From: "Melissa :0P" Date: Sat, 30 Oct 1999 18:19:34 PDT Subject: Why do they call you Fox? by iris635 Source: direct Title: Why do they call you Fox? Author: iris635 Rating: G or PG Classification: MSR Spoilers: None Keywords: Summary: Mulder and Scully know each other as teenagers. Disclaimer: Mulder, Scully, and the Scully clan are not mine. I merely borrowed them for my story. I am not getting a profit off this so there is no need to worry. It was all just for fun. Author's notes: This is my first fanfic. I hope you like it. I write other stories, so if you want to read those just let me know. If you have comments or constructive critizism feel free to email me at iris635@hotmail.com. And don't be harsh because I wrote this when I was 15. I am 16 now. Thanks for reading it. Oh by the way in this story Samantha was not abducted it was their cousin. Why do they call you Fox? * * * She moved into a beige two-story house that had a huge swimming pool with her parents, her sister and her two brothers. The house was big and the neighborhood was safe and appeared sort of snobbish. She didn't know her neighbors and she didn't care too much about meeting them. She figured she wouldn't be there long anyway because they moved so much. Plus people made fun of her everywhere she went, they all called her a navy brat. It was her first day of 8th grade and she was less than enthusiastic about it. Bill and Melissa, her older siblings, came storming down the stairs in a hurry. Slowly Charlie made his way down the stairs behind them. Melissa smiled at her younger sister as she sat down to breakfast. "Calm down Dana, it isn't the end of the world," Melissa laughed at herself. "Yeah Day don't be so enthused!" added Bill laughing. Dana gave a weak smile but she still looked sad. "Don't worry sis, I'll sit with you at lunch," offered her younger brother. "Thanks Charlie, I appreciate it." After eating Bill got up from the table and placed his plate in the sink. "Well I am off to school. Who needs a ride?" he asked. "I do," replied Melissa quickly. "So do I," Charlie added. The three of them looked at Dana. She looked up a little surprised. Then she replied sheepishly, "No thanks, I think I will just walk to school." "Suit yourself," Bill replied a little too harshly. Then the three of them left for school leaving Dana by herself in the kitchen. She put her plate in the sink even though she hadn't used it and then grabbed her books while heading out the door. Outside the wind was blowing and she brought her jacket tighter around her. Her red hair was flowing in the wind even though it was restricted in a ponytail. She had only walked a little way when she heard some footsteps behind her. She turned around to see who it was and saw a girl maybe one year older than her with long dark hair. The girl smiled so Dana smiled back. Then she turned back around and kept walking. Soon the girl was up next to her. "Hi I am Samantha Mulder," she offered with a smile. Dana looked at her briefly. Then looking straight ahead she responded rather coldly, "I am Dana Scully." Dana hoped that this would cause Samantha to go away but was a little disappointed when it didn't. "Are you new? I don't think I have ever seen you before." Samantha was trying to be conversational. "Um yeah, we just moved in," Dana said a little nicer this time. Samantha smiled inwardly; she loved meeting new people. "Are you a freshman?" Samantha asked. "No," Dana responded shortly. "Oh," said Samantha, she was hurt by Dana's attitude. I am just trying to be friendly, Samantha thought. "What are you then?" Samantha asked. Dana was starting to get really sick of her. "I am in 8th grade and if you don't mind I would like to walk alone," Dana said raising her voice a bit. "Oh yeah, I understand." Samantha was very hurt and it was obvious. Dana felt bad but didn't bother apologizing. She'll get over it, she thought hastily. School was horrible. Nobody would even acknowledge her. Dana felt worthless and low. Lunch came around and Dana was going to sit with Charlie but he looked too happy with his new friends. So she sat at a table in the corner by herself. When she was done with her lunch, she took out a book and read. Finally the bell rang and she went to class. The rest of the school day basically went the same as before. Dana walked home with Charlie and listened to him excitedly tell her about his day. Then he stopped abruptly. "Are you okay Dana?" he asked concerned. "I'm fine," she replied mechanically. "How come you didn't sit with me at lunch?" he inquired. "Oh well I sat with my friends," she lied. Charlie eyed her suspiciously but didn't actually voice that he didn't believe her. She forced a smile and then turned and walked in the house. Bill drove up with Melissa in the passenger seat. Melissa had a dreamy smile on her face. She slowly followed Bill into the house. Dana had already gone