Elysian Fields
Part 2
From: Amy Schatz <risamy@epix.net
Newsgroups: alt.tv.x-files.creative
Subject: NEW: ELYSIAN FIELDS - 2/7
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 96 11:03:54 PDT
See the non-existent disclaimer and the existent story notes in part one... By the way, Pamela Reese is my own creation - even though I don't like her. :D ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elysian Fields - 2/7
by Amy Schatz

Mulder's eyes widened in horror at the mention of that one name, and he was plunged into a sea of memories.

<<< February 3, 1997
In air above Boston, Massachusetts
Logan International Airport

The plane had been circling the large airport for two hours because of the fog, and it was beginning to wear on all of the passengers. The flight from Washington had been fine, with no turbulence at all, and Mulder and Scully had spent it talking quietly. Once or twice, Mulder had even chanced to hold her hand. Now they sat side by side, as usual, Mulder complaining about how he hated fog, and planes, and taking red-eyes.

Scully smiled, and let her head rest on his shoulder. She took a deep breath, trying to quell the nausea that had been with her for the whole trip. So far, she hadn't needed to make a trip to the bathroom, but if they kept circling, she knew she wouldn't be able to keep it at bay. The plane made, what everyone else thought was a slight turn to the left, but to Scully it was fast, and she found the nausea rising again, and she gripped the arms of her chair. Mulder turned his head to her, and immediately his brow furrowed in concern.

"What is it, Scully?"

Her face had turned very pale, but she said nothing. Then, she suddenly jumped out of the seat and practically ran to the back of the plane, and the bathroom. Mulder only stared after her for a few seconds before he got up quickly and followed her. By the time he got to the bathroom, he heard water running inside, and knocked softly.

"Scully, you okay?"

There was no answer, but a few moments later, the door opened, revealing a rather pale and tired looking Scully. Without thinking, he put his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. She allowed the closeness because no one could see them, and because she wanted it.

"I'm okay," she said softly. "Just some air-sickness." He nodded, and kissed her cheek tenderly.

"We should be landing soon."

She smiled faintly, and he took her hand.

"Come on," he said, motioning to their seats. She tried to pull her hand from his, but he wouldn't allow it. "Scully, we're in an airplane over Boston. Who's going to care if we hold hands?" <True, she thought.

"You're right, Mulder. Let's go sit down."

He smiled and led her back to their seats, their hands intertwined. Mulder was actually looking forward to the isolation that this case had to offer. They would be staying at a hotel, and no one would be there to make sure that both rooms were used. He barely slept a night at his place anymore. Most nights were spent with Scully watching TV, working on reports, eating dinner together, or other things... They sat down, and Mulder looked at her.

"See? Nobody cared. I could kiss you right now, and nobody would care." She gave him a warning look.
"Mulder, don't you dare. We don't know who could be on this plane. Trust no one, remember?" He grinned.

"Okay, Scully. I'll just save the kiss and...other things for later."

****

Fifteen minutes later, the plane landed, and Scully and Mulder walked into the Logan International Airport. They had been called in on a consult, and although they normally would have refused it, because it wasn't an X-File, they saw this as an opportunity to get away. So, they had agreed, and been told that they would be met by an agent who would take them to the Boston field office, and then on to their hotel. The agent's name was Pamela Reese. After they had gone through the metal detector, they scanned the area looking for Agent Reese, but didn't see her anywhere. So, Mulder suggested that they sit down. He was still worried about Scully.

"I'm really okay, Mulder," she said, knowing what he was thinking. "Planes and I have never gotten along." He grinned, but still felt like something wasn't quite right.

"Yeah, I remember that look on your face when the plane hit that turbulence when we were on our way to our first case. Wish I had a camera."

"Thanks," she said, jokingly. "Now I know you love me," she added, in a soft tone. He leaned close to her, and his lips brushed her ear, causing her to shiver.

"More than anything," he said, his right hand on her knee. He threw caution to the wind, and kissed her cheek softly.

****

Agent Pamela Reese walked quickly down the corridor of the airport, knowing that she was late. She ran a hand through her medium-length sandy colored hair, and smiled. She was looking forward to this assignment. When she had heard that Fox Mulder was coming in as a consult to this case, she had jumped at the chance to escort him from the airport to the field office. She had only seen Mulder once, two years ago, but that was all it took. She had been at an FBI dinner in Washington, and had spotted him almost immediately.

