Smells as Sweet

by Satina

M/K

Date of First Posting:  2004

Rating: NC-17

Series/Sequel: This is a sequel to A Rose by Any Other Name, and will probably not make much sense without it.

Spoilers: Takes place after Two Fathers, One Son and includes all eps to that point with Krycek in them.

Disclaimers: Mulder, Krycek, and even Scully were cruelly discarded by their thoughtless owner, Chris Carter. Matthew is owned by Nick Lea, I'd say, since he was the producer of the movie, "Lunch With Charles."

Summary: Someone else mistakes Matthew for Krycek, and Scully has to come to terms with Mulder's new relationship at the same time that he and Krycek do, while they all three race against the clock to save him.

Archive:  If it's posted to you list, it's yours.  If not, just ask.

Feedback:  PLEASE feed the hungry muses HERE!

---

 

"Well, I've got to say, Alex, these are some damned fine eggs."

Mulder looked over at Alex, not missing the slight blush and shy duck of the head, then glanced across the small table to Matthew, who was pouting good-naturedly.

"Okay, so my gift isn't culinary. Maybe I should go somewhere I'll be more appreciated."

"I appreciate you," said Mulder with a half-grin that turned serious. "I'm not sure I could have done this without you."

"I apprec-" Alex started, but his voice was so rough the other men couldn't understand him. He cleared his throat and started again, and this time it was more clear, but very soft. "I appreciate you, too."

Mulder blinked, sudden heat tingling behind his eyes, squeezing his chest. He trained his eyes back on Alex, but couldn't get him to meet his eyes. He guessed that it would be awhile before they were at all comfortable with one another, but Alex's quiet statement was weighted with more meaning than Mulder had ever expected Alex to reveal.

"Thanks," said Matthew with a sweet smile at each of them. Alex didn't look up for that either, staring at his diminishing pile of eggs. Mulder gave Matthew a smile in return, and they finished their breakfast in silence.

"So," Matthew said as he stood and started scooping up the dishes. "When do you think Dana might be coming over again?"

Two pairs of eyes, one green, one hazel, turned to him, brows arched.

"What?" Matthew asked, but he grinned.

"You're hot for my partner!" Mulder announced. He could feel Alex's attention shift to him, focusing in on him with laser intensity, totally serious.

"Is...that a problem?" Matthew asked, pretty eyes wide. He glanced meaningfully at Alex for an eighth of a second.

Mulder narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, and they both stared at him, waiting. Finally, he laughed. "Ha! No, not for me, but you're going to freak the fuck out of people, Matthew. They're gonna think Alex Krycek's hooking up with Agent Dana Scully of the FBI." He looked at Alex, grinning, but at the serious narrowing of Alex's eyes, his grin faded. "I just mean that's so unlikely..." he trailed off. Alex nodded slowly, not looking away. "But I guess it's not any less likely than you and me, is it?" he asked quietly. "Probably less so, huh?"

Alex just arched his brows briefly, then dropped his gaze to his plate again.

Mulder sighed and looked down at his own coffee cup. "It's no problem, Matthew. I think you'd be really good for her." The sound of Alex's chair scraping the floor as he suddenly pushed it away from the table and got up made both men jump. They both watched as he ripped the apron off over his head and strode into the small kitchen, throwing it to the ground.

Mulder jumped up from his chair and glanced once at Matthew, who just nodded, frowning. Mulder nodded back and went into the kitchen, where he found Alex standing at the sink, braced with two arms, one real, one false. Mulder stopped, taking in the beauty of Alex's bare back, watching the muscles of his shoulders tense, frowning at the way the leather straps holding the prosthesis in place cut into the olive skin, wanting to put his finger under the leather, alleviating the pressure. His gaze dropped, following the line of Alex's spine down to where it disappeared into the dark gray boxer-briefs. Mulder realized they were either his or they were just like his. As he admired the way the too-tight cotton hugged Alex's full, round, hard asscheeks, he decided those were indeed his underwear. He smiled and let out a quiet sigh.

Alex's head raised fractionally at the sound, and Mulder stepped in behind him, still not touching, but close enough to smell Alex's clean-showered smell and feel his warmth. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.

"Quite a joke, isn't it?" Alex rasped, staring into the sink. "Slimy, psychotic, good-for-nothing Alex Krycek and the perfect, pristine Dana Scully. She'd sooner shoot me. You'd better warn Matthew."

Mulder sighed again. "She's met him," he said quietly. "And I think she likes him, too."

Alex's laugh sounded suspiciously like a sob to Mulder, who frowned but made no further move. "Jesus. I have to get out of here," Alex croaked, but when he turned to leave, Mulder reached out and stopped him, his hand colliding with naked, hot skin and hard, tensed abdominal muscles. Alex gasped and Mulder felt his body get warmer. He stepped in and wrapped his arms around Alex's hard middle, and heard the small, choked whimper that Alex tried to stifle. Alex began to turn in Mulder's arms, and Mulder sighed, already anticipating the feel of Alex's arm wrapping around him, but as Alex came around to face him, Mulder watched his dark, silky head dip low as he sank to his knees.

Mulder couldn't help but gasp even as he frowned, his hands coming to rest on Alex's strong, broad shoulders. The feel of soft, hot lips pressing against his hardened cock through the soft cotton of his underwear made him lose his breath and his train of thought. When he felt Alex's hot breath bathe his sensitized flesh through the fabric, his knees weakened. One strong, warm arm wrapped around his upper thighs, holding him up, and he watched breathlessly as Alex took the waistband of Mulder's underwear in his teeth and began tugging them down.

"Alehhh..." he breathed, and Alex's eyes closed, dark lashes fluttering as he pulled the fabric far out from Mulder's body, trying to clear the erection which seemed to grow to meet it. Mulder gasped sharply as Alex's teeth grazed his cockhead, but soon his underwear were down and out of the way. Alex moaned very, very softly, from deep in his throat and opened his eyes, staring dazedly up at Mulder for half a moment before pressing his lips to the tip of Mulder's cock in an apologetic kiss.

Mulder gasped out all his air and fell forward slightly, pushing himself harder against Alex's warm, pliant lips. They immediately opened to receive him, and with a groan, he pushed in, fingers digging into hard, muscled shoulders as he thrust slowly.

Alex moaned against him, tongue working quickly to wet and slick the way, rubbing and stroking Mulder's cock as it pushed helplessly into the slick, sucking heat. Before Mulder could register what was happening, Alex had relaxed his throat and tilted his head to angle just right, and Mulder's longer-than-average cock, which had never been further than halfway into any mouth, was tightly lodged deep in Alex's throat.

"Ohhhhh God!" Mulder moaned, forgetting about his guest in the dining room. His hips jerked in small, sharp, aborted thrusts into Alex's convulsing throat. Alex panted through his nose, working in tandem with Mulder's small movements, and Mulder began to see small sparks of light taking over his vision. His mouth fell open on deep, gasping breaths and he became aware of a soft, caressing pressure at his anus.

"Nooooo...." he groaned, truly afraid of the intensity of his building climax, but he moved back against Alex's finger then forward, deeper into his embracing mouth, losing himself in the matched sensations, feeling tears squeezing out of the corners of his eyes. The finger pressed, then retreated, then pressed harder, and then it was inside him, fucking him, and he threw back his head and came. He yelled and shuddered as he jerked and spurted, again and again, only half aware of Alex's choking swallows around his spasming flesh, the encouraging finger fucking gently in and out of him, coaxing out the last few, shattering shivers.

Mulder's knees finally gave out, and he pulled quickly out of Alex's mouth and fell to his own knees, crying out a little as Alex's finger was pulled from his body inadvertently. He leaned his head forward into Alex's, panting and smelling his cum on Alex's gasping breaths, his hands stroking into sweaty hair, gripping it, letting go, then gripping it again helplessly. Finally, when he could breathe and swallow and hold his own eyes open again, he lifted his face.

Alex's eyes were still closed, lashes stuck together with tears, red, swollen mouth open and still breathing hard, sweat dotting his forehead as he swallowed and licked his lips. Mulder tilted his head and pressed in for a kiss, and a little startled grunt reverberated against his mouth, making him smile against it. "That...was..." Mulder murmured, and Alex smiled against his lips. Mulder moaned and kissed him more deeply, now tasting himself, but only a little, as he'd been so far down Alex's throat that most of it had never even touched Alex's tongue. "No one's ever..." but he couldn't finish a sentence and just kissed Alex some more, sighing into the hot, talented mouth.

"I have to go," Alex murmured into the kiss, but he didn't pull away. Mulder grunted and kissed him some more. "I gotta go, Mulder," Alex repeated as he began to withdraw.

Mulder sighed and let Alex's mouth go, licking their combined flavor from his own kiss-plumped lips. "Where?" he asked, not really knowing what he was saying.

"I can't tell you that," Alex said, pushing up off the floor and out of Mulder's hands.

Mulder felt stupid and vulnerable, kneeling on his kitchen floor, so he got to his feet, blushing as he pulled his shorts back up into place. "Well, when...how...." he started, frowning and feeling increasingly panicked.

"I'll be in touch," Alex said quietly, then he turned and strode past Mulder, heading for the bedroom where he'd been divested of his clothing the night before.

Mulder stood in his kitchen, still trembling slightly from the mind-blowing orgasm, not knowing exactly what he should do next. He wondered what Matthew was doing, how much he'd heard, how he'd go out and face him after this. Then he heard the soft clump of Alex's boots on his floor, and each footstep fell heavy on his heart. He heard two similarly soft and husky voices say a quick, awkward good-bye, and as he started to walk into the living room to add his own, he heard his front door open and close. He stopped, wiping his hand over his mouth, still feeling the tingle of the kiss. He waited another few moments, collecting his control, then walked out into the dining room, finding it empty, continuing to the living room, where Matthew was slipping into corduroys and a sweater. Matthew looked up, the two men meeting each other's eyes, and Mulder cursed the open sadness in Matthew's until he realized it was most likely mirrored in his own. He tried a faltering grin and shrugged.

"He's a busy guy," he said, feeling stupid.

Matthew smiled back sadly and nodded.

"Sorry about the uh..." Mulder said, gesturing with his head toward the kitchen.

Matthew's smile turned real and he shook his head. "Don't be."

Mulder nodded, then his eyes dropped to stare at the floor between them. He heard and then saw Matthew step up to him on bare feet.

"You guys are gonna be fine," said Matthew, reaching out to Mulder, placing his hand on the bare shoulder. Mulder relaxed into the friendly, comforting touch.

"You think so?" he asked, not looking up.

"Hey," said Matthew, placing his other hand under Mulder's jaw and softly lifting his face. "Love is the most powerful force on this or any other planet," he said softly. "And he loves you."

Mulder bit his lip from the inside, feeling his eyes fill with tears.

"And you love him," said Matthew, his own voice roughening with shared emotion. "And as long as you keep sharing with each other, letting each other in, nothing can beat that. You hear me?"

Mulder nodded, swallowing his tears and taking a quiet cleansing breath.

Matthew nodded back. "C'mere," he said, putting his arms around Mulder and pulling him into a warm hug. At first, Mulder was awkward, not having hugged a lot of men in his time, except in a sexual situation, but Matthew's overwhelming warmth and genuine welcome soon had him relaxing into the embrace, sighing. "Now," said Matthew softly near Mulder's ear. "Shouldn't you be calling your partner and letting her know how all of this worked out?"

Mulder laughed and gave Matthew a squeeze, then stepped back out of the hug, meeting Matthew's sparkling, soft eyes. "Can I get some clothes on first?" he asked.

"I guess so," Matthew answered with mock reluctance. "But you wouldn't want to keep her waiting."

"Mmhmm," Mulder nodded knowingly, then he gave Matthew another grateful smile and headed into the bathroom to shower and change.

He came out of the bedroom, feeling clean and fresh and energized, dressed in his favorite jeans and heather gray sweatshirt.

"Do I look okay?" Matthew asked immediately as Mulder entered the living room.

Mulder grinned and looked him over, raising his fingers to tap against his mouth thoughtfully. "Well, you know I prefer the black jeans and leather on you," he said playfully, "but since it isn't me you're trying to impress, yes, I think Scully will like you just fine." He smiled. "You look great, Matthew. You don't have anything to worry about, you know. I noticed her staring at you when I introduced you."

"Of course she was staring at me!" Matthew said, brows arched, eyes wide. "I'm her worst enemy's doppelganger!"

Mulder's smile faded a bit. "Yeah, but I could tell, she wanted to get to know you better. So don't stress out over it."

Matthew sighed as if trying to make himself relax. "Okay, Fox. Thanks."

Mulder winced slightly. "Any chance of getting you to call me Mulder?" he asked.

"Mmm...nope," answered Matthew, grinning. "I hate last names. Too impersonal."

Mulder nodded in resignation and reached for the phone.

***TWO***

They met at a diner near Scully's house, and Scully startled as Matthew leapt from his seat to pull out her chair for her. She sat down, eyes wide, and he helped push her chair in before taking his seat again at the small, round table. He looked at her, smiling, as she took a nervous sip of her water and tried to return his smile with a quick one of her own.

"Nice to see you again, Dana," Matthew beamed.

"Nice to see you, Matthew," she returned politely.

Mulder grinned as Matthew fluttered his lashes, smile broadening.

"So, Mulder, how did it go?" Scully asked, turning her attention to him. From the corner of his eye, Mulder noticed that Matthew continued looking at Scully, his eyes going from her hair, glinting like fire in the late morning sun, to her eyes, wide and blue and now staring imploringly at Mulder, to the soft, pale column of her throat above the soft V-neck of her black sweater. Mulder noticed Matthew's gaze never became rude or violating, just adoring and soft.

"It went fine," Mulder said, glancing at Matthew, who spared him half a second of attention before turning it back on Scully.

"Well, good," said Scully, shifting in her chair. "So...he showed up?"

"Yeah, he showed up," Mulder said, nodding, feeling his cheeks warm with a nervous blush.

"And you talked?" Scully leaned forward, obviously getting impatient with Mulder's reluctance. She glanced over at Matthew, who just smiled and continued watching her happily.

"Yeah, we talked," answered Mulder, reaching for a menu to hide behind.

"Mulder, there's something you're not telling me," Scully said, frowning.

"So, Dana, how did you come to work with Fox?" asked Matthew, reaching across the table and barely touching her hand, which was resting on her own menu.

She jerked slightly but didn't pull away from the fleeting touch. "Oh, I was assigned to the X-files several years ago," she answered, looking from Mulder to Matthew and back.

Matthew nodded. "And you enjoy that type of work, investigating the paranormal and whatnot?"

Scully's lips parted and she flicked her tongue at one corner nervously. Matthew tracked the action, rapt. "Well, yes, it's never boring," answered Scully quietly.

"You like excitement, then," said Matthew, nodding. He kept his hand resting less than an inch from hers, still stretched across the table, but he didn't touch her.

"Well, yes, I suppose," she answered, sounding a little breathless. "Before that I was in Violent Crimes."

"Really!" exclaimed Matthew, eyes wide, leaning in. "That's amazing!" he went on, shaking his head. "You're amazing," he finished, voice dropping slightly.

Scully's lips parted again, but she said nothing, just closing them and swallowing.

The waiter appeared at her side.

"Oh, hi," said Mulder casually. "Bring me a double espresso, would you?" he asked. "What would you like, Matthew?" Besides my partner, topped with a cap of foam, he added to himself, trying not to smirk. Then, remembering, he said, "Bring him a cafe double mocha with whipped cream. That okay?" He looked to Matthew for confirmation.

"Great," said Matthew, still smiling. "Thanks."

"Scully?" asked Mulder, turning his attention to her.

"Oh, um, skim latte," she said, looking away from Matthew to the waiter. He nodded and hurried away. "Now, Mulder," she said, firming her voice. "What exactly happened last night?"

"Did you always want to be in law enforcement?" asked Matthew, reaching to touch Scully's hand again.

"Oh, uh, no," answered Scully, pulling her attention from Mulder back to Matthew, fingers twitching where Matthew had briefly stroked them. "I actually went to medical school."

"You're a doctor, too?" said Matthew incredulously. "Man, Fox, you didn't tell me any of this!"

Mulder grinned. "Guess I was thinking about other things," he said.

Matthew gave him a crooked, knowing grin. "You're forgiven," he said softly. "But only if you'll let me invite Dana to your place so I can make her dinner."

"Oh!" said Mulder and Scully in unison.

"Do you really think...I mean...are you sure you wanna cook?" Mulder stammered.

"Fox, are you saying you'd rather have someone else do the cooking?" Matthew asked, eyes wide and innocent. "Would you like to do it?"

"No!" said Mulder and Scully together again, and Matthew laughed delightedly, smiling even more widely when Scully joined in with a soft giggle of her own.

"Maybe Alex would be willing to do it again," said Matthew softly.

"Krycek?" Scully practically squeaked.

Mulder hid behind his menu, playing with his lip.

"He's actually a wonderful cook," said Matthew calmly. "Isn't he, Fox?"

Mulder could feel the stares of both his partner and Matthew penetrate through the laminated cardboard of the menu, and he finally lowered it.

"Well, *Fox*?" Scully asked, eyes wide, when Mulder just stared at her.

"Uh, yeah," answered Mulder, chewing his lip, eyes big and frightened.

Scully let out her breath slowly, making an 'O' with her perfectly-lipsticked mouth. "So...you lured him out of hiding so he could cook for you?" she asked angrily.

Mulder let out a nervous, too-loud chuckle. "No, no," he said, shaking his head.

"They needed to settle their unfinished business," Matthew said softly.

"Unfinished business," repeated Scully slowly. "Like...how Krycek killed his father? Tried to kill me? That kind of thing?" Her voice was getting harder, colder, and Mulder swallowed, playing with the corner of his menu with his thumb.

Matthew surprised both of them by nodding gently. "And all of the unresolved feelings they have for one another," he added calmly, touching her hand again. This time she withdrew it, putting it in her lap and staring at it.

"Matthew," Mulder whispered.

