Title - Kid Stuff
Author - Donna
Email address - donnah@pop.uky.edu
URL - www.geocities.com/Area51/Quadrant/4571/
Rating - NC-17
Category - Pre-X-File
Spoilers - None
Keywords - MSR
Feedback - Please

Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunman and
Skinner all belong to
Chris Carter, 10-13 and Fox. No infringement intended.



 
She was so glad to get out of that house. She felt surrounded and smothered 
there. It wasn't at all like home, so many kids. But that's why she was here. 
Aunt Cindy wasn't well, so she was here to help out with the kids. It was just 
for the summer, she could handle it. Mom was right, she probably would do a 
better job than Melissa, she was more practical, and Melissa did have that 
paying job to help with school costs.

It just wasn't the way she'd planned to spend her summer. Three kids under five 
years old, all day, every day. No wonder Aunt Cindy wasn't well. At least they 
fell asleep early, if she could wear them out every day, then she could bathe 
them and get them to bed by eight and have a little time to herself.

She sat on the swing, barely moving it with her foot. Okay, she was feeling 
sorry for herself, but she was homesick and Aunt Cindy wasn't anything like Mom. 
Too bad she'd always taken Mom for granted, she was actually fairly cool for a 
mom. Mom had lived through three kids under five, and four kids under seven if 
you got technical. Oh please don't let Aunt Cindy get pregnant again! Well, it 
wouldn't be her problem. Just for the summer, then home and back to school. 

"Whoa, a redhead."

She looked up startled. She hadn't been aware of how dark it was getting; she 
shouldn't be here alone. There were four of them that she could see. What the 
hell had she been thinking, hanging around the park this late? Don't panic, 
Dana. Think!

A quick look behind her showed that the boys were all in front of her, she 
didn't dare let them surround her. She rose from the swing, poised to run. They 
were closer; her heart was going to jump out of her chest. One of them was 
trying to get around her, she turned slightly.

The leader came even closer, reaching out to touch her hair where it was 
escaping the rubber band. She would not cry.

"Leave me alone." She drew herself up to her full 5 feet. Fighting with Bill and 
Charlie should have taught her something. She'd defend herself as best she 
could.

"Wild cat, huh?" His grip tightened in her hair.

"Leave her alone." The voice came from slightly behind her. Everyone froze. She 
was able to turn her head slightly. Only one boy, against four, but these guys 
seemed afraid. Who was this guy?

"Hey, Fox. We weren't going to hurt her. She don't look like no alien to us." A 
couple of the boys chuckled. The tall boy stood there, no smile crossing his 
face.

"Let go of her." Her hair came free and she stepped back away from the boy that 
had been holding her.

"Come on, guys, let the alien bounty hunter have her." The four of them slunk 
off, the leader having saved face with his last comment.

Dana turned and ran toward her aunt's house. "Wait!" She heard him and stumbled, 
grabbing at the slide to keep on her feet. She pressed her back against the 
ladder and watched him approach.

He slowed to a walk and approached her cautiously, stopping well back from her, 
his hands out from his side to show her he was no threat. "Are you okay? Did 
they hurt you?"

She shook her head, not trusting her voice.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm fine." It wasn't true; she could hear her voice shake. Her hands were 
shaking too.

"This isn't a good place to be after dark."

"I didn't realize how dark it was. I was thinking. . . " That was stupid. He 
didn't care and she knew she sounded defensive.

"You're new in town." It wasn't a question.

"I'm visiting with my aunt and uncle for the summer. The Richardson's, over on 
Poplar."

"Why don't I walk you home, just in case they come back?"

She hesitated; she didn't know him, not even his name. It was as though he could 
read her mind. He stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets and took yet another 
step back. "I'm Fox, Fox Mulder."

"Dana Scully."

"I better get you home. It's getting dark fast." She nodded and let go of the 
slide. He stepped beside her, leaving plenty of space between them.

She was nervous, she didn't date yet and while she was used to talking with her 
brothers, she hadn't spent much time alone with older guys. Especially guys as 
good looking as this one.

"Have you lived here long?"

"My whole life."

"That would be great. I mean living in one place. My Dad's in the Navy so we 
move all the time."

"It's not really that great. Everyone knows you and your business."

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that." She was quiet then, he had sounded so sad she 
didn't know what to say. "Are. . . are you in school here?"

"I graduated in May. I'll be leaving for university at the end of summer."

"Wow, where are you going?"

"Oxford."

"Oxford? Like England?" God, she sounded so young, she was embarrassing herself. 
Why couldn't she be cool like Melissa?

A slight grin appeared on his face. "Yeah, the one in England. I guess I'm 
looking forward to it. Leaving here, a whole new start." He clammed up 
immediately, like he'd revealed too much.

Silence took over again, but not an awkward silence. It was as though he was 
used to the quiet and seemed to enjoy just walking beside her. She wished again 
for more experience. Was she making a fool of herself?

Too quickly she could see the house. Three houses away he stopped. "Look, you're 
okay. I wouldn't mention this to your aunt. It would only upset her."

"That's probably a good idea. Would you like to come in, meet Aunt Cindy and..."

"No, that's okay. I wouldn't mention that I walked you home either. Well, have a 
good summer, Dana." There was a strange note to his voice. She should keep this 
encounter a secret? Well, if she wasn't going to see him again. . . 

She tried to keep her disappointment from her face and voice. "You too. And 
thanks again for everything."

"I don't think those guys would really have bothered you, but I'm glad I was 
there."

"Me too." She didn't realize how softly she'd said it. He looked startled for a 
second, then motioned for her to go on.

"I'll wait here until you get inside."

"Okay. Maybe I'll see you around?" He nodded and she turned and headed for the 
door, mentally kicking herself. If he had wanted to see her around, he would 
have said something. She turned just before opening the door and waved. He 
returned the wave and headed back down the sidewalk the way they had come.

"Dana! I was getting worried."

"I'm sorry Aunt Cindy. I didn't realize how dark it was getting. But I was fine, 
I'll keep a closer eye in the future."

"Well, I'm just glad you're okay."

"She's fine, Cindy, you heard her. After she meets some people her own age, she 
won't have to worry about being out alone." Cindy shot her husband an angry 
look; Dana wasn't old enough to date in her mind, only fifteen. She didn't need 
to be hanging out with people her own age.

Dana decided to retreat to her room. Fox had been right, it was a good thing 
she'd kept her mouth closed.

*****

The pool could have been fun. There were a lot of kids her age here, but she had 
to keep an eye on the little kids. This was going to be a long summer.

"Dana, that man's looking at you." Jennifer pulled at Dana's arm.

"What? Where?" She turned and spotted Fox standing at the side of the pool, and 
smiled. He'd obviously been swimming laps. She glanced down at the tiny racing 
suit he was wearing and wondered at the knot that suddenly appeared in her 
stomach. She refused to let the smile waver and he was coming over! It was like 
he was drawn to her and now he had a small smile on his face.

"Hi." She realized she was feeling shy, not at all her normal self. What was it 
about him?

Jennifer was now hiding behind her but Tim was pulling on her leg. "Who? Who?"

"Fox, I'd like you to meet my cousins. This is Jennifer, she's five and these 
are the twins, Tim and Kim, they're almost three."

"Pleased to meet you." He solemnly held out his hand to shake Jennifer's, then 
Tim's and finally Kim's hands. Jennifer blushed and giggled, but the twins were 
fascinated that this man had spoken to them. He sat down on his towel with them 
and let the twins climb on him for awhile until they got bored and decided to go 
back into the kiddie pool.

"Thanks. I think I'm getting boring."

"No problem. That's a lot of kids to be watching. You like kids a lot?"

"Not as much as I used to." She admitted ruefully and he smiled again. He had a 
beautiful smile, but most of the time she'd seen him he looked kind of sad.

"You're getting some sun." He pointed to her nose.

"Damn. If you ever see a redhead with a tan, just know the hair came from a 
bottle." She reached for the sunscreen again. It was better when she watched the 
kids as they talked, some of the red in her face was from that bathing suit and 
she knew it, she just hoped he didn't.

"Uh, Dana? I think Kim needs you." She looked over to see Kim holding herself, 
almost jumping up and down.

"Oh great." She muttered, "Kim, do you need to go potty?" Kim nodded 
enthusiastically. Dana looked at the other kids, she'd need to round them up and 
take them along.

"I'll be here. I can keep an eye on the other two, if you want."

"Oh that would be great. I haven't figured out all the logistics of this job 
yet."

"You better hurry." She nodded and took Kim's hand, hurrying her toward the 
bathhouse. 

They made it in time and she redressed the little girl. Coming out of the 
bathhouse she was struck by the fact that so many people were watching Fox and 
the kids. Had anything happened? All the mothers had their eye on him. She 
hurried over; "Did they give you any trouble?"

"No, they were fine."

He had to have noticed the looks he was getting. What was going on? She wasn't 
comfortable asking, so she decided to shrug it off. The kids were fine and Kim 
hadn't wet her pants, break it down to the essentials Dana.

He was standing, gathering his towel. "Guess I better be going." She felt a stab 
of disappointment, which she quickly dismissed. He was older; he wouldn't be 
interested in her. He was just being friendly.

"It was good seeing you again. Maybe we'll run into each other here again."
"Yeah, I swim Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays here." He seemed reluctant to 
leave, maybe. . . forget it Dana, you're not Melissa.

"Sounds like a good schedule. We're going to the library tomorrow morning. They 
have the storyteller every Wednesday morning."

