The Garden District Murders
Chapter 16 of 16

Author: GeoRed@aol.com (a.k.a. Heidi W.)

Rating: R for themes


Authors Notes: See Part 1.

Disclaimer: See Part 1.

Summary: Mulder and Scully attempt to solve a serial murder case in New
Orleans.  Whether they actually solve it or not is open to interpretation.


CHAPTER 16

Mercy Hospital
Office of Dr. Sara Karns, Waiting Room
March 27, 1998, 10:00 a.m.

Scully fidgeted nervously.  Mulder had just been released from the hospital
an hour ago and was in his third session with the therapist.  He seemed
secure with her once he got past the fact that she was female.  That and his
embarrassment at being perceived as weak.  Dr. Karns must have said
something right.  Scully was jealous.

She wished her relationship with Mulder was as sound. She felt
increasingly tenuous.  The nightmares were the key. A roller coaster ride.
One minute things were fine, they were fine.  He would have a nightmare.
She woke him up and he shrank away from her.  She tried to talk to him
about the assault but he pushed her away.  He didn't want to talk and her
attempts made it worse. <Am I pushing him?  Should I leave him be?
What am I doing wrong? When did I lose the ability to read him.>

Today Mulder was going to split his session with the therapist.  The first
half hour he was going to talk to her.  The second half hour was going to
be Mulder and Scully together.  Scully was scared to death.

Just then the door to the Doctor's office opened and Doctor Karns looked
out.

"Dana?  Could you join us now?"  Scully got up and walked into the office.
Mulder sat in a chair in front of the desk, staring at a spot on the floor in
front of his feet.  His cheeks looked wet.  She sat in the chair next to him
as the doctor when around her desk to sit down.

"Dana, as I am sure you are aware and as is to be expected, Mulder is
having some problems.  We have discussed them and I felt that it was
important that you were brought into the discussion.  I am going to
facilitate this discussion and Mulder has given me his permission that
nothing is to be kept from you.  I must say that it took some convincing on
my part."  Scully looked at Mulder.

"Mulder?  You know I want to help.  Please don't shut me out."  Scully
looked closely at him.  "You said you needed me to talk to you.  I am
willing, Mulder."  Mulder continued to stare at the carpet, saying nothing.
Doctor Karns took the lead.

"Dana, do you remember our conversation a few days ago?" asked Doctor
Karns.  Scully nodded.  "Do you think you could tell Mulder some of what
you felt that day?"  Scully's eyes widened.

"I....I don't.......no."  Mulder looked at her accusingly.

"You want *me* to talk. But you won't talk to *me*.  What are you afraid
of telling me Scully?" Mulder was getting agitated.  He had a look of
intense hurt on his face.

"Mulder, it isn't like that.  This isn't about me, this is about you.  I want to
help you."

"This *is* about you.  You don't understand. This is *all* about you."
Mulder looked startled by his own words and looked back at the carpet.

"Mulder?" asked Doctor Karns, "Why don't you explain to Dana what you
just said."  Mulder pursed his lips thoughtfully and didn't say anything for a
moment.  When he finally spoke, it was in a very neutral tone.

"This is about you, Scully, because I can't imagine that you could work
with me anymore after this."

"Mulder, that's ridiculous." Mulder flinched, as did Scully when she
realized how that sounded.  "I just mean that there is no reason why I
would not want to be with you Mulder.  Nothing has changed Mulder.  My
feelings haven't changed toward you."

"That's not true, Scully.  You keep talking about this assault.  It's the only
thing you talk about. It's.......it's all you think about."

"Mulder, tell me what you want from me.  I only want to help you.  If I
didn't care about you, I wouldn't bother, Mulder."  Scully sighed and
rubbed her forehead.  She felt she was making it worse.  "Mulder.  Please,
please tell me what *you're* thinking about.  I am so confused.  I need you
to tell me.  I feel like I am losing you."  The last part was said in a whisper.

Doctor Karns watched as Mulder squirmed in his chair.  She hadn't seen
two people who were closer than these two in a long time.  But the areas
where their communication was lacking were exacerbated by this trauma.
Neither one was willing to risk a step that would make them vulnerable to
the other.

"Dana, Mulder, I think it is important that you both are *honest* about
your feelings.  Dana, I really feel that it is important for Mulder to hear
how you were feeling....how you *are* feeling.....about the assault and
Clarice."

