Part 4


For the next half hour, the two sat quietly eating, exchanging brief, sweet glances, and when they were through, Fox rose to clear the table.

"I'll do that," Alex offered, but was gently rebuffed
.
"Uh uh," Fox responded, pushing the younger man back into his seat. "You went out and got breakfast; I'll clean up."

Offering no more argument, Alex watched as his lover disposed of the remnants of their bagels then proceeded to wash the used utensils.

"So, how'd you get rid of her?" he asked softly.

Fox shrugged. "Told her we'd get a flight out tomorrow, then I told her to get lost."

Alex nodded, a bit of a smile touching his lips.

"Guess I'd better look like getting my stuff packed, then."

Fox turned around, leveling an apologetic gaze on the other.

"I'm sorry, Alex. I didn't...I wasn't thinking about the fact that you'd have to clear things up here first."

"It's okay," Alex answered, rising from his chair. "It's not like I'd signed a lease or anything. And the furniture belongs to the apartment, so all I really have to worry about is my personal stuff. Go ahead and book for tomorrow."

Fox approached the other man and pulled him against his chest.

"You sure? It's no big deal if we take a couple more days..."

"Yes, it is a big deal. Fox, you've been AWOL for weeks. It's a miracle you've still got a job to go back to. Scully's going to tell Skinner you're flying back tomorrow. If you don't show up when he expects you, he'll be well justified in canning you. You can't let that happen."

"I can't bring myself to care as much as I guess I'm supposed to." Fox lifted one hand and traced the line of Alex's lower lip with his fingertips. "You're what I care about."

"Fox..."

A ghost of a smile touched the other man's lips. "I never expected this, Alex. Not in a million years. I never asked for it, but here it is. I love you and without you, I don't care about anything."

"You don't mean that, Fox. It isn't in you not to care," Alex argued softly. "You couldn't have come as far as you have without caring. You couldn't have stopped Smokey and his boys and saved the whole damn world without caring."

"I couldn't have done it without you...and a number of other people, but mostly you." Fox pulled Alex closer. "I let myself conveniently forget that fact. And I let you go. I was stupid. But that's not what we were talking about. You..." He backed Alex to the counter and pressed against him. "...are my priority."

Alex stared mesmerized into twin pools of green and gold as Fox leaned in close.

"We go together, or I don't go."

Alex closed his eyes and said nothing.

"You and me," Fox whispered, tugging at the fringe of hair at the base of his lover's neck. He nuzzled the stubbled cheek and planted a soft kiss there, then pulled back. "Baby?"

No response.

"Alex, open your eyes."

Sable lashes rose, unveiling forest green eyes, shimmering with uncertainty and regret.

"I'm here. Hold on to me as tightly as you want to, for as long as you need to. I'll never push you away. I swear on my life."
"Never?"

"Never."

"Even if you were sick to death of me clinging to you?"

Fox drew a hand up and down the younger man's back.

"How could I ever get sick of you?"

"It could happen."

"Alex, I'd spend every second of every day with you if you'd let me. That's no exaggeration." Fox cupped the other man's chin in his palm. "I know it's probably not easy for you to do, but if you would act on that desire to let go and allow me to take care of you, I promise I'd do a good job."

"I know you would."

Fox moved in, brushing soft kisses over Alex face. "Then let me," he whispered, catching the younger man's earlobe between his teeth and tugging gently.

Alex's arms snaked around his lover's waist, and he unconsciously writhed against him.

"You make me want to. God, so much."

"You can, baby," Fox purred against his lover's unshaven cheek. "You just have to have complete faith in me...and yourself."

Alex studied Fox for the longest time, searching the sparkling depths of his eyes.

//It'll be all right. Be everything he could ever need or want, and he'll let you stay.//

//Didn't he say he wants you to be yourself?//

"That's not good enough."

"What?"

Dazed eyes blinked then turned up the Fox's face.

"Hmm?"

"You said something."

"I...I did?"

"Yeah. You were mumbling though; I couldn't make it out."

Alex shook his head, stuttering softly.

"I...I, I don't know. I...I didn't realize I was saying anything."

Fox watched the eyes that looked everywhere but at him.

"Alex."

The younger man forced his gaze to stop wandering and focus on the concerned face before him.

Making a last minute decision to say nothing, Fox leaned forward and took Alex's mouth in a tender kiss. His semi-erect cock stiffened quickly at the sound of the other man's soft moan and the warm press of their bodies, and when Alex's tongue slipped into his mouth, it began to throb.

His lover's breathy groan vibrated against his mouth, and Alex plunged his fingers into the silky, golden brown strands of Fox's hair, deepening the kiss.
If only this was all there was to it. If sex alone would keep him in Fox's good graces, he'd have no worries at all. But Fox went so much deeper, and as profuse as his reassurances were, Alex did worry. The uncertainty of his future with the only man he'd ever love would plague him until the day Fox booted him to the curb...

Every nerve ending in Fox's body tingled as Alex spun them around, now trapping him against the counter. For that one brief instant the other man released his mouth then claimed it again, this kiss infinitely more hungry than the last.

Alex felt the change. The posture Fox had assumed. The tone of his moans, the way his hands moved as they stroked his back. He read the older man's needs precisely, and he gave him what he desired.

