Hello out there in Cyberland! :) Here's my latest offering.
  It's a little different than my average MSR angst-fest. Hope you
  like it. :) Besides, Raquel said she needed stories, and I just happened
  to have one ready. 
  DISCLAIMER: I don't own Mulder or Scully. However, I did create
  Deanna  and poor Lauren, who only gets to talk in one
  scene, and all of Scully's other classmates. :)
  INSPIRATION: **I must acknowledge Char Hall's *wonderful* story,
  "Dance With Me", as the main inspiration for this story. I read
  it over one day, and got to wondering if I couldn't do my own
  'they meet before they met' story. So, thanks go to Char, one of
  my best net pals. :) **Also, I must give credit to one of my
  other bestest net friends, Nicole Perrey. There's a movie that
  Scully watches in this story, that is a tribute to Nic and her
  latest story, "A Notorious Affair" - if you haven't read it, go
  do so now! I loved her story so much, that after reading it, I
  went out and rented the movie she based it on. Wonderful story,
  Nic! You'll get my comments. I promise. 
  BIT OF TRIVIA: The dress that Scully wears in this story is
  supposed to be the one from GA's TV Guide centerfold, in case
  you're wondering. :)
  CREDIT: The songs found herein: "Can't Forget You" by Gloria
  Estefan, and "Must Have Been Love" by Roxette were used without
  permission, obviously ;). I didn't write them, guys. I know...you're
  all surprised. :)
  THANKS: Thanks to Melissa R. for once again editing this for me,
  and helping me out. Also, thanks to Jenna.
  STORY NOTE: This is an MSR all the way, guys. Also, since there's a
  discrepancy/ error in the "Official Guide to the X-Files", I had
  to make a judgment call about Mulder's schooling. I picked the
  year that made more sense to me. So, in this story, he graduated
  from Oxford in '82 and the FBI Academy in '84.
  COMMENTS: Hmm...I don't know what to put here. I guess for now,
  you should send all comments to: sonseearay@juno.com

  Thanks! Now, on to the story!!

  ========================================

  PRE-HISTORY 1/4
  by Amy Schatz 

  Baltimore, Maryland
  Apartment of Dana Scully
  May 3, 1985
  6:33 pm

  Dana Katherine Scully stood in front of the mirror in her
  bedroom and looked at her reflection critically. The more she
  looked, the more she was sure that the dress she had on just
  wasn't for her. It was a long, simple, light golden colored
  dress that hugged her slim figure nicely.

  All of that was fine.

  The part that bothered Dana was that it was low cut. Very
  low cut. All the way down to China.

  Well, perhaps she was exaggerating. It wasn't down to her
  navel or anything, but she was definitely showing a lot of
  cleavage.

  Lots and lots of cleavage.

  She turned to the side, smoothing the dress over her flat
  stomach, as her gaze went to her auburn hair. She had just gotten
  it cut, and tonight had curled it in a way reminiscent of the
  40's.

  She wore dark, almost burgundy colored lipstick, and the
  rest of her make-up was very understated. Just some barely-there
  blush, and some eye-liner to bring out her eyes, which tonight
  had decided to be a slate-blue in color.

  All in all, she thought she looked fairly good.

  In reality, she was a knockout.

  After one more quick look, she turned from the mirror and
  headed out into the small living room of the small apartment she
  shared with another pre-med student. She went to their small
  couch, picked up her purse, and glanced out into the tiny
  kitchen.

  "Lauren?" she called.

  "Yeah?" the girl called back.

  Dana could smell popcorn. "I'm leaving now. Don't wait
  up."

  Suddenly, Lauren poked her head around the corner. She was
  pretty and tall, with dark straight hair, and green eyes. "I
  didn't hear anyone pull up," she said, her eyes scanning the
  room.

  "I know," said Dana. "I'm meeting Scott at the hotel."

  Lauren frowned. "What kind of a way is that? This is the
  junior dance, Dana. Scott could try and fit picking you up into
  his busy schedule."

  Dana scowled at her friend and roommate. "Well, you're not
  going."

  Lauren shrugged. "I think dances are stupid. Besides, the
  only person I'd go with is Vince, and he's overseas."

  Vince was Lauren's fiancee. He was in the Airforce and
  stationed overseas most of the time. "Well, *I'm* going," said
  Dana, her chin lifted, "and I'm going with Scott. If he wants to
  meet at the hotel, no problem. See you later, Lauren."

  And with that, Dana turned away, and walked out of the
  apartment.

  Moments later, Lauren heard her pulling away.
  * * *
  Washington D.C.
  Washington Hilton
  May 3, 1985
  7:35 pm

  Agent Fox Mulder slipped out of the banquet room and headed
  down the hall for a little walk some air. He was wearing a
  sleek, black tuxedo, and bow tie. He looked very handsome all
  dressed-up...too bad none of the women who worked at the FBI
  would come with him.

  Not that he tried very much. Truth be told, he was quite
  content to be on his own. His mind still remembered a girl in
  England - a girl he had been willing to give his love to forever.
  But when he told her this, she had laughed at him, and told him
  to grow up - that their relationship was just for fun, and
  nothing more.

  That had certainly been a newsflash for him. He had given
  everything to her - to Phoebe. He had worshipped her, loved her,
  put her on a pedestal - and what had he gotten in return? She
  had ripped his heart out and kicked it aside, like so much trash.
  He still thought of her at least once a day - and that was what
  bothered him so much. After all she had done to him, he knew
  that he would still take her back if she asked him.

  So, if his mind couldn't forget her, he doubted his heart
  could.

  She would ruin any chances he might have to love someone
  else - and he hated her for that. They had a strange
  relationship, he and Phoebe. At the same time he hated and loved
  her, couldn't stand her and wanted her, didn't care what she
  thought and needed her approval.

  However, Mulder had decided that he *would* get over
  her...and he would try to trust again. To trust a woman with his
  heart again - but it would take a special woman, and he needed
  more time to heal, to recover.

  So for now, Mulder was content to be alone.

  Running a hand through his dark brown hair, he sighed,
  mostly in boredom. Oh, how he hated these stupid FBI functions!
  They were so predictable, uninteresting, and self-serving. He
  saw no point in aggrandizing certain agents time and again, and
  passing over younger, but potentially great agents.

  Agents like himself.

  Not that he wanted some ten dollar plaque to put on his
  apartment wall, but he wouldn't have minded some respect. Ever
  since he had graduated from the FBI Academy a year ago, things
  had been getting steadily worse. In the Academy he had been
  honored with the nickname `Spooky'. Spooky Mulder. Just because
  he could solve the pseudo-crimes that the instructor created
  quicker than anyone else. Just because he saw connections and
  could make leaps others couldn't.

  Oh, and there was that little matter of his devoted belief
  in all things paranormal.

  Had he known that his beliefs would make him a social
  outcast and the butt of jokes, he might have kept quiet.

  As Mulder walked down the hall, towards the lobby of the
  hotel and the front doors, he shook his head, "Naahhh.."
  * * *

  Washington D.C.
  Washington Hilton
  May 3, 1985
  7:45 pm

  Dana stepped out of her car, grabbed her purse and wrap, and
  quickly shut the door, locking it. Looking around the parking
  lot, she noticed Scott's expensive car parked a few spaces away,
  its paint and windows gleaming in the moonlight.

