Title - Kid Stuff Reunion 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 Summary - Sequel to Kid Stuff Feedback - Please Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunman and Skinner all belong to Chris Carter, 10-13 and Fox. No infringement intended. 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