There's something faintly puzzled in her expression-- of course he'd be welcome at hers, but he wouldn't have to sleep on the couch. They might not have figured out quite where they stood, before he was taken, but it's not as though he's a stranger to her bed. And rationally she knows they should take everything slowly, but she's had months to miss being safely wrapped in his arms-- it seems the most natural thing in the world, that he could stay with her. That she'll stay with him.

(Maybe, she tells herself, he's worried about having nightmares. He's never slept easily as long as she's known him, and she remembers the aftermath of her own abduction--)

(Maybe he doesn't want to touch her. But then, he's touching her now. Uncertain, uneasy, but he's here.)

"I did downgrade the cable package," she says, leaning on teasing again because she's not sure how to broach anything serious. But the longer they don't, the less reasonable it feels.

"Mulder-- I know it's... There's a lot you've missed, and it must be so overwhelming. We can take things as slowly as you need. But when you're ready-- I guess, I just want to say I'm here to help. Whatever you need."

It sounds so trite she can't help wincing.