"Fox," Matthew replied. "It's time for honesty. You love Dana. You don't want to have to hide something like this from her."

"Hide what?" asked Scully, leaning in. "My God, hide what? Mulder?!"

It was silent at the table for several minutes, Scully staring at Mulder, willing him to meet her eyes, Matthew looking from Scully to Mulder, concern furrowing his brow. Finally, Mulder looked up from where his thumb had made a ragged mess of the corner of his menu, and he spoke.

"We came to a sort of...understanding," he said quietly.

"Understanding? What kind of understanding?" Scully asked, blue eyes wide and scared.

"Scully..." Mulder half-whispered helplessly, then he firmed his lips and closed his eyes, head bowed.

"You know what they say is one step away from hate, Dana?" Matthew finally said in his soft, low voice.

"What?" asked Scully, as if she hadn't heard him, turning to give him an angry, confused look.

"One step away from hate," Matthew repeated. "The opposite of hate is the same as the opposite of love...indifference," he went on, forcing her to meet his intense gaze as he continued speaking in his soft, hushed voice. "The very intensity of hate suggests that rather than being the opposite of love, it's just one step away from it."

"What the hell are you talking about, Matthew?" Scully asked shrilly.

"Sometimes what looks like hate is just love, missing one critical piece."

"What. Piece." Scully bit out.

"Understanding," said Matthew softly, making a useless reach for the hand that was no longer there. "Once two people start to really understand one another, those intense emotions turn quickly from hate to..."

"Love?" Scully exclaimed, eyes going wide with alarm. "Mulder?" She turned her eyes to him. "Are you saying...are you trying to tell me...?" She trailed off, firming her lips tightly, unwilling to put words to it. Mulder was horrified to see one, solitary tear make its way down her alabaster cheek.

"I'm sorry," he rapsed, and he got up and then turned and pushed his way between tables, making his way quickly across the dining room.

"Shit," said Matthew under his breath, closing his eyes, then opening them and getting up to go after him. He stopped, looking down at the shell-shocked, blue eyes staring up at him. "Dana," he said softly. "Try to understand. Sometimes you can't help who you love." He reached out and cupped her cheek, wiping away her tear-trail with one thumb, smiling at her gently, then pulled away and hurried out of the restaurant to catch up with Mulder.

...

Mulder sat in the driver's seat of his car, intermittently pounding the wheel and swearing, trying to make the image of his partner's one lonely, confused tear fade. He had no intentions of leaving, as he and Matthew had ridden together and he wasn't going to leave him there. He just needed to get some space. After several frustrated moments, he heard a light tapping on his window. He looked up into the concerned face of his partner. For a minute, he just stared through the glass, and she stared back at him. Then he reached for the door handle and opened the door. Scully stepped back and he closed the door and leaned back against it, tucking his fingertips into his jeans pockets. They just looked at one another for another several painful moments, then Scully cleared her throat and spoke.

"Mulder, I'm trying to understand..."

"I know, Scully."

"But...how can this be? Talk to me."

Mulder sighed, slumping more against the car door. Scully played with the bottom hem of her sweater and waited.

"I can't explain it all, Scully, but there's always been this...pull...between Alex and me." He watched Scully silently mouth the word 'Alex' and he gave her a vague, sad smile. "We've never really discussed it, but I've been attracted to both men and women in my life, and when I met Alex, I felt this...spark...instantly."

Scully inhaled and exhaled slowly. "But he betrayed you, Mulder. He betrayed *us*. The things he's done..."

"I know. I know, Scully," replied Mulder, brows in an inverted 'V' of misery. "But he's also, I think, been trying to make up for that. To work with us instead of against us. And after what happened in the hangar, everything's changed. We actually have a chance to work together. Like we should have been doing all along," Mulder finished, staring at her shoes.

"Wait. Work with us? How so?"

"Remember that tip he gave us that led us to that terrorist group?"

"The one that led you to drag him to Russia so that you could be imprisoned, tortured, and experimented on?"

Mulder swallowed. "That was *my* take on it. He was showing me the bigger picture, Scully. And by getting me involved in the experimentation, he got me vaccinated against the black oil. I'm immune now, you know. We know so much more now about what we're up against...we can't continue to judge him the same way."

"Oh, so now you're just going to forgive him for killing your father? For trying to kill me?"

Mulder winced at the pain in Scully's accusing eyes. "We both know what my father was, Scully," he said almost too quietly for her to hear. "And when your sister was killed, it was more my father's fault than Alex's."

"What?" Scully's eyes went wide.

"All those secrets on that tape, Scully." Mulder's voice became more animated and he leaned forward, pushing off the car, taking his hands out of his pockets. "The ones my father was working so hard to hide. Those are what got your sister killed. That's what Alex's bosses were after when they sent him to kill you. I don't think...I mean I *know* he'd never willingly hurt you now."

"And why is that?" Scully pouted her lips imperiously, folding her arms.

"Because...he cares too much about me."

"Mulder, you're fooling yourself."

"Scully..."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt you," Scully said, softening her tone and unfolding her arms. "But we're talking about Alex Krycek, here. Remember the adoring-agent act he laid on you when he was your partner? Mulder, he's a pro! He knows how to make you think he's whatever he wants you to think he is! He's playing you, Mulder!"

"He brought me that information about the alien rebel," Mulder said helplessly. "I don't remember what happened, but I know that wasn't a lie."

"So? Just because we don't know what his agenda is, doesn't mean he doesn't have one."

Mulder sighed. "He kissed me, Scully."

"Excuse me?"

"When he gave me that information. He kissed me and handed me back my gun. I think he was really trying to tell me something."

"He gave you your gun back and you didn't arrest him?" Scully's brow arched.

"No, I didn't arrest him. Scully, this is way bigger than some personal grudge. I mean, we *know* what he's been up against for so long, now!" Mulder took hold of her arms gently, looking intently into her frowning blue eyes. "I'm sick and tired of hating him! I'm sick of wondering what he knows, why he's doing what he's doing! I'm tired of being on the opposite side, wondering if I'm blowing it by being so closed-minded. Scully, we're talking about the whole goddamned planet, here! We can't afford to be so moralistic and judgemental!"

"Mulder..."

"Don't say anything else, Scully. Just...think about this. Okay? For me?"

She looked into his eyes, and he watched as her anger and frustration faded, replaced by concern. She raised her hand and stroked his cheek. "All right, Mulder. I promise. I'll consider everything you've said."

Mulder smiled. "Thank you."

Scully smiled back, and they stood there, her hand on his cheek, his hands on her arms, for a few more comforting moments.

"I guess we can go back to the diner and tell Matthew you're not going to shoot me after all...yet," Mulder said with a smirk.

"Matthew left right after you did, to come after you," Scully said, frowning slightly.

"He knew where we parked," said Mulder, stepping back, then scanning the area.

Scully joined him, looking over the parking lot and surrounding sidewalks, hoping to catch sight of that disturbingly familiar dark head.

"He never got to me," Mulder said, his voice dark.

"Mulder, don't overreact," Scully warned. "Maybe he's just sitting back in the shadows, waiting to let us talk."

Mulder nodded, and they both looked around again. They walked back to the diner and searched it thoroughly, then when they found no sign of him, asked the waitstaff if they'd seen him. Fortunately, one of the female servers had found him attractive and kept an eye on him.

"Yeah, I saw him take off after you, then this big, black car drove up and offered him a ride."

"Offered him a ride?" Mulder asked, leaning in.

"Yeah, he leaned in and talked to them for a minute, then I saw him shake his head and back away. The driver rolled up his window, and your friend took off down the street again, this time running. I figured he was still looking for you."

Mulder nodded slowly. "Thanks." He and Scully walked back to the parking lot. "He's still got that tracking device we put in him," Mulder said. "Let's get to the Gunmen's hideout and we can track him."

Scully's brows creased with worry. "Mulder, if they think he's Krycek..."

"I know, Scully. We'll find him. He'll be all right."

Scully nodded. "I'll follow you in my own car."

***THREE***

"How long's he been missin'?" asked Langley, typing furiously at his laptop.

"About twenty minutes now," answered Mulder, leaning in. "Where is he?"

"Hang on, almost got it," replied the lanky hacker, shaking a long blonde strand of hair out of his face. "There," he said, pointing a skinny, nail-bitten finger at the screen. "Looks like he's on the Interstate."

Mulder and Scully looked at each other. "Black car," murmured Mulder. "Map it, Langley. Then fix that laptop so I can take it with me. We've gotta catch that car."

Langley nodded, and soon the printer was humming. As soon as the sheet was printed, Mulder had it in hand and was hurrying out the door, Langley shoving the wireless laptop into his other hand, Scully scurrying to keep up. Scully got in her car and followed Mulder as he screeched out onto the street. We're not gonna catch up while they're still moving, Mulder said to himself, accelerating to ninety as he got onto the freeway. But they'll have to stop somewhere.

Mulder drove in silence, glancing over at the laptop from time to time as if to reassure himself of his tenuous connection with Matthew. When the cellphone rang, he assumed it was Scully.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry."

Mulder's breath caught at the rumbled apology. "Alex?" he said quietly.

"Yeah, it's me. I just heard through the grapevine that the old man picked up Alex Krycek walking down the street in Georgetown."

"Shit, we should have been more careful," Mulder said, jaw clenching. "I knew we should have been more careful."

"Stop blaming yourself," Alex stated. "We don't have time for that. I'm as much to blame as you are, Mulder. You would never have involved him if you weren't trying to flush me out of hiding."

"All right, so now what? Do you know where they're headed?"

"Hard to say. Everything's changed, now. They abandoned their offices in New York. Hell, there's really no 'they' to speak of anymore. It's just him. And her."

"Her?"

"Fowley. They're the only two from the old guard who survived the bake-off as far as I know."

Mulder swallowed, blinking and staring at the road. "Diana Fowley?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah. Sorry, Mulder. She's dirty, too. You don't seem to have much luck with partners, huh?" Krycek's voice was dark. "Except for Scully."

Mulder sighed heavily into the phone. He was quiet for a moment, and he could barely hear Alex breathing on the phone. "Will they hurt him?"

"I don't know."

"Why would they want to? Don't you work for him? For them?"

"I did at one time. I don't anymore. I've been on my own for awhile, now. Most likely, he just wants to talk. Find out what I know. How I survived. Maybe try to get me on his leash again. I dunno."

"What *do* you know?" Mulder asked carefully.

Krycek laughed mirthlessly. "More than you want to, Mulder. More than anyone would want to."

"Oh, that's convenient," replied Mulder snidely, still feeling the sting of Diana's betrayal and the associated embarassment. "So what happens when he doesn't tell them what they want to know?" Mulder listened to the breathing on the line for a moment. "Well?"

"We just have to get there as soon as we can," Krycek finally replied.

"They'll kill him, won't they."

"Anyone who's not an ally's a liability," Krycek replied. "But they'll keep him alive for awhile, first, trying to get him to talk."

"Jesus," Mulder sighed.

"We'll get him out of there," Krycek assured him. "I won't let anything happen to him."

"Where are you?" Mulder asked suddenly.

"Three cars behind you," was the reply, and Mulder couldn't help but detect a smile in it.

"Guess I'm not as good as I used to be at avoiding tails," Mulder replied.

"Nah, I'm just highly motivated," Krycek said, and this time the smile was evident. Mulder grinned and looked into his rearview mirror, but he couldn't tell which car was Krycek's of the seven in the surrounding lanes. Scully was back two cars and one lane over. And as if she could see him looking at her, his call-waiting beeped. He looked down at the caller ID.

"Hold on a sec, Alex. Scully's on the other line."

"'Kay."

"Hey Scully," said Mulder, switching over to her call.

"Hi Mulder," Scully replied. "Any sign of where they're going?"

Mulder chewed his lip a minute, then replied. "Not really. Scully, Alex is on the other line." Mulder listened to the silence. "Scully?"

"What does he want?" Scully asked shortly.

"He wants to help," said Mulder quietly.

"Yeah, or maybe he just wants to keep us from finding him," she said coolly.

Mulder sighed. How could he get her to understand? Then he had a brainstorm. "Scully, wanna do a threeway with Alex?"

"Excuse me?"

Mulder smiled. "A threeway call. That way you can speak to him for yourself, and hear what he has to say."

"Mulder, I-"

"Scully, I don't know how else to do this. I trust him. I want you to trust him. Just do this."

She was quiet a moment, then, "All right."

"Great. Hang on a sec. Been awhile since I played around with threeways." Mulder smiled and switched back over to his first call. "Alex?"

"I'm here."

"I told Scully you were helping me...us...but she's having a hard time accepting that."

"I can imagine," Alex replied.

"So I thought it might help to do a threeway with her."

"Excuse me?" Alex said, unknowingly parroting Scully's response.

Mulder laughed. "Both of you have such dirty minds," he chided. "A phone call, Alex. The three of us together, so there are no more secrets."

"No more secrets," said Alex, remembering the morning. He inhaled and exhaled loudly. "Okay, Mulder. If you think it's a good idea."

"I do," said Mulder. "Hold on. I'll connect us." He messed around with the buttons on his phone. "Scully?"

"Yes?"

"Alex?"

"I'm here."

"Great, it worked." Mulder smiled into the phone, then realized he had no idea how to start this. "Um, so Alex, you think they just wanna ask him some questions?"

Alex cleared his throat. "Yeah, with everyone else gone, they're probably trying to scrape together a new team, and they'll wanna know what I know."

"What do you know?" asked Scully in an icy echo of Mulder.

Alex sighed. "Pretty much everything. Look, Scully. I'm not asking you to forgive me. I don't even expect you to understand the shit I've done. But I just want to help you, now."

"Why?" Scully asked, obviously disbelieving.

Mulder listened to the silence, holding his breath.

"Because Mulder wants me to," was the quiet response.

"You expect me to believe that?"

"Not really," Alex replied. "You have no reason to. I'll let my actions speak for themselves."

"As usual," Scully said coldly.

Mulder heard Alex's deep sigh. "I've had to do things I didn't want to do. Things I'll be sorry for for the rest of my life. There's something here that's more important than all of us, though, Scully. More important than my feelings."

"I wasn't aware you had any," Scully said. "They must get in the way in your line of work."

"I have feelings," Alex replied very quietly. "And I haven't let them get in the way of the work...until now."

"So now you're willing to just throw it all away for Mulder's..." She didn't finish, and Mulder swallowed, relieved not to have to hear the word out loud. Alex had not yet said anything about returning Mulder's love, and though Mulder suspected at least very strong feelings, and Matthew had declared it a done deal, he was still insecure about how Alex felt about him.

"It's not like that," Alex said. He sighed. "You don't realize...I've always wanted...Scully, I've always wished Mulder and I were on the same side. But I never thought we could be. I guess...I'm still not sure..."

Mulder spoke up for the first time since initiating the conversation. "Alex, you said it yourself. What's happening out there is bigger than all of us. Bigger than our past. We *have* to work together now. Plus...I'm tired of pretending to hate you."

"I was getting pretty tired of that game, too," Alex replied softly. "But Mulder, you don't understand. Even now, you don't know yet how far it goes. How dirty you might have to get."

Mulder swallowed. He'd been thinking about that, too, and it worried him as it did Alex. He wasn't sure what he was capable of. Could he do the kinds of things Alex had done? Could he kill in cold blood? Could he make people trust him and then turn his back on them? "I'm not as clean as you think, Alex," he said. "I've gone undercover before. I've made people think I was their friend, and then given them over in the end. I've stolen. I've killed."

"Did you ever betray someone you...cared about?" Alex asked hoarsely.

Mulder breathed, his heart hurting, his hands twitching with the need to just touch Alex. Feel his strong, solid reality. "No," Mulder said. "Some of them would have been likeable, if their actions hadn't been so reprehensible, but I never really cared about any of them."

"I never did before, either," Alex replied. "I never thought I'd have to do something like that. But I did it, Mulder. I had to."

"Would you do it again?" Scully surprised both men by asking.

It was quiet again, and Mulder wasn't even sure he still maintained the connection. Then Alex's voice came over the line, quiet and raspy.

"I don't know."

It was quiet again, then Scully's soft, sure voice surprised them again.

"Fair enough."

There was heavier, labored breathing from Alex's end of the line, and when he spoke, his voice was so rough it was hard to understand. "You don't understand. Neither of you do. I don't know what to do, here. This...situation, it makes you do things you don't want to do. Things you never thought you could. I don't want to hurt you again. I never want to hurt you again, but..."

"All I ask is honesty," Mulder said firmly. "Shit happens. I know that. Things have to be done. Lines crossed. But...just promise me that one thing. Don't lie to me again. Please."

"Mulder, are you saying you believe his promises?" Scully asked, but her voice was gentle, not reproachful.

"Alex has never made me a promise," Mulder answered. "And yeah, for some reason, I feel like if he did, I could trust him."

Alex gasped. Then he cleared his throat. Then he swallowed loudly. "I don't make promises," he said. "You're right, Mulder. And...you're right, Mulder. If I do, when I do, you can trust me."

They all three waited, soft static crackling over the shared connection. Then a long, deep sigh was heard. "I won't lie to you again," Alex said. "Not to save myself, not to save Scully, not to save you. Fuck, not even to save the whole fucking planet, all right? If that's what you really want. If that's what you need, I promise."

Suddenly, so much was clear to Mulder, and he had no reply for Alex. What had he just asked him to do? Endanger the whole planet just to maintain Mulder's trust? His...love? Mulder's head reeled. His stomach flipped. He found he could hardly breathe. "Alex," he finally said. "We have a job to do. And you're right. It's more important than our feelings. Than *my* feelings. I'm not going to ask you to choose me over the entire human race," he went on, feeling dizzy at the thought that Alex had indeed just done that, at least in word. "If it's a matter of life and death, I want you to make the best decision you know how. If that means lying to me, I want you to do the right thing. But just promise me that unless there is no other choice, we're together on this. Don't keep me in the dark. Don't protect me. Don't leave me out because you think I won't understand. We're a team now, all right?" Mulder held his breath.