He smiled with just that hint of sadness. "Well, have fun. Bye guys, hope I see 
you here again." Jenny dipped her head, but Tim waved and at the last minute Kim 
ran over and hugged his legs. He looked stunned, but managed to put his hand on 
her head. "Thanks, Sweetie. See you later."

He turned then and was gone. Why had the baby's hug undone him so? What was the 
story here? There had to be one.

*****

She had everyone settled at the library. Even Tim was paying attention, at least 
for the moment. He did like being read to, but he liked running around even more 
if it took too long. Dana took a seat at the little yellow table behind the 
crowd and to the side. They could see her if they needed her and she could let 
her thoughts drift a little.

"Hi."

She looked up and up to see Fox standing beside her. She felt an instantaneous 
surge of pure pleasure. He had come to see her. The pool was just a coincidence, 
they'd run into each other by accident. But he had known she was coming here and 
when. He had come to see her.

"Hi. I'd offer you a seat, but I don't think you could fit into it."

He smiled, "I think you're right. Do you have to stay right here?"

"No, just in the library."

"Think we could sit in some adult chairs, while we're waiting for them?"

"Yeah, I think that's possible." She got Jenny's attention and motioned that she 
would be at another table. Jenny nodded, smiled shyly at Fox and turned back to 
the story.

"A big fan of Beatrice Potter?"

"Me? I can take her or leave her." She grinned

"What do you like to read?"

"Mostly biographies, but lately I found some thrillers that were kind of good."

"Whose?"

"Robin Cook, I like his medical thrillers and his research. Haven't read many 
others."

"Any science fiction?"

"Never tried any, you like it?"

"Yeah, I bet you could get into the Foundation Trilogy by Asimov. It's a 
classic." She smiled again, she couldn't help it when she was with him and he 
was excited about this. She would be reading Asimov before the day was over.
He was easy to talk to, and he really seemed interested in talking to her and 
listening to her as well. She decided not to care that he was older and could be 
with friends his own age, just to enjoy his company which was wonderful.
She couldn't believe it when the kids ran up to them. Had it really been an 
hour? It felt like just minutes since they'd sat down.

"Park, Dana! Park!" Tim had hold of her leg.

"Guess where I promised we'd go after story time."

Fox smiled at the kids jumping around them now. "Could you use any help?"

"I'd love some, if you're not busy." He rose and only hesitated a moment when 
Kim raised her arms to be lifted by him. They piled the kids in the stroller, 
got Jenny on her bike with the training wheels and headed for the park. 

For the first time since she'd arrived, Dana hated to take the kids home for 
their nap, but it was obvious they needed one. They had played their hardest and 
were already drooping and hadn't even had lunch.

*****

It had become almost habit for Fox to show up wherever she and the kids were 
playing each morning, the pool, the library, or the park. The kids had become 
used to his presence and enjoyed playing with him and of course Dana was more 
than thrilled that this man was interested in her.

She saw Fox wince as Tim climbed up on him. "Are you okay?" She sent the kids 
over to the sandbox to play.

"Yeah, I'm fine." He wouldn't look her in the eye.

"Fox, what happened? Did you hurt yourself?" He wasn't fine, and he was leaving 
his shirt on. He never did that when they were outside.

"I fell."

"Let me see." She reached for his t-shirt, and he caught her hand. She blushed 
as she realized what she was doing. She couldn't treat him like one of the kids 
and she certainly had no business trying to take his shirt off. He was watching 
her, following her thought processes exactly.

He exhaled and tugged his shirt off. She gasped. He'd obviously been beaten. She 
couldn't stop herself from reaching out. He backed away. "It's okay, Dana."

"Tell me what happened! Oh please, it wasn't those guys from the other night?"

"No. Those guys are cowards, don't worry. . . " He saw her eyes and closed his 
own. He finally took a deep breath. "My Dad got a little too drunk last night."

"Oh Fox." She reached out again. This time he didn't draw away. "Does this 
happen often?"

"Not as often as it used to. I think he's afraid I can take him now." Still that 
hint of defeat in his voice, he didn't think he could.

"Did you?" This was so far outside of her experience. Her father had never hit 
her, not even the boys. Their punishments were so trivial compared to this.

"What's the point? I'll be leaving in a few weeks and we'll be out of each 
other's hair, probably forever. I'm just ready to go, I don't need an assault 
charge on my record."

She wanted to say she was sorry, but he didn't want to hear that. "I'm really 
glad you came here today."

"Me too." He slipped his t-shirt back on and rose. He held out his hand to help 
her to her feet. She didn't let go when she was up, holding his hand as they 
walked over to the kids.

*****

"Dana, I have some questions for you." Cindy stood over her; the kids had left 
the table. Well now she'd find out why Cindy had been so pissed off all evening. 
"Is it true that you have been spending time with Fox Mulder?"

Dana glanced over at Uncle Charlie. He was surprised too, but seemed more 
annoyed at Cindy than her.

"Well, yes. I mean we've run into him at the pool and the library. He went with 
us to the park." She wasn't about to mention that first meeting. "The kids 
really enjoy playing with him, and he's real good. . . "

"You've let the kids be around him?!" Her voice had risen at least an octave. 

"Charles!"

"Now calm down, Cindy. The kids are fine; Dana's obviously been very good with 
them.

"I don't want that boy around my children."

Dana looked over at Charlie, her brow furrowed. What was Aunt Cindy so upset 
about? Charlie looked at her sympathetically. "Dana. . . " He began.

"You will not have anything to do with that boy, Dana! I don't want him around 
you or the children. Do you hear me?"

"But why!" Dana finally found her voice. "What do you think he's done?"

"He murdered his sister! They never even found the body!"

Dana gasped and turned to Charlie. It couldn't be true. That's why everyone had 
been staring at him at the pool. Oh god, and she'd put him in that position by 
helping her out.

"Cindy! Get a grip. He was never charged, no one knows what happened to that 
little girl."

"Everyone says. . . "

"Everyone doesn't know. There was no evidence. . . "

"His fingerprints were on his father's gun!"

"Which hadn't been fired. Enough Cindy! Drop this." He caught sight of Dana's 
strained face. Cindy shoved back her chair and stalked from the room.

"Uncle Charlie, please. Fox has never done anything. . . Did they investigate 
his father? I mean he beats Fox, maybe he. . . "

"How did you hear about that?" He hadn't been aware there was actual physical 
abuse. It made him ache inside for this boy he had never given much thought to 
previously.

"I saw what he did to Fox. And Fox didn't fight back, he just took it. He 
wouldn't hurt anyone."

"Let me talk to your aunt. Don't make any changes yet. You're doing a great job 
with the kids. Cindy's just nervous." Dana was really getting tired of that 
excuse.

After she had cleaned the kitchen, since Cindy had not returned, Dana went out 
to the backyard and sat at the picnic table. The moon was only a sliver tonight 
and the stars were out, but she really didn't see them. Why would anyone think 
such things about Fox? He was the most sensitive, intelligent man she had ever 
met. There was no way he could have done anything to harm his sister. These 
people hadn't seen him with the kids, hadn't seen him put himself in possible 
danger to protect her when he didn't even know her.

She didn't hear him approach, but felt his presence as he stood watching her.
"Dana are you okay?" She looked over and saw him, worried about her without even 
knowing why. She stood and they walked over to the sandbox, at the far end of 
the yard, near the fence. In the growing darkness they couldn't be seen.

"I'm fine, I. . . Aunt Cindy found out I've been seeing you, and. . . " She 
watched Fox's expression go carefully passive. No hurt would show through that 
face.

"Fox, talk to me. Please tell me what happened to your sister."

He rose abruptly and she scrambled to her feet, her hand on his arm. "Please 
don't go. I want to help."

"She's not going to let you spend any time with me, so it doesn't matter."

"It matters to me. And I will see you. Uncle Charlie is working on her for me. 
Please Fox."

He slumped back down on the grass. "I don't know what happened to my sister. I 
just don't know."

"Tell me what you do know. Let me help."

"No one can help. It's why I'm so anxious to leave this place. Go where no one 
knows me. No one thinks I killed. . . "

"Fox." She took his hand, "I know you didn't hurt your sister."

"How could you know, I don't even know."

"You couldn't. You just couldn't. Talk to me."

"She was my responsibility. I was in charge that night. Our parents were next 
door at the neighbors. The power went out and she screamed. I woke up in the 
hospital two weeks later."

"Hospital? Were you hurt?"

"I don't know. The doctors said whatever happened was so horrible I blocked it 
out. Nobody's going to change your aunt's mind about me. You shouldn't even be 
out here."

"I wouldn't be for anyone else."

He didn't have an answer for that; he couldn't even form a response.

"How long ago was this?"

"Six years."

"And you can't remember anything?"

"Sometimes, at night, I dream about it. There's something there, but it doesn't 
seem human and I see her floating, but I can't move. I wake up with my heart 
pounding, covered in sweat. I don't know if I still cry out. No one comes if I 
do."

"I would." He'd been looking at the ground during his recitation, now he looked 
up at her startled. "I'd come, if you needed me." She had her hand on his arm.

"I know you would." He whispered it. He was staring into her eyes; the intensity 
was almost frightening – would have been with anyone else. He made himself look 
away. "I better get home." He rose and pulled her up beside him. "Thank you, 
Dana. No one's listened to me for a long time." He leaned down and brushed a 
quick kiss across her lips. "Let me know if you want to see me."

She nodded mutely. Her first kiss, and it had been perfect. Absolutely perfect.

*****

Uncle Charlie had gone to bat for her and mowed down Aunt Cindy's objections to 
her seeing Fox. She had not taken it well, and treated Dana with even more 
distrust than she had before. This continued to puzzle Dana, why would a woman 
who felt that way about her want her watching her children? But Cindy took less 
and less time with the kids every day, declaring her nerves were on edge and she 
needed the quiet.

