By Donna
donnah@donnas-stories.com
 

URL - http://www.donnas-stories.com/
Rating - R
Category - Pre-X, MSR
Spoilers - None
Keywords - Pre-X, MSR, angst
Summary - How they could have met . . .  Written for the
MSR Preservation Gift
       Exchange, for Kelly - Christmas 2005
Feedback - Please
Archive - Anywhere, just let me know so I can visit

Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunmen and Skinner
all belong to Chris, 10-13, and Fox - Bless them for it!!  No
infringement intended.
 

First Exchange - part 1

"I'm telling you, Dana, he checked you out."

Dana huffed and kept moving, "Look at him, he checked
everyone out.  With that body and that accent you know he's
God's gift; at least in his own mind."

"Okay, I'll give you that, but he checked you out after you
answered his question in class," Becky said, cutting her eyes
at her friends.  "Besides, you know red hair catches
everyone's attention."

"Don't remind me," Dana said picking up her pace to get to
the next class.  Becky grinned, easily keeping up with the
shorter woman's strides.

*****

That night in the apartment, Dana was curled up on the
couch studying while Becky was hunched over the desk.
Dana looked up when the blonde leaned back stretching.
"My eyes are crossing.  Do you want some popcorn?"

Dana chuckled, "Sure."  She rotated her neck to get the
kinks out and slipped a 3X5 card in the book.

"I thought you were studying anatomy."  Becky looked down
at the text.  "Psych?"  When she looked back up at Dana,
she saw the blush creeping across her cheeks.

"He raised some interesting questions; I'm just checking
some things out."

"So you'll be ready for class.  Hey, I understand.  It has
nothing to do with the tight butt in those slacks." She made
no attempt to hide her grin.

Dana rolled her eyes and moved toward the kitchen to start
the popcorn, but Becky's words had brought back the image
of the new instructor.  He did have a nice butt, great hair, a
wicked, dry sense of humor, but the faint English accent was
the killer.  He'd told the class he was from Connecticut but
just back from Oxford.  Oxford, good grief.

The sound of the microwave drew her attention back to the
kitchen and she blushed again when she realized Becky was
watching her, smiling.  "Okay, yes, he is good looking, but
there's going to be a line out the door to see him, and it's not
worth the fight."

Becky shrugged, "Maybe, but you seemed to have the edge,
at least in our class."  She took her half of the popcorn and
tossed a kernel into her mouth as she turned back to the
living room.
*****

Dana hurried to the classroom for the next session.  Her
professor had held her up in the last class to compliment her
paper, so she was running late.  She looked up to see him
standing at the door, ready to enter himself.  He'd obviously
spotted her and was waiting with a lazy, confident grin on his
face.

"Miss Scully." He seemed to bow slightly.
 
"Dr. Mulder, sorry I'm late."

"You're not.  I just got here myself."  He held the door for her
and his fingers lightly grazed her lower back as though
escorting her inside.  She willed the blood away from her
face and moved toward her seat.  You could hear a pin drop
as he took his place at the front of the class and lounged
against the desk, perching on the corner.

Dana made a point of not looking toward Becky, but she
could feel her grin.

When they left the class, Becky was practically laughing.
Dana threatened to punch her, which didn't help at all.  She
was still chuckling when they got back to the apartment and
by then Dana had loosened up herself.  She even agreed to
head over to Bill's Pizza Pub for dinner.

Becky was pouring her a second beer when Dana spotted
their professor enter the restaurant with a woman on his
arm.  Dana involuntarily scoped the woman out.  She was
tall, probably 5'9", long luscious dark hair, and a chest that
wouldn't quit.  She had hold of the man and was leaning
toward him, showing her cleavage to the best advantage.

Well, it was what she had expected, though it was a little
disappointing to see that he wasn't any more discriminating
in his taste than other men.  She took a long draught of the
beer, and then reached for another piece of pizza.

Becky's brow furrowed. "Dana?"  Before she could complete
the question, the couple made their way toward the table.

"Miss Scully, Miss Simpson." He smiled down at them.

"Dr. Mulder, I see you've found the best pizza in town."

"The best, huh?  I'm something of a connoisseur; I'll have to
check it out.  Do you know Kaitlin Pointe?"  He looked over
at the brunette beside him, now clutching his arm.

"No, pleased to meet you."  Dana looked up at the woman.
She was older than Dana had realized now that she was
close.

"Pleasure."

It didn't sound like it, but how would she feel if she had a
date with this man and he introduced her to other women?

"I see a table."  He smiled down at them. "See you in class."

Dana nodded.  "Have a good weekend."  Becky watched
them walk away, but Dana concentrated on her slice of
pizza.

When they were out of earshot, Becky leaned closer.  "He
likes women his mother's age?" she whispered.

"She's not - nevermind.  Just eat your pizza; I want to get out
of here."

Becky's look turned sympathetic then.  Dana rolled her eyes
as she wadded up her napkin; but they didn't stay long.

*****

Dana slipped into the pool and began her laps.  She didn't
get over here as often as she wanted, but she tried to get
here every Saturday morning at least.  She was back up to
half a mile.  She'd never gone for speed but she had always
been a great endurance swimmer.  The 500 meters had
been her event and she still loved it, though she didn't
compete anymore.

She was holding onto the side of the pool stretching at the
end of her last lap when she saw him enter the pool deck.
Good god, he was wearing a Speedo.  No one on her team
had ever filled out one like that.  She looked down quickly to
hide her interest, but he had spotted her and stood at the
end of her lap, smiling down at her now.

"Ms. Scully, I didn't know you were a swimmer."

"Uh, yes, from high school." Where the hell was she
supposed to look when he was standing over her like that?
She swam over to the ladder and climbed out.  He held out a
hand to help her and after a slight hesitation she took it.  She
stepped over to the bleachers and took up her towel, drying
her face and then shoulders.

He followed her.  Damn he was comfortable in his body; of
course there was no reason not to be.  "Do you swim
regularly?"

"I try to get over here on Saturday mornings."

"What was your event?"

"500 meters."  She turned to look at him again, under control
now.

"I'm impressed."

"What about you?"

"I was clean up on relays usually.  Well, I guess I need to let
you go.  Have a nice weekend."

"You too."  She wrapped her towel around her waist and
headed for the women's dressing room.  Damn . . .

Dressed in jeans and t-shirt, she headed back past the pool
to the exit.  He was in the lane she had vacated, swimming
the butterfly and moving as easily as he had on land.  The
memory of the Speedo was permanently etched in her brain.

*****

The semester progressed and Dr. Mulder took every
opportunity to engage her in debate.  She saw him on
numerous occasions around the town with a variety of
women.  He always spoke and was polite, but it went no
farther.  The women he dated could have been cloned.

*****

She closed her blue book and sighed.  It had been a tough
exam, but fair.  She felt good about it.  She placed the book
on his desk and moved out of the room.  She had only
gotten a couple of feet from the door when it opened again.
Thinking it might be Becky; she looked back.  Dr. Mulder
was approaching her.

"What did you think?"  He smiled down at her.

"Personally? I think I did pretty well.  I've enjoyed your
class."

"I'm glad.  I suppose you're on your way to study for your
next exam."

"No, this was my last one."  He was standing in her space,
but she felt no compunction to step back.

His smile grew. "So you're rushing to get out of town."

"Actually, no to that as well.  My flight isn't until day after
tomorrow."

"Then I don't suppose you'd like to have a cup of coffee with
me?"

"I, uh, all right.  You don't have to stay with the class?"

He looked slightly embarrassed then. "I didn't have to be
here at all.  The TA's in there."

"So why - " He let his hand rest lightly on her lower back
again and began leading her out of the building.  He turned
toward the Student Union, which relaxed her slightly.  If he
noted it, he didn't show it.

He motioned for her to take the table. "Latte?"

She smiled. "No, just regular coffee, a little cream."

"Got it.  I'll be right back."

She looked around the room.  It was less crowded than
usual, a lot of students had already finished their exams and
left town.  It made parking a lot easier.  She turned to watch
him move toward her.  He was easy in his body, confident as
he moved toward her.  He placed her coffee on the table in
front of her and sat across from her with his own.  She took a
sip and smiled, perfect.

"You said you had a flight, where's home?"

"Dad's career Navy.  Right now he's based in San Diego.
We're all meeting there for Christmas."

"All?"