"To the end," Alex finally said. "I promise."

The three listened to one another breathe, then Scully broke the heavy quiet. "Let's keep in touch," she said. "Alex, what's a number where we can reach you?"

"I-it's...555-7589," he said in rasp.

"I assume you have my number?" Scully asked calmly.

"Yeah," Alex replied.

"Good. Okay, Mulder. I guess we'll just follow you, then. Let us know if you get any ideas about where they're going. That goes for you, too, Alex."

"Okay, Scully," Alex replied.

"Thanks, Scully," Mulder said.

"You're welcome," she said calmly. "Now, if I don't put this phone down and switch the radio station off The Beastie Boys right this minute, I'm going to have to start shooting people."

Alex's laughter surprised them both and Mulder felt his chest swell at the unaccustomed beauty of it.

"Talk to you later," she said, then Mulder heard the sound of her disconnecting from the call, and Alex's shaky sigh.

"I kinda like Intergalactic," Mulder finally said. "Well, the guitars, anyway."

Alex's response was a soft sound that was a cross between a sigh and a chuckle.

"What kind of music do you like?" Mulder asked, feeling incredibly nervous at asking such a mundane question.

"Oh, well, uh," Alex stammered, obviously just as nervous about answering it. "Hard rock, I guess. Nirvana, System of a Down, Linkin Park, that kind of thing. Alternative stuff, like Depeche Mode."

"I love Depeche Mode," said Mulder, relieved to so easily find a commonality. "Have you heard their newest one, 'Ultra'?"

"No, I don't think so," Alex replied. "Been kinda...busy..." he trailed off.

"I've got it in the car," Mulder said, feeling himself smile hugely. "I could play it..."

Alex laughed again. "Okay, Mulder," he said, his voice sounding a little choked.

Mulder grinned. "I'll have to put the phone down," he explained, realizing he was reluctant to give up his connection to Alex for even long enough to grab the CD and put it in.

"I'll be here," Alex said quietly.

"All right, just a sec," Mulder said. He set the phone on the seat and rummaged in his console, pulling out the right CD with his dexterous fingers, long used to putting in music while driving. He advanced the CD to his favorite song, 'Insight', then turned it up loud and picked up the phone. "Back," he said. "This one's my favorite. Kinda sexy and sad."

"Okay," Alex replied quietly. The haunting sounds of Depeche Mode's 'Insight' filled the car, and Mulder couldn't help but smile, holding tight to his cellphone. He was zooming down the Interstate listening to sexy music with Alex Krycek. He felt silly. He felt like a kid. It was...wonderful.

"Well, what'd ya think?" he asked, when the song ended. He leaned forward to turn the sound down.

"Very sexy," Alex replied in a low voice that made Mulder sigh. "I'll definitely have to get that one."

"The whole album's great," Mulder replied, smiling into the phone. "I'll go ahead and turn it up." He leaned forward and adjusted the dial, starting the album from the beginning. He sat back in the seat, wondering what excuse he might be able to use to stay on the phone, then his eye strayed to the laptop. "Shit! They're getting off!"

"Huh?"

"The Interstate! They're getting off the Interstate."

"Oh, where?"

"According to the tracker we put on Matthew...Oh, did you know about that?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, well, according to that, they're getting off in Falmouth. Looks like they're stopping just off the 95."

"Hmm. I can't think of anything around there. They may just be taking a rest stop."

"Yeah, you're probably right. I guess we should take them when they do. Let's get off at the next exit. I'll call Scully."

"Okay."

"I'll call you when I spot somewhere to stop," he said, finding himself a little reluctant to get off the phone with Alex.

"Sounds good," Alex replied. "Talk to you then." And Mulder sighed as he heard Alex end the call. He hit speed dial one.

"Scully, it looks like they're taking a pee break somewhere around Falmouth, and I figure we'd better do the same while we have the chance. Maybe grab some food, too, if we have time."

"You're probably right," Scully replied. "So...we're going to eat lunch with Alex Krycek, then?"

"Yeah, guess we are."

"Weird."

"Scully..."

"No, I'm actually kind of...looking forward to it. Maybe it will help me get to know him a little better. He's already surprised me today. He's...not exactly the person I thought he was."

Mulder let out his held breath. "Yeah," he said, smiling, then, "Hey, looks like a Jack-In-The-Box up ahead. That work for ya?"

"I guess," Scully said reluctantly.

"Okay then, let me tell Alex."

"All right." Scully ended the call, and Mulder punched in Alex's number, planning to add it to his speed dial as soon as he got the chance.

"Hello?"

"How do you feel about Jack-In-The-Box?"

"Manna from Heaven right now," replied Alex. "I haven't eaten since this morning."

"You left pretty early," said Mulder, trying to diguise the old hurt in his voice.

"I wasn't...I didn't..."

"It's okay," said Mulder. "Say, Alex, I was wondering if you'd like to come to lunch with me." He smiled into the phone.

"I'd love to," Alex said quietly.

"Then pull in here," said Mulder, glancing into his rearview as he took the turn. "See you at the door."

"Right behind you," Alex replied.

"Nice place to have you," responded Mulder, feeling the heat creep up his neck.

A sigh trembled over the line. "Nice place to be." Then the call was ended, and Mulder slid the phone into the pocket of his leather jacket and parked the car.

He got out and walked to the door, carrying the laptop. He watched as Scully pulled in with her white Chrysler LeBaron, then Mulder watched, holding his breath, as a nondescript dark gray sedan made its way into the half-empty lot and took a spot several places down. Mulder was still watching that car when Scully walked up to him, stretching her arms over her head. She turned to see what he was looking at when she saw the slight smile turn up the corners of his mouth, and together they watched as Alex unfolded himself from the car, brushing his hand through his hair. He was dressed in black jeans, a black leather jacket, and heavy black boots. A slice of night in the sunny early afternoon light.

Mulder licked his lips. He could feel Scully watching him, and he looked down to see her give him the eyebrow. He shrugged. "Look at him."

She did, and she looked back up at Mulder, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"I know, I know. You probably like the corduroy-and-sweater look better," Mulder said. She ducked her head shyly for a second, then her smile turned sad and concerned. "Don't worry," Mulder said, becoming serious with her. "He'll be fine. Right, Alex?" Mulder looked up as Alex joined them, hands pushed deep into the pockets of his jacket.

"Right," Alex answered him, looking him square in the eye, and they shared a moment of pure connection that made Mulder swallow hard.

"I'm heading into the bathroom," Scully said, walking around Mulder. "Get me the grilled chicken and ice tea, no sugar."

"Got it," said Mulder, reaching for the door. Scully left them and Alex stepped in behind him. They made their way to the counter. "So, what do you want, Alex?" he asked, again made dizzy by the very weird normality of the situation. It was vaguely like the times they'd eaten together as partners, but with so much more intensity that it was incomparable.

"Fish and chips," said Alex without hesitation.

"Really?" Mulder asked. "Huh. I've never had that. I didn't even know it was on the menu. Good, huh?"

"The best," Alex replied, and he seemed to be relaxing a little. "But make sure you ask for lots of vinegar."

"Naturally," said Mulder, no stranger to the correct way to consume fish and chips, having gorged on them many a summer at the vineyard, not to mention years at school in England. "Too bad they don't serve a good stout, here," he added, flashing a grin.

"Too bad," Alex said, returning the smile, standing to the side and just behind Mulder.

Mulder stepped up to the register. "One grilled chicken sandwich, two orders of fish and chips with lots of vinegar, and three iced teas. That okay with you?" he asked, turning to Alex.

"That's fine," Alex said quietly.

"Great." Mulder paid for the food. "Why don't you use the bathroom and I'll get us a table."

"I'll help you carry the food, since you've got the laptop," replied Alex, picking up the tray. He stopped, waiting for Mulder's direction. Mulder shrugged and picked up the drink tray, heading for a booth. He set the drinks down and Alex put the food down. "You go ahead," Alex said. "I'll watch the laptop."

Mulder hesistated for a minute.

"Never mind," said Alex, pushing past Mulder. "Be right back."

Mulder put his hand out, catching Alex by the fake arm. Alex stopped. "Hey, Alex, it's not that I don't trust you."

"It's okay, Mulder. I understand. I wouldn't trust me, either."

"I just said it's not that," Mulder said firmly, coming around to look Alex in the eye. "It's just hard to let it out of my sight, that's all. As long as it's with me, it's like Matthew's still here, in a way." Mulder looked down, a little embarrassed at being so vulnerable.

"I understand," Alex near-whispered, his eyes gentling. Then, he leaned in, whispering even more quietly. "I used to feel the same way when I tracked you." Then before Mulder could do more than gasp, Alex was striding quickly away to the bathroom.

Mulder slid into his seat, situating the laptop. He looked up to see Scully taking the seat across from him, like she always did. For a minute, he thought about where that would put Alex. Well, he certainly wouldn't sit beside Scully. The thought of Alex sliding in next to him made him smile.

"They still stopped?" Scully asked, reaching for her sandwich.

"Yeah," Mulder replied, handing her the tea.

"So, what did he order?" Scully asked nonchalantly, taking apart and reassembling her sandwich.

Mulder laughed. "Fish and chips," he said. "I got it, too. He said it's really good, here."

Scully arched a brow and lifted her sandwich to her lips just as Alex joined them. Mulder stood up and Alex looked down, obviously having the same thoughts about seating arrangements as Mulder had. Mulder very casually set Alex's iced tea down next to his and slid out of the booth. As Alex took his seat, Mulder realized he was leaving Scully and Alex alone together. He took a silent, deep breath. "Be right back." He walked quickly to the bathroom, intending to do anything but take his time. When he returned to the table, Scully was carefully, methodically chewing her food and not looking at Alex, and Alex was sipping his tea, not having touched his own food. He looked up and Mulder couldn't miss the relief in his eyes as he stood up to let Mulder slide back into his seat.

Alex sat down carefully next to him, leaving the greatest amount of space possible between them. Mulder reached for the bags and placed Alex's order in front of him, taking his own and opening the box. Only then did Alex open his own box, carefully tearing open a vinegar packet, breaking a filet, and dousing the broken edge liberally with vinegar before taking a healthy bite.

Mulder was doing the same when he froze as Alex set down his fish and began carefully licking his fingers clean. Mulder swallowed, fish in hand and dripping excess vinegar all over the table. He could not only see the strong, square fingers going into that pink, hot mouth, he could *hear* the little sucking noises, and he was instantly reminded of that morning's good-bye in the kitchen. He shifted in his seat as his jeans became very uncomfortable. All he could picture was Alex, sliding under the table and using that little pink tongue, those talented lips, on him, making those little sucking noises against his own flesh. He let out a shaky sigh and brought his cooling fish to his own mouth.

It wasn't until after he'd finished one filet and broken open the second when he realized, as he licked errant vinegar from his fingertips, that now *he* was the one being watched. When he met Alex's eyes quickly, he saw that they were nearly black, large and dark and shiny, and Alex hastily looked away, clearing his throat, then dove back into his own food. Mulder looked up at Scully, blushing, but she was very deliberately *not* watching the two men across from her, preferring the scenery outside their window. Mulder sighed with relief, returning to his food, trying not to even glance at the man next to him, whose heat he could now feel across the foot or so of space that separated them.

"I was thinkin'" Mulder said after taking his last bite and noisily licking his fingers, watching out of the corner of his eye as Alex's little pink tongue stroked over those tempting lips over and over.

"Oh?" asked Scully, wiping her lips daintily with her napkin and turning to look Mulder in the eye.

"Yeah," said Mulder, ignoring the silent accusation behind Scully's playfully exasperated eyebrow-arch. "We should really all just take one car, don't ya think? Makes things simpler, and that way we don't have to risk our lives trying to communicate by cellphone while driving." He watched as Scully and Alex tried very hard not to look at each other. "I think my car's the biggest," said Mulder, not sure of that at all, but very definitely intending to do the driving. "Plus, I have the best music." He looked sideways at that, flashing Alex a grin, which turned into a full smile when he got a small one in return before Alex's lashes dropped back down over his eyes shyly.

"I suppose you're right," Scully said slowly. "I guess I'll go out and get anything I need out of my car, including *my* music, and I'll meet you at your car." She got up and left.

"Okay," said Mulder, starting to gather up the trash. "Alex? You okay with this?"

"Whatever you think, Mulder," Alex replied, getting up and gathering up the garbage with Mulder, then taking it wordlessly to the dumpster before returning to stand next to the table.

Mulder grabbed the laptop. "They're not on the move yet. Probably eating somewhere nicer than Jack-In-The-Box," he said, as Alex backed up to let him out. "Do you think they'll feed Matthew?" he said quietly.

"Maybe," Alex shrugged, looking away.

Mulder wasn't reassured. "Well, grab whatever you need to and meet me at my car," he said, stepping past Alex, all playfullness gone out of him, guilt weighing down his long strides. He stretched as he stepped back out into the sun, then went to his car, checking it to make sure it was clean enough for 'company'. It was then that he realized they'd have to settle the question of who sat in the back. He picked up a few food wrappers and papers and walked to the dumpster, frowning. When he got back, Scully was standing next to his car, obviously also thinking of their seating arrangement problem. They both made a big deal of stretching as Alex strode up, a large, black bag slung over his shoulder. He immediately ducked past Mulder and climbed into the back seat, and Mulder and Scully rounded the car and got in front.

Mulder deliberately handed the laptop back to Alex, giving him an almost-smile before turning back around and starting the car. The sounds of Depeche Mode came from the speakers, and he glanced into the rearview to see Alex smiling faintly down at the screen on his lap. He smiled and pulled out into traffic, giving Scully a glance to make sure the music was okay with her. Evidently, it was tolerable, as she just looked out the window, settling her purse on the floor at her feet and moving her seat up. Mulder widened his smile.

"Well, he certainly doesn't have any room on your side with your long legs taking up all the space, does he?" she said, looking out the window casually.

Mulder watched as Alex scooted over behind Scully. "Thanks," he heard from the back seat.

"No problem," Scully returned quietly. "But I get to pick the next CD."

"Deal," said Alex, and Mulder glanced back to catch the smile he heard in his voice. "Hey, they're on the move again, back on the 95."

Mulder nodded, stepping on the gas and accelerating well past the speed limit once more, the mood suddenly serious again.

Several miles down the road, Mulder noticed Scully turning in her seat, looking behind her every little bit. Mulder looked into the rearview mirror and saw Alex look up and catch her eye a few times, saw him chew on the inside of his bottom lip, a little wrinkle forming between his brows.

Trust wasn't coming easily to Scully, and he felt for both of them as he watched her turn her head yet again, looking at Alex for half a second before turning back and looking stiffly out the front windshield. Mulder sighed. And then he realized that he'd never once had the same fear. He'd known all along that Alex wouldn't hurt him. He felt completely at ease with Alex in the car, aside from the exponentially-increased energy thrumming all around them.

As he watched Alex's expression grow more and more closed, Scully looking more and more uncomfortable, he decided it was time for a little impromptu stop. He pulled over at the next rest area, and they all three wordlessly got out of the car. Alex made a quick, silent beeline for the restroom and Mulder gave Scully a look, asking her to stay behind. When they were alone, he stepped in close.

"Scully, he's not going to suddenly whip out an Uzi and start giving orders," he said gently, tilting his head down to look into her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said, looking away. "I just don't...it's not that I don't want to try...I just don't feel good with him behind me like that."

Mulder nodded, brows in the sad, inverted 'V' again.

Scully sighed, then as Alex walked out to the picnic area, bending to stretch his back, scratching where the straps of his prosthesis must be, she turned and walked over to him. "Alex?" He looked up but said nothing. "I'd kind of like to stretch out in the back seat," she said, not quite meeting his eyes. "You're welcome to the front seat, if you want it."

"Easier to keep an eye on me there," he said under his breath. Scully didn't reply, and they both looked at everything but each other. Then his tight expression relaxed. "Sure, Scully. I'd like to sit up front. Thanks."

She nodded, then gave him a tight smile, trying to meet his eyes and actually succeeding for a half second. He didn't smile back, and she turned and walked back over to the car, opening the door and climbing into the back seat. Alex waited until Mulder was making his way to the driver's side again, then slipped into the other front seat, adjusting it to give him just enough leg room without taking all of Scully's. Mulder looked over at him, giving him a reassuring smile, and Alex's mouth twitched, trying to summon a smile in return, but the sadness in his eyes spoke far louder. Mulder licked his lips and very carefully reached a hand, which he realized with horror was trembling, across the console to place it gently on Alex's thigh.

Alex let out a surprised breath and Mulder felt the muscles under his hand harden into rigid tension. He willed himself to leave his hand there, waiting for some of the thundering of his heart to settle down. His pinky finger just brushed against Alex's fake arm, which was laid in his lap casually. He stroked against it subtly, knowing Alex couldn't feel the gesture, but wanting him to see it and know its meaning. He saw Alex frown, and stopped moving his finger against the plastic, then had to take his hand away to shift into drive, pulling back onto the freeway. The rest of the ride was spent by Alex looking out the window, expressing no musical preference when asked. Mulder kept his hands to himself.

***FOUR***

Day had turned into night when Scully spoke from the backseat. "They're getting off the 95."

"Do you think it's another rest stop?" Mulder asked, catching her eye in the rearview mirror, then glancing at Alex, who looked back at him, frowning.

"Can't tell yet," said Scully. "It looks like they're getting on the 26, headed southeast."

"What's the nearest city?" Alex said from the front seat, not turning around.

"Well, the 26 takes us into Charleston," answered Scully. "Is there something around there?"

"I can't think of anything," Alex answered, frowning into the darkness.

"Well," said Mulder, accelerating again. "We'll know soon enough. Keep an eye on that blip, Scully, and let me know when they stop." He looked at Scully in the rearview, and she nodded. He looked over to Alex, but Alex didn't return the look, appearing to have turned inward. Mulder could feel the tension ratchet up in the car, as all three of them readied for the fight ahead.

"It's been twenty minutes now and they haven't moved," Scully said a little while later. "I think they've stopped for the night. They appear to be in Hanahan, about ten miles from the harbor."

