Part 4
"This is so embarrassing", says Scully as the airport security guard tosses her clothing aside to look in her suitcase. "I told you I am a doctor specializing in forensics for the FBI and thats my microscope."
"Honey, its okay. You don't have to lie", says Mulder putting his arm around her. "These nice people will understand our little secrets." Scully pulls away from him and gives him a look.
"Okay, you're all set, but this bag is way too big to carry on. You're going to have to check it in", says the guard replacing the microscope and clothes. He gives Mulder a wink as he tosses a teal satin teddy into the suitcase. Mulder bites his fist as Scully slams shut the suitcase again.
Mulder takes the bag and they head to the airline counter and check Scully's bag.
"Mulder, you got everything you need in that little carryon for two weeks?", asks Scully.
"Yeah well I didn't bring Dana's Secret in my bag", says Mulder casually as they walk toward the snack shop. Mulder picks up a bag of sunflower seeds, an orange juice and a pack of bubble gum. Scully buys a Diet Coke and some fat free pretzels. As they are exiting the shop they hear their flight being called. By the time they reach the terminal people are already boarding so they get in line.
They board the plane and Scully is surprised that their seats are in the First Class Section. "Mulder, I'm really astounded that the bureau would pay for first class seats", she says taking the window seat.
"Thats because the bureau didn't pay. I did on my measly federal agent's paycheck", says Mulder.
"You paid for us to go to California yourself? Why?", asks Scully.
"Because like I told you before Scully its my own personal pilgrimage. Excuse me could we please get some pillows?", Mulder smiles at a stewardess who hands him two small pillows. He stuffs one behind his head and turns to her to give her the other Scully is giving him a look.
"What? We may as well be comfortable on this trip", says Mulder as Scully leans forward and then back against the pillow that he placed there.
"Mulder, what has gotten into you?", asks Scully looking at him amazed.
"I don't know I just got this feeling the other day that I need to slow down", replies Mulder closing his eyes as he starts to relax for the long six hour trip.
"But you're still running", replies Scully closing her eyes as well.
"Yes, but this is different", says Mulder falling asleep.
***************************
Two hours later into the flight Mulder is awakened by someone kicking the back of his seat. He turns to see a woman trying to control a small boy. "I am so sorry Sir, he just won't calm down. Its his first flight. I hope he doesn't wake up your wife."
"She's not my wife. She's my FBI partner. We're kinda on a case", says Mulder. "Don't worry about waking her up, she sleeps like a log and actually she drools too."
He is totally joking because when he turns back forward he sees Scully's eyes wide open. Just then the kid takes his Star Wars light saber sword and hits Mulder in the back of the head with it. Scully tries hard not to laugh. She turns around and says, "Is your name Luke Skywalker."
"No its Tommy", replies the little boy. Mulder turns around and gives the kid an annoyed look as he rubs the back of his head. "What are your names?", asks Tommy.
"I'm Dana", smiles Scully "and this is Fox."
"Thats a funny name", laughs Tommy. "Fox you know you have a big nose." Tommy's mother looks like she wants to die.
"I am so sorry Sir. He never acts like this", she apologizes.
"Thats okay. We love children don't we Mulder?"
"Oh we adore them", mumbles Mulder turning forward again.
"So why are you going to California", asks Scully.
"We're going to go see my Grandma and Grandpa. They are going to take us to Disneyland", says Tommy bouncing up and down in his seat.
"That sounds like fun", says Scully smiling.
Tommy hits Mulder in the head again with the lightsaber. "Dana you are a pretty lady", says Tommy shyly.
"Thank you Tommy. Thats a very sweet thing to say", says Scully.
"Fox, do you think Dana is pretty", asks Tommy trying to hit him again. Mulder reaches back and grabs the lightsaber from the kid pulling it into his lap. "I've been known to say that I can see where people would think she is hot", replies Mulder not turning around.
Scully glances over at him and then says, "Mulder, give the kid his lightsaber back. I promise you I'll buy you one." She grabs it and hands it back to Tommy.