  As she walked towards the front doors, Dana thought about
  Scott. About his light brown hair, his lovely blue eyes, and
  handsome features. Yes, he was the ultimate in cool. Everybody
  liked him. Everybody wanted to be with him. And all the other
  boys wanted to *be* him. It was unusual for a boy like him to
  date Dana. Normally, his type didn't even look at her.

  Not because she wasn't pretty.

  But because it was a well-known rumor that Dana was cold and
  normally didn't even kiss on the first date.

  But Scott had said that he didn't care - that he liked her so much
  he would gladly wait till she was ready.

  And for once, Dana actually believed that this boy meant it.

  So, she had a smile on her face as she walked to the
  entrance, imagining Scott's expression when she took off her wrap
  and he saw the dress she had worn.
  * * *

  Mulder looked up at the sound of a band playing in the
  banquet room across the way from the one he was supposed to be
  in. He smiled as he saw young, probably college kids streaming
  into the room, all dressed up for a formal dance.

  Mulder was in a prime position to watch the procession - a
  plush, shadowed bench that was along one side of the hallway. He
  leaned further back into the darkness, and did what all men do:
  rated the girls as they walked by.

  Mulder saw a few sixes, a seven and an eight, and lots of
  fours. He had almost given up on seeing what he considered a ten
  when SHE walked through the doors.
  * * *

  Dana took a deep breath as she walked up to the doors of the
  Hilton, and plastered a smile on her face. Then, she pulled open
  the doors, and glided inside.

  She immediately heard the band playing inside the banquet
  room, and then she saw all of her classmates standing outside the
  room, some heading inside, anxious to get the party started. She
  began to look around for Scott, as she slipped her wrap off, and
  let it hang over her arm.

  She felt a little self-conscious in the dress, but made
  herself calm down, and accept that the dress looked good on her
  and that Scott would like it.

  So, after a small, internal pep-talk, she stepped forward
  and walked into the room.
  * * *

  The moment he saw her, he knew that he was privy to
  observing the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His gaze
  had been caught on her from the moment she walked inside. She
  was a vision...an angel...a goddess. She was slim, with flame-
  red hair, and skin the color of Porcelain. He couldn't tell what
  color her eyes were, but he was sure that whatever the color,
  they were eyes he could get lost in...eyes that might look at him
  with compassion....and maybe even affection.

  Then she took her cover-up off, and he almost gasped.

  The dress she wore was magnificent! It was a pale gold, and
  hugged her trim body in all the right places, and was *very* low
  cut, even by Mulder's standards. He could see her perfectly
  crafted collar bone, her smooth, white skin, and the curve of her
  breasts. But somehow, the dress didn't look cheap or trashy on
  her. On this woman, it looked glamorous - as if she were a movie
  star.

  He could tell she was young - that was evident in her step
  and just her overall aura. But it also looked as though she had
  been hardened by life, and that saddened him, though he couldn't
  understand why he suddenly cared so much about this girl. Why
  she had touched such a deep, secret place in him.

  He watched, breathlessly, as she walked into the banquet
  room, and disappeared.

  Mulder wanted nothing more than to go up to her, talk to
  her, look into her eyes, but he guessed that she probably had a
  date for that dance. Besides, if his track record was accurate,
  she would laugh at him, and walk away. He didn't need that right
  now - didn't need her to kill the only surviving part of his
  heart.

  He sighed, and closed his eyes, imagining how it might feel
  to dance with her.
  * * *

  * * *
  University Of Maryland's Junior Dance
  Baltimore Room
  7:52 pm

  The minute Dana walked into the banquet room, she began
  looking for Scott. She couldn't understand why he hadn't been
  waiting for her outside of the room, as he had promised. She
  kept telling herself, that he was probably just inside, joking
  with some of his friends.

  But deep inside her heart, she didn't believe it.

  Dana had been hurt by so many boys, that she found it hard
  to trust them. But Scott had been different. He had been so
  sweet and sincere with her that she had seen no reason not to
  believe him.

  Now she wondered if he had ever been truthful with her.

  Dana walked past a small group of girls, and when they saw
  her, they immediately burst into giggles and whispers. Dana was
  used to this - other students ostracized her because of her great
  intelligence and sharp wit. They were at once envious and in awe
  of her, so the only thing they could do was make fun of her and
  leave her out of things.

  And they did that very well.

  She turned sharply when she heard her name whispered, and
  glared at the girls. They were what she classified as
  'gigglers'. Girls that were always popular, always on the A-
  List, always wanted by boys, but usually devoid of much
  brainpower and responsibility. They always knew where they best
  parties were, but they could never seem to remember the reading
  assignment for class.

  Finally, one of them - the leader of the group - stepped
  forward, her dark eyes flashing and spoke. "Well, well, girls.
  If it isn't Miss Polar Icecap herself...and all dressed up for
  her special beau!"

  Dana's blue eyes slid from a warm blue to blue ice as her
  hands flew to her hips. She looked hard at the girl in front of
  her. Her name was Deanna, and she was the captain of the
  cheerleading squad. She had long, dark hair that tonight was
  swept up, and was wearing a red, sequined dress that left little
  to the imagination.

   her little voice pointed out.

  Dana told it to shut up.

  "What's your problem, Deanna?"

  Deanna's dark eyes flew to the dance floor, where some
  couples were moving together slowly. "Missing someone, Icy?" she
  asked bitterly.

  Dana ignored the petty name-calling and followed Deanna's
  gaze. Her eyes swept over the couples but screeched to a halt on
  one particular couple.

  Scott and another girl.

  They were dancing closely, his hand low on her bare back,
  her head on his shoulder, his lips gently brushing her forehead.

  Dana felt the tears immediately spring to her eyes as she
  realized that no man would ever hold her that way, but she
  blinked them back. She would never cry in front of Deanna and
  her pack of cronies.

  "Guess that dress was for nothing, huh, Miss Icicle?" said
  Deanna, looking back at her friends and smiling.

  Dana was so shocked and hurt that she couldn't even talk at
  first. Finally, she composed herself - put the mask of no
  emotion on - and turned to look at Deanna.

  "What do you mean?"

  Deanna smirked. "Don't you know who that is? That's
  Colleen, Scott's old girlfriend."

  Dana shook her head, her mouth gaping. "No...no...they
  broke up..."

  Deanna nodded. "Yeah, a month ago...which is why he asked
  *you* to this dance. He was so damn desperate that he had to
  stoop down to *your* level. Anyway, looks like the break-up
  wasn't so permanent, cause from what I hear, they're back
  together."

  Dana felt as though someone had shot an arrow through her
  heart. She had never felt such pain, been hurt so deeply, or
  been so humiliated in all her life. She stepped back, closing
  her eyes.

  "Oh look, girls," said Deanna gleefully, "maybe the Ice
  Queen *does* have feelings. I think she's going to cry."

  Dana vaguely heard one of the other girls suggest that
  perhaps enough have been said, but she wasn't really paying
  attention. All she could think of was what a fool she looked
  like. All dressed up and *no one* to care. Now she looked
  pathetic and desperate, as if she would go out with any boy -
  even those who were just on the rebound.

