Chapter 9_- Coddling-You Try to Pull It on Her and You're Dead, but Don't Even Dream of Trying to Stop Her from Doing It to You.
Let me make one thing clear: Coddling is not the same as babying. Not really.
Coddling is more the act of physically comforting Scully. No, not that way! Better stay away from the magazines and videos for awhile, Spooky…
When dealing with Scully, remember that the "I'm Fine" guide can help. If she's distressed and doesn't protest, give her a hug. If she's pissed and wants to kill you, better back away.
Coddling is as much your own tone of voice as Scully's temperament. Be soothing, reassuring. If she has a gun at you, try to remember that Scully is not being rational. If she shoots you, well hey, you'll get coddled. Nothing wrong with that.
As far as being physical goes, be gentle. Doesn't matter if your hugging her, carrying her, or trying to keep her warm. She's vulnerable, and her mood is fragile, so you have to be careful.
When to use coddling
· After a case that has extremely rattled her: Donnie Phaster, Pagget, etc. The really creepy people.
· In the Arctic or Antarctic.
· After a near-death experience.
When Scully will coddle you· After an injury.
· When you're sick.
· In the Arctic or Antarctic
· After case with emotional repercussions.
· If she just thinks you need it.
As you can tell, Scully is the coddler. Keep that in mind, and you'll survive.
Footsteps. God dammit, what's the time? I check my watch. 6 o'clock? Jesus, I've been reading all night! It's gotta be Scully…only she would come into the building this damn early. Hurriedly I shove the manuscript back into its place, absently regretting that I would be unable to read the last chapter, and jump into my own desk, just as the lady herself walks in the door. She gives me a cool look and I smile back at her, perhaps a bit too innocently. God dammit, I hate all this sneaky stuff.
"Mornin', Scully!" I say. "You're here early."
"As are you," Scully replies.
"Just catching up on some more of the X-Files," I respond. An awkward silence falls. "And I really have to go to the bathroom. Back in a bit!" I scurry out of the room, grateful to be out of her disconcerting presence. God, she must think I'm a moron.
With room to breath I think about that last chapter, about dealing with abductions. Damn I wish I could have read that. It could have cleared so many things up for me.
I shrug. Maybe tomorrow. For now, a cup of hot sludge and a stale muffin are in order.