Just then lunch is served. "Filet mignon. Now this is traveling", says Mulder digging in. Scully eats her salad first and then eats half of the meat. Soon after the stewardess picks up their trays and the agents each take a magazine to read.
After another hour and a half Scully needs to use the restroom. She hates to disturb Mulder as he has fallen asleep again, this time his head coming to rest against her shoulder. She smiles as he looks so peaceful. She brushes back a lock of hair from his forehead. "Mulder, I've got to use the restroom. You've got to move."
Mulder mumbles something in his sleep and then wakes up. He lets Scully out and sits back down. He looks at his watch. Theres still two hours left. Tommy leans over his seat and stares at Mulder. "What do you want?", he asks Tommy.
"I heard what you said", says Tommy. "You said a dirty word about Dana."
"What?! I didn't say anything", says Mulder looking toward the bathroom expecting Scully to come out any minute.
"Yes you did. You said it really soft, but I heard what you said when you first woke up", says Tommy. "I'm gonna tell Dana what you said. I'm gonna tell that Fox said a bad word." Mulder turns to see that Tommy's mother is sleeping.
Ten minutes later Scully returns and Mulder moves so she can get in. He is very quiet and picks up his magazine. She turns around to see what Tommy is doing. He is chewing bubblegum. He smiles at her and blows a large bubble.
Part 5
There is only about 1 1/2 hours left of the flight, but a stewardess is distributing small plastic glasses of wine. When she reaches Mulder he takes two and hands one to Scully. She raises her eyebrows as she takes a sip.
"We're not officially on duty", says Mulder downing his glass in one gulp.
Scully takes another sip and thinks to herself about the few times that her and her partner had drank wine together. Actually, this was the first time. She had somewhat attempted to get him to loosen up when they had been in Florida that time. She had brought wine to his hotel room, but she had made a joke of it and he had left to check something out. Then there was the most embarrassing moment of her life. Eddie Van Blunht had fulfilled a fantasy for her and she had fell for it. How she could have fallen for that? Worse than realizing her mistake was to have Mulder of all people break down the door seeing her drunk and coming onto a carbon copy of himself. Mulder would never have come to her apartment to just socialize. There would have had to been an X-File involved. She had tried not to respond to any innuendos that he had made over the years because it was just teasing. That was Mulder's personality and he wasn't interested in her any more than as a friend. But he hadn't really dated anyone since she had known him. What if given the opportunity would he reject her? After seeing Daniel she knew why she had stayed with the FBI and all things had indeed led to Mulder.
She had realized again when Mulder had almost died on that table from the tobacco beetles that another fork in the road had been reached. Life was too short not to turn off the main road and seek something new and possibibly exciting. She was determined to try that alternate path and see where it led her. The only problem being that there probably wouldn't be a way back to the main road. The main road felt safe and the alternative may indeed prove wrong. But she had felt the same way when she chose the FBI over practicing medicine.
"Scully? Scully?", says Mulder.
"Hmm..?" She jumps as she comes back to reality.
"You were really out there", says Mulder. "What were you thinking about?"
"Oh nothing in particular", replies Scully looking down.
"Come on. You must have been thinking about something", presses Mulder.
"Some things are better off unsaid", says Scully looking out the window.
"But sometimes things go unsaid for too long", says Mulder. "You're thinking about Daniel again aren't you?"
"He moved to Washington to be near me. Imagine living ten years in a city just to be near someone that doesn't even have a romantic interest in you", says Scully shaking her head.
"Don't dwell on the past Scully. It only gets you into trouble. You said yourself that you feel like you made the right choice in life. Are you telling me that you have changed your mind? Do you wish you had stayed with Daniel? You probably would be a successful doctor now, probably married and with a family. It probably sounds a lot better than spending seven years chasing aliens with your crazy but extremely sensitive FBI partner", says Mulder looking intently at her.
"No!", says Scully her eyes quickly popping up to look into Mulder's eyes. "I wouldn't want to change anything. Its all been rewarding. Its just its taken me time to realize how much so."
