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Title: Ghosts Summary: Our dynamic duo are headed to Halifax, Nova Scotia to work on a case for Skinner-of course, there is some revelations along the way... Authors notes: okay-this is my first attempt at fanfic, so when sending me your comments, be kind-no flames...i don't mind criticism though-as in constructive criticism- And on with the show Washington, D.C What have I done now??? Scully thought. Or should I say what has Mulder done??? Scully couldn't help but laugh. She walked to the office and knocked on the door. "Come in." said A.D Walter Skinner. He and Mulder stood as she walked in. "Please, Agent Scully, have a seat." He nodded to the seat next to Mulder, who was already seated. "I have a special case for you two. This morning I got a call from an old friend of mine. He told me of some feelings of having another being in his house. He told me he thought it was a ghost, and asked me if I had any ideas. I told him I would have you too down there by Wednesday." "So we're going to protect a man from a ghost?" Scully asked, noticing Mulder hasn't said much. "Uh-yeah." He looked at Mulder. "You leave tomorrow at noon. You are excused." He rose and they left. "What's up?" she asked when they were in the hall. "Nothing." "Liar." "Okay. So something is wrong." They were now in the elevator, almost to the basement. "What?" Scully looked at him quizzically. "Nothing-Forget it." "No." She grabbed his arm, and was surprised by the sudden chill it sent through his body. "Tell me." She looked in his eyes and saw something she never saw before-she didn't know what it was though. I can't tell her-I can't tell her yet- "Nothing." Scully gave him the "are-you-sure-your-fine??" look, but let it pass. "How about calling it a day to pack???" Mulder looked ready to object, but said sure. Scully's apartment Scully got home and started to pack. It occurred to her that it would be easier to keep all her cloths in her suitcase and live out of it, she was gone so often. Scully, realizing Mulder didn't tell her what time he'd pick her up the next morning, called his apartment. He picked up after 3 rings. "Yeah???" "Do you always answer your phone that way???" "Mm-hmm. Only 4 peoples call me. You and the Lone GunMen." "Oh. What time are you going to pick me up tomorrow morning???" "10:30???" "Sure." Mulder thought for a minute and said, "Scully???" "Mm-hmmm?" "Am I on your speed dial?" "What?" "On your phone. Am I on your speed dial?" "Yeah-" "What number? 1,2,3?" "I don't know-how do you know how many peoples I have on my speed dial?" "You only call 3 people: me, your mother, and Frohike." "How do you know that?" "I have my ways-" She smiled. He smiled too. "What are you doing?" "Watching a movie." "What movie? Do I want to know?" "Probably not. I'll see you in the morning." "Yeah. In the morning, Mulder." Scully's apartment Mulder pulled up in front of the building. Scully came out, threw her bags in the back, and gave him the "you're-late-again-Mulder" look, but he ignored it. "This guy most be loaded," he said, half-way to the airport. "Why do you say that?" He glanced at her and smiled. "He's paying for us to fly first class." Halifax airport They landed in Halifax and got their bags. "Uh-Mulder-do you see that too?" Scully was pointing at a man in a suit and hat, holding up a sign that said "Mulder & Scully" "Yeah-" they walked over to the man. "Special Agents Scully and Mulder?" "Yeah, that's us." Scully said, as they flipped out their badges, in sync, with practiced ease. "I'm here to take you to Mr. Beller's house." He picked up their bags, turned around and walked towards a black limo. Mulder & Scully exchanged impressed looks. Paul Beller's house They exchanged impressed looks. As they stepped out of the limo, they gasped at the big house. Correction. Mansion. A man was waiting to greet them. He was smiling, but it was automatic, meaning nothing. Scully noted that Mr. Beller was a man of "high class". He was a good-looking man, and she caught herself wondering if he was married. Don't think those thoughts. Besides, you love- no, don't think that either. He was about their age, but didn't look a day over 25. Judging by his appearance, he lived an easy life. He lived in a giant house. The house seemed empty though, alone-ish. As he shook their hands, they, once again in sync, flipped out their badges. "I'm Special Agents Fox Mulder and this is my partner Dana Scully. We were sent here under the orders of A.D Walter