Chapter One
It's a Monday and the date is June 4 1984. It's finally summer and my first year of college has ended as I've passed my exams and - to my own surprise and joy - done extremely well on them. I was happy when I learned that my father will be spending the summer in DC, because; even though it's a training camp, I'll get to see him; which I haven't done much since I started college. But not only that - I'll also get to see more of DC. Melissa has finished her third year of college and is coming to DC as well. We've agreed on meeting at the train station before getting picked up by my dad. I'm standing under the big clock, where we've agreed to meet, but I can't see Melissa anywhere yet. I check my wristwatch; her train should have been here 10 minutes ago. I sigh and lean back against the cool wall behind me, folding my arms over my chest. I'm only wearing a pair of white shorts and a blue top but with the heat wave outside there is no being comfortable.
"Hi, Dana," a familiar voice greets me, sending shivers down my spine and butterflies to my stomach.
"Mulder?" I smile up at him and step away from the wall, unfolding my arms. "What are you doing here?"
"Captain Scully isn't available until tonight so he sent me to pick up you and Melissa," he says and looks around like I did just a few minutes earlier. "She's not here yet?"
"No, she should have been here but I think her train might be late," I shrug.
Mulder nods. He's so handsome, standing in his white uniform. We've met a few times before, around the smaller holidays, both attending the big Scully get-togethers. The first time we'd met, we'd talked to each other all day. When people had started leaving he'd pulled me aside and told me that he had a girlfriend and that he didn't even know if I thought about him like that but that he thought I should know. I'd told him not to worry and that I had a boyfriend myself. I'd started dating Marcus last year of high school and we'd tried to make it work, going to different colleges, but I'd finally pulled myself together to end it in January. I had been disappointed that Mulder had a girlfriend, nonetheless. Because even though I hadn't been available, I didn't want him to be with anybody else. I'd never considered myself the jealous type, but thinking that Mulder had a girlfriend made me physically ill. I'd never really had a crush before either. When one of my friends had a crush on one of the seniors in high school, I hadn't been able to understand how you could have feelings for someone you weren't involved with. Getting to know Mulder had changed that.
"You look hot," I tell him.
"I do?" he raises his eyebrow and smirks at me.
"I mean- I meant," I stutter and flush a deep shade of red. "Your uniform! It's so hot outside, and… it must be very warm for you."
"Yeah," he chuckles. "It isn't all that comfortable, I just didn't have time to change."
"Oh," was all I could say as I averted looking him in the eyes.
We start making small talk about college and Mulder's first year with the navy and soon Melissa joins us.
"Melissa!" I exclaim as I see her and immediately run over to give her a hug.
"Danes," she sighs and hugs me back. "Where's dad?"
"He's busy, but he sent Mulder," I tell her pointing to Mulder over my shoulder.
"Aren't we lucky?" she winks at me and chuckles.
She's told me she thought Mulder was good-looking before and I'd agreed with her, of course. I'd never told her I had a crush on him though, and therefore; I had to endure all of Melissa's remarks about Mulder, rising unwelcome jealous feelings inside of me. I force a smile, however; and let out a little laugh.
"Hello, Fox," Melissa smiles at him and steps close to him to give him a hug.
"Oh - hi, Melissa," he says a bit surprised and puts his arms around her.
I feel my stomach churn as he has his arms around her and she has hers around his neck. I thought, that if anyone saw them right now, they'd think they were lovers. I look down, not seeing any point in tormenting myself any further.
"Sorry I'm late, my train got delayed," she says as she steps away from him.
"We figured," he says and smiles over at me.
I return his smile, but it doesn't quite reach my eyes like it did just a few minutes prior.
We pick up our luggage and start walking towards the parking area.
"Let me get that for you, Dana," Mulder says and reaches down to take my biggest suitcase.
"Oh, thanks," I chuckle and feel butterflies in my stomach once more.
As we get to the car, I am happy to find it's a jeep; at least the ride will be windy. We get our luggage into the car and Mulder opens the passenger door for me.
"Thank you," I giggle and get in.
He smiles and winks at me before noticing Melissa, he then hurries around to open the rear passenger door for her.
"So, Melissa," Mulder says as we're driving towards the military base where my father and his men are going to be for the summer. "I forgot, how old are you now?"