Mulder nods at her in agreement. He wishes that she were a little more open with her feelings. They never talked much about nonwork related subjects and he knew there was bound to be much he would like to learn about Dana Scully. He never pressured her about revealing too much about herself. He learned more each day and felt that over time she had come to trust him as he had trusted her.
"Did you bring any camera equipment", asks Scully trying to change the subject.
"I brought a camera and plenty of film, but we'll need to rent a camcorder when we get there", says Mulder stretching.
"You really expect to find something out there don't you?", asks Scully turning her body to face him.
"I have my beliefs and I follow my heart", says Mulder. "Sometime you should do the same."
"What does that mean", asks Scully. "I'm here aren't I? I'm more open to extreme possibilities since I had that experience in the Buddhist temple. What more do you want Mulder? Oh, I know what this is all about. You're still mad that I didn't go to England to look at crop circles with you."
"Lets just drop it before one of us gets really mad Scully", says Mulder. "I am not mad that you didn't go to England. I told you I found nothing so it would have been a waste of both of our time to go there. Besides it was good for us to get away from each other for a while. It gives people time to think and I think you found that out by your Buddhist temple encounter."
Scully bites her lip. She doesn't want him angry at her. She reaches over and squeezes his hand. "I'm sorry. I'm really trying. This is new to me investigating paranormal things with an open mind. I mean when Daniel got angry at me and asked me where I got this stuff from I was actually offended as I get it from you. I would have hated to admit it a couple of months ago, but you're rubbing off on me you know." She gives a small smile.
"Don't let anybody at the bureau know. They're apt to send us off to the funnyfarm with adjoining suites", jokes Mulder.
"I wouldn't mind as long as I was with you", replies Scully. She is surprised at herself for saying it and sees Mulder is shocked but pleased at her response. She removes her hand from his and soon the pilot is announcing their descent.
Part 6
The plane has landed and Mulder and Scully get out of their seats and wait in line for the plane door to open. Tommy pokes Mulder in the butt with the lightsaber. Mulder spins around. "Now what? You got all my bubblegum. What else do you want?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to say goodbye to you and Dana. But I do want to tell you something." Scully turns around in curiosity. Mulder fears what the kid is going to say so he squats down to listen. Tommy says softly, but loud enough for Scully to hear. "I think you should marry Dana. She is a very nice lady."
"Oh you do now", says Mulder turning to look at Scully who is now looking at her shoes. "Thats good advice Tommy. If that ever comes true I'll make sure you get an invitation to the wedding." He stands up and tousles the kids hair before turning around. He hears Tommy's mother reprimanding him for 'nosing into other people's business'.
The agents get off the plane without saying anything and head to the baggage area where Scully's bag comes off the belt. Mulder takes it and then looks at his watch. "The woman on the phone told me that there isn't any need of getting a rental car. The trailer park is sending over a ride for us and then from there we will be hiking. They'll bring us back to the airport when we go home."
"Okay", says Scully nodding.
They head outside to the passenger pick up area and after ten minutes they see a van saying "Lazy Acre Trailer Park" pull up to the curb. An older man gets out and skips over to the two of them. "Hi my name is Howard Connor. You can call me Howie. Welcome to California. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Mulder", he extends his hand to Mulder. Mulder shakes the man's hand and then removes his sunglasses. You're mistaken Sir. We're FBI partners. Dana and I aren't married. Scully's heart gives a little leap at the sound of her first name coming from her partner's lips.
Howie frowns and scratches his head. "You two aren't married? All right I just hope this doesn't present a problem with the accommodations." He reaches for their luggage and takes it to the van. "Just hop in folks and we'll be there in a jiffy. Too bad that you're arriving while its dark. I could have pointed out all of the major sites along the way."
Mulder opens the sliding van door and helps Scully in. He climbs in himself and shuts the door. Howie is in the back of the van putting the luggage in. "Why would he think we were married", asks Scully suspiciously.
"I don't know", replies Mulder innocently.