upstairs to her room and Charlie was at the table eating a snack. "What's with you?" he asked Melissa. "She saw a guy," Bill informed him. Melissa snapped out of her daze. "Not just any guy," she retorted. "Only the most gorgeous guy on this entire planet," she added. "No such thing, I am already him," Bill joked. Melissa slapped his arm while glaring at him. "What?" Bill asked innocently. Mrs. Scully walked in at that time. "So Melissa, how was your first day as a sophomore?" she asked. "Wonderful," Melissa replied then darted upstairs. "Bill, how's senior life?" she asked her eldest son. "Great mom," was the reply. "And Charlie, how was seventh grade?" "Mom it was okay but I feel bad for Dana, she doesn't have any friends there yet," Charlie told her. She walked over to him and gave him a hug. "Don't worry about it. Just give her time," his mom assured him. Mrs. Scully gave him a loving smile and he smiled back. Then he too headed up to his room. There was a knock on the door and Bill got up to answer it. A thin girl with long dark hair was standing in front of him. She grinned widely. "Hi, is Dana there?" she asked in a sweet medium-pitched voice. "Sure, come in," he told her and then left her standing just inside the doorway while he retrieved his sister. Dana was a bit confused when she heard that someone was at the door for her and she cautiously made her way down the stairs. Samantha greeted Dana with a grin. "Hi," Dana greeted her reluctantly. Samantha just smiled wider in response. "I am having a birthday party tomorrow and I was wondering if you want to come. Your siblings are invited too," Samantha told Dana. Dana hesitated a second and then replied. "Sure, we'll go." "Great, it's a pool party and we live two houses down. See you tomorrow," Samantha exclaimed and then left. Dana was not at all excited about the pool party at Samantha's house. Her siblings, however, were overjoyed. After much consideration and coaxing by Melissa, Dana put on a light blue bikini that set off her fiery red hair. She covered it with a dark blue tank top and a pair of jean shorts. Dana plus her three siblings showed up at Samantha's house a couple minutes early but there were already people there. After introducing themselves, Melissa and Bill went to go mingle while Dana and Charlie stayed behind with Samantha. "Thank you so much for inviting us," Dana started. "Yeah thanks," Charlie added enthusiastically. "'I am sorry I wasn't all that nice to you yesterday. It's just that we move so much that I hate having to make new friends when I am just going to have to say goodbye again soon," Dana apologized. "It's okay, I tend to be too pushy most of the time," Samantha assured her. Just then a tall lanky dark-haired boy came up to the group. He punched Samantha playfully and told her happy birthday while lightly ruffling her hair. "Hey!" Samantha screeched while trying to take cover. He stopped playing and looked towards Dana. Dana blushed slightly from his stare. "Oh Dana and Charlie, this is my brother---," Samantha began. "William Mulder," he interrupted her. She gave him a sideways glance and he just grinned at her. They each shook hands and then Samantha excused herself while dragging her taller and obviously older brother along. "What was that all about?" she demanded. "What?" he asked innocently. "*FOX* William Mulder, you know exactly what I am talking about!" she whispered harshly. "What? So I gave them my middle name because I don't like my first name. Who cares? No harm done," he retorted before walking away. Samantha sighed realizing that her older brother was right once again. It was no big deal what his name was. "Sorry about that," Samantha said as she walked back to Dana and Charlie. They both smiled at her and mumbled, "No problem." Samantha smiled back and continued. "We'll get in the pool as soon as everyone gets here." After about ten minutes everyone had arrived and they all headed towards the pool in the backyard. Everyone undressed down to their bathing suits and got in except for Dana. Fox noticed that she hadn't gotten in so he decided to go talk to her. He got out of the pool and dripped over towards her. She stared wide-eyed at him as he walked towards her. She giggled a little when he sat down and a puddle started forming. "Are you laughing at me?" he joked. She nodded slightly. "Oh just checking," he replied. This caused her to giggle a little more. Once her giggles subsided she kept her head down and stared at her hands. He stuck his head beneath hers and looked up at her. "Why aren't you swimming?" he inquired. She looked up and away, uncomfortable from his stare. Then she looked back. "I don't know," she replied thoughtfully. "Well if you don't come willingly then I am going to pick you up and throw you in," he threatened her playfully. "You wouldn't dare," she told him while glaring at him. "Oh yes I would," he said as