The X Files put on Peter Pan 2/8

by Cosmikgirlie

 

Chapter 2

A few days past as the cast worked their butts off rehearsing for the performance. Skinner commanded everyone to leave the room when he practised his Mrs Darling scene, but they all stuck their ear to the keyhole and listened to his squeaky voice while sniggering behind their hands. Scully stood silently in the corner while this was going on and Mulder stood staring out of the window, while munching on some sunflower seeds. They hadn't been speaking since the fight and were not intending to do so for a long time. 
Soon Skinner opened the door and everyone immediately turned around, whistling or talking to each other very innocently. 
"I know you've been listening in.." said an angry Skinner, whilst slightly blushing. 
"Oh, no..us?..I don't think so!" said Krycek with a half smile. Skinner looked at him like an ice queen. "You had better start working hard, matey. It's the flying scene next." 
Mulder's head bolted up and a sickening feeling began to rise in his stomach. He glanced at Scully. For a moment, she looked concerned, but then, realising she was mad at him, narrowed her eyes again and stared at the floor. 
Mulder sighed. If he didn't manage to survive Krycek's excellent safety skills he would die knowing that at that precise moment Scully hated his guts. Maybe I should speak to her, he thought, patch things up. But then he remembered Scully's harsh parting words and they sliced through his heart once again. He couldn't bear what was happening but at the moment he just couldn't think how he could forgive Dana for what she had said. 

**

Krycek stood in the centre of the stage. "It's OK Mulder, everything's in order." he beckoned, but Mulder was reluctant to get to close to him. 
Marita walked over and pulled tight a knot which secured the rope and the harness together. "Look", she said, "If anything goes wrong, I'll be holding this rope and I will pull you down to safety." They both smiled at Mulder. He carefully inspected the rope. I don't like the look of this, he thought. He turned round to see Scully looking at the whole situation like it was a joke. Mulder took a deep breath. I am NOT gonna let her think I am a wimp, he thought, and with that he took hold of the harness and shoved it around himself. As Krycek adjusted the straps Mulder held on to the rope tightly to stop his hands from shaking. 
"That's the spirit Mulder. Look if it makes you feel any better, Marita also has to go up with you." 
Marita and Krycek’s eyes widened. "W-w-what?" stammered Marita. 
"Well, haven't you seen the script? Tinkerbell has to fly with Peter Pan. So get harnessed." 
Marita looked nervously at Alex who gently squeezed her arm for reassurance. He quickly whispered something in her ear and she nodded and timidly climbed into the harness. Mulder peered at the two curiously. Surely if Marita's life was at stake, Krycek wouldn't try anything. It made him feel slightly better. 
As they were hoisted into the air Scully, pretending to be learning her lines was watching Mulder intently. She just wished the whole ordeal would be over and he would be alright. She just wanted to feel his arms around her.. She too had noticed Marita and Krycek's strange behaviour but had reckoned also that two people up there was better than one. I wonder if Fox loves her, she thought. 
OMG, thought Mulder as he gained height every second. His breathing began to get faster and he looked over at Marita beside him. She was staring straight forward with a rather pale face. Mulder frowned. He really did dislike her. He was still getting over her malicious attempt to split him and Scully up. He just didn't understand it. Why would she want to do a thing like that? 
Suddenly there was a jolt. He stopped moving and was suspended in mid-air about 50ft from the ground. Beads of sweat were gathering on his brow. He couldn't remember being this high up before..in a harness that could give at any second. He heard Krycek's distant voice saying "Now guys you've got to spread out your arms and make like you're flying." But Mulder kept his fingers tightly wrapped around the harness. He braced himself and looked down. He saw Scully staring up at him. She gave a soft smile. He smiled back. Suddenly he didn't feel so bad. He looked forward and started to enjoy the experience of "flying". 
Suddenly he started to feel the rope shaking a bit. He wondered what was going on as he felt the rope around his waist start to get looser. In a panic he looked up and saw the knot at the very top of the rope beginning to undo. His eyes widened in horror. He started shouting down below but no-one was listening. There was no sign of Krycek anywhere. He looked across and saw Marita's knot also loosening. To his surprise she was staring in front of her, in a calm state. Mulder quickly tried to do up the rope around his waist tighter, but it wasn't working. 
"Help! Help!" he shouted. "Please help me! The rope is going!" His heart beat so hard he didn't know why no-one could hear it. "Please!!" He desperately tried to grab onto a nearby beam but it was no use. He was gonna fall. The rope slipped away from his waist and he heard the knot above him give way. His heart leapt as he started to fall, extremely fast down, down towards the stage. He could hear screams from below and beside him. He shut his eyes and his mind filled with blackness. 