  She stepped back again, wanting nothing more than for the
  floor to swallow her up.

  Deanna put her arm around Dana, and swiveled her around,
  pushing her towards the entrance. "I think it's time you were
  going, don't you?"

  Dana didn't respond - what was there to say? She had been
  deceived once again. She didn't protest as Deanna walked her out
  into the hallway.
  * * *

  Mulder had given up hope of seeing the red-haired girl
  again, and was about to get up and dutifully return to the FBI
  dinner, when he saw a flash of gold. He looked up and saw a
  tall, dark-haired girl push his flaming angel out of the room.
  Once outside, the tall girl leaned close and whispered something
  into the other girl's ear, smiled wickedly, patted her on the
  shoulder, and then turned, walking back inside, closing the doors
  behind her.

  Mulder watched as a look of extreme pain passed over the
  girl's face, and she swiped at her eyes. Then, he heard a small,
  soft sob escape her lips as she broke into a run down the hall,
  heading for the shadows.

  He had to follow her.

  It was as if he were being pulled to her, and had no choice
  but to go to her. He followed her carefully, as he had been
  taught to do in the Academy. Soon, she slowed down and sank onto
  a bench, crying softly.

  He watched her for a few moments, and then, when he couldn't
  stand it any longer, stepped before her, coughing to announce his
  presence.

  "Excuse me?"

  Her head shot up as if she had been struck, and Mulder found
  himself looking into her deep, blue eyes. Eyes that were filled
  with tears. And pain.

  "What do *you* want?" she asked, her voice bitter. "Did
  Deanna send you to finish me off?"

  Mulder opened his mouth, but found that he had nothing to
  say.

  Dana lifted her chin, ready for whatever this idiot had
  planned to dish out. "Well, come on!" she shouted. "Just say
  whatever it is you came to say!" She pushed herself off of the
  bench, and stood toe to toe with him, even though she was much
  shorter. "What will it be? Icicle? Miss Polar Icecap? Arctic
  Girl? Icy? Or maybe you like the long running favorite...Ice
  Queen!"

  Mulder's eyes widened. Did she mean that people called her
  those awful names? 'Spooky' seemed to pale in comparison. He
  held his hands up in a gesture of subordination, and when he
  spoke, it was softly and gently.

  "Miss, I don't know what you're talking about. I saw that
  you were apparently in distress, and I wanted to see if you were
  all right."

  Dana looked at him - really *looked* at him - and realized
  that she didn't know him. She had been so wrapped up in her
  anger and hurt that she had just reacted. Hadn't bothered to
  find out all the facts before she started screaming. Finally,
  she lowered her head, closing her eyes, and sank back down onto
  the bench.

  Mulder looked at her for a few seconds before he sat down
  next to her, wanting nothing more than to take her in his arms
  and hold her close. But he didn't - he held back - because he
  didn't know what she wanted.

  "What happened?" he finally asked.

  She didn't look at him. Dana never could stand for anyone
  else to see her weak side. "The usual," she said at last.

  "What's `the usual'?"

  She shrugged her shoulders. "Tonight's the Junior Dance for
  my University. When I got here, I found the boy that asked me
  here dancing with his ex-girlfriend. Apparently the `ex' part
  has been taken out of the equation."

  Mulder nodded. "And *that's* why you're crying."

  She looked up at him sternly, hating the idea that he
  thought she was some simpering girl who just cried at the drop of
  a hat. "It's only *part* of the reason."

  Mulder smiled at her spirit, recognizing her determination
  in himself. "And what's the other part?"

  "I've always been called names," she admitted casually, as
  if it meant nothing to her, though Mulder could tell it hurt her
  deeply. "Tonight, when I walked inside, a few girls were *nice*
  enough to show me Scott and his girlfriend dancing. They also
  made it a point to call me as many names as they could. It
  just...hurts."

  Mulder nodded, completely understanding. "Why do they call
  you those names?"

  She shrugged again, wiping at her eyes. "Probably because
  I'm smarter than they are, to be honest. Because I understand
  things quicker, and the teachers like me because I always do my
  work. They're just jealous."

  Mulder grinned, her answer answering one of his long-time
  questions. "Yeah, that must be the reason."

  Dana looked at him strangely, but said nothing.

  "You know," he said demurely, "people call me names, too."

  "They do?" she asked, wondering why anyone would have reason
  to tease this man. He was kind, considerate, polite, and oh yes,
  there was that small matter of his devastating good looks, his
  smoky hazel eyes, and wonderfully tousled dark-brown hair.

  He nodded, a lopsided grin in place. "They call me
  `Spooky'."

  Dana couldn't suppress a small grin, as she imagined grown
  people calling him that name. "Why?" she asked.

  He looked down. "Same reason as you, I guess," he said. He
  wasn't about to tell her that he believed in aliens and spirits.

  "Are you in school as well?" she finally asked, when she was
  sure she wouldn't laugh out loud.

  She never bothered to notice that her tears had dried, and
  her spirits had lifted.

  Mulder chuckled. "Not now, no. I graduated from the FBI
  Academy a year ago, and since then I've been assigned to the
  Violent Crimes Section."

  A small shadow of pain passed over his face when he
  mentioned this, but Dana chose to let it go. "Really?" she
  asked, truly impressed. "That sounds like an interesting
  profession."

  "It can be," he answered. "Helping people to close a
  chapter in their life can feel good. When we solve a murder or
  find a missing person, we help those left behind to move
  on...it's almost therapeutic."

  Dana nodded, smiling slightly. "You sure sound like a
  therapist."

  Mulder grinned crookedly. "Psychologist, actually. Oxford
  University, class of `82."

  "Oxford? Wow...sounds like you've been around."

  For some reason, when she said that, an image of Phoebe
  popped into Mulder's mind. She was there before him, taunting
  and cocky as ever, a wicked smile on her face. As he thought of
  her, Mulder realized that he didn't feel the same ache in his
  chest as he usually did. Glancing back to the girl before him,
  he smiled.

  Maybe she was the reason.

  "Well, you're no slouch yourself, I'd say," he answered.
  "What university do you attend?"

  Dana cleared her throat, and looked off down the hall, back
  at her past. "I attended the University of California, at
  Berkeley, because my father was stationed at Alameda. Then, I
  transferred to the University of Maryland for my second year.
  I'll be a senior next semester."

  Mulder nodded, looking at her approvingly. He had noticed
  that when she had spoken of her father, her voice and eyes had
  softened. "What's your major?" he asked, following the classic
  line of questioning.

  Dana's back straightened and her chin lifted a bit, as she
  proudly answered, "Pre-med."

  "Now it's my turn to say wow," said Mulder, truly impressed
  by this woman - the woman of his dreams. Beautiful *and* smart?
  He was in heaven.

  "Well," she finally said, sighing, "I don't want to keep
  you. I'm sure your date is waiting for you."

  Mulder looked down at his tux, realizing that she had
  supposed he *had* a date. He chuckled mirthlessly. "Nope. No
  date. No girl would have me."

   he thought. 

  "What?" she cried, before she could stop herself. *That*
  idea was simply unimaginable.