"Mulder, theres something you aren't telling me", says Scully leaning back looking at him. "Mulder you wouldn't have attempted to cut expenses here by only renting one trailer on purpose would you?"
"No. No of course not Scully. Why would I have bought first class tickets if I was trying to cut expense?"
"I guess you're right", says Scully looking away disappointed. She had actually hoped Mulder had purposely set this up as a trick for her to stay with him in the same trailer.
Howie gets behind the wheel of the van and starts it up. They coast onto the main highway and after about fifteen minutes they are on a dirt road leading far into the woods. Finally they reach a small trailer park a neon sign marking their arrival. Howie gets out and opens the door for them and then goes to retrieve their luggage. Mulder hops down with Scully following.
"I'll walk you over to the office", says Howie carrying their luggage. Once there he puts it down and rings the bell for them. Just then a woman comes out from the backroom.
"Hi folks! My name is Kate. You must be the Mulders. I've got your key right here." She turns around to pull a key off a board.
"You're mistaken", says Scully pushing forward. "We're not married. We need two trailers, although we would like them preferably near one another."
"You are the Mr. Mulder that made the reservation right?", asks Kate pointing the key at Mulder.
"Yes", says Mulder looking embarrassed as Scully taps her foot.
"You told me that you needed a trailer for you and your partner for one night. I assumed that meant your significant other", says Kate.
"I'm his FBI partner", says Scully. "I'm not really his significant other."
"Not in the widely used definition", says Mulder looking down at Scully.
"Well I don't care about definitions", says Kate "because we are booked solid and like it or not you two are sharing a trailer tonight. So either call yourself a cab or sign the register please."
Mulder looks at Scully who shrugs her shoulders. "Its only for one night Mulder. We'll manage somehow." He turns to sign the book and Kate then gives him the total price for the rental. She points to a sign that reads 'Cash Only Please'. Mulder gives her an annoyed look and pulls a couple of bills from his pocket and tosses them onto the counter.
Howie reappears and carries their luggage to a nearby trailer. "Goodnight folks. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite." He walks back towards the office. Mulder opens up the trailer and flips the switch. They go inside and Scully frowns. To the right is two chairs and a small table. Straight ahead of them is a boothlike table and to the left is a small sink and refrigerator with cabinets on both sides of the trailer extending to the rear. Mulder walks to the rear of the trailer and comes back. "Where is the pullout couch. All trailers have pullout couches?", asks Scully motioning with her hand.
"Not this one. Theres only the one bed in the back", says Mulder looking amused at her. He is curious how she is going to handle the situation now. "I'll sleep on the floor Scully. You can have the bed."
He watches her as she goes to check out the bedroom herself. After a couple of minutes he hears her say, "No. We'll share the bed Mulder." Mulder shakes his head. 'Did I hear correctly', he thinks. 'Dana Scully wants me to share a bed with her?'
Scully comes out and starts inspecting the cabinets trying to see if they have left anything for them to eat. Mulder grabs his bag and gets out some pajamas and heads into the small bathroom. He comes out of the bathroom dressed for bed and using the kitchen sink he starts to brush his teeth. He sees Scully standing with her suitcase open staring at it. Finally she starts rifling through it tossing stuff aside.
Mulder continues scrubbing his teeth. He pulls the toothbrush out of his mouth and says, "Wear the teal one."
Scully turns and gives him a look. "I'm looking for my pajamas. What you saw was a slip! I've seemed to forgotten my pajamas."
"So, wear the slip", says Mulder spitting in the sink.
Scully laughs to herself. 'Wouldn't he be shocked if I did just that she thinks. No thats for later. Let him squirm a little bit. She finally finds her satin pajamas. "I found them!" She pushes past Mulder and changes in the bathroom and then heads into the bedroom. She hears crunching from the kitchen. "Do you have a snack I don't know about? Are you holding out on me?"
"No its just sunflower seeds", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, we've got to get up early. Please turn out the light and come to bed."
"Scully, do you know how long I have fantasized about you saying that?", asks Mulder as he flips the switch and enters the bedroom.