Mulder nodded. "We should be able to be there in just under an hour," he said. "We'll get a hotel and figure out what to do next." He stepped on the gas, pushing the needle over the hundred mark.

Forty minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot of a Ramada Inn. "I'll go get us a couple of rooms," he said, taking the keys from the ignition. Alex and Scully both nodded and he got out of the car and walked to the front counter. He booked two rooms, each with two Queen-sized beds, and he tried not to think too much about who he'd be sharing his room with.

He walked out to the car, carrying the two cardkeys. He opened the trunk, removing the bag he always kept in there for emergency trips. "For now," he said, as Scully and Alex got out of the car. "Let's just set up in one room. We can figure out sleeping arrangements later." Scully and Alex both looked at him, then nodded, falling into step behind him, Scully lugging her own overnight bag, Alex toting his large black satchel over his shoulder.

Mulder went into the room, dumping his stuff on the table, then turned to check out the bathroom. As he passed Alex, he couldn't help but notice that the other man was licking his lips over and over, eyes darting in a sort of panic. He came out of the bathroom to find Alex seated rigidly on the end of one bed, Scully standing at the window, looking out at the nonview of the parking lot. "So, what do you think we should do?" he asked Alex, taking a seat on the side of the other bed, facing Alex.

Alex turned to look at him. "I'm going to go in," he said decisively. "I'll trade myself for Matthew."

Mulder frowned. "Isn't that a huge risk for you?"

Alex actually smiled at that. "I can handle myself, Mulder," he said. "Like I said, they're probably just looking to strongarm me into some kind of working arrangement. It's actually probably a really good idea."

"What is?" Scully asked, turning from the window.

"Getting myself in good with them," answered Alex, looking up at her. "I can find out what they know, what they're planning. And once they have me, they'll have no reason to keep Matthew."

"Is there anything you're not telling us?" Mulder asked quietly, head bowed, looking up at Alex.

"No, Mulder," Alex answered. "We parted on relatively good terms last time." He looked away. "I'll be fine as long as I give them what they want."

"Which is exactly what Matthew isn't able to do," said Mulder.

"Exactly. So I need to get over there as soon as possible," said Alex, getting up.

"I'm not comfortable with just sending you in," Mulder said, standing up, too.

"I guess I could wear a wire, so you know I'm not in there screwing you over," Alex said, looking at the floor.

Mulder stepped over to him, reaching out a hand and touching his arm gently. "So I know you're okay," he corrected. "Alex, I'm just worried about you." He held his arm and tried to get Alex to look up at him, but Alex continued staring at the floor.

Mulder stepped in closer. "I like the idea of being able to hear you. It'll be like you're still with me," he said very quietly. "You know, like all those times you surveilled me." He smirked as Alex looked up, lips parted in surprise. He arched his brows in a challenge to Alex to deny it, but Alex just gave him a slight smile of surrender, finally relaxing into the soft touch on his arm.

"Okay, I'll wear a wire," he said, turning and reaching into his bag.

"You just carry those with you all the time?" Mulder asked, stepping in beside him, leaving no more than two inches between their bodies. He forgot Scully was even in the room as he took a deep, quiet inhalation of Alex's scent.

"Sure, don't you?" Alex joked, almost smiling, pulling out the little recording device and receiver. Mulder was about to reply, but lost his words as Alex began stripping off his shirt, taping the device in place. Mulder noticed the hard pecs, the light sprinkling of dark hair. He caught sight of one rosy nipple before noticing the black straps holding the prosthesis onto the strong shoulder. The red marks made by the constant abrasion. He reached out absently to finger them and was struck speechless with embarassment at Scully's loud throat-clearing. He pulled his hand back sheepishly, and he didn't think Alex had even noticed his intent, so focused was he on getting the device situated just right and rebuttoning his black, long-sleeved shirt. Mulder sighed quietly and turned to give Scully an apologetic look. She arched her brows in reprimand, and he dropped his eyes to the floor.

They both looked up at the sound of a clip being rammed home in a gun. Alex was securing the weapon at his back, under his jacket, and they both watched as he slid a seven-inch blade up the inside of his left sleeve. "Ready," he said, looking up and giving his neck a stretch. "I'll try to get them to call a cab for Matthew," he said, "but it's probably a good idea for one of you to be someplace nearby in case things don't go down neatly. And I'll be taking a cab out there, since they're bound to recognize your car."

Mulder nodded. "Scully and I will wait outside, far enough down the road that they won't spot us. I have some field glasses in the trunk."

"And I have my medical bag." Scully added quietly.

Alex nodded. "Okay then." He walked over the phone and called a cab, then hung up and turned to face them. "I'll be back in touch as soon as I can. You don't have to wait for me. I can't guarantee that I'll be able to get away anytime soon."

"Unless Matthew needs hospitalization, we'll be waiting here at the hotel," Mulder said. "And if we hear things go bad over the wire you're wearing, we're coming in after you. Got it?" He realized that it might seem to Alex that he didn't trust him, but he wasn't just going to leave him there to face whatever happened.

Alex nodded, looking out the window. "Cab's here," he said, headed for the door. Mulder glanced over at Scully, who was very deliberately going through her medical bag, then stepped over to Alex, reaching up to place a hand on his back. Alex sighed as Mulder's hand came to rest against the leather of his jacket, and Mulder let his hand slide down to rest at Alex's waist, sliding it up under the jacket, resting it on the waistband of his black jeans. He could feel the heat of his skin through the thin cotton of his shirt. His hand clutched convulsively and Alex gasped softly.

"Be careful," he said quietly, leaning in just slightly, not wanting to make a scene in front of Scully. He heard Alex swallow.

"I will," Alex whispered, bowing his head.

Mulder lifted his other hand until it, too, was resting at Alex's waist. It was as close as he could get to a hug without freaking out his partner, and it made him want much more. "I'll be waiting here for you," he said, giving the hard muscles of Alex's waist a squeeze.

"Mulder," Alex sighed. Then, after a few deep breaths, during which Mulder felt Alex's body moving under his hands, he answered in a whisper, "I'll be back as soon as I can." Then he pulled away from Mulder's hands, opening the door and stepping through it. "See you soon, Scully," he said, turning his head but not quite looking over his shoulder. "Take good care of Matthew."

"I will," Scully replied softly. "Be careful," she added, and Mulder shot a grateful look her way before turning and watching Alex step through the door and make his way down the hall.

"Let's go," he said to Scully, and she nodded and picked up her medical bag. They walked out to the car, watching the cab as it pulled away, carrying Alex to some unknown fate. Mulder picked up the receiver, turning up the volume. He smiled as he heard Alex's gruff voice give the cab driver the address they'd gotten off the laptop, and they pulled into traffic behind the taxi as it made its way out of town.

They followed the cab and drove by the house it stopped at, finding a vantage point up the hill where they could look down and just make out the front yard. It was a big, old colonial farmhouse with no nearby neighbors and a very shiny, black, long car parked in the dusty driveway. Mulder listened to his earpiece as Alex paid the driver and climbed out of the cab, surreptitiously checking the weapon at his back before stepping up to the door and knocking. Mulder couldn't quite see the front door, but he heard the exclamation of surprise as it was opened.

"Mr. Krycek?" said an unfamiliar voice. "I-I don't understand."

"Let me in," replied Alex briskly. "I'm sure things will become more clear."

Mulder listened to the soft thump of Alex's boots on the floor, the slight creak of old wooden boards as he walked through the house. Then he heard a voice that was all-too-familiar.

"Alex, hello," said the cigarette-impaired voice. "Well, well, things are starting to make a little more sense now."

Alex said nothing.

"Yes, we've had quite a difficult time trying to get you to tell us where you got your new arm," replied the smoker. "At first, we thought perhaps we had a clone, but when it bled, I thought perhaps you'd made a special deal I was unaware of. I was really quite impressed with your resilience to our interrogation, truth be told. And now we find it was all just a little misunderstanding."

"Indeed," replied Alex. "So, what did you want from me?"

"Ah Alex, my dear boy, always so willing. So eager." The smoker's voice stroked over Mulder like nails on the chalkboard. "Have a seat."

Mulder heard the sound of Alex lowering himself into a chair, leather creaking.

"I may have underestimated you," the smoker said, coughing a little. "Especially given recent...events."

"You mean the great Pillsbury cook-off?" Alex retorted. "Yeah, playing field's getting a little more roomy, ain't it?"

"Alex," said another voice Mulder knew even better. He shivered. "Let's stop with the games. We're the only ones left. We have to figure out who's left and take control. Are you with us or against us?"

"Hey, I got nothin' to lose," Alex replied. "Let's talk."

"Wonderful," said the old man. "I'm so glad you're being reasonable about this. Diana, why don't you bring our other guest out here so we can decide what to do with him."

Mulder swallowed hard and listened to the sound of Alex's leather creaking as he shifted.

"Alex!" gasped yet another familiar voice, rough and breathless.

"You know him?" the smoker said, obviously intrigued.

"We've met," said Alex coolly. "He's nobody. Just some loser with my face. And my arm," he added darkly.

"Yes, well, none of the questioning methods we've used so far have been convincing enough to help him part with any knowledge, so you might actually be telling the truth," the old man said. "So, tell us your name again, son."

Matthew's voice was hoarse. "I told you. My name's Matthew. I write greeting cards. I'm from Canada..."

"Greeting. Cards." The smoker didn't sound impressed. "What were you doing with Fox Mulder?"

Mulder swallowed. It really was all his fault.

"He...he made the same mistake you did," Matthew stammered. "He thought I was this guy, Krycek. He was questioning me too. He nearly ripped my arm off. God, you people are worse than he is!"

There was a heavy silence in which no one said anything and Mulder didn't breathe. Then the smoker's voice broke the interlude.

"You know, I believe you," he said. Mulder let out a relieved sigh, and listened as Alex tried to hide his own. "However, I'm not sure I want to let you go," he went on. "It might be very handy to have a double of yourself on hand, don't you agree, Alex?"

"Maybe if he wasn't such a dork," said Alex dismissively. "He's useless, sir," he said, making his tone more respectful. "He writes greeting cards for Christ's sake. Cut him loose so we can get to work."

The smoker sighed. "Very well, Alex. I suppose I owe you one. I'll leave this one up to you. Diana, call Matthew a cab. Oh, and give him something to wash the blood off his face. We don't want trouble, Matthew. If you don't fuck with us, we won't fuck with you. Is that clear?"

"Very," replied Matthew shakily. "As far as I'm concerned, this never happened. I just want to get back to Canada and forget I ever met you people."

"Very good. Just remember, Alex doesn't think you're an asset to us, but you certainly don't want to become a liability."

"Understood," Matthew rasped.

"Take him out to the foyer, Diana, so Alex and I can talk."

"Yes, sir," said Diana, and Mulder heard two sets of footsteps on the wood floor. A door opened and closed.

"They're calling him a cab," Mulder told Scully. "Sounds like he might be kind of beat-up, but he's okay," he added. She nodded, staying quiet so Mulder could continue to listen.

"You look well," Mulder heard the smoker comment.

"Thank you," Alex replied quietly.

"The loss of your arm really doesn't detract from your appearance in any significant way," the old man added.

"I told you, I don't wanna do that shit anymore," Alex rumbled, leather creaking as he shifted.

"Yes, I know what you said after the last time," said the smoker. "And I really was disappointed with the way my associate comported himself with my property. But you must agree, the monetary compensation was more than fair. And after all, you heal very quickly."

Alex shifted again, and Mulder squinted against the images in his mind.

"I've got a somewhat different use for you in mind this time. One I would think you'd be more than amenable to."

Alex sighed. "What is it."

"I want to rebuild the project," said the old man imperiously. "And as you can see, my health is fairing much more poorly than your own. I need someone to take over for me."

"I-I told you before, it's all I've ever wanted," Alex said softly.

"No, no, my dear boy, that's not quite what I had in mind," the smoker replied. "You're very useful, to be sure, but quite unpredictable and not as bright as you could be. No, I have another assignment for you."

Alex ground his teeth. Mulder winced.

"I'm going to use you to bring Fox Mulder over to our side," replied the smoker. "He's the one I want heading up the project."

Mulder's mouth fell open. Alex sighed deeply. "Use me how?"

"You're to be a gift, Alex. A peace offering of sorts. I'm going to give you to Mulder in exchange for his allegiance."

Alex gasped. "Give me to him? What, so he can kill me? Have me arrested?"

"I don't think so," the smoker answered. "I think you underestimate the depth of our dear Fox's intentions for you. How much he wants what you have. What he's willing to do to get it."

Mulder swallowed.

"This won't work," grated Alex. "He'd sooner kill me than work with me."

"You're the bait, Alex," The smoker replied in a patient tone. "It's up to you to use your considerable skills to make yourself useful to him in whatever way necessary so he doesn't choose to kill you."

"You want me to whore myself to him as an incentive to get him to come in on the project," Alex said through gritted teeth.

Mulder worked hard to control his breathing, ignoring the curious look Scully was giving him.

"Essentially, yes. I feel that best makes use of your strongest assets. And you get what you've always wanted. This is a reward of sorts for you, Alex, if you play it right."

"What are you talking about?" Alex's voice came out a breathy growl.

"Come now. Did you think your seduction of Jeffrey had gone unnoticed?"

Mulder gasped, making Scully frown. He glanced at her then turned his attention inward to listen again.

"Of course, we also know you only wanted him because you couldn't have his brother. Poor Jeffrey. Always everyone's second choice."

Mulder forgot how to breathe. Jeffrey. Jeffrey Spender. His...brother? But how...?

"Don't...don't...." Alex rasped helplessly.

"This way, you get Fox, and we get Fox. And Fox gets you. Everybody's happy."

"He'll never join you...he'll never do this..."

"I want Fox Mulder, Alex," the smoker stated. "I'm tired of waiting. It's time for him to take his place. If you're right, and you can't do the job, perhaps you, too, are becoming more of a liability than an asset. You're not the only pretty face at my disposal, Alex. And of course, if honey doesn't work, there's always vinegar."

"What are you saying?" Alex asked in a quiet, dangerous voice.

"If our Fox doesn't take the bait," replied the smoker. "We can always go back to the original plan."

"If you hurt Dana Scully again, he won't stop until he destroys you."

Mulder closed his eyes.

"Well, you're right about one thing. He'd do anything for her," agreed the smoker. "It's not really a matter of taking her away from him, Alex. It's a matter of allowing him to keep her, given that he's cooperative. If it turns out that you really aren't what Fox wants...and I would suggest that you do everything in your power to be exactly that, my dear boy...we simply use the chip."

It was quiet, and Mulder's stomach turned.

"So, Alex. Do you still think you don't have what it takes to get the job done?"

"I'll do it," Alex rasped.

"Good, good," the smoker said, sounding pleased. "I'm so glad we could come to an understanding on this."

Mulder blinked, mouth open, listening to Alex breathe. Scully drove the car, following the cab as it made its way toward town.

"We're finished here for now," said the smoker after a few more moments. "I'll have Diana call you a cab. I'll be in touch as soon as I'm ready to make the exchange."

There was a pause, punctuated by a creaking of leather. Mulder held his breath.

"Don't even think about disappearing, Alex," the smoker said quietly. "We will find you. And neither you, nor Mulder or Scully will like the results of that choice. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes," Alex whispered.

"Fine. You may go."

Mulder heard the sound of him getting up out of the chair and walking across the room. The same door opened and closed.

"Call me a fucking cab," Alex's voice growled.

"Relax, Alex," came Diana's soothing reply. "It's not such a horrible assignment, is it? I mean, you know how lonely he is."

"Call me a fucking cab," Alex repeated, voice dark.

"You'd do well to show me some respect, Alex," she said archly.

"Why, because you're sucking *his* dick?" retorted Alex.

"Don't tell me you haven't always wanted to be on your knees to him, Alex. I know it. We all knew it. You're just jealous that you're not the one he wants. Here's a phone. Call your own cab."

Mulder listened to the sound of heels clicking dully on wood, then heard Alex's rough voice order a cab, slamming the receiver down with controlled violence. The cab Scully was following pulled over to a McDonald's and they watched Matthew step out slowly. Scully pulled up the car and jumped out, running up to Matthew, who turned and spotted her coming toward him, giving her a tired smile. Mulder listened to Alex pace as he watched Scully put her arm around Matthew's middle, leading him over to the car. She opened the back door and made him lie down in the back, then got back into the driver's seat.

"What's happening?" she whispered, after Mulder had nodded his quiet greeting to Matthew, pointing to the listening device in his ear. Matthew gave him a weak smile and closed his eyes, trying to curl up in the backseat, folding up his long legs carefully.

"He's just getting in the cab," Mulder replied. "He's headed back to the hotel. Let's go."

Scully nodded, and they pulled into traffic. They got to the hotel before Alex, and helped Matthew up to the room, where Scully immediately put him into bed, tending to his wounds and ordering up room service. Mulder listened at the table as Alex paid the cab and walked down the hall. He was still listening as Alex knocked on the door to the room, and he stood up, pulling the device out of his ear as he opened the door.

Alex looked pale, and Mulder reached out and grabbed him by the hand, pulling him into the room.

"I didn't want you to hear that," Alex said in a near-whisper. "I didn't want you to know..."

Mulder nodded, stroking over Alex's hand with his thumb. He didn't know what to say to make this awkward situation any better, so he just led Alex into the room.

"How is he?" Alex asked quietly, glancing down at Matthew's sleeping form.

Scully looked up, giving him a gentle smile. "He's going to be fine," she said. "He's just a little roughed up. Nothing serious, though. I gave him something to help him sleep. He was pretty shaky. He ate some soup and went right out."

Alex nodded. "Make sure you get the cut on his arm."

"Got it," Scully replied. "What was that about?"

"Testing for alien blood," Alex replied tonelessly.

Scully went quiet at that.

"Hey, Scully," Mulder said, coming up to where she was sitting on the edge of Matthew's bed. "Would you mind if Alex and I went to the other room next door so we can talk? We don't want to disturb Matthew."