he started to pick her up. "Hey! Wait! Put me down! Wait! Let me take my clothes off!" she screamed and wiggled in his arms. He hesitated a second and then set her down. She stood up straight and brushed herself off, which was pointless. She fixed her clothes and then walked away. "Hey!" Fox yelled after her. She turned around and grinned. Then she too stripped down to her bathing suit. Dana Scully grinned at Fox Mulder as she walked past him and got into the pool. Fox stood there for a second regaining his composure and then got into the pool also. In the pool Melissa paid a lot of attention to Fox and he seemed to be responding to her liking. They were flirting with each other the whole time. Dana was disappointed but refused to let it be known. Fox wasn't really enjoying himself. Melissa was a nice girl but his interests were focused on Dana. He didn't want to be rude but Melissa was really starting to annoy him. The first chance he would get he would try to escape her. Dinner was coming and there was a big table with assigned seats. Fox was very happy when he found that he was seated right next to Dana. "Hi," he greeted her as he sat. "Hi," she greeted him back flatly. "Is something wrong?" Fox asked concerned. She looked at him and forced a smile. "No," she replied. He smiled at her. She turned back to eat. "Hask jsfkjf shmdf hsid ie gj?" he asked with his mouth full of pizza. "What?" she asked him. He chewed the rest of his bite and swallowed. "What grade are you in?" he repeated. She hesitated for awhile. "Well?" he asked a little impatient. "Umm, I'm a sophomore," she lied. "A sophomore huh?" he eyed her suspiciously. "Yeah," she said before stuffing a big piece of pizza into her mouth. "How come I haven't seen you before?" he asked her thinking he had her trapped. "Oh um, I go to a different school, a private school," she blurted out nervously. He seemed to be content with her answer and she let out the breath she was holding. "What about you?" she questioned him. "I'm a junior," he answered. They ate and talked for a little while and the group migrated inside the house to open gifts. After the gifts were opened everyone went home. The Scully clan thanked Samantha and said goodbye to everyone and then headed home too. After everyone had gone home Fox went up to Samantha's room and knocked on the door. "Come in," she called from inside. He opened the door slowly and peeked his head in. Samantha looked up from her notebook and smiled. Fox considered that an invitation and sat on her bed. He stared down at his hands for a while and then reluctantly spoke. "Who was that red-haired girl? Dana?" he asked nervously. "Oh she is this 8th grader I met yesterday. I could tell she was a sweetheart from the beginning, even though she didn't act like it," Samantha explained. "She's an 8th grader?" he had a feeling Dana had been lying. "Yeah, she told me that yesterday, I saw her walking to school. I heard she has no friends. I feel bad for her. Poor girl it must be hard moving constantly..." Samantha rambled but Fox wasn't really listening. 'I knew she was lying, she didn't even know what school I went to. How would she know that we went to different schools?' Fox thought to himself. He stood up and left the room as if he were in a trance. Samantha grinned and shook her head knowingly. "He's in love," she said to herself. With that she turned out her light and fell asleep. Months passed and Samantha and Dana had become best friends. They did everything together. Or they tried to but it was hard being at different schools. Dana couldn't wait until she would be in high school. She hoped with all her heart that they would never have to move again. Meanwhile, Fox was still very interested in her but was usually too much of a coward to talk to her. Prom was coming up and he decided that would be his chance. So he walked over to her house and rang the doorbell. An over enthusiastic Melissa Scully answered the door. "Yes?" she said in her best seductive voice. "Uh h-hi, uh is D-Dana uh h-here?" he stuttered. "Yeah, hold on," she replied rudely. "Dana! The door is for you!" she yelled up the stairs coldly. She glared at Dana as she walked downstairs and past Melissa towards the door. Dana was very surprised to see her friend's brother at the door. It immediately clicked why Melissa had been glaring. Melissa was infatuated with him. "Hi," she greeted him with an awkward smile. "What's wrong?" she asked when she saw his worried expression. Fox forced himself to smile. "Nothing, I was just wondering," he started and then paused. "Will you go to Prom with me?" he blurted out. "Sure," she replied with a small smile. "Great!" he exclaimed while grinning stupidly. Dana couldn't help but laugh at his excitement. "Well I'll talk to you later then," he exclaimed a tiny bit more relaxed. "Okay, bye," Dana said. "Bye," Fox said as he was backing up. He was