Scully took a deep breath and realized that communication was a two way
street.  Why didn't she realize it sooner?  After their initial conversations,
she had not shared anything of herself with him....and he appeared to need
it.  Now she was staring at *her* shoes.

"I was angry......very angry......at Clarice....or Alex.  I wanted to kill her. I
felt that she had destroyed.....or tried to destroy our.......closeness.  I
was......afraid that you would not......recover and that we would never
be.......close...again.  I felt that if I could do my best to help you get past
this, that we could be........close again.  Mulder, I had the best time when
we first got here and now I am afraid that we won't have that again."
Scully risked a glance up at Mulder and was surprised to see him looking at
her with his mouth hanging slightly open.

"Mulder?" asked Doctor Karns.  "Don't you have something you want to
say?"

"I......." Mulder shut his mouth and pursed his lips.  He started again. "I
was certain........completely certain.....that you were patronizing me.  That
you kept harping on the assault because it disgusted you......that *I*
disgusted you."

"Mulder, I *told* you........."

"I know, but I didn't believe you.  I thought you were just trying to make
me feel better. Actually, I kinda still think that.  How could you not look at
me with disgust?  How could you not find me untrustworthy? Not to
mention stupid and careless."

"No, Mulder." Scully whispered.  "You are still the same man that I have
worked with for the past five years.  The only thing that has changed is that
you have been hurt by this woman and I want to help you, I........"

"Scully, I feel violated, of course.  But I am having a much easier time
dealing with the assault than I am your reaction to it."

"What? I don't......." Mulder held up his hand.

"Let me get this out, Scully.  The *only* thing that matters to me is your
opinion of me.  If Clarice damaged that........then she *has* destroyed me.
If you don't find me repulsive or disgusting.......then I can get through this.
I can......I mean, the assault is secondary......I.....if you don't hate me,
then......."

"No, Mulder, never.  None of this was your fault.  I care as much about
you as I did before we came to New Orleans......if not more."  Doctor
Karns felt that it was time to interrupt.

"Dana, Mulder, it is very important that you continue to talk about this.  It
is normal for Mulder to be in doubt about this and the troubles are far from
over.   You *must* be open about your feelings or the mis-communications
could tear you apart. There is a tendency to project your feelings about
things that happen on to the other person.  Mulder, you can't rely solely on
Dana for support because she is going to need a break from time to time.  I
think it would be a good idea if you made an appointment with a therapist
in D.C." Mulder grimaced.

"I really don't think....." he said slowly.  Doctor Karns interupted.

"Just because you and Dana cleared the air somewhat and understand each
other a little better does *not* mean that this is over for you.  As a
psychologist you should know this.  And just because you are a man does
not necessarily make this easier to deal with.  There are bound to be rough
patches.  From what I have learned about you in the short time we have
talked, you are often filled with guilt and self-doubt.  The assault will
exacerbate that if you let it.  I am not saying that you need twice a week
therapy sessions, I just feel that you will need additional support to that
which Dana provides.  No one can rely solely on one person. It isn't fair to
that person."  Mulder nodded slowly at her words, studying his feet again.

Scully saw him retreat, emotionally.  He wouldn't burden her.  She reached
over and took his hand in hers and squeezed.

"Whenever you need me, Mulder.  No matter the time of day or night, I
want you to call me."

"Scully, you heard what the doctor said. I...."

"Well, I am not sure you heard what she said.  She said I will need a break
>from time to time and that you need *additional* support.  She did not give
you express permission to shut me out for my own good.......again." This
was said very gently.  "There is a middle ground, Mulder.  We will find it."

Mulder looked up at her and smiled slightly.  Doctor Karns cleared her
throat and they both looked up to see her smiling at them.

"You two are making progress.  Your time is up, Mulder.  If you want to
see me again before you leave New Orleans, just call me.  If you like I can
recommend a colleague in D.C. for you to see when you get back."
Mulder stood and shook the doctors hand.

"Thanks, doc.  Perhaps that would be a good idea.......just in case."  Scully
shook her head slightly. <Always stubborn, Mulder, always.> Doctor
Karns wrote a name and number on a card and handed it to Mulder.  He
tucked it in his wallet and then guided Scully out the door.

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

Scully opened the door to her room and entered, followed closely by
Mulder.

"So Scully when is our flight back to D.C.?"