Scully gave him a look, then looked at Alex, who didn't look anywhere near amorous. She looked back to Mulder. "All right. That's probably a good idea. You can fill me in later, in the morning."

Mulder couldn't help the way his heart sped up at the thought of spending the night in a hotel room with Alex. He tried to sound casual, scooping up his bag and handing Alex his own. "Okay. Call me if you need anything. Anything at all."

"I will," Scully replied. "Same here."

"Will do," Mulder said, reaching out to touch her shoulder briefly, then heading for the door where Alex was still waiting. "Good night, Scully."

"Night, Mulder," Scully replied.

"Night," Alex said hoarsely.

"Good night," she said back softly, then she turned back to Matthew, adjusting his covers and putting away her medical supplies.

***FIVE***

Mulder led Alex out of the room and next door to the other one, and his hand was shaking slightly as he inserted the card key. He entered the room and went to the far bed, throwing his stuff down in the middle of it. Then he turned as Alex came in and quietly put his things on the other one. Neither man turned on the lights, and Mulder could tell Alex was trying not to look at him. He went over to one of the small wall sconces and switched on a soft, pale lamp. There was enough light to see by, but it wasn't bright. Mulder sighed and sat down on the edge of his bed, facing Alex's. Alex walked over to the window and stared out through the crack in the curtains. Mulder could feel the pain coming off him in waves. He stood and walked up behind Alex, reaching up to put his hands on the hunched shoulders.

Alex jerked under his hands as they came down, and Mulder stepped in, pressing himself full-length along Alex's back side. He carefully, slowly let his hands slide down Alex's upper arms, one real, one fake, then wrapped his arms around the strong chest in a tight hug.

Alex sighed, letting his head fall back against Mulder's shoulder, and Mulder leaned in, placing his lips against Alex's neck. Alex immediately began to turn in Mulder's arms, and Mulder prepared to kiss him, loosening his grip to let Alex move more freely. He was momentarily confused when Alex dropped to his knees in front him, working at the fastening on his jeans.

"Wait, Alex, no," he whispered, taking hold of Alex's shoulders.

Alex fell back on his heels, head bowed. "I'm sorry. I'm dirty. I'm disgusting. I shouldn't be allowed to touch you. You don't want me now."

"No, no," Mulder said, reaching down and stroking through Alex's hair. "God, no, Alex, I do want you. I want you more than I've ever wanted anybody," he said, pulling up on Alex's head, trying to get him to raise his eyes.

"Then please, just let me do this," Alex whispered, eyes fluttering closed. "Please."

"Yes, Alex," sighed Mulder. "God, use your incredible mouth on me. I want it. I do. I just wanted to touch you..."

"I want to touch you," Alex whispered, kneeling back up and working at Mulder's fly with his hand. "I've always wanted to touch you," he breathed, pulling Mulder's jeans open and reaching into his underwear.

Mulder gasped as Alex's hot hand closed around his erection, giving it a long, slow squeeze. He cried out as he felt the head of his cock being enveloped in the heaven of Alex's warm, wet mouth. "God, Alex!"

Alex grunted and pulled off. "Fuck my mouth again, Mulder. Like you want to. Just like you like it." And opened his mouth wide and took Mulder halfway down, stretching his lips and relaxing his throat.

"Ohhhhh God..." Mulder moaned, already starting to pulse his hips. "Jesus." He gasped as Alex took him the rest of the way down, and he steadied himself on Alex's shoulders and began to thrust, shoving himself into the willing throat again and again, losing himself in Alex's surrender. He was totally disoriented when Alex pulled off him with a loud slurp.

"Do you wanna fuck me?" Alex gasped. "I want you to." He was breathless. "Please, Mulder, will you fuck me?"

"Oh God," Mulder said again, only able to think of one other word with his limited brain function. "Yes!"

Alex quickly stripped off his jacket, pulling open his shirt and tugging it down his prosthesis, then off his arm. Mulder just stared down past his glistening, bobbing erection as Alex made himself naked for him, not even getting off his knees while he divested himself of jeans, boots, and underwear smoothly.

Alex crawled on his knees over to the bed and climbed onto it, laying himself out on his stomach, spreading his legs wide. Mulder stared, dick hanging out of his pants, frozen at the sight of the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Then he reached down and yanked off his own jeans, almost tripping over his feet in an effort to get his shoes off, pulling his sweatshirt off in one violent motion. When he was naked, he stepped over to the bed and looked down at the man spread out before him. Alex's head was turned away, his eyes closed.

Mulder climbed onto the bed and laid himself out alongside the lean, hard body full-length with a deep sigh. He nestled himself in closer, pressing his erection against Alex's hard hip, and laid his hand in the middle of the tense back. Alex spread his legs wider, and Mulder trailed his hand down his spine, tickling down between the round, full buttocks, making Alex squirm. "Fuck me," Alex murmured into his pillow. "Just do it."

Mulder smiled, pressing his lips against the skin of Alex's back. Then he began placing soft, wet kisses all over the firm muscles, making them twitch and bunch under his lips. While his mouth was busy on Alex's back, his fingers stroked up the silky insides of the muscular inner thighs, brushing softly over Alex's sensitive opening. Alex moaned and squirmed, and Mulder chuckled and kept up the sensual torture.

"What're you doing?" Alex rumbled helplessly.

Mulder just smiled and began taking little nips at Alex's shoulders as his finger began pressing more insistently at his opening.

"You don't have to do that," Alex rasped. "I'm used to it. You can just fuck me."

"Maybe I *want* to do it," Mulder said against the skin of Alex's back, rocking his hips, sliding his cock up and down against Alex's hip. He groaned and pushed the tip of his index finger inside.

"Uh!" Alex grunted, raising his hips, trying to force Mulder's finger in deeper. Mulder chuckled and moved with him, keeping just his fingertip in Alex's ass, driving him crazy. "Just fuck me!" Alex pleaded, but Mulder ignored him, sinking his teeth gently into the extra-responsive muscle connecting neck to shoulder, thrusting himself lazily against Alex's writhing hip.

"Alex," Mulder said into the muscle he'd just bitten, "Thank you for helping Matthew. I'm...sorry it was so hard for you."

Alex pulled his body away from Mulder, but Mulder just followed him, nestling in again, now stopping his teasing of Alex's asshole in favor of squeezing and stroking the pale, round buttocks.

"I don't want to talk about it," Alex rasped. Mulder raised himself up, climbing on top of Alex to look him in the face. Alex squeezed his eyes shut as Mulder leaned in.

"Alex," Mulder said softly, just hovering there, waiting for Alex to look at him.

Alex let out a shaky exhale but didn't open his eyes.

"Alex, I had no idea...I didn't know what you'd had to do..."

"Can we just not do this?" Alex said through clenched teeth. "Can't you just fuck me, Mulder? Isn't that enough for you?"

Mulder frowned, looking down at the tightly-shut eyes, the shadow of long lashes brushing against slightly-damp cheeks. He looked at the sweaty tendrils of dark hair curled at Alex's temples, at the small, perfect ear begging to be bitten. He leaned in, brushing his plump lip along the shell of it. "I can fuck you, Alex," he whispered, making the other man shiver. "I've wanted to fuck you since I saw you." He stopped, smiling against the other man's ear. "Actually," he murmured into it, making Alex squirm again. "That's not true. At first, I just liked you."

Alex's eyes blinked open and stared straight ahead. "You liked me?" he half-whispered.

"Mmhmm," Mulder hummed into his ear. "You were sweet. Smart. And you had chutzpah."

"Chutzpah?" Alex asked, turning his head slightly, but still not looking at Mulder.

Mulder smiled. "Old Jewish term. Means spirit." He took Alex's earlobe between his teeth and bit gently. "Shpunk," he said with it still in his teeth.

Alex squeezed his eyes shut again, turning his face into the pillow.

Mulder let his ear go. "Alex? You okay?"

"I'm fine," Alex mumbled into the pillow. "Just fuck me, Mulder. Fuck me hard. Make me feel it. Make it hurt."

Mulder frowned, but his cock swelled where it was pressed against the upswell of Alex's ass. He bent and placed a kiss on the back of Alex's neck and nodded. "Where's the lube?" he asked against the sweat-damp skin. Alex shook his head, still burrowed into the pillow, and Mulder frowned and raised up off him. He climbed off the bed very reluctantly, and Alex turned his head and watched as he padded into the bathroom, cock bobbing in the cool air, and grabbed the tiny bottle of complimentary lotion. He headed back toward the bed with a satisfied grin, coating himself generously as he walked.

"You wanna be fucked, Alex?" he said in a low rumble.

"God, please," Alex replied, closing his eyes again, raising his hips and spreading his legs wide.

Mulder let out a shuddering sigh and climbed onto the bed, already reaching between Alex's buttcheeks with his lotion-slick fingers.

"Fuck yeah," Alex breathed. "Do it, Mulder."

"I like it when you say my name, Alex," Mulder said, pushing his index and middle finger into Alex deeply.

"Nngah!" Alex replied. Mulder worked his fingers in and out, kneeling between Alex's spread knees, working his own slippery cock with his other hand.

"Everytime you say it," he sighed. "Every fucking time you say it, it's like a stroke down my cock."

"Oh God," Alex moaned, pressing his face into the pillow. "Fuck me fuck me fuck me, Mulder!"

"Mmmmyeah, like that," Mulder purred, pulling his fingers out and taking hold of his cock. He reached up and grabbed the second pillow from the bed and shoved it under Alex's hips. Alex raised himself up obligingly, grunting as his own hard cock got pressed into the not-too-soft pillow. "I'm gonna make you come all over that pillow," Mulder murmured, lining himself up. "And when you do, I want you to say my name again." With that, he rammed himself home in one hard, brutal thrust. "Aaaaaaahhhhhh."

Alex cried out into the pillow, his whole body going tense for a moment, and Mulder leaned down and placed a kiss in the center of his rigid back. "Relax, Alex," he said, pulling his cock halfway out then slamming home again. Alex cried out again into the pillow, but his body began to melt into the assault, legs spreading wider, breathing becoming deep and loud.

"Fffuck, Alex," Mulder hissed, getting into a rhythm. "Oh God..."

"Huh-harder," Alex gasped. "Fuck me harder. Harder!"

Mulder moaned and steadied himself, then began slamming in hard, grunting on impact.

"Yeah, yeah," Alex gasped. "Fuckin' do it, Mulder, just do it!"

Mulder was now fucking him so hard the bed was thudding against the wall, and Alex couldn't even move with him, could just lie there, spread out for him, taking him and letting out gasping cries as Mulder's long, deep-driving strokes rammed into his prostate over and over. Mulder started gasping with each thrust, his mouth falling open, eyes closed as he felt his body winding up to come.

"Cuh-come for me, Alex," he gasped, gritting his teeth. "Ss-say my name!" He reached under Alex's body, shortening his thrusts as his hand closed around Alex's hot, granite cock. "Oh God," he groaned, jerking back hard with each entry, stars covering his field of vision.

Alex's body arched, his face coming up out of the pillow as his ass clamped down on Mulder's throbbing cock. "Mulder!" he yelled. He cried out several times, one 'Mulder' for each time his cock pulsed in Mulder's hand, spurting hot cum all over his fingers and the pillow. He could feel each one in his balls, and it was so good it was pain. He held on, eyes rolled back in his head, breath caught, until Alex's body began to fall back to the bed, then he let his own climax take him.

"Ahhhhfuck! Alex! Ahhhhhhh...." he yelled into the room, shooting deeply over and over into the now-slack, sweat-soaked, shivering body under him. "Ah...ah...ahhhh," he gasped, working the last of it out of himself with short, jerky thrusts into Alex's body. Finally, when his body felt completely hollow and empty and drained, he collapsed on top of Alex's body with a loud, open- mouthed groan. Absently, he opened his mouth against Alex's shoulder, licking and sucking as he moved gently in his ass, sliding in his own cum and their combined sweat.

Alex grunted, lying slack and heavy on the bed, catching his breath. After a few moments more, Mulder pulled out of Alex with a groan, collapsing beside him on the bed, nudging him over to make more room.

"Tha' was th'bessfuck I ever had," he murmured into Alex's back.

Alex grunted, still not moving.

Mulder mumbled nonsensically against the sweaty skin and started to fall asleep. When he'd all but lost consciousness, he felt Alex trying to work his way out from under him. He threw a leg over him and grunted, pulling him back in.

"Mulder, I need to take a piss," Alex told him. "And if it's all the same to you, I'd really like a shower."

"Mmm," Mulder mumbled, removing his leg and releasing Alex's body. Alex pulled away and climbed off the bed, padding quietly into the bathroom. Mulder fell asleep before he returned, pulling the cum-spattered pillow in and flopping his leg down on top of it in place of Alex.

***SIX***

When he awoke, he was still sprawled over the same pillow, and Alex was not in the bed. He stretched his stiff body, blinking dazedly at the late-morning sunlight streaming in through the crack in the curtains. He frowned in disappointment at not having Alex's warm, sleepy body to wake up to, and sat up, looking around the room. Alex was standing at the window, fully dressed, looking out at the parking lot. Mulder suddenly felt as naked as he was. He scooted over until he was sitting on the edge of the bed and raked his hand through his hair.

"Hey."

Alex turned to look at him for a moment, then turned back to the window. "Hey," he said in return, voice quiet.

Mulder frowned and smacked his lips, then decided he would better be able to handle this odd situation after a shower, a shave, and a good toothbrushing. "I'm gonna take a shower," he said, standing up, and the dark head at the window bobbed once in acknowledgement. Mulder nodded back, even though Alex didn't turn to see it, and headed into the bathroom.

After a hot shower, his energy level was much higher, and he quickly shaved and brushed his teeth, anticipating a nice morning kiss. He pulled on a pair of jeans and combed his wet hair with his fingers. He came out of the bathroom to find Alex pacing the room.

"Morning," he said quietly, walking over to the bedside clock.

"Morning," Alex returned gruffly. "Scully called."

"Oh?" Mulder sat down on the made bed, unable to keep himself from glancing over at the messy one with a bit of horny nostalgia. As he sat down, he noticed the coverlet was rumpled, the pillows rearranged. Alex had slept here. He swallowed, feeling his throat get thick. "Everything okay?"

Alex chuffed out a mirthless laugh. "Oh yeah, Mulder, everything's great. Weren't you listening yesterday? Everything's just fine."

Mulder sighed, looking down at the floor between his bare feet. When Alex said nothing further, just turning and staring out the window again, Mulder reached for the phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Morning, Scully."

"Mulder, hello." Scully's voice was cool. Disapproving. Ah shit. They had made quite a bit of noise last night...

"How's Matthew?" he asked, rubbing his neck, trying to ignore the embarassed blush on his cheeks.

"He's fine," Scully answered, a little less coolly. "Just a little sore."

"You did let him get some sleep last night, didn't you?" Mulder teased, thinking it might lighten the mood.

"Yes, I did," she replied shortly. "We're not all oversexed porn stars."

Mulder closed his eyes, his face hot. "So," he murmured. "I guess we should all sit down and figure out what happens next."

"Yes, I guess we should."

"Why don't we all go out for breakfast at that Denny's down the road?" Mulder suggested hopefully.

"Fine," said Scully. "We'll head over there now."

"Okay," said Mulder, glancing up at the dark form at the window. "We'll be over in about ten minutes." He hung up the phone and rubbed his hand down over his face. "Alex?"

"I'm ready when you are," Alex said, not turning around.

"Alex, turn around," Mulder said. Alex turned around, looking at Mulder, head lowered. "What's going on here?" Mulder asked. "You slept in this bed instead of with me," he said, trying to keep the hurt out of his voice. "Why?" The last came out as a whisper, and Mulder looked down at his hands, clasped between his knees.

"I just needed some space," Alex answered roughly.

Mulder looked up, and Alex was staring at the floor. Mulder sighed. "I just...after last night...it would have been nice to wake up with you."

"I'm sorry," Alex said shortly. "I'll sleep with you tonight, okay?"

Mulder felt his jaw clench. "I don't want you to if you don't want to," he said, feeling stupid. "Just..." He trailed off, sighing.

"Can we go eat now?" Alex asked quietly. "They're over there waiting for us."

"Sure," Mulder answered. "Let me finish getting dressed." He got up, not looking at Alex, and pulled a T-shirt out of his bag. He put it on and slipped into his Nikes and leather jacket. Alex grabbed his jacket and Mulder picked up the cardkey. "Let's go."

They walked down the sidewalk with around two feet of space between them, but to Mulder it felt like more. They arrived and looked around the restaurant, spotting Scully and Matthew at a booth in the corner, sitting across from one another. Ah, the seating question again. Alex next to Scully? No, probably not. Alex next to Matthew would definitely make for an interesting sight, but it was probably the best solution. Mulder stepped ahead of Alex and slid in next to Scully wordlessly, with a nod and a smile at Matthew, then Scully. Alex took a seat next to Matthew, who smiled up at him warmly, handing him a menu. He didn't return the smile, taking the menu and looking at it intently.

Matthew frowned and looked a question at Mulder, who avoided the look and buried himself in his own menu, handed to him by a frowning Scully. They all studied the options silently until the waitress came to take their order.

"Eggbeater omelet with mushrooms, no cheese," said Scully, " and more coffee, please."

"Grand Slam number three," said Mulder, "and coffee."

"I'll have the same," said Matthew, "and more cream and sugar, please." Mulder actually gave him a small smile at that, which Matthew returned warmly.

"And for you, sir?" the waitress asked, looking at Alex.

"Toast," he said quietly. "and coffee."

Mulder sighed quietly and they all handed their menus to the waitress, who walked away, leaving them once again mired in their heavy silence.

"So, Mulder, what happened at that house yesterday?" asked Scully, taking a sip of her coffee. "Matthew told me about how they questioned him."

Mulder looked over to Alex, who was looking out the window, then cleared his throat. "Well, it's kind of ironic," he said, feeling a stone settle in the pit of his stomach. "You're not gonna believe this, but...the smoking man wants me to take over the project."