Dana found herself actually relieved when Uncle Charlie took her aside and told 
her that Cindy would be "going away" for a few days to rest and get herself 
together. Euphemisms Dana recognized immediately for what they were – Aunt Cindy 
needed the rest cure again. Leaving, of course, Uncle Charlie and now her, to 
handle everything until her nerves were better.

*****


Kid Stuff - Part 2 (G)
 
She barely heard the doorbell over the crash of thunder. She hurried to the 
door. Who would be out in this? Had Uncle Charlie forgotten his key?

"Fox! Get inside." She pulled him in and together they shoved the door closed. 
"What are you doing out in this weather?"

"It's going to be a bad storm, and you said your uncle would be late tonight."

"Yeah, he's gone to settle Aunt Cindy at the hospital. You didn't walk did you?" 
She looked out the window.

"No, I parked a few houses down. You don't want the neighbors to know I'm here 
when your aunt and uncle are gone."

He was right, but she hated it for him. She'd thought living on base was 
confining. Thunder crashed again and all three kids raced into the foyer, scared 
and crying.

"It's okay, guys. Look who came to look after us."

"Mudder!" Tim launched himself at him. Fox bent down and all three of them were 
in his arms.

"Why don't we go into the den, it'll be more comfortable." Dana reached for 
Jenny's hand and the lights went out. The kids, amazingly, went silent. "Fox?" 

Oh god, what was this doing to him? He'd come to help her and now he was thrown 
into his own personal nightmare. She put her hand on his arm, more concerned for 
him than the kids. "Fox, take the twins.' She lifted Kim into his arms. She had 
to get him to focus on now, to move. "There are candles in the kitchen. Come 
on."

He was stiff, but he was moving, the twins in his arms with their arms around 
his neck. Dana held tightly to Jenny, enlisting her aid, making her feel like 
one of the adults.

It worked, Jenny calmed down and helped Dana locate the candles and matches. 
Then they all moved to the den. Fox was less drawn, moving more smoothly.

"Hey, you guys want to sleep on the couch tonight?"

"Yeah!" A chorus of delight rose, almost drowning out the sound of the storm 
outside.

"I'll go get your blankets, you stay here with Fox." She looked over to see if 
he was okay with that. He nodded and joined the kids on the couch, allowing them 
to crowd around him. Dana took a candle and hurriedly gathered up blankets, 
pillows and favorite sleep animals.

Scully joined the crowd on the couch and everyone scrunched down to listen to 
Dana tell Goldie Locks and the Three Bears one more time. The lightening hadn't 
slowed down, but the thunder seemed less fearsome now that they were settled 
together.

Kim was already drifting off, draped across Fox's lap, with Jenny not far 
behind. Tim fought it for another ten minutes or so, then all three were snoring 
little baby snores.

Fox lifted them into more comfortable positions, then pulled Dana to her feet.

"Are you okay, Fox?"

"Great hero I am. I come over to check on you and the kids, and you end up 
taking care of me."

"Hardly. You were great with the kids, I'm so glad you were here. They calmed 
down right away and look how secure they felt. We all felt better with you here, 
especially me."

He squeezed her hand and led her to the smaller sofa. "Won't your parents be 
worried about you out in this?"

"They probably won't notice. Mom was in her valium daze and Dad was on his third 
scotch. It was probably better to get out." Dana said nothing, he didn't want 
sympathy, he was just stating facts.

An especially loud crash of thunder sounded overhead and Dana moved a little 
closer to him. The kids murmured but didn't wake. He put his arm around her and 
it felt so natural. At his urging she began telling him about her family and the 
different places they had lived. He never got tired of that. He'd made a vow 
never to return to this place anyway.

They both jumped at the next crash. "Oh Fox, did that hit the house?"

"I don't think so, stay here with the kids. I'll be right back."

"Be careful." She whispered after him. He was back in no time. 

"Two doors down, they lost that big tree in the front. I still think this is the 
best room to be in. We've got the kids right here where we can grab them if we 
need to. Just sit back down and talk to me."

She cuddled in next to him and they continued to talk, until she felt him moving 
closer to her face. His lips brushed her hair and suddenly she couldn't think of 
anything to say. She trusted him and didn't want him to stop, but she didn't 
know what to say or do.

"Dana?" She smiled at him and realized her arms had gone around his waist. When 
did she do that? "Can I kiss you?" She gave a little nod, almost imperceptible, 
and he kissed her lips gently, then a little more firmly when he realized she 
was responding.

"Have you ever kissed anyone before?" She shook her head, still not trusting her 
voice. "You're a quick study." She blushed and looked down. His finger on her 
chin caused her to look into his eyes again.

"I don't think I can stay here after you leave. I can't believe how close I feel 
to you, I haven't. . . I haven't had someone in my life that I care about for so 
long." He glanced over at the kids and she realized she could read his face as 
though it were an open book. He wanted this, a family of his own, a place he 
belonged with no questions, and her. He wanted her to be part of that. For the 
first time she felt anger at her youth. Was this what Missy kept railing about, 
being too young all the time?

He stood suddenly and turned away from her. "Maybe I ought to be leaving, the 
storm's letting up a little."

"I don't want you to go." Her knowledge of her own brothers came to mind and she 
blushed, but he had his back to her and couldn't see anyway. "I. . . I really do 
want you to stay."

"Why don't you go over and be with the kids."

She had risen from the sofa and stood just behind him. He startled when she put 
her hand on his arm. "It's okay Fox, I trust you." Now he was blushing, she 
smiled softly. "Just sit here with me. It's okay."

He allowed her to lead him back to the sofa and they sat, not talking, just 
listening to the storm and being together. He realized shortly that she had 
fallen asleep against him. He waited until he was sure she was fully asleep, 
then picked her up and carried her to the larger couch with the kids. He then 
retreated back to his own seat and sat there watching her. What was he doing? 
She was only fifteen, but she seemed much older, older than him sometimes.

*****

Charlie wiped his feet and tried the light switch as he entered the front door. 
Power was still out; it had been a hell of a storm. He glanced into the family 
room as he took off his coat and smiled. Dana was on the couch, almost 
completely covered by kids. They must have slept there; a movement on the other 
side of the room caught his eye. Fox Mulder, asleep in the chair. Charlie's eyes 
immediately returned to Dana, she was fully clothed except for her shoes, as was 
he. He relaxed again, Fox had stayed over because of the weather. Nothing had 
happened.

Fox woke to see Charlie standing in the doorway. He sprang to his feet. "Sir, I 
was here because of the storm. The kids were scared and. . . "

Dana was awake now and watching them, not moving. How had she gotten to the 
couch? Hadn't she been. . . oh. She didn't want the kids to wake up for this.

"I know that Fox." He stepped toward the young man and put out his hand. "Thanks 
for looking after Dana and the kids."

Fox couldn't quite hide the flinch, but held out his own hand and shook 
Charlie's. Dana's eyes misted over. He'd been expecting a fist, had been 
reconciled to it. She wanted to throw her arms around Uncle Charlie and thank 
him for understanding the situation. She would do that later, when Fox wasn't 
watching.

Tim woke and seeing his Dad jumped up and ran over. "Mudder's here! He lookted 
after us."

"Yes and he did a good job, didn't he." Tim nodded enthusiastically. Charlie 
turned to Fox, "What did he call you?"

"His version of Mulder. I don't really like Fox, so I was teaching him to call 
me just Mulder."

Charlie nodded, and put Tim back down. "Why don't you wake up your sisters and 
we'll all go get some donuts. With the power out that's about the best we can 
do. Okay?"

"I better be getting home." Fox moved toward the door.

"I was including you in the donuts. Just a thank you." Fox's mouth opened 
slightly and Dana had to turn away from the surprise in his eyes. Otherwise she 
would have cried. Uncle Charlie was being so great, just like Mom.

To cover the moment, Charlie walked over to Dana. "Sorry I couldn't get home 
last night. The roads were impassable and the phones are out. Was everything 
okay?"

"Yes. Everything was fine. Fox was here when the lights went out, so the kids 
weren't scared. They were asleep when the tree fell, so they missed that."

"It was some storm. I hope Cindy doesn't hear about it, since I can't call and 
reassure her." He seemed to lose some height, just talking about her. "Well, 
let's get a move on." 

Dana shooed the kids upstairs and Charlie turned to Fox. "I'll deny I ever said 
this, but I hope you find someone just like Dana when you're old enough."

Fox's eyes widened, how did he know? Was he that transparent? Charlie only 
smiled, patted him on the shoulder and went to change. Fox sunk back down on the 
sofa.

Someone just like Dana. No, Dana herself. He was crazy; she was fifteen years 
old and hadn't even dated yet. That sent a tightening through his stomach. He 
would be out of the country and Dana would be growing up, meeting guys, dating, 
falling in love. He shook his head. Penpals, oh god. Would she even write to 
him, maybe at first, but then she'd meet someone. He had his head down, 
contemplating the worst and didn't hear her come back.

"Fox?" She put her hand on his head, smoothing down his hair. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

"No you're not. Did Uncle Charlie say anything. . . ?"

"Your Uncle's great. No." He looked up at her standing so close to him and stood 
to be even closer to her, "I was just thinking about when I'm in England and 
you're here in the States."

"Fox, you will write to me, won't you? Tell me everything you're doing and who 
you're meeting. Even the beautiful women."

That startled him, she was worried about women he might meet? That finally 
caused a small smile on his face. "Are you going to tell me about all the guys 
you're dating?"