He had been talking to a rather petite red-headed woman. Both of them had been standing off in the corner, and looked quite happy not to be amongst the others. Pamela had wanted to go up to him, but the woman never left him. They had simply stood in the corner together, only speaking intermittently. Once in a while, Mulder would lean in close to her, and say something, and the woman would smile - a secret smile that one normally reserved for someone special. Apparently she had been staring at them, because one of her friends came up behind her, chuckling.

"I see you've spotted the `Spooky Patrol'," he had said, taking another sip of his beer. She had turned to him.

"The `Spooky Patrol'?" He had nodded.

"Yeah, those two," he said, gesturing towards Mulder. Pamela was sure that if she could just get Mulder alone, she could show him her best qualities.

"Do you know who the woman is?" she had asked. If she wanted to get anywhere, she had to know who all the players were.

"Sure, that's Agent Dana Scully," her friend had supplied. At Pamela's blank look, he continued. "She's Mulder's partner - has been for about three years now. But we're all pretty sure that they're a little more than just partners."

"Oh really?" asked Pamela, a little dejected.

"Well look at them," the agent had said. "It's pretty obvious to me. Besides, after three years, how could they *not* be?" Pamela had nodded, realizing that he was probably right. She looked back to Mulder and Scully, and saw it. There was something between them, that much was sure. They had a way about them - a connection. And even from her distance, she could see how much went unsaid between them - how much they could communicate with a glance or a touch. Pamela had sighed, and turned back to her friend. She had no intentions of entering into a losing battle.

"Come on, Tim," she said to him. "Let's go get another drink."

Pamela smiled faintly, remembering that long ago night. This time would be different if she had anything to say about it. She knew that Mulder was still single. She had asked her friends in Washington about that. But she also knew that Scully was still his partner, and that they appeared to be closer than ever.

But, the agents had requested Mulder as a consult, not Mulder *and* Scully. So, Pamela was fairly sure that Scully would still be in Washington. She smiled at that thought. She was still smiling as she rounded a corner, but it quickly faded as her gaze fell on them. Mulder and Scully were sitting off by themselves, their luggage surrounding them. Mulder's hand was in hers, and her head was resting on his shoulder. They looked quite content together, and she could tell that they were in silent communication, almost oblivious to what went on around them.

"Damn," said Pamela. "What's *she* doing here?"

****

Mulder had just closed his eyes, when he heard someone cough politely. His eyes were immediately open, and he found himself looking at a young woman, possibly in her late twenties, with sandy colored hair, and brown eyes. She was pretty, he noticed, but as he glanced at Scully, who was finally resting, next to him, her head on his shoulder, he saw that no one could ever compare with her.

"Agent Mulder?" said the woman. He nodded, and gently shook Scully's shoulder.

"Time to wake up, Scully," he said softly. She came awake immediately, her eyes wary as she glanced around.

"What is it, Mulder?"

"Our chariot awaits," he said, light in his eyes. She smiled at him and nodded, then finally noticed Pamela. She stood up, and offered Pamela her hand.

"You must be Agent Reese. I'm Agent Scully, and this is my partner, Agent Mulder." Pamela nodded, and smiled at Mulder.

"Yes, I know *all* about Agent Mulder," said Pamela, absently shaking Scully's hand. Something in Reese's tone bothered Scully, but she pushed it aside. Mulder bent down to pick up his luggage, as Scully did the same, and then he and Scully walked off, leaving Reese to follow. Pamela tried to control her anger as she trailed after them. She had now made a vow that she would get Mulder's attention one way or another.

****

Boston Field Office
February 5, 1997
5:10 pm

Mulder sat behind a long table, his glasses on, and his suit jacket off. Scully sat next to him as they read over yet another report, wondering when they could leave for the night. She still wasn't feeling well, and had now decided that she had a touch of the flu. So, long days in a small offices were not high on her list of fun things.

"I think that this woman may have a connection, Scully," Mulder said as he took his glasses off. Scully nodded mutely, and sighed. She was so tired. Mulder collected all the papers together, looking at her from the corner of his eye. "Are you okay?" he asked as he put the reports in his briefcase. She nodded again.

