The truth was that he wasn't just calling her for the papers. He just wanted to hear her. No--That's what he wanted to believe-he really just wanted to talk to her about the whole situation. Just wanted to let it go. No words were needed to say that the incident on the phone that had just happened was a hard blow for him. It was enough.
Sometimes later, Vanessa paid a visit to the office.
Vanessa: Hey Fox…how are you today? (With a provocative smile)
Mulder: (clueless) Same as always.
Scully: (clears her throat) I see you brought the papers…guess you can leave now.
Vanessa: (looking at Fox, not paying attention to Scully) Uh-yeah, sure. (seductively walks up to Fox) Ummm Mulder, I know I've asked a thousand times, but once more won't hurt right? (Chuckles a bit)
Mulder turned his eyes to as in an expression of "What now?"
Vanessa: I just wondered if you'd like to accompany me to this diner thing I have to go with some friends that I…
In that moment, Scully didn't even hesitate to cut in Vanessa's words.
Scully: (with a semi-proud smile on her face) Vanessa, you know his answer already so why don't you do yourself a favor, grab what's left of your dignity, and leave?
Vanessa gave a loathing glare at Dana. Mulder had obviously noticed the hostility between both of them since before. Without another moments waste, he acted.
Mulder: Sure…I'll go. I have nothing better to do.
Vanessa: (gave a triumphant smile and was yet a bit surprised) Thanks…I'll see you later then.
Vanessa left the room leaving Dana garbled and humiliated and Mulder knew it.
Scully: (a bit amazed) Mulder…I-I didn't think you were the Vanessa type. I though you sort of despised her; you did always say she was a stuck up. Well actually, I didn't even now you had a type.
Mulder: Well-I guess that shows how little you know about me, huh?
Scully: (struck)…I guess…Well--at least you could have spared me a bit of the embarrassment over there.
Mulder: You came across that yourself, Dana.
Dana backed up. She knew that there was something going on and the fact that it wasn't the best time to figure it out. She stepped back from him and remained distant and silent for the rest of the day.