Lovers in Friends (Part I)
INTRODUCTION
My partner and I share everything with each other. We know each other's strength and weaknesses. We are each other's bestfriends. We are interwoven to the fiber of each other's beings. I am in love with her but I do not think she feels the same way. I know she cares for me and that she even loves me but I know that is far from what she really means to me. That is why I have done my best for her to remain in my life and I know that is what she is trying to do. We just have to be in each other's life in a very powerful way. We are lucky that we can reconcile our differences and are able to have the best friendship and best partnership we could ever have. I cannot forget the time when she resigned to fly to Utah. I was at my wits end, and I realized that there and then I really needed to tell her what she really means to me. I was about to show her if it had not been for that damn bee.
There were lots of fights and misunderstandings but those fights just made us see the positive aspects of our relationship. It made us stronger and able to know what's real from not, and what's right from wrong in each other. It opened our minds and our hearts to accept each other's intentions as pure and at face value. It helped us to deepen our trust in each other and molded our faith that we could always count on each other. Scully would definitely hate me to speak for her but I am sure that even though we do not believe in the same things, we believe in each other.
I cannot believe I am going to say this but after this case, our relationship had changed, this case made it stronger and invincible for the inexorable consortium, aliens, mutants, and people from our lives who are so determined to split us up. I know I have been a jerk a lot of times for taking Scully for granted whenever I ditched her or whenever I ran to the closest airport to fly to sightings of the unknown. I have been selfish to think that everything is all about me.
I am so grateful for having Scully in my life. I do not want to imagine what could have been if I had never met Scully.
LANCASTER RESIDENCE
Scully decided to check how Angeline was while Mulder was taking care of the files for the VCS and in capturing the people who helped her accomplish the crimes she committed. "Angeline, what are you going to do right now?" Scully sympathetically asked while drinking green tea in her kitchen.
"I don't know Dana. It's just that I have a very strong feeling that he's still alive and he's just waiting for me to save him. I made a mistake by leaving him before; I'm not going to do it again." Angeline stood up to wash the dishes.
She came back to face Scully, "I must have taken much of your time. Thank you for listening to me." Then she smiled at her and nodded.
"In case you need anything, you know where to find me or Mulder." Scully smiled at her despite what happened. It seemed that Angeline wanted to be alone so she was going to respect it and she was not going to push her because what she needed was someone who would support her.
"Thanks a lot Dana. I really appreciate all you and Agent Mulder have done for me and Bruce." Angeline smiled back at her believing that meeting each other had done such a big difference to all their lives.
2 WEEKS EARLIER
J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
SKINNER'S OFFICE
Skinner entered his office with Mulder and Scully sitting and waiting in front of his desk. "Sorry to make you wait Agents. I was just talking to a close friend of mine."
"It's ok sir, we just got here anyway." Mulder said in a good mood and smiled at Skinner.
Skinner looked at Scully with his eyes asking: What the hell is wrong with him? Scully just shrugged.
"Actually the reason why I'm here is to make you an offer. To tell you the truth I actually suggested your services because I really think you could help. This isn't a case but my friend is going to shoulder all your expenses and has promised that if you helped him with his problem, he's going to give some funds for the X-Files Department. I worked with him when I was a Marine. His name is Michael Peters."
"What is it sir?" Mulder excitedly asked, showing that he could not wait to jump out of his seat to do it.
"Well basing it from your history you've been the best agents that have worked under me and I know that you two are good friends. I think you could really help fixing the problems of his son, Bruce Peters. His son has a childhood friend, Angeline Lancaster. They got separated when Angeline's parents brought her to France to become a Chef. She came back 5 years later. Micheal said everything was just fine with Bruce and Angeline until they stopped talking to each other 2 years ago until now. Micheal wants you to do your best for his son and Angeline to patch things between them."
"Great! Anything for the X-Files." Mulder smiled to Skinner and then to Scully. Scully just rolled her eyes.
"I hope this is okay with you, Agent Scully." Skinner said as he noticed Scully's reaction.
"No sir, everything is fine with me."
"Alright Agents, you can go now. You decide what you are going to do with them and just report me what's been happening and the improvements of course."
"Yes sir." Mulder and Scully said in unison and left the office.
X-FILES DEPARTMENT
BASEMENT
"Mulder, I can't take it anymore!" Scully growled in so much irritation. "What's wrong with you? What's bothering you? Why are you so quiet and why aren't you talking to me? Did I do something wrong?"
Mulder took off his coat, then threw it on the desk and loosened his tie.
"Scully, calm down." Mulder approached with his arms up and touched her shoulders. He bent down and levelled his head with her. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to. I am just having an epiphany that I can’t figure out just yet so I don't know what to tell you but as soon as I figure it out I'll tell you right away."
"So we're okay? You're scaring me. You're not acting like yourself." Scully's bag fell onto her chair when she dropped it on the front side of the table. Some of the contents spilled. She was about to pick them up but Mulder approached her.
"I'm really sorry Scully. I didn't mean to worry you. We're okay as always." This time Mulder pulled her to him and embraced her. He thought she was going to push him away but she surprised him by entangling her arms around his neck and leaning on his shoulder. Before Mulder started having an epiphany, they had grown too close. They had been hanging on each other's apartments finishing a file, watching a movie, and eating pizza and beer. They had been giving each other meaningful smiles and looks.
It was such a perfect moment that was suddenly disturbed by Mulder's stomach shouting. Scully laughed in hushed tone, "Mulder you missed your breakfast again." She withdrew her head from his shoulder to look at him. They looked at each other and the memories from the hallway scene came flooding back to them.
At the same time, they both moved slowly to close the distance between their lips. She's letting me kiss her! Does that mean she has feelings for me too or does she just want to kiss me? I mean that could be possible. She could want me without necessarily being in love with me but this is Scully. She doesn't do this kind of things. Mulder stop complaining and just accept the opportunity she's giving you.
Is he really going to kiss me? I've been waiting for this ever since the bee stung me in his hallway. I wonder if this has been his epiphany, that he found he is in love with me. Ok, shut up Dana! Just do it.
Their faces were only inches apart and Scully started to focus on his lips and so did he. Her eyes closed and she suddenly felt his lips kissing hers. It was a soft, full, long and loving kiss. She kissed him back and wet her lips afterwards. They just smiled at each other like they did at the Millennium. I wonder why he kissed me.
"Mulder we should eat and then pack our things for tomorrow." Scully looked at him and smiled shyly. Mulder kissed her forehead, "Ok, let's go." They both let go of each other.
Mulder walked to his desk and grabbed his coat while Scully picked up her things and put them into her bag.
CALIFORNIA
PETERS RESIDENCE
Scully could not believe her eyes. Skinner had forgotten to mention that Bruce owned his own vineyard. The house was a 2-storey and it was surrounded by grapes. It also had a balcony and four rooms. She enjoyed looking at the whole vineyard thinking she could already taste the wine on her tongue while waiting for someone to answer the door.
A blue-eyed blonde answered the door; he was 6'1", fair complexion, and with a medium built. "Welcome, you must be Dana Scully; my father informed me you would be coming. I'm Bruce Peters." He smiled and offered his hand.
She shook his hand, "Yes, I am. You have a great place". This isn’t a bad idea after all. It's like a vacation, she thought to herself.
"Thank you, come in. I don't mean to be straightforward especially when you just arrived. But I can't believe my father called a matchmaker again." Bruce said while directing his head and gesturing his left hand on the way to the living room.
Scully took a seat. Her eyes got bigger when she heard what he said, "Excuse me, what did you say?”
"You're a matchmaker, right? My father always hires someone to get me and Angeline to end up together. Oh do you want something?"