"What?" Scully frowned. "What do you mean? He talked about *you*?"

"Yeah, he did," said Mulder, again glancing over at Alex, who was still staring out the window.

"So, what did they want with Matthew?" she asked. "Well, Alex, I mean."

Mulder sighed quietly. "They're offering..." He stopped and swallowed, frowning over at Alex, who continued watching the morning traffic. "They're offering me Alex in exchange for working with them," he finally said quickly, trying to get it all out in one breath.

"What?" Scully said shrilly, looking accusingly at Alex. "So that's what he's doing?"

"Scully, I'm the one who found *him*, remember?" said Mulder, taking in Alex's hunching shoulders and closed expression. "He's here because...I brought him here."

Scully sighed deeply, frowning and shaking her head. "I don't get it. So you brought Krycek out of hiding only to find out he was already out looking for you?"

"No, he wasn't," Mulder said. "That's what they wanted to talk to him about. They were letting him know they were going to...give him to me."

"I'm the prize at the bottom of the box," said Alex quietly. "His own little fucktoy, punching bag, slave, whatever. An incentive for his cooperation."

Scully gasped, her face coloring. "And they...they thought this would work?" she said incredulously.

"I guess they're onto me," Mulder said with a sick smile, trying to reassure Alex a little and lighten the mood.

"Mulder, are you saying...?"

"No, Scully, of course not. I'm not that much of a pathetic horndog." Alex flinched, and Mulder regretted his choice of words a second too late. "No, I mean, they're right that I want Alex. I guess that's not really a secret to anybody, huh?" he said, shrugging and smiling a self-deprecating smile. "But they're wrong if they think anything, even that, will get me to come over to their side."

"Excuse me," said Alex, getting up from the table and hurriedly making his way between tables.

"Shit," said Mulder, getting up also. Matthew and Scully just watched, frowning and wide-eyed, as Mulder followed Alex through the Denny's.

Alex slammed his way into the men's room and Mulder followed. They waited until the man inside left, then Mulder turned and locked the door. He walked over to Alex, who was pacing the short distance, head down.

"Alex, I didn't mean that the way it sounded," Mulder started, trying to step in front of the pacing man. "I didn't mean to make you sound like a..."

Alex laughed darkly. "A whore?" he said, arching his brows, fixing Mulder with a stare.

Mulder licked his lips, stepping in and taking Alex by the shoulders. "I don't know what you've had to do in the past," he said, looking intently into Alex's eyes.

"Don't you?" Alex challenged him, lifting his chin. "Do you *want* to know, Mulder? I mean, wouldn't it make you sick, to hear about the cocks I've sucked? The men I've let fuck me, hit me, cut me, burn me, use me? Jesus, Mulder, just let go of me." He wrenched himself free, headed for the door, but Mulder blocked him, grabbing him again.

"Just tell me one thing," Mulder said, jaw clenched, trying not to think about the horrible images Alex just planted in his mind. "Are you with me because you think you have to be? Do you fuck me because they want you to? Or because you think you have to, because it's what I want? Or do you fuck me because *you* want to? Because *you* want *me*?"

Alex frowned, lips parted, eyes blinking rapidly as Mulder stared at him, not letting him look away. "Wh-why does that matter?" he finally rasped.

"It matters!" Mulder said, shaking him. "I don't want a whore, Alex! Jesus! Don't you get it? I want *you*! You as a person! You as a man! You as a..." He swallowed hard. "You as a lover."

Alex let out a trembling gasp, mouth open in shock.

"Well?" Mulder asked, letting him go roughly.

"I-I *do* want you," Alex whispered brokenly. "I always have. I've never wanted anyone the way I want you."

Mulder let out a breath, closing his eyes. When Alex didn't continue, he opened his eyes, frowning.

"I-I don't know how to give you what you're asking," Alex choked. "No one's ever...sex was always...it's always been something I gave to other people because they wanted it. Because it would get me what I wanted."

Mulder inhaled and exhaled, trying to choose his words carefully. "I want you to have sex with me because it's what you want," he said quietly. "Not because you think it's what I want, or because you think you have to, or because you're trying to get something from me." He watched Alex's eyes glaze with pain at that, but went on, feeling the need to say it all. "When you touch me, I want it to be simply because you want to."

Time and silence stretched between them, Alex staring at the tiles of the floor, Mulder studying him intently.

"It's ironic," Alex finally said in a low half-whisper. "You were always the one I'd never have. The one I couldn't touch. I knew you'd never have me. I didn't even let myself think about it."

Mulder said nothing, just letting Alex talk.

"And now *he's* giving me to you. He's giving me..." Alex stopped, clenching his jaw. "He's right, you know." Alex's voice fell to a whisper as he changed the subject. "The two times I fucked Jeffrey, I pictured you. I pretended I was fucking you."

Mulder swallowed, not wanting to think about what the smoker had said about Jeffrey being his brother. They would deal with all of that later. Right now, he had to listen. Had to get Alex to continue.

Alex smiled without any joy, still staring at the tiles. "He was vulnerable. Scared and stupid. And I made him think I cared about him. When really I hated him."

Mulder frowned, and as if Alex could feel it, he finally looked up, meeting Mulder's questioning eyes.

"Yeah, I hated him," Alex said. "Because of what he was doing to you. Destroying everything you've worked your whole life for. And because..." Alex swallowed hard. "Because that fucker Spender was giving him everything *I'd* worked so Goddamned hard for."

"The project," said Mulder quietly.

Alex nodded, looking back down at the floor. "Just because Jeff was his son, he gave it all to him. Everything. After everything I'd done...everything I'd sacrificed, everything I'd done for him, everything I'd given him, everything I'd given *up*," he said bitterly. "When it came time to hand over the torch, he just *handed* it to that little prick."

"And now he wants to give it to me," said Mulder, uncomfortable with hearing of Alex's dreams of power and glory within the Consortium, and feeling sick as his mind tried not to focus on the point-blank declaration of the smoker's paternity.

"That's different," Alex whispered, still staring at the tiles.

"But...I can't..." Mulder stopped, firming his jaw. "Alex, what you did...what you've all done...it's wrong."

"How do you know?" asked Alex, voice rising. "You don't know what we're up against, Mulder! You're only now beginning to see the big picture! God, Mulder, if you don't see it soon..." He closed his eyes, bowing his head again, lips pressing together in a firm line.

Mulder sighed, letting his eyes trail over Alex's tightly held body from head to toe. "All right," he finally said, feeling the ground sway under him with the gravity and meaning of what he was about to say. "Tell me. Tell me what we're up against. Tell me about the project. Tell me what he wants me to do."

Alex looked up, lips parted in surprise.

"Yeah, I wanna hear it all. I'm ready to listen. You're right. I know more now than I did before. I dunno. Maybe this really is the way I'm supposed to make a difference." This time it was Mulder's turn to stare at the tiles.

"Mulder?" Alex rasped.

"But not right now," said Mulder softly. "We need to get out of the men's room and let Scully and Matthew know we're okay." He looked up, fixing Alex in his sights. "Are we okay?"

"I-I guess so," Alex stammered, frowning.

Mulder sighed and stepped in, raising his hand to Alex's jaw, stroking it with his thumb. "We need to get something straight, here. Sometimes...when I touch you..." He trailed off, staring into Alex's confused, blinking frown. "Alex," he said softly. "Every time I touch you, it doesn't mean I'm asking for sex. Do you understand that?"

Alex blinked rapidly, and Mulder knew the answer was no.

"Don't you ever just want to reach your hand out and touch me?" he said, feeling his heart thud at the possibility that Alex didn't feel that.

"I...all...all the time," said Alex in a strangled whisper. His hand twitched at his side.

"And does it mean you want to fuck me, every time you touch me?"

Alex ducked his head, looking to the side. "I-I'm not sure what you mean," he said softly. He swallowed. "There's never a moment I don't want you."

Mulder sighed. "I want you, too, Alex. You know that. But sometimes...sometimes I just want to touch you. Feel your touch. Connect with you that way. And it doesn't have to lead to sex."

"Are you saying you don't want to have sex anymore?" Alex asked, looking up, eyes wide with concern.

Mulder smiled. "That is most certainly *not* what I'm saying," he replied. "I'm only saying that you need to learn to let me just touch you. And I want you to learn to just touch me."

Alex squinted, frowning more deeply. "I can...you want me to touch you...whenever I want to?"

Mulder laughed softly. "Well, don't get us arrested or anything," he said, grinning. "But yeah. I want you to touch me. I need that, Alex. I want you to touch me because it pleases you, not just because you think it will please me."

"I've...never done that before," Alex exhaled. "Never had anyone touch me that didn't want something from me."

Mulder frowned.

"I'll do my best," Alex said quietly. "Every time you touch me, I feel it throughout my whole body. I feel it in my cock," he went on, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'll try control my response, and not fall to my knees, ready to please you."

"Jesus, Alex," Mulder gasped, his hand clutching at Alex's shoulder now. "You say things like that and you make it very hard for me to control *my* response to *you*."

Alex's lips curved into a tempting smile. "So," he continued. "If I want to do something because it's what *I* want, and not because it's what you want, I can do it?" He levelled his stare into Mulder's eyes.

Mulder sighed and licked his lips, a little afraid and a lot excited.

"I'd like to do something now," Alex went on, turning his head just slightly, flicking his tongue out to lick at Mulder's thumb. Mulder whimpered, moving his thumb into Alex's mouth, where it was sucked in and laved thoroughly. "Remember Hong Kong?" Alex asked around the thumb in his mouth before going back to sucking it.

"Mmmmyeah," Mulder answered, feeling an ache of need shoot through his cock.

"When you sent me into the bathroom, before the...before that happened, I was leaned over the sink counter, and I wished with everything I was that you'd just come in behind me, rip my pants down, and fuck me hard." Alex bit his thumb gently and Mulder moaned as he remembered having extremely similar thoughts.

"I'm sorry I didn't," Mulder said breathlessly. "I wanted to. Oh God, I was so hard for you...I wanted you so bad...that's why I hit you..." He frowned, his hips pulsing against thin air as Alex worked his thumb.

"I know," said Alex, letting Mulder's thumb go with a wet kiss. "I loved it. I loved the pain. It was the only touch I could have from you and I knew it, and every time you hit me it made me want you more."

"I'm sorry, Alex," Mulder whispered, his wet thumb stroking gently against Alex's jaw. "I don't want to hurt you."

Alex reached down with his hand and began undoing his own fly, still looking into Mulder's dark, bleary eyes. "I like it to hurt a little," he said. "Let's change history, Mulder." He breathed Mulder's name in a way that let Mulder know he remembered what he had said last night. And it had the desired effect. Mulder sighed and swallowed.

"Yes," he breathed, nodding, reaching down to undo his own fly. "God, I wanted so badly to...to just..."

"Do it," said Alex roughly. "Just like you wanted to. Please, Mulder. Do it now, and I'll tell myself you did it then, instead of what happened."

Mulder frowned, but he wrestled his jeans and underwear down, whimpering as his cock pushed out, hard and ready to be inside Alex again. Alex turned and bent over the sink, pants unfastened but not down. Mulder realized Alex wanted him to do it just as he'd fantasized, and he stepped up behind Alex quickly, grabbing his jeans and yanking them down. "Gonna fuck you so hard," he growled, taking himself in hand.

"Just fuckin' do it, Mulder," gasped Alex, spreading his legs wide, head hanging low. "Hurry up, before she comes in."

Mulder frowned, thinking Alex was referring to Scully, then realized that Alex was referring to Gautier's wife. The one who'd infected him with the black oil.

"Door's locked," Mulder said in Alex's ear. "No one's coming in. I'm just gonna fuck you hard the way I always wanted to, Krycek." Before he knew it, Mulder's own mind was back in Hong Kong, and he was so excited he was afraid he'd come all over himself before he was inside. His hand shook as he lined himself up with Alex's hole, still tender-looking from last night's fuck. He hesitated a moment, afraid of causing Alex pain.

"Please, Mulder," Alex whined. "Hurt me. Make it hard, make it real...please!"

Mulder clenched his jaw and shoved forward, breaching the opening with pure force, burning his way into Alex's body. "Ah!" he cried out, the dry skin tight and hot around his cock.

"Fuck me!" Alex snarled. "Goddamn it, just do it, Mulder!"

Mulder gasped, his eyes fluttering closed, already so close to orgasm he could feel his balls drawing up. "Oh God," he moaned, and he began slamming into Alex, who re-steadied himself against the counter with with his real and his fake hands, gasping out groans with each plunge of Mulder's cock. Mulder reached down and took Alex's cock in hand, swirling his thumb clumsily around the tip, then jacking him firmly as he fucked him.

"Oh GOD!" Alex yelled, throwing his head back.

Mulder groaned and rammed himself in hard, nearly shoving Alex down onto the counter, sloppily keeping time with his fist around Alex's shaft. "Muhhh!" Alex cried, and his muscles clenched down around Mulder as he began to spurt onto the floor and all over Mulder's hand.

"Ah!" Mulder yelled, bringing his cum-covered hand around and sucking it clean hungrily. Alex watched him in the mirror, his eyes rolling back in his head with a moan as he saw what Mulder was doing. That pushed Mulder over the edge and he shot deep in Alex's ass, jerking and shuddering, trying to stay as quiet as possible as he emptied his balls into Alex for the second time in twelve hours.

He collapsed over Alex's leather-jacketed back, catching himself with his hand against the counter. They were both panting and heaving, still connected, when the pounding began.

"Excuse me, is everything all right in there?" It sounded like a restaurant employee, and Mulder jumped, pulling himself free of Alex's body quickly. Alex hissed as he withdrew, and Mulder noticed spots of blood on his withering cock, along with his semen. He frowned, but quickly tucked his cock inside his jeans.

"Um, yeah, just a...touch of the flu," he yelled, making some throat-clearing and coughing noises. "Can you give me a minute?"

"Oh yes, sir! Sure, sorry about that," the man outside called.

"No problem," Mulder called back, zipping up his jeans, knowing he was going to need another shower. Desperately. As he watched Alex straighten up, wincing slightly, and use some wet paper towels to clean himself up, he knew Alex would need a shower even worse. Probably before facing Scully and Matthew. He stepped forward just as Alex was tucking himself back into his jeans and pulling them up carefully. "I'm sorry I hurt you," he said helplessly.

"I wanted you to," Alex said, still a little breathless. "I wanted it to be like it would have been if you'd done it back then," he said quietly. He turned and looked at Mulder, eyes wary as if afraid he'd be mocked.

"I understand," Mulder said. He stepped in closer, then reached out his hand, which still smelled of Alex's cum, and curled it around the back of Alex's head, pulling him in for a kiss. Alex's eyes fluttered closed, his own hand coming up and sliding up under Mulder's jacket as Mulder's lips pressed against his. Mulder sighed at the touch, pressing his body into Alex's, holding his head in place for a long, wet, gentle kiss into which he tried to infuse all his complicated feelings for this complex man. "Next time," he murmured against Alex's lips. "You're going to do to me what you really wanted to do when you kissed me that night in my apartment."

Alex moaned into his mouth, sliding his tongue between Mulder's lips, taking over the kiss, pulling him in closer with the arm around his back. Mulder smiled into the kiss, grabbing Alex's ass with his free hand, giving it a loving but careful squeeze. The kiss ended and they parted, each one licking the taste of the other off his lips.

"Why don't you go take another shower," Mulder said with a smirk. "And I'll make your excuses to Scully and Matthew. I'll order you some real food-"

"Thank God. I'm starving," interrupted Alex.

"And then we can all talk and eat," finished Mulder, smiling. He leaned in for one last, sweet kiss. "I'll see you in a bit," he said, then stepped away and unlocked the door, giving Alex one last backward look as he stepped out.

***SEVEN***

It wasn't until he was halfway to the table that he realized he'd forgotten to wash his hands. He pushed them into his pockets as he reached the table and Scully and Matthew stood to greet him.

"Is everything all right?" Scully asked, looking around behind Mulder.

"It's fine," said Mulder, sliding in beside her, hands still in his pockets. He scanned the table for a napkin as he spoke, reaching out and snagging one with his clean hand. "Alex wasn't feeling well and went back to the room for some aspirin. He'll be back in a few minutes."

Scully frowned, but didn't challenge him on the flimsy story, and Mulder surreptitiously wiped his hand beneath the table. The food was on the table, but no one had started eating yet. "Where's our server?" Mulder asked. "We should have them warm this up. And Alex said to order him some food for when he comes back."

"I think she's over there," said Scully, gesturing to the corner of the restaurant.

"I'll go get her," Mulder said, standing up quickly.

"You look a little feverish yourself," Matthew said with a narrowing of the eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Mulder gave him a look. Yep, there was a definite twinkle there. "Fine, Matthew, thanks," he said, putting a little warning in his voice.

Matthew nodded and then grinned against the rim of his coffee cup as he took a drink.

Mulder turned and made his way over the server, asked her to warm up their food and bring a second Grand Slam number three, then made another quick trip to the restroom to make sure he was cleaned up.

He couldn't believe how arousing it was just to be in there again. Denny's bathrooms would never be the same. He chastised himself and washed his hands, noticing what a thorough clean-up job Alex had done on the floor.

When he was calm and clean, he went back to the table and sat back down. Their food had been taken away, and Scully was sipping her coffee thoughtfully. None of them said anything until Alex returned a few minutes later, hair freshly blown-dry. Mulder gave him a big smile as he took his seat across from him.

"Hey, Alex, glad you're feeling better," said Matthew, giving Alex a measuring look from head to seat and back again.

"Thanks," said Alex, giving Matthew a sideways look.

The waitress arrived with their food, and they all dug in, everyone quite hungry after waiting such a long time to eat. Mulder was the first one done, and as Alex finished off his own breakfast, Mulder reached over, snagging homefries and popping them in his mouth. Alex just chewed, one corner of his lips curving up in a half-grin as Mulder helped him eat his food. Scully pretended valiantly not to notice and Matthew grinned delightedly. No one said anything until all plates were cleared and all coffee cups refilled. Then Mulder cleared his throat, sitting back in his seat, spreading his legs comfortably.

