Part 19
Walter Skinner approaches the desk of the Lazy Acre Trailer Park and rings the bell. Kate comes from the backroom and greets him. "Hey there Sir! My name is Kate. How can I help you?"
"I called a few hours ago regarding a couple of FBI agents. Their names are Mulder and Scully. I received information regarding their approximate location and I being concerned for their safety I flew right out here. After making a few telephone calls on the airplane I found out their scheduled agenda. Where can I find them?" Skinner looks around the office and then glances back at Kate.
"Oh, you must be Mr. Skinner", says Kate. "You spoke to Howie on the phone?"
"Yes, I'm Assistant Director Walter Skinner of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I've flown here from Washington DC and I need a place to stay temporarily. However, I need to speak to Agents Mulder and Scully right away. There seems to be problem regarding their current "investigation."
Kate nods. "I thought they had said that they weren't here on official business. I'll can tell you that they are here looking for Bigfoot like everyone else that comes through these parts.
"Well I don't really care why they are here. I just want to talk to them regarding some of the expenses that they have been charging to the bureau regarding their... ah vacation", says Skinner rolling his eyes at Kate. "Ma'am could you just let me know where I can find them?"
"Well their trailer is the first one on the left", says Kate. "I don't know if they will be there as they just came back to shower. They've been staying in the woods, but there was a really bad storm last night. Somehow they ended up getting lost. I found them stranded in the forest. I had gotten a little concerned last night when I found the smashed tent."
"Smashed tent?", asks Skinner frowning.
"Well one of their tents had a large tree branch lying on top of it", says Kate. "Luckily one of them didn't get killed."
Skinner nods. "Those two are always escaping from some dangerous situation. They aren't escaping from me though. I'm going to kick their butts good for going off and not telling me that they were using bureau funds for investigating a personal cause. Especially after being reprimanded for two weeks for the same exact thing. I have a feeling that Agent Mulder has gotten a little charge happy with his bureau credit card."
"Speaking of charging", says Kate. "If you still need somewhere to stay I only take cash." She points to the sign.
Skinner makes a face and pulls out a couple of bills and tosses them onto the counter.
"You can take the second trailer on the left. You'll be right behind them", says Kate.
"You must mean I'll be between them", says Skinner. "They can't be staying in the same trailer. Its against bureau policy for opposite sex partners to be staying together."
"Oh really", says Kate. "Well I was short on accommodations so they had no choice. Like I said before they've been staying out in tents in the woods", says Kate. "But they haven't requested a new tent", says Kate under her breath.
"What was that?", asks Skinner.
"Oh nothing", says Kate smiling brightly. "Heres your key. Enjoy your stay Mr. Skinner. If you want to rent any gear for hiking or camping let me know. I've got anything you may need."
"Thank you..Kate was it?" Skinner walks out the door and across the trailer park carrying his small suitcase. He reaches the first trailer on the left and looks around. It seems too quiet. He knocks on the door and there is no answer so he tries the door. The door opens and he steps inside. Looking around he can't help but see what a mess the trailer is. Empty bottles of iced tea sit on the countertop and sunflower seed shells layer the carpet. He sees women's clothing forming a trail to the bathroom and then sees men's clothes on the floor in the bathroom. Dirty towels are thrown haphazardly in the shower.
He walks out of the bathroom and turns to see a closed door. He knocks on the door. "Agents Mulder and Scully are you in there?", says Skinner loudly. He knocks again. He hears a noise but he is not sure what it is. He pulls his gun and then kicks the door in. The room is empty, but it is a mess as well. He kicks aside a bathrobe lying on the floor and scans the surrounding. An unmade rumpled bed is the highlight of the room. He notices a pair of boxer shorts sticking out from under the bed.
"This is disgusting. They are living like pigs", says Skinner aloud. "I would expect his from Agent Mulder, but I can't believe Agent Scully would be living like this."
He walks towards the bed and thats when something catches his eye. He leans over and pulls something caught in the sheets. His mouth drops open as he holds up a teal colored satin teddy.
"What the hell is going on here?!", he yells as notices the open window for the first time. He walks over to the window and looks out and looks in both directions. "I am definitely going to kick their butts if they're doing what I think they are doing", says Skinner to himself.
