Part 21
Scully wipes the sweat from her brow as she finishes up on the autopsy of Hank Edwards. Its been a long six hours and she is tired and hungry. She has autopsied all three apparent heart attack victims and found that all three did have high cholesterol levels resulting in obvious cardiac damage. Tox screenings will take a couple of days to process and the feeling of frustration sets in as she realizes that she won't have the answers until after the reunion is well over. She pulls off her gloves and tosses them into a waste basket as Mulder walks in with a rolled up newspaper in his hand.
"Well? What did you find out?", asks Mulder.
"Not much. Its Saturday Mulder and this place is literally like a morgue. There isn't any way we are going to get any tox screenings results until at least Tuesday."
"Tuesday? We'll be home by then and so will the killer, and that could be anywhere in the country", replies a frustrated Mulder slamming the rolled newspaper against the top edge of the nearest gurney. Scully jumps slightly.
"I know your disappointed Mulder, I am too, but theres nothing we can do", replies Scully softly as she touches his arm.
"Unless we can catch the killer before he or *she* kills again", says Mulder.
"They may have already chosen their next victim", replies Scully. "There are about two hundred of your classmates here with spouses, significant others or FBI partners. Whose to say who the next victim will be? We can't watch everyone all of the time Mulder. Unless you want to bring your theory to Captain Connors so he can put some security in place, but that may cause a round of panic and the whole reunion may be ruined if people start to leave."
"No, I don't want to do that. Lets not go that far yet Scully. I think the best thing to do is to wait until the Gunmen can come up with some leads. Let me call the hotel and see if any messages have been left." He glances at his watch before pulling out his cell phone.
"Mulder, could we get some lunch? I mean it is after two", says Scully.
"Sure, I guess that would be okay", says Mulder dialing the hotel's number. "I was always amazed how you could eat after doing what you do. I sometimes have a hard time eating after what you tell me and I not the one slicing and dicing." He turns his attention back to the phone in his hand. "Yes, this is Fox Mulder. I'm rooming in the Penthouse and I wanted to check in to see if any messages had been left for me. No? Okay, thanks I'll check back in a couple hours." Mulder hangs up the phone. "They haven't called yet."
"Maybe they're having a hard time coming up with leads", replies Scully.
"I don't know but tonight is the ball and if we don't get any concrete evidence by tonight I'm afraid that this case may just slip through the cracks", says Mulder. "However, seeing that we do have a couple hours to kill before we have to be back to the hotel to get dressed for tonight I'm going to take you out to lunch and show you around Chillmark like I promised."
"Lunch better be good Mulder", says Scully. "I just "sliced and diced" three bodies and I'm ready to start taking hostages if I don't get something soon."
"Scully turning violent, hmm this could be interesting", says Mulder as he watches Scully strip off her autopsy apron and drop it into the dirty clothes bin. After washing her hands Mulder helps her into her coat and they leave the medical examiner's office.
Part 22
"Hows that hamburger Scully?", asks Mulder as he bites into his own.
Scully just nods as her mouth is full. After leaving the medical examiner's office Mulder had taken her to Harry's an outside hamburger stand where people still stood in line at 2:30 in the afternoon. Sitting out at a picnic table in the middle of a sunny day eating a hamburger with Mulder was something they never did. It was too normal and she liked it.
"I told you they had the best burgers around. Aren't you glad I talked you out of that side salad Scully? You'd be starving in an hour and you'd be missing out on tasting a legend."
"So this place has been here since you grew up here?", asks Scully pulling a French fry out the container they had placed between them and dipping it into the ketchup.
"Yeah, my parents before they divorced used to bring Samantha and me here every Saturday night during the summer. It was supposed to be our "treat" for the week for being such good kids. In actuality I think it just was an excuse so Mom wouldn't have to cook for us", replies Mulder with a far-off look in his eye.
"My Dad used to take all of us kids out to get ice cream every Saturday night too", replies Scully wiping her mouth off. She sighs. "It seems like yesterday."
"You really miss him don't you?", Mulder asks her.
"Every day I run into something that reminds me of him or Melissa", replies Scully sadly. "I don't think the pain will ever go away.......or the guilt about Missy."
"We've been through this before. Scully, it was *not* your fault", says Mulder taking her hand in his and looking her in the eye before she looks away. She tries to fight the tears that are threatening to burst.
"I *know* Mulder, but it doesn't make any difference. The man that shot my sister is dead, but I *know* that Krychek was there and every time I see him I think of how he is free to run around and commit crimes, while my sister lies dead in a cemetery in Baltimore", replies Scully finally looking up at Mulder.