Fox grunted softly into Alex's mouth as the other man's hand slid down over his ass, pulling him closer. The gentle grind of the younger man's hips turned the grunt to a sigh, and when Alex pulled away and took his hand, he followed willingly, moving through the living room and back into the bedroom.

Pulling Fox back into a sizzling kiss, Alex worked the older man's shirt out of his jeans and let his hands wander underneath, caressing and kneading the tense muscles of his back. His tongue pushed into Fox's mouth, stroking and teasing, and when the man in his arms began to writhe against him, he broke the kiss and backed him to the bed.

"Lie down," he commanded softly, dragging his tongue across Fox's mouth.
Fox fell onto his back, gazing up at his lover through a heavy veil of lashes. His unsteady respiration grew more erratic as he watched Alex peel his shirt off and slowly undo his jeans, freeing his cock from the confines of the denim. Forest green eyes never left his as the younger man stroked himself.

"I missed you so much," he murmured, squeezing himself gently. "I'd close my eyes at night and imagine you here with me..." His eyes drifted shut for a moment, and when they reopened, they appeared nearly black. "...that mouth...God, that unbelievable mouth around my cock, driving me so fucking insane. I never felt so good or so wanted." His hand stopped, and he stared intently down into the other man's eyes. "Do you want me, Fox?"

Fox nodded, gasping softly.

"Take your clothes off."

Holding Alex's gaze, Fox slithered out of his borrowed t-shirt and jeans, then slipped both hands past the elastic band of his underwear, stopping momentarily to fondle himself before pushing the cotton garment down and off.
As Fox undressed, Alex removed the rest of his own clothing then stood over the older man, staring down at him. He raised one hand to Fox's mouth and gently traced soft swell of flesh.

"I know you want me to fuck you," he rasped, his fingers trembling as Fox began to lick and suck at them, "but I need you to do something for me first."

Incurring a frustrated grumble of protest, Alex removed his fingers from his lover's mouth and pulled the nightstand drawer open, removing a condom and the lube. Tearing the packet open, he efficiently applied the latex and tossed the foil aside.

Needing no instruction, Fox moved to the edge of the bed and, grasping Alex's cock at its base, tentatively nuzzled the shaft before dragging his tongue along its length.

Golden brown lashes rose halfway, and a glittering, gilded stare fixed itself on Alex as the prone man continued to slowly lick his cock. Fox's other hand slid down over his own erection and began caressing the rigid organ, drawing an intensely aroused gasp from his lover.

Alex lovingly petted the other man's head then clasped his fingers in his hair and thrust forward gently, pressing the head of his cock against the full mouth.
"Take it," he whispered unevenly, suppressing a sob when Fox opened his mouth and swallowed him completely.

"Shit," he breathed, knowing that being in Fox's mouth again would be sheer, fucking heaven, but this was far more intense than any of his tormented imaginings. The hot flush of lust ricocheted through his body at lightning speed, tensing every muscle and taking him treacherously close to the edge.

"Fox...God, Fox," he croaked softly, praying that Fox heard the desperation in his tone because there was no way in hell he was going to be able to call up enough strength to stop him.

Reluctant though Fox was to release Alex, he understood his lover's unstable condition, and relinquished his hold on his prize. He gazed up at the younger man, displaying a stunning pout while he writhed against the rumpled sheets.

"Alex..."

"I'm sorry," Alex cooed, regaining a fragment of control. "But I was ready to blow." He reached out and cupped the other man's cheek, winning a soft moan and an agitated nuzzle. "Later, okay? When, hopefully, I'm not so sensitive."

The pout remained until Alex lowered himself to the bed and kissed it away.

"You know how much I love to feel your mouth around me," he murmured, letting his tongue pass over Fox's lower lip as one hand roamed the length of his torso. "It's been so long, baby. I can't...I just can't hang on."

Fox watched his lover's eyes, whimpering at the touch of his hand, and the sound of his voice.

Alex tucked the wandering hand under Fox's rear and squeezed gently.

"I want to be deep inside you...and I want it to be my hand around your cock when we come." He lifted his head a bit, staring down into adoring eyes. "Do you understand? I want to make you come. I need to."

Saying nothing, Fox laced his fingers through Alex's hair and pulled him down for a heated kiss that when broken, left them both gasping. He turned over then, lying on his stomach, letting Alex caress his back and ass before assuming the position of ultimate submission.

Hand still trembling over his lover's back, Alex pulled himself up to his knees and began kissing along the same path. His tongue inched out, occasionally licking at the warm, velvety skin, and by the time he reached the small of Fox's back, the older man had already begun to unravel.

"Please," Fox whispered breathlessly, his plea lost in the softness of the pillow his face was pressed against.

"So pretty," Alex murmured against the curve of one muscular cheek before dragging his tongue over the smooth surface. Fox twitched and moaned as the contact grew more intimate, and he lifted his head, insuring this time that he would be heard.

"Alex...baby, please."

"Please what?" Alex nipped at the tensing flesh, incurring an abbreviated yelp.

"Fuck me," Fox whined, slowly thrusting his hips. "Give it to me...I need you..."

"Will you always need me, Fox?" Alex asked, removing his condom and donning another.

"Always."
"Do you swear?"