  "It's true," he said, suppressing a smile. "Besides, it's
  just a stuffy FBI banquet. Yawn City. I'm glad to be out of
  there."

  "Oh..." said Dana, looking down at her hands. She knew that
  she should just leave. Go home and prepare herself for Monday
  morning when she would have to face Deanna, Scott, Colleen, and
  everyone.

  But for some reason, she didn't want to leave this man. She
  felt drawn to him, like a moth to a flame, and she suddenly
  wasn't afraid of being burned. She also felt safe with him,
  which was truly ridiculous, since she didn't even know him.

  She suddenly realized that she didn't even know his name -
  and she wanted to know it, since she intended to never forget
  him. Turning to look at him, she said, "By the way, what's your
  name?"

  He was about to tell her to call him Mulder, when he
  stopped. This girl was special. She deserved to call him
  something special - something that would be just between them.
  So, since he didn't allow anyone - not even her - to call him by
  his first name, he opted for the next best thing.

  "It's William." Even though Mulder hated his father for his
  coldness and inability to love, he didn't mind the name. And he
  had a feeling that when *she* spoke it, he would forget all about
  his cruel, unfeeling father.

  Dana smiled. She had always liked the name William, for
  more reasons than one. "Really?" she asked. "That's my father's
  name."

  Mulder's eyes widened. Both their fathers' names were
  William? That had to be more than a coincidence - maybe it was a
  sign. "And your name?" he asked, not divulging this newly
  learned information.

  At first she was going to say Dana, but then she decided
  against it. Everyone knew her as 'Dana'. This man was uncommon
  - unique. So, she would give him a gift and let him call her by
  her middle name - which only her grandmother used.

  "Katherine," she answered, suddenly feeling the urge to take
  his hand. She did not.

  Mulder smiled. "Katherine," he said, trying the name out.
  "It's a beautiful name."

  She smiled, almost blushing, and bowed her head, accepting
  his compliment. "So, William, how long have you been shirking
  your duty by sitting out here?" she asked playfully.

  He grinned again - that wonderful, lopsided grin that was
  almost a leer. "Not too long. Just long enough to see you make
  your grand entrance."

  Dana's eyes went wide. "Oh, you did, huh?"

  He nodded. "Yep. I was sitting out here rating the girls
  as they went by. I can't help but do it, really. It's
  programmed into the Y chromosome."

  Dana snickered at this remark. "And what sort of scale were
  you using?"

  "One to ten," he replied casually, looking down the hall at
  the closed doors of the banquet hall where the dance was being
  held. "I saw a six, a seven, an eight, lots of fours..."

  "And what did I get?" asked Dana, not knowing where she was
  getting this courage. She guessed that he would be kind and say
  five, when he would really be thinking a three.

  "Oh, you... Well, you see, when I first saw you I was so
  awed, that I couldn't even perform my calculations. But, I
  finally recovered, and I'm afraid I had no choice but to give
  you..."

   she thought, wishing she had never asked
  him, never opened herself up to this humiliation.

  "....an eleven," he finally finished, looking at her with
  his most brilliant smile.

  This time she really did blush, and then she leaned close to
  him, and kissed him softly on the cheek - something she had
  wanted to do since she first saw him. As she pulled away, she
  whispered, "Thank you."

  Mulder was in a daze - spellbound by this red-haired nymph
  who was changing his whole outlook on life. His bitter idea of
  love was quickly fading - along with his memories of Phoebe.
  Suddenly, he was seeing a future, a family, children, someone to
  love, and someplace he could call home.

  He reached out and took her hand in his, pulling her back to
  him. "Let's try that again, shall we? I think I have better
  aim."

  And with that, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers
  in the most electric, sensual kiss he had ever experienced. As
  they kissed, Mulder's world shrunk to just this woman, and how
  she made him feel. He realized that he never wanted to leave
  this woman - didn't think he could bear to be without her,
  without her spirit, her warmth, her intelligence, her kiss.

  When they parted, they were both breathless and flushed, but
  smiling. Mulder pulled her close and wrapped his arms around
  her, loving the feel of her body against his.

  "That," he said, "was the most amazing thing I have ever
  felt."

  Dana sighed contentedly, tightening her arms around his
  waist. "Me, too." They were silent, then, until she voiced the
  question in both their minds. "What are we going to do about
  it?"

  Mulder didn't answer her because he didn't know. What could
  they do? By his estimation, she was only twenty-one, and he was
  twenty-four. He knew that age wouldn't be a problem, and it was
  very apparent that they would have no lack of things to discuss,
  and well, then there was that mind-blowing chemistry they seemed
  to have.

  But he didn't want to tarnish her life with his reputation.
  She was just starting out. He was well-known in all the
  hospitals - he seemed to end up there a lot - and she was pre-
  med. If any of her employers found out that she was Spooky
  Mulder's girlfriend, it might not go over too well.

  Suddenly, Mulder realized something. Twenty minutes ago, he
  was practically swearing off women - all because of Phoebe and
  the way she had destroyed his heart. And now, this woman, this
  girl was making him forget all that - making him *feel* again.
  Trust again.

  "I don't know, Katherine," he finally said, even though he
  did know. He knew that he would have to let her go - she would
  be better off without him, anyway.

  They fell silent again, just enjoying being close. As they
  sat there, Mulder's eyes traveled back down to those closed doors
  - doors that Katherine had been pushed out of a little while ago.
  He decided that she would walk back in there, and show all those
  petty, pathetic people who the real queen of the ball was.

  "I know something we can do, Katherine."

  Dana looked up at him, her face totally open and trusting.
  "What?"

  Mulder stood up, and held his hand out to her. "We can
  attend your dance."

  Dana's first instinct was to refuse, because she didn't want
  to have to endure the cruelties of those people - especially not
  in front of William. But, there was something about the way his
  hazel eyes burned into her that made it impossible to deny him
  this request.

  She smiled grandly, and rose, taking his hand with a
  flourish. "If you insist."
  * * *
  * * *
  University of Maryland's Junior Dance
  Baltimore Room
  8:20 pm

  When the doors of the Baltimore Room opened, and Dana Scully
  walked inside with the most handsome man there, no one was more
  surprised than Deanna.

  She had been enjoying the night quite nicely ever since she
  got to rain on Little Miss Icy's parade, so this new development
  did not make her happy. She watched as Dana and the mystery man
  walked out onto the dance floor, and drew close together.

  Well, this could not be tolerated! Deanna would not allow
  it. She disentangled herself from the boy she was dancing with,
  and stalked across the dance floor to Dana.

  Tapping Dana on the shoulder, she spoke in her sweetest
  tone. "Excuse me, Icy, but I'm cutting in." Once this pretty-
  boy got a look at her, Deanna was sure he would forget all about
  the Popsicle.

  Dana looked up at Mulder regretfully, and then stepped back,
  her polite up-bringing kicking in. But Mulder wouldn't let her
  go so easily. He slipped his arms around her waist, and pulled
  her back against him.

  Then he looked straight at Deanna, anger in his hazel eyes.
  "I'm sorry, *Miss*, but I have no desire to dance with you."

  Deanna's jaw dropped, and her hands immediately flew to her
  hips. "What? You have to! It's not polite to refuse!"

