taking time off and not worrying about a case. I think we both needed some R and R."
"Yeah, too bad our roommates are annoying as hell", replies Mulder tossing a piece of popcorn up in the air and catching it in his mouth. Scully looks at him and laughs out loud.
"Agent Mulder, you have talents I didn't know about", says Scully.
"You don't know *everything* about me Agent Scully", replies Mulder giving her an intense look. Scully stares at his mouth a moment and then faces forward.
"The movie is starting Mulder, quit talking", she says.
"Who said anything about talking", says Mulder removing his arm from around her and
clasping his hands in his lap.
The movie starts and Scully gets engrossed with the story that Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman made famous. Thinking how the parallels were similar to Mulder and herself. Two people put together for the purpose of solving a case, but the movie ended as it had started. Separation. Just then she hears a soft snoring sound and looks over to see Mulder has dropped off to sleep. She looks back over at the tv for a few moments and tries to get back into the movie. Mulder grunts in his sleep and then rolls slightly that his head comes to rest on her shoulder. She glances sideways and bites her lip slightly. Brushing her hand through his hair she turns back to the movie.
About fifteen minutes later Mulder groggily awakens. "Sorry", he says as he attempts to move away from her.
"You're tired", replies Scully. "and the movie is almost over. Why don't use just lie down and use my lap as a pillow? Its okay, really." She puts her feet up on the coffee table and crosses her ankles.
Mulder raises his eyebrow at her. "Why Agent Scully are you putting the moves on me?"
Scully colors slightly. "No, I just thought you were uncomfortable, but wanted to watch the end of the movie."
"I wasn't refusing", says Mulder swinging his legs up on the couch and resting his head in her lap. He turns sideways and the agents continue to watch the movie until they both drift off.
They are awakened at the sound of a door and arguing.
"I saw you flirting with Hank at the pig roast. Thats not what you are here for, do you understand", yells Dave.
"What the hell gives you the right to tell me what to do", returns Gina. "Besides, what kind of weekend do you think this for me? Coming to this hicktown reunion and sharing this penthouse with your weird friend and his boring wife? Let me tell you Dave, they are the most abnormal couple I've ever seen."
"Hey Fox was my friend in high school and you don't have to like him. I offered the other room cause they were in a jam. We'll be out of here in two days and you won't have to worry about ever seeing them again or me for that matter if thats what you want." Gina laughs and then gasps when she sees the tv is on. Mulder and Scully stare at them from the couch.
"Hey aren't we cozy here", replies Dave nervously. "Sorry you had to um, hear me and Gina arguing. Gina here had a few too many beers at the pig roast and well I think I better put her to bed right now before she says too much." He grabs her arm and pulls her into their bedroom. The door slams.
Part 12
Mulder sits up and stares at the closed door. Scully turns around and follows his gaze. "What was *that* all about?", he asks.
"I told you Mulder, they're an unhappy couple. They've been good at hiding it thus far, but I think *their* charade has just started falling apart", replies Scully looking at Mulder.
"Weird friend? Abnormal couple?", asks Mulder looking back at Scully.
"Boring wife", sighs Scully. "We're not the most outgoing people Mulder, I guess we don't make the grade." "If we weren't role playing I would feel bad, but we are and I don't feel bad Mulder. You shouldn't either."
"Am I *weird* Scully", demands Mulder. He stares at her awaiting her reply.
"Mulder is this a rhetorical question?", asks Scully.
"No, I just want to know if you think I am weird", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, Gina doesn't know you like I *know* you. You've never cared what others thought before, why now?"
"I don't know. Maybe its because I've always been labeled "Spooky" because of my work, not my personal life. I mean she called me "weird" and she knows nothing about me.....us", says Mulder. "You're right, I don't trust her."
"Mulder, its late and we can have this discussion all night, but I'm tired and I need my sleep. So lets go to bed and hope that Ralph and Alice stop fighting." Scully gets up and picks up the remote. She shuts off the tv leaving the room lit by one small lamp. She walks into the bedroom as Mulder gets up and flips off the lamp.