She grinned. "My older brother, Bill, Jr., is Navy too and he's
also stationed there.  My sister, Melissa, works in San
Francisco and Charlie, the baby, is an undergraduate at
Berkley."

"Wow.  Is Melissa older or younger?"

"Older, by four years.  What about you?  Are you headed off
somewhere to celebrate?"

He took a sip of his coffee, "No, I don't have a group like
that.  Mom and Dad divorced years ago, when I was
fourteen.  I lived with her until I went away to school."

"Are you any only child?"

"I have a sister," he said quietly.

"Aren't the two of you going to get together?"  She smiled.

"No, I uh, no."

The look in his eyes told her it was time to change the
subject.  "What are your plans for next semester?"

He nodded slightly, possibly in gratitude. "Well I probably
won't have as good a class, but they've asked me back."

"Aren't you on tenure track?"

"No.  I'm not sure I want to teach, but I wanted to
'investigate' my other options before I committed to
anything." She didn't understand the quirk of a smile but
didn't pursue it.

"That sounds interesting."  She glanced down at her watch.

"But you don't have time now," he said quietly.

"No, I don't.  I have to get some last minute shopping done
and pack."

"But you'll need dinner.  Would you do me the pleasure of
dining with me this evening?"

"Me?  I mean, why me, why now, Dr. Mulder?"

He smiled then. "You're no longer my student.  I'm just
Mulder."

She blinked at that.  "So I'm Scully."

He grinned. "That seems to fit."

"I don't think I'm your type, Doct- , I mean Mulder."

"I have a type?"  He chuckled.

"You seem to.  Kaitlin? And all of the other women I've seen
you with."  She met his eyes, unembarrassed by her
knowledge.

He nodded. "I guess it does look like that.  I suppose they
remind me of someone I knew in England."

"Girlfriend?"

He huffed then. "Intimate acquaintance I suppose.  Was that
a yes about dinner?"

She laughed lightly then. "All right.  Seven?"

"Perfect.  Do you want me to pick you up, or would you
rather meet me?"

"Let me meet you.  Bill's?  It shouldn't be crowded."

"Bill's it is.  I'll be waiting."  He rose then and held her chair.

"Thanks."  She turned then and left him.

*****

When she entered Bill's at seven, he rose to greet her.  "Get
all of your shopping done?"

"I hope so, because I've quit."  She grinned.  "I don't know
how I'm supposed to get everything in my suitcase."

He nodded. "Then quitting is probably a wise plan.  Beer?"

"I believe I'd like tea."

He motioned for the waitress to join them and ordered two
teas.  After she left, he turned back to Dana.  They decided
on their pizza, then he got her to talking about her family
again.  In a few minutes he changed the subject.  "You need
a ride to the airport."

She blinked at the shift in direction.  "I, are you serious?"

"Completely."

"That would be a big help."

"Good.  What time should I pick you up?"  That slow grin
warmed her more than the meal had.

*****

"Dana! Phone!"  Charlie yelled toward the kitchen.  Dana
rolled her eyes as she dried off her hands.

"Who is it?"

He shrugged. "A guy."  Missy looked up then, her eyebrow
rising.

Looking puzzled, Dana picked up the extension.  "Hello?"

"I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, 'Scully'."

"Mulder?  I, thank you.  And a Merry Christmas to you too."

"Is the whole gaggle there?"

"Yes, plus one."

"Really?"

"Yes, Charlie brought his girlfriend.  Her name's Mary and
she seems very nice.  I think we've overwhelmed her
though."

"Sounds like that would be easy with all of you at one time."

"So what are you up to?"

"There's a Twilight Zone marathon on.  I just saw William
Shatner lose it at 30,000 feet.  That's always a treat."

She responded with something light, but her eyes betrayed
her to Missy, who moved closer.

"Listen, I know you're busy, but I wanted to check on when
you're coming back."

"Oh, I'll be coming back on the 28th around 8 in the evening.
Are you going to volunteer for chauffeur service again?"

"I am, but I also wanted to check on something else."

"Okay, what?"

"If you're free for New Year's Eve, I'd like to take you out for
more than pizza."

Missy stepped even closer at the color that rose in Dana's
face.  "I, I'd like that."

"Good.  I'll let you get back to your family."

"Mulder, thank you.  I'm looking forward to seeing you."

"Me too.  Bye."  He broke the connection and after a
moment, she hung up as well.

"Dana?"  Missy was standing over her now, "Who the hell
was that?"

"A friend."

"Friend, huh? You sure looked happy for just 'a friend'."

"Did I?  He's, I don't know, he's different."

"Special?"

Dana nodded slowly. "I think he could be."  She shook
herself then. "But it's much too soon to tell.  Help me with
these dishes."

Missy dropped it, for now.  Interesting.

*****

He was waiting for her when she stepped out of the jet way.
He spotted her immediately and his face seemed to light up.
She was stunned at how happy she was to see him.
Realistically she didn't know the man, but she knew that she
was as happy to be back from San Diego as she had been
to go in the first place.

"It's good to see you." He took her carry on.

"It's good to be home."  And to feel your hand on my back,
she thought.

"Luggage?"

She rolled her eyes.  "Do I ever."

He chuckled and led her toward baggage claim. He
pretended to stagger under the weight of her suitcases, one
more than she had taken to San Diego, but she just rolled
her eyes.  He refused to have her carry any of them, but
relinquished her carry-on to her.

He'd managed to find a close parking space and got her
inside and the heat on quickly.  "Have you eaten?"

"I had what they called a sandwich on the flight."

He shook his head. "You need something warm.  I know a
place."

She gave only a token protest.  When he'd mentioned food
she had realized just how hungry she was.

He parked in front of a Chinese restaurant and led her
inside.  "Mr. Muller!  So good to see you again.  You have
Merry Christmas?"

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Tian.  I hope you and your family did as
well."

"Good, very good.  Please, you come this way."  He led them
to a table and handed them menus.

"They seem to know you pretty well here." She looked
around.

He smiled.  "Oh yeah, I eat here regularly.

They shared their meals and spoke of her trip.  When they
were finished, they thanked Mr. Tian and he took her home.
He carried her suitcases inside and with her permission,
carried them into her bedroom.  He took a quick glance
around but didn't linger, returning to her in the main room.

"I'll let you get settled, but there is one thing about New
Year's Eve . . . "

"Mulder, if you have to change your plans - "

"No, it's not that.  I need to know if I have to wait until then to
see you again."

She laughed then. "No.  I'd like to get together before then."

His face lit up at that.  "I'll pick you up at 11 tomorrow
morning.  We can get some lunch then see a movie.  We
can decide on dinner after that."

Her eyes widened and she chuckled.  "Tomorrow, huh?"

He nodded rapidly.

"Okay, but only if I can cook you dinner tomorrow night."

"Don't you tease me, woman."

She shook her head, grinning.  "Go on, I need to unpack and
read a cookbook."  She walked him to the door, but stopped
with her hand on the knob.  "Thank you again for the rides."

"It was my pleasure."  He leaned down then, slowly.  She
didn't back away.  Their lips met and melded.  His arms went
around her as hers slipped around his waist.

When they finally broke apart, she was grateful for his arms
because her knees had gone weak.  They were silent,
staring at each other.

"I, uh, I need to get out of here."

She nodded and finally opened the door.  "I, I'll see you
tomorrow."

*****

She took a deep breath before opening the door for him.
She'd been unprepared for that kiss last night.  Men didn't
usually affect her like that.  Today would be different; she'd
be more in control.  Finally she reached for the knob.

Damn he looked good.   Jeans, with a gray sweater and
leather jacket.  He stepped inside.  He seemed slightly
hesitant.

She smiled up at him and he visibly relaxed.  He took the
opportunity to check her out as well.  She had on navy wool
slacks and a light blue sweater that matched her eyes.  Her
hair was pulled back in a loose braid.

He returned her smile and stepped inside.  "Ready for
lunch?"

"I am.  Did you pick a movie?"

"Your choice, we've got Crimes of the Heart, Nobody's Fool -
"

"Little Shop of Horrors?" Her chin went up defiantly.

"Are you serious?"

"My younger brother recommended it."

"I'd like to meet him some time."  He held her coat and they
headed out.

*****

They were laughing when they returned to her place.  The
movie had been fun and their mood was lighthearted.  He
followed her into the apartment and immediately stopped,
sniffing the air.