"If it ever happens, I guess. If they don't see Melissa first when they come 
over."

"If you're really worried about that, you're crazy." His eyes weren't smiling, 
he was totally serious. She could hear her Uncle Charlie coming down the steps, 
so she hurriedly brushed a kiss across his lips.

"Thanks." She dropped back down flatfooted and went to find the kids. His 
fingers went to his lips, as though to hold the kiss closer to him.

Her last few days flew by. Fox spent all of his time at the house with her and 
the kids. Cindy's mother would be coming in for a few days to watch the kids 
until school started, and Dana wanted to make sure the house was perfect so that 
neither Cindy nor her mother could find fault with how she was running the 
place. She would find Fox standing off to the side, watching her and smiling, 
occasionally saluting before heading for his assigned task. Uncle Charlie had 
made sure that the neighbors had seen Fox there, eating with the family and 
playing in the backyard with the kids. He even invited a few friends over for a 
barbecue as a going away party for Dana and made sure they knew Fox Mulder was a 
friend of his.

Fox was totally overwhelmed at this and Dana had to keep an eye on him to make 
sure he mingled and enjoyed himself. She turned to get Tim another handful of 
carrots when she saw her.

"Mom!" Dana ran across the lawn toward a woman that was obviously a female 
version of Charles, and quite a bit more attractive. "What are you doing here?" 
They were hugging each other like, well, like they hadn't seen each other all 
summer. What would it be like to have a mother like that?

Dana was pulling her across the yard toward him. What should he say to her? 
These other people didn't matter, but Mrs. Scully. . .

"So you're Fox Mulder. I'm so pleased to finally meet you. Dana has told me so 
many good things about you."

Fox was struck dumb. She'd told her mother about him? No one had ever. . . god, 
where was his voice? "Mrs., uh Mrs. Scully." 

She was smiling at him, then she brushed a kiss across his cheek. "We'll talk 
later." And was gone to find her brother and check on her nieces and nephew.
"You okay?" Dana took his hand.

"Smooth, aren't I? I didn't know she was coming."

"I didn't either. It's so good to see her. I guess she came to get me, so I 
won't have to ride home alone on the bus."

He stiffened, "You won't be leaving earlier, will you?"

"No, someone has to be with the kids. I'm sure she's talked all this out with 
Uncle Charlie. Don't worry, Fox. I won't leave until they drag me off."

"Dessert everyone, come on over!" Charlie called across the yard. Everyone 
headed back to the patio, where he let Jenny carry out a cake, decorated with 
the words, "Thanks Dana!"

"Oh it's beautiful guys! But I should be thanking you. It was my best summer 
ever." She turned and caught Fox's eye. Her mother watched the communication, 
though unspoken, between them. So it was like that. Dana was so young. Well they 
couldn't be together right now anyway. If it were as real as it looked, they'd 
find each other again. She'd only been a year older than Dana was now when she 
met Bill, and that was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

"We have another dessert, before we cut into this one." Mrs. Scully called out, 
helping the twins carry out the second cake, which said, "Congratulations Fox – 
Look Out Oxford!"

Fox thought his knees were going to give out on him. No one had ever done 
anything like this for him. He hadn't even had a birthday cake since. . . then 
Dana had her arms around him, hugging him. "Its okay, Fox. We just wanted to 
show you how special you are." She whispered in his ear, knowing she was half 
supporting him.

"Go with me, Dana." He whispered back, knowing it was an impossibility, but 
needing her to know how he felt.

"I want to, Fox. But I will be here when you get back. Come on, cut your cake. 
These people want to congratulate you."

He reluctantly stepped back from her and allowed the other people at the party 
to approach them. He tried to quell the thought that these people had known him 
forever and never treated him like this before. They never would have if not for 
Dana. She was everything to him. Exactly how long would it take him to get his 
degree and come home to her? She'd be 18 in three years, would she be old enough 
then? Would they be old enough to be together forever then? She should go to 
school, but he'd manage that. Slow down Fox, her mother's watching you. Don't 
let her get the wrong idea. He wasn't after Dana like that. He just wanted to be 
with her, forever.

He stayed late to help clean up and somehow found himself alone in the kitchen 
with Mrs. Scully while Dana put the kids to bed. He didn't even feel 
manipulated. She was as easy to talk with as Dana. He found himself talking to 
her, really talking. He even answered questions about his parents. If she still 
thought Dana was too young when he got back, maybe she'd adopt him. He had to 
smile at that thought. Mrs. Scully watched him. That was the first time she'd 
seen the sadness leave his eyes when Dana wasn't in the room.

She liked this boy instinctively. It wasn't just her trust of Dana's judgment, 
though that helped. They both turned as Dana entered the kitchen. She was 
looking at them, trying to decide if Fox was okay.

"Don't worry, Dana. I didn't dissect him. See? Whole and intact."

Dana blushed. Okay, she was a little overprotective of him, she admitted it. Fox 
watched the by-play with amusement. They really enjoyed each other. They were 
friends. That was so wild. The only negative thing about Mrs. Scully was that 
she had come to take her away. A cloud settled over him at the thought.

"Well, I guess I better be getting home." It was the last thing he wanted to do, 
but he had to leave sometime. Even sleeping on the couch wouldn't be appreciated 
now. Besides he needed to begin his own packing, he'd spent so much time here 
getting everything ready for the kid's grandmother, he'd let his own stuff 
slide. He was leaving and it would be okay, she was too.

Mrs. Scully said nothing as Dana walked him to the car and was gone for several 
minutes. She trusted her girls and now she knew she could trust Fox as well. Not 
that she minded that he would be out of the country for a few years, but. . . 

*****

"You brought her back? Aw, Mom, we thought we were rid of her for good." Bill, 
Jr. punched her arm, but Charlie tossed his arm over her other shoulder and 
swung her out of their older brother's way. 

"When'd you get taller than me?" Dana looked up at her "little" brother. "This 
is getting ridiculous!"

Her father waded through the assorted family and took Dana into a bear hug. "You 
were gone too long Starbuck. Nobody gets you next summer, understand?"

"Aye aye, Ahab."

"Was it too much for you?"

"No. It wasn't too much." Her father saw her eyes mist over and glanced at his 
wife. She shook her head and he knew she'd bring him up to date later.

"Hey, Dana. You got a letter today from Massachusetts. Have you got a 
boyfriend?" Melissa dangled the letter just out of reach.

Dana lunged for her and grabbed the letter. No return address, just the initials 
FWM in the corner. Without a word to anyone she left the kitchen and headed for 
her room. Mrs. Scully's look forbade anyone to follow her.

She fell on her bed and opened the letter with trembling hands. 

"Dana, You haven't even left yet and I already miss you so much I can't stand 
it. You've become part of me and the thought of not being able to see you and 
only being able to talk through letters is truly painful to me.

"Until you, I had written off the entire human race. I couldn't tell you this to 
your face, but that night in the park you only think I saved you. What you don't 
know is that you saved me. I'd gone there to kill myself that night. My father's 
gun was in my pocket the whole time – the one everyone thought I used on 
Samantha. I had decided that Oxford would be no better than here, and that my 
past would follow me there. I admit I had some help reaching that conclusion. My 
father was drinking that night too. 

"But you were there and you needed me. There's no one else in the whole town 
that would have needed me. You were meant to be there that night, to save me. 
After talking with you, walking you to your uncle's house, it just wasn't as 
dark as it had been. When I got home, Dad had passed out, so there was no more 
abuse from him and I was able to slip the gun back into its hiding place without 
anyone ever knowing.

"No one did until this minute. In some cultures you would own part of me. You 
should know that you do, and anything I accomplish from now on is yours. I just 
hope that when I finally get back to you, you'll still want it and me.

"I moved my reservations up, I can't stay here without you. I'll be leaving the 
day after you do, so I'll probably be in England when you get this letter. I'll 
send you my address as soon as I get in a dorm. Going early I may mess up their 
plans, but I don't really care.

"Think about me Dana, like I'm thinking about you right now. I'll pester your 
uncle until he gets the film developed from your party and have that with me 
always. Please tell me everything you're doing, what's happening with your 
family, everything. I'll pretend that they're my family too and people at school 
won't think I'm so very odd to not have anyone who cares about me back home.

"If I don't stop now, I might never stop. I love you, Dana, and I miss you."
Fox

She didn't hear her mother tap on her door a little while later, so she wasn't 
aware of her presence at first. Then she was in her mother's arms, being 
comforted as he never had been. That made her cry all the harder while Mrs. 
Scully rocked her and murmured to her comforting words that could provide no 
comfort. Only time could bring them together again, if it was meant to be.

Kid Stuff - Reunion

She stopped just inside of the pub door, to let her eyes
adjust and to look around for him.  This was the place his
neighbor had told her to check.  Everyone in the pub
noticed her presence though she didn't seem to realize.

Her eyes found him and her whole body seemed to light
up at the very sight.  Every man in the place knew he
didn't have a chance with her.  More than one man
looked to see who had caused this reaction in her.

He, however, just sat there unmoving, seemingly miles or
years away.  It wasn't until she took a step toward him
that he shook as though waking.  He was on his feet
instantly and met her in two strides.  "Dana?"

If anything her smile grew brighter and his hand came up
to touch her shoulders and then caress her face.  "Is it
really you?"

"It's been a long time."

He seemed to remember where they were suddenly and
guided her to his small table in the back.  He closed the
books he had been using and sat gazing at her as
though she still might go up in smoke.

"Mulder, you're staring."  She glanced around and
several men turned away, chagrined at having been
caught by her.