"He'll have his day, I promise you Scully", says Mulder dropping her hand. "Now, if you are all finished eating I say we hit the road and I'll show you a couple of highlights of my small, but very quaint little town", says Mulder getting up and pulling Scully to her feet.
"Can I kiss the tour guide?", asks Scully looking up at him.
"You think you need to ask?", replies Mulder as Scully gives him a kiss on the cheek.
"I just want you to know Mulder that if we move on from friendship to a relationship that you still are the best listener in the whole world and that you've helped me deal with Melissa's death by just being there.
"What are Psychologists for", replies Mulder with an amused look on his face.
"Thats not what I meant", replies Scully.
"I know. I know what you meant Scully", says Mulder putting his arm around her and walking her toward their sedan. "Now on with the tour. Feel free to kiss the tour guide any time you feel like it. He can feel lonely at times........"
Part 23
"I've shown you my elementary school, the library, the park where I played baseball in the spring, the youth center where I played basketball, and two of the three houses I've lived in. This one was my father's", says Mulder as they pull into the driveway of a beach-front small, but exquisite home.
"Mulder, this is beautiful and you just let it sit here?", asks Scully as she gets out of the car and shuts the door. Mulder walks around to her side of the car.
"Well I haven't had all that many occasions to use it Scully", replies Mulder. "Come on, let me show ya around." He takes her by the hand after she raises her eyebrow at him.
"Mulder, this is way too domestic for you", says Scully as she is led up to the front steps of the house. She notices a small sign that says "The Getaway" as Mulder pulls his keychain from his pocket and sorts through the keys until he finds one which he inserts into the door and then opens it. He ushers Scully in through the door.
"Sorry, I didn't tell the maid we were coming", says Mulder as he shuts the door behind them. Scanning the house Scully notices that all the furniture has covers on it and everything including the hard wood floors is covered in a layer of dust. Scully sneezes and gives Mulder an embarrassed look.
"Allergies", says Scully.
"Like I said, I haven't been here in a while. I haven't wanted to show it to anyone up to now...." He walks across the room and pulls open the full length curtains. A swirl of dust sweeps across the room. Mulder sneezes himself. "Somebody's thinking about me", he says. Scully gives a half smile as she walks up to the sliding glass door that extends onto a deck and looks out over the ocean. "Sometimes I wonder why I hold unto this place", says Mulder. "There isn't any reason to."
"Is this the house your sister was abducted from?", asks Scully. Mulder looks down as he slowly nods. Biting his lip he fights the emotion from showing in his face. Scully takes his hand in her own.
"Its okay to feel sad Mulder. It makes me sad to see you sad." Mulder looks up and caresses Scully's cheek.
"This is my obsession Scully, not yours. This crusade of mine has taken too much from you. Please don't tell me that you are sad, because thats not something I could live with."
"Do you really, truly love me Mulder?", asks Scully.
"Are you doubting my feelings for you now?", asks Mulder giving her a hurt look.
"No, I'm just asking you a question that I need an answer to. We all seek answers Mulder and if you love me truly in your heart than you'll understand that when I think of life, life without you or the X-Files I couldn't comprehend it. You are part of my life, therefore everything that comes along with you is a part of me. Everything from your obsession of the paranormal, your sunflower seeds, your taste in movies and your incessant need to find your sister. Mulder, if my sister wasn't already dead and you thought there was a remote possibility that she was alive, that I was passionate at finding her, would you help me find her?"
"You know I would", replies Mulder instantly.
"No, you *would* find her Mulder, because I know you and what loyalty means to you. If Missy was still alive somewhere you would risk your own life simply based on the fact that it would make my life somewhat whole again to be reunited with her. Its no different for me. I want to see you happy Mulder and no matter how much I try I know that the only way for you to be truly happy in this lifetime is to either find Samantha or find out the truth of what happened to her."
"You always give a great pep-talk", says Mulder pulling Scully into his arms.
"We're a team Mulder. Don't try to hide things from me. It doesn't do any good for you, because words don't always need to be spoken.
"You mean like handsignals or something", says Mulder.
"No, facial expression, body language or.....mental telepathy", replies Scully reluctantly.
"Dana Scully or should I say Dana Mulder are you suggesting that you have a psychic connection to me?", asks Mulder.
"Well no.....but sometimes I can practically read your mind", says Scully smiling.
"Oh really! Than what am I thinking of right now?", asks Mulder mischievously.
"Alex Krychek?", asks Scully.
"Well unless Alex Krychek has red hair, blue eyes and a set of full red lips that I really want to kiss right now, I am in big trouble", replies Mulder.