There was a desperate kind of uncertainty hidden in the soft, smoky question, but Fox was too far gone to hear it.

"Yes," he hissed, jerking against the blunt head of his lover's cock as it pushed forward. "I swear...swear to God I'll always need you. I love you, Alex. Christ, I love you so much..."

A barely audible sob escaped Alex's throat as the heat of Fox's words and his body simultaneously enveloped him. He fought back the sudden sting that threatened his eyes and nose, and willed himself to concentrate on Fox and the incredible sensations generated by his cock driving deeper into his lover's tight ass.

Golden brown lashes swept down over passion-glazed eyes as Fox felt himself being completely filled. He emitted a soft whimper as his body trembled with the joy of once again being claimed by its sole owner, and it began to move as Alex moved, rocking slowly to the tempo the younger man had set.

With his whole heart and soul he had missed Alex. Missed him to the very edge of complete mental breakdown. And his body...his body had ached every day and every night for the only one who could ever make him feel whole. It had cried its need with every painful breath and every vivid memory. Fox had never felt agony like it, and the thought that he might never again feel the heat of Alex's possession, the sweetness of his love, would have surely driven him mad. But the nightmare was over. Alex was here. Holding him. Buried tightly inside him, and he was whole again.

Alex thrust gently, fully into Fox, loving the expression of bliss on his lover's face. One hand wandered the length of his back, stroking the tensing muscles as the other guided his hips, and Alex gave voice to Fox's thoughts.

"I missed you s-so much," he gasped, holding himself in check as he continued to slide in and out of the other man. "Dreamed of you...this...every night...every...never felt so much pain..."

He disengaged, turned Fox over onto his back, then, encouraging the older man to wrap his legs around his waist, slid back inside.

"I want to see you," he whispered, brushing his fingers over his lover's exquisite mouth. "Beautiful Fox." His hand left Fox's mouth and wrapped his erection in a loving grip, stroking lightly.

Fox arched his throat, tilting his head back into the pillows, and his mouth fell open, allowing a soft moan to escape. His hands glided up his lover's arms and came to rest on his shoulders, caressing and massaging as Alex took him slowly to heaven.

"Alex..." The word left Fox's lips on breathy sigh, and his head rolled slowly from side to side as the speed of Alex's thrusts increased ever so slightly. He attempted to speak further, but the sound refused to come out as anything other than a desperate groan.

"So beautiful," Alex murmured, leaning in for a soul deep kiss. As his tongue swept the interior of Fox's mouth, his hand tightened its grip on the older man's cock, pumping faster. He began to thrust with a bit more force, and Fox tore himself away from the kiss, screaming as the younger man's cock nudged his prostate.

"Oh, God," Fox cried, arching up against his lover. "Alex, I...can't. Can't....please..."

"I know," Alex gasped, moving faster. "I know..."

"Don't stop," Fox begged, clutching at Alex, pulling him in close.

Alex gritted his teeth as he felt the rush of orgasm fast approaching. "Never," he grated, jerking Fox in time to his now frantic thrusts. "Come with me. Now, Fox..." He couldn't hold it another second. "N-now."

Almost simultaneously, the two men exploded, screaming and twisting together, their bodies shuddering with the force of release. Alex collapsed onto Fox's chest, gasping for air, and slipped out of him. He removed the spent condom and tossed it aside as the older man wrapped him in a weak embrace, purring with contentment.

"Jesus, you're incredible."

Alex emitted a deep sigh and lifted his head. Looking down into sparkling green-gold eyes, he shook his head.

"*You're* incredible. You make me feel so..." He drew a steadying breath. "...loved..."

"You are," Fox whispered, pulling Alex in for a tender kiss. "Someday I'm going to make you understand how much."

They lay together quietly, caressing and stroking each other until Alex pulled himself away and looked down at his fatigued lover.

"I should get my stuff together."

Fox listened to the soft announcement and nodded. "I know. I'd better call the airline." He went silent for a moment then asked once more.

"Are you sure you want to do this? We don't have to..."

"I'm sure," Alex replied, reaching out to smooth the hair away from his lover's face. He gave Fox a soft smile then rose from the bed, picked up the discarded condom and quietly left the room.

Fox lay alone, basking for a bit longer in deep satisfaction, then he hauled himself out of bed and located his cell phone. Getting the number for the airport from information, he dialed the airline.

"Good afternoon. I need to make reservations for two one-way tickets to Washington D.C..."

********************

"Welcome back, Agent Scully."

"Thank you, sir."

A.D. Skinner rose from his seat and walked around to the front of his desk. Sharp eyes peered down at the woman who stood before him.

"Have you spoken to him since he told you he was coming back?"

"No, sir. I tried calling his cell phone when I landed, but he hasn't got it on."

Skinner nodded. "And you really think Krycek is coming back with him?"

"I'm almost a hundred percent sure. He wouldn't leave there without him."

"This is just too unbelievable for words."

"I know, sir. But if we want Mulder back at the Bureau, we've got to accept that Krycek is part of the package. For a little while, at least."
"What do you mean?"

Scully inhaled deeply then let the breath out.

"I'm betting....I'm hoping that in a relatively short time Mulder will come to realize on his own that Alex Krycek is not the divine being he's made him out to be, and this farce of a relationship will end."