"I think so. It must be the flu." He sighed, knowing she wouldn't say more than that in fear of worrying him.

"Come on, Scully. We're going back to the hotel now." She smiled and rose as well, gathering her things together.

"But aren't you hungry, Mulder?"

"We'll get something on the way."

"Okay."

They were about to walk out of the room when Agent Reese breezed in, her plastic smile in place. She had eyes only for Mulder.

"Leaving?" she asked, looking Mulder up and down like he was a piece of meat. She was so obvious, it was almost funny. However, Scully didn't find it funny at all. She couldn't stand the way that Reese looked at Mulder, the way she stood just a little too close, how she laughed at every little thing he said, how she ignored Scully. Scully had tolerated it for the past three days because they had to work together, but now it looked as though they were done with this case, and Scully was going to call her on her behavior soon.

Mulder nodded. Pamela would never have guessed that he had no interest in her whatsoever. Sure she was pretty, and had a curvy figure and long legs, but she was so fake and pretentious it was an immediate turn-off. And he had no idea how she had managed to graduate from the academy, because she didn't appear to be very intelligent. And he didn't like the way she treated Scully. At this thought, he looked at Scully and smiled. On her worst day, Scully was a hundred times more beautiful and smarter than this Barbie doll in front of him.

"Yes, Reese, we are," he said as he started for the door, Scully at his side. Not to be shunned so quickly, Pamela darted in front of them, blocking the door.

"But aren't you hungry? I know a great little place." Mulder looked at Scully, silently asking her what she wanted to do. When she looked back at him, he had his answer.

"No thanks, Reese. Scully isn't feeling very well." Pamela's breath caught - she had finally found a way to get him alone.

"Well, why don't we drop her off at the hotel, and then you and I can go get something to eat, Agent Mulder?"

Scully's eyes narrowed at Reese's obvious attempt to corner Mulder. Scully knew that Reese had been trying to get Mulder alone since they had arrived, and it was really beginning to bother her. Mulder put his hand on the small of Scully's back, and said,

"Sure, Pamela, that'll be fine." Scully's eyes widened at his acceptance, and she glared at him, but he just looked at her with a placid expression.

"Mulder, can I talk to you before we leave?" Mulder nodded.

"Sure, Scully. Agent Reese, would you excuse us, please?" Pamela smiled and flipped her hair behind her shoulder.

"Of course, Agent Mulder. I'll just be outside."

As she left, she gave Scully an "I told you so" look. Scully barely restrained herself from lunging at Reese, but instead, turned her anger on Mulder.

"Why the hell did you say yes?" she asked, her hands on her hips. He looked at her, at the fire in his eyes, and a warm feeling spread through his chest. She was jealous because of the obvious attention that Reese lavished on him.

"Relax, Scully. I have a good reason." She nodded curtly.

"You damn well better have a good reason." He chuckled.

"You're jealous, aren't you?" Scully's face flushed and she looked away. She considered lying to him, but then decided against it. He already knew the truth. Her admitting to it was simply a formality. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"Well that's good to know." She shot him a look, but then sighed.

"Look, Mulder, just drop me off at the hotel and then you can get to your hot date." Scully had said it as a flimsy attempt at a joke, but Mulder sensed the worry behind her words. In a sudden rush, he realized that she *still* thought that she wasn't good enough for him. That she wasn't pretty enough, or funny enough. He moved closer to her, and touched her cheek.

"Scully, I just want to set her straight about things. That's all." Scully nodded. She trusted him, she really did. But she also knew about his past and about the fact that someone like her hadn't normally been his type - someone like Pamela Reese had been. So, despite the fact that she knew he loved her deeply, she worried that perhaps she wasn't enough for him, that he would eventually get bored with her.

"Okay, Mulder. I trust you."

****

They had dropped her off at the hotel and now she walked into her room, dropping her coat and briefcase on the floor. Scully hadn't realized how tired she really was until she had sat down in the car. Then it had hit her, and she had sagged against Mulder in the back seat, as Reese drove. Scully noticed that all the while Reese drove, she would look in the rearview mirror and smile at Mulder, or simply just look at him. Scully was just about to make a comment when they had arrived at the hotel's front doors. Reese had jumped out and opened Scully's door, saying,

"Ready to go, Agent Scully?" she asked cheerfully. Scully looked up at her, her eyes as cold as ice.