  Mulder shrugged. "Since you have shown no respect for my
  date, why should I show any for you?" he asked, hating this girl
  on sight.

  Deanna was speechless. No one had ever spoken to her like
  that in her life - no one had ever had the nerve. All her life
  she had been pampered by her parents, grandparents, friends,
  everyone. And no boy had *ever* refused her. Ever.

  So, she centered her anger on Dana - an easy target.
  Turning to look at Dana, she said, "What did you do, put a spell
  on him? You are the Ice Witch!"

  Dana's eyes widened, and she stepped back from Mulder again.
  She had decided that she had had just about enough of this
  airhead. "Listen to me, you pathetic bitch! I am sick to death
  of your petty name-calling. Just leave me alone from now on."

  Deanna was awed, to say the least. Dana had never been so
  aggressive in her whole life - at least not while in Deanna's
  presence. She was about to respond, when Mulder took Dana's
  hand, a small, tight smile on his lips.

  "I think everything's clear now." With that, he led Dana
  off into a more secluded corner of the dance floor.

  They left Deanna standing there all alone.
  * * *
  Washington D.C.
  Rooftop of the Washington Hilton
  11:21 pm

  Mulder and Dana had spent the rest of the night strolling
  the halls of the hotel together, sitting close on what they
  considered `their' bench, and had finally come up to the roof -
  to watch the stars.

  They had only danced for two songs after the confrontation
  with Deanna. Dana had seen no point in belaboring the issue of
  Deanna's downfall too long. Sure, it might feel good right then,
  but invariably, tomorrow she would think herself no better than
  the girl who had been her nemesis for so long.

  And now the night was drawing to a close and neither of them
  wanted to leave each other. They seemed to be two parts of the
  same whole - yin and yang; day and night. Both different and
  unique, but both needing the other in order for things to be as
  they should. When Mulder started a sentence, Dana could finish
  it eight times out of ten. And they seemed to be drawn to each
  other by some powerful force. In theory, they were very
  different, but as they saying goes: opposites attract. And that
  phrase was never so true for Mulder and Dana.

  So, they stood looking out across the city's nightscape,
  holding each other close. Dana stood in front of Mulder, leaning
  against his chest, while his arms were around her. The moon was
  half full and cast a ghostly light upon the objects on the roof.
  Mulder was fascinated by the way it's light picked up the amazing
  reds and golds in Katherine's hair.

  As he thought of her, he decided that Katherine was the
  perfect name for her. It sounded like the name of some princess
  from a faraway, fantasy world. Princess Katherine of Cassima -
  or something like that. He could just imagine her wearing a
  white, fluid, almost diaphanous gown, her hair flowing across her
  shoulders, her blue eyes blazing, as she nearly floated down a
  huge flight of stairs. And as she came to the landing, a trumpet
  would sound, and a man with a stiff accent would announce the
  arrival of Princess Katherine...

  ...And maybe, he would step out of the shadows. The Dark
  Prince who would sweep her off her feet...

   he said to himself. Nodding in admittance of that
  fact, he took a deep breath, hoping to clear his head.

  Then he tightened his hold on Katherine, memories of their
  fevered kisses shared moments before swimming through his mind,
  and sighed. Because he knew that soon, she would be gone, and he
  would probably never see her again.

  "Katherine?"

  "Yes?"

  "Do you believe there's life out there?"

  "Where?"

  He pointed up at the stars - a place he often thought his
  sister might be - and said, "Up there. In the stars." He held
  his breath.

  She didn't answer for a few moments. "Well, I think there's
  an equal possibility that there is or there isn't. And as Carl
  Sagan says, `Either possibility is equally frightening.'"

  Mulder was stunned at the intelligence and respect of her
  answer. He had expected her to scoff at such a question, and
  refuse to even discuss it. But not his red-haired princess. No,
  she listened to his question, thought about it, and then gave him
  her honest opinion.

   he said to himself, 

  And then another thought occurred to him: maybe he already
  did.

  "That's an interesting viewpoint," he said out loud. "I've
  always thought Carl Sagan was an ass, and I never thought he
  could say something so profound."

  Dana chuckled. "Honestly, I think he's an ass, too."

  Mulder actually laughed, then. "I knew I would like you,"
  he replied.

  She turned around in his arms, and wrapped her arms around
  his waist, leaning her head against his chest. "And when did you
  know that?"

  He cocked his head to one side. "Oh, I think about ten
  seconds after I saw you." He felt her smile, then, and leaned
  down to kiss her forehead. "I don't want to let you go," he
  admitted, looking straight at her.

  She looked up at him, a soft smile on her lips. "I don't
  want to go."

  "Then what are we going to do about it?" he asked, hoping
  that she would have an answer. She seemed so mature and
  together, that he was already looking to her for answers and
  guidance.

  She sighed, and shrugged her shoulders. "All I know is that
  I want to see you again. Now, since I'm pretty sure you feel the
  same, we have to figure out how to make that happen."

  "You mean you want to go out with me?" he asked
  incredulously.

  She pulled away from him, a grin on her face. "Of course I
  do!"

  He shook his head. "Wow, I can't believe it. A girl like
  you actually wants to go out with me..."

  He sounded so surprised that Dana felt tears spring to her
  eyes. It was obvious that William's life had been devoid of love
  for a long time. That his love had been treated as second rate -
  not worthy for real consideration. Perhaps she could be the one
  to put love back into his life - to show him how valuable his
  love was.

  "William, any girl would be *lucky* to go out with you.
  Please remember that." And then she stepped close to him and
  kissed him softly, loving the feel of his lips against hers, his
  hands on her body, his arms around her.

  Mulder was never so happy. He couldn't believe this was
  happening to him - that Katherine actually wanted to be with him.
  It was a dream come true - and this time it was a good dream. He
  had a feeling that if he was with her, the nightmares might stay
  away forever.

  So, they formulated a working plan on how they could see
  each other again...and again...and again... They exchanged
  numbers and Mulder promised to call her within one week. If he
  did not, she would call him, and they would set up a time and
  place to meet. It seemed simple enough.

  And it should have worked.

  Afterwards, they stayed a little while longer on the roof -
  just being together. But finally, Dana pulled away from him, and
  looked away.

  "I think I better be going now."

  Mulder's face took on the look of a puppy that had just been
  smacked with a newspaper. "Stay," was his single plea.

  Dana looked back at him, tears in her eyes for the second
  time that night, but for such a totally different reason. She
  shook her head, breathing deeply to control the emotions raging
  inside her. "I can't. The longer I stay, the harder it'll be to
  go."

  Mulder stepped close to her, taking her hand. "Then don't
  go. Come home with me."

  She was so tempted...she really was. Just the thought of
  being *that* close to William sent chills up and down her spine,
  and her head to spinning. But she knew she couldn't. She wasn't
  that kind of girl. Her parents had always told her to find a man
  who respected her and would wait for her. In her heart, Dana
  knew that she had found that man in William, but she still held
  back.

  After all, he might have to wait a while - maybe until she
  graduated. Could he do that? She didn't think so. He would
  tire of waiting and find another girl who wouldn't hesitate at
  all. It wasn't that she doubted William's feelings for her -
  they were quite evident in his eyes, and the way he touched her.
  It was just that she knew all about the human body, and she knew
  that even the most devoted of men could only fight their body for
  so long.

