Chapter Text
She was a freshman and he was a senior. They didn’t really have any classes together, but they met at the library when she was reviewing for a long test and he was trying to solve problems for his statistics class. They were sitting beside each other and she couldn’t just ignore how he was struggling with the numbers. Tentatively, she peeked at his paper and that was when he noticed her. He watched as she unconsciously leaned towards him. He smiled in amusement and moved the paper just a bit causing her to jump. She smiled at him sheepishly and blushed.
“Sorry,” she began to apologize. “I just couldn’t help but notice you struggling over your work.” She explained. “I’m gonna leave you to it, I’m really sorry.” She apologized again and began to stand from her seat.
He stopped her before she could walk away. She looked at him confusedly and he shyly asked if she could help him. She smiled and nodded her head. When she sat down he introduced himself.
“Mulder. Fox Mulder.” He said, extending his hand to her. “Senior.”
“Dana Scully, freshman.” She replied and she laughed a bit at his shocked expression.
“Freshman? Really, Dana?” she rolled her eyes at that, but smiled regardless.
“Yes, Fox.” Her eyes glinting as she said his name.
“Let’s stick to Mulder, shall we?”
“Okay. Call me Scully, then.” She told him. And Mulder thinks he’s in love.
It’s been months since they’ve met and immediately became friends. Scully was the boss in their friendship and Mulder’s guy friends make fun of him because of it. ‘You’re whipped, dude’ one of them remarked when he told them he and Scully were meeting at a café outside campus to study. He told them to fuck off and grabbed his bag and camera before heading out of their dorm room.
Scully was already waiting for him outside his building, sitting on one of the benches nearby already reading one of her notes. She was so engrossed that she didn’t notice Mulder until he softly tapped her shoulder.
“Oh, hi!” she exclaimed, standing up. She unexpectedly leaned up and kissed his cheek before she could stop herself. She blushed, hard. Her cheeks turned red like a tomato. Shaking off his own shock, Mulder kissed her cheek too, and smiled when he pulled away. He took her bag and grabbed her hand prompting their walk. They were quiet and stole glances at each other as they walked hand-in-hand to the café.
They didn’t discuss what had happened and instead focused on their textbooks and notes. They studied for hours until the owner had to ask them and other students to leave, it was closing time and near curfew anyway.
Although his building was nearer, he insisted he walk her to hers. She shrugged and agreed with him. Just as they passed his building, rain began to pour heavily from the skies. They hugged their backpacks close to their chests and Mulder did his best to cover both of them with his large jacket. They ran quickly to her building and when they arrived, they burst out laughing. They were both drenched and their bags damp. They just hoped their things didn’t get wet.
She was still giggling after she squeezed water from her hair. She noticed he had gone quiet and when she was about to ask him if he was alright, he leaned down and kissed her. It took a second for her to process, but when she finally came to be, she returned the kiss. Their lips were soft against each other’s and they could taste the coffee they had earlier. Their kiss went from slow to a heated one; tongues touching and teeth clashing. It was filled with more than just lust. They pulled away panting, smiles graced their faces. Scully bit her lip shyly and fiddled with her fingers, not knowing what to do next. The campus clock chimed from afar, echoing throughout the campus. She looked at Mulder with wide eyes. If he didn’t leave soon, he’d be caught by the campus police.
“You have to go.” She softly said. He nodded with a sad smile.
It was the first time for them both to feel sad at the thought of one of them leaving, even it meant just to go back to their dorms.
“Well,” she started. “Good night, Mulder.” She said and turned around to open the door.
He was shocked for a moment and recovered by calling her name and quickly took out his camera (which was dry, thank God!). When she turned, he raised the camera and told her to smile. Humoring him and feeling a bit better, she smiled for him. After the photo was taken, he stepped towards her and pulled her close by her waist.
“Don’t think I’m letting you go without me saying good night.” He whispered, their faces so close to each other.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered back. She watched with hooded eyes as he leaned and kissed her again. This time, it was soft and quick.
“Good night, Scully.” He said as they pulled away.
“Good night.” She replied.
She watched him walk away under the moonlight, and when he was far enough, she entered her building. That night, Dana Scully slept with a smile on her face as she remembered the events of that day. She couldn’t wait to see Mulder again.
– Years later –
They were driving by the campus when they spotted the café. Scully suggested they stopped by and grab something to eat. The interior was different but it still had the same homey ambience as it did years ago.
After finding a table, Mulder asked Scully what she wanted. ‘Just coffee and a croissant, please’ she told him. Before she went to the counter, he opened his wallet to check if he had his card or if he had some bills, he didn’t notice a photo slipping out. When he left, Scully noticed it and picked it up from the floor. She noticed how it was slightly tattered around the edges. She gasped when she turned it and saw it was a photo of her that he took years ago. She smiled at the memory of how that photo came to be. They really have come such a long way together.
Mulder came back with their food and saw the photo in her hand. He smiled as he sat down.
“You found it.” He stated, pointing at the photo.
“Yeah. I didn’t know you’ve had this for so long.”
“It’s a special one.” He said, looking into her eyes. She smiled and handed it to him which he immediately tucked back into his wallet, keeping it safe. Indeed when one takes good care of something, or someone, that they loved, they last long.