"Well there are rumors", says Scully smiling as she wraps her arms tightly around Mulder's neck.
"What rumors?", asks Mulder.
"That women don't turn you on", replies Scully.
"Theres only one woman that turns me on and she's in my arms right now", says Mulder as his lips descend onto Scully's. After several moments of enjoying the feel of Scully against him Mulder releases her and looks out the window. The sun is setting. "Well Scully its getting late and I have one question for you to answer."
Scully raises her eyebrow. "Yes, what is it?"
"It may be twenty years too late, but will you please go to the prom with me?"
"I'll have to think about it", replies Scully walking back toward the door.
"Oh come on, I'm the best you're going to get", replies Mulder.
"Hmmm.. okay I guess you're right. Pick me up at seven", replies Scully with a sly smile.
"What color are you wearing?", asks Mulder.
"Mulder, you saw my dress. Its hanging up right next to your tux", replies Scully.
"Just play along Scully", says Mulder.
"Okay, its black", says Scully.
Mulder scratches his chin a moment in thought. "Okay, thats all I needed to know."
They walk toward the car.
"Scully did I ever tell you what I rented for the Senior Prom?", asks Mulder.
"No, a hotel room?", replies Scully opening the car door.
"Well that too, but I was talking more like mode of transportation", says Mulder. getting in and shutting the door. Scully gets into the passenger seat and buckles herself in.
"A limousine?", she asks.
"Actually it was a hearse", says Mulder. "I thought it would make a great...."
"Don't tell me anymore", says Scully holding up her hand. "Why am I not surprised? Are you sure you got the name Spooky in the academy?"
"No, my classmates just thought I was weird. I guess Gina fits right in with her opinion. Which reminds me. I wonder if Langly called." Mulder starts the car and the agents head back to the hotel.
Part 24
Upon arriving back at the hotel the agents check in for messages and head back up to the Penthouse. Langly has not called and Gina sits on a couch calmly eating popcorn while she watches a movie.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for the banquet Gina", asks Scully.
"Who died and made you boss?", asks Gina not bothering to look at Scully.
"Well no one, but I just thought you would want to get dressed so we could get down there early and get good seats."
"It doesn't matter, they're seating us alphabetically so we won't even be at the same table", replies Gina.
"Where did you hear that from?", asks Mulder.
"I was down the hall getting ice when I heard that Alicia complaining that she couldn't sit with her friends and that she has to sit with that computer nerd, Warren Jones. She says her entire weekend is ruined." Glancing up Gina scrutinizes Scully before giving Mulder a dazzling smile. "I suppose I should get ready. It is already 5:30." She walks toward her bedroom.
"Where is Dave?", asks Mulder. She turns to look at him.
"Dave wasn't feeling too good today. He should be okay by tonight I would think." She goes in and shuts the door.
"You don't think Dave is....", starts Scully.
"Dead?", replies Mulder.
"Well there has been a set pattern here Mulder", replies Scully.
"I think we need to call Langly and see if he has found anything out", replies Mulder ushering Scully through the door of their bedroom. He closes the door and sits down on the edge of the bed. Picking up the phone he dials the Lone Gunmen. Scully sets her gun down on the bureau and goes to the closet to take her gown out.
"Lone Gunmen", answers Langly.
"Anything yet?", asks Mulder
"I was just calling you. I can't find anything on Gina DeCaprio. Mulder, its like she's an X-File. I even ran a national search and although there are several Gina DeCaprios listed none of them fit the profile you gave me. Only a couple fit the profile and none of them have ever lived or *worked* in New York City, not to mention New York state. I wish I could give you more, but I've hit a brick wall", says Langly.
"Thanks for trying. I'll take it from here", replies Mulder in frustration. He watches Scully sift through clothes in a drawer.
"Good luck solving it buddy. Oh one more thing. Give us a call when you get back. We expect you to take us up on that raincheck on the chili dogs. Frohike says you can bring Scully along. He thinks he can talk some sense into her. He wants to convince her that its safer to date an unemployed computer geek than a field agent for the FBI."
"I can't compete with that", replies Mulder with a snicker.
"You better believe that!", says Frohike.
"Have I been on the speaker phone for the entire time?", asks Mulder annoyed. The next thing he hears is a click. He mutters to himself as he hangs up his phone. Glancing up he sees Scully frowning as she looks into one of her drawers. "Whats wrong?", he asks.
Turning around Scully looks at him. "I'm going to regret asking you this Mulder, but you didn't go through my underwear drawer did you?"
"Only in my dreams. Why?", says Mulder.
