Scully had stayed by Mulder's hospital bedside for several hours, eventually drifting off to sleep in the chair, her head resting on his bed. Reid walked in with fresh coffee, sympathy rising for his friend.
"Day, come on sleeping beauty." He whispered as he gently attempted to wake her up. She grumbled at his attempt and he let out a silent chuckle. "I have coffee."
"It better at least be good coffee." She mumbled under her breath. He smiled and waited for her to come to full attention.
"How's he doing?"
"As good as anyone in a medically induced coma could be doing, I suppose. I know we have to wait for the drug to leave his system, but I hate this." She said solemnly.
"Well we're checking all his levels tomorrow, so hopefully we can wake him soon. You need to sleep." He said sternly, already knowing he was going to lose this argument. She glanced up at him with sad eyes, not wanting to distance herself from him.
"I was sleeping before you decided to wake me up."
"You can't be mad at the person who brought you coffee. You need real sleep though."
"I - I can't leave him. Reid, I -"
"You don't have to explain it to me, kid. I knew it was a lost cause of an argument the minute I brought it up, but I had to be the good friend, and at least try."
"Thank you, you've been great, with all of this. I really do appreciate it."
"That's what I'm here for, Day. I'll leave you to be alone with your boyfriend, and I'll be back with stronger coffee in the morning." He said as he leaned down to kiss her temple. She smiled at the gesture, and he made his exit, leaving her alone with Mulder once again.
The next morning, she was woken by the doctor, and startled awake, assuming something was wrong. The doctor calmed her immediately, reassuring her that everything was perfectly fine, as fine as it could be.
"Dr. Scully, we just wanted to go over the test results. We took some blood during early morning rounds, and we have some good news." He said hopefully. She sobered immediately, just as Reid was walking into the room. He made his way to stand beside her, and handed her coffee. She silently thanked him, and looked at the doctor expectantly.
"The drug is almost completely gone from his system. We want to try to wake him up, to see if there's any lingering symptoms, but we're optimistic that he should be back to normal." The doctor explained carefully.
"Okay, yeah." She said in a small voice. Reid pulled her in for a one-armed side hug, and she willingly relaxed into his embrace.
They waited patiently while the doctor administered the new drug, and Scully didn't realize she was holding her breath.
"Breathe." Reid whispered into her ear. He placed a gentle kiss on the side of her temple, and she exhaled deeply.
Several minutes passed, but there was no change in his state. She began to worry, but calmed herself, knowing this specific process didn't always show instant results. She disentangled herself from Reid's embrace to settle back into the chair beside him. She grasped onto his hand, silently wishing him awake. The doctor's informed her that now, they wait, and parted ways, leaving her alone with Mulder and Reid.
"He's going to wake up, Day. Don't worry." Reid said as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She reached up with her free hand to grab onto his, and nodded silently.
She remained by his bedside for the better part of the day, nervousness rising every minute that he didn't wake up. The doctors weren't too concerned, given the amount of drugs flowing through him, but that didn't erase the worry from her mind. His vitals were stable, and she knew medically, he was fine.
"Mulder, I need you to wake up. It's really selfish of you to leave me here, alone. Please..." She jokingly whispered as her voice began to drift off. She wiped away the small tear that escaped her eye as she heard Reid making his way into the room.
"How you holding up?" He asked with genuine concern.
"I'm alright, I think I'm just worried. I spoke with my mom earlier, she said to say hello." She said with a light smile.
"Well, I was always her favorite."
"Yeah, yeah. She did make a point to ask if you were married, had kids. I think she was planning the wedding in her mind as we spoke." Scully scoffed.
"I should give her a call, we can make the arrangements together." He teased at her. She chuckled and shook her head at him, enjoying that he was able to make her feel some ease in the current situation.
"I've never asked, but why aren't you shacked up with kids?"
"I guess I just never met the right one for me, not all of us are that fortunate. I was engaged for a few years, but we both realized it was more of a formality since we had been dating for so long, it's not really what we wanted."
"I'm sorry. You'll definitely meet someone, the right person."
"Well, see. I already have, but she's in love with this guy in a coma, it's a tricky situation." He teased. Color tinged her cheeks, and she bowed her head.