Skinner," "Ah, yes, good old Walter. You know, him and I, we're good friends, all though I don't see him much anymore." His phony smile was still there. "You said you thought there was a ghost in your house?" His smile disappeared as quickly as it came. "Yeah. Listen, you guys don't think I'm losing it, do you?" he looked worried for a minute but his smile returned when Mulder said no. "No. Actually, we were wondering if we could talk to you a bit." Scully said, as she unconsciously looked him over. He really is cute Scully thought. I hope he's not marri- Dana!! Stop thinking of that!! She than noticed that they'd moved from the sunny yard to the warm, inviting living room. "So, Mr. Beller-" Mulder was cut off. "Oh please, call me Paul." "Okay, Paul, we need to know a little personal and medical history." "Paul, please take no offence to these questions. First of all, are you married?" Scully looked at him, as Mulder looked at her. That wasn't what he was expecting, but if she thought it necessary- "Well, I was for about 3 years, but well, we divorced, and I mean - I guess she couldn't take it and well she uh-" Scully could see him squirm, gave Mulder the "you-know-what-he's-talking-about-too-right" look. He nodded, so she said: "That's okay Paul. We understand." "Have you ever suffered a traumatic loss -besides uh your wife?" "Bianca? No, no one but her." "Have you ever been admitted to a hospital?" "Not the psych, no" he looked at his watch. "You know what, I'm really sorry, but I must go. I have to go see a friend. Andrew, show these 2 agents to their rooms please. Good-bye. I'll see you at dinner." With that, he got up and left. Andrew picked up their bags, and nodded for them to follow him. They got the feeling he doesn't speak much English. Mulder's room Mulder put his suitcase down in the room. It was really big. He bounced onto the bed. It was squishy. Water bed. He threw his cloths in the dresser and looked around the room. There was a dresser, a desk, a tv/vcr, walk in closet, door to a bathroom that joined his room to Scully's, book shelf, lamp, and a bed stand. "Wow," he muttered under his breath. "Wow," Scully muttered under her breath. The room was the same, except the pale blue walls were a light mint green color. She dropped her folder on the desk, put her suitcase in the closet, and her casual cloths. She looked around. It was a nice room. A bathroom adjoined the rooms. She walked in. Knock knock. "Mulder?" "Yeah, come in." She walked in and looked meaningfully at him. "If you touch my toothpaste, shampoo, or soap, I'll personally kill you." She punched him and he rubbed the area. "Scully, I'm hurt." "Mulder, after pretending to be your wife and having you squeeze my toothpaste wrong, I should lock it in my room." She smiled. "I'm going to take a shower. I'll see you later?" She turned to the bathroom. "Yeah." And interesting thought came to mind. "Oh Mulder, don't even think about it." Dining Room Supper that night was different. Scully had eaten with Mulder before, but never this much. No one said much during supper, and after, they all went to their rooms. Knock knock. "Who is it?" It wasn't really a question, because she knew who it was. Mulder. "May I come in?" Scully was surprised to hear Paul's voice. "Uh-yeah." Paul opened the door and came in. "Please. Sit down Paul." Scully pointed the chair next to her bed. "I was wondering if, umm, well, would you like to got out for dinner sometime?" "Uh, well, I-" "Don't answer right now. It would have to be after you've finished the case." "Sure. Yeah, I'll think about it." Mulder walked out of the bathroom. He hated eavesdropping on Scully. He hadn't meant to, but as he was about to knock on the door, he heard voices. Scully. Paul. Dinner. The words processed through his head. It meant nothing. Besides, she was aloud to have a life. So why'd he feel jealousy start to show it's ugly head? Face it, Fox, you love her. He smiled at the thought of him and Scully as a couple. Than he frowned. Why bother? A woman like her could never love me back. Guess I'm stuck with Phoebe. Scully thought about what just happened. Her. Paul. Dinner. The more she thought about it, the more she didn't like it. Paul's cute, yes. But I've just met him. Besides, Dana, you love-no. Don't go there. Partners aren't aloud to get involved. Why even think about it? She realized she was at a closed bathroom door. Knock knock. No response. She walked in. She looked at her watch. 