Walking into the bedroom he shuts the door behind him. "Since I hogged the bathroom when we first got here Mulder you can use the shower first", says Scully sitting down on the bed after propping up a couple of pillows. "I'll just sit here and read for a while." She opens a book.
"Thank you", replies Mulder in a dull tone as he opens up his drawer and pulls out a pair of plaid pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. He goes into the bathroom and shuts the door.
After showering and washing his hair he pulls on his sleepwear and walks over to the sink. He towel dries his hair and brushes his teeth using the mirror. Spitting in the sink he wipes his mouth on a towel and puts his toothbrush back in his bag. Yawning he rubs his face and runs his hand through his hair. As he stares at himself in the mirror the unfamiliar image of the gold band on his left hand startles him for a moment. He looks down at his hand and flexes it for a second before he turns and opens the door to the bathroom. "All yours Scully", he says as he turns and picks up his scattered clothes. He then walks back into the bedroom and throws his dirty clothes into his bag. "Scully?"
Looking over he sees that she has fallen asleep reading her book. Kneeling down next to her he stares at her a moment. Thinking how beautiful she really is and how lucky he is to have her in his life he gently removes the book from her chest. He closes the book and quietly puts it on the nightstand.
Standing up he gently removes her shoes and covers her with the quilt. He gives her small kiss on the forehead and shuts off the light. Walking over to the other side of the bed he grabs the extra pillow and goes into the bathroom shutting the door almost all the way behind him.
Part 13
Scully awakens to a soft tapping on her door. She jumps up and realizes that she has fallen asleep with all of her clothes on, but someone covered her with the quilt. Squinting at the digital clock next to her she flips on the light. Its 2:00 in the morning. "Come in", she says without thinking. The door slowly opens and Dave cautiously sticks his head in.
"I'm sorry to wake you Dana, but I really need to talk to you." Dave frowns at the fully dressed Scully sitting up in bed. "Wheres Fox?"
"I'm right here", says Mulder staggering out of the bathroom half asleep. "Whats up Dave?" Mulder takes the empty spot next to Scully on the bed. She looks at him a moment before pulling one of the pillows from behind her and handing it to him. He takes it without saying anything and stuffs it behind his head. Snuggling down he crosses his arms across his chest and stares at Dave.
"I just want to apologize for Gina's behavior out there tonight. It was uncalled for. You see Gina came from money and well she's having problems dealing with my frugalness. Suddenly I'm not good enough for her and then this weekend seeing how well you've done for yourself Fox I can see where she is right", says Dave sadly.
"Don't beat yourself down Dave", says Mulder suddenly feeling like a heel for lying to him. "She'll come around. She's crazy for you and material things don't matter when you're happy."
"What was it about Fox that made you know he was the one for you?", Dave asks Scully.
Scully's mouth drops open and she is at a loss for words as she glances from Dave's questioning face to Mulder's curious one. "I......I found him different, different from anyone else that I had.....dated. He was kind, loyal, dashing and I just couldn't help trusting him."
"Did you know that you loved him right away, or did he grow on you", asks Dave.
"Well when we first met we had a our differences. I thought he was a little strange, but he proved to me that normal is *not* always what its cracked up to be", replies Scully.
"Thats not what he asked", says Mulder. "When did you realize you loved me?" Scully turns to look at Mulder who stares challengingly at her. Scully gives him a 'I'm going to get you for this' look.
Scully looks back at Dave and clears her throat. "Um, I would guess when I first walked into his...no I mean when he first walked into my laboratory I found him incredibly.....sexy. However, it would take me several months of working with him to realize that I had fallen in love with him." Scully looks down and plucks at the edge of the quilt.
"What about you Mr. Hotshot?", Dave asks Mulder. "When did you know you loved Dana?"