still grinning stupidly and waved slightly. Walking backwards down a step he lost his balance and nearly fell. Dana laughed at him again. His grin grew wider and he waved again before turning around and walking away. Dazed, he walked in his house and up to his room where he plopped on his bed. Samantha had seen him walk past her and became curious. She went and knocked on his door, but she opened it before there was a reply. "What's with you?" she asked her brother. He looked up at her but his eyes were unfocused. Slowly he realized that she had said something. "What?" he asked finally. "Who's the girl?" she questioned. He glared at her slightly. "What are you talking about!?!" "Oh come on Romeo! Spill your guts. What girl has you so transfixed?" "Samantha! I have no clue what you're talking about! Just leave me alone, you bug!" "Foxy's in love! Foxy's in love!" Samantha sang as she disappeared from the room. "Man can't a guy have some peace and quiet?" Fox thought aloud. Samantha ran to Dana's house and rang the doorbell repeatedly. Dana opened the door. "Jeez, what is it?" she asked. Samantha took a deep breath. "My brother is so in love. It is so funny. He tries to deny it but I can see right through him. I think he asked someone to prom. You would think that he was going to marry the girl or something," Samantha told her friend. All through Samantha's rambling Dana kept absolutely silent but was turning a dark shade of red. "What's with you?" Samantha eyed her best friend. "Nothing," Dana replied shyly. "Oh my god," Samantha started to realize what was going on. "He asked you!" Samantha hugged Dana tightly; "Oh I can't wait until we are sisters!" "Woah, slow down there. We are only going to prom together. Besides he is so much older than I am. Although, he thinks I'm a sophomore." "No he doesn't..." Samantha started and then stopped abruptly. "I mean, no? He doesn't?" she said, pretending that she didn't believe it. "Yeah, I told him I was a sophomore at a different school. He bought it too. It was a close call though. I can't believe I lied to him," Dana explained even though it wasn't needed. "So what are you going to wear?" Samantha changed the subject. "I don't know. I don't have anything to wear." "Well then I guess we have to go shopping." "Oh goody. Why don't you just kill me now and get it over with." "Oh come on. It will be worth it. And it will make Fox happy." "Fox? I wouldn't say he is that hot." "What? What are you talking about? Oh yeah. You didn't know, I'm sorry. Fox is just a nickname for William." "Oh okay." "Most of his close friends call him that." "I don't think I should." "Well? Should we go?" "Might as well get it over with." They weren't at the mall long before they found the perfect dress. It was a tight-fitting, sapphire blue, floor-length dress. It was beautiful and shimmered in the light. It fit Dana perfectly. Dana looked at the tag and then sadly down at her wallet. "Let's find another one, I can't afford this." "I'll buy it for you," Samantha offered. "No, I can't except it," Dana said sadly. "But it's perfect, you have to get it." "I can't! Can we please go? I don't feel like shopping anymore." "Sure but uh do you want to get something to eat?" "No but I do sort of have to go to the bathroom." "Well okay, you go and I will meet you there okay, I want to check out another store really quick." "Okay." When Dana left Samantha's view, she turned back towards the rack of dresses and grabbed the one Dana had just put down. She took it up to the counter. "Hi there hun," the saleswoman greeted her. "Hi, um, can I put this on hold?" Samantha asked while handing her the dress. "Sure, what name?" "Samantha." "Okay hun. We can only save it until closing today." "Okay, that'd be great." Samantha walked to the bathroom where Dana was just coming out. "Did you find what you needed?" Dana asked her. "No, but that's okay," Samantha replied. "Do you want to go swimming?" Dana asked. "I would but maybe later. I have something I have to do now." "What's that?" "Oh, I have to go with my brother to pick out an outfit." "Oh okay." Samantha arrived home and ran to her brother. "Fox," she whispered while trying to catch her breath. "What is it?" he asked concerned. "I need you to take me to the mall." "Weren't you just there?" Fox was a little annoyed. "Yeah but I forgot something," she told him. "Well, can't it wait?" "No, um it is really important. I need it for tonight," she made up an excuse. "Fine, get in the car," he gave in. The car ride to the mall was silent, neither of them could think of what to say. While Samantha went to purchase the dress, Fox went to the food court to get some lunch. Fox didn't miss noticing the bag from one of the most expensive shops in the mall. His curiosity was peeked. "So can I see what was so important that it couldn't wait?" he asked while attempting to peek in the bag. "No, you