As Mulder drove along the winding road, the hum of the tires against the asphalt provided a soothing backdrop to the conversation happening in the front seat. He and Fowley were deep in discussion about their case, debating the details and implications of their findings, while in the back, Scully slowly succumbed to exhaustion, her head lolling gently against the seat.
Fowley glanced back through the rearview mirror, her eyes narrowing. "Fox, what are you doing?" she asked, noticing Mulder's grip on the wheel tightening as he began to steer the car to the side of the road.
Mulder pointed to Scully, who was now nearly asleep. "This can't be comfortable for her," he said, his voice laced with concern. He shifted the car into park, the engine idling quietly as he turned to fully face the back seat.
Without hesitation, he exited the vehicle and shed his jacket, moving with purpose. He opened the back door, kneeling slightly to get closer to Scully, who was barely aware of her surroundings. "Hey, Scully," he said softly, leaning closer to her ear. "Why don't you lie down? We've got another five and a half hours to go."
With almost zero resistance, Scully shifted slightly, and Mulder gently helped her maneuver into a more comfortable position on the back bench. He carefully placed his jacket beneath her head, creating a makeshift pillow.
"There you go," he murmured, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "Just relax."
Fowley watched the scene unfold, her expression softening as she witnessed Mulder's caring side. "You really worry about her, don't you?" she remarked, her voice lower so as not to disturb Scully.
Mulder nodded, glancing back at Scully's peaceful face. "I do. She's been through a lot, and I can't help but feel responsible." He returned to the front seat, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Fowley raised an eyebrow. "You have a unique way of showing it."
Mulder started the car again, the engine purring to life as he shifted back onto the road. As they continued their journey, the quietness enveloped the car, with only the sound of the tires on the road and the occasional rustle of Scully shifting in her sleep.
A while later, Fowley glanced at the dashboard clock and announced, "Okay, five-minute comfort break," her tone sounding like an order rather than a suggestion.
Mulder sighed inwardly, trying to suppress his annoyance. "We also need gas, so win-win," he replied, keeping his voice steady as he pulled off the highway and into a nearby rest area.
As he parked the car, he took a moment to glance back at Scully, who was still nestled comfortably against his jacket, lost in sleep.
Mulder leaned in to gently wake his partner. "Scully," he said softly, "we're stopping for a quick restroom break."
Scully blinked awake, still groggy from sleep. "Hmm?" she mumbled, slowly sitting up.
Mulder smiled. "Do you need anything from the store? Fresh coffee? Yours is probably cold by now."
Scully shook her head. "No, I'm good, thanks. I'll just use the restroom."
Mulder nodded. "Alright. We'll be here when you're ready."
Scully got out of the car, stretching briefly before heading towards the restrooms. As she rounded the corner, she bumped into Fowley, who had just finished washing her hands.
"Scully," Fowley said, her tone neutral but her eyebrows raising slightly in surprise. "Didn't see you coming."
Scully straightened herself. "Yeah, just needed to stretch my legs," she replied curtly, brushing past her to get to the sink.
Fowley paused for a moment, observing Scully in the mirror before shrugging lightly. "Fox and I were talking about the case. It's a shame you didn't come to breakfast."
Scully kept her expression neutral as she dried her hands. "I needed some rest," she replied, keeping her voice even, clearly not interested in engaging further.
Fowley gave a small nod. "Well, we should get going soon. Fox doesn't like to be late." She flashed a brief smile, but Scully simply turned and left the restroom without another word, her thoughts too heavy to dwell on the conversation.
After waking Scully for the restroom break, Mulder watched her get out of the car, his eyes catching the untouched muffins beside her seat. He sighed softly, noting the half-full cup of cold coffee.
When she returned from the restroom, he glanced at her with mild concern. "You haven't touched your muffins yet," he pointed out as she settled back into the car. "You should try to eat something."
Scully gave him a tired look, her exhaustion clear. "I'll get to it," she said, her voice subdued. "Just haven't had the appetite."
Mulder hesitated for a moment. "You need to take care of yourself too, Scully. You barely slept, and yesterday was... a lot."
Scully managed a small, faint smile. "I know. I'll try." She picked up the banana-bran muffin, more out of obligation than hunger, taking a small bite as Mulder started the car again.
An hour out of DC, the heavy silence between Mulder and Fowley was interrupted by a soft whimper from the backseat. Both turned briefly to glance at Scully, her face tense and restless in her sleep.
"She's having nightmares," Mulder said quietly, concern threading his voice.
Fowley's reaction was more dismissive. "You're not going to stop again. We're almost home. The subconscious actually—"
But before she could finish, Mulder had already pulled the car over and stepped out. He opened the back door and leaned in gently, speaking softly, "Shh, Scully, it's just a dream."
Scully startled awake suddenly, almost headbutting Mulder as she came to. Disoriented and confused, she blinked at him.
"You okay?" Mulder asked, his voice steady but filled with worry.
Scully, still a little groggy, murmured, "Hmmm." She glanced out the window, her mind not fully caught up with the situation.
"We're almost back in DC," Mulder reassured her.
She nodded faintly, barely acknowledging his words before lying back down on the seat again, her exhaustion pulling her back toward sleep. Mulder watched her for a moment, his brow furrowed in concern, before closing the door and returning to the driver's seat, ignoring Fowley's disapproving silence.
Scully hadn't even noticed that they had dropped off Fowley already when Mulder carefully shook her awake in front of her building.
"Welcome home," Mulder said softly, watching as she stretched, blinking herself awake.
"Thanks," she murmured, getting out of the car and reaching for her handbag. She glanced at her building, her exhaustion evident. "Have a good evening, Mulder," she added as she walked away, heading up the steps without turning back.
Mulder sat in the driver's seat for a moment, feeling a pang of disappointment. Usually, after long drives like this, Scully would invite him in for a quick cup of coffee, a familiar routine that had become something of a comfort between them. But not tonight. He watched her disappear inside, the door closing behind her.
Mulder pulled into his parking spot, turning off the ignition and sitting in the quiet for a moment, still mulling over the conversation he had with Scully. He shook his head, feeling the weight of the unsaid things between them. With a sigh, he stepped out of the car and moved to the trunk to grab his things.
When he opened the trunk, something caught his eye—Scully's suitcase. She must have left it there when they got back from their trip earlier. In her groggy state, she likely forgot about it completely.
Mulder stood there for a moment, staring at the suitcase. His initial thought was to take it straight back to her, but considering how exhausted she'd been when he dropped her off, showing up at her door again might just add to the tension. He shook his head and decided against it.
Instead, Mulder pulled the suitcase out of the trunk, lifting it effortlessly, and took it inside his place. He'd hold onto it for now and return it to her tomorrow. Maybe it would give him a reason to check in on her—an excuse to talk.
Setting the suitcase near the door, Mulder sighed once more, wondering when things between them had gotten so complicated.