"Sure thank you. Coffee would be fine." Bruce rang the bell on his pocket and his butler, James, came out.
"This is my butler, James, he has been working here for 11 years now and this is our guest for the week Miss Dana Scully. You should help her later with her things bringing them to her room and you should prepare Marianne's room as well." Bruce ordered him sternly.
"You see my fiancé Marianne will be here later and then leave tomorrow." He said to Scully after noticing her inquiring expression.
"And James, sorry I forgot, please bring some coffee for Miss Scully and just bring me some water."
"Yes sir. One moment please." James disappeared in the kitchen right away.
"You were saying?" Bruce returned his attention to her.
"You said your father hires matchmakers..." Bruce cut her in, "Yes, he does. So I figured you are a matchmaker."
"No I'm not. I'm Special Agent Dana Scully" Scully showed her badge as a proof.
"I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to offend you. Force of old habits. You can't blame me after all what I've been through with my father's stubborn insistence of bringing Angeline back into my life." Scully smiled at him.
"That's okay. I didn't mean to."
"So you’re an FBI Agent? How did my father drag you into this mess? I mean this is not a case for the FBI, isn't it?" Bruce found it really odd.
Scully suppressed a laugh. I know what you mean; we’re not love gurus for God sake. I can’t believe Mulder agreed to this. The weird cases are enough but not also these personal love problems. I’m not even good with feelings. So what in the world am I doing here? "Our boss, Walter Skinner, is your father's close friend from the Marines. Our boss thinks we are the experts and that we could really help you patch things up with Angeline. We are not here to match the two of you."
"Yes I know him. Angeline and I met him years ago. We? Someone else is arriving?"
"I have a partner. No, he is not coming here. He's going to France to meet Angeline."
"He’s an agent, too?" James appeared with their drinks. "Thank you, James."
"Your welcome, Sir. Miss Scully, do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you." Scully took a sip of her coffee. "His name is Fox Mulder. Yes he’s an agent too."
"I see. What makes Mr. Skinner think that you two are the experts and that you two could help us?" Bruce leaned on his chair and put his legs on the table. "I hope you don't mind."
"No, it's your house anyway." Bruce kept reminding her of Mulder in little ways. She finished her coffee and put it back onto the table.
"I have no idea but because you and Angeline might remind him of me and my partner. He didn't tell us why but that's probably the reason." This time Bruce really got interested.
"Tell me about you and your partner." Bruce removed his legs from the table and leaned closer to the table and put his elbows on his upper thighs, his hands intertwined.
Scully remained silent. How could she share something so personal about Mulder and her?
"Please... If you want to hear my story, you have to earn it first. You tell me your personal stuff and I'll tell you mine. Convince me that you two are the experts for these kinds of situations."
Scully rolled her eyes unintentionally and stopped when she caught herself. Bruce just laughed at her because she reminded him of Angeline.
"Okay, what do you want to know?"
“That’s great but let’s talks about you and your partner tomorrow. I just got here before you arrived. There's just something I need to take care of. You enjoy the place. There's a swimming pool and you can do some horse-back riding through the whole vineyard. Just tell James whatever you need."
Scully wanted to object because she really wanted to get this moving. The thing was, without Mulder it was so boring and she missed him. She could not help but wonder about their kiss. I can’t believe I had let it happen especially in the office. I am not the kind of woman who is going to give a guy’s way over a kiss. She is an independent woman who does not need a man all the time. But why am I missing Mulder so badly? Oh my God! I am expecting Mulder to have some feelings for me. I’m sure he just wanted to kiss me so I’ll stay.
"Sure, thanks." Scully stood up.
Bruce called James again and told him to help Scully bringing her things to her room.
James dropped her bag on the sofa at the front of the window, "Miss Scully if you need anything, you can just call me using the phone." He pointed the phone to Scully.
"Thank you, James."
"Your welcome, Miss Scully. Dinner will be ready in two hours." James did not wait for her response. He just got out and closed the door.
Should I call Mulder? I wonder how his meeting with Angeline is. I wonder how she looks. I should have asked Bruce. Wait, I can't ask Bruce. Maybe I can ask James.
HOTEL PRINCE DE GALLES PARIS, FRANCE
Mulder proceeded to the reception booth of the hotel. I know the X-Files needs help and support that is why I agreed to this but an X-Files case is much better and I know for sure that Scully is already cursing me.
"Bonjour, salut comment mai je vous aider?" The woman greeted him with a bright smile.
"Oui Parlez-vous anglais?" The woman smiled at him and gestured him to wait. It’s a good thing I brought my book old planet with me.
After a few moments a different woman came out. “Good morning, Sir may I help you?”
“Yes, my name is Fox Mulder. I have a reservation.” The woman immediately typed his name into the computer.
"Mr. Mulder your room number is 0213 and this is your key to your room. And Miss Lancaster left you a note." The woman handed him a small white envelope.
"Thank you." Mulder carried his things to the elevator. He pressed the 2nd floor button and while waiting he decided to read the note.
"Salut, Mr. Fox Mulder, meet me at the Regency bar at 7PM. I'll be wearing blue." Mulder just smiled at the note.
He entered his room and was very surprise on how big and how great the place really was. "If Scully sees this, she's going to love this place. Right now I'm so glad we agreed to do this. Scully will really enjoy this place."
REGENCY BAR
Mulder wore something casual, he just wanted to meet Angeline and finally get this moving. He really wanted to call Scully, maybe before he went to bed. Wait, when do I ever sleep especially when I'm away from Scully?
At the left corner far end of the bar he saw a woman wearing a halter neck simple blue dress sitting there. He smiled because it reminded him of Scully's eyes. It was like swimming in a deep ocean. The woman noticed him staring and raised a glass for him to notice her, which he did and sat down across of her. She was a brunette, had green eyes, she was just a little taller than Scully, straight and shouldered length hair, fair complexion and pretty in her own way.
"Hi, I'm Fox Mulder, are you Angeline Lancaster? And how did you know I was coming?” He smiled, offered his hand and showed his best behaviour.
"Uncle Michael called me and told me someone is coming." She shook his hand too.
"How did you know me?”
“I asked him and he gave me your name and your partner's name. I made two notes with your names and gave an instruction to give it to you as soon as you arrive here.
"Oh I actually thought you are some kind of psychic or have the ability to figure it out."
"Well, you’re from the X-Files. Your cases are about that stuff. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I don’t believe in those things and I don't mean to be disrespectful but I don't believe in such things."
Mulder smiled thinking he would love to debate but he loved and preferred to debate with Scully. "Well, do you know why I'm here?"
"Uncle Michael said you're here to help me and Bruce to be friends again. You don't have to argue with me about that because I agree. I want me and Bruce to be friends again but you have to convince me that you and your partner can really help us. I heard that your boss Mr. Skinner recommended you."
"Yes, he told us that." Mulder simply answered her.
"I guess he thinks we're the experts and that we could really help you basing on my history with my partner."
"Now, that's a start but can I ask you something?" Angeline inquired in a shy manner.
"Sure!" Mulder enthusiastically encouraged her and laughed thinking she was so easy to talk to just like Scully.
"When you came in and then you saw me, you kind of drifted away and smiled. Why?"
Mulder blushed and she noticed it so she put up a wild grin. "Is it that obvious? Your dress just reminded me of someone."
"Let me guess, your partner right?"
"Yes, how did you come to that conclusion?"
"Because your boss recommended you two because of your history with your partner. It must be a hell of a history! Isn't it?"
"Yes, we got through a lot of things and here we are" Mulder shrugged his shoulders and moved his hands outward "still together." Angeline just smiled to what he said.
"Let's order, eat and then talk." Mulder noticed her uneasiness with the topic.