"This is so embarrassing", says Scully as the airport security guard tosses her clothing aside to look in her suitcase. "I told you I am a doctor specializing in forensics for the FBI and thats my microscope."
"Honey, its okay. You don't have to lie", says Mulder putting his arm around her. "These nice people will understand our little secrets." Scully pulls away from him and gives him a look.
"Okay, you're all set, but this bag is way too big to carry on. You're going to have to check it in", says the guard replacing the microscope and clothes. He gives Mulder a wink as he tosses a teal satin teddy into the suitcase. Mulder bites his fist as Scully slams shut the suitcase again.
Mulder takes the bag and they head to the airline counter and check Scully's bag.
"Mulder, you got everything you need in that little carryon for two weeks?", asks Scully.
"Yeah well I didn't bring Dana's Secret in my bag", says Mulder casually as they walk toward the snack shop. Mulder picks up a bag of sunflower seeds, an orange juice and a pack of bubble gum. Scully buys a Diet Coke and some fat free pretzels. As they are exiting the shop they hear their flight being called. By the time they reach the terminal people are already boarding so they get in line.
They board the plane and Scully is surprised that their seats are in the First Class Section. "Mulder, I'm really astounded that the bureau would pay for first class seats", she says taking the window seat.
"Thats because the bureau didn't pay. I did on my measly federal agent's paycheck", says Mulder.
"You paid for us to go to California yourself? Why?", asks Scully.
"Because like I told you before Scully its my own personal pilgrimage. Excuse me could we please get some pillows?", Mulder smiles at a stewardess who hands him two small pillows. He stuffs one behind his head and turns to her to give her the other Scully is giving him a look.
"What? We may as well be comfortable on this trip", says Mulder as Scully leans forward and then back against the pillow that he placed there.
"Mulder, what has gotten into you?", asks Scully looking at him amazed.
"I don't know I just got this feeling the other day that I need to slow down", replies Mulder closing his eyes as he starts to relax for the long six hour trip.
"But you're still running", replies Scully closing her eyes as well.
"Yes, but this is different", says Mulder falling asleep.
***************************
Two hours later into the flight Mulder is awakened by someone kicking the back of his seat. He turns to see a woman trying to control a small boy. "I am so sorry Sir, he just won't calm down. Its his first flight. I hope he doesn't wake up your wife."
"She's not my wife. She's my FBI partner. We're kinda on a case", says Mulder. "Don't worry about waking her up, she sleeps like a log and actually she drools too."
He is totally joking because when he turns back forward he sees Scully's eyes wide open. Just then the kid takes his Star Wars light saber sword and hits Mulder in the back of the head with it. Scully tries hard not to laugh. She turns around and says, "Is your name Luke Skywalker."
"No its Tommy", replies the little boy. Mulder turns around and gives the kid an annoyed look as he rubs the back of his head. "What are your names?", asks Tommy.
"I'm Dana", smiles Scully "and this is Fox."
"Thats a funny name", laughs Tommy. "Fox you know you have a big nose." Tommy's mother looks like she wants to die.
"I am so sorry Sir. He never acts like this", she apologizes.
"Thats okay. We love children don't we Mulder?"
"Oh we adore them", mumbles Mulder turning forward again.
"So why are you going to California", asks Scully.
"We're going to go see my Grandma and Grandpa. They are going to take us to Disneyland", says Tommy bouncing up and down in his seat.
"That sounds like fun", says Scully smiling.
Tommy hits Mulder in the head again with the lightsaber. "Dana you are a pretty lady", says Tommy shyly.
"Thank you Tommy. Thats a very sweet thing to say", says Scully.
"Fox, do you think Dana is pretty", asks Tommy trying to hit him again. Mulder reaches back and grabs the lightsaber from the kid pulling it into his lap. "I've been known to say that I can see where people would think she is hot", replies Mulder not turning around.
Scully glances over at him and then says, "Mulder, give the kid his lightsaber back. I promise you I'll buy you one." She grabs it and hands it back to Tommy.