"I just turned twenty-two," she tells him. "About a month ago."
"Oh, we're the same age then," he states.
"Yeah, old enough to drink and all," she chuckles. "Not like my baby sister."
I feel myself flush and I want to jump out of the moving car. Baby? I am twenty years old for God's sake. I live on my own; I study Physics; I have a job; I make dinner every night; I do my own laundry - and now Mulder thinks I am a baby. "If there is a God, please kill me now," is all I can think.
"Give it eight months and Dana can legally have a drink with us," he smiles at me before looking back to the road.
I bite my lip, trying not to squeal out loud. He doesn't just know how old I am; he knows when my birthday is as well. I'm on a high for the rest of the ride to the base. We make friendly conversation, the three of us, as we drive but I can't stop smiling, not even when I try.
Finally we make it to the base. Mulder shows the guard at the entry some papers and we're send through. He drives up to a house that looks like countless others I've lived in throughout my childhood.
"Home sweet home," Melissa laughs and I laugh with her.
"You've been here before?" Mulder asks.
"We've been in a billion houses that looks just like this one," Melissa tells him.
"Oh," he nods in understanding as he parks the jeep and turns off the ignition.
We all get out of the vehicle and Mulder helps us inside with our luggage. We guide him to the room downstairs past the kitchen, which we know will contain: 2 beds, a desk, a dresser, and a window. I put my stuff down on the bed by the window and Melissa puts hers down on the bed by the door.
"It's been a while since we've shared a room," Melissa says and smiles at me.
"Yeah," I nod. "It'll be fun."
"Indeed," she agrees and pulls me in for a hug. "I'm really glad we're spending the summer together, Danes."
"Yeah, me too, Missy," I say and hug her tight.
A few months prior, Grandpa Scully had passed away, whom we'd always spend a few weeks with during the summer. We'd been really close to him and he'd been the last of our grandparents left.
We join Mulder in the kitchen where he's drinking a glass of water.
"Room alright?" he asks us.
"Very familiar," Melissa smiles.
"I'm free for the rest of the day if you want me to show you around," Mulder offers.
"That'd be great," Melissa says and moves a piece of hair behind her ear, whilst I just nod.
"Great," Mulder smiles. "I'll just go home and change my clothes then, I'll come get you in 10 minutes."
As Mulder goes home we go to our room and unpack all of our things. We talk while doing so and have fun. It is great catching up with my sister.
When Mulder returns, we get in the jeep and he drives us around the base. He shows us the obstacle courses, the big building where they train all the underwater activities - which has a swimming pool for swimming laps as well - and all the other places at the base. We drive past some men running, our dad in front, yelling orders for them to keep up and such. We wave at him as we drive past and he waves back, taking a small break from yelling orders to smile at us.
When Mulder is finished giving us the grand tour of the base, it has come of time to start dinner. Mulder goes home and Melissa and I start cooking in the familiar kitchen, which we've never been in before. Dad comes home just as we are finishing dinner and the three of us eat together, sharing news with each other, about home and about our own individual lives. He tells us that Bill will be coming to the base in a few weeks, with him being in the navy as well. He will be staying in one of the apartments though, and his girlfriend Tara is also coming to visit. Mom and Charlie will join us in three weeks, when mom can get time off from work. I look forward to being with my whole family again and I'm happy finally having some time with my dad. I know it has been hard on him losing grandpa and I am glad he seems to be coping okay.
I start reading a book after dinner, as dad watches the news on the telly and Melissa cleans up in the kitchen. It is a luxury I rarely indulge myself in, as I am usually busy with my studies and work, but I enjoy reading when I have the time. I've brought several books I want to finish before summer ends and before my Physics books need to be opened once again. I've gotten a few chapters in before dad suggests a game of chess. I agree. Dad and I have always played chess; ever since he taught me when I was just a little girl.
"I'm playing the winner," Melissa announces and sits down to watch the battle of two logic brains.
It's intense and lasts long but I am finally able to checkmate him. My duel with Melissa is easier; her chess skills are mediocre, at best. She soon after plays dad, and loses.
"Great," she sighs. "I'm the biggest loser!"
"You're also the prettiest loser I've ever seen," my dad tells her.
"Too bad my charm is lost on you and Dana," she chuckles.