Skinner shook his head, keeping his gaze fixed on the redhead.

"What if he doesn't? What if Krycek keeps him so mesmerized that he doesn't see? We both know what a good actor he is."

"That's true. But even the best of liars can't keep their true natures suppressed for long. Krycek is...well, I told you what he's been out there doing. He'll get tired of playing the monogamy game. He'll screw up, and he'll be history."

"You sound so positive."

"I am."

//I'll see to it.//

Skinner paused for a moment, thinking about what Scully had just said. He gave the agent a curt nod then moved back behind his desk. Taking his chair, he dismissed the woman. When she was gone, he leaned back, staring into space.

The day Alex Krycek had removed himself from their lives had been one of the oddest in his memory. A combination of relief and some other feelings he'd just as soon not think about had settled over him, all of which faded with the progression of time. As well it should have. But he couldn't help think from time to time about that night on his balcony. The night he'd hate himself for, for the rest of his days.

Not that he'd given a particular good damn about how it affected Krycek. The man was scum. Worse than scum. It was his own reaction to the bastard that had eaten at him afterward. It bothered him still, though not as often as it once had.

But now, with Krycek's impending return, the memory had resurfaced. In vivid detail.

//Shit.//

He recalled the anger. The hatred. It was so strong. So palpable. He could feel it coursing through his every vein. He could taste its bitter tang in his mouth. And when after he'd cuffed the younger man to the railing of his balcony and then started roughing him up, it just sort of progressed from there.

He hadn't intended to do what he'd done, but once he'd started humping the restrained man's back, he couldn't stop. And when he'd finished, he'd fallen away from Krycek, stumbling dazedly to his feet and moved into the apartment while the younger man silently curled into as small a ball as his position would allow.

He'd regained his composure and gone up for a shower, then dressed and left the apartment without so much as a glance in Krycek's direction.

He'd lain awake many a night after that, trying to come up with a plausible explanation for his behavior, and that little voice, the one way back in the deepest, darkest recesses of his mind whispered the same thing over and over, and he tried his utmost not to listen.

//He's a fucking sexy boy, Walt. Double crossing, murdering liar or not.

Everything about him screams 'fuck me'. And you want to. You know you want to.//

And now, within a matter of a day or two, he'd be back.

//With Mulder. Christ. His lover.//

And according to Scully, Mulder wasn't fooling around. His patience was absolutely nil in regards to any Krycek bashing. His protection mode was in overdrive, and God help the fool who so much as sent a funny look in Krycek's direction...

Scully was right. If Mulder were as intensely focused on Krycek as she said he was, it wouldn't last. It couldn't possibly go on like that for long without burning itself out.

Or being doused with a little cold water.

//It won't last. It'll die, then he'll be gone. And you won't have to worry about a thing.//

//What's to worry about? It's not like you're going to lose all control and go running over to Mulder's the minute you know Krycek is alone. You're not to throw him up on the nearest table and fuck the hell out of him.//

//You'd like to, though, wouldn't you?//

Giving himself a quick mental shake, Skinner left the silent question unanswered and went back to work.

********************

"You're very quiet."

Alex looked away from the window and into the face of his concerned lover. He gave Fox a hint of a smile and shrugged.
"You feel okay?"

"Fine."

Fox covered the younger man's hand with his own. "We should be landing soon. Having second thoughts yet?"

Alex shook his head.

"Okay, but do me a favor?" Fox tightened his hold on Alex's hand. "If you decide you can't do it...if being back in D.C. is getting on your last good nerve, or you can't stand to look at Scully, or what*ever*...I want you to tell me. Don't go taking off on me."

"I won't run," Alex promised softly.

"And you won't keep things from me? If something is bothering you, you'll tell me?"

There was a fraction of a moment's hesitation, then Alex nodded.

"Alex? You promise?"

Emerald eyes slid away from Fox's face, and the other man nodded again, this time adding a soft, "Mmm hmm."

Not at all sure he believed the half -hearted assurance, Fox let the subject drop. He raised the younger man's hand to his lips and deposited a tender kiss on the back.

"I love you," he whispered then blew out a soft sigh as Alex slowly leaned over and rested his head on his shoulder.

They sat that way for the remaining twenty minutes of the flight, incurring a few disapproving glances, but Fox's answering glare discouraged the offended few, and they quickly turned away.

As the plane dropped its altitude and broke through the clouds, rain fell in torrents, mercilessly pelting the window.

Alex lifted his head from Fox's shoulder and looked out, barely able to make out the lights of the field below. He drew a shaky breath as the captain announced their approach to Dulles, and he turned his eyes to the front of the cabin.

"Hey," Fox called softly. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

"You sure? You look a little pale."

Alex shook his head. "Just...not one for landings."

The older man smiled. "Huh?"

"I can live with takeoffs. I'm fine with the actual flight, but I don't...I really don't like landings. 'Specially in bad weather."

"I didn't know."

"How could you?" Alex sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and glanced briefly out the window before again looking to Fox.

Fox reached for the younger man's hand, lacing their fingers together, and squeezed gently. He spoke no words, but his touch, and the tranquil green and gold of his eyes held enough comfort for Alex.

The plane landed smoothly despite the weather, and most of Alex's tension drained away as they disembarked and headed hand in hand for the baggage carousel.