Just then lunch is served. "Filet mignon. Now this is traveling", says Mulder digging in. Scully eats her salad first and then eats half of the meat. Soon after the stewardess picks up their trays and the agents each take a magazine to read.
After another hour and a half Scully needs to use the restroom. She hates to disturb Mulder as he has fallen asleep again, this time his head coming to rest against her shoulder. She smiles as he looks so peaceful. She brushes back a lock of hair from his forehead. "Mulder, I've got to use the restroom. You've got to move."
Mulder mumbles something in his sleep and then wakes up. He lets Scully out and sits back down. He looks at his watch. Theres still two hours left. Tommy leans over his seat and stares at Mulder. "What do you want?", he asks Tommy.
"I heard what you said", says Tommy. "You said a dirty word about Dana."
"What?! I didn't say anything", says Mulder looking toward the bathroom expecting Scully to come out any minute.
"Yes you did. You said it really soft, but I heard what you said when you first woke up", says Tommy. "I'm gonna tell Dana what you said. I'm gonna tell that Fox said a bad word." Mulder turns to see that Tommy's mother is sleeping.
Ten minutes later Scully returns and Mulder moves so she can get in. He is very quiet and picks up his magazine. She turns around to see what Tommy is doing. He is chewing bubblegum. He smiles at her and blows a large bubble.
Part 5
There is only about 1 1/2 hours left of the flight, but a stewardess is distributing small plastic glasses of wine. When she reaches Mulder he takes two and hands one to Scully. She raises her eyebrows as she takes a sip.
"We're not officially on duty", says Mulder downing his glass in one gulp.
Scully takes another sip and thinks to herself about the few times that her and her partner had drank wine together. Actually, this was the first time. She had somewhat attempted to get him to loosen up when they had been in Florida that time. She had brought wine to his hotel room, but she had made a joke of it and he had left to check something out. Then there was the most embarrassing moment of her life. Eddie Van Blunht had fulfilled a fantasy for her and she had fell for it. How she could have fallen for that? Worse than realizing her mistake was to have Mulder of all people break down the door seeing her drunk and coming onto a carbon copy of himself. Mulder would never have come to her apartment to just socialize. There would have had to been an X-File involved. She had tried not to respond to any innuendos that he had made over the years because it was just teasing. That was Mulder's personality and he wasn't interested in her any more than as a friend. But he hadn't really dated anyone since she had known him. What if given the opportunity would he reject her? After seeing Daniel she knew why she had stayed with the FBI and all things had indeed led to Mulder.
She had realized again when Mulder had almost died on that table from the tobacco beetles that another fork in the road had been reached. Life was too short not to turn off the main road and seek something new and possibibly exciting. She was determined to try that alternate path and see where it led her. The only problem being that there probably wouldn't be a way back to the main road. The main road felt safe and the alternative may indeed prove wrong. But she had felt the same way when she chose the FBI over practicing medicine.
"Scully? Scully?", says Mulder.
"Hmm..?" She jumps as she comes back to reality.
"You were really out there", says Mulder. "What were you thinking about?"
"Oh nothing in particular", replies Scully looking down.
"Come on. You must have been thinking about something", presses Mulder.
"Some things are better off unsaid", says Scully looking out the window.
"But sometimes things go unsaid for too long", says Mulder. "You're thinking about Daniel again aren't you?"
"He moved to Washington to be near me. Imagine living ten years in a city just to be near someone that doesn't even have a romantic interest in you", says Scully shaking her head.
"Don't dwell on the past Scully. It only gets you into trouble. You said yourself that you feel like you made the right choice in life. Are you telling me that you have changed your mind? Do you wish you had stayed with Daniel? You probably would be a successful doctor now, probably married and with a family. It probably sounds a lot better than spending seven years chasing aliens with your crazy but extremely sensitive FBI partner", says Mulder looking intently at her.
"No!", says Scully her eyes quickly popping up to look into Mulder's eyes. "I wouldn't want to change anything. Its all been rewarding. Its just its taken me time to realize how much so."
