Chapter Five
When you found me
I need to tell you
And I can't explain
Tuesday
Mulder lay on his back, staring up in the direction of the ceiling and
listening to the soft sounds of sleep made by the man beside him. He shifted to
look at Alex. He couldn't make much out in the darkness of the very early
morning, but he could tell that his back was to him. Without actually making
contact, Mulder's fingers traced a line across one shoulder and down his side.
He wanted to touch that smooth skin. He wanted to so very much...
He closed his eyes and let himself imagine running his hand down Alex's trim
waist to his hip, then letting it wander down the front of him until he reached
his sleeping cock. In his mind, he could hear the soft sigh. He could feel the
slight stir of the shaft in his palm as he gently fondled it through the thin
cotton of Alex's underwear. He could feel the movement of his lover's body as
he pushed back with his hips, slowly writhing against Mulder's stony erection.
As if on cue, Krycek moaned softly in his sleep and shifted his position.
Mulder moved back quickly. If he hadn't, their bodies would have touched and
after that little fantasy, it really wouldn't have been such a great idea. In
the last week they'd been very careful to avoid any situation that might cause
Mulder any more pain. Alex had even suggested sleeping on the sofa, but that
was the one thing that Mulder absolutely would not agree to.
"This is just too much temptation Fox," Krycek argued the night after Mulder's
nightmare. "I can't watch you suffer like that, again."
"And I can't stand the thought of you out there on the couch." He inched
closer, brushing his thigh against Krycek's. "I need to have you here with me.
I promise I'll behave myself."
"I must be out of my mind," he mumbled. "Okay, but I'm telling you, one slip
and I am going to sleep on the couch. Deal?"
Mulder sighed. "Deal."
A week later, he'd kept up his end of the bargain. But being so close to Alex
all night, night after night and not being able to touch him the way he was
dying to touch him, was a torture all it's own. He hoped to hell that this
vacation helped.
He looked over at the dark pile of luggage by the wall, then over at the clock.
It'd be going off in about ten minutes, then they'd get up, get dressed and be
on their way.
They were going to spend two months on Andros. The largest but possibly one of
the least explored of the Bahama Islands. Perfect for those who crave privacy.
Perfect for them.
From the day Mulder had decided on the location, it took Alex three days to
make all the necessary arrangements...none of which he'd discuss with his
traveling companion. He insisted on complete control over all of the plans.
From their flight, to where on the island they'd be staying, to the
accomodations themselves, Alex was in charge. Mulder put up a little fuss just
for show, but in reality he was looking forward to being surprised.
He'd had no problems at all, getting the time off. Skinner knew how sick he'd
been. Had watched him deteriorate for months and was almost as anxious as
Scully to see him get well.
Scully.
She'd been amazing through all of this. Going from the role of the antagonist
to guardian angel, doing everything in her power to get he and Alex back
together and keep them together. A better friend, there never was. He wished he
could find some way to properly thank her for all she'd done for him.
He slipped quietly out of bed, taking care not to wake Alex. He hadn't slept
especially well the past week. He'd always been a light sleeper, but since
Mulder's dream the week before and the one he'd had just three nights ago, it
was worse than usual. If he so much as sighed, Alex was awake, checking to make
sure that everything was all right. Mulder hoped that this vacation would do as
much for Alex's well-being as Alex hoped it would do for his.
He shut the alarm function off on the clock by the bed and stole out of the
room. After a quick shower and shave, he got dressed and returned to the
bedroom where Alex was still sleeping peacefully. He hated to wake him but it
was time that he got up. Scully would be there to pick them up in about
fifty-five minutes and he didn't want to keep her waiting.
He seated himself at the edge of the bed and touched Krycek's shoulder.
"Alex."
Krycek's eyes snapped open and he drew himself up on one elbow. Concerned eyes
focused on the man in front of him.
"Hmm? You okay?"
Mulder's hand moved from his shoulder to the back of his head. "I'm fine," he
said softly. "It's time to get up, that's all."
Krycek blinked and shook his head. "Oh. Okay." He noticed for the first time
that Mulder was already dressed. " How long have you been up?"
"Only about twenty minutes."
Krycek gave him a sleepy smile. "Anxious?"
One corner of Mulder's mouth slanted upwards. "Yeah, I guess."