"Well, I think our first problem is Matthew," he said, looking over at him. "Now that they know about him, he's in this with us," he said, looking at Scully and Alex. They both nodded, and Matthew frowned. Mulder turned to him. "I'm sorry I got you into this, Matthew."

"It's okay, Fox," Matthew replied, reaching across the table to touch his hand, which was curled around his coffee cup. "It was my choice. I knew the danger going in. I wanted to do this."

"How could you have known the danger?" Mulder said. "We didn't let you know what all was going on."

"I'm not an idiot, Fox," replied Matthew, letting Mulder's hand go after getting a speculative glance from Alex. "You told me the whole story about you and Alex." Alex looked over at him, frowning. He smiled. "I knew what I was getting into. Trust me. Hey," he said, giving Alex's leg a pat, making him jump slightly. "I figure this is just the next step on my journey."

Alex frowned more intently, but Mulder nodded. "I'm glad you feel that way, because unfortunately, you're in this thing for good, now. It's the only way to keep you safe. You're one of us, now."

"Aw, that's sweet," said Matthew with a playful pout.

"He's serious," chimed in Scully. "And I think he's right. You're not safe anymore, Matthew. Not now that they know about you, and pretty soon, they're bound to find out you're with us." She frowned and looked at Mulder.

"Pretty soon, they'll think we're with them," said Mulder quietly. "That's also the only way to keep any of us safe anymore." He looked to Alex for confirmation, and Alex nodded slightly. Scully frowned deeply. "It makes sense, Scully," he said, feeling his heart thud against his ribs as she frowned at him. "I can make more of a difference from the inside."

"Mulder," Scully breathed. "Mulder, I don't think I can...I can't..." She trailed off, shaking her head.

Mulder turned to her. "Scully, listen. I know this is falling down on your head all at once, but it's time we took a stand. El Rico changed everything. We can't pretend this isn't happening. And if we admit it's happening, we have to decide what part we're going to play."

She looked up him with wide, blue, scared eyes.

"You don't have to do this," he said softly. "I'll understand if it's too much for you. You're the best partner I could ever have hoped for," he said, taking her hand. "But you don't owe me anything. You don't owe anybody anything. If you want to walk away, now's the time, before we're in it too deep."

She stared up at him, then down into her lap, her eyes filling with tears. "I-I don't want to leave you," she said. "I wouldn't know what to do..."

"Ever been to Canada?" Matthew asked, leaning in and reaching across the table. She looked up, and he gave her a warm smile. "I've got a little house way up in the mountains. I can't imagine anyone bothering us up there."

"We've got people in Canada," Alex said softly. "But since they've never been aware of you before, if you keep your head down, you should be okay."

"Mulder?" Scully asked, looking up at him. "I just don't think I can follow you into..."

"Scully, go," Mulder choked out. "You weren't meant for this. I was. Nothing would make me happier than to know that you were out of this. Safe from it. In Matthew's little house in the hills. It's beautiful," he said, his voice cracking. "You won't believe it." He remembered how selfish he'd been before when Scully had been ready to leave him. He'd almost kissed her. He felt sick with shame and guilt.

"You don't...need me?" Scully asked, her lower lip trembling just slightly.

"Scully," said Mulder, taking her face in his hands. "It's not about what I need. It's about what I want for *you*. And I want you to be happy. Go raise chickens with Matthew," he said, smiling through his impending tears.

"You can have your own room," Matthew added softly, giving her a reassuring grin. "It's a Bed and Breakfast, anyway. We can just be roommates. I promise, I'll be a complete gentleman. If I'm not, Fox will kick my ass."

Scully gave Matthew a tenuous, shining smile. Then she turned back to Mulder, smile fading. "I don't want to feel like I'm running from the fight," she said quietly.

"They'll never let you become a threat, anyway," Alex said in a low rasp. Everyone turned to look at him. "They only let you do exactly as much as is okay with them. If you were to do anything more, you'd quickly become more than just a bargaining chip to keep Mulder in line. You'd become a liability. And then they'd use that chip in your neck."

Scully gasped, her face going pale.

Mulder frowned, looking from Alex to Scully, then back to Alex.

"Sorry, Mulder," Alex said. "Sorry, Scully," he said more softly, dropping his gaze to his cup of coffee. "I thought you should know."

Scully took a long, measured breath. "Are you saying...they monitor me with it?" she whispered.

Alex didn't look up. He just nodded slowly.

"Shit," Mulder hissed. "Dammit. And if we remove it, it'll kill her, right?"

Alex nodded again.

"You...you helped them do this to me," Scully whispered, her eyes gleaming with fat, unshed tears.

"I know," Alex whispered. "If it's any consolation, I had no idea where they were taking you or what they would do." He looked up, saw Scully's tight lips and shining eyes and looked down again.

"Well, that settles it, at least for now," said Mulder, clenching his jaw in controlled anger. "Scully, you need to get out of the picture until Alex and I can figure out how to disable that chip."

"Mulder," she started.

"No, I mean it. Our first priority will be to learn more about the technology and get access to the main control to disable it. Once you're free of that thing, you can decide what to do. Scully, I can't lose you." Mulder's voice trembled, getting thick and raspy. "It's the only way. Please."

The tears she'd been holding back broke free and streamed silently down her cheeks. She swallowed, looking at Mulder. "Okay," she whispered, nodding.

Mulder gave a sad, relieved smile and took her in his arms for a long, hard hug. Matthew frowned and looked on, glancing from Mulder and Scully over to Alex, who never once looked up, just studying his coffee morosely.

"Okay, so how should we do this?" Mulder asked. "We need to get started right away, I think."

"I have to talk to my mother, tell her I'm going to Canada," Scully said, quietly using a napkin to wipe away the tear tracks.

Mulder nodded. "We can go home first, help you get packed, go up with you and get you both settled," he nodded to Matthew, "and then Alex and I go in there and get that damned thing disabled." He looked to Alex, who continued staring into his coffee.

"I-I'm gonna go crazy up there. I need my work," Scully said quietly. "I won't know what to do with myself." She teared up again and blinked, staring into her lap.

Matthew reached across the table to Scully with both hands, giving her no option but to let him take hers. "Why don't you let me see if I can change your mind about that," he whispered to her. "There's more to life, Dana. And you can always go back later."

"It'll be a good cover," Alex added softly. "Maybe we can convince them you just..." Alex swallowed hard. "Fell in love."

"He's right, Scully," Mulder said. "Just consider this a leave of absence for health reasons. You know Skinner will approve it. Hell, call it a sabbatical and write a book or something." He gave her a gentle smile. "Nothing's forever," he said quietly.

Scully looked up at him gratefully, still holding Matthew's hands, and nodded.

Mulder nodded back. "Okay, then. Let's get back to the rooms and get packed up," he said, sliding out of the booth. He left cash on the table and the four of them got up and walked silently back to the hotel, where they separated and began packing up the rooms.

Mulder and Alex were quiet, each putting their things in their bags until the room was cleared, then Mulder stopped, facing away from Alex. "We *can* do this, can't we?" he asked quietly.

"I don't know," Alex answered back just as quietly. "Maybe. If you take over the project, you'll have that kind of access. I don't."

Mulder sighed, nodding. "I'll do what I have to," he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Ready?" He turned around, and Alex picked up his own bag, nodding. "Let's go next door, then."

They picked up Scully and Matthew, and Alex sat in the front, Matthew and Scully in the back, until they reached the restaurant where they'd left their cars. Matthew rode back with Scully, and there was no need to maintain phone contact, all of them driving silently and swiftly back to D.C.

***Eight***

They flew up to Canada, and Mulder arranged for a college student to drive Scully's car up for her. Scully was amazed at the incredible natural beauty of the place, and seemed to relax into it almost instantly, seemingly against her will. Alex spent a lot of time pacing as Mulder unloaded her things and got them put away in Matthew's room. Matthew moved into the spare room, and Mulder and Alex decided to stay one night before their long flight back to D.C. to start work.

"Sorry I don't have more room," Matthew said, handing them each an herbal tea without asking if they wanted one. "But I have some really nice sleeping bags. I hope you're not allergic to cats."

"Cats?" Alex asked, nose already twitching.

"Yeah, anyone who sleeps on the floor in the living room is gonna get walked on," said Matthew, getting out some plates and setting them on the coffee tables and end tables.

Alex sniffed. "Shit."

"You allergic to cats?" Mulder asked, grinning at the way Alex's nose wrinkled.

"The smoking bastard always said it was one of my two greatest weaknesses," said Alex, sniffing again.

"What's the second?" Mulder asked.

Alex looked him straight in the eye.

Mulder licked his lips, tearing his gaze away. "So, Matthew, got anything to eat up here?"

"Sure, Fox," said Matthew with a smile. "I think we even have soup leftover from when you were here."

"That's not something to be happy about," Mulder said with a smirk. "What was that...a week and a half ago?'

"I was just kidding anyway, Fox," Matthew said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'll make us some eggs. We've always got eggs. You got chickens, you got eggs."

"Um, *you* wouldn't want to cook those eggs, would you, Alex?" Mulder said, leaning over to whisper in Alex's ear.

Alex's lips quirked up in a grin for the first time in days. "You like my eggs, *Fox*?" he asked, arching his brows.

"I fucking *love* your eggs," Mulder murmured in Alex's ear breathily.

"Uh, Matthew? Would you mind if I made us all something?" Alex asked, a breathy edge to his voice. "Cooking helps me relax."

"Sure, Alex," grinned Matthew. "I'll go show Dana around the estate." He grabbed Scully's hand, dragging her out the door. "Call us when dinner's ready, guys," he said. "Don't let him burn himself, Fox," said Matthew.

"I'll take care of him," said Mulder. "You're gonna love those chickens, Scully." He winked at her and she gave him a mock-disapproving smile and let herself be tugged out the door. Mulder smiled back and followed Alex into the kitchen.

Alex was rummaging in the cupboards as Mulder came in. He gave Mulder a second's glance and turned back, banging through pots and pans. Mulder leaned back against the doorframe, tucking his fingers into his pockets, enjoying the view. "Where's your apron?" he asked, smirking.

Alex turned, brandishing a spatula dangerously. "You tell me. You're the one who spent time with Matthew in the kitchen."

Mulder's grin widened. "You're jealous!" he said, pushing up off the doorframe, taking his fingers out of his pockets. "Of Matthew! How cute." He walked up to within a few feet of Alex, smiling lazily.

"I'm not jealous," Alex said, lifting his chin. "I'm just wondering what the hell happened up here." His voice got quiet, a slight pout to his lips.

"You *are* jealous," Mulder said, reaching out to brush his thumb over that pout.

Alex sighed, parting his lips, blinking slightly, spatula hanging at his side.

"Tell you what," Mulder said. "You make eggs, and I'll tell you the story." He stroked one last time over Alex's mouth, then stepped back, licking the pad of his thumb and then taking a seat at the table.

Alex sighed and turned back to his task, removing eggs from the refrigerator and turning on the gas stove.

"I was up here investigating Sasquatch," Mulder said.

Alex gave him a look but said nothing, quickly going back to his eggs.

"And I ended up taking a side trip to Banf because people said you had to see it to believe it."

Alex nodded, cracking eggs quickly, one-handed, into a bowl.

"Impressive," murmured Mulder, nodding to the eggs.

Alex smiled slightly but said nothing, picking up a whisk.

"So anyway, I see Matthew in a gift shop, only of course I thought it was you. He was buying a paper, and he looked so...happy..." Mulder trailed off.

Alex glanced over, face serious, then returned to beating his eggs.

"I followed him, and he bought this foamy drink-thing and went to the park to sit and read his paper."

"Do you know how old this milk is?" Alex asked, holding up an unmarked glass bottle.

"Hmm...no, but I can sniff it. I'm pretty good at discerning expiration dates by smell," he said, leaning forward to take a whiff. Alex smiled as Mulder sniffed, and Mulder made a face. "That one's about three days over. Should be fine," he said, leaning back against the doorframe.

Alex nodded and poured the milk down the sink without smelling it himself. He returned to his eggs, and Mulder returned to his story.

"So I came up behind him and reached down and grabbed him by the left hand, putting a gun to his neck."

"Foreplay," said Alex quietly.

Mulder craned to see the expression on his face, but Alex was turned away, pouring eggs into a pan. He continued. "Matthew, of course, totally freaked out, blathering on about his car and trying to give me his keys."

Alex laughed quietly, and Mulder found himself smiling hugely at the sound. "Jesus, poor little Matthew," Alex said, shaking his head, stirring the eggs as they cooked.

Mulder sighed. "Yeah, it wasn't one of my better moments," he said. "The poor guy was practically crying, and I nearly broke his wrist, yanking it around like that."

"Tell me about it," Alex said even more quietly than before, and Mulder again tried to see his face to no avail. He sighed.

"Yeah, so I'm calling him Krycek and he's telling me his name is Matthew and he writes greeting cards and songs and shit, and things just don't feel right, you know? And that's when I noticed it. I was holding his left wrist. His *real* left wrist."

Alex rolled one shoulder, tilting his head for a second, but said nothing.

"So then I'm ranting at him, asking him why the hell he has an arm, and the poor guy thinks I'm a lunatic."

"Imagine that," Alex said, and this time Mulder could hear the smile in his voice. Mulder narrowed his eyes and thought about crossing the small kitchen and swatting that fine ass.

"So, anyway," Mulder said, ignoring the comment. "Long story short, I made my apologies and offered to buy him a new coffee, because I made him spill his all over the ground. So we go to his favorite coffee house...hey, maybe we can go in there before our flight tomorrow...and we sit down together to have coffee."

Mulder could feel the tension rise in the room, and he watched Alex's shoulders hunch just slightly in an obvious self-defense gesture.

"Well, naturally, Matthew being Matthew, he wants to know who this Krycek dude is, so I tell him just a little, and then we kind of started hitting it off."

This time, the shoulder-hunch was noticeable, almost a flinch. Mulder hurriedly went on.

"He invited me to come stay here, since it's a bed and breakfast, and I agreed. So he brought me out here and made me dinner."

"Serves you right," Alex murmured.

"Hmm?" Mulder asked, having heard the comment just fine.

"Nothing," said Alex. "Go ahead." He started dishing eggs up on a platter, then putting it in the oven to stay warm while he rummaged for bread.

"Oh, Matthew makes his own," Mulder said. "I think he keeps it in the fridge."

"Oh," said Alex shortly, taking out a partial loaf and digging in the drawer until he brought out a huge serrated knife. He ran his tongue over his top teeth, holding the knife for a moment, then turned and began slicing the bread very deliberately.

"So, anyway," Mulder said. "We were both feeling this...thing...between us, so we went into his bedroom and started taking off our clothes. I already told you this part," he said quietly, watching as Alex cut into the bread viciously, holding the loaf with his plastic hand and nearly smashing it flat.

"Tell me again," Alex grated, cutting down into the wood of the cutting board.

Mulder stood up from the table, approaching Alex carefully from behind. "Put down the knife and I will," he said when he was a few feet away.

Alex put the knife down, putting his hand on the counter, leaning on it, making a fist.

"My shirt was off, and he was reaching for my pants."

Alex inhaled and exhaled briskly.

"And that's when I told him to stop," Mulder said quietly, stepping in closer. "Because I knew it wasn't Matthew I wanted." He leaned in, and Alex took a deep breath and let it out. Mulder put his lips by Alex's ear. "I was just attracted to him because I could pretend he was you," he whispered.

Alex shivered, eyes fluttering closed.

"I could pretend you were all mine, that I could finally have you," Mulder murmured. He wrapped his arms around Alex's middle slowly. At first, Alex stiffened, holding his breath, but as Mulder leaned in, placing his warm lips against the side of Alex's neck, Alex sighed and relaxed into the touch, placing his hand on top of Mulder's around his waist. Mulder moved his lips against the skin of Alex's neck, and Alex tilted his head, giving Mulder better access.

"And that's when you decided to pretend you were giving him head?" Alex murmured breathlessly.

"Mmhmm," answered Mulder against his neck, hand sliding slowly back and forth across Alex's lower abdomen at the waistband of his jeans. "I figured you were watching me. I hoped so, anyway. And I knew that even if you weren't jealous, you'd be curious enough to show up."

"Not jealous?" Alex said incredulously. "I hear this surveillance tape that sounds like you giving me head, only I wasn't fucking there! And you didn't think that would make me jealous?! Jesus, Mulder."

"I wasn't sure you wanted me at the time," Mulder said into his ear, making him shiver. "I hoped so, but like I said, I knew either way it would bring you out of hiding, and that's what I wanted."

"Jesus, Mulder," said Alex again, squirming as Mulder kissed his ear and slid a hand under his waistband. "You're both fucking lucky I didn't just waste the little punk and ask questions later!"

Mulder moved his hand lower, taking hold of the growing erection and squeezing it through the soft cotton of Alex's underwear. Alex moaned and pushed forward against Mulder's hand, just as Matthew and Scully came walking into the kitchen, holding hands. Mulder yanked his hand out of Alex's pants, checking on the state of his own rampant hard-on before spinning around, blushing and smiling.

"Hi, guys!" he said too cheerfully, running his hand through his hair. "Boy, you've got a treat in store," he said, walking toward them. "Alex's eggs are awesome."

"Wash your hands, Mulder," Scully said with a quirk of her eyebrows, letting him know he wasn't getting away with anything.

Mulder blushed harder, and went to the sink quickly, glancing once at Alex, who was turning bright red and trying not to smile. Just seeing that restrained joy on Alex's face made it totally worth any humiliation to Mulder, and he vowed to finish what he started as soon as Scully and Matthew went to bed.

"Let's head into the living room," Matthew said, grinning hugely at Mulder, then giving Alex a wink. He pulled Scully by the hand and soon Mulder and Alex were alone again. Alex grabbed a potholder and reached into the oven, taking out the steaming platter of eggs. Mulder watched him bend over, sighed, then grabbed the well-sliced, somewhat squished bread and headed out to the living room.