He shook himself again and placed his hand over hers
on the table.  "What are you doing here?"

"It's a gift from my parents before starting college.  My
brother Bill is stationed here, so when they came to visit,
they brought me along."

"Your mother's here too?"  She nodded.  "I'd like to see
her."   He fell silent then, just watching her again.  A
blush took over her face.

"Dana, why didn't you ever answer my letters?  I thought
.. . . I thought you'd forgotten about me."  He couldn't stop
himself from asking.  The question had been on his mind
for years.

Now her face grew puzzled.  "I wrote to you.  I wrote all
the time in the beginning, but when you didn't answer . . .
"

"You got none of my letters?"  His hand had tightened its
grip of hers.

"I got one.  It was waiting for me when I got home with
Mom.  When you told me . . . " Her own hand turned then
to grip his in return.

He looked down, then up again.  "You needed to know.
That's the only one?  I must have written you daily for a
while.  I kept thinking that . . . I don't know, that your
father had been transferred or something and eventually
the mail would catch up with you.  Then I . . . "

"Did you ever get any of my letters?"  He shook his head,
unwilling to look away from her.  He'd dreamed about this
for years.

Neither saw the dark haired woman enter the pub and
spot them.  It was obvious to her that neither would have
noticed the end of the world if it had happened around
them right then.

She'd come to cancel their date again tonight.  She knew
she was playing on thin ice, and that he was aggravated
with her for standing him up or canceling so often, but it
had worked.  At least she thought it had worked until two
minutes ago.

She would have put money on the fact that he wasn't
seeing anyone else, and that when she did decide to
allow him back into her bed all she would have to do was
snap her fingers.

But she'd never seen that expression on his face.  He
had never looked at her with such . . . such love.  She
turned abruptly and let herself out of the pub.  She
needed to get her act together.  No one ventured into her
territory like this - he was hers to play with and no one
else was allowed in her playground.

Her mind raced as she headed toward her flat.  She'd
cultivated him so well over the last few months.  She had
thought he was hooked tight.  She loved his type, dark,
brooding, inherently sad most of the time.  He hadn't
looked sad just now.  Who was the redheaded bitch?
She didn't remember seeing her on campus.

She let herself into her place, but was barely aware of
her surroundings.  She wasn't going to let either one of
them get away with this.  She began digging through her
lingerie drawer.

*****

"Dana, this isn't . . . would you go back to my room.  It'll
be all right, I mean - "

"It's okay Mulder.  Let's go."

His smile returned to full wattage and she wasn't sure her
legs would support her.  He rose and took her hand.
That gave her the support she needed and she stood
beside him.  She felt his hand come to rest on the small
of her back.  It felt good there.

*****

She made sure they were in there.  She'd known
somehow that he would take her back to his room.  It
made her resolve all the firmer.  She took a deep breath
and exited the car, the small bag in her hand.

She stood at the door and withdrew the small piece of
lace from the bag, tossing the bag aside, then knocked.

It took a couple of minutes for him to come to the door.
When he opened it and saw her, she had the impression
he was going to slam the door in her face.  She didn't
give him the opportunity.

"Ph . . . Phoebe."

She turned so that her back was to the girl as though she
hadn't noticed her.  She held the tiny teddy in front of
her.  "What about this for tonight, Fox?  At least to begin
with."

He'd grown pale, but didn't answer her, looking instead
behind her.  She turned to see what he was looking at
and feigned surprise.  "Fox, I didn't know you had
company."  She didn't lower the lacy nothing she had
held up to her body, but let her eyes scan this girl now
that she had a closer view.  "I guess Fox isn't going to
introduce us.  I'm Phoebe Green."  She held out her
hand.

Dana rose from the small divan.  "Dana Scully."  They
shook hands quickly.

"A Yank.  Well, Luv, you should have told me you had a
little friend visiting.  We can't leave her all alone tonight.  I
bet Derrick's free."

Derrick?  Mulder didn't even know how to react to that
statement.  He wasn't going to let Derrick anywhere near
Dana.  He'd probably rape her on a first date.  Besides,
he couldn't go out with Phoebe tonight.

"No.  Uh, no.  Phoebe I'm sorry.  I . . . I need to cancel - "

"Mulder, no.  You shouldn't change your plans.  I should
have realized you'd be busy.  I need to get back anyway.
It was, it was really good seeing you."  Dana found her
voice finally.

His eyes widened in disbelief.  "Dana, I - "

She held up her hand.  "Really, its okay.  It was nice to
meet you Phoebe."  Phoebe nodded taking in the pain in
her eyes and reveling in it.  She didn't see his face
behind her.

"Dana -" She had moved to the door now.  He took a
step toward her but Phoebe moved, seemingly
innocently, blocking him.

Dana was out the door, moving as fast as she could
without actually breaking into a run.

"So, what time you 'coming' tonight Luv?"  Phoebe
pursed her lips at him and brushed her breasts against
him.

"Phoebe, just a minute."  He held her in place as he
moved around her, then sprinted after Dana.  He got to
the street in time to see the cab pull into traffic.  "Dana!"

He stood on the sidewalk too stunned to move.  No!
How the hell could he have let her get away?  He didn't
even know where she was staying!  He felt despair
closing in on him and had to force himself to move back
toward his place.

Phoebe was watching from the window and her fury at
his reaction to the little redhead's departure grew.  She
forced herself to calm down before he opened the door.

"The little Yank gone?  I don't remember you mentioning
her before."

"Phoebe, I . . . I need to cancel tonight."

"What?  Come on Luv, I'm hot for you.  We could - "

"Phoebe.  Not tonight.  Okay?"

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

"Nothing's going on.  I just . . . I need to get some work
done tonight.  I'm behind on my reading and . . . "

"Your reading?  Fox, you've never been behind in
anything since I met you."

"Look, I'm sorry.  Tonight's not a good night.  I need you
to leave."

"Leave?  You're throwing me out?"

He turned away from her, missing the look of outrage
that covered her face.  He'd pay for this.  No man treated
her this way.  He'd come crawling back to her and then
he'd pay.

"Fine.  You 'read' tonight."  She stopped herself from
saying more, she'd bide her time.  One last look at him
and she let herself out of the apartment.  Damn him, he
didn't even look over at her when she opened the door.

He hadn't looked because he hadn't realized she was
finally gone.  His mind was remembering, sorting,
recalling every word Dana had said.

Her parents had brought her here as a gift before she
started college.  They were with her.  Yes!  Her brother
was stationed here.  Her father was Navy, so it made
sense the brother was as well.  He lunged for the
phonebook.

An hour later he was ready to join a militia against the US
military.  Their sole purpose in life was to thwart his
search for her.  He'd been transferred and placed on
hold by every department.  Finally he slammed the
receiver down; they weren't going to talk to him anyway.

So now what?  Should he just head over to the base and
go door to door?  Hell, he would if he thought it would
help.  He left his flat and jogged to the bus stop.  He had
to find her.

*****

She got out of the cab after checking her makeup one
more time.  Hopefully no one would know that she'd been
crying.  She took a deep breath and headed toward her
hotel room.

She hadn't been there long when she heard the knock on
the connecting door.  "Dana?"

"Yeah Mom."  She moved to open the door.

"Where did you go?"

"Oh, I just wanted to look around a little."

"I realize you're 18 now, but I'm still allowed to worry."
She stopped and looked at her daughter more closely.
"Are you feeling all right?"

"It's just a little headache."

Her mother continued to watch her, so she turned away.
"Why don't you take a little nap?  There's time before
dinner."

She nodded, "Yes.  Maybe that will help."  She waited
until her mother had left the room, then sank down onto
the bed.  As she reclined the tears started again and she
buried her face in the pillow.

It had been almost an hour when her mother tapped on
the door.  "Dana?  Dana, are you awake?"

It took her a moment to respond.  She had fallen asleep
but she didn't feel rested.  "Mom?  I . . . I'm awake."

Her mother opened the door, "Honey, Bill should be here
in half an hour of so.  You better start getting ready."

"Mom, I . . . Okay."  She sat up and lowered her legs
over the side of the bed.  Her mother looked at her
curiously but then retreated to give her some privacy.

She dressed and applied her makeup carefully.
Hopefully no one would notice how red and puffy her
eyes were.  Her mother made no comment when she
joined them, but her father gave her the once over.

"That's a little tight, isn't it Starbuck?"

"What?"  She was going to have to concentrate if she
was going to make it through this evening.

"You okay Honey?"

"I'm fine Ahab.  Maybe a little jet lag."  He nodded
knowingly, then turned at the knock on the door.

Maggie opened it and threw her arms around her first
born.  "Bill, you look wonderful!"

The large man, now nearly a foot taller than his mother,
picked her up and swung her around.  "It's good to see
you, Mom."  He approached his father then and shook
hands, then they hugged each other.  His father stepped
back then to inspect the uniform and nodded.

Bill looked over then and grinned at Dana.  "Hi Squirt.
How did you manage to wrangle the trip?"

"Oh, just wanted a little vacation before I got down to
studying again."

"So you finally got one of us to go to college, huh Mom?"
His mother raised her eyebrow.

"I haven't given up on you and Melissa.  Don't think so."
He smiled down at her indulgently.

Dana remained quiet; glad the attention was off of her
now.  The nap had done nothing for her headache,
except maybe make it worse.  She needed to just get
through this.

They rode down the elevator, Bill and her father talking
away about ships and mutual acquaintances.

When the elevator reached the lobby, she was last to
exit.  She was behind Bill and didn't see him until they
were almost beside each other.

"Dana!"