"Well I put all my things in here neat and now it is all messy." She shuts the drawer and looks in another one. Mulder, this one is the same way. Someone has been through my drawers." Mulder gets up and opens a drawer on his side of the bureau.
"You're right, someone has been through my stuff too", says Mulder.
"It could have been the maid", says Scully flatly.
"Or not", replies Mulder looking at her. "Damn it Scully I can't arrest without proof. We've got three bodies and the reunion ends tomorrow. She'll be going home to God knows where and we may never find out what happened here. Thats it, I've got to lay it straight with Dave and find out what he knows about her." Just then the door of their bedroom swings open a fraction of a inch, thus creating a creaking sound. Mulder storms over to the door and abruptly opens it. Glancing around the empty living room he then shuts the door and locks it. "Someone was out there listening", says Mulder looking at Scully.
"Mulder, you are getting really paranoid", says Scully picking up her clothes and heading into the bathroom to take a shower. She shuts the door.
"I am *not* being paranoid Scully", replies Mulder next to the door. He walks over to the closet and pulls his tux down which he tosses across the bed. Putting his gun down on the bureau he then pulls off his black t-shirt and knocks on the bathroom door.
"What?!", yells Scully over the sound of the shower.
"We need to save time Scully. Can I come in and shave while you are in the shower?", yells Mulder back.
After a couple moments of silence Scully answers, "Um, okay, but if you come anywhere near this shower curtain you're going to get a face full of soap."
Mulder chuckles a moment before he opens the door. "I'm coming in!"
"And I warned you, so if you want any chance of a relationship with me you had better abide by the rules Mulder", says Scully.
"I hear ya Scully, trust me, this is the one thing in my life that I'm not going to mess up", says Mulder shutting the door.
Part 25
"Scully I just slit my throat with my razor, I think ya ought to come out and look at it", says Mulder over the sound of the shower.
"Nice try Mulder", says Scully.
"I'm serious, I'm bleeding all over the sink and I'm starting to feel light headed", replies Mulder.
"I am not falling for that Mulder", says Scully.
"Okay, whatever. I'm passing out right now. You'll find my lifeless body on the floor when you get out of that nice warm shower", replies Mulder. Scully rolls her eyes from inside the shower. She hears a the sound of something crashing onto the toilet items around the sink and then a loud thump.
"Mulder? Mulder answer me", says Scully pausing a moment to listen. Seconds tick by and Scully starts to become concerned. She shuts the shower off and pulling back the corner of the curtain she reaches for the towel she put just outside. Grasping for the towel she feels around for it and finally she sticks her head out to find the towel is gone. "If you aren't already dead, you're going to wish you were Mulder!"
She cautiously sticks her foot out and wrapping the shower curtain around herself she walks a couple of feet over to where some towels are hanging. She quickly grabs one and wraps it around herself and then hurries over to the sink where Mulder is lying on his side facing away from her. She quickly leans down and rolls him over. "Mulder, are you all right?" He doesn't answer her. She leans over and puts her ear to his nose and panic sets in when she doesn't feel any breath. Leaning back she prepares to administer CPR when she notices that there is NO blood on his throat. Smiling to herself as she can now clearly see Mulder is holding his breath she leans up and grabs a bar of soap on the edge of the sink. She notices his eyelids flicker once as she places it on the floor next to her.
"Oh my God, I'm going to have to give him mouth to mouth, he clearly isn't breathing", says Scully aloud. Putting her hand under his neck she positions his head correctly and then with her two hands gently opens his mouth. Leaning down over him she gently gives him a couple of breaths and then repeats it once. "I guess I'm going to have to keep doing it. Come on Mulder, you've got to wake up", says Scully as she leans down and picks up the bar of soap. Just then Mulder's eyes fly open.
"Its a mirac........ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh", exclaims Mulder as the bar of soap is shoved into his mouth.
"Thats what you get for faking your death in a lame attempt to get a cheap thrill. Imagine stealing my towel to try to get me naked!", yells Scully as Mulder sits up to lean against the sink.
"I was not *trying* to get you naked Scully, you already were", replies Mulder with a grin as he makes a face from the soap taste in his mouth. "By the way you look cute in a towel." Scully affectionately shoves his head to the side.
"I am going to go finish my shower as I didn't even get to rinse the shampoo out of my hair", says Scully as she and Mulder get to their feet. She starts to walk toward the shower.
"Well then you won't need this anymore", says Mulder with a one quick flick of his wrist he has the towel hanging from his hand.
"MULDER!!!", yells Scully as she darts back into the shower.
"Cute tattoo Scully", laughs Mulder turning back to the sink.