can't!" she exclaimed yanking the bag from his reach. "Okay, okay," Fox said under his breath. Two nights later Samantha and Dana were sitting in Samantha's room looking through old pictures and laughing. Suddenly Samantha jumped up excitedly. "Oh I almost forgot," she was overjoyed. "I got something for you." "But it's not even my birthday." "By then it would be too late anyway." Samantha went to her closet and pulled out a bag. She handed it to Dana. "This is for you, because you deserve it." Dana curiously looked from Samantha to the bag. Slowly she opened the top and peered inside. Her eyes went wide and her face brightened ten times. "Oh my god!" she whispered. Her eyes became brimmed with tears and she pulled her best friend into a tight hug. "I told you not to get it, this is so expensive. How am I ever going to be able to pay you back?" Samantha was now crying too. "Don't worry about it," she sniffled. "You are my best friend, I wanted to do it." "You are so great. I hope I never have to move." "Well Dana I hope we become sisters!" A week later Dana was sitting on her bed with the beautiful sapphire blue dress on. Her hair was pinned to the top of her hair and she had curly tendrils coming down in the front. Her make-up was done care of Samantha. "I am so nervous," Dana told her friend honestly. "Don't worry, it's just my brother," Samantha tried to relax her a bit. "Yeah that's what I'm worried about," Dana admitted laughing nervously. Samantha smiled sincerely at her friend just as the doorbell rang. Mrs. Scully answered the door to find a nervous Fox Mulder in a black tux with a sapphire cummerbund. "Hi ma'am," he greeted her. "Hi William. I think she is ready. Would you like to come in?" Mrs. Scully said. "Sure," Fox said reluctantly. He stood by the stairs as he waited. Samantha came down first. She smiled at her brother and then at Mrs. Scully. "She's coming, she's a little nervous," Samantha explained. Fox nodded knowingly. Slowly Dana came from around the corner. Sapphire sparkly shoes started making their way downstairs. Fox saw the feet first and looked up slowly. His mouth dropped and his eyes went wide as he stared over her. When Dana made it down the stairs Fox took her hand and kissed it lightly. Then he put it back down to their sides without letting go. "You look stunning," he complimented her sincerely. "You don't look so bad yourself," she told him. He chuckled a little. "Wait, wait, before you go we need to get pictures," Mrs. Scully broke in. "Mom, can't we do that after?" Dana was irritated. "Oh come on, Dana. Pictures are great. They are memories,"' Fox coaxed her. "Fine," Dana said poking him. "Great," Mrs. Scully exclaimed. After many pictures were taken they finally left the Scully house. "Um Dana, I hate to do this to you, but uh my mom wanted us to stop by the house to take pictures," Fox told her. "More?" "Yeah, sorry." "That's okay, we'll have lots of memories." "That's right." They walked down to the Mulder house and after more pictures they walked out of the house and into a waiting Limousine. "Wow, this is great," Dana said smiling. Fox grinned at her than reached in his pocket and pulled out a little velvet box. "This is for you," was all he said as he handed her the box. She looked at him suspiciously. "Open it," he ordered lightly. She slowly opened the box. Her mouth dropped open. He laughed softly and closed her mouth with a finger under her chin. "Samantha told me the color of your dress so I got you these earrings to match. They are real sapphire," he explained. "You shouldn't have done this. I don't deserve these." "You're right, you deserve more. But this is all I could afford," he said then laughed at himself. "Thank you," she said. She hugged him and gave him a peck on the cheek. "You're very welcome," he smiled at her. "Anything for you." Dana and Fox had a great time at the dance. They danced to slow songs as well as fast ones. A tall boy with brown spiked hair and a blue tux walked up to Fox. "Hey Foxy boy, who's the chic?" the boy asked eyeing Dana approvingly. "Keep your slimy hands away from her, Johnny boy!" Fox replied protectively. "You wound me!" John retorted before walking back to a tall thin blonde. "What was that all about?" Dana asked curiously. "Nothing," Fox told her. "It's nothing. He just manages to steal girls away from me. I don't want that to happen with you." "Trust me, it won't," she told him with a smile. He grinned back at her. And they continued dancing. Next a tall, skinny, obviously fake blonde sandered up to the couple. "Hey Fox! Who's this?" she asked implying Dana. "This is my friend Dana," he told the fake blonde. Dana felt a pain through her heart at his comment. "Oh, so Fox baby. I changed my mind. I'll take you back," the blonde told him while playing with the jacket of his tux. "Uh, actually I changed my mind too. I am interested in someone else right