Mulder nods at her in agreement. He wishes that she were a little more open with her feelings. They never talked much about nonwork related subjects and he knew there was bound to be much he would like to learn about Dana Scully. He never pressured her about revealing too much about herself. He learned more each day and felt that over time she had come to trust him as he had trusted her.
"Did you bring any camera equipment", asks Scully trying to change the subject.
"I brought a camera and plenty of film, but we'll need to rent a camcorder when we get there", says Mulder stretching.
"You really expect to find something out there don't you?", asks Scully turning her body to face him.
"I have my beliefs and I follow my heart", says Mulder. "Sometime you should do the same."
"What does that mean", asks Scully. "I'm here aren't I? I'm more open to extreme possibilities since I had that experience in the Buddhist temple. What more do you want Mulder? Oh, I know what this is all about. You're still mad that I didn't go to England to look at crop circles with you."
"Lets just drop it before one of us gets really mad Scully", says Mulder. "I am not mad that you didn't go to England. I told you I found nothing so it would have been a waste of both of our time to go there. Besides it was good for us to get away from each other for a while. It gives people time to think and I think you found that out by your Buddhist temple encounter."
Scully bites her lip. She doesn't want him angry at her. She reaches over and squeezes his hand. "I'm sorry. I'm really trying. This is new to me investigating paranormal things with an open mind. I mean when Daniel got angry at me and asked me where I got this stuff from I was actually offended as I get it from you. I would have hated to admit it a couple of months ago, but you're rubbing off on me you know." She gives a small smile.
"Don't let anybody at the bureau know. They're apt to send us off to the funnyfarm with adjoining suites", jokes Mulder.
"I wouldn't mind as long as I was with you", replies Scully. She is surprised at herself for saying it and sees Mulder is shocked but pleased at her response. She removes her hand from his and soon the pilot is announcing their descent.
Part 6
The plane has landed and Mulder and Scully get out of their seats and wait in line for the plane door to open. Tommy pokes Mulder in the butt with the lightsaber. Mulder spins around. "Now what? You got all my bubblegum. What else do you want?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to say goodbye to you and Dana. But I do want to tell you something." Scully turns around in curiosity. Mulder fears what the kid is going to say so he squats down to listen. Tommy says softly, but loud enough for Scully to hear. "I think you should marry Dana. She is a very nice lady."
"Oh you do now", says Mulder turning to look at Scully who is now looking at her shoes. "Thats good advice Tommy. If that ever comes true I'll make sure you get an invitation to the wedding." He stands up and tousles the kids hair before turning around. He hears Tommy's mother reprimanding him for 'nosing into other people's business'.
The agents get off the plane without saying anything and head to the baggage area where Scully's bag comes off the belt. Mulder takes it and then looks at his watch. "The woman on the phone told me that there isn't any need of getting a rental car. The trailer park is sending over a ride for us and then from there we will be hiking. They'll bring us back to the airport when we go home."
"Okay", says Scully nodding.
They head outside to the passenger pick up area and after ten minutes they see a van saying "Lazy Acre Trailer Park" pull up to the curb. An older man gets out and skips over to the two of them. "Hi my name is Howard Connor. You can call me Howie. Welcome to California. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Mulder", he extends his hand to Mulder. Mulder shakes the man's hand and then removes his sunglasses. You're mistaken Sir. We're FBI partners. Dana and I aren't married. Scully's heart gives a little leap at the sound of her first name coming from her partner's lips.
Howie frowns and scratches his head. "You two aren't married? All right I just hope this doesn't present a problem with the accommodations." He reaches for their luggage and takes it to the van. "Just hop in folks and we'll be there in a jiffy. Too bad that you're arriving while its dark. I could have pointed out all of the major sites along the way."
Mulder opens the sliding van door and helps Scully in. He climbs in himself and shuts the door. Howie is in the back of the van putting the luggage in. "Why would he think we were married", asks Scully suspiciously.
"I don't know", replies Mulder innocently.