Part 20
Skinner turns away from the window . He glances around the rest of the trailer before stepping out into the midday sun. He sees Kate approaching him.
"Did you find your agents?", she asks smiling at him.
"No. It appears they aren't here right now", says Skinner. Kate looks down to see something crumpled in Skinner's hand. Skinner follows her look to his hand and quickly hides the teddy behind his back. "I'm not sure what is going on here, but obviously there must be a good explanation", says Skinner looking embarrassed. "You are sure that both agents stayed here?" He turns slightly and points back into the trailer.
"Of course I am sure. I took the reservation myself. Agent Mulder said that he needed to rent a trailer for him and his partner for one night. He never specified that he was an FBI agent, therefore I thought he meant his wife."
"He's not married", says Skinner.
"Well I know that now", says Kate. "But when they arrived I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Mulder and thats when she corrected me. She told me that they were FBI partners, but it was too late at that point. I only had the one trailer and thats where it got really funny."
"How?", asks Skinner shifting his weight and putting his chin in his hand.
"Well Agent Scully was so adamant about not being mistaken as a couple, but she didn't protest a whole lot when it was apparent there was no alternative for them. She actually said, 'that it was only for one night and they would manage somehow'. That was actually after they debated over the definition of significant other.
"What?", says Skinner frowning.
"Well she said that she wasn't really his significant other, but he said not in the widely used definition. I'm not one to gossip about office relationships, but I've got to tell you I think there is something going on with them behind the scenes, if you know what I mean", says Kate.
"Thats impossible", says Skinner. "They are close, but if they were having a relationship I would be the first to find out." He feels the teddy in his hand and finally turns slightly and tosses it into the trailer. He faces Kate once again. "I've got serious jet-lag, so if you don't mind I'm going to head over to my own trailer. If you happen to run into Agents Mulder and Scully, please let me know", says Skinner attempting to walk around Kate who has stepped up quite close to him.
"Ah Kate? Is there a problem here?"
"No, I was just smelling your aftershave lotion. I love the scent. Well, anyway the reason I came to find you is to offer you a home cooked meal", Kate smiles warmly.
"Ah, thank you", says Skinner. "But, I think am going to hit the sack early tonight. I can't stand long flights." He closes the door to the agent's trailer and then picks up his suitcase. He starts to walk to his own trailer
"You enjoy your stay with us", says Kate waving. She walks back to her office where Howie is waiting for her.
"He is out of your league Kate", says Howie sipping out of a can of soda.
"What do you mean?", asks Kate innocently.
"You know what I mean. You see a professional, well dressed man and you are hot after him within five minutes of seeing him. You probably noticed her isn't wearing a wedding ring. Well, that can mean a lot of things."
Kate smiles and pats Howie on the shoulder. "You are imagining things again Howie. No one would want a middle-aged country bumpkin like me." She walks into the backroom. After a few minutes Howie gets up and looks out the window to see Skinner crawling on top of his trailer attempting to fix the tv antenna.
Howie laughs to himself. 'Could a city-slicker like this Walter Skinner make Kate truly happy.' he thinks to himself. He vows to try figure out if it will truly have an effect on Kate. He decides to play matchmaker himself.
Part 21
(An hour earlier)
Mulder and Scully have finally succumbed to their passion and are now lying in bed. The silence is deafening as they each contemplate what they can now say to each other. They have always been close, but now they have participated in the most intimate act possible. Scully finally leans on her elbow and looks down at Mulder who is lying on his back staring at the ceiling. "Mulder, whats wrong?", asks Scully caressing his cheek.
"I can't believe after seven years we did it", says Mulder amazed. "This changes everything Scully. We can't ever go back to the way we were."
"And thats a bad thing?", asks Scully dropping her eyes.
"No. No. I didn't mean that", says Mulder. "Its just I always fantasized about us, but I didn't think you cared about me in that way. I just thought it was a perverted little hang-up I had. You know, FBI agent lusting after his hot little hot red-headed partner."