"Sunday afternoon, Mulder."  Mulder stopped dead in his tracks inside the
door to the room with a questioning look on his face.

"But Scully, that's two days away.  Weren't there any flights available?"

"I am sure there are plenty of flights.  I have plans, here in New Orleans."
Mulder was really getting confused at this point.  "Mulder, I don't think
you should travel so soon after getting out of the hospital.  But beside that,
I think we should stay here for a few days. We can have some more of that
wonderful creole and cajun food, maybe dance a little, see the sights.  You
never did show me Laffayette Number One, you know."  Scully winced
when she realized what Laffayette Number One was bound to resurrect.

"It's o.k., Scully, I won't collapse if you mention Clarice.  Either directly
or indirectly.  I think this sounds like a great idea.  It will be good for us
both."  Scully smiled at him in relief.  They were going to be fine. She had
hope for that now more than she did before.

"Well, buster, then get into bed.  Now."  Mulder's eyes widened.

"What?" he squeaked.  Scully blushed from head to toe. <I am a fucking
idiot.>

"Mulder,.......I'm sorry....I mean......you need to take a nap and rest.  You
just got out of the hospital.  If you sleep for a few hours, we can go out for
dinner.  If you get enough rest today and tonight, then maybe you'll be up
for a little sight seeing tomorrow."  Mulder was snickering.

"Scully, I *understand*.  I did hope, briefly, that you were coming on to
me, though." Scully blushed again.  Mulder grinned at her.  "I feel fine, we
should go out now.  We could go to Laffayette, maybe a swamp tour,
shopping on Rue Royale......"

"Mulder, you just got out of the hospital.  You were *shot* and lost a lot
of blood less than four days ago.  If it wasn't for HMO's you would
probably be in the hospital for another day. Even then the doctors would
ask you to stay off your feet and not over do it for a few weeks. We need
to take it *very* easy.  Now, go to your room and get some sleep."
Mulder looked uncomfortably at the carpet.

"Um, Scully?  Do you think.......I mean, would you mind if I slept on one
of your beds, in here?  I don't want to be alone right now."  He blushed
slightly at the confession and Scully was thrilled beyond belief that he was
opening up a little more.

"Of course Mulder.  Will it bother you if I work on the laptop?  I want to
finish up our reports for Skinner."

"Actually, it will help me sleep.  It would help even more if we could turn
on the T.V."  Scully smiled at him gently.

"Of course, Mulder.  Go ahead."  She watched as he grabbed the remote
and threw it on the bed nearest the bathroom.  He then proceeded to strip
down to his boxers and crawl under the covers. <Well, that's one thing that
hasn't changed, thank God.  You still are not the most modest guy around
Mulder.  I wonder if it is just because you are so comfortable with me.> He
turned on his side so he could see the television and at the same time had
his sore shoulder off the mattress.  Unfortunately, the sore part of his neck,
which would probably scar as well, was resting on the pillow so he wasn't
entirely comfortable.  Scully noticed the fading bite marks around his
nipples and the little scar on his bottom lip and felt her eyes tear up.  She
walked to the window and looked out so Mulder wouldn't notice.  She
heard the bedclothes rustle and turned back to the room.  Mulder had
shifted so that he was lying diagonal across the bed on his stomach, head
turned to the television.  His hand holding the remote was curled up by his
face and he was sound asleep.  Looking twelve years old again. Tears fell
down Scully's face as she looked at him. Her heart felt like it would burst
in her chest. <Is this a maternal feeling? I want to protect him, defend
him......not let anyone hurt him.  Or is it more? I have never felt this before.
I wish I knew what it was.  Maybe I do and I am too scared to admit it.
Fuck it and go with the flow.  All I know is that having him here right now
makes me so happy.>

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

Ramada Inn, Room 615
Same Day, 7:00 p.m.

Scully was napping peacefully on her bed, the television droning in the
background.

On the next bed, Mulder twisted under the sheets, moaning softly.  The
remote fell to the floor with a clunk and Scully stirred slightly.  Mulder was
whispering in his sleep.

"No.....I hate you......*No*.....that's not true.....Don't touch me.....don't
*do* that......I want Scully, where is she?.......I thought.....you were
her....Scully?.....Scully?......Scully, please.......no."  Scully heard him and
moved over to the other bed, touching his good shoulder lightly.