now. It wouldn't be fair to you," he explained to her calmly. "You're loss!" she snorted then stomped off. "Not much of a loss," he whispered to Dana. "William, why does everyone call you Fox?" Dana questioned suddenly, surprising Fox. "Uh, I really don't know," Fox lied poorly. "I don't know what you are hiding from me, but I don't like it," Dana stated. "Take me home!" "But the dance isn't over," Fox objected. "I want to go home now!" Dana was getting angry. "Okay, I'll take you home," Fox Mulder gave in. Dana and Fox hadn't talked for a week after the dance. Fox was depressed to say the least. Finally he couldn't handle it anymore. So he went to her house. The house was cleaned out and empty. The family that had occupied it had disappeared. How could he have not known they left? He only lived a couple houses away! Why had he not seen moving vans? He ran around the empty house frantically. He was near tears. He had just lost his one true love. At least that's what he considered her. He stopped short when he reached Dana's room. Hanging in her closest was her sapphire blue dress, and sitting on the counter next to it was the little velvet box that held her blue sapphire earrings. She knew I would come looking for her, he thought to himself. He slowly opened the velvet box as tears began to form. A little note fell from inside. Dear William, I am sorry I didn't tell you we were moving. I couldn't. I hope you understand. I don't know where I am moving to, so you can't write. It's probably better this way anyway. Love, Dana Fox wiped tears from his eyes roughly and crumpled up the note angrily. She didn't say she would write! Why didn't she say that? He ran out of the house and around the block for hours until he was physically exhausted. He collapsed on the sidewalk and passed out in front of someone's house that lived on the block. When he finally came to, it was dark and he walked home. He immediately got in the shower and then went to sleep. He didn't eat for months until he was finally taken to the hospital and force fed through an IV. After staying in the hospital for a month he finally would eat on his own. When he was a freshman in college he let his sister Samantha talk him into going to a high school party two hours away from their home. "Samantha, I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Fox was saying as he was driving. "Oh come on, Fox, it'll be fun," Samantha assured him. "Yeah right," Fox remarked. "Lighten up, big bro, live a little," Samantha said playfully. They pulled up about an hour later, in front of a huge three-story house. Behind it you could see the ocean. There was a gorgeous sunset; the sky was mixed with red, orange, purple and yellow. Fox stood outside his door and watched it for a second. He felt a light hand on his shoulder. He turned and smiled widely at Samantha. "Come on Fox," she said softly. He turned his body and followed her into the house. Dance music was playing and the house was already packed, even though it wasn't even dark. Samantha and Fox pushed their way through the crowd. Samantha was walking ahead of him and all the sudden the crowd moved in and she disappeared. He looked over people's heads and searched for her for a while. But then he gave up and moved outside to get some fresh air. He was sitting on a bench watching the ocean when he felt a presence beside him. "Is this seat taken?" A sweet and seductive voice asked. "No, be my guest," he replied without looking up. A slender body sat up against him. "So how have you been William?" the voice next to him was light and playful. He turned his head in shock to look at the person next to him. She looked an awful lot like Dana Scully, then he figured out why. The high school student seated next to him was Melissa Scully, Dana's older sister. "I could be better, Melissa, but your sister left without even saying goodbye," Fox told her honestly. Melissa sighed sympathetically. "Yeah she can be like that. But if it makes you feel any better, she has never stopped talking about you." "Why didn't she ever write?" he wanted to know. "That's something you are going to have to ask her," Melissa smiled sweetly and stood up slowly. In her hand she held a little piece of paper. She handed it to Fox. "Nice seeing you again, Fox," she gave him a lopsided grin and then strolled away. He stared after her in surprise. How did she know his name? Fox turned his attention to his hand that was holding the little piece of paper. He slowly opened it. Written on the paper was the Scully phone number. He smiled to himself and thanked Melissa silently even though she had already walked away. Fox had forgotten about the phone number until he went to wash his clothes two days after the party. He found a folded piece of paper in his jean pocket. And when he opened it up it revealed Dana's phone number. After a couple of hours, he finally got up the nerve