"Always the charmer." She teased back.
"What about you? You never wanted the married with kids thing?"
"The last serious relationship I really had, it just wasn't leading in that direction. Plus, now I can't even -" She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I found out a few years ago that I can't have children."
"Dana, I'm so sorry. That must have been hard on you."
"It was when I first found out, but I think I've come to accept it now."
"I admire your strength, you know that?" He said as he cradled her face, running his thumb over her cheek. He smiled at her, and she looked at him with shining eyes. They basked in the moment for a few minutes, getting lost in what could have been. Neither noticed that Mulder had opened his eyes.
He watched the scene play out, overhearing the end of their conversation, guilt flushing through him. His stomach began to turn and he couldn't decipher if it was from the drugs mixing in his system or the sight before him. He cleared his throat, making it aware that he was awake.
"Mulder?" Scully said, instantly separating from her moment with Reid, to cater to his side. "You're awake." She said in a hushed tone, fighting back the tears in her eyes.
The drug symptoms were still lingering in his bloodstream, and he was fighting with the inner feelings of anger and jealously at the sight of Reid and Scully.
"What happened?" He asked bitterly in a raspy voice.
"You, uh, you started to get uncontrollable. We know it was the drug, but we don't know what set it off. The doctor suggested we put you in a coma until your levels came down. We administered the process to reverse it this morning, but there's still some of the drug inside of you." She explained gently as she stroked his hair softly. He relaxed into the contact, and nodded in understanding.
"Are the restraints still necessary?" He asked as he gestured towards his arms and legs being tethered to the bed.
"That depends if you're still hostile. Mulder, the look in your eyes, I've never seen you so angry."
"I'm sorry, if I scared you. To be fair, I was under the influence." He smiled sheepishly at her. She let out a small chuckle, relieved that he was himself again.
"I suppose we can take them off then, I am still armed, I'll take my chances."
"Did you just threaten to shoot your partner Agent Scully?" Reid finally spoke up, trying to ease the mood. Mulder gritted his teeth, fighting the emotions running through him. Scully noticed the change in demeanor, and could see his heart rate increasing slightly on the monitor.
"I've followed through on the threat, too. But that's a story for another time. I, uh, do you mind if..." She began to stammer.
"I can take the hint, call me if you need anything. I'm glad you're okay, Mulder." He said before placing a soft kiss on her cheek and leaving to head back to the precinct. Mulder visibly scoffed at the action, confused about everything.
"How are you feeling?" She asked turning her attention back to him.
"As good as anyone waking up from a coma would be. You didn't have to stay here, Scully. I can tell you haven't slept."
"Mulder, I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't going anywhere." She said with promise in her voice. That moment caused another flash of realization for Mulder as he replayed the last words he remembers before succumbing to the darkness. I love you.
"Thanks. I'm awake now, and there are no suicidal tendencies, more than normal at least. You should head back and get some rest."
"I'm not leaving you, I'm fine."
"I've heard that one before, which is why I don't completely believe you. Please, for me?" He asked with that puppy dog look she couldn't resist.
"Fine, I'm going to talk with your doctor first, then I'll head back. I'll be by first thing in the morning." She said sternly. He just nodded, relieved that she was actually listening to him.
She made her way back to the hotel, completely exhausted from the past few days. Her mind was whirling with every new revelation she uncovered recently, and she had never been more conflicted. As much as she hated to admit it, the look in Mulder's eyes terrified her. She had never seen him so furious with her, and after pondering over the facts, knew it had to do with her relationship with Reid. She was more annoyed that he would ever doubt how she felt about him, personally.
The next morning she was getting ready to make her way back to the hospital, and was broken from her morning routine by the knocking at the main door. She was only in her towel, coming straight from the shower, and sighed as she made her way to find out who was causing the incessant sound. She looked through the peephole, and was puzzled to see Reid standing there.
"Room service, although, I think I'm the one getting the treat here." He teased as he raked over her appearance.
"Oh gee, my Prince Charming. Come in, I just need to finish getting ready so I can head back to the hospital." She said as she rolled her eyes.
"Please, no rush." He leered at her. "Especially considering your boyfriend broke out of the joint early this morning. Snuck past the guard, the doctor, and managed to sweet talk the nurses into helping him escape."