"Mulder, when Daniel suddenly appeared in my life I did a lot of soul searching. He made me realize that all things happen for a reason. There was a reason why I left medicine and joined the FBI. It was fate that made me run into you in that hallway at Quantico as it was fate that we would be partnered together. Of all of the field offices in the country, out of all of the other possible agents available - they paired me with you. I know that their motives were not good, but it still happened and over the last seven years you have become one of the most important factors in my life. Daniel tried to recreate what we had, but I knew I wasn't the same person anymore. I had you in my life and I couldn't imagine it any other way. When I am away from you I think about you and can't wait until I see you again. I feel like you are my other half and I suppose that in a way I always have viewed you as the nearest to my significant other that I have. I don't want to make you uncomfortable Mulder, I've been dealing with a lot of pent up feelings lately, but I just want to get it off my chest. Today may have not meant much to you. Maybe it was just a substitution for one of your videos, but for me it was a milestone in my own personal journey." She sighs as she finally says what she never thought she would say to him, "What I am trying to say Mulder is that I love you."
Mulder has been staring at Scully with disbelief during her rendition. He is surprised at her opening up to him. He gives a little shake to his head and says, "But I love you too Scully."
"I know you love me Mulder as a friend, but what I am trying to say is that I am IN LOVE with you", says Scully coloring.
Mulder's eyes drop and then he gives a small smile. He then looks up again and looks her in the eye. "Scully, you've got it all wrong. I don't view you as a substitute for something else. I love you as friend, but I am in love with you as only a man can love a woman."
A tear runs down Scully's cheek and Mulder leans up to kiss it away.
Just then they hear voices in the parking lot. Mulder sits up and wraps a sheet around himself and walks to the window. His eyes widen and then he spins around to Scully who has sat up in bed.
"Skinner is here", says Mulder with a panicked look on his face. "We've got to get dressed and out of here now!"
The two agents make a mad dash to get dressed. Mulder has just finished up tying one of his hiking boots when they hear the door of their trailer open. He grabs Scully's hand and pulls her over to the window. He opens it and helps Scully climb out. He holds her by the arms as she drops to the ground.
At this point he hears Skinner approach the door of the bedroom. Mulder moves to climb out the window, but bangs his head on the window. He hears Skinner say, "Agents Mulder and Scully are you in there?" He finally gets through the window and drops to the ground. As his feet touch the ground he hears the door of the bedroom being kicked in.
Mulder and Scully look at each other and then run for the woods.
Walter Skinner approaches the desk of the Lazy Acre Trailer Park and rings the bell. Kate comes from the backroom and greets him. "Hey there Sir! My name is Kate. How can I help you?"
"I called a few hours ago regarding a couple of FBI agents. Their names are Mulder and Scully. I received information regarding their approximate location and I being concerned for their safety I flew right out here. After making a few telephone calls on the airplane I found out their scheduled agenda. Where can I find them?" Skinner looks around the office and then glances back at Kate.
"Oh, you must be Mr. Skinner", says Kate. "You spoke to Howie on the phone?"
"Yes, I'm Assistant Director Walter Skinner of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I've flown here from Washington DC and I need a place to stay temporarily. However, I need to speak to Agents Mulder and Scully right away. There seems to be problem regarding their current "investigation."
Kate nods. "I thought they had said that they weren't here on official business. I'll can tell you that they are here looking for Bigfoot like everyone else that comes through these parts.
"Well I don't really care why they are here. I just want to talk to them regarding some of the expenses that they have been charging to the bureau regarding their... ah vacation", says Skinner rolling his eyes at Kate. "Ma'am could you just let me know where I can find them?"
"Well their trailer is the first one on the left", says Kate. "I don't know if they will be there as they just came back to shower. They've been staying in the woods, but there was a really bad storm last night. Somehow they ended up getting lost. I found them stranded in the forest. I had gotten a little concerned last night when I found the smashed tent."
"Smashed tent?", asks Skinner frowning.
"Well one of their tents had a large tree branch lying on top of it", says Kate. "Luckily one of them didn't get killed."
Skinner nods. "Those two are always escaping from some dangerous situation. They aren't escaping from me though. I'm going to kick their butts good for going off and not telling me that they were using bureau funds for investigating a personal cause. Especially after being reprimanded for two weeks for the same exact thing. I have a feeling that Agent Mulder has gotten a little charge happy with his bureau credit card."
"Speaking of charging", says Kate. "If you still need somewhere to stay I only take cash." She points to the sign.
Skinner makes a face and pulls out a couple of bills and tosses them onto the counter.