They ate silently while talking about little things but Angeline never mentioned anything about Bruce while Mulder told her some things about his partner. He did notice that Angeline had lots of similarities with Scully but he could still not figure out her mind-set because she seemed to be playful but at the same time decent and well-behaved.
They decided to walk back to the hotel. "So tell me about your partner, Fox." Mulder turned to her when she mentioned his first name.
"When I first met her, I accused her of being a spy but in the end she showed me that I could trust her. Do you know what an X-File is?"
"I did ask Uncle Michael and he said that you and your partner investigate the weird cases, paranormal stuff, aliens, and so on. No offence but I myself find it hard to believe in it."
"I've been trying to control it because I usually debate with Scully but, why? For example like the alien stuff?"
"Sure, I don't believe in aliens. I believe that there can be other living forms on other planets but they are not more advanced than us and certainly haven’t visited us. I believe this because of our religion and it said that humans are the highest and best form of living beings. If they had visited us, then they must be more advanced than us which is so contradictory. I also don't believe that the reason why the government had kept the alien's visitation a secret is to prevent a person from panicking that is not a good enough reason for me. If aliens did visit us for as long as they claim, then shouldn't we have seen at least a real and strong evidence like a spaceship or maybe an alien? And besides, we humans love the unknown and prefer the unknown to the obvious. And another thing is, we like to make our lives exciting and a mystery. I mean if there were no issues and controversies, then our life would be plain boring."
"What can you say about the people being abducted? Are you saying that they're liars and you're trying to make a full mockery of what they've gone through?"
"No I don't. There is a disease. I forgot what it's called. I believe the symptoms the patient experiences are that of a person who believes he is abducted by aliens. They have this story of manipulations, stories of being probed and their eggs and ovaries stolen, light hypnotizing them to the spaceship."
"Are you sure, you're just a chef? You don't have any sidelines?" He's not sure when but he had this conversation before with Scully a lot of times before.
Angeline chuckled care freely, "I'm sorry but no I don't have any sidelines I just saw them on Discovery Channel. You said a while ago that you usually debate with your partner?" More of a confirmation than a statement.
"Yes, I believe in a lot of things with no evidences and Scully is a Medical Doctor. She'll only believe if there's evidence. She's a skeptic."
"Really! Wow, then we'll definitely get along when we meet. How long have you been partners?"
"Yes, you'll definitely get along. We're partners for 5 years."
"If you're a believer and she's a skeptic, how did you two work together?"
"The thing is when two people are different, that always begs for more discussion, it makes you more open and it teaches you to cross-examine yourself. Scully will always be a sceptic but she believes in me when I'm right and so do I. We complete each other. We just learned to accept other notions and not just our own." Mulder said proudly.
"So you always fight?" Angeline looked straight but she was staring into space trying to act like what she was asking was nothing to her.
"Yes a lot of times but it will all come down to one thing, no matter what, we trust each other, we need each other, and we're the best and stronger when we work together. We're a great team." Mulder stopped walking, looked at her, and then smiled at her.
"Me and Bruce," Angeline was hesitating to talk, "we fight a lot because we're so different...” she looked down.
"I heard that's why I'm here and she's with Bruce because we're the experts."
Angeline giggled wholeheartedly thinking Bruce and her could finally have the chance she had been waiting for all this years. "I'll be looking forward to that."
"For a moment, I thought everyone here would speak French to me and you sound so American." Mulder said while scratching his head.
"They said that when you are talking to a person who's got a different accent, you should speak their language to prevent being rude and discriminating. My parents taught me that." They were walking side by side and Mulder just nodded at her.
" I'm grateful to your parents. I don't feel different because you're talking to me as if we both came from the same place." Somehow it reminded him of how his Mother had been strict to him and Samantha. She was always so proper. Teaching them how to dress, talk, walk, act, and mingle with people. So that was how it had been to her.
"You’re welcome." It seems to me that I'm just like his partner and he is just like Bruce. This could really work. Angeline smiled to herself. Please God help us make it work.
"Well do you want to learn French? I can teach you simple words to sweep your partner off her feet." Angeline pushed Mulder with her shoulders which he found surprising but she ignored his expression.
Mulder blushed. "Hmmm... that would be nice."
Angeline taught Mulder lots of words and how to pronounce it. He had a hard time pronouncing them at first but he eventually got them.
"How about we call it a night? And tomorrow we start to talk about Bruce and you."
Mulder had broken the silence between them. "Alright but you need to tell me about you and Scully too if you don't mind."
"Of course not. See you tomorrow."
"Thanks, tomorrow I can tour you here."
"That would be great." Mulder smiled.
"Bonne nuit." Angeline waited for his reply. And it didn't take him that long to remember what she said. "You too, Good Night."
MULDER'S ROOM
The food was great, the place was great and air was so refreshing outside but he felt sticky, so he decided to take a shower. Every time he saw his room, it seemed to make him always think of Scully. She would really love this place. She deserved to be here. He opened the bathroom and the tub was huge and the shower was just great. I can't believe they gave me the suite. This is more than I could ask for. He was thinking all about Scully. This is how I am when I'm not with Scully. I can still remember her scent, feel her lips on my own, and I can't forget her beautiful megawatt smile.
It was only 10 in the evening when he finished cleaning himself and settled on the bed to watch some movie. It is such a great and complete hotel. It even have a satellite dish to be able to cover English channels. A scary movie started playing, at first he was interested and after a few minutes he got bored. Something is wrong I usually enjoy this stuff. So he started to find something again. He kept flipping channels until he found a documentary channel about life on Mars. He did not know how long it aired but he fell asleep on it. In the past, nobody could distract him from the X-Files but now Scully was always on his mind. It was already 3 in the morning. He could not sleep anymore no matter how comfortable the sheets were, so this time, he tried to call Scully. He just hoped she was not sleeping.
He dialed Scully's number thinking: I don't care if this a long distance call, after all this is all paid and they've asked for our service. I must be crazy. The phone was ringing and it took a couple of minutes before Scully answered.
Scully was lying on the first bench. There were 3 deck benches side by side just before the pool with umbrellas that went with it. Between the deck benches were metallic aluminum small tables.
"Yeah, how did you know it's me?"
Scully blushed, she did not want to admit that she had been thinking of him ever since she got here.
"I'm so glad you're awake, I've been hesitating if I should call you. I didn't want to disturb you in your beauty sleep."
"It's just 3 in the morning. God! You have to come here. It's such a great hotel. It's so comfortable and I have a big tub in here, you could almost get lost in it. You're missing a lot over here."
No I'm only missing you. I wonder how she looked like. I heard from the movie The American Werewolf in Paris that women in France are charming and sophisticated. Is it true? It seems to be though.
"Geez, you're no fun." Mulder said with his toothy grin. Oh how he just loves to spend his day talking to her.
Scully did not realize what came out of her mouth until she said it. Shit! What am I thinking?
"I know. How I hate myself?" Mulder said amused and chuckled at her. "As far as I'm concerned I don't have big problems with Angeline. She wants to get along with Bruce so she's willing to let me help. How about you?" Of course I love her. She’s in a rare form. Does it mean that everything is alright between us or is she open about the idea of us becoming more intimate?
"We didn't have a serious talk but she gave me a strong feeling that he is distrustful so you should try to earn his trust. I'm not sure how, but you can try to appeal to his needs. Do you get what I mean?"
"I'm sure you can do that. If you need my help, just call me. Save the number, alright?"
"Good luck G-woman. Wait, what took you so long in answering your phone?" He was wondering what she was doing.
She was sitting on the bench under the umbrella drying herself.
"It's fine Scully, enjoy!" I wonder what kind of bathing suite she's wearing and what color. "Scully, what are you wearing?"