  "William, I'd like nothing more than to go home with you-"

  "Then do it," Mulder said, cutting her off.

  "I can't. I'm afraid that if I go home with you, I'd never
  want to leave, never want to finish school. I could lose myself
  in you..."

  Mulder looked hurt at first, but then that faded into
  understanding. He knew exactly what she meant. He, too, could
  lose himself in her - in her smoky blue eyes, her milk-white
  skin, her intelligent mind, her capacity to love. He also knew
  that if she did come home with him, and they spent the night
  together, and then she left the next morning, he would be
  miserable - because one night would never be enough for them. He
  sighed, not knowing what to say.

  "What is between us, William, is very powerful."

  He nodded, agreeing.

  "I think it might be too much for us at so young an age. I
  think it would devour us, and maybe drive a wedge between us."

  "Katherine, you're making it sound like this...thing between
  us is a bad thing. It isn't. It's not evil."

  Dana's eyes widened. "Oh, I never meant that!" she
  exclaimed. "I just mean that I think we're a little too young to
  handle this. Maybe in a few years-"

  "A few years!" Mulder cried. "Katherine, I can't be apart
  from you for that long. I wouldn't be able to stand it."

  His voice was so soft and desperate that Dana couldn't help
  but move to wrap him in her arms, and hold him close. And the
  moment they were together, she knew that this was the man with
  whom she was meant to spend the rest of her life. However, she
  also knew, with the same certainty, that that `life' couldn't
  start just yet. They both had some more growing and changing to
  do - more evolving. She had to finish her schooling, and then
  decide what she wanted to do with her medical degree. And he had
  to go on helping people solve mysteries, and find loved ones.

  And no matter how long they were apart - how many miles or
  years separated them - she knew that one day, they would meet
  each other again.

  And one day, they would love each other again.

  Dana finally pulled apart from him, and looked up at him.
  When she did, he had tears in his eyes, and one had slipped down
  his cheek. She reached up and swept it away tenderly, then let
  her hand rest on his cheek.

  He turned his face into her palm and closed his eyes
  peacefully.

  "We must be strong," she said, her eyes now a steely blue -
  full of determination.

  He nodded slowly, in defeat. "I know. I just don't know if
  I have that much strength."

  "You do," she said decisively, her hand slipping down his
  neck, his collarbone, his chest, to find his hand.

  He squeezed her hand. "But how will I find you?"

  "I don't know. I just know that you will - that *we* will -
  find each other when the time is right."

  Suddenly, Mulder's solemn expression changed into an impish
  smile. "Why, Katherine, are you psychic?"

  She grinned up at him. "Wouldn't you like to know..."

  And then, just as suddenly, his expression returned to that
  lost, somber look. "I'd like to know anything you want to tell
  me."

  She smiled sadly. "I'll tell you everything...one day."

  Mulder nodded, taking a step towards the door that led to
  the lower levels. "Then I will be waiting for that day to come."

  She smiled, and stepped close to kiss him one last time. It
  was a long, sweet, passionate kiss that held the promise of a day
  when they would be together again. Soon after that, Dana pulled
  away, looking at him with a sorrowful smile.

  "I think you better go before I won't let you go," said
  Mulder, letting her hand slip out of his.

  She nodded, and took a step away from him, tears shining in
  her eyes. "Goodbye...William..."

  He smiled after her, watching as she walked over to the
  door, and only spoke when she opened it. "Goodbye, Katherine,"
  he said softly.

  She turned at the sound of his voice, and looked back at
  him. Dana waved once to him, and then turned to walk down the
  stairs, vanishing from his sight.

  The moment she was gone, Mulder felt tears well up in his
  eyes, and this time he let them fall, as he turned back to the
  cityscape...and the stars. As he looked at them his mind and
  heart were full of Katherine.

  And Phoebe was nowhere to be found.

  "Goodbye, Katherine, Princess of the Night," he said aloud.
  "I will *not* forget you..."
  * * *
  Mulder's Apartment
  Alexandria, Virginia
  May 6, 1985
  7:43 pm

  Mulder sat on his couch a few days later, totally depressed
  and miserable. He wanted to call Katherine desperately, but he
  wouldn't let himself. All he could think about was her soft,
  fiery hair, skin the color of Alabaster, and eyes like a summer
  sky. Her indomitable will, untamable spirit, and brilliant mind.
  In his mind, she eclipsed all other women he had ever known - or
  would ever know.

  And so, he wanted to call her as he wanted nothing
  else...well, there was *one* thing he wanted more...but now
  nothing even close to that was possible.

  Sighing, he sank back into his couch, and closed his eyes.
  Back on that night, he felt so righteous - so positive that
  letting her go was the right thing. Now he hated himself for
  being such an idiot. How could he let someone so amazing
  disappear into the night? Mulder knew, deep in his heart, that
  he would never see her again. And he also knew that if he
  didn't, he would curl up and die.

   the voice inside of him said.

  But he shook his head. 

  Besides, Mulder had always believed in an old saying - it
  was one that helped him come to terms with Sam's disappearance.
  When he was a young boy, and would awaken crying from a
  nightmare, and run to his mother asking her why Sam was gone, she
  would always tell him the same thing.

  "Fox, a wise man once said, `If you love something, set it
  free. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it
  never was.' Do you understand?"

  And he would nod, though he didn't understand, and walk back
  to his cold, dark room.

  But now, for the first time in his life, Mulder understood
  what that saying meant. He understood, because this was the
  first time he had really lived it - the first time it had cut at
  his soul so precisely.

  He wrapped his arms around himself as the lines of a song
  ran through his mind. Normally, he would laugh at such a sappy
  love song, but this time he found the words to be honest and
  true...and no laughing matter.

  <...But I can't forget you, can't break free
  I only have myself to blame
  Nothing feels the same without you
  We can find tomorrow what we lost yesterday...>

  * * *
  Dana's Apartment
  Baltimore, Maryland
  May 6, 1985
  7:50 pm

  Dana lay in her bed underneath her softest comforter,
  wearing her favorite silk pajamas, watching her favorite old
  movie, 'Notorious', and cried pitifully. She missed William so
  much that she felt a tangible ache inside herself.

  She missed his warm hazel eyes, his crooked smile, his lean
  form, the way he touched her, kissed her. Dana had met other men
  before - had even thought she'd fallen for other men before - but
  this was *so* different. This was a sense of loss so deep that
  she couldn't think of anything else, anyone else.

  She was sure that Lauren thought she had lost her mind.
  Lauren would knock on her door every once and a while, and ask if
  she was all right, and Dana would tell her to go away. Finally,
  Lauren stopped coming back.

  Dana hated herself for letting William go - for being so
  afraid to love him totally. And because of that fear, she had
  lost the best thing that had ever happened to her.

  She turned the movie off, finding its romantic undertones
  painful, and found that the TV was on some bulletin board channel
  that played music. Closing her eyes, she listened to the song
  that was playing.