"You can take the second trailer on the left. You'll be right behind them", says Kate.
"You must mean I'll be between them", says Skinner. "They can't be staying in the same trailer. Its against bureau policy for opposite sex partners to be staying together."
"Oh really", says Kate. "Well I was short on accommodations so they had no choice. Like I said before they've been staying out in tents in the woods", says Kate. "But they haven't requested a new tent", says Kate under her breath.
"What was that?", asks Skinner.
"Oh nothing", says Kate smiling brightly. "Heres your key. Enjoy your stay Mr. Skinner. If you want to rent any gear for hiking or camping let me know. I've got anything you may need."
"Thank you..Kate was it?" Skinner walks out the door and across the trailer park carrying his small suitcase. He reaches the first trailer on the left and looks around. It seems too quiet. He knocks on the door and there is no answer so he tries the door. The door opens and he steps inside. Looking around he can't help but see what a mess the trailer is. Empty bottles of iced tea sit on the countertop and sunflower seed shells layer the carpet. He sees women's clothing forming a trail to the bathroom and then sees men's clothes on the floor in the bathroom. Dirty towels are thrown haphazardly in the shower.
He walks out of the bathroom and turns to see a closed door. He knocks on the door. "Agents Mulder and Scully are you in there?", says Skinner loudly. He knocks again. He hears a noise but he is not sure what it is. He pulls his gun and then kicks the door in. The room is empty, but it is a mess as well. He kicks aside a bathrobe lying on the floor and scans the surrounding. An unmade rumpled bed is the highlight of the room. He notices a pair of boxer shorts sticking out from under the bed.
"This is disgusting. They are living like pigs", says Skinner aloud. "I would expect his from Agent Mulder, but I can't believe Agent Scully would be living like this."
He walks towards the bed and thats when something catches his eye. He leans over and pulls something caught in the sheets. His mouth drops open as he holds up a teal colored satin teddy.
"What the hell is going on here?!", he yells as notices the open window for the first time. He walks over to the window and looks out and looks in both directions. "I am definitely going to kick their butts if they're doing what I think they are doing", says Skinner to himself.
Part 20
Skinner turns away from the window . He glances around the rest of the trailer before stepping out into the midday sun. He sees Kate approaching him.
"Did you find your agents?", she asks smiling at him.
"No. It appears they aren't here right now", says Skinner. Kate looks down to see something crumpled in Skinner's hand. Skinner follows her look to his hand and quickly hides the teddy behind his back. "I'm not sure what is going on here, but obviously there must be a good explanation", says Skinner looking embarrassed. "You are sure that both agents stayed here?" He turns slightly and points back into the trailer.
"Of course I am sure. I took the reservation myself. Agent Mulder said that he needed to rent a trailer for him and his partner for one night. He never specified that he was an FBI agent, therefore I thought he meant his wife."
"He's not married", says Skinner.
"Well I know that now", says Kate. "But when they arrived I greeted Mr. and Mrs. Mulder and thats when she corrected me. She told me that they were FBI partners, but it was too late at that point. I only had the one trailer and thats where it got really funny."
"How?", asks Skinner shifting his weight and putting his chin in his hand.
"Well Agent Scully was so adamant about not being mistaken as a couple, but she didn't protest a whole lot when it was apparent there was no alternative for them. She actually said, 'that it was only for one night and they would manage somehow'. That was actually after they debated over the definition of significant other.
"What?", says Skinner frowning.
"Well she said that she wasn't really his significant other, but he said not in the widely used definition. I'm not one to gossip about office relationships, but I've got to tell you I think there is something going on with them behind the scenes, if you know what I mean", says Kate.
"Thats impossible", says Skinner. "They are close, but if they were having a relationship I would be the first to find out." He feels the teddy in his hand and finally turns slightly and tosses it into the trailer. He faces Kate once again. "I've got serious jet-lag, so if you don't mind I'm going to head over to my own trailer. If you happen to run into Agents Mulder and Scully, please let me know", says Skinner attempting to walk around Kate who has stepped up quite close to him.
"Ah Kate? Is there a problem here?"
"No, I was just smelling your aftershave lotion. I love the scent. Well, anyway the reason I came to find you is to offer you a home cooked meal", Kate smiles warmly.
