Mulder arrived at the office earlier than usual, hoping to catch Scully before anyone else did. He wanted to return her suitcase and maybe share one of their typical early-morning conversations over coffee. However, as he stepped into the dimly lit office, he was greeted by the sight of someone else entirely.
Diana Fowley was already there, seated at Mulder's desk, deep in concentration. Files were spread out in front of her, and she didn't look up right away, clearly focused on their ongoing case.
Mulder blinked in surprise. "Diana?"
She looked up, offering him a slight smile. "Morning, Fox. I wanted to get an early start on the case. There's a lot of ground to cover, and I figured you'd be in soon anyway."
Mulder gave a quick nod, trying to mask his slight disappointment. "Yeah, I came in early, too," he muttered, glancing around the office, half-expecting Scully to walk in any minute.
Fowley's expression was curious. "Something on your mind? You seem... distracted."
Mulder shrugged, stepping further into the office and setting Scully's suitcase behind his desk. "Just trying to stay on top of things. It's been a long couple of days."
Fowley gave him a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, she returned to the files. "Well, we've got plenty to sift through before we present our findings. Want to dive in?"
Mulder hesitated, glancing at the door again, his thoughts still on Scully. "Yeah… sure. But let's give it a few minutes. Scully will be here soon."
When Scully entered the office around 9:30 with lab reports in hand, Mulder and Fowley were deeply engrossed in their casework. Fowley looked up first, offering a greeting.
"Good morning, Agent Scully," Fowley said, her tone casual but pointed. "Karen Kosseff called for you earlier. She mentioned she doesn't know any specialists who deal with post-traumatic stress eating disorders."
Mulder stiffened at the words, his eyes shifting to Scully, who looked smaller and more fragile than he had noticed before.
Fowley continued, either oblivious or intentionally indifferent to the tension she was stirring. "Have you ever heard of such a thing, Fox? I can't recall anything like that being mentioned during my psychology studies. Do you?" she asked Mulder but didn't wait for a response. She turned back to Scully. "Karen came up with three support groups, though." She handed Scully some post-its. "And she cleared her morning for you—you should be there by 9:30."
Scully's expression hardened, her voice edged with irritation. "She told you all that, did she?"
Fowley raised an eyebrow. "She thought she was talking to you. I didn't think you'd mind."
Scully's eyes narrowed. "I'm not in the mood for mind games, Diana. Next time, just correct her." She flipped through the post-it notes, her demeanor cool and composed but clearly fed up. "You said three groups? I only see two contact numbers here."
Fowley smiled, a little too smug. "One of the groups meets on Sundays, right during church time, so..."
Mulder watched the exchange, a growing sense of shock and discomfort taking hold. This was cruel, even for Diana Fowley. Scully's jaw tightened, and she glanced at her watch.
"I'll ask her myself. Thanks for handling my appointments," Scully said icily, turning on her heel and heading for the door.
As soon as she left, Mulder shot a hard look at Fowley. "That was really low, Diana," he said, his tone sharp with disappointment before he quickly stood and followed Scully, leaving Diana in silence.
He caught up with her just as she impatiently waited for the elevator. Mulder moved in front of her, blocking her path, his expression gentle but concerned. "Scully, wait."
She looked up at him, her face closed off but weary. "There is nothing wrong with asking for help," she said, her voice firm but tinged with vulnerability.
Mulder nodded, his voice soft. "You're certainly right."
Scully's gaze hardened slightly. "It's not okay to mock it."
"I'm with you on that," Mulder said sincerely. "Can I do anything?"
Scully shook her head, her defenses still up. "I'll see you at the meeting with Skinner later," she said, stepping into the elevator as the doors opened.
As the doors began to close, Mulder could see the strain in her face. She leaned back against the elevator wall, closing her eyes as if trying to shut out the world, if only for a moment. His heart ached, knowing just how much Scully had been carrying alone.