"You have a cook?"

"No, I'm the cook."

"You've cloned yourself."  He said seriously, "I thought you
were out with me."

"Have you ever heard of a crock pot?  No, I guess you
haven't."  She shook her head. "Your coat?"

"Oh, yeah." He slipped it off and watched her put it in the
coat closet.  "So what is that delicious aroma?"

"My grandmother's recipe, chicken and dumplings."

His mouth dropped open. "I haven't had that since I left for
school."

"I hope it's good.  Why don't you pick some music while I get
everything ready?"

They ate at the table in the kitchen and he filled her in on his
mother's cook that had fixed meals like this for him.  She
noted that he didn't say much about his family, but he had
good memories of this Gloria and a couple of other women
that had worked in his home.  She was beginning to get the
sense of money in his background, but was careful not to
betray it in her expression.

After dinner he insisted on helping with clean up and was
actually quite capable at it.  They returned to her living room
and sat on the couch, their conversation turning to England
and Oxford.  The bottle of wine accompanied them and she
refilled both of their glasses.

As a silence fell, she realized they had moved closer on the
couch.  Their eyes met and without speaking they moved
together and his lips took hers again.

When they broke for air, he realized they had reclined and
he had pulled her atop him.  His hand was on her waist and
her sweater had ridden up enough so that a couple of fingers
were against her warm skin.  She pulled her sweater back
down and sat up, brushing her hair back.

He swallowed hard and sat back up himself.  "I need to get
home.  Would, would you like to do tourist stuff tomorrow?"

"The Smithsonian?  I've never been there."

"You live in DC.  I need to fix that." He was shaking his head
in mock disbelief.

"Oh, and you've been here so long."

"Well, I spent some time here as a kid.  My Dad moved here
after the divorce and on his weekends he'd have some guy
take me around."

It was the most he'd said about his father, but the memory of
his body against hers was too fresh to take it in.  He rose
and she stood beside him.

"Can I pick you up for lunch again?"

"Aren't you tired of me?"

"Hardly," he said softly.  "See you tomorrow, same time."  He
moved toward the closet and took his coat.  She followed
him and opened the door.   He gave her a quick kiss and
moved out into the hall.

When the door was closed, she leaned against it, her fingers
against her lips.

*****

It was a little spooky how compatible they were.  He was
smart and quick and funny.  She felt no need to hide her own
intelligence from him and enjoyed challenging some of his
comments for the pleasure of the verbal dueling that ensued.
But she was beginning to realize that he hadn't opened up to
her about his personal life.  There was a curtain there that he
didn't seem to want to draw back.  While he had drawn out
the information on her siblings, she didn't even know his
sister's name.

The closer she looked; it was obvious there was a part of
him that he didn't want to share.  Maybe it was the divorce.
From the little he had said it seemed like it had been bitter;
yet he seemed to enjoy hearing about her own family.  Well,
they really had just met.  If things were going to grow
between them, they would learn these things.

He was the consummate tour guide through the Air and
Space Museum of the Smithsonian, but there was an air
about him that confused her.  It was as though he were
searching for something that he couldn't find.

*****

He stopped just inside the door.  "What about tomorrow?"

She shook her head.  "No, Mulder.  I need tomorrow to get
beautiful for the evening."

"You're already beautiful.  Throw on a dress and you'll be
ready."

"Thank you, I think." She grinned.  "But I need to do a little
more if we're going to the Watergate."

"So I won't see you until tomorrow evening?" Where had the
man learned that puppy dog pout?

"Now you're getting it," she said with a light laugh.

"You're cruel, you know that."

"Maybe a little distance will make you more happy to see me
tomorrow evening."

"I could be happier to see you?"

She nearly melted at that, but stiffened her spine.  "You're
impossible."

"I thought that was adorable."

She laughed out loud at that.  He tried to look insulted, but
her smile caused an answering smile from him.  "Well, if
that's the way you feel, I can take a hint.  I'll pick you up at
six."

"Seven."

"Six thirty.  Be ready."

"Yes sir."  She saluted and he pulled her closer, kissing her
thoroughly before releasing her and turning toward the door.

*****

He woke and stretched.  A new year was starting and for a
change he was, hell he was happy.  It was almost
unrecognizable, but it felt good.  He couldn't say why he was
attracted to Dana Scully, but it was undeniable.

Too bad he had a whole day to kill before he could see her
again.  He sighed and rose from the bed.  He started the
coffee, then took a shower.  He read the paper, did some
housework - something he should do more often.

With one load of his laundry in the dryer and one in the
washer, it crossed his mind that he hadn't been in touch with
his father over Christmas.  Damn, he must be happy to be
thinking of calling the man.  Now there was a new feeling.

It was the holidays and hearing about Scully's family had
given him the hope that real families did exist.  What the hell
. . . He picked up the phone and dialed his father's number.

"Hello?"

"Dad?  Hi, I just wanted to check in."

"Fox, it, it's good to hear your voice."

That was a positive; they discussed what they had done over
the holidays and his position at the university.  Without really
thinking about it, he brought her up.  "I'm seeing someone,
Dad.  She's, she's important."

"That's good to hear, son.  Is she someone I would know?"

"No, I met her at the university.  She was one of my
students, but I didn't ask her out until the semester was
over."

His Dad actually chuckled.  He must have caught him at a
good time.  "Her name's Dana Scully."

"Scully?  I know that name.  When I was at the Pentagon, I
knew a William Scully, career Navy."

Now it was Mulder who chuckled.  "That sounds like the
same family.  Did you work with him?"

"Not really, he was involved in a project I followed for a
while."

"Did you ever meet him?"

"No, I was in another part.  I just remember the name, same
as that sports announcer."

"Oh yeah."

"Is it serious with this woman?"

"It's a little too soon to tell something like that." But he
couldn't keep the smile out of his voice.

"I hope you'll let me know if something does develop."

"I will, Dad, thanks."

They spoke for a few more minutes, then said their
goodbyes.  Mulder hung up a little bemused.  He'd had a
pleasant conversation with his father.  That hadn't happened
since . . . when had he last had a pleasant conversation with
the man?  And he might know Scully's dad, what a
coincidence.

He finished up his laundry and cleaned out his refrigerator.
Might as well start the New Year off right.  He was aware
that what he was really doing was killing time until he could
see her again.  The day was dragging, but at least he knew it
was him she would be starting the new year with tonight.

*****

She opened the door at his knock and watched with a little
thrill as his eyes widened.  She worked hard at keeping her
face neutral, but she felt a warm glow at his regard.

He hadn't seen her like this before.  The dress was short,
very short, with rhinestones around the hem and . . . and up
the slit which made it even shorter.  The same rhinestones
were around the straight cut neckline and on the spaghetti
straps.  The swell of her breasts was beautifully displayed
and he had to ball his hands into fists not to caress them
through the fabric.  Her hair was pulled back in a French
twist with a rhinestone barrette.  His eyes raked her up and
down and caught on the high-heeled sandals she was
wearing.  Fuck me shoes if he'd ever seen them.  Good god.

" . . . in?"

"Excuse me?"

"I asked if you were going to come in."

"Oh, yeah," he stammered.  "Scully, you're so beautiful."  He
smiled at the light blush that stained her cheeks.  He gave
her a peck of a kiss on one of those cheeks.

She closed the door behind him and gave him the once over
at that.  Damn, he looked like he'd been born in a tux.  He
looked as comfortable in it as he had been in the Speedo.

"We need to get going.  We have reservations and I don't
think they'll hold them long tonight."

She nodded and took her wrap from the closet.  He took it
from her and placed it around her shoulders, giving her a
hug as he took a quick glance at her cleavage from behind.
He took a steadying breath and led her to the car.

He chose valet parking to get her inside quicker and out of
the cold.  They checked their coats and headed inside for
dinner.  After the appetizers, Mulder led her out onto the
dance floor.  She came into his arms gracefully and they
moved smoothly together around the floor.

He reluctantly released her to return to the table where they
shared lobster and petite sirloins.

After a 'death by chocolate' dessert, they danced some
more, watching people and just being comfortable together.
Neither had much to drink, but when the champagne was
passed around in anticipation of midnight, they both took a
glass.

When the ball dropped at Times Square, they came together
as though with years of familiarity.  An island in a sea of
madness, they explored each other.  When they drew a
breath, he heard her whisper in his ear, "Let's get out of
here."

