Title: Struggling
Category: X-Files XRA
Author: Singing Violin (Pearl on Ephemeral/Gossamer)
Rating: K+
Disclaimer: The X-Files characters and universe are not mine.
Summary: What happens after the screen goes black in "My Struggle II"?
Archiving: Anywhere, just let me know.
Author's Note: I am SO sorry this took so long...summer was crazy hectic...hopefully updates will be quicker now that the kids are back in school. I do intend to finish this before S11 makes it A/U! Thank you all for your patience!

Scully felt the cold slab against her back as she struggled against her restraints. Indistinct figures surrounded her, creeping up upon her, threatening. Her heart leapt into her throat.

One of the figures drew close to her face...its face...his face...swam into view. "Scully," he murmured softly.

She shook her head, not wanting to believe, not wanting to be here, again, with her erstwhile partner now conspiring with her captors.

"Scully!" he said again, this time louder, even agitated. His hands came to her shoulders, and she tensed reflexively. "Wake up!"

She gasped, then blinked furiously as she panted to regain her breath.

Finally, she realized her surroundings, and after a deep breath, spoke. "Where are we?"

"Motel," Mulder explained. "I stopped by Skinner's...you were fast asleep, looked like you needed the rest. He wouldn't even let me in to talk...not sure what's up...but he sent me away with this." He held up a credit card.

"They'll track us if we use it," Scully recited tiredly.

Mulder nodded. "But we need food, and clothes, and a place to stay...all things dead people don't need, and we're supposedly dead. So unless you want to go panhandling with me...besides, it's probably not a bad thing for Skin-Man to know where to find us. You know I have trust issues, but I'm pretty sure he wants to protect us. He didn't even seem surprised to see me."

"Panhandling sounds good," Scully shot back dryly. "Can't be too careful." Then, glancing down at her faded outfit, "And the clothes I'm wearing are already appropriate for that."

Mulder frowned, then realized she was joking, and responded with a weak smile. "Come on, Scully, let's go get you into a bed so you can rest more comfortably."

"Mulder, as far as I can tell, I've been in bed for months, maybe years. And the last thing I need right now is bedbugs." Her voice was tinged with deep pain and regret.

"Fine, then come in and have something to eat with me," Mulder offered. "I think they have room service."

"I'm not hungry," she retorted, "but I do need to stretch my legs. Get out of my way."

Looking hurt that she didn't want his help, he obliged, moving aside so she could exit. He poised to catch her, though, in case she was weaker than she imagined.

Disapprovingly, he noted her caution as she moved, but although he hovered near, he did not venture to touch her without her permission. She stood by quietly as he checked them in, stealing glances back at her every few seconds; the concierge eyed the couple curiously, but did not voice any particular concerns. He opted for one room with two queen beds; even though she had reservations about sharing, she assumed he would not allow her a room alone, even if they weren't charging it to a borrowed credit card. Although she wouldn't admit it, certainly not to him, she was vaguely grateful for his watchful company.

When they entered the room, she went directly to the bathroom, where she relieved herself, splashed water on her face, and rinsed out her mouth. As she exited, Mulder was standing sheepishly near the door.

"Will you be okay if I go out for a bit to get us some supplies? Um, do you want to come with?" Mulder asked tentatively.

"I'll be fine," she responded flatly, "and no, I think I'd rather stay here." With that, she sank down onto the small couch and grabbed the TV remote. "Maybe I can catch up on some of the news; see what we've missed."

"I don't have a phone or any way for you to contact me," he reminded her. "Just, call Skinner if you need help, okay?"

She nodded absent-mindedly. "Yeah."

He returned with several grocery bags including food, drinks, and toiletries.

She didn't acknowledge his presence.

"Hi," he tried, but got no response. He began to unpack the food, and laid it on the coffee table before her.

"You've got to eat something," he insisted. "I don't know when the last...just please eat, for me."

With that, she slowly turned her head and looked at him. "All right," she agreed.

After a few tentative bites, she discovered that she was hungry. Ravenous even. Mulder had brought back enough to feed a large family, and between the two of them, they demolished most of it, and he couldn't hide the satisfied look on his face, seeing her eat heartily.

"I guess I was hungrier than I thought," she acknowledged, now beginning to feel the sleepiness that often accompanies a large meal after a long fast.

Despite her desire not to waste any more time asleep, she felt herself nodding, and was barely aware as Mulder cleaned up and then brought a blanket from one of the beds over to the couch. He peered at her for a moment, perhaps considering whether to carry her to the bed before opting just to tuck her in where she was. She hoped he would leave her be, and he did.

She was awoken by a knocking at the door, and mercifully did not recall any dreams. She was just shaking off her initial disorientation when Mulder opened the door and ushered Skinner inside. Quickly, she sat up and threw the blanket aside.

"It's good to see you," Skinner told them in his gruff voice, then stole a concerned glance towards Scully. Awake enough to read his face and anticipate his question, she announced, "I'm fine."

Skinner nodded. "Glad to hear it."

Mulder motioned to the chair next to the couch. "Have a seat," he offered. "Can I make you some tea?"

He shook his head. "I can't stay," he admitted. "I shouldn't even be here. But I wanted to make sure you two were safe."

"With all due respect, Sir," Mulder offered, "Why all the secrecy?"

Skinner frowned. "It's complicated. I'll be in touch. Just sit tight for now, lay low. I know it's frustrating, but I need you to trust me."

With that, he disappeared.

Mulder turned to Scully. "That was weird."

She shrugged. "I suppose."

Mulder furrowed his brow. "Are you sure you're okay, Scully?"

She looked him squarely in the eye and repeated, "I'm fine."

He crossed his arms in front of him and shook his head. "No, you're not."

Scully sighed. "You're right," she conceded, "I need to pee." With that, she got up and disappeared into the bathroom.