Scully's eyes widened, I can't believe he's asking me that, while smiling wildly,
Wow! Scully is playing with him. Maybe they should always be away from each other. "I don't know Scully. You tell me."
Scully rolled her eyes, She said plainly while running her hands on her yellow two-piece.
Mulder made a big intake of air, "Scully, where's Bruce?" Images of Scully wearing nothing started to overwhelm his mind. Oh Mulder don’t even go there. I like it when Scully is so playful. Maybe we should have vacations like this more often.
Oh he's worried, someone is going to see me.
Scully was amused of Mulder's reaction and wondering if she should push it or stop playing with him.
"I.. I'm... I'm fi.. fine." Mulder was now stammering, disturbed by the images running through his mind.
Scully started to giggle secretly as she heard Mulder's reaction.
Mulder was so busy daydreaming of his partner's nakedness until he heard what she said, "What?"
She could not control her laugh anymore and Mulder got a little irritated.
Mulder joined her, "When we see each other again, you're going to pay."
"But Mom! I don't sleep."
"Goodnight. See you soon." Now my day is complete because I got to hear her voice and maybe I can try to sleep well too.
I miss you. She smiled to herself, closed her eyes. She turned the phone off.
Amazingly, Mulder tried to sleep with the television on. He fell asleep and woke up on the sound of the television airing nothing. He grabbed the remote, turned it off and got back to sleeping. Now he just felt excited to do everything to help Angeline and Bruce.
CALIFORNIA
PETER'S RESIDENCE
Bruce saw Scully talking to someone in her phone and she seemed so happy.
He brought her some red wine, "Hi Dana, I hope you're having fun even when you're alone. Here, try this." He gave her a wine glass, filled it with red wine and put the bottle onto the table that was near him.
"Thank you Bruce, how about you? Don't worry, I'm having fun. It's been so long since me and my partner had a vacation so trust me, this is just great. To relax or have your time alone."
"No, the whole bottle is yours. Besides I drink anytime and anywhere. So you talk to your boyfriend?" Bruce was trying to tease her.
Scully almost spitted out the wine, she covered her lips.
"Dana, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Bruce picked up the tissue on the side table and gave it to her.
She took it and wiped away some of the wine. "Don't be. I didn't know you were there. I was just talking to my partner."
"Your partner, Fox Mulder?" he asked curiously.
Scully noticed the frown in his face, "Is there something wrong?"
"I saw you talking to him. You seemed so happy. You were laughing and even blushing." This time Bruce smiled as if he figured something out.
Scully blushed again. "We're just friends. He's my best friend."
"You and him are not together?" Bruce sat down on the next deck bench. I wonder if she and Fox Mulder are just like me and Angeline. No wonder Uncle Walter recommended them.
"Bruce!" A woman called from inside the house." Bruce approached Marianne. "Marianne I want you to meet Dana Scully. She's the one I told you about." Marianne offered her hand.
"Hi, it's so nice to finally meet you. Bruce called me a while ago and told me about you. I'm Marianne Kosovo and I'm an anesthesiologist. Bruce mentioned you’re a medical doctor."
Marianne had long dark brown wavy hair, green eyes, she had the body of a sexy athlete, and she had to be 7 inches taller than her. Scully took her hand and smiled at her. "Hi, I'm Dana. I'm glad to meet you, too.” “Bruce mentioned that you are here and your partner is with Angeline at his father's."
"Yes“, Scully felt secretly intimidated. She’s Mulder’s type. No wonder Bruce fell for her. Angeline should really look much better than her I’m sure.
"So tell me about you and your partner?" Marianne had a hunch that there was something more going on between them. She sat down on the second deck bench.
“I’m sorry but why?” Scully never does that. Share personal information with strangers.
“You told Bruce you were recommended because of your relationship with your partner.” As the word relationship slipped out of Marianne’s tongue, it somehow kind of offended Scully because she hoped it is true and it made her think that she could this off if she answered wrong.
“I’m so sorry but no that that’s not the kind of relationship me and my partner have. We have different and opposing expertise which is a reason for our occasional fights but we had worked them all out. That’s why we are still partners were now and that we have been recommended by our boss.”
"Excuse me for a second; I have to go to the bathroom."
Scully felt that this was the moment, the time where she should do something to move Bruce, she should make Bruce think about facing Angeline by applying her situation. “Can you tell me what happen to you and Angeline?"
Bruce felt that it was something important so he went to the closer bench and sat down in front of Scully.
"I'm wondering if you're feelings for Marianne are just the same as how I feel for my partner or if your feelings for Angeline are the same as how I feel for my partner. Bruce, I know for my life that the person I am with now is the only person I see myself with. You have a chance to really be with her and I don't have that. I'm not saying you should leave Marianne since I can see that you're happy with her and that you love her but you love Angeline, too. You love Angeline more and you know that in you're heart. You might be hurt because of whatever she did to you in the past but your love for her is more than that. It's never going to matter if you're with her or not, what's really important is that you get to keep her in your life and won't have regrets anymore. Don't you have any regrets?" I know. I love Marianne but she will never be Angeline.
"I regret telling her how I feel because that was when the things started to get complicated and that was the reason our problems started." He simply said without looking at her. I wonder where Marianne is.
“Ever since I’d expressed my feelings for her by asking her if she loves me and if she wants to get serious with what we have in the past, she started to stay away from me. She stop talking to me, she rejected my calls, and wouldn’t even make eye contact with me when we’re in one room.” Bruce met Scully’s eyes. “I do love her so much,” Bruce place his right hand in his heart, “but I do get the message. She doesn’t feel the same way so I should move on for my own good. I know I made a fool of myself there and I just destroyed are friendship but she was supposed to my friend, my bestfriend! She left me hanging.”
"Bruce, there's still a chance because according to you father, Angeline wants you to be friends again. You’re important to her and she's important to you. You just don't throw friendship and all your memories away like that. Angeline doesn't deserve you if she never tries anything to be friends with you again, if she really had taken you for granted, if she really left you, and you won't know that unless you tell her. If she doesn't understand you, explain it to her. She's your best friend after all. Bruce, nobody is a mind reader. I'm on nobody's side and I want to hear your side because you deserve to be heard, Bruce."
Marianne was on her way back when she heard what Bruce said. I thought Bruce is over with Angeline, that he doesn't love her anymore. If Dana succeeds on this, I have to make her pay. For taking what's mine. Marianne disappeared to her room.
"Tomorrow we can go horse-back riding and we can talk further. Goodnight Dana."
"Thanks for giving it a shot. Goodnight Bruce."
Bruce was already walking when he heard what she said. "I'm not doing this for Angeline."
"No, you’re just making me and my partner's job a little easier but we are going to talk tomorrow." It seemed that Bruce was accusing her of something. She needed to earn his trust and made this right tomorrow since Mulder's talk with Angeline seemed to be going well. I guess he just really has a way with women.
MARIANNE'S ROOM
"Edward, someone is getting in the way. We have to do something again."
"I'm not sure yet but I want you to prepare everything, the house, the tools, the medications, and I'll just inform you of the place for picking it up. I'll just call you for more information." Marianne said pacing.
"I know but this is very important. This is for my happiness, someone is taking it away from me again." She whined like a child having its tantrums because it could not have its toy.
"It is but Bruce's father kind of hired someone to convince him to talk to Angeline and this time the one he hired is good at it. They are very manipulating. Bruce acts bravely but deep inside he's very vulnerable, that's why he doesn't share personal stuff, but this woman is so good in getting to him. She’s melting Bruce and its working. I'm not going to take any chances in losing someone again."
"It should be close but I'll tell you the day before you can pick them up."
