Reyes and Doggett entered Scully's hospital room, their expressions tense with worry. They had checked Mulder's room first, only to find it empty, the bed untouched. Their concerns escalated with each passing moment until they spotted him—slumped in a chair at Scully's bedside, his face drawn with exhaustion and worry.
Reyes and Doggett exchanged a look of silent relief. Mulder had, of course, found his way to her side. It made sense, but still, they'd feared the worst after everything that had happened.
Doggett shook his head slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line, while Reyes offered a sympathetic glance in Mulder's direction before turning her attention to Scully.
"Good morning, Agent Scully," Reyes said softly, her voice warm and inviting but carrying a gentle authority. "We've come to take you home."
Scully blinked slowly, her gaze moving sluggishly from Reyes to Doggett, then to Mulder, still seated beside her bed. The last remnants of sedation clouded her mind, but the sight of them all—especially Mulder—began to pull her back into full awareness.
Reyes gave a small nod toward Mulder before continuing. "John's going to take Mulder home, and I'll take you, Dana." She paused, offering a slight smile. "Unless you want to switch?"
Scully shook her head slowly, still trying to clear the fog in her mind. "No, this is fine," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper.
Doggett, noticing Mulder hadn't so much as looked up, stepped closer to him, but his gaze returned to Scully. He could see the concern flicker across her face as she began piecing everything together. "What about the investigation?" she asked, her voice gaining a bit more strength. "Our statements—"
Doggett raised his hand gently, cutting her off. "All in good time, Agent Scully. But not now. We've got things handled. You need to focus on your recovery. The last thing we want is for you to push yourself too soon."
Reyes stepped closer, her tone soft and reassuring. "We've got it covered, Dana. The investigation can wait. Right now, what's important is getting you home and making sure you're okay."
Scully, still feeling the weight of everything that had happened, nodded. Part of her wanted to argue, to immerse herself in the work, to find the answers she so desperately needed. But the exhaustion tugging at her body reminded her how fragile she still felt. There was a gratitude in her eyes, tempered by frustration.
"Okay," she murmured, her voice low, but steadier. "Let's go home."
Reyes smiled gently, reaching out to squeeze Scully's hand, while Doggett turned his attention fully to Mulder, who remained seated beside the bed, still unmoving. Doggett's expression softened. He understood why Mulder was here, why he hadn't been in his own room—why he couldn't leave her side.
He stepped over to Mulder, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Mulder," he said quietly, his tone a mix of understanding and authority. "Come on. You need to go home, get some rest."
Mulder's eyes flicked up, though it took him a moment to register Doggett's presence. He looked like he hadn't slept all night—his face drawn, his eyes hollow—but he shook his head, unwilling to leave.
"I need to be here," Mulder muttered, his voice rough with fatigue. "Scully will be scared if she wakes up alone."
Doggett exchanged a glance with Reyes, who had already been watching closely. He let out a quiet sigh, understanding Mulder's stubborn determination. "Mulder, Agent Scully is awake," Doggett said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You've both been discharged. I'm here to take you home."
Mulder blinked again, trying to shake off the weight that had been pressing down on him. He turned his gaze to Scully, who was now watching him quietly. She didn't say anything, but there was a look in her eyes—an understanding, or perhaps, simply an acknowledgment of his presence.
"You heard him, Mulder," Reyes added gently, her eyes darting between him and Scully. "It's time to go home."
The words took a moment to fully register. Home. The idea felt strange, distant, but it was what they needed. What she needed. His need to be there for her, to not let her wake up alone, was no longer necessary. She wasn't alone now.
Mulder slowly pushed himself to his feet, though it was clear the effort took all his remaining energy. Doggett moved closer, his hand hovering near Mulder's arm, ready to steady him if needed.
"You've done enough, Mulder," Doggett said quietly, his tone softer now. "Let's get you both out of here. You need to rest."
Mulder hesitated for a moment, his gaze still locked on Scully. She gave him the faintest of nods, her expression still tired but present. The smallest sign that she understood, and that was enough.
Finally, Mulder nodded, the weight of exhaustion too heavy to resist. He swayed slightly, and Doggett gave his shoulder a reassuring pat, guiding him toward the door.
"We'll take care of her," Reyes assured him, her voice steady as she turned her attention to Scully. "You just focus on getting home."
With one last glance at Scully, Mulder allowed himself to be led away, the exhaustion pulling at him with every step. Doggett guided him gently, leaving Reyes and Scully behind in the quiet room, the soft hum of hospital equipment the only sound as they prepared to leave this place behind.