**

 

"Do you think he's O.K?" 
"What happened?" 
"Has he broken anything?" 
"Sssh..he's waking up.." 
Mulder slowly opened his eyes. A bright light stunned him and soon he could make out the faces of all the Lone Gunmen, and Scully and Skinner were standing behind them. 
"Are you O.K?" asked Scully, looking concerned as she pushed to the front to be by Mulder's side. 
"I think so." Mulder croaked. 
"Well you don't look it!" said an unfamiliar voice. "We should get you to a bed as soon as possible and give you some rest. It was a miracle you didn't break any bones.." 
Mulder frowned. But he fell 50ft! Scully smiled as she read his mind. "Mulder, your ass broke the fall! Just kidding.. luckily Krycek saved your life." 
Mulder screwed up his face in astonishment. Krycek?!?! 
"Yeah," said Scully, "He ran and got a crash mat when you started shouting for help. He put it underneath you. It was the shock that knocked you out." 
Mulder had so many questions buzzing around in his head. How did Krycek get to the crash mat in time when it all happened so fast? Why didn't he put one there in the first place and why wasn't it more comfortable? He cringed as he wriggled around. His head started to throb as he let the doctor and Scully help him to a bed backstage. He felt like laughing as he climbed into Wendy's plasterboard bed, but he thought he would probably throw up so he resisted. 
There was one question which stood out amongst all the others. 
"Scully? What happened to Marita?" 
"She's in John's bed at the moment with Krycek. She fell too, but luckily-" she said this in rather a sarcastic tone "-Alex managed to tighten her rope just in time to stop her from hitting the ground. She's still in shock." 
Mulder started to ponder. Alex managed to see they were falling, grab a crash mat, bring it over underneath Mulder AND save Marita's life all in the space of a minute? Somehow he got the feeling that this miraculous accident wasn't so accidental after all

 

**

It was the first dress rehearsal. The stage seemed to be unusually empty as the entire cast were hiding away in the dressing rooms trying to get themselves ready. The lone Gunmen were doing up each other's collars- they were wearing frilly kind of shirts. Langly giggled when he saw his friend's pyjama outfit but soon piped down when he looked at himself in the mirror: he looked like a poached salmon! 
Meanwhile Mulder was, very reluctantly, shoving on some light green tights. Scully was watching him through the corner of her eye with a smirk on her face. 
"Yeah, yeah" said Mulder to all the sniggering faces " O.K so you've never seen Fox Mulder in some very,very... tight.. trousers before.." 
Krycek stifled a laugh. "Is that what you call them?" 
Mulder ignored this and carried on "But this could be seen as a man expressing fine art..a man in..." 
"Drag?" interrupted Alex. Everyone except Mulder burst out laughing. Scully who was half hiding herself behind a curtain, was poking her head out smiling and chatting. (It was a uni-sex changing room!) At last, after a bit of scuffle when she got her bra stuck, (The Lone Gunmen pretended to read a newspaper while eyeing the situation!) Scully emerged from behind the curtain. Mulder looked over and looked her up and down with a smirk. She was wearing a light blue nighty stretching from her neck to her ankles. It had white frills around her neck which looked rather suffocating, and she was wearing fluffy bunny slippers on her bare feet. Realising everyone was staring at her, she nervously scraped back her hair into the allocated blue ribbons and weakly smiled at Mulder. She assumed all their *troubles* had been forgotten since the accident, but Mulder, looked away silently as if he hadn't quite forgiven Scully for her words. Scully felt her heart tremble, and she didn't think it was for fear of putting on the play. 
As they assembled, the cast started whispering to each other. "Where's Skinner?" asked Marita, dressed in a skimpy pink leotard and a floaty tutu. She peered behind the curtain and let out a squeal of delight. Everyone turned towards her in curiosity. Marita smiled a cheesy grin and waved her *magic* wand. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you....Mrs.Darling!" 
The entire cast stretched to get a good look at the figure that was emerging from the curtain. A very red and nervous Skinner was edging his way forward. He was dressed in a GIGANTIC floaty, frilly pink dress and matching pink tights. The dress was slightly too small and his tanned arms were bulging out of the tiny sleeves. He wore dainty ballet shoes which he used to scratch the back of his hairy legs in nervousness. He wore a very disgruntled face and his eyes seemed to say, "If anyone dare laugh, I will hit you around the head with my pink purse!" But it was too much for everyone as they all fell onto the floor of the stage in fits and fits of laughter. 