  <...It must have been love
  But it's over now
  It must have been good
  But I lost it somehow
  >From the moment we touched
  Till the time had run out
  It must have been love...>

  * * *

  * * *
  Mulder's Apartment
  Alexandria, Virginia
  July 15, 1996
  5:55 am

  Mulder woke from a pleasant dream, calling her name. He
  rolled over onto his back, and reached out for her, mumbling,
  "Katherine, Katherine..."

  And suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and he remembered where
  he was, and *when* he was. For a moment or two, he had thought
  that he was back in time, back with *her*. But the cruel light
  of morning showed him that he was alone - as always.

  Mulder rubbed his eyes, and then rose from the couch, making
  his way into his bedroom. He was looking forward to a shower,
  and getting in to work. Work. That would help him forget about
  her. After all, he hadn't thought of her in years - and only
  dreamt of her once in a while. He wondered why he had dreamed
  about her last night. Something must have triggered it. But
  what?

  As he stepped into the shower, he thought about the previous
  night.

  He and Scully had worked late at the office, finishing up
  some paperwork and reports. Then they had gone out to dinner,
  talked amiably and laughed, while Mulder wondered when it was,
  exactly, that he had fallen for her. When Katherine had slipped
  away into memory, and Scully had become *the one*. Even Phoebe's
  memory wasn't as strong as Katherine's. He knew now that he had
  simply been spellbound by Phoebe's machinations. He realized now
  that he had never loved her - but he had loved Katherine from the
  first moment. Mulder remembered telling Scully once that it had
  taken him ten years to forget about Phoebe. That wasn't really
  true. He had forgotten about Phoebe the moment he had kissed
  Katherine, and it had taken from then till he met Scully to
  forget about Katherine.

  After all, he had told himself that he would wait for
  Katherine forever - that he would never find someone as beautiful
  or intelligent - never find someone that he would feel that
  intense spark with again.

  But he had found all of those things in Scully, and so
  Katherine had slowly faded away - only to be thought of on nights
  when he was prone to reminiscing.

  After Mulder had dropped Scully off at her apartment, he had
  gone home, collapsed on the couch with an old sci-fi movie, and
  had drifted off to sleep. He had been awakened in the middle of
  the night by a frantic phone call from Scully.

  She had had a nightmare, and needed to talk to him, to hear
  his voice. So, they had talked for about a half hour, and then
  Mulder had gone back to sleep.

  So what had provoked this dream of Katherine and that night
  they had shared?

  Mulder stepped out of the shower and walked into his
  bedroom, and to his closet, opening it to pick out a suit. After
  making his choice, he threw the suit on the bed he never used,
  and walked over to his dresser to retrieve some boxers and an
  undershirt.

  As he rifled through the drawers, he glanced up at the
  pictures on the dresser. One of Sam from a happy summer on the
  Cape. One of his mother. And one of Scully that her mother had
  given him when Scully was missing. Scully didn't even know he
  had it - and luckily, Mrs. Scully had told him he could keep it.
  It was now one of his most treasured possessions. He even took
  it with him on cases - something familiar to look at in all the
  unfamiliar places they ended up.

  In the picture, he saw a younger Scully, perhaps three years
  ago - before all the terrible things happened. She was standing
  on the beach, laughing, the sun shining, catching the red-gold
  highlights in her hair, her bright blue eyes leaping out at him.

  And that's when it hit him.

  It hit him so hard he staggered backwards and slumped down
  onto the bed, as memories assaulted him.
  / / /

  <"What will it be? Icicle? Miss Polar Icecap? Arctic
  Girl? Icy? Or maybe you like the long running favorite...Ice
  Queen!">

  <"I attended the University of California, at Berkeley,
  because my father was stationed at Alameda. Then, I transferred
  to the University of Maryland for my second year. I'll be a
  senior next semester.">

  <"What's your major?"

  "Pre-med.">

  <"By the way, what's your name?"

  "It's William."

  "Really? That's my father's name.">

  <"And your name?"

  "Katherine."

  "Katherine. It's a beautiful name.">

  <"And what did I get?"

  "Oh, you... Well, you see, when I first saw you I was so
  awed, that I couldn't even perform my calculations. But, I
  finally recovered, and I'm afraid I had no choice but to give
  you...an eleven.">

  <"Katherine?"

  "Yes?"

  "Do you believe there's life out there?"

  "Where?"

  "Up there. In the stars."

  "Well, I think there's an equal possibility that there is or
  there isn't. And as Carl Sagan says, `Either possibility is
  equally frightening.'">

  <"But how will I find you?"

  "I don't know. I just know that you will - that *we* will -
  find each other when the time is right.">
  / / /

  Mulder was suddenly very dizzy. He couldn't believe
  this...it couldn't be true...Scully just couldn't be Katherine.

  But then Mulder thought about Katherine - not knowing that
  he did it through the eyes of romance. He remembered her flaming
  hair, the sparkle of her blue eyes, the small frame of her
  perfect body. The way her skin begged him to touch it forever.
  The way her lips had seemed to be made to fit perfectly with his.
  The way her body melted against his when they embraced. Her
  fierce will and determination - how she faced life head on, and
  wouldn't back down. The light of innocence and truth he had seen
  in her eyes. Mulder had been able to tell that she was a
  ferocious warrior.

  And then his mind compared that girl to the woman he knew as
  Scully. To Scully's silky auburn hair, her penetrating blue
  eyes, and creamy skin that had just a dusting of freckles. Her
  sharp mind - the way she could figure out almost any puzzle. But
  where Katherine had a naivet?, he could see the light of reality
  in Scully's eyes. Katherine hadn't known what life had in store
  for her, Scully had been subjected to life's harshest cruelties,
  and survived.

  And Scully didn't let her small stature get in the way of
  more important things. He had seen her intimidate men twice her
  size. Scully seemed to live to the saying, "In for a penny, in
  for a pound." After all, she was still with him, even after all
  the terrible things that had happened. She still stood by him,
  defended him, protected him no matter what. She had become his
  staunchest ally, his most treasured companion and confidante.
  The woman he had gradually fallen in love with over the past four
  years.

  And what really floored Mulder was that somehow, she still
  managed to maintain her feminism. No matter how tough she acted,
  Mulder still thought of her as a woman - a woman he desperately
  wanted. Scully had a way of looking at him, or touching him in a
  totally innocent way that would make Mulder want her so badly, he
  would forget his name. Of course, he never said anything about
  it - and he hoped to God he hid it well. But that desire, those
  feelings were always there, just under the surface. He
  remembered their first case together when Scully had come to his
  room and taken her robe off, asking him to look at some marks on
  her back. The minute Mulder had touched her, he had felt a
  serious case of deja'vous - almost as though he had come home.
  And as he had touched her, studied the marks, unbidden, an image
  of Katherine had popped into his mind. At the time, he hadn't
  known why, and had dismissed it. But now, if what he suspected
  was true, he understood why his subconscious had been reminded of
  Katherine when he touched Scully.

  It was because Katherine *was* Scully.

  Mulder had held off telling Scully about his feelings,
  because he wasn't sure she felt the same, and didn't want to open
  himself up to rejection. But now....what was to stop him? He
  knew that Katherine loved him...that meant that Scully had to as
  well.