"I can't believe he would-" She growled, completely frustrated. "What if he still has the drugs in his system, what if he's in danger?" She began to ask frantically.
"Relax, I brought you his charts, the drug is completely flushed out of him. I'm more concerned for the danger he'll be in when you get your hands on him." He teased.
She scoffed and buried her head into his chest, him wrapping one arm around her for comfort. She enjoyed how easily he was able to calm her down, forgetting about the current struggles that shadowed her life.
"Sorry for interrupting, I just came to get my things." Mulder said as he slammed the front door behind him. Fury was burning through his eyes at the sight of them, her in a towel, embraced in his arms. She closed her eyes and sighed heavily, knowing already the miscommunication happening.
"Mulder, why did you leave the hospital? That was incredibly stupid, I was worried for you." She said in a small voice, seriousness implied.
"Yeah, I can really tell how worried you were." He huffed as he pushed past them. He slammed his bedroom door behind him, leaving them standing awkwardly in the living room.
"Well, that's my cue to leave. Call me, I want to see you before you head home." He said as he bumped her arm with his, trying to ease the mood. She wordlessly nodded, knowing the conversation she needed to have with Mulder.
She changed quickly into jeans and a sweater, considering the work was done, and made her way to his room. She knocked lightly several times, each going unanswered. Letting out a heavy sigh, she placed a shaky hand on the doorknob, only leaving wishful thinking that he would leave it unlocked. She was relieved when it opened with ease, and peered her head inside. It was then that she heard the sound of the water running from the shower, and situated herself on the end of the bed, waiting.
"Scully..." Mulder said with a heavy sigh as he exited the bathroom. He mentally scolded himself for forgetting to lock the door behind him after his tantrum.
"We need to talk." She said pointedly, masking the shakiness in her voice.
"There's nothing to talk about. I'm sorry I overreacted earlier. I've, uh, been thinking a lot about it actually." He said softly as he sat down beside her.
"About what?" She asked cautiously.
"Just, everything. I keep dragging you on these ridiculous cases, taking your life away from you. I think I realized that more than anything, seeing you with Reid. There's so much more for you, Scully. You could be happy." He let his voice drift off. She fought back the tears in her eyes at his revelations. How had he gotten it so wrong?
"Mulder, that's not what this is about. Reid and I, we have a past, yes, but that's all it is. He was my best friend through some of the most important years of my life. I'm not going to apologize for that, but there's a giant misunderstanding. He-"
"Hey, it's okay, Scully. I've seen the way you two are, you don't have to hide that from me. I'm happy for you. The room is ours for 2 more days, but I'm planning to head back tonight, so enjoy your weekend." He said with a finality to the discussion.
"Are you going to let me explain anything to you?" She asked with annoyance.
"There's nothing to explain. I'm still kind of tired, escaping from a hospital is more exhausting than you think. I'm going to try to rest, if you don't mind." He said with a dismissal. She scoffed and pursed her lips, rising from his bed. She began to storm out of his room, before stopping to turn to face him, fire in her eyes.
"You're an idiot." Was all she said, point crystal clear. She slammed the door behind her before grabbing her purse and storming out.
She went for a walk along the water to clear her head. There was always something about the smell, and the breeze washing over her that she found a small ounce of serenity in. She lost track of time, and figured she had been sulking long enough. She wasn't ready to face Mulder yet, so she called a cab to take her to the precinct.
"Miss me already?" Reid said with his charming grin. She plopped down on his couch, throwing her head back exhaustedly. "That great a morning, huh?"
"I don't even know where to begin. I want to strangle him, maybe shoot him again." She scoffed, crossing her arms in annoyance.
"Well, that was his last chance to not blow this. So what do you say to lunch with me, then maybe dinner, and then we can plan the wedding." He teased. She let the smirk touch her lips before glaring at him playfully.
"I was thinking more along the lines of getting to know drunk present day Dana Scully."
"Ah, you always were the smart one. I love the way you think." He leered at her before grabbing his coat. "Shall we?"
They made their way to a nearby bar, situating themselves at a small table. Reid already devised a plan for the rest of the day in his head the minute she made the suggestion.
"So, what happened?" He asked genuinely.
