Protective Custody

(2)

   Avery's pov

If it weren't for the fish tank in Mulder's apartment you wouldn't have guessed anyone lived there. Of course Avery wasn't very focused on the decor just yet. She was still very shaken from the incident at the FBI headquarters. Her hands were shaking again and she is still struggling to wrap her head around everything that has happened today. Mulder is locking the door behind them, he notices her shaken condition for the second time today.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt at all?" He asks, his eyes searching her face for any indication. Avery's mind in blank and she's still in shock. Even Mulder's bright eyes can't bring her out of it. She sits on the floor, her back against the coffee table, and arms crossed. She stays silent. Mulder sits on the couch close to her, staying quiet but glancing at her often.

After what seems like a long time Avery finally comes to, her mind starts filling with thoughts again. She slowly replays the events of today, in the most gentle way she can. She has to accept what happened. She starts taking slightly deeper breathes, believing that if she can feel her chest expand, her lungs fill with air, it will do a good job of reminding her she is alive. She is safe thanks to Mulder.

It's now been three hours since they arrived at the agent's apartment and Avery finally decides to speak.

"Thank you."

Mulder's pov

Mulder watched the girl sit on the floor for about three hours, imagining the whole time different ways today could have gone. If he could have maybe taken her somewhere safer, somewhere far away then maybe she wouldn't have had to go through another traumatic experience. Then she wouldn't of almost gotten killed. Whoever they are dealing with has proven they are a serious threat by having the guts and ability to infiltrate FBI headquarters. This only worries Mulder further. He also anxiously awaits Scully's call that has not come yet.

It almost makes him jump when Avery finally speaks.

"Thank you." She says softly, keeping her gaze down.

"For what?" Telling her she would be safe then being wrong and almost getting her killed?

"For saving me. For keeping me safe." She responds, finally looking at him. Her expression is neutral but soft, putting Mulder at ease a bit. He is relieved to see her not looking as grief stricken as she had earlier. Although, he is still not convinced he's done a very good job.

'You're welcome." He responds softly, insecure about the way he has treated this case so far. He knows he can do his job well but his emotions are getting a bit involved in this situation and he'd be extremely disappointed in himself if they got in the way of his responsibilities. He won't let that happen, he can't.

"Are you, uh, hungry?" Mulder offers.

Mulder heads to fridge after he gets a nod from Avery and is a disappointed when he is greeted only by expired orange juice, there isn't a crumb of food. He realizes he'll have to have someone from headquarters bring them some provisions. He walks slowly back to Avery empty handed.

"Seems I'm fresh out of..everything. Usually my nanny does the shopping."

Mulder feels less bad about his lack of groceries when that gets a small laugh out of Avery. He decides to sit on the floor with her, a couple of feet away. As it gradually reaches midnight Mulder realizes he's rather tired from today, Avery seems to be too. Her eyes keep gradually closing  and opening again. If Mulder can't offer her something to eat yet, he can offer her somewhere to sleep. He gathers a blanket from the other side of the room along with a couple pillows. He tries to make his couch as comfortable as he can for her.