Scully wipes the sweat from her brow as she finishes up on the autopsy of Hank Edwards. Its been a long six hours and she is tired and hungry. She has autopsied all three apparent heart attack victims and found that all three did have high cholesterol levels resulting in obvious cardiac damage. Tox screenings will take a couple of days to process and the feeling of frustration sets in as she realizes that she won't have the answers until after the reunion is well over. She pulls off her gloves and tosses them into a waste basket as Mulder walks in with a rolled up newspaper in his hand.
"Well? What did you find out?", asks Mulder.
"Not much. Its Saturday Mulder and this place is literally like a morgue. There isn't any way we are going to get any tox screenings results until at least Tuesday."
"Tuesday? We'll be home by then and so will the killer, and that could be anywhere in the country", replies a frustrated Mulder slamming the rolled newspaper against the top edge of the nearest gurney. Scully jumps slightly.
"I know your disappointed Mulder, I am too, but theres nothing we can do", replies Scully softly as she touches his arm.
"Unless we can catch the killer before he or *she* kills again", says Mulder.
"They may have already chosen their next victim", replies Scully. "There are about two hundred of your classmates here with spouses, significant others or FBI partners. Whose to say who the next victim will be? We can't watch everyone all of the time Mulder. Unless you want to bring your theory to Captain Connors so he can put some security in place, but that may cause a round of panic and the whole reunion may be ruined if people start to leave."
"No, I don't want to do that. Lets not go that far yet Scully. I think the best thing to do is to wait until the Gunmen can come up with some leads. Let me call the hotel and see if any messages have been left." He glances at his watch before pulling out his cell phone.
"Mulder, could we get some lunch? I mean it is after two", says Scully.
"Sure, I guess that would be okay", says Mulder dialing the hotel's number. "I was always amazed how you could eat after doing what you do. I sometimes have a hard time eating after what you tell me and I not the one slicing and dicing." He turns his attention back to the phone in his hand. "Yes, this is Fox Mulder. I'm rooming in the Penthouse and I wanted to check in to see if any messages had been left for me. No? Okay, thanks I'll check back in a couple hours." Mulder hangs up the phone. "They haven't called yet."
"Maybe they're having a hard time coming up with leads", replies Scully.
"I don't know but tonight is the ball and if we don't get any concrete evidence by tonight I'm afraid that this case may just slip through the cracks", says Mulder. "However, seeing that we do have a couple hours to kill before we have to be back to the hotel to get dressed for tonight I'm going to take you out to lunch and show you around Chillmark like I promised."
"Lunch better be good Mulder", says Scully. "I just "sliced and diced" three bodies and I'm ready to start taking hostages if I don't get something soon."
"Scully turning violent, hmm this could be interesting", says Mulder as he watches Scully strip off her autopsy apron and drop it into the dirty clothes bin. After washing her hands Mulder helps her into her coat and they leave the medical examiner's office.
Part 22
"Hows that hamburger Scully?", asks Mulder as he bites into his own.
Scully just nods as her mouth is full. After leaving the medical examiner's office Mulder had taken her to Harry's an outside hamburger stand where people still stood in line at 2:30 in the afternoon. Sitting out at a picnic table in the middle of a sunny day eating a hamburger with Mulder was something they never did. It was too normal and she liked it.
"I told you they had the best burgers around. Aren't you glad I talked you out of that side salad Scully? You'd be starving in an hour and you'd be missing out on tasting a legend."
"So this place has been here since you grew up here?", asks Scully pulling a French fry out the container they had placed between them and dipping it into the ketchup.
"Yeah, my parents before they divorced used to bring Samantha and me here every Saturday night during the summer. It was supposed to be our "treat" for the week for being such good kids. In actuality I think it just was an excuse so Mom wouldn't have to cook for us", replies Mulder with a far-off look in his eye.
"My Dad used to take all of us kids out to get ice cream every Saturday night too", replies Scully wiping her mouth off. She sighs. "It seems like yesterday."
"You really miss him don't you?", Mulder asks her.
"Every day I run into something that reminds me of him or Melissa", replies Scully sadly. "I don't think the pain will ever go away.......or the guilt about Missy."
"We've been through this before. Scully, it was *not* your fault", says Mulder taking her hand in his and looking her in the eye before she looks away. She tries to fight the tears that are threatening to burst.
"I *know* Mulder, but it doesn't make any difference. The man that shot my sister is dead, but I *know* that Krychek was there and every time I see him I think of how he is free to run around and commit crimes, while my sister lies dead in a cemetery in Baltimore", replies Scully finally looking up at Mulder.