"Too bad," dad laughs with her.
As I finally go to bed, I read a few more chapters in my book before turning off the light and thinking of Mulder. All the times he's smiled today, the way he looked in his khaki shorts and black tank top, it all flashes before my eyes. I imagine kissing him and feel warm all over. Melissa is still up, watching a movie in the living room, so I move my hand into my panties to take care of the throbbing that started when Mulder picked us up.
I imagine him in his white uniform, holding me close to him as his lips caress mine. I imagine him naked on top of me, moving inside of me, making love to me gently, but harder and faster for each thrust. My fingers find my bundle of nerves and I bite my lip trying not to make any noises. His chest is hard and his muscles flex under my hands. His stomach is taut, with hair tracing down alluringly. His ass is firm, and I push him deeper inside of me. His cock, oh God, it is so hard, hard for me. My fingers speed up and I rock my hips, the bed squeaking slightly. His face, he is so handsome as he moves on top of me. His hair is messy with a single drop of sweat dripping down his forehead. The feel of his stomach against mine, his chest against my breasts, his hard cock inside of me. I keep moving my fingers as I come, sighing his name quietly in the dark room. I take a deep breath as I pull my hand out of my panties and before long I fall asleep, sated and excited about the months to come.
The next few days are spend outside in the sun with Melissa. She is getting a beautiful tan, while I cover myself in sunscreen, yet still getting sunburned. I wear shorts and a top while Melissa wears a bikini. I would have only been in my bikini as well, however; we are out by the front of the house - Melissa's idea - so we can see the young men as they run past the house. I read whilst we're outside while Melissa is busy turning around every 15 minutes so her tan will be perfect. As silly as I think she is, I do envy her beautiful skin that looks even greater as I sit next to her - either white or red; depending on the time of the day. Whenever a group of men run past us, I'll look up and hope to see Mulder. Most of the times I'm disappointed but when he is there my heart skips a beat as he smiles at me and waves. I am glad it isn't me who has to run in pants and boots, I also have no idea how Mulder has the energy to even look happy doing this - but he always does.
Mulder comes over after work on Wednesday to see how we're doing. We have a glass of ice tea together and he asks Melissa and me if we want to come out with him and some of the other guys Saturday. Melissa accepts immediately of course and I nod as well and feel a tingle in the pit of my stomach.
Friday night after dinner I go for a walk, as there's the hint of a breeze. It feels lovely as the wind moves through my hair and against my skin. As I walk past the apartments I notice Mulder on the way out, a big bag over his shoulder.
"Hi, Mulder," I wave at him from the road, still walking.
He looks around and smiles as he sees me.
"Hey, Dana! Wait up!" he says and runs up to me. "What's up?"
"Just enjoying the breeze," I can't help but smile. "And you?"
"Heading up to the main building, they have washers in the basement up there for us bachelors," he chuckles. "You wanna come help me?"
"Help you do your laundry?" I ask, as if I don't want it as much as I want my heart to keep beating.
"Sure, it's not like there's anything else to do here on a Friday night," he says and winks at me.
"Oh, all right then," I sigh and look away as I can't help a big smile from breaking out on my face.
We continue to talk as we walk towards the main building.
"So is your girlfriend coming to see you while you're here?" I ask him, trying to keep my tone light.
"Oh, no, we broke up months ago," he laughs.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Mulder," I say, really feeling sorry for him - as jealous as I had been of the woman he called his girlfriend, I didn't want him to feel bad.
"Don't be," he shakes his head. "I hadn't been happy with her for a good while before I finally got it over with and just ended it."
He's quiet for a little while before finally asking: "How about you? You gonna see your boyfriend over the summer?"
"Over and done with as well," I smile up at him.
"Oh really?" he smirks.
"Really," I laugh. "My heart wasn't really in it anymore. If it ever were."
"That's sad, Dana," he chuckles.
"I didn't mean it like that," I punch his shoulder lightly. "Of course I liked him; we went out for a year and a half! I just never felt about him, like he said he felt about me."
"You weren't in love with him," Mulder nods in understanding.
"I guess not," I shrug. "I thought I was but… now I don't think so."
"You thought you were going to feel how you were supposed to feel if you just gave it some time?"
"You majored in Psychology?" I ask him even though I know he did.