My partner and I share everything with each other. We know each other's strength and weaknesses. We are each other's bestfriends. We are interwoven to the fiber of each other's beings. I am in love with her but I do not think she feels the same way. I know she cares for me and that she even loves me but I know that is far from what she really means to me. That is why I have done my best for her to remain in my life and I know that is what she is trying to do. We just have to be in each other's life in a very powerful way. We are lucky that we can reconcile our differences and are able to have the best friendship and best partnership we could ever have. I cannot forget the time when she resigned to fly to Utah. I was at my wits end, and I realized that there and then I really needed to tell her what she really means to me. I was about to show her if it had not been for that damn bee.
There were lots of fights and misunderstandings but those fights just made us see the positive aspects of our relationship. It made us stronger and able to know what's real from not, and what's right from wrong in each other. It opened our minds and our hearts to accept each other's intentions as pure and at face value. It helped us to deepen our trust in each other and molded our faith that we could always count on each other. Scully would definitely hate me to speak for her but I am sure that even though we do not believe in the same things, we believe in each other.
I cannot believe I am going to say this but after this case, our relationship had changed, this case made it stronger and invincible for the inexorable consortium, aliens, mutants, and people from our lives who are so determined to split us up. I know I have been a jerk a lot of times for taking Scully for granted whenever I ditched her or whenever I ran to the closest airport to fly to sightings of the unknown. I have been selfish to think that everything is all about me.
I am so grateful for having Scully in my life. I do not want to imagine what could have been if I had never met Scully.
LANCASTER RESIDENCE
Scully decided to check how Angeline was while Mulder was taking care of the files for the VCS and in capturing the people who helped her accomplish the crimes she committed. "Angeline, what are you going to do right now?" Scully sympathetically asked while drinking green tea in her kitchen.
"I don't know Dana. It's just that I have a very strong feeling that he's still alive and he's just waiting for me to save him. I made a mistake by leaving him before; I'm not going to do it again." Angeline stood up to wash the dishes.
She came back to face Scully, "I must have taken much of your time. Thank you for listening to me." Then she smiled at her and nodded.
"In case you need anything, you know where to find me or Mulder." Scully smiled at her despite what happened. It seemed that Angeline wanted to be alone so she was going to respect it and she was not going to push her because what she needed was someone who would support her.
"Thanks a lot Dana. I really appreciate all you and Agent Mulder have done for me and Bruce." Angeline smiled back at her believing that meeting each other had done such a big difference to all their lives.
2 WEEKS EARLIER
J. EDGAR HOOVER BUILDING
SKINNER'S OFFICE
Skinner entered his office with Mulder and Scully sitting and waiting in front of his desk. "Sorry to make you wait Agents. I was just talking to a close friend of mine."
"It's ok sir, we just got here anyway." Mulder said in a good mood and smiled at Skinner.
Skinner looked at Scully with his eyes asking: What the hell is wrong with him? Scully just shrugged.
"Actually the reason why I'm here is to make you an offer. To tell you the truth I actually suggested your services because I really think you could help. This isn't a case but my friend is going to shoulder all your expenses and has promised that if you helped him with his problem, he's going to give some funds for the X-Files Department. I worked with him when I was a Marine. His name is Michael Peters."
"What is it sir?" Mulder excitedly asked, showing that he could not wait to jump out of his seat to do it.
"Well basing it from your history you've been the best agents that have worked under me and I know that you two are good friends. I think you could really help fixing the problems of his son, Bruce Peters. His son has a childhood friend, Angeline Lancaster. They got separated when Angeline's parents brought her to France to become a Chef. She came back 5 years later. Micheal said everything was just fine with Bruce and Angeline until they stopped talking to each other 2 years ago until now. Micheal wants you to do your best for his son and Angeline to patch things between them."
"Great! Anything for the X-Files." Mulder smiled to Skinner and then to Scully. Scully just rolled her eyes.
"I hope this is okay with you, Agent Scully." Skinner said as he noticed Scully's reaction.
"No sir, everything is fine with me."
"Alright Agents, you can go now. You decide what you are going to do with them and just report me what's been happening and the improvements of course."
"Yes sir." Mulder and Scully said in unison and left the office.
X-FILES DEPARTMENT
BASEMENT
"Mulder, I can't take it anymore!" Scully growled in so much irritation. "What's wrong with you? What's bothering you? Why are you so quiet and why aren't you talking to me? Did I do something wrong?"
Mulder took off his coat, then threw it on the desk and loosened his tie.
"Scully, calm down." Mulder approached with his arms up and touched her shoulders. He bent down and levelled his head with her. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to. I am just having an epiphany that I can’t figure out just yet so I don't know what to tell you but as soon as I figure it out I'll tell you right away."
"So we're okay? You're scaring me. You're not acting like yourself." Scully's bag fell onto her chair when she dropped it on the front side of the table. Some of the contents spilled. She was about to pick them up but Mulder approached her.
"I'm really sorry Scully. I didn't mean to worry you. We're okay as always." This time Mulder pulled her to him and embraced her. He thought she was going to push him away but she surprised him by entangling her arms around his neck and leaning on his shoulder. Before Mulder started having an epiphany, they had grown too close. They had been hanging on each other's apartments finishing a file, watching a movie, and eating pizza and beer. They had been giving each other meaningful smiles and looks.
It was such a perfect moment that was suddenly disturbed by Mulder's stomach shouting. Scully laughed in hushed tone, "Mulder you missed your breakfast again." She withdrew her head from his shoulder to look at him. They looked at each other and the memories from the hallway scene came flooding back to them.
At the same time, they both moved slowly to close the distance between their lips. She's letting me kiss her! Does that mean she has feelings for me too or does she just want to kiss me? I mean that could be possible. She could want me without necessarily being in love with me but this is Scully. She doesn't do this kind of things. Mulder stop complaining and just accept the opportunity she's giving you.
Is he really going to kiss me? I've been waiting for this ever since the bee stung me in his hallway. I wonder if this has been his epiphany, that he found he is in love with me. Ok, shut up Dana! Just do it.
Their faces were only inches apart and Scully started to focus on his lips and so did he. Her eyes closed and she suddenly felt his lips kissing hers. It was a soft, full, long and loving kiss. She kissed him back and wet her lips afterwards. They just smiled at each other like they did at the Millennium. I wonder why he kissed me.
"Mulder we should eat and then pack our things for tomorrow." Scully looked at him and smiled shyly. Mulder kissed her forehead, "Ok, let's go." They both let go of each other.
Mulder walked to his desk and grabbed his coat while Scully picked up her things and put them into her bag.
CALIFORNIA
PETERS RESIDENCE
Scully could not believe her eyes. Skinner had forgotten to mention that Bruce owned his own vineyard. The house was a 2-storey and it was surrounded by grapes. It also had a balcony and four rooms. She enjoyed looking at the whole vineyard thinking she could already taste the wine on her tongue while waiting for someone to answer the door.
A blue-eyed blonde answered the door; he was 6'1", fair complexion, and with a medium built. "Welcome, you must be Dana Scully; my father informed me you would be coming. I'm Bruce Peters." He smiled and offered his hand.
She shook his hand, "Yes, I am. You have a great place". This isn’t a bad idea after all. It's like a vacation, she thought to herself.
"Thank you, come in. I don't mean to be straightforward especially when you just arrived. But I can't believe my father called a matchmaker again." Bruce said while directing his head and gesturing his left hand on the way to the living room.
Scully took a seat. Her eyes got bigger when she heard what he said, "Excuse me, what did you say?”
"You're a matchmaker, right? My father always hires someone to get me and Angeline to end up together. Oh do you want something?"