He met her eyes and after only an instant nodded.  He led
her to the coat check and retrieved their wraps.  He stood
with his arms around her, waiting for the car.  They didn't
speak, each thinking their own thoughts.  Once they were in
the car, he turned to her.  "Where did you want to go?"

"My place is closer."

He smiled then and put the car in gear.  Neither had said a
word on the way to her apartment.  People were still out
celebrating, but he was able to find a parking place near the
entrance of her building.  He hurried her inside and out of the
cold.  Once inside the door, he turned her toward him and
kissed her softly, then took her wrap and hung it in the
closet, his coat following.

When he looked back at her, she was standing where he
had left her, watching him.  He moved toward her and let
one finger trace her jaw line as he drew up next to her.
"Scully, Dana, are you sure?"

"I love to hear you call me Scully.  And yes, I want to begin
the New Year with you."

His look was positively smoldering.  He lifted her into his
arms and carried her into her bedroom.  When he let her feet
touch the floor, she reached for the zipper on the back on
her dress.  "Let me," he whispered.

He stepped around her and gently lowered the zipper.  He
slipped the jeweled straps from her shoulders and the tiny
black dress fell to the floor.  His breathing stopped for a
moment.  The black lace strapless bra matched the, oh god,
the garter belt she was wearing.  She had thought about this
when she was dressing!  She had, had planned to be with
him.  His body reacted to that knowledge immediately.

His hesitation had worked in her favor.  Her fingers had
untied his bow tie and were working on the studs that held
his shirt closed.  His hand brushed back the loose curls of
her hair, then he looked down to watch her hands uncover
him.

She pulled the fabric loose from his slacks, then pushed the
shirt back off of his shoulders.  Her hands came to rest on
his chest and she looked up at him.  At her shy smile, he
drew her to him and held her.  "I want this too."

He sat her on the bed and knelt in front of her, removing her
stockings and garter belt, then her bra.  She watched him
admiring her body, then she rose and tugged him to his feet.
She fumbled only slightly with the button of his pants and
then lowered the zipper.

His hand stayed her then. "Scully, I don't have any
protection."  He looked stricken for an instant.

She smiled then. "I guess it's a good thing you're dating a
medical student."  He hadn't planned this, was her first
thought.  It had happened as it should.  Wearing only her
panties, she moved toward her bathroom.  She returned
quickly to find him sitting on her bed, his shoes and socks
neatly to one side.  His boxers were well tented as he
watched her return to him.

*****

She rose from the bed after their second time together and
he reached out for her.  "No."

"I'll be right back."  She kissed his brow and let herself into
the bathroom.  She returned with a warm cloth and cleaned
him as he watched her through hungry eyes.  He pulled her
back on top of him when she was through.  "Sleep now,
Mulder.  I have to be able to walk tomorrow."

"Walking's overrated."

She chuckled as he cuddled her up against him.

The next morning he woke spooned around her.  It felt right.
He kissed her ear and reluctantly rose from the bed.

"Mulder?"

"I'm going home for a few minutes, to get detuxed."  He
grinned at her.  "I'll give you a call."

She lazily watched him dress and gave him another kiss
when he leaned over her.  "Sleep, Scully."  He was smiling
as he quietly let himself out of her place.
 
*****

"You bastard! What did you do to her?" Becky's voice lashed
him when she opened the door.  His smile vanished and he
took a step back from her.

"What are you talking - Where's Scully, uh Dana?"

"That's what I want to know.  She's gone."

"Gone?  What do you mean 'gone'?"

"I mean when I got up this morning, she wasn't here." Becky
stepped back from the door when he entered, uninvited and
shut the door.

"Tell me what's going on." He loomed over the other woman
now and finally she took the time to see that he honestly
didn't know what she was talking about, or he was a damned
good actor.

Becky sighed and calmed down slightly.  "I finally got her to
go to bed around one this morning.  She was exhausted
emotionally and physically.  How could you do that to her?"

"Do?  What did I do?  I've been in Connecticut."

"What's in Connecticut?"

"My parents.  What the hell is going on?"  His anger was
surfacing now.

"You could have told her you were leaving town."

"I did!  I called, but I got the machine.  I left a long message
about how strange it was that my parents wanted to see me
and that they were together.  Are you saying she didn't get
it?  I told her I'd call back when I got there and I did, but the
phone was busy."

"You called?  You didn't just screw her and, and disappear?"

His face drained of color.  "Is that what she thought?  Oh
God."

"The message on your machine didn't help." She sneered at
him.

"Message?  What message?"

Without answering, she picked up the phone and dialed the
number from the pad by the phone.  When the machine
picked up, she thrust the receiver at him.

"Fox Mulder, I'm not here.  Leave a message."  The beep
sounded and he looked over at her.  "What?"

She snatched it back and dialed again.  At his message she
finally looked confused.  "That wasn't . . . That's not the
message we got.  Who the hell is Phoebe?"

"Phoebe?"  He sounded breathless then.  "What the hell are
you talking about?"

"Your message!  It said 'if this is Phoebe, I'm sorry I've been
away but I'm back now.  Be sure to leave a message'."

"I never put that on my machine.  I never would."

"So who's Phoebe?"

"She's a mistake I made in England, a long time ago."

"You're not seeing her."

"I haven't seen her in a couple of years.  With luck I'll never
see her again. Where is she; where is Scully?  Where would
she go?"

"I, I don't know.  I called the police but they won't even talk to
me for twenty-four hours."

"You called the police?"

"She vanished in the middle of the night!  She didn't even
take any shoes.  As far as I can tell she left wearing her
pajamas."

"Her, her pajamas?"  He sank onto the couch then as though
his knees would no longer support him.  "Tell me what
happened, tell me everything."

Unnerved by his sudden intensity, Becky took a seat across
the room from him.  "What are you thinking?"

"I don't know.  Please, everything."

"She was, she was upset.  Damned upset about what had
happened between you.  She thought - "

"I can imagine what she thought, go on."

"I finally got her to stop crying and try to get some sleep."
Becky saw Mulder's eyes close at those words, but his body
language showed he wasn't missing a word.  "It was around
1 a.m.  She was exhausted and seemed to fall right to sleep.
I went in my room and conked out."

"You didn't wake up all night?  You didn't hear anything?"

"Well, the lightning woke me up sometime during the night.  I
hate winter lightning, it's creepy, but I didn't get up or hear
anything."

"Lightning?  There was no storm last night."

"There must have been, I saw it."  She watched as he let his
head sink into his hands.  Her anger at him was draining
away fast.  He was devastated.  "Are you, do you want some
water?"

He looked up then and shook his head.  "Have you called
her parents?"

"I tried.  I got their machine and I didn't want to leave this
kind of news, but they haven't called me back."

"Okay."  He was on his feet.

"What?  Where are you going?"

"I want to look around the building.  If the police are going to
stall, they could miss something.  I'll be right back."

*****

The police officer sat on the chair facing Becky on the couch.
Mulder was pacing closer to the door.  "And where were you
Mr. Mulder?"

"I was in Connecticut at my mother's.  Her number is 203-
555-3678.  Check me out, but please she's been missing for
two days, she's - "

"Mr. Mulder, I understand that you're upset, but I need you to
understand - Ms. Scully is an adult and since there is no
evidence of any - "

"You don't think that she walked out of here in her pajamas,
barefoot at this temperature!  I've checked around the
building, no one saw her leave.  Yesterday there were no
bare footprints outside.  She's missing, something happened
to her!"

"Please, Mr. Mulder, let me get this information so that we
can get on with looking for her."

Mulder tried to take a relaxing breath, but it didn't help.  He
resumed pacing as the officer spoke with Becky.

The thump against the door caused all three of them to turn
in that direction.  Mulder was closest and already on his feet.
He jerked the door open.  She stumbled into the apartment,
shivering, her eyes wide and fearful.

"Scully - " He caught her in his arms as she collapsed.  "Get
a blanket!"  He carried her into the room and lay her gently
on the couch.  "We need an ambulance."  He directed this to
the officer but kept his eyes trained on Scully.  His eyes were
fastened on her, searching for any sign of consciousness.

"Here." Becky was back with a blanket and he tucked it
around her, rubbing her arms to stimulate circulation.  He
glanced down at her feet, then looked up at the policeman.