When Scully left Karen Kosseff's office an hour later, Mulder stood casually leaning against the opposite wall. His posture appeared relaxed, but his eyes were alert, tracking her every movement. Scully, lost in thought, barely registered his presence. Karen, however, noticed him and gave a small nod of acknowledgment as she walked Scully to the door.
Karen spoke softly to Scully, her voice warm with reassurance. "You'll be alright, Agent Scully. You're surrounded by people who care for you, and who can help you through this."
She gently nudged Scully's arm in a gesture of support, but Scully, still absorbed in her own thoughts, left without so much as a glance to the side. She moved quickly, her pace purposeful as she headed toward the restroom.
Mulder watched her go but didn't follow. His eyes, however, lingered on the spot where she disappeared, a look of deep concern etched into his features. He exhaled, turning to Karen, who stood watching him with a knowing look.
"You know the rules," Karen said gently, anticipating his question. "I can't share anything with you."
Mulder sighed, his voice betraying his worry. "Is she alright though? Is there something I can do? Please, Dr. Kosseff," he asked, his usual bravado stripped away.
Karen, having observed the bond between Mulder and Scully from a distance, felt for him. She could see the weight of his concern for his partner, and she knew how difficult it must be for someone like Mulder to feel so powerless.
"Just be there for her," Karen said kindly. "That's what she needs right now."
Mulder nodded, a heavy breath escaping him. "I will," he said quietly, watching the door Scully had walked through, determined not to let her shoulder the burden alone.
As Scully emerged from the restroom, her eyes were slightly red, evidence of recent tears. Mulder, still waiting for her, noticed immediately. He greeted her gently, taking a few slow steps closer. "Hey," he said, his voice soft, trying not to push but unable to hide his concern.
Scully offered a small, almost apologetic smile, knowing how much it must bother him that she'd been shutting him out. "I'm fine," she replied, though neither of them believed it.
Mulder tilted his head, his eyes searching hers. "Are you really?" His tone wasn't accusatory, just filled with genuine care. "Let's get out of here for today. Just you and me," he suggested, a hint of hope in his voice.
Scully hesitated, her sense of duty battling against the exhaustion and emotional strain she was feeling. "The meeting with Skinner," she reminded him softly, though her conviction wavered.
"I don't care about any of that right now," Mulder replied, his eyes never leaving her. He could see she was weighing her options, torn between what she felt obligated to do and what she desperately needed.
Just as Scully was about to respond, a woman approached, cutting through the quiet moment. "Agent Scully!" she called out, her voice loud and abrupt. "Pat Micucci" she said, extending her hand to the redheaded agent. Scully blinked, still emotionally raw, and turned toward her, flustered.
"Excuse me?" Scully asked, not quite sure what was happening.
The woman smiled warmly. "Patricia Micucci, I'm the head of Ritualistic and Hate Crimes. We've got a really funky case right now, and I was wondering if you had a minute or two to help us out with some autopsies."
Scully, caught off guard, glanced at Mulder. He looked as though he wanted to protest, but he stayed silent, respecting her need to make the call. She quickly weighed her options: spending the rest of the day in the office, caught in the awkward tension between Mulder and Fowley, or immersing herself in the focused, methodical world of autopsies for another department.
After a brief pause, Scully nodded. "Sure."
Pat smiled, clearly pleased. "Wonderful. I'll send Reyes and Doggett your way then. They're handling most of the legwork."
As Pat walked away, Scully turned back to Mulder. He didn't seem upset, but there was a trace of disappointment in his eyes, even though he tried to hide it. "You sure this is what you want to do today?" he asked gently.
Scully gave him a small nod. "Yeah," she said softly. "I think it'll help."
Mulder watched her for a moment, knowing she needed space but wishing he could help more. "Alright," he said, managing a supportive smile. "I'll be around if you need me."
Scully gave him a grateful look before walking toward her next task, leaving Mulder standing there, trying to figure out how to be there for her without crowding her.