**

Skinner settled himself down in the Director's chair. His bright red face clashed with his pink dress. "Right!" he began, "We will now start the rehearsal from Scene 2." 
Everyone looked puzzled. "Skinner, no offence, but don't plays usually tend to start from Scene 1? I don't know why! Weird isn't it?" exclaimed Krycek with a sarcastic tone. 
Skinner looked like a gorilla whose favourite banana had just been snatched away from him. He mumbled something about smart asses catching him out yet again and proceeded to trudge his way onto the stage. He then stood in the centre, pushed up his frilly sleeves and started his lines for Scene 1. "Honey?" Skinner called in a peculiarly high voice which seemed to freak most of the other cast members out. 
"Coming darling!" replied a voice very similar to Dale Winton's. Byers, dressed in a black suit with a Bart Simpson tie waltzed onto the stage. "Oh there you are, you little minx, you!" he squealed, running over to an embarrassed Skinner. 
Marita couldn't contain her laughter and shoved her face into Krycek’s front, almost knocking him over. Scully was standing to the side waiting for her queue when Mulder came up behind her. "Scully, we need to talk" he whispered. Scully turned and looked into his eyes. "I know" she replied. 
"Meet me here at 8:00 tonight!" he told her. 
Scully looked at him curiously. "Won't it all be shut?" 
"Don't worry about that! I have it all under control. Just make sure you are here." And with that he gave Scully a small squeeze on her arm and disappeared behind the curtain just as Scully heard her queue: "Wendykins! Where are yoo-hoo!" Scully rolled her eyes and walked into the limelight, not being able to contain her excitement for tonight. 

**

 

Scully sat on her bed, peering at herself in the mirror. I wonder what Mulder is planning? she thought to herself. She could feel excitement rising up inside her and checked her watch again. She'd better get moving, she decided and grabbed her mobile phone and some accessories and moved swiftly outside to her car. 
Scully pulled up outside the theatre. As she got out and looked up at the tall ancient building she marvelled at how different it looked in the dark. She felt goose pimples spread around her skin as she carefully pushed open the door and crept into the darkness. It was pitch black. "Mulder?" she called out weakly as she felt all around her for the walls. Finally her eyes adjusted to the blackness and she saw a door in front of her leading to the stage room. She frowned and wondered whether she should wait for Mulder. She would never admit it but this place as starting to give her the creeps. 
Suddenly a hand grabbed her from behind. "Aaaah!" squealed Scully as she turned around to find a smirking Mulder standing beside her, She sighed with relief. "Jesus, Mulder! DON'T do that again!" Mulder smiled and said "I didn't realise you were afraid of the dark Miss Scully!" 
Scully peered at him. "Mulder..I.." 
"Sssh!" whispered Mulder, placing his finger against her lips. "Close your eyes. I have a surprise." Scully paused for a second and then slowly did as she was told. "Mulder...what are you doing-" But Mulder just took her gently by the arms and lead her into the stage room. Only when they had walked right into the middle of the room, in front of the stage, did Mulder tell Scully to open her eyes. As she did so, Scully gasped and stepped back with amazement. The entire stage was flooded with tiny fairy lights of all different colours. To the side of the stage was an ice bucket with Scully's favourite champagne in it and two glasses. Above the stage was a massive banner, suspended by ropes. It read: "Scully, forgive me". 
Scully stared and stared, her eyes filling up with tears. Mulder took her hand and lead her up onto the stage. It was like a dream world, the lights lighting up the whole room. Scully wiped her eyes and turned towards Mulder. "Of course I forgive you" she choked as she fell into his arms. "But do you forgive me?" she whispered. 
Mulder took her face into his hands. "Scully, this last week has been agony for me. I can't live not speaking to you, you are my life. You've got to understand, Marita forced.." 
Scully hushed him. "Mulder, I know. I was stupid to not trust you. You mean everything to me." 
"Scully," Mulder started, "I...I..." 
Suddenly the lights went out with a bang and the couple were suspended in blackness.