"She's barefoot and in her pajamas."  His tone was accusing.

"The ambulance is on the way," was the only response.

*****

He arrived at the hospital shortly after the ambulance, but
she had already disappeared into an exam room.  "Dana
Scully, she was just brought in."

"And you are?"

"Dr. Mulder."  Okay he wasn't a medical doctor but at this
point screw it.  The receptionist had straightened up at the
title.

"She's in trauma room 3.  I'll let them know you're here."

"Thanks."

It wasn't long before he saw a nurse slip out of the trauma
room.  No one was watching, so he moved in that direction.
He pushed the door open and found her unconscious, an IV
in her arm.

"Scully, I'm here.  I know what you think of me right now, but
I'm here.  We need to talk."  He took a seat beside her and
laced his fingers through hers.  She was back, alive and
safe.  For the first time since Becky had opened the door for
him, he felt like he could take a deep breath.

Suddenly exhausted, he rested his head beside their hands.

*****
 

First Exchange - Part 2
 

He woke to see that their hands were still entwined.  He sat
up and realized she was awake and watching him.  "How are
you feeling?"

"Why are you here?" she countered, her voice cold.

"I wanted to be.  Sc-Dana, we need to talk."

"Scully is fine.  I doubt we'll be seeing each other - "

"Please.  Listen to me for just a - "

The door opened and a doctor and nurse entered.  "Good to
see you awake, Ms. Scully.  How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine.  I want to go home."

"Let me give you a quick exam and we'll see.  Dr. Mulder, if
you'll please step outside . . . "

Mulder looked over at her, but she wouldn't meet his eyes.
With his shoulders slumped he left the room.

In a short while, the nurse opened the door and he rose
quickly.  "Is she - "

The nurse smiled, "You can go back in now."

He lost no time doing just that.  She watched as he entered
the room, then back to the doctor.  "May I go now?"

"I don't want you driving."

Her mouth opened, but before she could speak, Mulder
spoke up. "I'll take her home."

The doctor nodded. "If there's any change, bring her back in
immediately."

"I will."  Mulder shook the doctor's hand as he left, leaving
them alone.

"I can get a cab," she said flatly.

"I told the doctor I'd take you home.  Scully, please, we have
to talk."  He moved to take her arm, but she avoided him,
rising from the examining table.  "You can't walk far
barefooted."

She glanced down, then closed her eyes.  "Fine.  Thank
you."

He took her arm then and led her back out into the waiting
room.  "I'll go get the car.  You will be here when I get back?"
He tried to smile but it fell flat when she just stared at him.

He hurried to the car and brought it to the pickup area.  He
got out to open the door for her and slipped his coat around
her.  She didn't say anything, but pulled it tight over her
pajamas.  For an instant he thought she took a sniff of the
coat, but he could have been mistaken.

They were silent on the drive, though he kept glancing over
at her.  When he parked in front of her building, he hurried
around.  "Let me carry you."

"I'm fine."

"Please."

"No thank you."  She stepped away from him and rushed to
the building.  He took a deep breath and followed her.

Becky threw the door open and took Dana in her arms.  "Oh
God, you scared me!  What happened?  Where did you - "

"Becky, she and I need to talk," Mulder said quietly.

Becky looked up at him. "Now?  Could you give her a little - "

"Please.  She needs to know what happened."

To Dana's surprise Becky nodded.  "I know.  I'll be at Joe's.
Don't wear her out."

He nodded as Dana's eyes widened.  Mutely she watched
Becky gather her coat and purse.  Becky hugged her again.
"Dana, you need to listen to him.  Trust me."

Dana watched incredulously as Becky left the apartment.
When Mulder turned to look at her, she drew herself up and
moved toward the couch.  She took a seat in the corner, but
didn't look up at him.  She felt him take a seat at the far end
of the couch.

"Can I get you anything?  Hot tea?  Your slippers?"

She seemed at a loss, so he got both.  She noted his
familiarity with her kitchen, but made no comment.  When
she was settled he took a seat beside her.

"I need for you to hear some things.  The most important of
them is that I did not make love to you and then run off to
scratch a notch in my bedpost."

Startled, she looked in his direction for just an instant.

"When I left here that morning, my intentions were to
shower, change, then get back over here and pester you to
let me take you to a late lunch.  That's not what happened.
Shortly after I got home, I got a phone call from my father.
He asked that I meet him at my mother's house.  He said
that the three of us needed to talk.  I will admit I was blown
away by that.  My parents haven't communicated, except
through business managers and attorneys, since the
divorce.  He made it sound urgent and, like I said, I was
caught off guard."  Mulder hesitated then for a moment, but
she made no comment.

"Anyway, I called you immediately to let you know that I had
to go out of town.  I got your machine and left a message
about what was going on and that I would call you when I got
there."
 
At that her head did come up, but she still kept silent.

"That was the first thing I did after I got there, I called you.
The line was busy, so I decided to call again in a few
minutes.  That didn't happen, but I'll get to that.  Scully, I did
not put any message to Phoebe on my phone.  Phoebe is a
woman that I knew in England.  I don't know who put the
message on my machine, though I suspect I know why.  It
wasn't there when Becky told me about it.  I don't doubt that
you heard what you heard, but I did not record any such
message."

Again he looked over at her.  She was watching him now,
her demeanor was still distant and he sighed.

"Second, I know I've never talked about my family.  There
isn't much left to talk about now, but at one time there was,
at least a little.  I have a sister, Scully, her name is
Samantha and like you she vanished in the middle of the
night.  The difference is she never came home.  It's been
thirteen years and I've been looking for her in one way or
another the entire time."

"Thirteen . . ." It was the first time she had spoken.

He nodded. "Thirteen years.  I was twelve and I think you
need to hear the story."

*****

His voice was rough, hoarse from talking so long.  The
glasses of water he'd gotten for both of them were empty
now.  He fell silent, watching her.

Finally she met his eyes, her eyes boring into him.  "There's
something you're not telling me."

He seemed slightly surprised at that, but nodded.  "Yes.
Until this happened," he took a deep breath, "until this
happened to you, I didn't realize my parents were involved in
Samantha's disappearance."
 
"What?  What are you - "

"They got me out of town.  I had spoken of you to my father."

"Why did you do that?" she asked quickly.

"Because you're important to me.  It was a foolish thing to
do, to allow him to know anything about me, but I wasn't
thinking.  He was the only one that knew.  He asked me if
you were William Scully's daughter."

Her eyes widened then. "He knows Dad?"

"He knew of him, through the Pentagon."  Mulder shook his
head.  "He knew that I had seen a woman named Phoebe
while I was living in England.  I have no doubt he has
recordings of my voice.  I just never wanted to believe . . . "

"You think your parents lured you out of town so that I could
be kidnapped."

"Abducted," he corrected.

"What?"

"Not kidnapped, taken by . . . " he stopped then.  "I guess I
should stop while I'm behind."

"Who do you think 'took' me?"

He took a deep breath. "Aliens."  He watched her mouth fall
open and her eyes narrow again.

"You can go back to Phoebe now," she said quietly and
started to rise.

His face darkened and he reached out, taking hold of her
arm.  "Scully, I'm not insane.  The bright light that Becky and
I saw, the complete lack of evidence -  you were taken
without a struggle in your damn pajamas!  It happened
immediately after my father found out we had a relationship.
Okay, call me paranoid, but something happened to you,
and just like Samantha, it was my fault!"  He was yelling
now.  She looked down at where his hand gripped her and
he realized his hold on her had tightened.  He released her
immediately and moved to the other side of the room.  "I'm
sorry.  Scully, I'm sorry."  His shoulders drooped and he
turned toward the door.

"She never came back?"

He stopped then, but didn't turn around.  "No, not yet."  He
reached for the doorknob.

In her slippers, he didn't hear her approach and he jumped
slightly when her hand came to rest on his arm.  "Were you
in love with Phoebe?"

He gave one harsh laugh at that.  "No.  Not even close.  But
she did teach me a lot."  He paused then and she could
practically hear his brain whirling.  "Oh god, she was part of
it.  They used her to keep me off balance.  Why didn't I see .
. . Goddamn them!"  He jerked away from her and reached
for the doorknob again.

"Please don't leave," she spoke quietly, but her words
penetrated.

He turned slowly to face her.

She looked directly into his eyes and whispered, "I don't
know what happened, to me or to you, but I don't want you
to go.  Not yet anyway."