"Mulder, wake up.  You're dreaming, Mulder."  He moaned again, quietly.
"Mulder?  It's Scully, wake up."  His eyes opened and he looked up at her.
"Bad dream, eh Mulder?"  He nodded sadly.  She knew that look.  She
bent over and pressed her lips to his cheek, trying to forestall any
uncertainty on his part.  "How do you feel about a quiet dinner, Mulder?"

"That sounds pretty good, Agent Scully." She cupped his face in her hand
and smiled at him.

"Well why don't you go over to your room, shower and shave.  As
attractive as this stubble is on you, you will feel better for it."

"You think my stubble is attractive, Scully?" She nodded, smiling. "I will
never shave again." He said, solemly.  She chuckled at him.

"If we dance cheek to cheek, I'll get stubble burn, Mulder.  You don't
want that, do you?"

"Yes....No!  O.K. Your wish is my command, madame."  With that he
hoped off the bed and headed for his room.

*******************
Ramada Inn, Room 617
One half hour later........

Mulder leaned on the vanity counter, staring into the mirror.  He had tried
shaving, but when he got to the area around the bite marks on his neck his
hands had started shaking so badly that he had to stop.  Now he stared. He
felt a sharp pain in his neck and could feel blood trickling down his chest.
Felt it, but couldn't see it.  He closed his eyes and he saw Scully with her
gun pointed at him. <No, not at me.  At Clarice.  Clarice bit me.  What if I
become like her?> Suddenly Mulder couldn't breath.  He felt like he was
choking. <Why didn't I think of this before? I can't be around Scully. I
could hurt her.  Why does she want to be around me anyway?  Fucking
loser.  Probably a vampire now.> Mulder was hyperventilating and he sank
to his knees with his arms wrapped around his chest.

Scully stood outside Mulder's door after knocking for the second time. She
didn't hear anything from inside the room and she was starting to worry.
She got out the spare key and stuck it in the slot, opening the door.  She
walked in and looked to the left, into the vanity and her heart stopped.

"Mulder!"

Mulder was lying on the floor, shirtless, eyes wide and hyperventilating.
His arms were wrapped around his chest and his knees were pulled up as
far as they would come.  She ran over to him and looked him over to see if
he was physically hurt.  She grasped his shoulders to help him up and he
jerked away from her.

"Don't touch me!  Stay back....stay back."  Mulder scooted backwards so
that his back was resting against the door jamb leading into the bathroom.

"Mulder, it's me, Scully.  What's wrong?  Talk to me, please." She spoke
very calmly and quietly, trying to figure out what was going on here.

"Scully.......Scully."  His breathing was still very erratic, panicked.

"Slow down, Mulder, it's o.k."

"Scully, what if I'm like her now."

"What?  What do you mean, Mulder? You could never be *like* her."

"What if I am a vampire, Scully?  You shouldn't be around me. I could
hurt you."  Scully was silent for a moment, thinking. Using her rational,
scientific mind to figure out how best to respond to him.  Without ridicule
but with compassion and humor.  She couldn't decide if he was really
worried about this or if it was another way to push her away in order to
protect himself.

"Mulder, according to Anne Rice and Bram Stoker, you aren't a vampire.
You didn't drink Clarice's blood.  You were outside in the daylight.  And
you did say you wanted jambalaya for dinner."

"This isn't funny, Scully." Mulder was pouting now, a good sign.

"I *know* it isn't Mulder. I am just trying to help you.  I don't believe you
are a vampire and you aren't getting rid of me that easily."

"Didn't you see her teeth Scully?  I felt them....I still feel them....just now,
when I was shaving.  I could feel her on me, biting me." He sucked in a
harsh breath, trying not to cry.  She scooted over to him and sat facing him
but next to him, close enough that she could reach out and touch his face.
She placed one hand on each cheek and pulled his head down so it rested
on her shoulder.  His arms went around her waist, her arms around his
back.

"Mulder, there are lots of explanations for her teeth besides her being a
vampire.  According to the myths and legends there are lots of reasons why
you *aren't* a vampire.  I think it is possible that you are focusing on the
vampire aspect as a way to push me away.  Mulder, I don't want to be
away from you. I am staying." She pulled back so she could look him in the
eye. "Mulder.  This. Was. Not. Your. Fault.  You are a gorgeous,
intelligent man who I would be very proud to have take me to dinner. Tell
me you aren't hungry for some jambalaya."  He was speechless, almost.