"Oh no, that's going to take me at least 3 tequila shots to even begin getting into." She huffed as she threw back her first one.
"It didn't take him long to ruin the moment."
"The worst part is, he thought he was doing the right thing. He kept rambling on about how he was ruining my life, and how I could be happy with you, and he basically pushed me out the door." She said angrily as she threw another shot back.
"So wait, he honestly has no clue how you feel about him?"
"No! He's an idiot. An exhausting, frustrating, stubborn jack ass of an idiot." She said, taking her third shot.
"Who's fault is it that he doesn't know?" He asked slowly, chuckling at her already buzzed state.
"I don't like you anymore." She said, over-dramatically pouting.
"Well, one more drink and I'll be your favorite person." He teased at her.
She could feel the alcohol rushing through her, and the lightheadedness was increasing. She felt safe with Reid, which is why she kept drinking her sorrows away. She just wanted a moment to forget everything that had gone so wrong with her and Mulder.
They stayed at the bar a few more hours, leading into the early evening. She was well into being drunk, and he was enjoying seeing this side of her. He smiled to himself, knowing she was just about where he wanted her. He made a call, finalizing his plan.
"Mulder."
"Hey, it's Reid. I, uh, have a little situation on my hands here."
"Oh, uh, you should probably call Scully. I'm actually waiting at the airport, I'm leaving tonight." He said slightly puzzled at the reasoning for the call.
"That's actually my problem, she's currently indisposed at the moment."
"Is everything okay? Did something happen? Where is she?" He began to ask frantically. Reid smiled at his true emotions shining through his cool exterior.
"She's fine, I think. Could you come pick her up? I've avoided enough work for today, and really need to head back to wrap up a few things. She needs to sleep this off." He explained mysteriously, not providing any details.
"I'm, uh -" Mulder let out a heavy sigh at the change of plans, but he knew he couldn't abandon her if she needed him. "I'll be there soon." He finally conceded as Reid gave him the address.
He arrived at the location, confused at the setting. He furrowed his brow, looking around for another place, finally approaching the bar. He peered inside, and saw Reid sitting at a table with Scully, who was leaning her head against his shoulder, mumbling something with her eyes closed.
"Is she okay?" Mulder asked as he slowly neared them.
"She will be, she just needs to sleep it off. This is all you now." Reid said with amusement as he nudged her awake.
"Mulder! Hey, look, Mulder's here. You're here. Are you still mad?" She slurred, feigning to make an angry face. She broke out in a full blown giggle before throwing her arms around Mulder's neck as she attempted to stand. "I'm tired." She said, her mouth lingering just before his. He could smell the alcohol on her breath, intoxicating him along with the sight of her.
"Jesus, how much did she have to drink?" He directed his question towards Reid.
"Boozy here had a little too much, I think she lost count. I'm heading back, call me if you need anything." He said as he got up to head outside, smirk touching his lips.
Mulder panicked for a moment, not knowing how to handle this new situation. He guided her outside to the cab, and situated them both in the backseat. She immediately laid her head in his lap, cuddling in to their closeness. He hesitantly laid his hand on her back, smiling down at her. He regretted his outburst earlier in the day, knowing that pushing her into the arms of another man was the last thing he ever wanted to do.
When they arrived at the hotel, he struggled to get her out of the car. He managed to get her to the door of their room before she began to slump sleepily. He held her to him with one arm around her waist for support, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. As he got the door open, he cradled her in his arms, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck. She hummed into the embrace, and he let the small smile touch his lips. He gently placed her in her own bed, but she left her arms around his neck in protest.
"Scully..." He whispered, gently trying to rouse her enough to release her hold on him.
"Mm mm, don't go." She mumbled sleepily. His eyes widened, and his own stubborn head caused him to automatically assume she thought he was Reid.
"Scully, it's Mulder. I'm just going to take off your coat, and shoes and let you sleep, okay?" He said gently.
"Mm okay." She said as she unclasped her hands. He helped make her comfortable before making his way over to her closer again.
"Alright, get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
"I said don't go...Mulder." She whispered as their mouths lingered in close proximity.