"He'll have his day, I promise you Scully", says Mulder dropping her hand. "Now, if you are all finished eating I say we hit the road and I'll show you a couple of highlights of my small, but very quaint little town", says Mulder getting up and pulling Scully to her feet.
"Can I kiss the tour guide?", asks Scully looking up at him.
"You think you need to ask?", replies Mulder as Scully gives him a kiss on the cheek.
"I just want you to know Mulder that if we move on from friendship to a relationship that you still are the best listener in the whole world and that you've helped me deal with Melissa's death by just being there.
"What are Psychologists for", replies Mulder with an amused look on his face.
"Thats not what I meant", replies Scully.
"I know. I know what you meant Scully", says Mulder putting his arm around her and walking her toward their sedan. "Now on with the tour. Feel free to kiss the tour guide any time you feel like it. He can feel lonely at times........"
Part 23
"I've shown you my elementary school, the library, the park where I played baseball in the spring, the youth center where I played basketball, and two of the three houses I've lived in. This one was my father's", says Mulder as they pull into the driveway of a beach-front small, but exquisite home.
"Mulder, this is beautiful and you just let it sit here?", asks Scully as she gets out of the car and shuts the door. Mulder walks around to her side of the car.
"Well I haven't had all that many occasions to use it Scully", replies Mulder. "Come on, let me show ya around." He takes her by the hand after she raises her eyebrow at him.
"Mulder, this is way too domestic for you", says Scully as she is led up to the front steps of the house. She notices a small sign that says "The Getaway" as Mulder pulls his keychain from his pocket and sorts through the keys until he finds one which he inserts into the door and then opens it. He ushers Scully in through the door.
"Sorry, I didn't tell the maid we were coming", says Mulder as he shuts the door behind them. Scanning the house Scully notices that all the furniture has covers on it and everything including the hard wood floors is covered in a layer of dust. Scully sneezes and gives Mulder an embarrassed look.
"Allergies", says Scully.
"Like I said, I haven't been here in a while. I haven't wanted to show it to anyone up to now...." He walks across the room and pulls open the full length curtains. A swirl of dust sweeps across the room. Mulder sneezes himself. "Somebody's thinking about me", he says. Scully gives a half smile as she walks up to the sliding glass door that extends onto a deck and looks out over the ocean. "Sometimes I wonder why I hold unto this place", says Mulder. "There isn't any reason to."
"Is this the house your sister was abducted from?", asks Scully. Mulder looks down as he slowly nods. Biting his lip he fights the emotion from showing in his face. Scully takes his hand in her own.
"Its okay to feel sad Mulder. It makes me sad to see you sad." Mulder looks up and caresses Scully's cheek.
"This is my obsession Scully, not yours. This crusade of mine has taken too much from you. Please don't tell me that you are sad, because thats not something I could live with."
"Do you really, truly love me Mulder?", asks Scully.
"Are you doubting my feelings for you now?", asks Mulder giving her a hurt look.
"No, I'm just asking you a question that I need an answer to. We all seek answers Mulder and if you love me truly in your heart than you'll understand that when I think of life, life without you or the X-Files I couldn't comprehend it. You are part of my life, therefore everything that comes along with you is a part of me. Everything from your obsession of the paranormal, your sunflower seeds, your taste in movies and your incessant need to find your sister. Mulder, if my sister wasn't already dead and you thought there was a remote possibility that she was alive, that I was passionate at finding her, would you help me find her?"
"You know I would", replies Mulder instantly.
"No, you *would* find her Mulder, because I know you and what loyalty means to you. If Missy was still alive somewhere you would risk your own life simply based on the fact that it would make my life somewhat whole again to be reunited with her. Its no different for me. I want to see you happy Mulder and no matter how much I try I know that the only way for you to be truly happy in this lifetime is to either find Samantha or find out the truth of what happened to her."
"You always give a great pep-talk", says Mulder pulling Scully into his arms.
"We're a team Mulder. Don't try to hide things from me. It doesn't do any good for you, because words don't always need to be spoken.
"You mean like handsignals or something", says Mulder.
"No, facial expression, body language or.....mental telepathy", replies Scully reluctantly.
"Dana Scully or should I say Dana Mulder are you suggesting that you have a psychic connection to me?", asks Mulder.
"Well no.....but sometimes I can practically read your mind", says Scully smiling.
"Oh really! Than what am I thinking of right now?", asks Mulder mischievously.
"Alex Krychek?", asks Scully.
"Well unless Alex Krychek has red hair, blue eyes and a set of full red lips that I really want to kiss right now, I am in big trouble", replies Mulder.