 

**

Scully breathed heavily. What was going on? She looked around. "Mulder?" she called softly. There was no answer. Suddenly a bright light blinded her from in front. She shielded her eyes from the pain and after a few seconds tried to force them open to see what was going on. She could see figures moving, dancing around in front of her. They were tall and there were about three. She squinted at them carefully but failed to see their faces. The bright light was still burning the backs of her eyes and she wished it would go away. As Scully watched in horror the figures started to move towards her. "Who..who.." Scully murmured but couldn't get the words out. The shadows were getting close now and Scully felt her heart beat so fast it was like she wasn't human. She clumsily backed away and tripped over a fairy light. She gasped and fell to the ground. "Mulder!" she screamed. It was all getting to much. The figures were so close now she could fell them breathing onto her neck. The light was so piercing behind her she forced her eyes shut. Suddenly she opened them fast. The light had gone out. She looked around her. The fairy lights were glowing slightly on the stage where she lay. Everything was back to normal. There was no sign of the figures....or Mulder. 

**

Skinner looked around, starting to fume. Where are they? he muttered. He knew it wasn't like Agent Mulder or Agent Scully to not turn up with out an explanation. Well, Mulder was capable but definitely not Scully. Suddenly he heard some shouting coming from outside. As he turned to see what was going on he saw Krycek running in to the hall dragging what looked like a...body?!? This can't be right, thought Skinner as he rushed over followed by the lone Gunmen. But sure enough, Marita was holding the legs of...someone and they put him down on the ground. "We didn't know where he was so we went out looking.." said Alex, out of breath. "And we found him." finished Marita. Skinner peered down, gobsmacked. It was Mulder! Alex pushed everyone aside as he reached down and performed CPR on the unconscious Mulder. Everyone held their breath as they tensely waited. 
Finally after what seemd like an eternity, Mulder took a breath and sat up, almost choking, staring around with wide eyes. Just then, Scully ran into the room and stopped as she caught sight of Mulder. She had red puffy eyes and she looked like she had fallen out of bed and thrown some clothes on and..pooh thought Skinner..forgotten to apply deodorant! 
Tears filled her eyes as she threw herself onto Mulder nearly knocking him unconscious again. Alex stood back to give the two some room. 
"I thought I'd lost you!" choked Scully. 
"Not that easily!" joked Mulder as he rested his head on hers. 
The Lone Gunmen looked upon the two with smiles on their faces. They turned towards Krycek and in turn, shook his hand with a firm grip. Alex smiled nobly and nodded his head in gratitude. Skinner narrowed his eyes as he peered at Krycek. This was all a bit too good to be true. He caught Alex glance at Maita and they seemed to know something more than everyone else. Skinner was not convinced. The Lone Gunmen stepped aside and Krycek turned towards Skinner, waiting for his congratulations. Skinner stood staring at him. It was an awkward silence. At last Alex said: 
"Don't know if the colour suits you, Skin-man!" 
Skinner cringed as he remembered he had put on the dress just before the outburst. He had forgotten all about it. Now, how was he supposed to stand up to Krycek: as a man in a pink dress?!? 
"Well....I didn't choose it, Marita did!" Everyone stared at Marita. She stood, her mouth clasped together as if she was going to explode in laughter. Alex stood beside her looking Skinner up and down. 
"Mmmm..I don't know, maybe it will grow on me!" 
Skinner's face became a tomato as he stood up straight, trying desperately to block out the giggles from behind him and act like an authority figure. 
"Right everyone back to work!" he shouted. 
Krycek, Marita, Scully, Mulder and the Lone Gunmen all looked at each other. 
"Yes m'am!" they chanted. 