He didn't object, her words clear. He took off his own coat and shoes, settling in beside her. He froze as she cuddled into his side, throwing her arm over his chest. He smiled, relishing in this moment, knowing it may never come for them again. He replayed everything that happened in the last few days, even more confused now than he was before. As she cuddled in deeper, his mind wandered back to the last words she uttered before slipping into his unconsciousness. He looked down at her, knowing this was right.
"I love you, too." He whispered barely loud enough for himself to hear.
The next morning Scully began to stir awake, her head screaming at her in protest to any sudden movements. She groaned as she buried her head back into her pillow, replaying the events of the prior day in her buzzing mind. She blindly reached out next to her, remembering she fell asleep next to another warm body. Mulder. She shot up in bed at the realization, and began to take in her surroundings. His jacket was still set over the chair in her room, and she knew it wasn't a dream.
"Morning, Scully!" Mulder said overly excited and extra loud upon seeing her disheveled appearance.
"Why are you shouting, please tell me there's coffee." She said as she sluggishly made her way to the couch. She plopped down and threw her head back, already regretting that last drink.
"I made extra coffee, I figured you'd need it." He said with a chuckle. He came to sit next to her, letting her lead the conversation, unsure about how much she remembered.
"After I drink at least 3 cups of this, please remind me to kill Reid."
"He already called this morning to see if you were still alive, I let him know I could hear you snoring, so the chances were pretty good." He teased.
"I do not snore!" She said as the smirk touched her lips. She wet her mouth nervously, not knowing how to approach the newest development in their relationship. "Mind filling me in on the details? Things get a little hazy after my third tequila shot."
"Well, the drunken evening, you'd probably have to speak with Reid to fill in the blanks. I just got the call to come and pick you up."
"Is, uh, that all the happened?"
"Yeah, I got you home, and you pretty much passed out from there."
"Oh, okay. Thank you." She let out in a small whisper. They were both mentally beating themselves up for not acknowledging the night they spent together, as innocent as it was.
"I'm sorry, about yesterday. I didn't mean to just dismiss you like that, I think I was just letting my own stubbornness take over. Truth is, I was sitting at the airport when Reid called me." He admitted with a shaky sigh.
"You were really going to leave?"
"Uh, yeah, I was. I couldn't leave my partner though." He said lightly as he nudged her arm with his own. She smiled at the gesture.
"Mulder, did-" Her voice was cut off by the chiming of her phone. She sighed heavily, annoyed they could never have this conversation.
"Scully."
"Well good morning to you sunshine. How's that head feeling?" Reid teased.
"Oh, it's the person that I was planning to murder later on today. And before you make some smart-mouthed comment, yes, this is absolutely me threatening a sheriff." She said trying to mask the smirk taking over her face. Mulder excused himself to take a shower, and she just nodded apologetically.
"I thought we were just pulling the old high school trick, don't tell me the liquid courage didn't work."
"I don't know what it did, I don't remember a lot, thanks to you. I think, he slept with me in my bed last night, because I remember asking. When I woke up, he was gone, and I thought I only made that up, but his coat is still hanging on the chair in my room." She said in a small voice, stealing glances towards his closed bedroom door. She didn't know that he was on the other side, listening in.
"Oh, now we're talking. Please tell me something else happened, because otherwise you both are absolutely hopeless."
"No, nothing happened. We're not hopeless, we just - I don't know. It's frustrating, but I don't know if I'm ready to move in that direction with him. I also don't know if that's what he wants."
"Honey, you are so blind. He jumped the minute I said you were in some kind of trouble, if that doesn't tell you how he feels, maybe you're just in denial."
"We're partners, it's instinct for us to take care of one another."
"Yeah, well for partners, you two suck at actual communication. You could always fully pull the high school trick, I think you flashing him would make the point crystal clear." He teased at her.
"Would you shut up, you're just adding to the list of things I plan on killing you for." She teased back. "Thank you, though. I needed last night, no matter what your motives really were."
"Well I'm glad it worked out in your guys' weird way. Y'all are something else, I tell you. Don't waste the rest of the trip, Day. Take your chance."
"I'm scared. I don't know if I can handle his rejection." She said, sobering at the confession.