The mixture of emotions that raced across his face held her.
Relief, fear, happiness, despair - they were all there for an
instant.  She took his hand and led him back to the couch.

He didn't resist.  He was reeling from the insight he'd just
gotten and that blow on top of acknowledging his parents'
betrayal staggered him.

"Mulder?"

He turned then realized it wasn't the first time she'd said his
name.  "Sorry, I - "

"Why do you think this?"

He looked tired then, weary.  "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have laid
all of this - "

"Why do you believe it?"

"I saw it, Scully."  The look in his eyes pulled at her.  He
obviously expected her rejection, but he yearned for
acceptance.

"Tell me."  She leaned back.

"I didn't remember, not for a long time.  As part of my studies
I underwent hypnosis.  I've listened to the tapes.  The doctor
didn't lead me.  Hell, he was as surprised as I was at what I
was saying."  He sat back, shaking his head.  "Enough.  You
should be resting.  I had no intention of getting into all of this.
I just wanted you to know I didn't . . . "

"Becky certainly believes in you."

But you don't, his look said.  "The message I was supposed
to have left was gone when she tried again.  I guess my
cluelessness penetrated."  He took a deep breath.  "I'll call
Becky.  I don't want you here alone."

She watched as he dialed the number and asked her
roommate to return.  When he hung up, he returned to her
side.  "She'll be here in a few minutes and I'll get out of your
way."

After a moment's silence, with him staring at his hands, he
looked up again and faced her.  "I'm sorry I hurt you."

"If you didn't carve that notch - "

"I didn't," he interrupted, "but I'm responsible for your - "

"Mulder, I need some time."

"Right."  She had the impression he had curled into a fetal
position though he hadn't moved.  "Listen, you should be
lying down.  Go on.  I'll let Becky in."

After a moment she nodded and rose.  She motioned for him
to keep his seat, then retreated to her bedroom, shutting the
door firmly behind her.

He closed his eyes at the sound.

When Becky's key turned in the lock, he rose.  "Mulder?  Are
you okay?"

"Yeah.  She's in her room, resting I hope.  Thank you for . . .
thank you."

Becky looked puzzled at that.  "We'll see you tomorrow?"

"No.  I don't think you'll be seeing me any time soon."

"She didn't believe you."

He managed a sad smile and moved past her, pulling the
door closed behind him as he left.

*****

He had dragged himself home and not left the apartment
since.  There was no one he wanted to talk to.  Classes
wouldn't start for a couple more days and he had no appetite
at all.

There was no one he could trust.  To be honest, he hadn't
really trusted his father in years, but to have it slam him in
the face . . . to have the man take someone else away that
he cared about was devastating.  He hadn't made friends
since he returned to the States; oh he'd dated but it had only
been for company.  No one had engaged his mind except
Scully.  He shoved that thought aside brutally.

He'd hurt her.  Okay, it had been unwittingly, but he had hurt
her badly.  The thoughts of their night together taunted him.
He had thought they had connected.  Hell, they had
connected.  He wasn't delusional, and he'd had enough
experience to know when a woman was pleased.  And good
god had she pleased him.

He reclined again on the couch and dropped his arm over
his eyes.  He couldn't sleep but he was exhausted.

The ringing phone startled him.  He hadn't spoken to anyone
in days.  If it was his father, he couldn't be responsible for
anything he might say.

"Hello."  Okay he didn't sound very welcoming, but then he
didn't feel very welcoming.

"I, Mulder?"

His voice stuck in his throat.  "Sc-Scully?"

"If this is a bad time - "

"It's not.  I just wasn't expecting . . . I didn't think I'd ever
hear from you again."

"I know.  You have Becky to blame.  She, she wanted . . . "

"Does she accept jewelry?  Furs?"

He heard her nervous laugh and closed his eyes.  It was so
good to hear her voice.

"Mulder, I think we moved too quickly."

"Yes, you're right.  I apologize for that."

"I'm the one that invited you to my apartment that night, so
there's no reason for you to take the blame.  I think if we do
see each other again, we should . . . "

"I would like to see you, Scully.  We can go as slow as you
want.  I just want another chance."

There was silence on her end while he waited.  "I . . . all
right."

"Dinner?  Tonight?"

That startled a chuckle out of her.  "That's taking it slow?"

"Just dinner.  I'll have you home to Becky by nine o'clock."

Again that silence and he waited.  "Okay."

"Thank you," he said quietly.  "I'll pick you up at, at six?"

"That would be fine."

"Where would you like to go?"

"Someplace busy, with a lot of people."

He winced at that.  "Sure.  Have you been to Giovanni's?"

"No."

"I'll see you in a little while."

*****

He'd seen the cartoons, heard the jokes, but it was the first
time he'd ever actually changed clothes three times before a
date.  He felt stupid about it, but damn it, this was important.
He'd finally settled on gray sports slacks, a light blue sport
shirt, open at the neck, and a navy blazer.  He stood outside
of her door promptly at 6 p.m.

His knock brought Becky to the door instantly and she
opened it with a smile that grew as she inspected him.

"Is she okay?"  he asked quietly.

"She's nervous.  She's changed clothes three times."  Becky
didn't understand the sudden relaxing of his shoulders or the
grin that swept his face.

They both turned as Dana came out of her bedroom.  She
had also settled on slacks with a green turtleneck sweater
and a dark green wool blazer.  For an instant he had the
impression of a lamb being led to slaughter, but then she
gave him a tentative smile.

"You look beautiful," he said softly.  "Thank you for agreeing
to see me."

He appreciated the color that stained her cheeks at his
words but didn't push it.  He was on thin ice here and he
knew it.  No way was he going to blow this opportunity.

They had a nice quiet meal, soft music in the background.  It
took her a while, but she loosened up and seemed to enjoy
herself.  There was no dancing, not this time.  He kept a
respectful distance, but his hand kept finding itself on her
lower back.  Thankfully she didn't shy away.

She seemed to be enjoying herself, at least until they were in
the car heading home.  He could feel her tense up as they
drew near to her apartment.  Once there, he parked but
made no move to leave the car.  "Scully, may I see you
again?"

She seemed to be memorizing the pattern of the fabric of his
car seats.  "Do you want to?"

"Yes."  The answer was so quick and so short that she
looked up.

"I, I suppose - "

"I know classes are starting.  Tell me what nights are good
for you."

"Nights?"  She met his eyes then.

"I'm rebuilding here, your trust, our relationship.  I know,
slow, but steady, okay?  You could wear my pin."  He
grinned then, but she could see how nervous he was.

"Let me get into my new schedule.  I would like to spend
time with you."

His eyes closed for just an instant, in relief, then he was
smiling, for real.
 

As it turned out Wednesday and Saturday evenings were the
best times to get together.  Sunday afternoons soon
followed, but these were mostly work sessions.  He would
bring papers over to read or grade while she studied.  Becky
would spend the time with Joe.

When he arrived that Sunday afternoon, she met him at the
door.  "I'm sorry; I didn't reach you in time.  Becky and Joe
are going to be here this afternoon.  They have to fumigate
his building - you don't want to ask - so I was going over to
the library.  Do you want to go . . . "

"Do you need to do research?"  He was playing with a curl
that had escaped her ponytail.

"No, I just wanted some place quiet."

"What about my place?"  He stepped back from her, hands
in the air.  "I'll be good."

"You don't mind?"

"No, I just don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"I won't be," she said softly.  "Thank you."

He winked at her and his hand came to rest on her lower
back.

*****

He reached for a marking pen to make notes on the paper
he was reading when he realized she had fallen asleep
against him.  He smiled down at her, grateful she was
secure enough with him now to drift off like this.  He was
making headway.

He carefully settled her on the couch, then moved to the
kitchen.  As much as he wanted to hold her while she slept,
he wasn't about to abuse her trust.

He didn't hear her wake.  She stretched and rose to her feet,
making her way to his bathroom, rubbing her eyes.  It wasn't
until she left the bathroom that she stopped to look around
his bedroom.  He obviously hadn't used the bed lately.  It
was piled high with boxes, files, pictures.  As she looked
closer, her jaw dropped.  These were, these were files about
aliens.

She turned when she realized he was standing in the door.
"I guess you want me to take you on home."

"You haven't mentioned any of this since that night."