"From the first moment I laid eyes on her", replies Mulder immediately. Scully's head whips around to look at Mulder whose eyes are focused on Dave.
"Thanks guys. I guess that gives me some hope", says Dave backing up and reaching for the doorknob. "I'm sorry for disturbing you. Good Night."
"No problem bud", replies Mulder as Dave shuts the door. Scully gets up without looking at Mulder. She walks over to her drawer and fiddles around with her clothes.
"Do you want to talk about it?", he asks quietly.
"About what?", she asks tossing clothes on top of the bureau and digging deeper.
"You know damn well what I'm talking about", hisses Mulder sitting up cross legged and hugging his pillow to his chest.
"Mulder, Dave put pressure on us. We made stuff up and there is nothing to talk about", replies Scully. "Damn, I forgot to bring pajamas."
"Here, you can wear this", says Mulder getting off the bed he walks over to his drawer and pulls out the plaid top that matches the bottoms of his pajamas. He starts to hand it to her. "Are you saying you made all that up?"
"No.....not everything", replies Scully slowly taking the top from him. "And you? Did you make that up?"
"Well, no I guess its .....true", replies Mulder quietly. Scully nods and walks into the bathroom shutting the door. Five minutes later she walks out and finds Mulder lying down on *his* side of the bed staring at the ceiling. She slips into the other side of the bed and shuts off the light. Mulder starts to get up, but she grabs his arm.
"Stay", she says. Nodding he slips under the covers.
"We need to talk", he says quietly.
"Tomorrow", Scully replies scooting over to lie next to him. "Just hold for me tonight." Mulder pulls her to him and she burrows her face into his neck. He rests his chin on top of her head and thinks how hard it was for her to admit that she cared for him. Smiling to himself he knows that tomorrow was going to be one time that he didn't ditch an appointment with Dana Scully.
Part 14
Mulder awakens suddenly from a small crash in the living room. He leans over to look at the digital clock on Scully's side of the bed. It reads 4:30 a.m. He disentangles Scully's arms from around him and gets out of bed slowly in order not to awaken her. Feeling his way around the room he only reaches the chair by the door by stubbing his toe on it. Biting his tongue from the pain he blindly reaches for the pocket of his black leather jacket which he had hung over the back of the chair. Instinctively he pulls out his gun and cautiously approaches the door and opens it a crack. Looking out he sees Gina frantically trying to pick up mints that had scattered to the floor from a bowl that she had knocked over. She scoops up the last of the mints and places the bowl back onto the table and returns to her feet. Grabbing the purse she had put down she slings it over her shoulder and starts to walk to the door. Mulder notices she is dressed rather sexy and wonders where she is going at the late or rather early hour as she slips onto the elevator. Glancing down at his attire he knows he can't follow her dressed as he is.
Regretfully he turns on the light illuminating the room. "Scully", he says softly approaching her. She awakens and squints against the light. For a moment she is confused.
"Mulder, why are you in my room", she groans rolling over and covering her eyes with her hand.
"We're at my class reunion Scully, wake up. Gina just snuck out of the place and I want to follow her", replies Mulder flopping down on the end of the bed to pull on a pair of socks and sneakers. "Come on, you're my backup so get up before we lose her."
"Mulder, this is crazy. Its...its 4:35 in the morning and I'm tired. What do we care what Gina is up to? Turn out the light and come back to bed." She covers her face with the quilt.
"I can't believe that I'm passing up on that request, but I've got to check it out. It may be an.....", replies Mulder before being interupted.
"Its *not* an X-File", says Scully flinging back the quilt and glaring at him with a sleep deprived rage. "Mulder, we are at your class reunion for Pete's sake. Our roommates are having marital problems. She probably wants to be alone and decided to go take a walk. Maybe she's a closet alcoholic or maybe she jogs."
"In a leather mini skirt and corset?", asks Mulder raising an eyebrow.
"What?", asks Scully amazed.