"You're still not getting how much he loves you in return are you? Take the chance, and if it completely blows up in your face, well I'd be happy to be the shoulder you cry on." He said genuinely. She smiled at his sentiments, glad to have an old friend back.
"I've definitely missed you. I'll call you a little later, maybe we can meet up for dinner. We leave tomorrow, so I definitely want to see you before we head out."
"Sure thing, kid. Call me later." He said as he disconnected the call. She smiled as she hung up, eyebrow raising at the lack of water she heard running. She chuckled to herself, knowing Mulder was listening in, finding reassurance that he cared.
She began to rummage through the refrigerator to make breakfast, devising a plan to talk to him. When he finally emerged from his room, they exchanged small smiles, both nervous about having the conversation they knew was necessary.
"Something smells good, Scully. Apparently we both have some hidden culinary skills." He teased.
"Mine aren't as surprising, considering I don't only have expired juice and leftovers in my fridge."
"You wound me! Maybe it's because I don't have anyone to cook for, like I've had these past few days." He teased before eyes-widening at his words. "Scully, I didn't mean-"
"It's okay, it's been nice." She said in a small voice, not meeting his eyes. He let out a sigh of relief.
"It has for me, too." He said as he came to stand beside her. They both could feel the nervousness rising in them. "So what did Reid want?" He asked, cursing himself for bringing up another guy to break up the moment.
"He was just calling to check on the damage he caused. Some things never change with that one." She chuckled to herself and shook her head.
"What's the story with you two anyway? I've been a little too, Mulder-ish to ask." He said as he smiled sheepishly at her. She brought their plates to the table, and he grabbed the coffee, following her.
"We were extremely close in high school, he was my best friend. We got ourselves into some interesting times, but he was always there for me. Through boys, and classes, and whatever else."
"He seems like a good guy."
"He really is. I've missed him, but that just seems like another lifetime ago."
"Before alien abductions, mutants, and crackpot partners, right?" He said with a hint of guilt in his voice.
She slowed her chewing and glanced up to face him. The raw emotions mixing through his eyes, matched with the expression on his face, caused her to gain all the courage she needed.
"You really don't get it, do you?"
"Get what, Scully?" He broke from his thoughts, looking up to catch her gaze.
"I suppose Reid was right, it is my fault that you've ever doubted it. Mulder, why do you think I've stuck around for all of these years?"
"You're too loyal and honest for your own good."
"Not honest, at least not with you, or myself. You can accuse me of making this personal, but for me, it is. I meant what I said, without the FBI, personal interest is all I have. And I don't just mean that in the sense that you're my best friend, Mulder I -" She stopped, seeing him begin to fidget anxiously. "Sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."
"No, I'm sorry. I never should have accused you of that, considering I've probably let my own feelings cloud my judgement, especially recently, and always when it comes to you."
She caught his gaze, and they silently passed every emotion they've ever had for each other through their eyes. She smiled, knowing that there was so much more to be said, but they would get there on their own time. Without Reid, she would have never allowed herself to relax, and open up to Mulder the way she had during their stay here. He matched her smile, feeling relieved that they were once again able to move past the standstill they found themselves in. They spent the rest of the day holed up in the room, getting to know each other better, even after 6 years of being partners.
"Yeah, Scully." She answered, the grogginess causing her voice to take a husky tone.
"Sorry to wake you up, sunshine. You do know it's like 5 pm right?" Reid asked with amusement in his voice.
"I - uh, must have lost track of time." She said as she attempted to hide the satisfaction in her voice.
"Right, well I was calling to see if you still wanted to do dinner, but I can tell by the sound of your voice, you're preoccupied." He teased. The color rose to her cheeks as she turned to glance back at the bare chested man sleeping next to her.
"You could say that...sorry for the change of plans. I'll call you tomorrow, I still want to see you before I leave." She said genuinely.
"No need to apologize, I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and you're welcome." He leered at her. She let the full smirk touch her lips as she hung up the phone, and settled herself back in bed.
She turned to face him, and cuddled into his side, their bare skin melding together. She let her mind wander to what this could truly mean for the future of their relationship, but didn't want to hold any expectations. She simply smiled, finding some small solace in this new connection that they shared.
She didn't know what would happen the minute the wheels hit the tarmac in DC again, but she knew that they would always have Seattle.