Chapter 2
The drive from the airport was quiet. Mulder finally couldn't stand it anymore.
"Something the matter, Scully?"
"I'm fine. Why?"
"You are quiet." He looked over at her. "You are never quiet. I expected a lecture on how I would never make a good husband to anyone because I'm a slob on the way home. I tell you, I'm a little disappointed." He smiled over at her.
"Well, if you really wanted me to, I could," she said with a slight smile.
"Just talk to me." He said with a sigh. I wish we hadn't had to leave so quickly. I was getting used to living with you...just being close to you.
"I didn't mean to ignore you. I guess I was just thinking about suburbia life in general."
"I miss the quiet." He said as the noise outside their car increased with a car alarm going off. He pulled onto her street.
"Yeah." Scully trailed off pensively.
He stopped the car. "Let me help you carry your stuff up." He got out and popped the trunk. He took her bags and headed to the door. "Get your little legs a moving."
Instead of retorting or making a teasing comment, Scully couldn't utter a sound at all. Her throat was tight. She numbly got out of the car and took the rest of her bags. She opened her apartment door. "I can manage from here. Thanks," she said with a smile.
Mulder stepped into a puddle of water. "What the...?"
Scully followed his eyes to the puddle. She groaned as she went into the bathroom where she found a flood.
Just then there was a knock on the door. Mulder went to answer it.
It was her super. "Miss. Scully?"
"Yes...?" she was still a little distracted.
"We had a little pipe problem and the entire second floor was flooded. Is there anywhere you can stay for a few days?"
"My mom's.… oh damn, she's out of town." Scully ran her hand through her hair. "I'll figure something out."
"You can stay with me." Mulder was quiet.
Scully looked at him, not daring to hope. "Are you sure about that, Mulder?"
"I have plenty of room. You can take the bed. I'll take the couch. I promise to put the lid down and do the toothpaste right." He said winking at her.
"What about the rest of your pad?" she grinned at him.
"Just make yourself at home. My home is your home, Scully." That last part slipped out before he had a chance to think about what he was saying.
"Thanks." was all she said. She felt a curious pang of disappointment at being called "Scully", not "Dana".
"Ready?" he said with one more look around.
"Yeah."
He took her bags again and put them back in the car. He held the door open for her. "Dana, we'd better go by the store and get some groceries. I don't have anything at home."
Scully was momentarily stunned speechless when he called her Dana. This was immediately followed by sad resignation that it was a one-time thing.
"Okay."
TBC…a trip to the grocery store…things could get serious…LOL