9:15pm. She brushed her teeth and put her P.J's on. Mulder knocked and walked in. "What? You don't even wait for an answer now?" she asked, her lips curling slightly at his answer. "Nope. Seen you in your underwear already. Figure there's only a little more skin to see." He smiled at the thought of their first case together. "What do you want, Mulder?" "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about the case." He pulled out some files. "I did a background check on this guy. He met Skinner at a convention." "For what?" "Don't know. Highly classified." Scully nodded for him to continue. "Well, he lived a good childhood, didn't know his grandparents, had quite a few friends, no siblings, parents are alive and keep touch with him." "He's got a perfect life." "Almost. After his marriage ended, his ex, Bianca Cartwright, died of a self-inflected gun shot wound to the head." "She committed suicide?" "Yeah. The gun was her father's. She was living with him at the time." He reached around in his bag. "This is a photo copy of her suicide note." He passed it to Scully. To whoever finds this: Yeah, I killed myself. I can't take the pressures of life any more. Ever since the divorce. I can't keep a job. I can't afford a house. So I live with my daddy. This is his gun you know. Please accept my apology for causing everyone this pain. Luv ya- Bianca. "Wow. It didn't seem all that sad. Like she was happy she was going to die." Mulder nodded. Scully looked at her watch. 9:36. "Mulder, I gotta go to bed. I'll see you in the morning." "Yeah, Scully. I'll see you in the morning." He left through the bathroom, locking his side of the door. He got in bed, but had no intention of sleeping. He lay there thinking. Of Scully. The trouble, mentally, physically, occupationally, family, he'd gotten her in. All he could think about was Scully, missing for 3 months, coming back with cancer, going into remission. He remembered her being stung by the bee and a sudden chill as he remembered the Arctic. He smiled vaguely as he remembered Scully saying "I had you big time" after he did C.P.R on her. He was asleep before he knew it. Scully's room Scully woke to the sounds of birds singing and the smell of spring, with a hint of bacon. She smiled. Home. She got up and padded to the bathroom. Locking her and Mulder's door, she quickly striped down and took a nice warm shower. At least there was no chance of Mulder using all the hot water. He took cold showers. In his room, Mulder heard Scully lock the doors and turn on the tap. He walked over to the door. "Too bad you locked the door Scully. I'd come in and wash you back for you." He smiled. So did Scully. "Maybe next time, Mulder" They both heard a scream coming from Paul's room. Scully, in a robe, which, she realized too late was Mulder's, and Mulder in his Marvin the Martian boxers, ran down to Paul's room. "What's wrong?" inquired Scully, embarrassed still by her mistake. Her cheeks flushed only slightly. "Bianca! NO! Stop! Nooooooooo!!!" Both Mulder and Scully realized he was dreaming. Scully gently shook Paul awake. "Are you okay, Paul?" asked Mulder, a little jealous that Paul got to feel Scully's skin on his and he didn't. "Yeah-It was just a dream. But it was so real-" his voice trailed off-After a few minutes, Mulder and Scully left to get dressed. "Do you always wear my robe, Agent Scully, on a case?" "Do you always wear Marvin the Martian boxers, Agent Mulder, on a case?" With that, she turned and left him in the hall, with a smile on his face. Paul sat down across from Scully and Mulder. "Would you like anything to eat or drink?" Both shook their heads no. "So how did you meet Bianca?" "Oh, we met in high school. I didn't really know her until grade 11 though. We went steady through 11&12, and were engaged by university. I came back, we were married by an old guy named Father Macmillan. I worked, she stayed home with Ashleigh an-" "Ashleigh?" Mulder and Scully exchanged looks. "She was our daughter, but she died of SIDS in her crib." "Oh. We're sorry." "It's okay. I'm over it. Any way, when Ashleigh died, she sorta got depressed. After that, our marriage went down-hill." After finding out enough information from Paul, they went back to Scully's room. "So what do you think, Mulder?" "I think we could do it right here and now and no one would have to know." He smiled. Scully gave him the come-on-Muler-get-serious look. "Well, I think this man's being haunted, Mulder." "Scully! You believe in ghosts?" "No Mulder. Haunted by his past. I think he feels bad Bianca's dead and this is just a way of grieving." Scully