"Well there are rumors", says Scully smiling as she wraps her arms tightly around Mulder's neck.
"What rumors?", asks Mulder.
"That women don't turn you on", replies Scully.
"Theres only one woman that turns me on and she's in my arms right now", says Mulder as his lips descend onto Scully's. After several moments of enjoying the feel of Scully against him Mulder releases her and looks out the window. The sun is setting. "Well Scully its getting late and I have one question for you to answer."
Scully raises her eyebrow. "Yes, what is it?"
"It may be twenty years too late, but will you please go to the prom with me?"
"I'll have to think about it", replies Scully walking back toward the door.
"Oh come on, I'm the best you're going to get", replies Mulder.
"Hmmm.. okay I guess you're right. Pick me up at seven", replies Scully with a sly smile.
"What color are you wearing?", asks Mulder.
"Mulder, you saw my dress. Its hanging up right next to your tux", replies Scully.
"Just play along Scully", says Mulder.
"Okay, its black", says Scully.
Mulder scratches his chin a moment in thought. "Okay, thats all I needed to know."
They walk toward the car.
"Scully did I ever tell you what I rented for the Senior Prom?", asks Mulder.
"No, a hotel room?", replies Scully opening the car door.
"Well that too, but I was talking more like mode of transportation", says Mulder. getting in and shutting the door. Scully gets into the passenger seat and buckles herself in.
"A limousine?", she asks.
"Actually it was a hearse", says Mulder. "I thought it would make a great...."
"Don't tell me anymore", says Scully holding up her hand. "Why am I not surprised? Are you sure you got the name Spooky in the academy?"
"No, my classmates just thought I was weird. I guess Gina fits right in with her opinion. Which reminds me. I wonder if Langly called." Mulder starts the car and the agents head back to the hotel.
Part 24
Upon arriving back at the hotel the agents check in for messages and head back up to the Penthouse. Langly has not called and Gina sits on a couch calmly eating popcorn while she watches a movie.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for the banquet Gina", asks Scully.
"Who died and made you boss?", asks Gina not bothering to look at Scully.
"Well no one, but I just thought you would want to get dressed so we could get down there early and get good seats."
"It doesn't matter, they're seating us alphabetically so we won't even be at the same table", replies Gina.
"Where did you hear that from?", asks Mulder.
"I was down the hall getting ice when I heard that Alicia complaining that she couldn't sit with her friends and that she has to sit with that computer nerd, Warren Jones. She says her entire weekend is ruined." Glancing up Gina scrutinizes Scully before giving Mulder a dazzling smile. "I suppose I should get ready. It is already 5:30." She walks toward her bedroom.
"Where is Dave?", asks Mulder. She turns to look at him.
"Dave wasn't feeling too good today. He should be okay by tonight I would think." She goes in and shuts the door.
"You don't think Dave is....", starts Scully.
"Dead?", replies Mulder.
"Well there has been a set pattern here Mulder", replies Scully.
"I think we need to call Langly and see if he has found anything out", replies Mulder ushering Scully through the door of their bedroom. He closes the door and sits down on the edge of the bed. Picking up the phone he dials the Lone Gunmen. Scully sets her gun down on the bureau and goes to the closet to take her gown out.
"Lone Gunmen", answers Langly.
"Anything yet?", asks Mulder
"I was just calling you. I can't find anything on Gina DeCaprio. Mulder, its like she's an X-File. I even ran a national search and although there are several Gina DeCaprios listed none of them fit the profile you gave me. Only a couple fit the profile and none of them have ever lived or *worked* in New York City, not to mention New York state. I wish I could give you more, but I've hit a brick wall", says Langly.
"Thanks for trying. I'll take it from here", replies Mulder in frustration. He watches Scully sift through clothes in a drawer.
"Good luck solving it buddy. Oh one more thing. Give us a call when you get back. We expect you to take us up on that raincheck on the chili dogs. Frohike says you can bring Scully along. He thinks he can talk some sense into her. He wants to convince her that its safer to date an unemployed computer geek than a field agent for the FBI."
"I can't compete with that", replies Mulder with a snicker.
"You better believe that!", says Frohike.
"Have I been on the speaker phone for the entire time?", asks Mulder annoyed. The next thing he hears is a click. He mutters to himself as he hangs up his phone. Glancing up he sees Scully frowning as she looks into one of her drawers. "Whats wrong?", he asks.
Turning around Scully looks at him. "I'm going to regret asking you this Mulder, but you didn't go through my underwear drawer did you?"
"Only in my dreams. Why?", says Mulder.