She froze at the sound of his voice.  All of them stopped.
Mrs. Scully looked over and recognized him instantly.  It
all clicked into place immediately.  This was the reason
Dana had wanted so desperately to come with them to
visit Bill.  How could she have forgotten this boy was at
Oxford?  After all William and she had done to
discourage . . . Dana hadn't heard from this boy in years.
William had convinced her it was for the best.

Dana had gone pale beside her.  What was going on?
Where had she really gone this afternoon?

The two men with them had gone into a defensive
posture at the sound of her name.

"Mrs. Scully, do you remember me?"  He had
approached them by now.

"Of course, Fox.  How are you?"  He held out his hand,
but she hugged him instead.  "I'd forgotten you were at
Oxford.  You look well."

"Yes ma'am.  I, uh, I've done all right."  His eyes were
back on Dana now.  She hadn't taken her eyes off of
him.  Bill was glancing back and forth between the two
and not liking what he was seeing.

"We were just going to dinner, won't you join us?"  Both
Bill and Dana looked over at her startled at that.

"I'd . . . I'd love to."

"Good.  I'd like you to meet Dana's father.  This is
Captain William Scully."  Mulder straightened up and
held out his hand.  Her father shook it, searching his
memory for this name.  Fox Mulder?

"And this is her brother, Bill."

"Pleased to meet you."  Mulder spoke to the younger
man.  Bill nodded and shook his hand but warmth was
not forthcoming.

They entered the hotel dining room and took a table.
Mrs. Scully kept the conversation going.  "Fox, how much
longer do you have here?"

"Well, I'll walk with this class in the spring."

"I thought you had another year."

"I took some additional classes, but I won't be leaving
then.  I've been accepted into the doctoral program, so I'll
be here at least two more years."

"The doctoral program?  That's wonderful Fox.  You must
be quite the scholar."

"Well, I've managed to keep my scholarship at least."  He
glanced over Dana.  "Uh, Bill, what are you doing over
here?"

"It's an exchange program."

"So you're training them in the 'Yank' way?"  Bill finally
grinned, and the three men began talking.  Both women
visibly relaxed.  Dinner progressed fairly smoothly and as
they were finishing dessert, Mulder turned to her father.
"Would you mind if I took Dana for a walk?  There're
several places I'd like to show her.  We've been out of
touch for some time and I'd like her to see where I live."

Mr. Scully looked over at Dana.  He remembered
suddenly exactly who this man was.  It had been his idea
to divert the letters.  Maggie hadn't had the chance to
remind him and he'd forgotten the incident.  Obviously
the letters had continued longer than he had thought.
Still she was three years older now. "I think that would be
all right."

"We won't be late, Sir."  He stood and held her chair.
After a slight hesitation she rose as well.  "Thank you for
dinner.  It was very good to see you again Mrs. Scully."

"It was good to see you Fox."  She smiled at Dana and
they turned from the table.

"That is the boy - " Mrs. Scully nodded as she watched
them leave the room. "Did we make a mistake?"  Her
father asked.

"I don't think so."

"Well I'm not so sure."  Bill interjected.  "He looks like he
wants to swallow her whole."

"Bill!"  But she understood what he was saying and
glanced over one more time, but they were out of sight.

*****

They were quiet walking out, and once out in the street,
she turned to him.  "You didn't ask if I wanted to go for a
walk with you."

"I was afraid to.  But I thought, maybe, once we were
alone we could talk."

"I'm not sure I want to talk to you."

"You've got to give me a chance.  Yes, I have been
seeing Phoebe, but not recently.  I don't have a clue why
she was acting that way.  She never has before.  It's
almost like she knew you were there."

Dana stopped then and turned to face him on the street.
"She . . . she did.  She came into the pub this afternoon,
while we were talking.  I didn't think about it, but that was
her.  She came in the door and looked around.  She
looked at us, but didn't come in.  She just turned and
left."

Mulder closed his eyes.  "That explains some things.  I'd
put money down that she had come there to cancel our
plans for tonight.  But then she saw you, saw us.  My
feelings for you - they're not something I can hide.  Dana,
when you walked in that door, I didn't jump up, I didn't
run to you.  It never crossed my mind that it was reality.
I'd fantasized it so many times.  It was too much for it to
be real."

She was staring at him; he couldn't tell if she was still
breathing.

"But you're sleeping with her."

What could he say?  It didn't matter, nothing mattered
but her.  "I... I have.  When she begins pursuit, it's . . . it's
exhilarating.  I don't know why she targeted me."

"You don't?"  She clearly didn't believe that.

He barely smiled, "You're good for me.  I was naive when
I met her, fairly inexperienced, and lonely.  So damn
lonely.  You were gone and I couldn't find you, I never
heard from you."

"You know they took my letters."

"Yeah, I saw it in your father's eyes when he realized
who I was."

"I'm sorry."

He took a deep breath, "I can only say this because
you're here now, but they may have been right."

"What?"

"You were fifteen years old, Dana.  What I felt, what I feel
for you, wasn't appropriate then.  I'm not sure it's
appropriate now, but at least you're not jail bait any
more."

She blushed at that.  He took her hand and turned her to
continue the walk.  "Two and a half more years here."

"Yeah."  He draped an arm over her shoulders and pulled
her close to him.  She relaxed and allowed it.  He had
written to her, he hadn't forgotten her.  They'd been
sabotaged.  Besides, she'd had as many fantasies of this
encounter as he had and if that woman had staged that .
.. . that thing this afternoon . . .

"I've been accepted at Georgetown."

"Have you decided on a major?"

"Physics."  He stopped and turned to look at her with
fascination.  She laughed at his expression.  "I know, but
it's what I want to do, now anyway.  I can always change
my mind."

He kissed her forehead, "I bet you don't."  She shrugged.

They walked for a long time, talking continuously now
that the awkwardness had lessened.  The really
important things had been said, now they could learn
about each other's lives over the last three years.

They had stopped on a bridge, still talking as he pointed
out places in his life to her.   She realized that he was no
longer listening to her, his eyes locked on her lips.
Without conscious thought they met - their lips coming
together with the ease of twenty years of familiarity and
the freshness of a first kiss.  She felt his hand go to the
back of her neck to bring her even closer to him.  Her
own arms encircled his waist agreeing with the
sentiment.

When the kiss ended he was grateful for the bridge
railing, because he was supporting her as well as
himself.  Neither could seem to get their breath.

"I . . . I should get you home."  He finally managed to say.

She nodded, still not trusting her voice.  She leaned into
him as they started to walk again.  "How," he had to clear
his throat, "How long will you be here?"

"Oh!"  She stood up straight then.  "We leave in the
morning."

"You what?"  He stopped dead still in the street, moving
only when a horn blared behind them.  He moved them
quickly to the sidewalk and stared down at her in horror.
"You can't!"

"I . . . I didn't know if I would find you, or if I did, that you
would remember me."

"Oh god."  He leaned down, resting his forehead against
her.  "You can't go.  I can't lose you again so soon."

"What . . . what do we do?"

"Where were you going?"

"Dad has a conference in Liverpool.  We were going
there for a couple of days."

"And then?  Were you coming back here to fly out?"

She nodded, "Yes, the flight home on Saturday leaves
from here.  What are you thinking?"

"Stay here.  Let your parents go on to the meeting.  I
have some friends - females - in the building.  You could
stay with them and still fly home with your parents when
they come back.  That would give us a couple of days.
Do you think they'd go for it?  Do . . . do you want to
stay?"  He was holding his breath now.

"Oh Mulder."  Her hand was on his cheek, "Yes.  Yes, I
want to stay."

"Would they still be awake?  Your parents?  I need to talk
to them."

She glanced down at her watch.  "Mom's still up.  She'll
read until she hears me come in.  She never admits it
though."  She smiled.

They quickened their pace back to the hotel.  She let him
into her room, then tapped on the connecting door.
"Mom?"

"Dana, Honey?  You're in?"  She opened the door and
paused when she saw Mulder with her.

"Mrs. Scully, I'm sorry to bother you so late, but I just
found out that you're planning on going to Liverpool in
the morning.  I was hoping you would think about Dana
staying here while the two of you go on to the meeting.
She could stay with a couple of friends of mine - Tess
Davies and Marilyn Abbot.  They live in my building.
We've . . . we've had so little time together."

One look at Dana's face and Maggie knew where she
stood.  She tried to keep the guilt she was feeling about
keeping the letters from both of them at bay, but it was
there.  Dana was an adult now, technically and in reality.
In fact, looking at her children, this one was the most
adult, despite age or career choices.  She really had no
reason to refuse this request and in all honesty no
authority.  Fox knew that, but still was gentleman enough
to ask.  And Bill would be here if she needed anything.
She smiled at them and saw the relief come over their
bodies.

"Let me talk to your father, but I think I can persuade him.
It is getting kind of late."

Mulder glanced at his watch.  "I have an eight o'clock.  I'll
call you before I leave for class."

*****

She looked up from her book and spotted him as he all
but burst into the lobby.  He looked anxiously around and
she watched the smile grow on his face as he saw her.

"You're here."

"Mulder, we talked before you went to class."

"That was two hours ago.  Until I could see you again I
was too afraid to believe you'd really be here."  She
moved into his arms and they were kissing.  "Let's get
out of here."

He'd borrowed a friend's car to pick her up and he loaded
it quickly with her suitcase.  Back at his place he carried
her bag into his room.  "Tess should be back later.  We'll
just leave your stuff here for now.  What do you want to
do?"

"When's your next class?"

"It's independent study.  I'm yours for the rest of the day."

"Only the rest of the day?"  She grinned at him.