He shrugged.  "I know you don't - "

"If you really believe this, if you think this is what happened
to me, we need to talk about it.  You told me you saw what
happened to your sister."

He nodded.

"I don't remember anything that happened to me.  Why don't
you tell me what you saw, tell me what these people saw?"

"No.  I don't want to influence you.  If you do start to
remember, I don't want it tainted with something I told you."

"Can't you tell me what happened to you that night?  What
happened when your parents got home?  What did they
say?"

"Actually I can't."

"Mulder - "

"No, really, I can't.  When they got home, they found me
comatose.  I woke up in the hospital three days later."

She leaned toward him and took hold of his arm.  "A coma?
Did they find out . . . "

He shook his head.  "Dad got me out before they could finish
the testing.  When I woke up, he pulled me out.  At the time I
agreed with him.  Now . . ." He shrugged and moved her
toward the door.

"I guess I should be getting home," she said and began
gathering up her books.

"Are you upset with me?"

"No, but I need to think.  I don't like not knowing what
happened to me."

"I don't like it either.  To be honest, I hate it, but if the
memories come back, I want them to come back naturally."

"Naturally.  Is that possible?"

"Yes, in dreams or, or when you're relaxed."

After a moment she nodded.  "I really do need to get home."

"Okay.  Wednesday?"

She smiled then. "Yes, if I can get some studying done
between now and then."

"Umm, I need to get you home."  His arm went around her
and pulled her gently to him.  He sniffed in the aroma of her
hair, nuzzled behind her ear and was rewarded with her
arms winding around his waist.

"Yes, you do."

He sighed, but smiled.  He gave her a little squeeze and
moved to get her coat.

*****

When he arrived Wednesday, Becky answered the door.
"Hi.  Come on in.  I'm probably in trouble, but she's not
ready."

"No problem.  Why are you in trouble?"

"I didn't wake her.  I got busy with my lab results."

"Wake her?"

"Uh, yeah.  I don't think she's sleeping well these days."  At
his look of concern she continued.  "Every afternoon she
comes in and takes a nap before she eats or hits the books."

"So she's not sleeping at night?"

"Well, I've heard her up at night, but I'm sure it's nothing big.
She had that 24-hour stomach thing Sunday night.  It
probably just messed up her sleep cycle."

"She was sick?  Does she have a fever?"

"I didn't check, but she's a grownup, Mulder.  I wouldn't - "
But he had already stepped away from her and toward
Scully's bedroom.  He opened the door quietly and spotted
her sound asleep on her bed.  He approached her quietly
and let his hand lightly touch her brow.  No fever, but she
didn't wake.  He sat carefully on the edge of the bed,
watching her.  She still didn't wake, but curled around him.

He let his hand lightly caress her hair for a moment.  She
didn't look sick.  Was she having nightmares?  Beginning to
remember?  Guilt washed over him for a moment, but she
looked peaceful enough right now.  He took a deep breath
and rose, leaving her room quietly.

Becky was waiting for him.  "You didn't wake her?"

"No, she needs to sleep."  He seemed to hesitate for an
instant, then gave Becky a sheepish grin.  "Wanna share a
pizza?"

She smiled then. "Sure.  The number's on the refrigerator."

"Got it memorized."  He moved toward the phone.

"One of those garbage things you like?"

His face lit up. "She told you about that?"

"I think she's planning to bring it up in class, in the nutrition
section."

"She, she talks about me?"

Becky glanced over at him.  He looked so young suddenly.
"Yeah, you've come up in conversation a couple of times,"
she turned away, "an hour," she muttered trying to ignore the
look of delight now on his face.

*****

They were sitting at the table, visiting, the pizza box open
and half empty between them when they heard her slip into
the bathroom.  When she emerged her eyes went from the
pizza to Mulder.  "What time . . . Oh Mulder, I'm sorry."

"It's okay.  You needed the nap.  Besides, Becky's been
telling me all kinds of dirt about you.  It's been very
educational."  He nodded sagely.

Dana cut her eyes at Becky who was grinning like a fool.
Dana just shook her head and sank into the chair beside
him.

"Well, I've done my duty.  He's all yours, Dana."  Becky
stood and took her plate to the sink.  She gave a little wave
as she disappeared into her room.

Dana turned back to Mulder. "I'm so sorry."

"It's not a problem."  He rose as well and took her hand to
pull her up beside him.  "I'm going to get out of your way
tonight.  You need to study or finish your nap or something."

"But I didn't get to spend any time - "

He leaned over and kissed her brow. "I'll be around." His
smile slipped away, "You'll tell me the next time you're not
feeling well?"

Dana glanced toward Becky's door, "It wasn't - "

"But I want to know.  And if you can't sleep, call me.  I'm up
late most nights; I'd love to spend that time on the phone
with you."  Before she could respond he was tugging her
toward the door.  He stopped just short of it and brushed a
light kiss on her lips.  "I know we're taking it slow," he said as
he kissed the tip of her nose, "but just so you know, I think
I'm falling in love with you."

Her lips parted in surprise.  He took advantage and kissed
the bottom one, then the top, then opened the door and was
gone.
 
She stood there, speechless, staring at the wooden barrier.
She didn't hear Becky come up beside her and started when
she felt Becky's hand on her arm.  "You okay?"

"He, he said . . . "
 
"I know.  What surprises me is how surprised you are."

Dana opened her mouth, then just smiled.

*****

She dragged herself to class, but she couldn't seem to
shake the bug she had picked up.  Again she hid it from
Mulder.  It wasn't a big deal.  She continued to nap when
she got home, thinking the rest would eventually go away.  It
didn't.

Becky finally confronted her.  "You have to get checked out,
Dana.  Something is wrong with you.  You've lost at least ten
pounds."

"I've lost four pounds," Dana said dryly.  "But you have a
point.  I'm exhausted all the time."  She sank onto the couch.
"I hope it's not mono."

Becky just looked at her for a long moment, then sat beside
her.  "Dana, you couldn't be pregnant, could you?"

"No!" Dana answered automatically, but at Becky's silence
she began to take inventory.  "No.  I can't be.  We were
careful, double protection.  Remember, I'm on the pill and he
used a condom."

"Okay.  I'm sorry, it's just . . . " her voice trailed off as she
watched Dana.

"No," Dana said once again.  "It's not possible."

"So it wouldn't hurt to take a test," Becky said mildly.

"There's no need," Dana insisted.

"I know, but as a precaution . . . You know, just to rule it out
completely."

The look Dana shot her was more fear than annoyance.
Becky nodded and rose.  "I'll just run out to the drugstore.
That way you can put it out of your mind and figure out what
really is going on."  She squeezed Dana's hand, which
seemed cold now and headed out the door.

When she returned with the small plastic bag, she couldn't
see that Dana had even moved.  "Dana?"  Dana blinked as
though waking and slowly stood.   "Are you okay?"

Dana reached for the bag.  "Let's get this over with."

Becky nodded and watched as Dana opened the box and
withdrew the instructions.  She read them quickly, then
looked up at Becky.  "Seems simple enough."

"They're trying to make them foolproof.  Should you wait for
morning?"

Dana shook her head, no way.  She dropped the folded
sheet on the table and took the box into the bathroom.
Becky watched helplessly.

Dana quickly returned to the living room, shutting the door
firmly behind her.  "Five minutes," was all she said.

"Do you want some tea?" Becky asked, desperate to do
something.

Dana shook her head and retreated to the couch, where she
huddled in the corner, her knees held firmly against her
chest as she hugged herself.

Becky realized that Dana wasn't watching the clock when
seven minutes had passed in silence.  She cleared her
throat.  "Do you want me to check?"

Mutely Dana shook her head and slowly unfolded her body.
She moved toward the bathroom like an old woman and
hesitated just an instant before walking inside.  She didn't
close the door.

Becky couldn't help herself, she moved in that direction,
waiting.

"Becky," she sounded composed, but that was the only word
she said.  Becky hurried into the small room.  Dana was
holding a small white plastic stick.  The tip of it was bright
pink.  As Becky watched, Dana's hand began to tremble and
then shake as she was suddenly sobbing.

Becky wrapped her arms around her friend and let her cry.

She didn't know how long they had sat like that on the side
of the tub, but she heard the knocking first.  "Dana, I'll be
right back."  She eased the door to the bathroom closed and
hurried to get rid of whoever was at the front door.