"You guess? You mean you're not sure that you want to leave this twenty-five
degree weather and be someplace where you can lay in the warm sun, swim in the
ocean..." He skimmed one finger down the curve of Mulder's cheek. "..take long,
moonlit walks..."
Mulder's lopsided grin turned into a full smile. "Get dressed, would you? Let's
get the hell out of here."
5:15 a.m.
Scully popped the trunk of her car and stood back as the men lifted the bags
into the compartment.
"Thanks again Scully for getting up at such an ungodly hour," Krycek said.
"No problem." She pushed the trunk closed and they got into the car. "Now you
said it was Gate two, right?"
Krycek pulled a small black notebook from his back pocket and flipped through a
couple of pages. "Yeah. Gate two."
Mulder turned around and tried to sneak a peek at what was written in the book,
but Krycek snapped it closed before he could see anything. Mulder cast his eyes
upward and turned his head.
"Give up Mulder," Scully said, displaying a 'cat that ate the canary' smirk.
"C'mon Scully, give me a clue." He shot a disgusted glance at the one who had
closed his eyes and stretched out in the back seat. "We've been partners for
six years. I'm the one you have an allegiance to, not him...you never even
liked him!" He chose to ignore the soft chuckle that came from behind.
Scully shrugged. "Sorry."
Mulder slouched in his seat. "Fine."
Quiet prevailed until Scully approached the airport. She called to Krycek.
"Hey Alex, there's the sign for Gate two."
Krycek broke his silence. "Okay. Just follow the road right around. You'll come
right to it."
Come right to what? Mulder wondered. His silent question was answered a
few minutes later.
Scully pulled into a largely deserted lot and stopped the car. A few dozen
yards away, sat a lone jet. A few people, the hangar crew from what Mulder
could tell, were milling around, making last minute checks.
Mulder turned around and raised his eyebrows. "You chartered a plane?"
Krycek winked. "No obnoxious drunks, no complaining old ladies, no screaming
kids. Our peace and quiet starts right now."
Mulder lowered his head and laughed softly.
Krycek leaned forward and kissed his temple. "Surprise..."
The tinkle of Scully's laughter drew the attention of both men. She looked away
and laughed again.
Mulder asked first. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, it's...I just can't believe that I'm sitting here thinking how damn
cute you two are together."
Mulder laughed too. "You can't believe it..."
Scully tapped the seat with her palm. "Come on, let's get you out of here."
As soon as she opened the trunk, two porters descended on them from behind.
"We've got those, ma'am."
She whirled to face the men, more than a bit startled. "Oh...sure."
When the men were gone, she turned to Alex.
"Would their last names happen to be Krycek?"
"What do you mean?"
"They seem to possess the same ability to appear out of nowhere, that you do."
He merely shrugged and gave her a sly grin.
Minutes later, they were informed that the jet was ready to be boarded. Scully
went to Mulder and wrapped him in a snug embrace.
"You get plenty of rest, you hear? Enjoy yourself and don't worry about a
thing. I got it all covered." She leaned back and pointed a stern finger at
him. "And eat! If you don't put on at least eight pounds, don't even come
back."
"I'll try. I promise. Scully....thanks. I don't...I don't know what I would
have done..."
She cut him off before this started to get mushy. "Don't give it another
thought. The best thanks I could have is to get my old partner back."
Mulder gave her another squeeze, then backed away. Scully looked to Krycek who
was watching from a distance. She regarded him thoughtfully, then stepped
forward.
"I know you'll take good care of him."
Krycek nodded. "I appreciate your trust."
Mulder was taken aback as he watched his partner stretch up and wind her arms
around Krycek's neck.
Krycek himself was a bit stunned and it took him a second or two to respond. He
brought his arms around her waist and hugged her back.
The embrace was brief but highly significant in the progression of the
relationship between these two. They were no longer rivals but rather partners
of a sort, both fiercely dedicated to the emotional and physical well-being of
one Fox Mulder.
"Call when you get there," she reminded him.
"We will."
Scully moved away and waved at Mulder, who returned the gesture.
Krycek approached him and with a hand at the small of his back, steered Mulder
toward the waiting jet. When they reached the top of the steps, both men turned
and waved once more at Scully then disappeared inside.
Scully stood beside her car and watched the jet move toward the runway. Watched
it's taxi and ascent. Not until she could see it no longer did she get into her
car and drive off the field.
6:30 a.m.