"Well I put all my things in here neat and now it is all messy." She shuts the drawer and looks in another one. Mulder, this one is the same way. Someone has been through my drawers." Mulder gets up and opens a drawer on his side of the bureau.
"You're right, someone has been through my stuff too", says Mulder.
"It could have been the maid", says Scully flatly.
"Or not", replies Mulder looking at her. "Damn it Scully I can't arrest without proof. We've got three bodies and the reunion ends tomorrow. She'll be going home to God knows where and we may never find out what happened here. Thats it, I've got to lay it straight with Dave and find out what he knows about her." Just then the door of their bedroom swings open a fraction of a inch, thus creating a creaking sound. Mulder storms over to the door and abruptly opens it. Glancing around the empty living room he then shuts the door and locks it. "Someone was out there listening", says Mulder looking at Scully.
"Mulder, you are getting really paranoid", says Scully picking up her clothes and heading into the bathroom to take a shower. She shuts the door.
"I am *not* being paranoid Scully", replies Mulder next to the door. He walks over to the closet and pulls his tux down which he tosses across the bed. Putting his gun down on the bureau he then pulls off his black t-shirt and knocks on the bathroom door.
"What?!", yells Scully over the sound of the shower.
"We need to save time Scully. Can I come in and shave while you are in the shower?", yells Mulder back.
After a couple moments of silence Scully answers, "Um, okay, but if you come anywhere near this shower curtain you're going to get a face full of soap."
Mulder chuckles a moment before he opens the door. "I'm coming in!"
"And I warned you, so if you want any chance of a relationship with me you had better abide by the rules Mulder", says Scully.
"I hear ya Scully, trust me, this is the one thing in my life that I'm not going to mess up", says Mulder shutting the door.
Part 25
"Scully I just slit my throat with my razor, I think ya ought to come out and look at it", says Mulder over the sound of the shower.
"Nice try Mulder", says Scully.
"I'm serious, I'm bleeding all over the sink and I'm starting to feel light headed", replies Mulder.
"I am not falling for that Mulder", says Scully.
"Okay, whatever. I'm passing out right now. You'll find my lifeless body on the floor when you get out of that nice warm shower", replies Mulder. Scully rolls her eyes from inside the shower. She hears a the sound of something crashing onto the toilet items around the sink and then a loud thump.
"Mulder? Mulder answer me", says Scully pausing a moment to listen. Seconds tick by and Scully starts to become concerned. She shuts the shower off and pulling back the corner of the curtain she reaches for the towel she put just outside. Grasping for the towel she feels around for it and finally she sticks her head out to find the towel is gone. "If you aren't already dead, you're going to wish you were Mulder!"
She cautiously sticks her foot out and wrapping the shower curtain around herself she walks a couple of feet over to where some towels are hanging. She quickly grabs one and wraps it around herself and then hurries over to the sink where Mulder is lying on his side facing away from her. She quickly leans down and rolls him over. "Mulder, are you all right?" He doesn't answer her. She leans over and puts her ear to his nose and panic sets in when she doesn't feel any breath. Leaning back she prepares to administer CPR when she notices that there is NO blood on his throat. Smiling to herself as she can now clearly see Mulder is holding his breath she leans up and grabs a bar of soap on the edge of the sink. She notices his eyelids flicker once as she places it on the floor next to her.
"Oh my God, I'm going to have to give him mouth to mouth, he clearly isn't breathing", says Scully aloud. Putting her hand under his neck she positions his head correctly and then with her two hands gently opens his mouth. Leaning down over him she gently gives him a couple of breaths and then repeats it once. "I guess I'm going to have to keep doing it. Come on Mulder, you've got to wake up", says Scully as she leans down and picks up the bar of soap. Just then Mulder's eyes fly open.
"Its a mirac........ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh", exclaims Mulder as the bar of soap is shoved into his mouth.
"Thats what you get for faking your death in a lame attempt to get a cheap thrill. Imagine stealing my towel to try to get me naked!", yells Scully as Mulder sits up to lean against the sink.
"I was not *trying* to get you naked Scully, you already were", replies Mulder with a grin as he makes a face from the soap taste in his mouth. "By the way you look cute in a towel." Scully affectionately shoves his head to the side.
"I am going to go finish my shower as I didn't even get to rinse the shampoo out of my hair", says Scully as she and Mulder get to their feet. She starts to walk toward the shower.
"Well then you won't need this anymore", says Mulder with a one quick flick of his wrist he has the towel hanging from his hand.
"MULDER!!!", yells Scully as she darts back into the shower.
"Cute tattoo Scully", laughs Mulder turning back to the sink.