"Uh, Mulder - " She glanced back into the apartment.
"Tonight might not be a good - "

"Is she okay?"

"She, uh - " At that he moved around Becky and into the
apartment.

"Scully?  Scully, what's going on?"

"Just a, just a minute," she called.  Becky glanced at him, but
then hurried back to Dana without speaking.

Becky entered the bathroom and saw Dana repairing her
makeup.  "You need to tell him."

"Tell him?" Dana hissed at her.  "I didn't even expect him
tonight.  I can't - "

"You have to.  He deserves to know.  Do you want me to
stay?"

Dana shook her head.  "And don't say anything."

"I won't.  But this is not something you should face alone."

Dana glanced at her but didn't comment.  She smoothed her
sweater down, her hand lingering for just an instant over her
stomach.  Becky bit her lips, then let Dana precede her
through the door.
 

Mulder stood indecisive after Becky disappeared, not into
Scully's bedroom, but the bathroom they shared.  What the
hell was going on?  Okay, he hadn't called first, but he just
had not been able to stay away tonight.

When neither of the women appeared, he began pacing.
They had been getting along very well.  Not rushing, a
goodnight kiss, nothing more.  He took no responsibility for
the dreams he had about her; that was beyond his control.

He saw a piece of paper under the table and bent to retrieve
it, unable to remain still.  He glanced at it, then froze.  Only
his eyes moved as they rapidly scanned the instructions two,
three times.  Instructions for a home pregnancy test . . . He
didn't even hear the bathroom door open or realize Scully
was approaching him.

When he looked up and saw her, his eyes scanned her body
involuntarily.  Now it was her unable to move.  He crumbled
the paper in his hand as he reach for her.  "Are you all
right?"

She couldn't speak, her eyes staring at the paper in his
hand.

"I'll see you guys later," Becky murmured, but she wasn't
sure either of them heard.  She gathered her books and
purse after slipping on her coat.

Dana jumped slightly when the door closed.

"Let's sit down," he said quietly.  She didn't protest as he led
her to the couch.  He sat beside her and pulled her close.

After several minutes of silence, she pulled away.  With only
a slight hesitation he let her.  "Are you okay?"

"Mulder, those tests can be - "

"You have to suspect something."

She closed her eyes, unable to face him.  "I'm sorry."

"Answer my question, Scully.  Physically, are you okay?"

"I, I suppose so.  I haven't seen a doctor."

He nodded and quietly pulled her back against him, holding
her gently.  That's when she lost control and tears began
streaming down her face.  Neither spoke; he just held her
until she was cried out.

When her breath grew steadier, she stared down at her
hands.  "I don't think I can get rid of it."

His arms tightened slightly.  "No one's asking you to."

She looked up at him then.  "What do you want?"

"I'm not a caveman, I can't demand that you carry my child,
but Scully, I could never ask you to terminate . . . " His
Adam's apple bobbed.

She seemed to relax slightly at that.

"Let's get out of here.  Leave Becky a note.  We'll go to my
place, we'll have privacy there."

She met his eyes and saw something she needed there.
She nodded and took his hand to rise.

*****

He sat watching her as she dozed on his couch.  What had
happened?  Had they released her because they discovered
she was pregnant or had they impregnated her then
released her?  Either way it was because of him.

What was it that attracted him to her?  She wasn't the type of
woman that usually drew him, but then he wasn't drawn to
her in the same way.  It was deeper; it felt more real.  He
wanted to be with her, had wanted to be with her since he
laid eyes on her.

Even in class he'd been drawn to her, though he had fought
it harder.  Her intelligence, her wit, had caught his attention.
He'd pushed it aside while she was his student but just
barely.  He'd actually looked for women that reminded him of
Phoebe just to keep away from her.  It hadn't worked.

It sounded dumb, but with her he felt whole as though she
filled up a space he hadn't known was empty.  He wanted to
be with her and now, with a child, his child . . .

She began to stir.  He rose and moved closer, perching on
the coffee table in front of her.  She sat up, blinking.  "I didn't
mean to fall asleep."

"You needed a nap.  It's okay."

She looked down but didn't comment.

"Uh, Scully, I've been thinking.  I know I'm springing this on
you, but I think . . ."

"What?"

"I think we should get married."  He faltered as she drew
back, obviously caught off guard by his words.

"We, we don't . . . "

"I won't pressure you, Sc-Dana."

That brought the ghost of a smile to her face.  "Scully is fine."

"It's just, well, if we go ahead you and the baby will be
protected legally."

"Legally," she repeated the word dully.

"Wait, that's not . . . I want to be with you.  This isn't just
because you're pregnant, I was already - "

"We shouldn't get married just because the sex was good."
She drew back as his face lit up.

"The sex was good?"

She rolled her eyes, biting her lip.  Now wasn't a time for
laughing.

"I mean, it was for me and I thought it was for . . . but - "

"How male of you," she muttered dryly, but she couldn't keep
the smile from her eyes.

"So you'll think about it?  About marrying me?"

"I never planned to start a marriage like this.  What about my
education?"

"Neither of us planned this.  But we are together and it feels
right, at least to me it does.  And you can finish your
education.  It might be delayed some, but I promise you, you
can go back."

"I'm trapping you," she stated sadly.

"Scully, do you want to know when I first thought about
marrying you?"

"First . . ?"

"New Year's Eve," he said quietly.  'When I saw you that
night it just clicked for me.  I knew I wanted to spend my life
with you.  Scully, that was before we went back to your
apartment."

"I . . . you never - "

"How could I say something like that?  It was our, what, third
date?  How was I to know you wouldn't run screaming in the
other direction?  It was too soon to say anything."

She just sat there with her mouth slightly open, staring at
him.

"It started before that, you know.  That first day of class, you
walked in with Becky and some others and I found myself
staring at you.  I kept forcing myself away, but my eyes
would return to you.  I went on a date with, uh, what's her
name, Kaitlin and first thing I spot is you and bring my date
over to your table.  Very uncool and I wasn't really able to
salvage the evening," he said with a rueful smile.  "Seeing
you at the pool, well I was just glad the water was cool."

She blushed then and looked away.

"What?  You don't believe me?"

"No, I do believe you.  Becky told me you were checking me
out.  At the pool, well that was some swimsuit."

His smile grew for a moment, then faded.  "I'm scaring you.
You think I'm some sort of stalker or something, don't you?"

"It's not you I'm scared of.  It's me."  His brow furrowed, but
she continued before he could speak.  "I had those same
feelings.  It was right to invite you back that night.
It felt . . . right.  Then things fell apart."

"That wasn't entirely our fault."

"I know."

He took a deep breath.  "Dana Scully, will you marry me, let
me love you and our child, live with you and love you for the
rest of our lives?"

She met his eyes then, looking deep into them.  "Yes," she
said quietly.  "I'll marry you."

His look of relief was quickly replaced with a look of sheer
delight.  Even though he was sitting quietly beside her, she
had the impression he was bouncing up and down.

"So, we can fly to Las Vegas tonight.  We'll bring Becky and
- "

"Vegas?"

"Sure!  How many chances do you get to be married by
Elvis?"

"I'm changing my mind," but she was grinning at his
enthusiasm.

"Okay, okay - tradition, twenty bridesmaids, a trumpet
processional . . . "

"Think we could meet in the middle somewhere, Mulder?
What if next weekend we go to City Hall, with Becky?"

"You deserve more," his tone was serious now.

"We can plan a big party for our first anniversary.  How's
that?"

"I love you, Dana Scully."

*****

Denouement

He looked down at the newborn in his arms; his first
grandchild.  Dana was sleeping now and Mulder should be,
but obviously he couldn't tear himself away.

He hadn't even been in the states when Bill, Jr. and Missy
were born.  But he'd been there for Dana.  Oh, not in the
delivery room, the military didn't believe in that 'nonsense' at
the time, but he'd been allowed to sit with Maggie before.

Maggie said that Mulder hadn't left Dana's side from the
beginning.  William smiled, she'd also said that she had
thought the young man was going to go down a couple of
times, but he'd hung in there.  She hadn't been sure whether
Dana had been giving him strength or he'd been giving
strength to her.

His smile faded then, his new son-in-law was a mystery to
him.  The son of William Mulder . . .
 
 
 
 

Author's Notes:  I know, I pulled a CC, raising more
questions than I answered.  But hey, it's the X-Files, right?
Merry Christmas!!