His face grew serious, "For as long as you'll have me."

"Be careful, Mulder.  I'll stuff you in my suitcase so fast - "

"No.  Let's not talk about it now."  She nodded, their time
was short, no reason to discuss it.

"I want to see where you live, what you do."

He nodded, that he could handle.  "Come on."  He took
her hand and they headed back out.

He showed her everything, from the classrooms to his
favorite hiding place.  They ended up back at the pub for
lunch, having talked for hours.  They were late for lunch
and the place was nearly empty.  By the time they
finished eating people were beginning to drift in from
work.

"Mulder, it's almost time for dinner."  He looked at his
watch startled.  How could time move this fast?

"You want to head back to my place?  You probably want
to get settled, then we can make plans for this evening."

She nodded but didn't speak.  He took her hand and they
moved toward the door.  She was quiet on the way back,
but he decided she was probably tired.  He had walked
her into the ground as he talked her ear off.  God, he
wanted to share everything with her.

He glanced over at Tess's apartment.  They didn't seem
to be home yet, or they'd gone back out.  He let her in to
his place.  "I'm sure they'll be home soon."

She was looking around now.  The first time she'd been
here had been so brief and had ended so abruptly.  It
was a small place, only the one room.  He had a double
bed in one corner, underneath the window.   There was a
thin red blanket over it as a spread.  His desk was under
the other window.  There wasn't a kitchen as such, just a
sink and a hot plate, with a small refrigerator under the
sink.   The small divan she has been sitting on when
Phoebe arrived was next to the desk.  The door to the
bathroom was slightly open and she could see a tub.  He
had a dresser and what must be small closet.  The
clothes that had been thrown over his desk chair were
missing now; he'd obviously cleaned when he knew she
was coming.  She took a deep breath and turned to face
him.

"Mulder, I . . . I want to stay here, with you."

He was completely still for a moment.  He wasn't even
sure his heart was still beating.  "What . . . what does that
mean?"

"It means I want to be with you."

"Dana, I . . . "

"I know I've caught you off guard, but I'm not fifteen
anymore Mulder.  I've had . . . opportunities before."  He
stiffened at that.  "I waited.  I wanted to . . . to see you
again.  To see if, if what I felt for you back then was . . .
was as real as it seemed."  He swallowed, afraid to ask
the obvious question.  "I want to stay with you tonight."

He drew a shaky breath.  "I would very much like you to
stay with me."

She smiled then and relaxed a little.  "Will you tell your
friends for me?"

"Oh, uh, sure.  What, uh, what do you want to do now?"

"I want to unpack a little."  He nodded but didn't move out
of her way.  In fact he moved even closer and lightly
touched her face.  "I'm really here Mulder."

"I think I'm beginning to believe it."  He allowed her past
him then, to put her things away.

When she returned he was still standing there.  "I know
we had a late lunch, but do you want some dinner or - "

"I want to stay in now.  I want," She took a deep breath,
"I want you."  She reached for the top button of her
blouse.

His hand stopped her, "Let me."  She nodded, letting her
hand fall away.  He looked deep into her eyes and then
began unbuttoning the blouse.  He couldn't get enough of
her; his hands were shaking as he lowered her blouse
from her shoulders.  "God, Dana, I - "

Her lips cut him off and he felt her fingers slip under his t-
shirt.  He'd been without his shirt quite a bit that summer,
years ago.  She'd never forgotten the bruises he had
wanted to hide from her when his father had hurt him.
He was different now; he'd had a good physique then,
from the swimming.  He had a man's body now.  His
chest was broader, more filled out with muscle, hairier.
Her hand trembled as she traced those muscles.  His
breath was shallow and he closed his eyes for a moment
to savor the sensations she was causing.

He opened them as she took his hands and led them to
the hook of her bra.  "Dana, are you really sure about
this?"  She nodded and he allowed himself to remove her
bra.  He lowered both of them to his bed, his arms going
around her as he explored and tasted her.

He made love to her body slowly and gently with lips and
tongue.  She was inexperienced, but not ignorant.  She'd
grown up with brothers and had dated quite a bit her last
year in high school.  On more than one occasion she'd
had to fend off a boy who had ideas contrary to her own.

She'd always known this man was exceptional.  Now she
came to know he was extraordinary as well, asking
nothing for himself.  In fact, stopping her when she
attempted to touch him.

"No, Dana.  This is for you."  She took a deep breath and
watched his hands.  They were doing things to her body
she'd never even dreamed possible.  He took his time,
loving every inch of her.  He smiled at the little noises
she was making.  The scent of her readiness was making
him drunk with desire.  He needed to slow down, the last
thing he wanted to do was rush her.

Then he felt her hand guide his to her core.  She was
rubbing herself with his fingers.  He couldn't repress the
shudder that ran through his body.  Now she smiled and
pressed her thigh against his straining cock.

He took a deep breath, trying to regain control and
moved slightly away from her.  "No . . ." She moaned.

"Just for now.  I'm not through with you, my love."  He
entered her slowly with his finger, probing her, slicking
himself with her juices.  Her breathing had grown shallow
and she closed her eyes to concentrate on this new
sensation.  He found her clit and began pressing on it
firmly.  Her eyes flew open and she gasped.

"God!  Mulder!"  She was nearly convulsing in his arms
and he held her tightly, keeping her safe.  Then she was
staring at him in total disbelief.  "What . . . what did you
do to me?"

He had to smile then.  "You came, Dana, an orgasm."

"Damn."  She was still trying to get her breath.  She clung
to him as he soothed her, covering them both with a
sheet as her body cooled.

When she realized he was watching her so closely, she
leaned up and kissed his lips.  "It's your turn."

He shook his head slightly.  "It's not too late to change
your mind Dana."

"Mulder, I haven't changed my mind in three years, and
nothing that's happened here would cause me to want to
change it now."

"Three years?"  His voice was nearly steady.

"I only suspected what I was missing.  Now you've
confirmed it.  I want you so much Fox Mulder."

He looked at her for a long moment, then buried his face
in her neck, kissing, nuzzling her.  Part of him still trying
to realize that she really was here with him.

He kissed her once more and rose from the bed.  "No."

That drew a smile.  "I have to get some protection."

"You don't have it in here?"  She didn't want to release
him.

"I wanted to give you every opportunity to change your
mind."  She shook her head at that, it wasn't an option
and let go of his hand.

When he returned she took the foil disk from him and
opened it herself.  She was outside her experience here
and wanted to know everything.  "May I?"

He nodded and joined her in the bed again.  She was
gentle and cautious, allowing his hands to guide her.
When her hand squeezed him he groaned.

"Please Mulder."

He nodded and had her juices flowing again in no time.
Still he hesitated, "Dana, this might hurt."

"I want you Mulder."

He entered her slowly, giving her time to adjust.  When
his body found the barrier he looked deeply into her
eyes.  She nodded and with a quick thrust he was deep
within her.  She gasped and her eyes grew large.  He
held himself still, letting her feel this sensation.

"You're . . . you're so big."

"You are good for me, Dana."  He smiled and kissed her.
Then he slowly began to thrust into her.  He felt her
fingers press into his shoulders and memorized every
sound, every moan she made.  She tight, tight and hot
and he could feel himself losing control.  He brought his
fingers into play again and she gasped, coming again.
That was all it took, his thrusts became erratic and he
plunged over the edge, giving himself up to her.

His orgasm overwhelmed her with its intensity.  She held
his shuddering body as he relearned the art of breathing.
"Dana." It was all he could manage.

"I've got you Mulder.  It's okay, just relax."  She kissed his
forehead and he sank into oblivion.

She watched him sleep, curled around her, holding her
even unconscious.  Eventually her eyes drifted closed as
well and she moved even closer to his warmth.

It was a couple of hours before she stirred, then moved
carefully away and left the bed.  She slipped into the
bathroom and cleaned herself a little.  She warmed a
cloth and started back to him.

He woke with the start, grasping for her.  "Dana!"

"I'm here Mulder.  I'm right here."  She hurried back to his
side.

"Don't, don't do that.  Don't - "

"Mulder, I just went to the bathroom.  I'm with you.  Here,
let me . . . " She pulled the sheet down, exposing him,
and letting the warm cloth trail down his chest.  He
shuddered again at her touch.

*****

He sat beside her on the bed, "Dana, I'm going to class.
You sleep and I'll bring us some breakfast."  She nodded
and kissed him.  Then he tucked the covers back around
her and after a moment of watching her get comfortable
with her arms cuddling his pillow, stood.  He had to force
himself to leave the flat.

*****

The tap on the door woke her.  His hands must be full.
She smiled as she slipped his shirt on to open the door.
"I'm glad you're - "

The sight of Phoebe standing in front of her stopped her.
It obviously stopped Phoebe as well, but she recovered
first.  "So, you're still here, visiting.  How sweet."  She
stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.

"What do you want Phoebe?"  Dana had finally found her
voice.

"Apparently the same thing you want."

Dana looked away and straightened her shoulders.  "No,
I don't think so.  This isn't a game with me.  I love Mulder,
I have for a very long time."

"How quaint.  You've known him a long time?  He's never
mentioned you."

"She's always been too precious to mention."  Neither of
them had heard him enter.  He placed the breakfast he
had brought on the table.  That brought color to Phoebe's
face and a smile to Dana's eyes.  "There's not enough
here for you Phoebe, sorry."  He might have been talking
about the food, but Dana knew better.  He handed a
container of tea to Dana.  Phoebe's eyes narrowed and
Dana managed to hide the shudder her look caused.

"Fine Fox, you give me a call in a couple of days, after
things have gotten back to normal."  She sauntered to
the door, determined to remain in control.