The furnishings consisted of one couch, two comfy chairs, two end tables, and a coffee table. Matthew and Scully had already settled into the couch very close together, and Alex set the platter down on the coffee table, going back into the kitchen for silverware. He passed out plates and forks, then dished up his own portion and took a seat in one of the comfy chairs. Mulder sat down in the other one, grabbing up his own plate.

"Fantastic eggs," said Matthew with his mouth full. "Best I ever had. Really. Don't you think so, Dana?" He turned to her, wide eyed, and fluttered his lashes slightly.

Mulder smirked. The eyelash treatment. *Dana* had no idea what she was up against. "Oh, um, yes," she replied, swallowing. "They're very good." She did her best to give Alex a smile, but everyone noticed it didn't reach her eyes.

"Thanks," said Alex quietly, looking at Matthew, then Scully.

"Yeah, I love Alex's eggs," said Mulder, waggling his eyebrows suggestively at Alex.

Alex looked up at him and rolled his eyes slightly, but smiled. Everyone finished their meal in relative silence as they all thought about what the coming days would bring. Finally, Matthew stood up and collected the dishes, taking them into the kitchen to wash them. Scully tried to help, but was rebuffed, and everyone listened to Matthew working in the kitchen, sitting awkwardly and not talking. Mulder finally couldn't handle it anymore.

"I guess we'll leave first thing in the morning," he said to Scully. "We'll call you when we get in." Scully nodded. "We'll probably have to be pretty incommunicado after that," he said. "While we're...I'm...infiltrating the syndicate. I don't want them to suspect that you're anything but out of the picture."

Scully frowned but nodded. Alex swallowed and took a drink of tea.

"All finished," Matthew said, coming out of the kitchen wiping his hands on his apron. Mulder looked up and grinned at the sight, and Alex looked up at Mulder and narrowed his eyes just slightly. "I'm exhausted," Matthew said, taking the apron off over his head. "I'm gonna turn in. Dana, feel free to read or whatever in there. There're a lot of books and magazines and stuff. Do you like travel magazines?"

"Um, yes, I suppose so," said Scully.

"The ones by the bed have articles written by yours truly," said Matthew, grinning proudly. "That was my real job before I left it for loooove." He grinned again, walking over and bending to place a kiss on Scully's cheek, then walking over to Mulder, giving the wary Alex a look, and clapping Mulder gently on the shoulder. "Good night, Fox," he said, giving his shoulder a squeeze. He went over to Alex, who looked up at him, wariness increasing. He just gave him a smile. "Night, Alex," he said. "Try to keep it down out here. Don't be as loud as I pretended you were, okay?" He winked at Alex, who swallowed, blinking rapidly. Matthew laughed and turned around, heading up the stairs to the spare bedroom. "I'll see you all in the morning," he said with a yawn, then they heard the upstairs door close quietly.

Scully sighed and stretched, setting her tea cup on the table beside her. "I'm tired, too," she said, giving Mulder a measuring look. "I think I'll go read some of Matthew's magazines and try to sleep."

"Good idea," said Mulder, getting up as she did, and giving her a warm hug. "Good night, Scully," he said, squeezing her one extra time. "See you in the morning."

"Good night, Mulder," she said, squeezing him back. Then, as she turned to go into the back bedroom, she turned, not quite looking at Alex. "Good night...Alex," she said, pausing over the name.

"Good night, Scully," Alex replied quietly, and Mulder gave him a gentle smile and watched Scully walk down the hall to the Master bedroom and close the door. When they were alone, he turned and walked over to Alex.

"She just needs time," Mulder said, standing in front of Alex's chair, looking down at him. Alex looked to Scully's closed door, then up at Mulder. Mulder reached his hand down to Alex. "C'mon," he said. "Let's zip those two sleeping bags together." Alex blinked, taking Mulder's hand and standing up, and Mulder let go and turned, picking up the bags and unzipping them both.

"I-I need to tell you something," Alex said as Mulder laid the bags out flat on top of one another and bent to zip them together as one.

"What is it?" he asked, running the zipper around, not looking back.

"I've never slept with anyone," Alex said very quietly.

Mulder stopped, then turned around, frowning up at Alex, who was looking down at him with a very concerned, panicky wrinkle in his brow. "Never?" he asked.

Alex shook his head, dropping his gaze to somewhere beside Mulder.

"Well," Mulder began. "It's been a few years for me, too," he said, looking up at Alex. "Do you...we don't have to zip them together," he said, looking down at the half-attached bags.

"No, no, I want to," said Alex. "I'm sorry, I just...Mulder, I know how to fuck. I don't know how to do the rest. I'm sorry."

Mulder got to his feet, stepping up to within a few inches of Alex. "I'm not that great at the rest, either," he said, reaching out and very tentatively stroking his thumb along Alex's jaw. He saw Alex's lower lip tremble slightly, and he frowned, leaning in. He looked Alex in the eye, forcing him to look back, and finally they connected. Mulder inhaled and sighed. "God, Alex, I just...I want to be with you," he said softly. "Will you sleep with me?"

Alex's lips parted on a soft gasp, then he licked his lips and swallowed. "Yes, Mulder, I'll sleep with you," he whispered, and Mulder smiled and leaned in the last few inches, pressing his lips to Alex's with a sigh. Alex's arm immediately came up around Mulder, pulling him in closer, and Mulder grunted into Alex's mouth, pushing his tongue between the eager lips. He stroked deeply through the lush, hot mouth, making little grunts of satisfaction as he wrapped one hand in Alex's hair, the other going down and gripping his ass firmly.

Alex groaned and grasped at Mulder's back, pulling him in closer. Mulder moved his mouth from Alex's lips to his neck, sucking and licking and biting as he worked his hand under the back of Alex's jeans, gripping his ass cheek, hard.

"Jesus, Mulder," Alex gasped, forced to tilt his head sharply to the side as Mulder devoured his neck.

"Fuck yeah," said Mulder into his skin. "Love it when you say my name, Alex. Fuckin' love it." He bit into Alex's neck, sucking hard to leave a mark.

Alex gasped loudly. "Can we...aren't you afraid Scully will hear us?" he said, starting to move against Mulder, who groaned and humped him back.

"We'll just have to be quiet," said Mulder, pulling back just enough to start unbuttoning Alex's long-sleeved, black dress shirt. He got it open and scratched his nails hungrily up Alex's chest and over his nipples. Alex gasped and jerked, pulling at Mulder's shirt and jerking his pants.

"Jesus, we're so fucked," breathed Alex, struggling with Mulder's jeans. Mulder laughed and helped him, slowing down enough to get them both undressed down to their underwear.

"Let's go to bed, Alex," said Mulder, falling to his knees after turning out the light. He reached up to pull Alex down with him. Alex fell to his own knees, and Mulder climbed into the sleeping bag, holding it open. Alex climbed in after him, taking in a deep, calming breath.

"Mulder," he choked out. "No one's ever wanted it like this before."

"Like what?" Mulder asked, nestling down into the bag, facing Alex, about two inches of space between their bodies.

"All...." Alex firmed his lips, shaking his head. "Sweet and shit," he said, sounding frustrated.

Mulder laughed. "If ya want, I could smack you around the living room first," he said.

Alex looked at him very seriously. "I'd probably be a lot less freaked out by that," he whispered, his eyes narrowing.

"Forget it," said Mulder, just as serious. "I'm here to make love to you, not hurt you."

"Jesus, do you have to say things like that?" Alex asked, looking more frightened by the minute.

"What, make love to you?" asked Mulder, frowning.

"No one's *ever* said that to me before," Alex said in a frightened whisper. "I don't know how to handle it."

Mulder smiled, and Alex jerked in the sleeping bag as Mulder's hand closed around his erection and squeezed. "Then just lie there and let *me* handle it," Mulder said, moving in closer, beginning to stroke his hand up and down Alex's cock.

"Oh God...Mulder..." Alex breathed, moving with him, pushing into his hand. "Mulder..."

"Shhhh..." Mulder said, moving his hand more firmly. "I love it when you say my name, but we don't want Scully to come in here and find us like this, do we?"

Alex shook his head, swallowing and closing his eyes as Mulder continued jacking him. Mulder slid up against him until their cocks were brushing against one another, Mulder working them both in turns.

"God...Mulder..." Alex gasped, grabbing Mulder's hip. He humped into Mulder's hand, throwing his head back and groaning. "Jesus..."

"I wanna watch you come like this," Mulder whispered, eyes half-closed, mouth slack as he brought himself and Alex closer and closer. "Then I want to be inside you when I come."

"OhhhhMmmmulder!" Alex cried, jerking into his hand, and Mulder quickly clapped his free hand over Alex's mouth as he felt the cock in his hand begin to twitch and swell. Alex cried out against one hand as he shot into Mulder's other, gasping and shuddering as Mulder gently worked him through his orgasm.

Alex's hot, wet tongue stabbed out against Mulder's palm as he relaxed, and Mulder smiled and took his hand away, leaning in for a quick, hard kiss before climbing over Alex so he didn't have to lie on his good arm. He used Alex's own cum to slick up his cock and quickly positioned himself at Alex's hole before it got sticky. He took a deep breath, then as Alex spread his legs a little wider for him, pushed in.

"Ohhhhh!" he groaned, quickly putting his mouth against Alex's back to stifle the noise. "Mmmm!" He slid his arm around Alex's waist and began thrusting into him, the tight, hot heat welcoming him rather easily after Alex's orgasm.

Alex gasped, gripping Mulder's arm against him as Mulder rocked deeply into his body, already so close he was breathless. "Can't...last..." he gasped against Alex's shoulder. "Oh...ahhh..."

Alex lifted Mulder's hand up to his mouth, kissing it and sucking one, then another, long, slim finger into his mouth hungrily, grunting.

"Oh fuck!" Mulder cried out against Alex's back. "Ahhhhhhh!" and he was coming, jerking his hips, driving himself as deeply into Alex as he could, shooting hard as Alex sucked and licked his fingers greedily, moving against him to prolong his pleasure.

Finally, Mulder let out an exhausted gasp and collapsed against Alex's back, breathing hard, still inside him. Alex licked and sucked his fingers some more, grunting quietly as Mulder settled in behind him. It was quiet a few moments, then Mulder spoke against Alex's back.

"We're gonna have to get these cleaned for Matthew."

Alex's body shook with silent laughter beneath him.

He sighed, pulling free of Alex's body, then snuggled up behind him, already half-asleep. "G'night, Alex," he said, tucking his hand in around Alex's waist again once Alex had released his fingers from the warm, wet haven of his mouth.

"G'night, Mulder," Alex said, nestling back against him, and they both fell asleep and had no problems sleeping together until late the next morning.

***Nine***

Mulder pried open one eye, wincing a little as he shifted against Alex's backside and found he was partially stuck there.

"Ow," he said by way of morning greeting, unsticking the hairs on his lower belly from Alex's lower back.

"I wondered if you were ever gonna wake up," replied Alex, sounding as if he'd been awake for awhile. "I think Scully's been rustling around behind that bedroom door for about an hour and a half, now."

"Why didn't you wake me?" Mulder yawned, scratching his hand through his hair.

"I wanted to see how long she'd wait before coming out and catching us like this," Alex said with a smirk in his voice.

"It wasn't because it felt so good?" Mulder asked, leaning in so he could inhale the scent of sleepy, sex-sticky Alex.

"That too," said Alex very quietly.

Mulder gave him a squeeze, then began disentangling himself from both Alex and the sleeping bag, yawning again. "What about Matthew? He's not as shy about catching us together, is he?"

"I think he's just sleeping," replied Alex, rolling over and stretching, reaching with his one arm high over his head.

Mulder sighed and enjoyed the sight, standing over Alex, who looked up and took in the sight of Mulder's naked body at the same time. He zeroed in on the erection plumping up between Mulder's thighs and licked his lips.

"Oh no you don't," said Mulder, backing away, his erection swelling even as he put up his protest.

Alex just smiled at Mulder's cock as if the two of them shared a secret.

"We have to get dressed so Scully can come out of the bedroom," Mulder whined, looking for his underwear.

Alex shrugged as if it didn't matter to him, and sighed deeply, watching Mulder pull on his shorts.

When Mulder's erection was covered, but still pointing directly at the source of its interest, he held out Alex's black underwear. "Here," he said. "The downstairs bathroom has a shower, thank God. I'm gonna go use it."

Alex nodded and took the offered shorts, pushing the sleeping bag away and getting to his feet gracefully despite his assymetry. Mulder nearly let a whine escape his throat as he watched Alex's strong, hard body bend itself slowly and lazily, stepping into the black briefs. He sighed as the thin cotton was pulled up over a fat, rosy hard-on and snapped softly into place. God, would this overwhelming lust never be sated? He huffed out a frustrated sigh and hurried to the bathroom, grabbing his clothes on the way.

When he came out of the bathroom, freshly-scrubbed, dressed, and only half as horny as when he went in, Alex was nowhwere to be found, and Matthew was eating a piece of toast in the living room. The sleeping bags were gone, too.

"Morning, Fox," said Matthew around a bite of toast. "How'd ya sleep?" He raised his eyebrows innocently.

"Fabulous," answered Mulder, smiling lazily. "Where's Alex?"

"Oh, he's using the bathroom upstairs," replied Matthew, licking his lips. "I had to do something so that Scully could come out of her bedroom."

Mulder nodded, smirking. "Where is she?" he asked, looking around, slipping on his Nikes.

"She went for a walk," answered Matthew, getting up from the chair, brushing the crumbs off his hands. "Can I get you some breakfast?"

"Uh..." hedged Mulder.

"I made the toast and Dana made the oatmeal," Matthew reassured him with a crooked grin.

"I'd love some," said Mulder, reaching up as Matthew passed by him. He grabbed his hand. "Thanks, Matthew," he said softly, weighting the words with extra meaning.

"You're welcome, Fox," replied Matthew softly. "You're good together, you know?"

Mulder sighed, the smile fading. "I hope so."

They were just letting go of one another's hands, still looking at each other, when Alex came down the stairs, raking his hand back through wet hair. He froze half way down, then continued more slowly, watching Mulder and Matthew disengage. Mulder saw him and sighed softly, inwardly rolling his eyes at Alex's continuing irrational jealousy.

"Morning, Alex, want some breakfast?" Matthew said, giving him a warm smile, ignoring the narrowed eyes.

"Sure," answered Alex coolly, stepping off the last step, his bare feet making no sound on the wood floor. Mulder couldn't believe how sexy he looked in bare feet. He'd never seen him in bare feet like that before. Jeans and a sweater and bare feet. Mulder was hard again.

"Don't worry," Mulder said, walking over to Alex and meaning it two ways. "Scully made the oatmeal." He didn't quite feel comfortable enough to kiss Alex, but he couldn't help but reach up and stroke his fingers lightly through the dark, wet hair at the nape of his neck, and Alex sighed and closed his eyes, leaning his head back slightly, reveling in the touch.

"I heard that," Matthew said from the kitchen. "If you're not careful, I'm going to start getting seriously offended, here."

"Sorry, Matthew," said Mulder, letting his fingers trail down the back of Alex's neck, making him shiver. "You know we love you." He looked directly into Alex's eyes as he said it, daring him to take it wrong. He looked at Alex's lips, then licked his own, to let Alex know that he'd really like to be kissing him right about now. Alex licked his lips in reply and Mulder smiled.

Just then, Scully banged in through the screen door, carrying a small bouquet of wild flowers. "It's amazing out there," she said by way of breathless greeting. Mulder smiled at her, taking in her pink cheeks, sparkling eyes, and girlish smile.

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" he said, letting his hand slide softly down Alex's back before bringing it to rest at his side. He heard Alex let out a careful breath.

Matthew entered with two bowls of oatmeal and placed them on the coffee table, then went back for toast and coffee. Mulder and Alex murmured their thanks and dug in, both starving and appreciative of real oatmeal with whole milk and brown sugar, not to mention toasted homemade bread with real butter and marmalade. Matthew and Scully put Scully's little bouquet in water while Mulder and Alex gorged themselves, then Matthew took the dishes away with a grin.

"I guess we'd better get to the airport," said Mulder. "Our flight leaves in a few hours, and I wanted to take Alex to that coffee shop in town."

Alex looked over at him and he just smiled, hoping it would pull one from Alex in return. Evidently, Alex was too nervous, because he just sighed softly and looked back to Matthew.

"Can you find it okay?" asked Matthew, taking the bag from Mulder's hand as soon as it was packed, despite Mulder's frowning attempt to keep it. He went to Alex to do the same, but Alex gave him a look that made him shrug and step back again.

"Yeah, I think so," said Mulder. Matthew nodded, and Scully stepped up to Mulder.

"Mulder, be careful," she said quietly.

"I will, Scully," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders, surprising her with a hug. She wrapped her arms around his chest and hugged him back, hard, squeezing her eyes shut. He swallowed hard, giving her a last squeeze before she pulled away from him.

"Take care of him, Alex," said Matthew with a gentle smile, extending his hand. Alex had to put down his bag to shake it, and before he could pick it back up, Matthew swooped in and snatched it, grinning and starting toward the door. Alex rolled his eyes but stepped in behind Mulder as Mulder fell in behind Matthew, still walking next to Scully. Matthew loaded the bags into the car, then turned and before Mulder could do anything to avoid it or Alex could do anything to stop it, he grabbed Mulder in a big hug. "And you...take care of him, too, Fox," he told Mulder, squeezing him.

"I will," said Mulder, giving him a hug back, patting him on the back. "Please take care of her, Matthew," he whispered, closing his eyes.

"I will, Fox, don't worry," Matthew whispered back, and Mulder nodded, giving him a last squeeze and letting him go. Alex and Scully looked at each other but said nothing, both of them dropping their eyes guiltily. Alex got into the passenger side of the car and Mulder gave Scully one last hug before getting into the driver's seat. He tuned into a relatively modern rock station, and they started down the road.

END