"Sure thank you. Coffee would be fine." Bruce rang the bell on his pocket and his butler, James, came out.
"This is my butler, James, he has been working here for 11 years now and this is our guest for the week Miss Dana Scully. You should help her later with her things bringing them to her room and you should prepare Marianne's room as well." Bruce ordered him sternly.
"You see my fiancé Marianne will be here later and then leave tomorrow." He said to Scully after noticing her inquiring expression.
"And James, sorry I forgot, please bring some coffee for Miss Scully and just bring me some water."
"Yes sir. One moment please." James disappeared in the kitchen right away.
"You were saying?" Bruce returned his attention to her.
"You said your father hires matchmakers..." Bruce cut her in, "Yes, he does. So I figured you are a matchmaker."
"No I'm not. I'm Special Agent Dana Scully" Scully showed her badge as a proof.
"I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to offend you. Force of old habits. You can't blame me after all what I've been through with my father's stubborn insistence of bringing Angeline back into my life." Scully smiled at him.
"That's okay. I didn't mean to."
"So you’re an FBI Agent? How did my father drag you into this mess? I mean this is not a case for the FBI, isn't it?" Bruce found it really odd.
Scully suppressed a laugh. I know what you mean; we’re not love gurus for God sake. I can’t believe Mulder agreed to this. The weird cases are enough but not also these personal love problems. I’m not even good with feelings. So what in the world am I doing here? "Our boss, Walter Skinner, is your father's close friend from the Marines. Our boss thinks we are the experts and that we could really help you patch things up with Angeline. We are not here to match the two of you."
"Yes I know him. Angeline and I met him years ago. We? Someone else is arriving?"
"I have a partner. No, he is not coming here. He's going to France to meet Angeline."
"He’s an agent, too?" James appeared with their drinks. "Thank you, James."
"Your welcome, Sir. Miss Scully, do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you." Scully took a sip of her coffee. "His name is Fox Mulder. Yes he’s an agent too."
"I see. What makes Mr. Skinner think that you two are the experts and that you two could help us?" Bruce leaned on his chair and put his legs on the table. "I hope you don't mind."
"No, it's your house anyway." Bruce kept reminding her of Mulder in little ways. She finished her coffee and put it back onto the table.
"I have no idea but because you and Angeline might remind him of me and my partner. He didn't tell us why but that's probably the reason." This time Bruce really got interested.
"Tell me about you and your partner." Bruce removed his legs from the table and leaned closer to the table and put his elbows on his upper thighs, his hands intertwined.
Scully remained silent. How could she share something so personal about Mulder and her?
"Please... If you want to hear my story, you have to earn it first. You tell me your personal stuff and I'll tell you mine. Convince me that you two are the experts for these kinds of situations."
Scully rolled her eyes unintentionally and stopped when she caught herself. Bruce just laughed at her because she reminded him of Angeline.
"Okay, what do you want to know?"
“That’s great but let’s talks about you and your partner tomorrow. I just got here before you arrived. There's just something I need to take care of. You enjoy the place. There's a swimming pool and you can do some horse-back riding through the whole vineyard. Just tell James whatever you need."
Scully wanted to object because she really wanted to get this moving. The thing was, without Mulder it was so boring and she missed him. She could not help but wonder about their kiss. I can’t believe I had let it happen especially in the office. I am not the kind of woman who is going to give a guy’s way over a kiss. She is an independent woman who does not need a man all the time. But why am I missing Mulder so badly? Oh my God! I am expecting Mulder to have some feelings for me. I’m sure he just wanted to kiss me so I’ll stay.
"Sure, thanks." Scully stood up.
Bruce called James again and told him to help Scully bringing her things to her room.
James dropped her bag on the sofa at the front of the window, "Miss Scully if you need anything, you can just call me using the phone." He pointed the phone to Scully.
"Thank you, James."
"Your welcome, Miss Scully. Dinner will be ready in two hours." James did not wait for her response. He just got out and closed the door.
Should I call Mulder? I wonder how his meeting with Angeline is. I wonder how she looks. I should have asked Bruce. Wait, I can't ask Bruce. Maybe I can ask James.
HOTEL PRINCE DE GALLES PARIS, FRANCE
Mulder proceeded to the reception booth of the hotel. I know the X-Files needs help and support that is why I agreed to this but an X-Files case is much better and I know for sure that Scully is already cursing me.
"Bonjour, salut comment mai je vous aider?" The woman greeted him with a bright smile.
"Oui Parlez-vous anglais?" The woman smiled at him and gestured him to wait. It’s a good thing I brought my book old planet with me.
After a few moments a different woman came out. “Good morning, Sir may I help you?”
“Yes, my name is Fox Mulder. I have a reservation.” The woman immediately typed his name into the computer.
"Mr. Mulder your room number is 0213 and this is your key to your room. And Miss Lancaster left you a note." The woman handed him a small white envelope.
"Thank you." Mulder carried his things to the elevator. He pressed the 2nd floor button and while waiting he decided to read the note.
"Salut, Mr. Fox Mulder, meet me at the Regency bar at 7PM. I'll be wearing blue." Mulder just smiled at the note.
He entered his room and was very surprise on how big and how great the place really was. "If Scully sees this, she's going to love this place. Right now I'm so glad we agreed to do this. Scully will really enjoy this place."
REGENCY BAR
Mulder wore something casual, he just wanted to meet Angeline and finally get this moving. He really wanted to call Scully, maybe before he went to bed. Wait, when do I ever sleep especially when I'm away from Scully?
At the left corner far end of the bar he saw a woman wearing a halter neck simple blue dress sitting there. He smiled because it reminded him of Scully's eyes. It was like swimming in a deep ocean. The woman noticed him staring and raised a glass for him to notice her, which he did and sat down across of her. She was a brunette, had green eyes, she was just a little taller than Scully, straight and shouldered length hair, fair complexion and pretty in her own way.
"Hi, I'm Fox Mulder, are you Angeline Lancaster? And how did you know I was coming?” He smiled, offered his hand and showed his best behaviour.
"Uncle Michael called me and told me someone is coming." She shook his hand too.
"How did you know me?”
“I asked him and he gave me your name and your partner's name. I made two notes with your names and gave an instruction to give it to you as soon as you arrive here.
"Oh I actually thought you are some kind of psychic or have the ability to figure it out."
"Well, you’re from the X-Files. Your cases are about that stuff. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I don’t believe in those things and I don't mean to be disrespectful but I don't believe in such things."
Mulder smiled thinking he would love to debate but he loved and preferred to debate with Scully. "Well, do you know why I'm here?"
"Uncle Michael said you're here to help me and Bruce to be friends again. You don't have to argue with me about that because I agree. I want me and Bruce to be friends again but you have to convince me that you and your partner can really help us. I heard that your boss Mr. Skinner recommended you."
"Yes, he told us that." Mulder simply answered her.
"I guess he thinks we're the experts and that we could really help you basing on my history with my partner."
"Now, that's a start but can I ask you something?" Angeline inquired in a shy manner.
"Sure!" Mulder enthusiastically encouraged her and laughed thinking she was so easy to talk to just like Scully.
"When you came in and then you saw me, you kind of drifted away and smiled. Why?"
Mulder blushed and she noticed it so she put up a wild grin. "Is it that obvious? Your dress just reminded me of someone."
"Let me guess, your partner right?"
"Yes, how did you come to that conclusion?"
"Because your boss recommended you two because of your history with your partner. It must be a hell of a history! Isn't it?"
"Yes, we got through a lot of things and here we are" Mulder shrugged his shoulders and moved his hands outward "still together." Angeline just smiled to what he said.
"Let's order, eat and then talk." Mulder noticed her uneasiness with the topic.