"I don't think so Phoebe.  I'm going to be really busy."
Dana wanted to step away from the heat of the glare
Phoebe shot her then, but Mulder's arm went around her
and she felt herself relax.

Phoebe shut the door carefully behind her as she left and
Dana   sagged slightly against him.  "You okay?"

She nodded, "I'm very glad to see you."

"It never occurred to me that she would - "

"It's okay.  She's not happy to have me here."

"But I am." He pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly.
"What do you want to do today?"

She glanced over at the bed and he chuckled.  "Okay,
after that?"

"We'll think of something."

*****

Later that afternoon he lay on the bed; she was cross-
legged beside him.  They were eating sunflower seeds
from his chest.  Rather she was eating; he was watching
her.  "You're not going to vanish on me again, are you?"

"No way, Mulder.  You'll be hearing from me this time."
She chuckled, "especially if I'm pregnant."

"I wish you were."  He responded without a smile.

"I was kidding, Mulder."

"I'm not."

"A baby would certainly complicate things."

He watched her for another long moment.  "Will you
marry me?"

"Yes."  She replied without hesitation.  That finally
brought a little smile to his face.

"Today?"

She actually laughed at that.  "No, not today Mulder.
You've got school to finish and I've got school to start.
We need to do that first.  But when you come home in
two and a half years . . . "

"You'll wait for me?"

"Yes.  I have less time to wait now than I've already
waited.  You're not really worried are you?"

He took a deep breath.  "I don't think I am, and that's not
like me.  I still think you're good for me."

"I am."  He chuckled at that.  "I've used a lot of energy
here today Mulder.  These seeds aren't doing it, I need
some solid food."

"Well, I'm not letting you out like that."  He looked
pointedly at the breasts displayed in front of him.  She
blushed but didn't cover herself, comfortable under his
gaze.

She raked the remaining seeds from his chest and rose
to her knees climbing over him.  He had to close his eyes
to keep from grabbing her.  She was hungry and he
should take her to eat instead of throwing her back down
on the bed.  But they would be coming back here...

As soon as she disappeared into the bathroom he
hurried to his dresser and quietly pulled open the top
drawer.  He found what he was looking for immediately
and was back on the bed, tying his shoes when she
emerged.

"What do you want to eat?"

"You decide Mulder, I don't know what's here."

*****

She was laughing as they left the building and headed
down the street.  He was mesmerized by her.  "Dana!
Hey Dana, wait up!"  They both turned.  Her brother Bill
was hurrying toward them.  "Wasn't sure I'd find you.
Mom asked me to check in and . . . " He had caught up
with them now and was staring down at Dana.  The smile
vanished from his face and a more menacing look was
upon it.

After a long moment he turned to Mulder.  "If you hurt her
I'll kill you."

Mulder looked him directly in the eye.  "If I hurt her, I'll
deserve it."

That caught Bill off guard and he gave this man in front
of him another appraising look.

"Bill, it was my decision to stay here.  There was no
pressure."

Bill hadn't looked away from Mulder.  The man didn't
deny her words, but didn't confirm them either.  "I think
you and I should spend some time together next week."

"I look forward to that, to getting to know more of Dana's
family."  He didn't look away from Bill.  "We were going to
get some dinner, would you like to join us?"

"No, I think I'd rather not.  Dana, I . . . if you need - "

"I'm wonderful Bill.  Please don't worry about me."

"You're only 18."

"Then I've been extraordinarily patient.  I've loved Mulder
since I was 15."

"15?  What are you . . . this is the guy from that summer
at Uncle Charlie's?  You're kidding!"  She shook her
head, smiling.  "Well, that . . . " He took a deep breath.
"I'll see you later."  He turned then and walked away.

Mulder put his arm around her, "You okay?"

"I'm fine.  How about you?"

"Well, I didn't end up on the ground, yet, so I guess I'm
fine too.  Come on, let's feed you."

"Yeah, I might need to use up some more energy
tonight."  Her eyebrow rose and his heart lightened.

But he was quieter now, obviously worried about Bill.
They entered the restaurant and got a table.  He ordered
them both an ale and then some food.

"Mulder, are you okay?"

"I'm worried about you."

"Me?  Mulder, Bill's my brother.  He's spent years
torturing me; he's not the protective type.  We just caught
him off guard."

"It's not him I'm worried about.  Dana, he took one look at
you and knew what had happened between us.  How can
I put you on a plane with your parents for a trans-Atlantic
flight?  I won't be there with you.  How can I let you face
that alone?"

She sighed, "Maybe they won't know."

"Your mother?  She might know already."

She gave a short chuckle then.  "Mulder, I'm 18.  I leave
for college in a matter of weeks.  I was also probably the
only virgin I knew.  I'm not sorry and I'm not going to
apologize to my parents or to anyone else.  This was my
decision.  No one forced me.  You didn't force me.
Mulder, we don't have that much time together.  Please
don't waste any of it on this."

He'd closed his eyes at that statement.  She was right;
he wanted to savor every second that he had with her.

He nodded finally.  "So, what should we do tonight?  A
movie?  Dancing?"

"A walk.  I didn't get to see the campus at night.  I bet it's
beautiful."

"It is."  He smiled at her then.

They ate quickly and headed for campus.  He did his
best to shake off how he'd felt earlier in the evening.
Being with her now was more important.  The future
would happen, it always did. His own future looked
brighter now and he needed to hold on to that.

"Dana, sit here a minute."  He motioned toward a bench
in the quad.  There were other people around, but not
close enough to disturb them.  He sat beside her as she
looked expectantly at him.  "I, uh . . ."

She smiled at him then.  "What awkwardness could there
still be between us Mulder?"

He did relax then and smiled at her.  "I have something I
want you to have."  He reached into his pocket then and
brought out his closed hand.  He hesitated for a second,
then took her hand and turned it over.  She felt the
delicate chain on her palm and looked up at him.  "Go
ahead, look."

She opened her palm then and saw the necklace, curled
in her hand.  On the chain was a ring with a medium size
square cut emerald, flanked by two smaller diamonds.
"Mulder?"

"It was Samantha's.  Well, actually it was my
Grandmother Mulder's.  When she died Dad took it for
Samantha.  It was too big for her fingers, and way too
expensive for a seven year old, so he bought the chain
and let her wear it on special occasions.  He and I found
it when we finally cleaned out her room.  Mom could
never bring herself to do it.  He kind of tossed it to me
and I took it.  I guess I am the last Mulder.  Dad's brother
died when they were kids, so . . .  Try it on."

"Mulder, are you sure you want me to have this?"

"You said you'd marry me.  I can't afford the kind of
diamond you deserve right now, but maybe this - "

"Mulder it's beautiful.  Would you, would you put it on
me?"

He took it back then and removed the ring from the
chain.  He looked up at her again and slipped it onto the
ring finger of her left hand.  It was only the tiniest bit too
big.  He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.  "I
love you Dana."

She blinked back her tears, only one escaping.  She
realized that getting on that plane and leaving this man
was going to be the hardest thing she had ever done.   "I
love you too, Mulder."  It was barely a whisper.  He
leaned in and kissed her gently.  "Take me home."

Home.  He looked deeply into her eyes and nodded,
though it took him a moment to stand.  He took her hand
and she stood beside him.  They turned toward his flat.

Their lovemaking that night was slow and delicious, both
memorizing everything they could about the other.  In
between they lay in each other's arms, talking quietly, not
sleeping.  There would be plenty of time for sleep when
they were apart.

Morning came too early.  Her parents should arrive
around lunchtime, in plenty of time for the flight back to
Washington.  They didn't speak of it, but they found
themselves touching each other at every opportunity.

The cab ride to the airport was made in near silence.
They met Mrs. and Mrs. Scully in the cafeteria.  Bill
joined them shortly.  Lunch was ordered but neither Dana
nor Mulder ate much.  Mrs. Scully did most of the talking,
telling Dana about Liverpool and trying to keep the quiet
from becoming oppressive.  Bill just kept his eye on
Mulder.

Dana jumped when their flight was called for the first time
and both of her parents looked at her closely.  "We
should get going."

Dana nodded but seemed unable to stand.  Mulder took
her hand and helped her to her feet.  They started toward
the gate, Dana and Mulder falling slightly behind her
parents and brother.

Mrs. Scully glanced back at them a couple of times but
said nothing.  When their rows were called Dana turned
to Mulder, "I don't know if I can do this."

"I'll be in the states for at least a couple of weeks this
summer.  I've been holding the ticket since I got here.
They haven't exactly been begging me to come home,
but I will now.  I'll let you know the exact date in a few
days.  We'll be together."

She nodded, her hand going to the chain around her
neck and she closed her eyes.  His hand brushed her
cheek lightly and she opened her eyes.  She rose up on
her toes and their lips met.  Ignoring the fact that her
family was there, he pulled her to him and she melded
into his body, the kiss deepening.

He heard the loudspeaker again announcing her flight
and forced himself away from her.  "You have to go
Dana."  She remembered that expression on his face, it
was the same as when she had left him the last time -
trying to hide the devastation he was feeling.

She nodded, and whispered into his ear, "You won't
always be the last Mulder.  I promise."  She turned then
and moved toward the plane's entry.  Mrs. Scully sent a
look of sympathy to Mulder and followed her daughter
down the ramp.

Mulder closed his own eyes then, his hand coming to rest
on the chain around his own neck, fingering the small
golden cross.

"Hey, Mulder, why don't we have drink.  You look like you
could use one."

Mulder looked over at Bill and nodded.  They moved
together toward the bar.

Fin