Mulder ran a hand down the arm of his very comfortable seat and looked around.
"This is nice. Think I could get the Bureau to spring for a Lear for my next
case?"
Krycek shook with silent laughter. "Nah. The Bureau couldn't give a good damn
about your comfort." He brushed a few stray strands of hair away from Mulder's
face. "They don't love you."
Mulder gave him an almost shy smile and changed the subject.
"Thanksgiving and Christmas in the Bahamas. Gonna be great."
"Are you sure you're okay with not being with you mother?"
"I'm fine. She's obviously okay with not being with me."
"I can't believe that she had no reaction when you told her you hadn't been
well."
Mulder shrugged. "Well, she did ask if I was okay. Once I told her that I was,
the barrier was back in place. A holiday together with her would be anything
but relaxing." He reached for Krycek's hand, intertwining their fingers. "She's
got family and friends. She won't be alone. And neither will I."
"But she doesn't know that..."
"True. She never asked if I was going away alone. I don't think she cares to
know...whatever."
Krycek kissed the back of his hand. "Will you ever tell her?"
"I don't....I can't see that happening. She's already had one stroke. And if it
she doesn't die from the shock, I think she'd write me off for good. It's too
bad. I'd really like to think that she would be glad to know that for once in
his life, her son was happy but..." He shook his head and went silent.
Krycek cupped his face. "Are you really happy with me?"
"I'm spending two months alone with you on a tropical island. Do you think I'd
do that if I wasn't?"
Krycek grinned. "Guess not."
"Damn straight."
"It's just that...so much has happened in the last few months. Sometimes I
wonder."
"Wonder what?"
"Do you ever look at me sometimes and wonder what the hell you're doing,
trusting me again?"
Mulder thought for a moment, then answered. "No. I mean...after this last week,
how could I not trust you? Maybe...maybe at first...that morning you walked
into my bedroom and Scully told me that she'd brought you there...all I could
think about was the last time I'd seen you and I couldn't trust that you were
there for me. For us. I really did think that either she'd forced you
somehow, or guilt had gotten the better of you..."
"I understood that. It hurt like hell to hear it, but I did understand how
you'd think it." His eyes searched his lover's. "You have no doubts at all
anymore?"
Mulder shook his head.
Alex bowed his head as a smile crossed his lips. "Probably should have asked
you this stuff before we got on the plane."
"To repeat Alex, if I didn't trust you, the last thing I'd be doing is going
away with you for two months."
Alex leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on Mulder's lips. "How about some
breakfast?"
"Sure."
Twenty minutes later, they were feasting on a light fare, consisting of warm
butter croissants, fresh fruit and muffins. Well...Alex feasted. Mulder picked.
"Not hungry?" Alex asked after polishing off his third croissant.
"I'm eating..."
"You've had two strawberries and about a quarter of that muffin."
Mulder looked down at his plate. "More like a third."
Alex sighed softly and broke off a small piece of muffin, bringing it to his
lover's mouth. A sudden heaviness invaded his eyelids as he watched those
sinfully beautiful lips part. A teasing flash of pink tongue and the morsel
disappeared inside. When Mulder swallowed, he repeated the process. This time,
the tip of Mulder's tongue inched out and managed to touch one of his fingers.
Alex inhaled sharply at the tiny caress.
"Behave..."
"What'd I do?"
"You know what you did."
"You want to toss it into my mouth from a distance?"
"That might be safer."
"Can't control yourself?"
"I can control myself just fine, thank you."
"So then what's the problem?" There was that tongue again, snaking out to lap
at a crumb stuck in the corner of his mouth. The muscle in Alex's jaw worked
convulsively.
"No problem at all." His hand went back to his own plate. "Just eat, please."
Mulder slouched into the back of his seat.
"Fox..."
"What?"
"Come on, don't make me."
"You don't have to," Mulder said in that soft, sulky voice...the one that drove
Alex crazy.
"But you won't eat if I don't."
Mulder pushed the crumbs around in the plate. "It doesn't taste as good..."
Alex rolled his eyes toward the ceiling and expelled a hard breath. "I swear,
when you're better I'm going to..."
Alex's words caught in his throat as a ray of sunlight passed through one of
the windows, falling across Mulder's hair and eyes, highlighting both with the
gold that was always there, dancing in the background.
"You're going to what?"
Alex stared mutely.
