I reached for his hand and he accepted. I was surprised but glad.
"Let's not waste any more time on this man" I said before starting to let go of his hand, he gave my hand a little squeeze before letting it go.
We walked to the car in silence.
"Scully?" he said wearily
"Yes"
"Nothing" he replied, almost sounding defeated.
The car ride to the hotel was taken in silence. I knew something was bothering Mulder but I also knew not to push it. He would tell me when he was ready.
As we got to our rooms Mulder turned to me "Scully….Do you….do you want to come in for a drink?"
"The mini bar is not the answer" I said trying to lighten the tension in the air.
"I know" he said half smiling, he entered his room and left the door open for me, letting me make my own decision.
Of course I followed him.
He looked up and down the corridor before locking the door behind me. I had to smiled, Mulder had some odd ways, but that's what makes being his partner a never ending mystery ride.
"SShh don't tell the management" he said pulling out a bottle of red wine from his case.
I couldn't help but laugh.
He raised an eyebrow in that every so Mulder way that said "what? Like you never thought of this"
"So? You want one" He asked
"Just a small one"
The smile I got in return was enough to know he needed me tonight. Not that he would admit it of course. But, despite the fact I hadn't know him long I knew him well. I knew that tonight he needed to unwind with a friend.
I took my shoes and jacket of while Mulder collected 2 plastic cups from the bathroom. He half filled one and handed it to me. I went to take a sip, not realizing how much I needed to unwind to.
Mulder raised his glass to make a toast, "to knowing your own mind" he said.
We 'clinked' our plastics cups and drank. Our eyes met. For a second it was like we could read each others minds. We were no longer just partners, we were friends, we were people who depended on each other, we would be there no matter what, the Xfiles was apart of me now and I knew it was us against Them. Who ever Them were, I wasn't sure yet, but I would be on Mulders side and he on mine.
Tonight was when things changed.