"You gonna call Scully?" Alex asked as they walked.

"Nope."

"Fox..."

"It's late," Fox explained. "She'll see me at the office in the morning."
"She's gonna be pissed that you didn't call."

"Like I care."

"You shouldn't get your homecoming off to a bad start. It's bad enough you brought me back with you, but if you don't at least call to let her know you got in safely..."

Fox heaved an exasperated sigh as the two stopped in front of the carousel.
"Okay, look," he started, eyes scanning the passing luggage. "After we get our bags and get a car, I'll call her." He located his own bag and pulled it off of the belt then glanced at the other man. "Okay?"

Alex nodded and pointed to the black leather bag heading their way. Fox got to it first and hefted it up off of the belt. Alex's second bag showed up a few seconds later, and the younger man retreived it, then the two made their way to the car rental agent. Within half an hour of arriving at the airport, they were on their way to Alexandria.

Alex sat quietly beside Fox, listening to the rhythmic sweep of the windshield wipers as they continuously pushed away sheet after sheet of rain. His eyes watched his lover's hand as it moved in the darkness, reaching into the inside pocket of his jacket.

Fox withdrew his cell phone, turning it on, then grinned over at Alex as he punched in Scully's number.

"Actually, I'll enjoy waking her out of a sound...Scully...it's me."

Scully pulled herself up on one elbow and squinted at her alarm clock.
One thirty-eight.

"Mulder?" she whispered, trying to shake off the sleepy fog she was in. "Where are you?"

"In a rental car, on our way home from the airport."

"Oh...uh..." She ran a hand across her face and through her hair. "Thank...thank you for calling me."

"I wasn't going to. Alex insisted."

//Wasn't that sweet of him?//

Fox listened to the silence, smirking.

"You there, Scully?"

"Yeah. Well. Are...you're coming in to the office tomorrow, right?"

"I'll be there."

"All right. See you tomorrow."

Fox disconnected without saying goodbye and shoved the phone back into his pocket.

"See? She didn't appreciate your thoughtfulness."

"That's okay," Alex replied, turning his face to his lover. "It wasn't her I was thinking of."

Fox smiled and directed his attention back to the road.

A while later, the car pulled up in front of Hegal Place, and Fox killed the engine, looking out at the rain.

"I'd kinda hoped it'd let up, but..." He looked to Alex and shrugged. "Guess we're gonna get wet again."

Alex nodded and opened the door, flipping up the collar of his leather jacket as if it would shield him from the freezing downpour. He moved quickly to the back of the car and helped Fox remove the bags, then the two entered the building.

As they made their way to the fourth floor, Alex glanced around, remembering how many times he'd snuck in and out of this building. Now he was walking through the hall, heading for apartment forty-two again, not to steal or to plant anything.

To live. For a while, anyway.

They approached the door, and Fox pulled out his keys, fumbling with them for a few seconds before finding the correct key and opening the door. He entered the apartment first, turning on a couple of lights, then spun in Alex's direction.
"Come on," he called softly, holding out his hand to the younger man, who had only come a few steps into the apartment.

Alex put his two bags down and stepped forward, taking Fox's hand. The older man pulled him forward, wrapping him in a warm embrace, then kissed the tip of his nose. He looked around the room then back at Alex.

"Do whatever you want to do to make it feel more like home."

Alex frowned at the other man. "No, I...I'm not going to start turning your apartment upside down..."

"Why not? Don't you think it could use a little redecoration?" He grinned. "You know it's looked exactly the same for years now."

"Obviously because you like it that way."

"No, because I'm lazy." Fox inhaled and let the breath out slowly. "I...it was just someplace to sleep before. Now, it's gonna be a home." He leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together. "Now you're here."

Alex submitted to a tender kiss then found himself pressed to Fox's chest, his head resting on the older man's shoulder. His arms wound around Fox's waist, his fingers curling in the soft leather of the other's jacket.

"After all these years," Fox whispered into Alex's hair, "this place is finally going to feel like home." He drew back and lifted Alex's head, fixing a shining, gilded stare on him.

"We're starting out fresh. Please go ahead and change whatever you want." A thought came to him. "Unless you think you might want to get a different place. Someplace bigger, maybe..." He grinned broadly. "A house..."

"Wait, whoa, whoa," Alex interrupted. "Slow down, okay?"

He couldn't even let Fox think about taking as huge a leap as buying a house. A house was so...permanent...

"I...I'll just..." he looked around. "Pick up a little here..."

"Yeah, it is a little messy," Fox admitted, looking at the clutter. "Sorry, I'm not much of a...son of a bitch!"

"What?" Alex stood where Fox had left him, staring in confusion as the older man strode over to his aquarium.

"You little..."
"What's wrong?"

"They're gone. All except for that little bastard." He jabbed his finger at the glass, indicating the angelfish that darted back and forth between the little skin diver and the pink plastic bush.

Alex came to stand beside Fox and peered into the tank.

"Where are they?"

"Ask him."

"Huh?"

"He ate them."

"How d'you know?"

"He's done it before when Scully and I have been away for more than a few days. All this time I've been gone, she'd probably still been coming to feed them, but if he doesn't eat every single day, he starts eyeing the other fish. The little fucker."

Alex camouflaged an amused smile. "So, why do you keep him?"