"Ah, thank you", says Skinner. "But, I think am going to hit the sack early tonight. I can't stand long flights." He closes the door to the agent's trailer and then picks up his suitcase. He starts to walk to his own trailer
"You enjoy your stay with us", says Kate waving. She walks back to her office where Howie is waiting for her.
"He is out of your league Kate", says Howie sipping out of a can of soda.
"What do you mean?", asks Kate innocently.
"You know what I mean. You see a professional, well dressed man and you are hot after him within five minutes of seeing him. You probably noticed her isn't wearing a wedding ring. Well, that can mean a lot of things."
Kate smiles and pats Howie on the shoulder. "You are imagining things again Howie. No one would want a middle-aged country bumpkin like me." She walks into the backroom. After a few minutes Howie gets up and looks out the window to see Skinner crawling on top of his trailer attempting to fix the tv antenna.
Howie laughs to himself. 'Could a city-slicker like this Walter Skinner make Kate truly happy.' he thinks to himself. He vows to try figure out if it will truly have an effect on Kate. He decides to play matchmaker himself.
Part 21
(An hour earlier)
Mulder and Scully have finally succumbed to their passion and are now lying in bed. The silence is deafening as they each contemplate what they can now say to each other. They have always been close, but now they have participated in the most intimate act possible. Scully finally leans on her elbow and looks down at Mulder who is lying on his back staring at the ceiling. "Mulder, whats wrong?", asks Scully caressing his cheek.
"I can't believe after seven years we did it", says Mulder amazed. "This changes everything Scully. We can't ever go back to the way we were."
"And thats a bad thing?", asks Scully dropping her eyes.
"No. No. I didn't mean that", says Mulder. "Its just I always fantasized about us, but I didn't think you cared about me in that way. I just thought it was a perverted little hang-up I had. You know, FBI agent lusting after his hot little hot red-headed partner."
"Mulder, when Daniel suddenly appeared in my life I did a lot of soul searching. He made me realize that all things happen for a reason. There was a reason why I left medicine and joined the FBI. It was fate that made me run into you in that hallway at Quantico as it was fate that we would be partnered together. Of all of the field offices in the country, out of all of the other possible agents available - they paired me with you. I know that their motives were not good, but it still happened and over the last seven years you have become one of the most important factors in my life. Daniel tried to recreate what we had, but I knew I wasn't the same person anymore. I had you in my life and I couldn't imagine it any other way. When I am away from you I think about you and can't wait until I see you again. I feel like you are my other half and I suppose that in a way I always have viewed you as the nearest to my significant other that I have. I don't want to make you uncomfortable Mulder, I've been dealing with a lot of pent up feelings lately, but I just want to get it off my chest. Today may have not meant much to you. Maybe it was just a substitution for one of your videos, but for me it was a milestone in my own personal journey." She sighs as she finally says what she never thought she would say to him, "What I am trying to say Mulder is that I love you."
Mulder has been staring at Scully with disbelief during her rendition. He is surprised at her opening up to him. He gives a little shake to his head and says, "But I love you too Scully."
"I know you love me Mulder as a friend, but what I am trying to say is that I am IN LOVE with you", says Scully coloring.
Mulder's eyes drop and then he gives a small smile. He then looks up again and looks her in the eye. "Scully, you've got it all wrong. I don't view you as a substitute for something else. I love you as friend, but I am in love with you as only a man can love a woman."
A tear runs down Scully's cheek and Mulder leans up to kiss it away.
Just then they hear voices in the parking lot. Mulder sits up and wraps a sheet around himself and walks to the window. His eyes widen and then he spins around to Scully who has sat up in bed.
"Skinner is here", says Mulder with a panicked look on his face. "We've got to get dressed and out of here now!"
The two agents make a mad dash to get dressed. Mulder has just finished up tying one of his hiking boots when they hear the door of their trailer open. He grabs Scully's hand and pulls her over to the window. He opens it and helps Scully climb out. He holds her by the arms as she drops to the ground.
At this point he hears Skinner approach the door of the bedroom. Mulder moves to climb out the window, but bangs his head on the window. He hears Skinner say, "Agents Mulder and Scully are you in there?" He finally gets through the window and drops to the ground. As his feet touch the ground he hears the door of the bedroom being kicked in.
Mulder and Scully look at each other and then run for the woods.