  Half an hour later, Mulder was dressed, had some juice, and
  ran out the door, intent on getting to work.

  After all, the woman of his dreams was waiting for him.
  * * *
  J. Edgar Hoover Building
  X-Files Office
  8:07 am

  Scully sat at her desk, valiantly trying to keep her mind on
  the report she was supposed to be finishing. But, try as she
  might, she couldn't stop her mind from drifting off. Last night
  she had had a dream about someone she hadn't thought about in
  years.

  William.

  She had dreamed that she ran into him in a restaurant - when
  she was dressed up for dinner. And in her dream, he had never
  looked better - all lanky, dark hair tousled, his hazel eyes
  laughing at her. They had danced close - just like they did that
  night so long ago.

  And she had been in heaven.

  All the love she felt for William came flooding back - back
  from that place deep inside her.

  Of course, now Scully recognized that love for what it was -
  a path that could never be taken. William was the first man she
  had ever felt anything for - the first to make her feel love for
  a man - and for that, she would always be grateful. But, she had
  moved on with her life - had let him slip into a fond memory.
  She knew exactly when it had happened - when William became more
  the subject for dreams than for reality.

  The moment she had met Fox Mulder.

  Scully had immediately thought of William that first day
  when Mulder had turned around and shook her hand. They had the
  same irresistible, soft-looking , dark-brown hair, the same
  sleepy hazel eyes, and the same rapier wit.

  And they were both as handsome as the devil.

  Over the years, as she got to know Mulder, she realized that
  he was kind also kind, patient, and cared for her - just like
  William. But where William was younger and more innocent, Mulder
  had the look of a man who had been abandoned, betrayed, and
  laughed at. Mulder had been hardened by life, and now had a hard
  time trusting people.

  In fact, he had told her on numerous occasions that he only
  trusted her.

  Scully didn't need William any more - not now that she had
  Mulder. He was like a old, worn teddy bear that she clung to
  when she was afraid or lonely, but now, she could call Mulder, or
  tell herself to calm down because she would see Mulder soon. So,
  she didn't have to rely on her memories of William. He was a
  lovely part of her past that she would always treasure, but
  nothing more than that.

   the little voice inside her
  asked.

   she answered. Sure, she had
  believed, at the time, that she and William *would* meet again,
  but as the years passed, she realized that they wouldn't. That
  perhaps, they weren't supposed to. Perhaps she and William found
  each other on that night because they needed to - because they
  could draw strength from each other.

  

  As Scully turned back to the screen, she sighed, and hoped
  that William had found happiness.
  * * *

  J. Edgar Hoover Building
  X-Files Office
  8:15 am

  Scully looked up just in time to see Mulder skid through the
  open office door, eyes wild, breathing heavily, a strange smile
  on his face.

  She watched him for a few moments, as a small smile crept
  across her face, wondering when he was going to say something.

  Mulder just stood there staring at her. He was totally
  awestruck and speechless. He couldn't believe that the woman he
  had worked next to - worked side by side with - for over four
  years was the same woman who haunted his fantasies. The same
  woman he had pledged his love to eleven years ago had sat across
  the room from him for so long, and he had never even noticed.

  Mulder had unconsciously held `Katherine' in such high
  esteem that he wasn't able to recognize her in the woman she
  really was: Special Agent Dana *Katherine* Scully, MD. He felt
  awful for doing so - as though he had somehow insulted Scully.

  As Mulder looked at her, he realized that she *was* the most
  beautiful woman he had ever seen - had grown more beautiful as
  the years passed.

  Finally, Scully couldn't take him staring at her any longer.
  She coughed politely, hoping to rouse him from his reverie, and
  said, "Mulder? Is everything all right?"

  Mulder blinked twice and nodded, letting a warm smile spread
  across his face. He let his briefcase slip to the floor, and
  walked towards her, not sure he would be able to stop himself
  from kissing her.

  Kneeling before her, he took her hand in his, and looked up
  at her affectionately. "Everything's fine," he said, finally
  speaking.

  Scully looked from his curious expression to their joined
  hands. "Mulder, what's going on?"

  He reached up and touched her cheek tenderly, feeling that
  familiar burn - that chemistry that they always had. "Nothing.
  I just wanted to say good morning to you...*Katherine*."

  That said, he sat back on his heels and waited for her
  reaction.

  She nodded, but then stopped. "Mulder, why in the world did
  you call me Katherine? Only two people..." she trailed off,
  then, as she caught the look in his eyes.

  His eyes looked so young, then. So innocent and
  pure...unaware of all the terrible things that he had to endure.
  They looked like...

  She leaned closer to him, her heartbeat suddenly double what
  it had been. She studied Mulder's face and eyes meticulously - a
  strange feeling urging her to do so.

  And then she saw it.

  Scully gasped and her hand flew to cover her mouth, her eyes
  wide.

  As she did, Mulder smiled, knowing that she knew.

  "It can't be..." said Scully.

  Mulder just smiled at her.

  "Is it...can it be...William?"

  Mulder nodded. "None other."

  And then a huge smile broke across Scully's face, and she
  was suddenly in Mulder's arms, half-crying half-laughing, wanting
  to kiss him desperately.

  After a long time, they pulled apart and looked at each
  other - disbelief in their eyes. Mulder reached up to run his
  fingers through her hair, while Scully touched his cheek, his
  eyelids, his lips, wanting to memorize every feature.

  "I can't believe it's really you," she said softly, hugging
  him tightly, her head on his shoulder.

  "Believe it," he answered. "It looks like my mother was
  right," he said enigmatically. At her curious expression, he
  waved his hand dismissively, saying he would tell her later.
  "Besides, I'm the one who's in shock. I thought I'd never see
  `Katherine' again, and it turns out she was right. She said we'd
  meet again - and we did. Only she never said I'd get to know the
  most amazing woman I've ever met...you."

  She looked up at him gently. "Now I get the best of both
  worlds."

  He cocked his head to one side. "What do you mean?"

  "I get William *and* Mulder. What more could a girl want?"

  Mulder smiled softly, and touched her cheek. "But you
  forgot someone."

  Scully cocked her head to the left. "Who?"

  "If you want him, you also get Fox."

  Scully looked at him for a long time, the love she felt for
  *Mulder* mixing with the love she had felt for *William*, and did
  not speak. Finally, she said, "There's no one I want more than
  Fox."

  Mulder chuckled, and leaned in to kiss her, unable to wait
  one moment longer. And when they kissed, it was as if they were
  transported back in time - as if they had never been apart.
  Their bodies melded into one, and they were free.

  Free from all of the loneliness, the nightmares, the fear,
  the plots. Free from everything.

  William and Katherine had finally come home.

  THE END

  ----------------------------------
  "I'm not walking through a blizzard! I'll freeze to death!"
  "We can only hope so."
  --Carly and Sonny, General Hospital

  "I (Mulder) have all these adventures, like Odysseus, but in the end, I
  will come home to Penelope (Scully). I think it has to end with romance."
  --DD, talking about the M&S relationship in a Greek TV interview for FTF

  Check out my webpages:
  http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/asimov/114/fanfic.html
  ...for my XF FANFICTION
  AND : http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/asimov/114/index.html
  ...for my Main Page

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