"I ask myself that every time this happens. One day," he sneered, pointing at the fish, "you're going to catch me in the wrong mood, and I swear, you're going to meet the Tidy Bowl man."

"He's a survivor," Alex commented softly. "You can't fault him for that."

Fox grimaced at the lone fish once more then turned to Alex.

"I'll decide what I'm going to do about him tomorrow. You tired?"

Alex shrugged. "Not really. Out west it's only ten-thirty."

"I know. I'm not really tired either, but I guess I should try and get some sleep. Gonna be a long day tomorrow." He looked at their bags. "What d'you say we just leave these here and worry about them tomorrow?"

"Okay."

They removed their jackets, and Fox took the younger man's hand, leading him toward the bedroom. He stopped only a couple of feet into the room and cursed softly.

"Ah, damn. Gotta make the bed."

He walked over to the closet and, pulling out a set of sheets and pillow cases, dropped all on a nearby chair except for the fitted sheet. As he began to wrestle it onto the mattress, Alex pitched in to help, and in no time the bed was made.

That done, Fox approached his lover, winding his arms around him.

"Thanks. Now, how about a shower? Maybe it'll make us sleepy."

Alex nodded and followed the older man into the bathroom, where the two undressed then stepped into the tub and under the warm spray. As Fox closed his eyes and turned his face up to the deluge, Alex watched, mesmerized as the water ran down his lover's body, zigzagging in frantic, crooked lines. His gaze darted to Fox's hands, following them as they moved over his chest and arms then smoothed his drenched hair away from his face. They reached for the bath sponge and shower gel, and as Fox began to wash himself, Alex reached out, covering the older man's hands with his own. Soft, greenish-gray eyes met deepest green, and Alex removed the sponge from Fox's loosened grip.

A low moan excaped Fox's throat as Alex began to wash him slowly, his hand moving with gentle purpose over every inch of flesh. He stood motionless, feeling the glide of the slick sponge over his skin, and the warmth of Alex's breath against the back of his neck as the younger man came to stand behind him. His head fell back, and a long sigh rose and blended with the swish of the water as Alex's hands slid around to the front of his body, each moving of its own accord, distributing thick trails of lather everywhere they could reach.

"Close your eyes," Alex whispered into Fox's ear, his hands stroking steadily downward.

Fox obeyed the soft command and waited, trembling as the sponge brushed the tip of his engorged cock. Alex lingered there for a brief time, teasing the flushed head, then moved on, stroking Fox's rigid length before closing his hand and wrapping the sponge around the base.

The older man's body spasmed once, and he sounded a clipped grunt in response to the soft, soapy presence that now glided over his cock. He raised his arms, dropping them back and around the younger man's neck, and his head fell back on Alex's shoulder as his hips began a slow rocking motion.

Alex smiled against Fox's stubbled cheek then turned the older man's head toward his. He teased his lover's flushed lips with his own as the hand that held the sponge continued to work the other's thrusting cock.

//So good...oh, Christ, so...no...no, too...too slow. Faster...harder, please. I need...need...//

Thought after fractured thought passed through Fox's muddled mind as Alex continued his leisurely pace, clearly in no hurry to get him off. But he was unable to give voice to any of them. All he could do was stand there on passion-weakened legs and accept the pleasurable torment that his lover had chosen to inflict upon him.

Alex felt the vibration of Fox's whimper against his mouth, and his already throbbing erection began to pound. Pushing his agony as far away as he could, he brought his free hand down to Fox's chest, stroking the wet scattering of hair before skimming a constricted nipple. Fox's body shuddered violently against his, a loud gasp escaping past his gritted teeth, and when Alex rolled the nipple between his fingers and tugged gently, the gasp converted to an insistent whine.
He wasn't going to last much longer. As aroused as he was, Alex's gentle touches did little to allay his body's increasingly insistent need for release. Only complete cessation of contact with his lover's hands would stop it, and Alex was well aware of that fact.

If tomorrow had not been a weekday...if Fox didn't have to go to work and face Skinner, Alex would have teased him for a while longer. But Fox needed to be as well rested as he could be for his walk into the lion's den.

The thought of Fox having to sit there while Skinner reamed him about his 'irresponsible actions' the last several weeks went up one side of Alex and down the other, but there was nothing he could do about it. There was plenty he would like to do, and one thing that he should do, but all were out of the question.

All he could do was be here when Fox got home and try somehow to make it up to him...

Fox stiffened, his back arching sharply, and he cried out desperate, nonsensical sounds as Alex firmed his grip and pumped his cock more quickly. The pressure was building, his endurance was at its limit, and Alex, God love him, didn't attempt to hold him off. Arm banded around his chest, the younger man held him in a tight embrace and took him the rest of the way.

As Fox squirmed against him, Alex gritted his teeth and forced himself to remove every last shred of focus from his aching cock, which was snugly wedged between himself and his lover. He pressed his lips to Fox's ear and gave soft encouragement as the older man teetered on the edge.

"Come on, baby...let go. Let it go..."

Fox's deep groans of pleasure filled the enclosed space as he came into the sponge quickly milking his cock, and were it not for the arm clamped securely around him, he might well have sunk to the floor of the tub. But Alex held fast, and when Fox had been completely drained of his strength, he leaned heavily against the younger man, a soft moan rumbling in his throat.

