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-