"It's too bad you never get excited about anything, Reese," she said, under her breath. Mulder, however, heard her and chuckled as they got out. He walked with Scully to the door, and said,

"I'll be back soon, Scully. I'll come and check on you."

She nodded and watched as he turned and got into the passenger's seat. He barely got the door closed before the car squealed out of the parking lot. Scully rubbed her head, as she lay on the bed, and refused to think about the fact that Mulder was somewhere in the vast metropolis of Boston with a beautiful woman. She sighed, and closed her eyes, trying to will herself to sleep. A few minutes later, her eyes snapped open and she ran for the bathroom, barely making it in time.

After she was done, she sat back on her heels and wiped the perspiration from her brow. She began to wonder if this was more than just a simple case of the flu. What if it was something worse? What if They had done something to her and these were the first symptoms? Scully shook her head in an attempt to clear it, and pulled herself up from the bathroom floor. After rinsing her mouth, she went back into the room and sat back down on the bed. She took a deep breath.

<Okay, Dana, let's go about this rationally, she thought. But, she dismissed that idea because she had had these symptoms for too long. <Okay, then, it could be exhaustion syndrome, mononucleosis, simple fatigue, or... She couldn't complete that last item on the list. She wouldn't allow herself to think about it, because she wasn't sure if it made her happy or scared her to death. her rational self told her. She couldn't just not think about it, as if she were a child. She closed her eyes for a few minutes, and when she opened them again, she had made her decision. Gathering her purse and the key to her room, she walked out the door.

****

Pamela pulled into the parking lot of a small but interesting looking restaurant, and turned to Mulder.

"The food's really good here, I promise."

He nodded, and got out of the car, wishing that he were back with Scully. But, he couldn't let Pamela's unprofessional behavior go on. He knew that if he didn't curb it tonight Scully would do it, and that would probably involve bodily harm. So, here he was at a restaurant with a woman he didn't really like.
They entered the restaurant and were soon seated. As they waited for their drinks to arrive, Pamela began her first attack.

"So, Fox-" Mulder bristled. He held up a hand.

"It's Mulder," he said sternly, his voice icy. "No one calls me Fox. *No one*." Pamela's eyes widened at the hard tone of his voice.

"Okay...but I'm sure Scully calls you Fox." He glared at her.

"That, Agent Reese, is none of your business."

In truth, Scully only called him Fox when they were alone together, and even then, she rarely did it. Pamela leaned back, feeling the cold coming off of him. This was not starting out well. She decided on a different tack. She had to get him to warm up to her, or this night would not end as she had originally thought it would.

"I'm sorry, Mulder. I didn't know you felt that way about your first name," said Pamela, as their drinks were set down before them.

"Now you know," he said. She took the opportunity to take a sip of her white wine. She looked across at Mulder as he dumped a packet of sugar into his iced-tea. She had tried to get him to order something a little stronger, but he had flatly refused, saying he didn't drink.

"What's your family like?" she asked sweetly, never knowing the thin ice she was treading. Mulder sighed, and wondered how fast he could eat a hamburger.

****

Scully opened the door to the hotel's small drugstore, and began meandering down the aisles. She knew it was silly. She was a grown woman and there was nothing to be embarrassed about, but she was. After grabbing a candy bar and some Tic-Tacs, she finally turned down the last aisle. After looking at three different brands, she decided on one, and hastily took it up to the counter. The clerk smiled at her, as she passed the items over the scanner. She was an older woman, with long grey hair.

"Not sure yet, eh?" she asked casually. Scully had been looking anywhere but at that *box* when the woman spoke, and now she had to look at her. She nodded. "What are you hoping for?" the woman asked, as if it weren't a personal question at all. Scully considered not answering, but then decided not to bother.

"I'm not sure..." The clerk nodded, and said,

"That'll be eleven dollars even."

Scully placed the bills in her hand, and left without waiting for her receipt.

* * * End part 2... ===========================================================================