Alex kissed the side of Fox's head and gently turned him so that they were now face to face.

"Better hurry up and get out of here before the hot water runs out," he said, rinsing the sponge under the water then reaching for the shower gel. As he straightened up, Fox pitched forward, resting his head on his shoulder.

"Tired now."

"Good," Alex whispered into his lover's dripping hair then put a couple of inches space between them. "Then let's get washed and get to bed before you wake up."

A few minutes later, both men were washed and dried, and Alex led a sleepy, satisfied Fox to bed. He got his lover settled under the sheet then hesitated a moment before crawling in next to him.

The moment Fox felt his warmth, he gravitated to Alex's side and wrapped himself around the younger man. As he did, his thigh came in contact with the rock solid evidence of Alex's unfulfilled state.

Alex stopped the hand that had traveled down to verify his condition, and brought it up to his mouth, planting a soft kiss in Fox's palm.

"Alex..."

"Shh. Go to sleep."

"But you..."

Again Alex interrupted the sleepy voice. "I'm fine. Now, come on; morning is going to come awfully quick. You need to sleep."

Fox emitted a soft sigh but put up no more argument. Minutes later, Alex lay listening to his soft, steady breaths and knew that he was asleep.

Repeatedly, he combed his fingers through Fox's hair as he stared up at the ceiling, wondering what new hell tomorrow would bring.

********************

Four a.m.

//Jesus Christ.//

Walter Skinner shifted position for the twelfth time in the last half hour. He'd seen two-thirty, three o'clock, three-thirty...

And now he was considering just saying 'fuck it', and getting up. Maybe a good hard work out would do more for him than a decent night's sleep....which he sure as shit didn't get.

He'd spent all of the previous evening thinking about today and his first meeting with his errant agent in just about two months. He'd thought about what Mulder would have to say for himself...what he'd say in return...considered disciplinary action and wondered if such measures would do more harm than good.

And he'd thought about Alex Krycek.

And thought about him.

And thought some more.

Finally, he'd picked himself up and gone to bed at around twelve. He'd dropped off quickly, but just before two-thirty, his eyes had opened. In the short time he'd been asleep, the dark, green-eyed man had invaded his dreams and woken him, bringing him into a stark upright position, eyes wide, heart and cock pounding.

He'd managed to calm himself enough to lie back and try to sleep, but sleep would not come. And now, almost two hours later, he lay here still thinking about him.

Malevolent shadow, appearing and disappearing without a trace.

Conscienceless killer. Seductive, deceitful, double dealing...

Fucking gorgeous whore, who had somehow managed to secure a place in Fox Mulder's life.

This morning, after a night of God only knew what, they shared Mulder's bed. He could see them tangled together in the sheets, warm and naked, and flushed from hours of satisfied sleep.

The image irked the shit out of him.

What the hell was on Mulder's mind? Okay, so he was sure that Krycek was a superior fuck...he just...it was one of those things he just knew. But Jesus Christ. To risk his career, his friendship with Scully...

Scully had informed him that Mulder had gone around the bend. Actually thought he was in love with the snake. He wondered what Krycek could possibly have done or said to so completely mesmerize the one man who had more reason to hate him than any other. Whatever it was, he'd apparently done a hell of a job.

And now, Mulder was going to be harder to deal with than ever before.
What to do, what to do...

Skinner dragged his hands over his face and the top of his head.

//Wait. Just wait and see what happens today, and take it from there. What the hell else can you do?//

He threw the sheet and light blanket off, groaning at the discomfort of his enduring erection as he heaved himself out of bed, and headed for the shower.

//Oh yeah, this day's gonna be one for the books.//

********************

A soft sigh arose from the pile of pillows, and the sable head slowly lifted and turned. Matching eyelashes rose halfway, and dark eyes, clouded by sleep looked across the brief distance at the fuzzy image in front of them.

A tiny smile curved Fox's lips as Alex began to awaken.

"Time to get up?" the younger man mumbled, struggling to open his eyes completely.

"For me it is," Fox answered, lifting a hand to the other's head. "You go back to sleep."

"No. No, I'll..."

"Alex, go back to sleep," Fox insisted, kissing the warm forehead. "It's six o'clock. There's no reason for you to be up this early."

"Except that you are." Alex shifted onto his back and skimmed Fox's jaw with his fingertips. "Can't send you off to the trenches without a decent breakfast at least."

Fox smiled, brushing his lips over his lover's fingers. "Thanks," he croaked, "but after almost two months away, I don't think there'd be anything here worth eating. Besides, I haven't got an appetite this morning."

"Worried?"

"Nah. But I can't say that I'm looking forward to tangling with Skinner. I don't know how well I'll be able to hold myself in check." He gave the younger man a sheepish grin. "Maybe I shouldn't try. Then he'll fire me, and it'll all be over."

"Don't say that. I couldn't stand for you to lose your job or anything else on my account."

"Okay," Fox sighed, kissing the tip of Alex's nose. "I'll behave."

"Thank you."

"Unless he really pisses me off."

"Fox..."

"Better get my ass up." Fox started to rise from the bed then dropped back down. He cupped Alex's stubbled cheek and placed a light kiss on his mouth.
"When I get home," he whispered, his thumb sweeping back and forth over the roughened skin, "I'm going to give you a proper thank you for last night."