He laughs at that. "Yes, but I was talking from experience, Dana."
"It's like Phil Collins sings - you can't hurry love."
"Exactly," Mulder chuckles. "You'll just have to wait."
Have I done my waiting?
We reach the main building and Mulder uses his key to let us in. We go to the stairs and descend down to the basement. Mulder fumbles at the wall but finally manages to turn on some light in the dark basement corridor. It flickers a few times before finally giving us a soft light that at least makes it possible for us to see where we're going. Mulder leads the way and put his key into the keyhole on the second door to the left. As he turns the key, he opens the door with his elbow but the bag over his shoulder slips and falls to the floor right in front of me. I bend down to pick it up at the same time as Mulder and our hands meet when we both reach out for it. As I look up in surprise at the surge of electricity I feel where his hand touched mine, I am looking right into his deep, beautiful eyes. Outside in the light his eyes had been a clear green but in the dark basement corridor they seem more hazel than green.
"I got it," he says as he gives me a dazzling smile.
"Okay," I manage to breathe out.
He backs into the washroom and holds the door for me to follow him. I can feel every cell in my body as he bites his lower lip and looks at my mouth. I feel very self-conscious as well and my tongue darts out to wet my lips on its own accord. As I do this, his eyes find mine again and they've darkened slightly. He's breathing more heavily and I notice so am I. We step closer to each other at the same time and just as his arm is moving, close to reaching out for my hip, the door slams shut startling both us.
"Jeez," I say in shock as we've both stepped away from each other, our trance successfully broken.
"Yeah," Mulder chuckles nervously and coughs to clear his throat. "So the laundry…"
"Yeah - laundry," I shake my head slightly and walk over to the nearest machine. "What are you washing?"
"My training clothes and pants and shirts," he says as he pulls it out of his bag and I help him stuff it into the machine.
"Jesus, Mulder," I say and hold a hand to my face. "This reeks!"
"You try running in pants and boots in this heat," he chuckles.
"No thanks, not if I'm gonna smell that bad!" I say and walk over to the only chair in the small washroom.
"Hey, I thought you were going to help!" he says in mock outrage as he keeps filling the machine.
"Well, if you don't want me retching in the machine, I think I'm keeping my distance!"
"Snob!"
"At least I smell nice."
"You smell very nice," he says as he starts the machine.
"You've noticed?" I giggle.
"Yeah," he grins and leans against the washing machine, folding his arms over his chest. "Of course I've noticed. So, you wanna go for a walk while it's washing?"
"Yeah, sure," I say and get up from the chair.
Mulder goes to open the door but it's locked.
"It always locks when the door slams," he explains and digs into his pockets, his brow furrowing, however, as his hands come up empty. "Oh, fuck!"
"What is it?" I ask, slightly angst stricken, as he slams his hand against his forehead.
"I forgot the key!" he exclaims and bangs his hand against the heavy metal door. "Right on the other side of this bloody door!"
"What are we gonna do?" I can feel my heart beat faster as the fear rise in me.
"Dana," his face softens, a smile playing on his lips, as he turns around towards me. "I didn't mean to scare you."
He reaches out for my hand but I pull away.
"I wasn't scared!" I lie.
"You weren't?" he asks grinning.
"No!" I say strictly, leaving no room for argument.
"Oh, I'm sorry," he bites his lip trying hard not to laugh out loud.
"You're a prick, Mulder," I tell him as I sit down in the chair again and fold my arms over my chest.
"I know," he says and squats down in front of me, his hands on my knees.
I feel the fear and anger leave my body at the touch of his hands and the look of his soft smile.
"I'm really sorry I forgot the key, Dana," he says honestly. "But I'm sure I'm not the only one doing laundry tonight! It's the end of the work week and I can't be the only guy on the whole base with a foul stench."
I laugh lightly at that. "I wasn't angry you forgot the key, Mulder - I know it was an accident. I just felt like you were patronizing me."
"Well, I didn't mean to be," he's serious now, in spite of himself. "But I shouldn't have laughed at you, sorry."
"It's alright," I smile, rolling my eyes. "I did freak out a little bit, I guess."
"Don't worry about it," he smiles back at me and gives my knees a squeeze.