They ate silently while talking about little things but Angeline never mentioned anything about Bruce while Mulder told her some things about his partner. He did notice that Angeline had lots of similarities with Scully but he could still not figure out her mind-set because she seemed to be playful but at the same time decent and well-behaved.
They decided to walk back to the hotel. "So tell me about your partner, Fox." Mulder turned to her when she mentioned his first name.
"When I first met her, I accused her of being a spy but in the end she showed me that I could trust her. Do you know what an X-File is?"
"I did ask Uncle Michael and he said that you and your partner investigate the weird cases, paranormal stuff, aliens, and so on. No offence but I myself find it hard to believe in it."
"I've been trying to control it because I usually debate with Scully but, why? For example like the alien stuff?"
"Sure, I don't believe in aliens. I believe that there can be other living forms on other planets but they are not more advanced than us and certainly haven’t visited us. I believe this because of our religion and it said that humans are the highest and best form of living beings. If they had visited us, then they must be more advanced than us which is so contradictory. I also don't believe that the reason why the government had kept the alien's visitation a secret is to prevent a person from panicking that is not a good enough reason for me. If aliens did visit us for as long as they claim, then shouldn't we have seen at least a real and strong evidence like a spaceship or maybe an alien? And besides, we humans love the unknown and prefer the unknown to the obvious. And another thing is, we like to make our lives exciting and a mystery. I mean if there were no issues and controversies, then our life would be plain boring."
"What can you say about the people being abducted? Are you saying that they're liars and you're trying to make a full mockery of what they've gone through?"
"No I don't. There is a disease. I forgot what it's called. I believe the symptoms the patient experiences are that of a person who believes he is abducted by aliens. They have this story of manipulations, stories of being probed and their eggs and ovaries stolen, light hypnotizing them to the spaceship."
"Are you sure, you're just a chef? You don't have any sidelines?" He's not sure when but he had this conversation before with Scully a lot of times before.
Angeline chuckled care freely, "I'm sorry but no I don't have any sidelines I just saw them on Discovery Channel. You said a while ago that you usually debate with your partner?" More of a confirmation than a statement.
"Yes, I believe in a lot of things with no evidences and Scully is a Medical Doctor. She'll only believe if there's evidence. She's a skeptic."
"Really! Wow, then we'll definitely get along when we meet. How long have you been partners?"
"Yes, you'll definitely get along. We're partners for 5 years."
"If you're a believer and she's a skeptic, how did you two work together?"
"The thing is when two people are different, that always begs for more discussion, it makes you more open and it teaches you to cross-examine yourself. Scully will always be a sceptic but she believes in me when I'm right and so do I. We complete each other. We just learned to accept other notions and not just our own." Mulder said proudly.
"So you always fight?" Angeline looked straight but she was staring into space trying to act like what she was asking was nothing to her.
"Yes a lot of times but it will all come down to one thing, no matter what, we trust each other, we need each other, and we're the best and stronger when we work together. We're a great team." Mulder stopped walking, looked at her, and then smiled at her.
"Me and Bruce," Angeline was hesitating to talk, "we fight a lot because we're so different...” she looked down.
"I heard that's why I'm here and she's with Bruce because we're the experts."
Angeline giggled wholeheartedly thinking Bruce and her could finally have the chance she had been waiting for all this years. "I'll be looking forward to that."
"For a moment, I thought everyone here would speak French to me and you sound so American." Mulder said while scratching his head.
"They said that when you are talking to a person who's got a different accent, you should speak their language to prevent being rude and discriminating. My parents taught me that." They were walking side by side and Mulder just nodded at her.
" I'm grateful to your parents. I don't feel different because you're talking to me as if we both came from the same place." Somehow it reminded him of how his Mother had been strict to him and Samantha. She was always so proper. Teaching them how to dress, talk, walk, act, and mingle with people. So that was how it had been to her.
"You’re welcome." It seems to me that I'm just like his partner and he is just like Bruce. This could really work. Angeline smiled to herself. Please God help us make it work.
"Well do you want to learn French? I can teach you simple words to sweep your partner off her feet." Angeline pushed Mulder with her shoulders which he found surprising but she ignored his expression.
Mulder blushed. "Hmmm... that would be nice."
Angeline taught Mulder lots of words and how to pronounce it. He had a hard time pronouncing them at first but he eventually got them.
"How about we call it a night? And tomorrow we start to talk about Bruce and you."
Mulder had broken the silence between them. "Alright but you need to tell me about you and Scully too if you don't mind."
"Of course not. See you tomorrow."
"Thanks, tomorrow I can tour you here."
"That would be great." Mulder smiled.
"Bonne nuit." Angeline waited for his reply. And it didn't take him that long to remember what she said. "You too, Good Night."
MULDER'S ROOM
The food was great, the place was great and air was so refreshing outside but he felt sticky, so he decided to take a shower. Every time he saw his room, it seemed to make him always think of Scully. She would really love this place. She deserved to be here. He opened the bathroom and the tub was huge and the shower was just great. I can't believe they gave me the suite. This is more than I could ask for. He was thinking all about Scully. This is how I am when I'm not with Scully. I can still remember her scent, feel her lips on my own, and I can't forget her beautiful megawatt smile.
It was only 10 in the evening when he finished cleaning himself and settled on the bed to watch some movie. It is such a great and complete hotel. It even have a satellite dish to be able to cover English channels. A scary movie started playing, at first he was interested and after a few minutes he got bored. Something is wrong I usually enjoy this stuff. So he started to find something again. He kept flipping channels until he found a documentary channel about life on Mars. He did not know how long it aired but he fell asleep on it. In the past, nobody could distract him from the X-Files but now Scully was always on his mind. It was already 3 in the morning. He could not sleep anymore no matter how comfortable the sheets were, so this time, he tried to call Scully. He just hoped she was not sleeping.
He dialed Scully's number thinking: I don't care if this a long distance call, after all this is all paid and they've asked for our service. I must be crazy. The phone was ringing and it took a couple of minutes before Scully answered.
Scully was lying on the first bench. There were 3 deck benches side by side just before the pool with umbrellas that went with it. Between the deck benches were metallic aluminum small tables.
"Yeah, how did you know it's me?"
Scully blushed, she did not want to admit that she had been thinking of him ever since she got here.
"I'm so glad you're awake, I've been hesitating if I should call you. I didn't want to disturb you in your beauty sleep."
"It's just 3 in the morning. God! You have to come here. It's such a great hotel. It's so comfortable and I have a big tub in here, you could almost get lost in it. You're missing a lot over here."
No I'm only missing you. I wonder how she looked like. I heard from the movie The American Werewolf in Paris that women in France are charming and sophisticated. Is it true? It seems to be though.
"Geez, you're no fun." Mulder said with his toothy grin. Oh how he just loves to spend his day talking to her.
Scully did not realize what came out of her mouth until she said it. Shit! What am I thinking?
"I know. How I hate myself?" Mulder said amused and chuckled at her. "As far as I'm concerned I don't have big problems with Angeline. She wants to get along with Bruce so she's willing to let me help. How about you?" Of course I love her. She’s in a rare form. Does it mean that everything is alright between us or is she open about the idea of us becoming more intimate?
"We didn't have a serious talk but she gave me a strong feeling that he is distrustful so you should try to earn his trust. I'm not sure how, but you can try to appeal to his needs. Do you get what I mean?"
"I'm sure you can do that. If you need my help, just call me. Save the number, alright?"
"Good luck G-woman. Wait, what took you so long in answering your phone?" He was wondering what she was doing.
She was sitting on the bench under the umbrella drying herself.
"It's fine Scully, enjoy!" I wonder what kind of bathing suite she's wearing and what color. "Scully, what are you wearing?"