"She was dressed a little *revealing* if you know what I mean", replies Mulder getting up and walking to the door. He picks up his gun from the bureau and turns. "Are you coming or not? We're going to lose her."
Scully sighs and pulls the covers aside. Getting up she walks over to her drawer and pulls on a pair of jeans followed by socks and sneakers. Pulling her own gun and badge out of her purse she walks up to Mulder. "I think you better bring your badge. I can just see us getting picked up for stalking a woman with guns. You better be right about this Mulder, or we're going to look foolish. Why don't we just wake Dave and tell him."
"Because he may not know what is going on", replies Mulder grabbing his badge from the nightstand and then opening the bedroom door. "He even may be being influenced by her."
"Mulder, get real. The woman is probably having an affair", replies Scully following Mulder as they creep to the elevator. The numbers decend as Gina reaches her destination,
"Lets take the stairs", whispers Mulder as he opens the door next to the elevator. He holds it open for Scully and then slips through behind her.
Part 15
Once the agents reach the lobby of the hotel Gina is nowhere in sight. "Damn it, we lost her", says Mulder in frustration. He looks in all directions, but its hopeless.
"She couldn't have gone far", says Scully. "Lets check the bar." Mulder nods and they head to the near empty bar. Gina sits on a bar stool next to a blond man. Mulder pulls Scully behind a plant so they won't be spotted.
"I don't believe it", says Mulder under his breath.
"What?", asks Scully looking up at him.
"Its Hank Edwards. The guy that Dave was accusing Gina of flirting with. You may be just right Scully. Maybe they are having an affair", replies Mulder looking down at her.
"And you thought this was an X-File", replies Scully with a slight smile. The two agents watch Gina and Hank as they lean in toward one another in conversation After a few minutes Gina picks up her purse and the two leave the bar with their arms around one another.
"This is terrible", says Mulder once they are gone. "How can I tell my friend that his fiancee is a two timing bimbo? It will break his heart."
"You've got to tell him Mulder", replies Scully. "It would disrespectful to your friendship with Dave if you didn't. I wouldn't suggest waking him up when we go back, but I think tomorrow you should maybe take a walk with him and tell him in the kindest way you can."
Mulder nods and they head back to the lobby where he hits the elevator button. He shakes his head. " I still can't believe that I have to let the poor guy know. I mean is she like this all the time, or is this some spur of the moment fling that she has chosen to have. I mean of all the low things. Imagine having an affair with one of your fiancée's classmates at a reunion?" The elevator opens and they get on. Mulder goes to press the button to their floor. "Oh crap."
"What?", asks Scully.
"I forgot the keycard to the penthouse", replies Mulder.
"We'll have to go back to the desk", says Scully as the door closes. "Or we could always walk."
"I have a better idea", says Mulder pressing the tenth floor button. They ascend about eight floors and he presses the emergency stop.
"Mulder, you are not going to pull that prank again", says Scully giving him a look. "Thats getting really old." Just then the telephone rings. Mulder pulls open the little door and reaching in he takes the phone off the hook. Placing it to the side of the cradle he shuts the door.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?", asks Scully suspiciously as Mulder turns to her and puts his hands on her shoulders. Turning he sits down on the floor of the elevator and pulls her to sit on his lap.
"Mulder, we're in an elevator", says Scully.
"Its tomorrow", replies Mulder.
"What do you mean its tomorrow?", asks Scully looking into his gaze.
"I said we needed to talk and you said that we should wait until tomorrow", replies Mulder calmly as he brushes a lock of her hair behind her ear.
"Mulder, you didn't need to stop the elevator to get me to talk", says Scully.
"I'd stop the world Scully if I needed to", replies Mulder. "Besides, you've got no where to run and don't try avoiding the issue."
"Mulder......", says Scully.
"Lets get it out in the open Scully. I love you. Now what do you have to say to that?", asks Mulder to an open mouthed Scully.