Suddenly the sexual tension is back in the room. Our eyes once again lock and we let out a few deep breaths. We both stand up at the same time, our eyes still locked. I reach out slowly and grab the fabric of his tank top, pulling him closer to me, while his own hands are grabbing my hips. I let out a small moan at the feel of his strong hands holding me, and he closes his eyes and leans his head down towards mine. I close my own eyes as his lips touch mine, and fireworks explode inside of me.
His lips are so soft, massaging my own, moving tenderly and with affection. My hands move up his chest, around to his neck and up into his hair. It's lush and thick and I want to never move from this spot. All thoughts of being trapped in a basement are gone as our lips dance together and my hands go through his wonderful, messy hair. His kisses travel down to my neck and I can't hold back a groan of excitement - he doesn't seem to mind though, he only kisses me with more fervor. As his arms lock around me and he continue to kiss my neck, I can feel his erection pressing into me. It sends me into a deeper state of passion and I lift his head so I can kiss him again. Our mouths open as if on agreement and soon our tongues are dancing as well. I lock my arms around his neck and he is just about to pick me up, so I can lock my legs around him, when we hear someone at the door.
Quickly we let go of each other and smooth down our clothes. I've just sat down in the chair and Mulder is standing by the washing machine with his clothes in it when the door opens and Lieutenant Jim Evans enters the washroom.
"Mulder, your key was in the door," he laughs.
"Yeah, thanks, Evans," Mulder chuckles himself. "I'd locked us in."
"Good thing I came by then," he says as he smiles down at me and hands Mulder his key back. "Evening, Miss Scully."
"Good evening, Lieutenant Evans," I greet him back with a smile.
"I see how you got preoccupied," he says to Mulder but winks at me.
I feel my face flush. I look over at Mulder and I see his jaw tense. That makes me feel a little bit better.
"Yeah, so I'll walk you home, Dana - Captain Scully is probably worried," Mulder says as he heads for the door.
"Yeah, thank you," I say and get up from the chair and walk out of the door Mulder holds open for me.
We're both quiet as we walk back to my house, both feeling a little awkward, I reckon. We keep looking at each other, then smile and look the other way. As we lastly reach the house, we stop up and finally look each other in the eyes again.
"Thank you for coming with me tonight," Mulder says, smiling sweetly.
"That's alright. I had… fun," I say and look down blushing.
"Me too," he says, making me look back up at him.
We both look to the house and around us in the street but see no other people. He leans down and presses a single, sweet kiss to my lips.
"Goodnight, Dana," he smiles and caresses my cheek.
"Goodnight," I breathe and kiss his cheek before moving towards the front door.
When I reach the door, before I go inside, I turn around and see him standing where I left him. He waves at me and lets out a small laugh. I wave back and can't help smiling like a fool myself. He walks off into the night and I go inside.
"Dana, is that you?" I hear my dad yell from the living room.
"Yeah, it's me, dad!" I say and shake my head, trying to seem normal.
"Where were you for so long?" he asks with a smile as I pop my head into the room.
"I met Mulder and went to help him do his laundry, but he got us locked in by forgetting the key. Finally Lieutenant Evans came and saved us," I laugh, making my dad and Melissa, who is sitting next to dad in the couch watching the telly with him, laugh as well.
"Lucky you, getting locked in with Fox though," Melissa chuckles.
I just roll my eyes at her and go to the kitchen to get a glass of water.
I am far away the rest of the evening. I can't really concentrate on anything. I try reading, but keep thinking of Mulder. Try watching TV, but think of Mulder. Play chess with dad, but loses within five minutes because - yes, you guessed it - I am thinking about Mulder.
Finally I just go to bed and Melissa joins me. As we turn off the light I hear her laughing.
"What?" I sigh.
"I can't believe you got locked in with Fox!"
"I know," I can't help but smile in the dark bedroom.
"Were you in there for long?"
I realize that I really have no idea how long we'd been kissing.
"No, it wasn't too bad - Lieutenant Evans came not long after we realized we were locked in."
"Too bad," Melissa grins. "So what was Fox wearing?"
"Melissa!" I chuckle as I can see him in his brown shorts and green tank top with U.S. Navy written on it, standing with his arms folded over his chest, leaning against the washing machine, looking absolutely amazing. "I really can't remember."