**

She gazed at him as he drew his sword to play-fight on the stage. He was so....so....sexy! She loved the way his mouth crinkled up at the sides when he smiled and the way his eyes widened when he had an idea. If only he really knew how she felt about him. She had been imagining the day when he would find out. She would come out with it, the three short words, and he would smile and his eyes would sparkle. He would take her in his strong arms and whirl her around and around. She would be in heaven...with him. 
She peered at him curiously. I wonder..she thought. She didn't know EXACTLY how he felt about her, I mean she kind of knew, in the way he looked at her sometimes and the way he acted concerned when she was in any trouble. However, she had hurt him, she didn't know how bad but she couldn't forget his face and the guilt that lived in her stomach that day. He had more or less said he was fine about it but, now and then she wasn't sure. 
She should tell him how she felt, sooner rather than later, she decided. A man like that would easily be snapped up in an instant by some other woman. Her mind flashed to...her. She couldn't even say her name. Yes, she thought, I'll do it. She frowned. That is, when I find the right words. 
Suddenly Skinner was calling her. 
"Maria! Get over here now!" 
"Coming!" she called back as she rushed over to act with her love. 

**

It was nearing the performance and everyone was rushing around trying to get things ready for the 'big night'. Marita was having a battle with the sewing machine, trying to fix Mulder's tights (they got a hole in them!) and Krycek was busy securing the ropes for the flying scene. 
Mulder stood at the side watching Alex, motionless. Scully came up behind him. "You O.K?" she asked. 
"Yeah...I'm thinking about this damn scene I have to do, I mean what happens if I fall again and this time I'm not so lucky?" 
Scully frowned. "Don't even think that. What happened before was just a one-off.." 
"Yes but, Scully, didn't you ever stop to wonder how Krycek managed to save us so fast? I mean it was all rather surreal wasn't it?" 
Scully stopped to think for a second. "I guess, but I'm sure it was all innocent, I mean why on earth would Krycek want to jeopardise the show and hurt you and Marita?" 
Mulder couldn't think of an answer so he changed the subject. "So, looking forward to the scene when we have to..you- know!" He gave her a wink. 
Scully rolled her eyes. "So that's what you've been thinking about all day!" They smiled at each other. 
Suddenly Skinner broke the moment. "Agents! We have spectacular news! We have managed to sell over 1000 tickets: more than we ever expected!" Mulder and Scully looked at each other. That was good news, they thought. More than a thousand strangers gawking at every embarrassing move they make! Brilliant. 

**

"Well, I think the Darling scene is a little under rehearsed!" sneered Krycek. "Perhaps you should practise that one..ooh..I don't know...a couple of hundred times!" 
Skinner thought he could explode. Krycek was really getting on his nerves recently and if he made one more comment about how frilly his dress was he would throttle him! Skinner took a deep breath and smiled. He didn't know what he had in store for him..and boy was it bad. 
Mulder stared wistfully at Alex. If only I could know for one second what was going on in that head of his...he thought. Then he could find out what his intentions were, whether the accident was all his fault and whether he was planning to do it again. If only.... 
Why does he keep following me around? Scully couldn't ever remember a man taking so much interest in her..well except Mulder of course. But that was another matter. With Krycek, it was...how could she put it...strange. He was always talking to her, touching her, sitting next to her. Way more than Mulder ever did. And that's what annoyed her. 
I HAVE to tell him, thought a determined Marita as she watched Krycek joking to Skinner. She couldn't go on much longer; it was tearing her apart. But she just couldn't think of the right words. Three words popped into her brain but she pushed them to the back. She would have to think of some other way. 
Why are they all staring at me? Krycek thought. They are probably thinking how charming and good-looking I am, and wishing they could be as sexy as me! He smiled. In their dreams.

***********************************