"Mulder, theres something you aren't telling me", says Scully leaning back looking at him. "Mulder you wouldn't have attempted to cut expenses here by only renting one trailer on purpose would you?"
"No. No of course not Scully. Why would I have bought first class tickets if I was trying to cut expense?"
"I guess you're right", says Scully looking away disappointed. She had actually hoped Mulder had purposely set this up as a trick for her to stay with him in the same trailer.
Howie gets behind the wheel of the van and starts it up. They coast onto the main highway and after about fifteen minutes they are on a dirt road leading far into the woods. Finally they reach a small trailer park a neon sign marking their arrival. Howie gets out and opens the door for them and then goes to retrieve their luggage. Mulder hops down with Scully following.
"I'll walk you over to the office", says Howie carrying their luggage. Once there he puts it down and rings the bell for them. Just then a woman comes out from the backroom.
"Hi folks! My name is Kate. You must be the Mulders. I've got your key right here." She turns around to pull a key off a board.
"You're mistaken", says Scully pushing forward. "We're not married. We need two trailers, although we would like them preferably near one another."
"You are the Mr. Mulder that made the reservation right?", asks Kate pointing the key at Mulder.
"Yes", says Mulder looking embarrassed as Scully taps her foot.
"You told me that you needed a trailer for you and your partner for one night. I assumed that meant your significant other", says Kate.
"I'm his FBI partner", says Scully. "I'm not really his significant other."
"Not in the widely used definition", says Mulder looking down at Scully.
"Well I don't care about definitions", says Kate "because we are booked solid and like it or not you two are sharing a trailer tonight. So either call yourself a cab or sign the register please."
Mulder looks at Scully who shrugs her shoulders. "Its only for one night Mulder. We'll manage somehow." He turns to sign the book and Kate then gives him the total price for the rental. She points to a sign that reads 'Cash Only Please'. Mulder gives her an annoyed look and pulls a couple of bills from his pocket and tosses them onto the counter.
Howie reappears and carries their luggage to a nearby trailer. "Goodnight folks. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite." He walks back towards the office. Mulder opens up the trailer and flips the switch. They go inside and Scully frowns. To the right is two chairs and a small table. Straight ahead of them is a boothlike table and to the left is a small sink and refrigerator with cabinets on both sides of the trailer extending to the rear. Mulder walks to the rear of the trailer and comes back. "Where is the pullout couch. All trailers have pullout couches?", asks Scully motioning with her hand.
"Not this one. Theres only the one bed in the back", says Mulder looking amused at her. He is curious how she is going to handle the situation now. "I'll sleep on the floor Scully. You can have the bed."
He watches her as she goes to check out the bedroom herself. After a couple of minutes he hears her say, "No. We'll share the bed Mulder." Mulder shakes his head. 'Did I hear correctly', he thinks. 'Dana Scully wants me to share a bed with her?'
Scully comes out and starts inspecting the cabinets trying to see if they have left anything for them to eat. Mulder grabs his bag and gets out some pajamas and heads into the small bathroom. He comes out of the bathroom dressed for bed and using the kitchen sink he starts to brush his teeth. He sees Scully standing with her suitcase open staring at it. Finally she starts rifling through it tossing stuff aside.
Mulder continues scrubbing his teeth. He pulls the toothbrush out of his mouth and says, "Wear the teal one."
Scully turns and gives him a look. "I'm looking for my pajamas. What you saw was a slip! I've seemed to forgotten my pajamas."
"So, wear the slip", says Mulder spitting in the sink.
Scully laughs to herself. 'Wouldn't he be shocked if I did just that she thinks. No thats for later. Let him squirm a little bit. She finally finds her satin pajamas. "I found them!" She pushes past Mulder and changes in the bathroom and then heads into the bedroom. She hears crunching from the kitchen. "Do you have a snack I don't know about? Are you holding out on me?"
"No its just sunflower seeds", replies Mulder.
"Mulder, we've got to get up early. Please turn out the light and come to bed."
"Scully, do you know how long I have fantasized about you saying that?", asks Mulder as he flips the switch and enters the bedroom.