Scully's eyes widened, I can't believe he's asking me that, while smiling wildly,
Wow! Scully is playing with him. Maybe they should always be away from each other. "I don't know Scully. You tell me."
Scully rolled her eyes, She said plainly while running her hands on her yellow two-piece.
Mulder made a big intake of air, "Scully, where's Bruce?" Images of Scully wearing nothing started to overwhelm his mind. Oh Mulder don’t even go there. I like it when Scully is so playful. Maybe we should have vacations like this more often.
Oh he's worried, someone is going to see me.
Scully was amused of Mulder's reaction and wondering if she should push it or stop playing with him.
"I.. I'm... I'm fi.. fine." Mulder was now stammering, disturbed by the images running through his mind.
Scully started to giggle secretly as she heard Mulder's reaction.
Mulder was so busy daydreaming of his partner's nakedness until he heard what she said, "What?"
She could not control her laugh anymore and Mulder got a little irritated.
Mulder joined her, "When we see each other again, you're going to pay."
"But Mom! I don't sleep."
"Goodnight. See you soon." Now my day is complete because I got to hear her voice and maybe I can try to sleep well too.
I miss you. She smiled to herself, closed her eyes. She turned the phone off.
Amazingly, Mulder tried to sleep with the television on. He fell asleep and woke up on the sound of the television airing nothing. He grabbed the remote, turned it off and got back to sleeping. Now he just felt excited to do everything to help Angeline and Bruce.
CALIFORNIA
PETER'S RESIDENCE
Bruce saw Scully talking to someone in her phone and she seemed so happy.
He brought her some red wine, "Hi Dana, I hope you're having fun even when you're alone. Here, try this." He gave her a wine glass, filled it with red wine and put the bottle onto the table that was near him.
"Thank you Bruce, how about you? Don't worry, I'm having fun. It's been so long since me and my partner had a vacation so trust me, this is just great. To relax or have your time alone."
"No, the whole bottle is yours. Besides I drink anytime and anywhere. So you talk to your boyfriend?" Bruce was trying to tease her.
Scully almost spitted out the wine, she covered her lips.
"Dana, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Bruce picked up the tissue on the side table and gave it to her.
She took it and wiped away some of the wine. "Don't be. I didn't know you were there. I was just talking to my partner."
"Your partner, Fox Mulder?" he asked curiously.
Scully noticed the frown in his face, "Is there something wrong?"
"I saw you talking to him. You seemed so happy. You were laughing and even blushing." This time Bruce smiled as if he figured something out.
Scully blushed again. "We're just friends. He's my best friend."
"You and him are not together?" Bruce sat down on the next deck bench. I wonder if she and Fox Mulder are just like me and Angeline. No wonder Uncle Walter recommended them.
"Bruce!" A woman called from inside the house." Bruce approached Marianne. "Marianne I want you to meet Dana Scully. She's the one I told you about." Marianne offered her hand.
"Hi, it's so nice to finally meet you. Bruce called me a while ago and told me about you. I'm Marianne Kosovo and I'm an anesthesiologist. Bruce mentioned you’re a medical doctor."
Marianne had long dark brown wavy hair, green eyes, she had the body of a sexy athlete, and she had to be 7 inches taller than her. Scully took her hand and smiled at her. "Hi, I'm Dana. I'm glad to meet you, too.” “Bruce mentioned that you are here and your partner is with Angeline at his father's."
"Yes“, Scully felt secretly intimidated. She’s Mulder’s type. No wonder Bruce fell for her. Angeline should really look much better than her I’m sure.
"So tell me about you and your partner?" Marianne had a hunch that there was something more going on between them. She sat down on the second deck bench.
“I’m sorry but why?” Scully never does that. Share personal information with strangers.
“You told Bruce you were recommended because of your relationship with your partner.” As the word relationship slipped out of Marianne’s tongue, it somehow kind of offended Scully because she hoped it is true and it made her think that she could this off if she answered wrong.
“I’m so sorry but no that that’s not the kind of relationship me and my partner have. We have different and opposing expertise which is a reason for our occasional fights but we had worked them all out. That’s why we are still partners were now and that we have been recommended by our boss.”
"Excuse me for a second; I have to go to the bathroom."
Scully felt that this was the moment, the time where she should do something to move Bruce, she should make Bruce think about facing Angeline by applying her situation. “Can you tell me what happen to you and Angeline?"
Bruce felt that it was something important so he went to the closer bench and sat down in front of Scully.
"I'm wondering if you're feelings for Marianne are just the same as how I feel for my partner or if your feelings for Angeline are the same as how I feel for my partner. Bruce, I know for my life that the person I am with now is the only person I see myself with. You have a chance to really be with her and I don't have that. I'm not saying you should leave Marianne since I can see that you're happy with her and that you love her but you love Angeline, too. You love Angeline more and you know that in you're heart. You might be hurt because of whatever she did to you in the past but your love for her is more than that. It's never going to matter if you're with her or not, what's really important is that you get to keep her in your life and won't have regrets anymore. Don't you have any regrets?" I know. I love Marianne but she will never be Angeline.
"I regret telling her how I feel because that was when the things started to get complicated and that was the reason our problems started." He simply said without looking at her. I wonder where Marianne is.
“Ever since I’d expressed my feelings for her by asking her if she loves me and if she wants to get serious with what we have in the past, she started to stay away from me. She stop talking to me, she rejected my calls, and wouldn’t even make eye contact with me when we’re in one room.” Bruce met Scully’s eyes. “I do love her so much,” Bruce place his right hand in his heart, “but I do get the message. She doesn’t feel the same way so I should move on for my own good. I know I made a fool of myself there and I just destroyed are friendship but she was supposed to my friend, my bestfriend! She left me hanging.”
"Bruce, there's still a chance because according to you father, Angeline wants you to be friends again. You’re important to her and she's important to you. You just don't throw friendship and all your memories away like that. Angeline doesn't deserve you if she never tries anything to be friends with you again, if she really had taken you for granted, if she really left you, and you won't know that unless you tell her. If she doesn't understand you, explain it to her. She's your best friend after all. Bruce, nobody is a mind reader. I'm on nobody's side and I want to hear your side because you deserve to be heard, Bruce."
Marianne was on her way back when she heard what Bruce said. I thought Bruce is over with Angeline, that he doesn't love her anymore. If Dana succeeds on this, I have to make her pay. For taking what's mine. Marianne disappeared to her room.
"Tomorrow we can go horse-back riding and we can talk further. Goodnight Dana."
"Thanks for giving it a shot. Goodnight Bruce."
Bruce was already walking when he heard what she said. "I'm not doing this for Angeline."
"No, you’re just making me and my partner's job a little easier but we are going to talk tomorrow." It seemed that Bruce was accusing her of something. She needed to earn his trust and made this right tomorrow since Mulder's talk with Angeline seemed to be going well. I guess he just really has a way with women.
MARIANNE'S ROOM
"Edward, someone is getting in the way. We have to do something again."
"I'm not sure yet but I want you to prepare everything, the house, the tools, the medications, and I'll just inform you of the place for picking it up. I'll just call you for more information." Marianne said pacing.
"I know but this is very important. This is for my happiness, someone is taking it away from me again." She whined like a child having its tantrums because it could not have its toy.
"It is but Bruce's father kind of hired someone to convince him to talk to Angeline and this time the one he hired is good at it. They are very manipulating. Bruce acts bravely but deep inside he's very vulnerable, that's why he doesn't share personal stuff, but this woman is so good in getting to him. She’s melting Bruce and its working. I'm not going to take any chances in losing someone again."
"It should be close but I'll tell you the day before you can pick them up."