"You think I'm gorgeous?" he asked. Scully laughed quietly.

"That whole long speech and the only thing you hear is gorgeous?"

"Nah, Scully, I heard you. I.....I was tryin' to shave and......the marks on
my neck.......I freaked out, I guess."  His arms were still around her waist
and they tightened as he talked about the marks.  She hugged him and then
helped him stand up.

"I think that is probably very normal, Mulder.  Just don't push me away,
o.k.?"  In response, Mulder pulled her against his chest and hugged her
again.  Scully was thrilled by the gesture.  There was a warmth in the pit of
her stomach that she tried to ignore.

"I will finish getting dressed and we can go eat." he said as he walked back
into the bedroom. <She thinks I am gorgeous.  She doesn't hate me. Focus
on that.  I can do this, I can.  She wouldn't say anything she doesn't mean,
she's not like that.  She's *not* like that.  She cares about me.> He
grabbed a clean shirt and threw it on, buttoning it up rapidly.  Scully had
followed him into the room and watched as he grabbed his shoes and
shoved his feet into them.

"Mulder, take it easy.  There's no rush. I don't want you to over exert
yourself here."

"You're gorgeous too, Scully."  She smiled at him. <He is never gonna let
go of that.  He is gonna throw it up at me constantly.  I can live with that.>

"Let's go, Mulder."

"Can we play pool after dinner?"

"We'll see."

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

Mulate's
202 Magazine Street, Uptown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Same Day, 8:15 p.m.

They sat on the same side of the table, him with his arm on the back of her
chair, watching the dancers on the wooden dance floor.  There was a band
playing what Scully thought of as "New Orleans Style" music.  Zydeco?
There was even a guy playing the washboard.  The music was lyrical,
lilting, but wild and untamed.  One pair of dancers made them both dizzy.
The man was whirling the woman so fast, with footsteps so intricate that
they were mesmerizing.  Scully was afraid that the woman would fly out of
the man's arms and into their table.

"That's amazing." she mused.

"I can do that."

"You can not, Mulder."

"Betcha I can." he said, grinning.

"You're on." Scully replied.  Mulder started to get up but she grabbed his
arm and yanked him back down.

"We will have to come back to New Orleans or find this kind of music in
D.C. because there is no way in hell that you are attempting that until you
are six weeks out of the hospital.  I refuse to have you readmitted before I
eat my blackened swordfish and jambalaya."  He grinned at her.

"You mean it?  You would dance with me?"

"Sure.  Why not?" she asked.

"I just never thought........I mean....."  Just then the waitress appeared with
two plates heaped with food and Scully sighed at the interruption. Mulder
dug into his barbequed shrimp with gusto, conversation forgotten.
Temporarily, she hoped.  It was good to see him eating so enthusiatically
anyway.  She sighed again and started eating.

**********************
One half hour later......

"God, that was good."  Mulder was in pain he was so full.  His stay in the
hospital had shrunk his stomach and he had a hard time finishing his food.
Scully was in the same predicament.

"Why didn't I stop eating.....why?"  She groaned.

"Because it was good, that's why."

"Quit saying that.  I know it was good."  She was feeling slightly grumpy
and in pain.

"Scully, this is gonna sound cliche but we need to burn off some of this
food.  Dance with me."

"Mulder....."

"You said you would." he said, sounding slightly petulant. "They're
playing a slow one."

Scully looked at him and wanted badly to dance with him.  She was so full
she didn't know if she would enjoy it. <What the hell.>

"O.K. Mulder.  Let's do it."

"Why Scully, I thought you would never ask."  He took her hand and
pulled her onto the dance floor.  He held one hand and wrapped his other
arm around her waist, pulling her close.  They swayed slowly to the
haunting music.  Mulder stared into her eyes, his heart pounding, the urge
to kiss her overwhelming.  Scully stared back, full stomach forgotten.
When his eyes dropped to her lips and then came back up to eyes, her heart
stopped. <He wants to kiss me. Let him, Dana.>

Mulder and Scully made a striking pair.  Him in his black dress pants with
short sleeved black shirt.  Her, in her black leggings, white short sleeved
sweater and flaming red hair.

Everyone watched the couple who stared into each others eyes.  A pair of
green eyes, outside the restaurant looking in, watched as well.  Those eyes
narrowed as the man lowered his head towards the redhead and brushed his
lips against hers.


*********THE END***********