looked at his eyes, but had quickly diverted her gaze. What? Can't look at you partner anymore, Dana? Better calm down, or you might find yourself in a situation that could end with you, Mulder, or both, reassigned. Away from each other. "Scully, are you telling me after being stung by a bee, almost dying because of it, me finding you in the Arctic, being abducted and missing for 3 months, having cancer and going into remission, and all I have to say is Toomes, and after all that, you don't believe in ghost?" Scully stopped, smiled, and said "Well-" "Stop right there. It's the closest to yes I've ever, probably will, hear." "Mulder." "Yes?" "Never mind." Scully climbed out of the bathtub. She felt refreshed, ready for bed. She knocked and walked into Mulder's room. "Decided to wear your own clothes today, Agent Scully?" Mulder commented, noticing her robe. "Yes. And I see your wearing pants now, Agent Mulder." His mouth turned at the corners. "What are you here for Scully?" "Actually, I'm just here to say goodnight. Goodnight." "Goodnight, Scully." He watched Scully leave through the bathroom. Scully woke up when Mulder walked down the hallway. She looked at the clock. 1 am. Mulder walked down the hallway to the dinning room. There was a cup of coffee there, and he didn't see Paul at first, but he moved into the light. "What's wrong?" "Just thinking," Paul said. "About who?" "How'd you know?" "Just a feeling." "Well, there's a woman I like. I see her pretty much every day. If I dated her, I would lose my job, she'd lose her job, and we'd have to move away from each other." "You should tell her how you feel. Find out if she feels the same." "Thanks Mr. Mulder. Good advice. I just have one question for you." Paul got up and started walking out of the room. "Why don't you take your own advice." "Maybe I will." Scully heard Mulder come back up the hallway. 1:30 am. What was he doing up? Just as she was about to check, she fell asleep. Mulder lay down on his bed. He thought about the conversation he just had. He had said he might take his own advice. But he knew the chances of him ever getting enough courage to actually tell her were very slim. He got up, walked over to his desk and found a pen and paper. Dear Scully, I feel kinda silly. I can't say this to your face, so I'm writing you this letter. 6 years. We've been working together for 6 years, 7 months. Funny what you remember, huh? We've been together for along time. Been through a lot together too. Bees. Arctic. Cancer, abductions. The whole shebang. You know everything about me. We're comfortable around each other. And yet I find it hard to write this. I'm trembling so hard I can hardly hold the pen. Here it goes. Scully, I love you. Wow. Got the words down-Didn't rip the paper in the process either. Wow. Those words look good on the paper. I love you Scully. Do you love me? I hope so. Because if you don't, I'll be lost. Plus, I'll look like an idiot. Please answer the above-mentioned question. Love, Mulder. He folded the paper in half and left it on his desk. He looked at his watch. 2:15am Better get to bed. He crawled into bed and was asleep before his head hit the pillow. Scully's room Scully woke up at 9am Wow, you slept in today. She was suddenly aware Mulder wasn't in his room. She knew because she couldn't feel his presence. She quickly got dressed and went down stairs. Paul was at the table. " Where's Mulder?" she asked. Paul would just have to put up with her attitude until she got some caffeine in her system. "Out jogging. He asked me to say there's a file on his desk he'd like you to read." "Sure." She left and went to his room. "File, file, where is it?" she muttered to herself. She found something on his desk with Scully printed on it. She picked it up. "Dear Scully-" Mulder walked in his room, and found his redhead partner sitting on his bed, the letter in her hand, tears streaming down her face. "Mulder-" her voice cracked. "Umm-I can explain-" "No, don't Mulder." She looked in his eyes. "I never know you felt this way-I thought that after 6 years-" "And 7 months." "I thought you didn't care for me. I mean, I knew you cared for me, as a partner, maybe as a friend. Never this way." "What are you getting at, Scully?" "Mulder," now her face was close to his, close enough for him to smell her sweet breath. "I love you." She brushed her lips against his. The butler walked in. "Ahem." He cleared his throat to get their attention. "Yes?" Scully asked. "Paul is uhh, saying the ghost is back." They rushed