"I don't need any thanks," Alex murmured, understanding what Fox was referring to. "Don't you know that touching you feels as good to me as it does to you?"

"Yeah," Fox said, directing a steady, greenish-gray stare at the other man. "It was more than obvious last night."

No answer.

Slowly, Fox lowered his head and strung a trail of tender kisses along Alex's collarbone.

"Fox..." Alex brought his hands up between their bodies and pushed gently against the older man's chest. "You'll be late."

"Can't get much later than I already am. What's another half hour or so?"

"No, Fox." Alex succeeded in putting some distance between them. "Skinner'll think you're thumbing your nose at him. You don't need any more trouble than you've already got."

"I'm more concerned right now with what you need."

"What I..." Alex closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as Fox swept back down to suck on his throat. "...What I need is for you to get to work on time."

Fox raised his head and gave the younger man a beautiful, sulky pout.
"You mean you don't need me at all?"

"You know I do," Alex whispered, arching his hips and letting Fox feel the extent of his 'need'. "I'll save it for you."

Fox heaved a long sigh then smiled down at the younger man. "Promise?"

"Scout's honor."

Low chuckle. "You were never a boyscout."

"How d' you know?"

"Call it a hunch."

Alex returned the chuckle. "Okay, come on. Up."

Finally, he got Fox up and into the shower, and while the older man was in the bathroom, he poked around the bedroom, finding underwear, socks, a suit, and a decent tie.

Fox emerged from the bathroom, towel draped around his waist, hair damp and wild, and found his clothes all laid out for him on the chair at the foot of his bed, and Alex, now dressed only in the jeans he'd discarded last night, unpacking his suitcase. The younger man gave him a brief smile then returned to his task.

"I can do that later," Fox offered, running his fingers through his hair.

"Why? I've got all day," Alex argued, sorting the clothes.

"You're not here to do my laundry, Alex. I don't expect you to. You're not domestic help."

Alex dropped the shirt he held into the pile on his right and approached the older man. Winding one arm around Fox's neck, the other stroked his warm chest.

"I know that. But you keep telling me you want to take care of me, right?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Why, what?"

"Why do you want to take care of me?"

Fox's hands moved slowly up and down the other's bare back, and he leaned forward, until their foreheads touched.

"Because I love you."

"Uh huh. And I love you." His voice softened and took on a pleading tone.

"Can't we take care of each other?"

A slow smile spread across Fox's face, and he nodded in silent agreement.

"Good," Alex whispered, planting a soft kiss on his lover's mouth. He released Fox, picked up his undershirt, and pressed it to his chest. "Now get dressed, dammit; you've wasted enough time."

At last, Fox got ready and the two moved into the living room, where he pulled his coat out of the closet. He turned to face the other man and took notice of the expression on his face.

"Babe?" he called, reaching out to touch Alex's face. "What is it?"

Alex shrugged and cast his gaze down to the floor.

"I guess it's just..." He looked up into Fox's worried eyes. "You look like Agent Mulder again."

Fox's mouth twitched into a tiny grin. "That's Special Agent Mulder." He stepped forward, holding the other's eyes with his own. "And he loves you." He kissed Alex again and moved to the door. "I'll see you later. Oh, and listen, there's a spare apartment key in the top left hand drawer of my desk, okay?"

Alex nodded and stood quietly while Fox opened the door and stepped into the hall. The door closed softly a second later, and he remained in that spot, staring at nothing in particular. When he finally decided to move, he pivoted and looked around the apartment.

Home?

Aesthetically speaking, it was no worse than either of the apartments he'd had out west. A little bigger maybe. Not as neat, but Fox did tell him to do whatever he wanted to make the place more presentable.

He shuffled his hands through his hair and sighed.

Okay, that was do-able. Though it mattered little
.
The only thing that truly mattered was that Fox was here.

And so it was home.

At least until Fox decided otherwise.

********************

Walt Skinner stood looking out his office window, watching the Hoover Building come to life.

When he'd come in at seven, the place was almost deserted. He'd ridden the elevator up with only A.D. Miller, and when he'd gotten off on his floor, the sound of his footsteps echoed loudly in his ears.

He'd walked into the empty outer office, passing his secretary's desk, and entered his inner office. He'd draped his jacket over the back of his chair and tried to settle down with some work, but the imminent appearance of Fox Mulder kept invading his thoughts.

And now he stood here, watching as scores of people entered the building, beginning their day.

And he waited for the one who would surely add an inordinate amount of stress to his.

The soft knock on the door startled him, and he turned in time to see Kimberly poke her head in.

"Good morning, sir."

"Morning, Kimberly."

"Is there anything you'd like before I get started? Coffee? Any calls I need to make?"

"No, thanks...Kim, wait. There is one thing. I have a meeting this morning with Agent Mulder..."

"He's back?" The smile faded from the secretary's lips face when the A.D began to scowl.

"Yes. When he comes in, please hold my calls and don't let anyone in to see me. Our meeting is not to be distrubed, is that clear?"
"Y-yes, sir. Is that all?"

"That's all."

The secretary nodded and quietly slipped away, leaving Skinner to turn back to his place at the window.

********************

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