to call her. He dialed slowly and took a deep breath. Melissa answered after one ring. After she found out who it was she ran to get Dana. She smiled mischievously at her little sister and told her that the phone was for her. Fox could hear Dana approaching through the phone line, it made him suddenly nervous and he hung up quickly. "Hello?" Dana said, but all she got in response was a dial tone. She turned and glared at Melissa. "That was not funny!" Melissa looked shocked for a second and then walked away without uttering a word. About ten minutes later, Melissa walked into the family room where Dana was laying on the floor busily doing homework. "Do you know a guy named Fox William Mulder?" Melissa asked sweetly. Dana looked up briefly from her homework. She brought her head back down and continued her homework. "No why?" she responded. Melissa laughed and smiled, "Oh Because that's who called for you," she said mysteriously. Dana looked up to see her sister walking away. "That's not funny!" Dana Scully and Fox Mulder had worked together for six years at the FBI. They were partners on the x-files division. Fox Mulder had a close encounter, or that was what he thought. It happened when he was twelve years old and his cousin was abducted while he was babysitting her. It hit him so hard because she had been the same age as Samantha had, and everyone had loved his cousin so much. He had always blamed himself. Everyone called him Spooky Mulder. But Dana didn't think he was spooky. Somehow they had both forgotten their childhood together. "So Mulder, what are you doing tonight?" Scully asked him nonchalantly. Mulder glanced up from a file he was reading. "Nothing, I don't have any plans." "Do you want to come over to my apartment? We can go over the case." Scully offered. "Sure, I'll bring some Chinese," Mulder said and then they both grabbed their coats. Of course Scully arrived at her apartment first. She was looking through some of her old pictures while she waited for Mulder to arrive. She brought a handful to her couch and sat there while she slowly studied each picture. She had just gotten to one from her very first prom, when there was a knock at the door. Reluctantly she tore herself from the pictures and made her way towards the door. Standing in front of her was Mulder clad in a pair of jeans and a plain white T-shirt. On the other hand she was wearing a sweat suit and her feet were clad in white socks. "Is it that cold in here?" Mulder joked from behind the Chinese food cartons. "Funny!" Scully remarked as she grabbed the Chinese and walked with it to the kitchen. She grabbed plates and arranged the food nicely on a plate for each of them. And then she poured two glasses of wine and took them to the couch where Mulder had made himself comfortable. They both ate and chatted about the case. Then Mulder noticed the stack of pictures left by the couch and he got curious. He stared at the top picture for what seemed like an eternity. Then he looked up as if he was going to say something. Scully figured he was going to make a joke about her appearance but what he said instead surprised her. "Where did you get this?" he sounded mad almost. "It's mine." "No it's not! That's me!" Mulder seemed angry. "But that's me!" Dana was defensive. How dare he accuse her of taking his picture! "That can't be you, that was my high school prom as a junior. You wouldn't have been in high school, and this girl was a sophomore." Suddenly as if remembering something, his faced softened and he smiled. "No that's me and I was in eighth grade!" Scully was still being defensive; she was unaware of his knowing smile. When she didn't get a response she looked at him. He was smiling mysteriously at her, and she didn't know why. "What?" she finally asked irritatedly. "Do you really think I believed you?" She was confused. What was he talking about? He sensed her confusion. "Oh come on Dana Katherine Scully, I knew you weren't a sophomore. Samantha told me the night of the party." He informed her. But she still looked perplexed. "You might remember me as William Mulder." Dana eyed him curiously. "I wouldn't eat for months after you left. I saw Melissa at a dance and she gave me your number. I called once but I hung up before you answered. I didn't think you would want to talk to me anyway. You wanted to know why everyone called me Fox. And I told you I didn't know. I told a girl that I was interested in someone else. Did you even want to know who that was? It was you." He told her. Tears were falling from her eyes and she wiped at them with the back of her hand. He pulled her into a hug. "By the way, when you left you forgot your earrings. I kept them for you. Remind me to give them back to you," Fox told her. She smiled into his chest, and hugged him tighter. His grip tightened in response. They fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms. The End