to the room Paul was in. He was sitting in a chair, rocking back and forth. "Go away!!!" he yelled. Not at them, but at the ghost. As soon as the words escaped his lips there was a gust of wind and he suddenly stopped rocking. "Did she say anything?" Mulder asked. "Yeah. She said 'agents, Paul, Mrs. Renver.'" "Mrs. Renver?" Scully asked. "She's what you might call the local middle man," Paul replied. "Between who?" Renver residence "I had to ask, didn't I?" It wasn't a question, rather an aloud thought. The chauffeur pulled into the driveway. Mulder hadn't even touched the door-bell when a 34, black haired, brown eyed, 5'"9 woman opened the door. "Come in," she said quickly, disappearing into a room. The house was dark, lit only by candles. All windows were boarded up, and Scully could smell incense. All 3 sat down at a table in the middle of the empty room. Empty as in only a table and 5 chairs. And even they were nothing fancy. On the table was a red tablecloth with a few candles on it. "Sit down," the medium mumbled. "May I ask who the fifth chair's for?" asked Paul. "Bianca." Mulder and Scully looked at each other in disbelief. "We can not make contact if even a bit of doubt lays within anyone. Does everyone believe?" Everyone nodded. "Hold hands." Mulder felt a sudden chill run through him as he took Scully's small hand in his own. "Now concentrate on Bianca." Suddenly Mrs. Renver's voice came back, but it was slightly changed. "Paul? Are you here?" Paul's head shot over to Mrs. Renver's direction. "Bianca? Is that you?" "Paul! You are here! Oh, I've missed you sooooo much! 'Life' is so boring without you." "I know, I know. Why did you leave me?" "What?" Paul's head snapped from its returned position, chin down. "You left me." "What? I never left you. I was lost without you. My lawyer said you filed for divorce." "I did because I thought you were going to, and you know me, always had to be the first one to the finish line." "Oh Paul, I love you so much." It was at this time Paul remembered Bianca's death. "I love you too, but you're dead. And I'm, well, not." "Hmm, yeah, that could cause a problem. We can work it out later. Right now, I'd like to talk to Ms. Scully. Take Mr. Mulder to the car." Mulder hesitantly left with Paul. "Ms Scully, why won't you admit it?" the medium asked as Bianca. "Admit what?" Scully knew how stupid this would be on the expense report. "That you're in love with Mulder. A lot more than you said earlier today. I want you to finish the talk you were having. And I don't want an excuse." "Did you hear our conversation? Because if you didn't, it ended with me saying 'I love you' and kissing Mulder." "Hmm-. I didn't hear it, just knew you had it. Well-I want you to talk things over with Mulder." "What things?" Scully asked. But she knew it was too late. Bianca was gone. Skinner's office "Is this a joke, Agent Mulder?" Skinner put the report on his desk. "No, sir." "So your telling me that Paul Beller was haunted by his dead wife's ghost?" "Yes, sir." Skinner took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He looked at Scully. "And you? You agree with this?" He waved his hand at the report. "My beliefs are that Mr. Beller was haunted by something-or someone, yes." Skinner put on his glasses and stood. "All right. You are dismissed." Mulder and Scully left his office. "Hey Mulder, could I get a ride with you? My car's in the shop." "Sure." Mulder glanced at Scully. "Scully, did you mean what you said in Nova Scotia?" "What did I say in Nova Scotia, Mulder? That I still don't believe in ghosts? Mulder, your answer is yes, I believe in them." "You do?" "Yes I do. Or did I say that if you touched my toothpaste, soap or shampoo, I'd kill you? Mulder, the answer is yes. I pack a gun and I've already shot you before." She looked out the front window. Her building, empty parking lot. "Or did I say I love you Mulder? The answer is yes, I said it. Yes, I meant it. Or did I say this, Mulder?" She kissed him, but quickly pulled back. "Thank you and good night, Mulder." "Wait Scully." "Yes?" He was out of the car and looking at her from across the hood of the car. "Come with me." "Where?" "Just come." So she did. He brought her to her apartment. She unlocked it and let them in. "Mulder, what do you want?" "You, Scully, you." End. End note: I know, I know, it sucks. But it was my first attempt at fanfic. Suggestions, comments & constructive criticism welcomed. You can send your flames, but they'll probably be ignored if they're not put nicely. |