Mulder waved a hand in front of his face. "You're going to what?"
Alex sighed. "Nothing.
Christ, you're so gorgeous.
He reached into the plate and broke off another small piece of the muffin.
Mulder smiled happily and opened his mouth.
"You're killin' me," Alex muttered as he fed the man beside him. Two more bites
of the muffin and Mulder decided to carry the torture one step further.
"Can I have a slice of your orange?"
The corner of Alex's mouth twitched as he hesitated then reached down into his
own plate. He carried the orange slice to Mulder's mouth, just knowing that he
was up to no good.
Sure enough.
Once again his lips parted and he pushed forward, taking the whole slice into
his mouth, accidentally covering part of Alex's fingers as well. He drew back
slowly, licking and suckling along the way. When he reached the middle of the
slice, he bit down and pulled away the portion that remained in his mouth. Alex
remained motionless, hunger blazing in his dark eyes as he watched Mulder
swallow.
"Mmm. Juicy." Mulder's gaze went to Alex's fingers and the second half of the
fruit still held between them. "It's dripping down your hand."
Before he could respond, Mulder gently grasped his wrist and brought his mouth
to the slightly trembling hand. He licked the lines of sweet moisture away from
Alex's skin, his eyes closed in sensual bliss. This was the closest he'd come
to anything other than platonic physical contact in over a week and he was
enjoying every second of it.
Alex moaned softly. Christ, that mouth...
Stop this now, Alex. Stop it while you still can...
Mulder closed his mouth around Krycek's fingers and, wrapping his tongue around
the remaining bit of orange, pulled it from his grip.
When his hand was freed, Krycek slumped back against his seat, trying to
control the erratic pounding of his heart. "That's it," he whispered. "You can
finish the rest on your own."
"You used to be fun..."
"And I will be again," Alex promised, "just as soon as we get you straight. Now
stop being such a damn tease and finish your breakfast."
Ten minutes later, Mulder had eaten all he was going to eat, and Alex summoned
the attendant to clear the trays away.
"You look a little tired," he said, observing Mulder's drooping eyelids. "Why
don't you catch some z's?"
"What about you?"
Alex shrugged. "I think I'll take my own advice and do the same." He skimmed
Mulder's arm. "How 'bout it?"
"Yeah actually, I am feeling pretty sleepy."
"I'm sure. Mercilessly teasing your man will do that to you."
"Mercilessly. Come on now..."
Krycek reclined Mulder's seat, then did the same to his own. "Shut up and go to
sleep, Fox."
Mulder watched the green eyes close, then turned his head and shut his own. A
soft smile played at his lips.
His man.
Well... he was...
1:48 p.m.
A short, heavy-set woman watched from the doorway of the villa, as the limo
wound it's way up the path. The car stopped in front of the door and before the
driver could walk around to it, the back door opened and a tall, handsome young
man stepped out. The bright sunlight shimmered in his hair as he moved to the
side and allowed the other passenger to exit the car. The second man swung his
long legs out and stood up. Just as tall. Slimmer. Pale but every bit as good
looking as the first.
The woman shielded deep brown eyes against the sun as she continued to observe
the two men. The dark one wound and arm around the other's waist and steered
him toward the house. The woman revealed an incredibly white, gap-toothed
smile.
"We've been expecting you," she said in her thick Bahamian accent. "Welcome."
Krycek smiled back. "You're Marie?"
"Yes, sir."
"I'm Alex. This is Fox."
Marie's eyes lit up. "Fox? Is that your real name, darlin'?"
Mulder took a liking to her immediately. "Afraid so."
Marie clapped her hands together and laughed. It was a deep, rich chuckle. "I
think it's a lovely name. Perfect."
Mulder lowered his eyes and smiled again.
"Come in, come in," Marie motioned with a wave of her hand.
Krycek followed Mulder into the house and looked around.
"Your home for the next two months, gentlemen. We hope it's to your liking."
Mulder turned in a circle, taking in his surroundings. From what he could see
of the downstairs, it was an open, airy floor plan. Comfortable over-stuffed
furniture, large sparkling windows, from which hung long, billowy white
curtains. Mulder watched, temporarily entranced by the way they danced in the
warm breeze.
And there were plants. Lots of huge floor plants, adding a splash of deep color
to the otherwise pale hues of the house.
Krycek leaned in and murmured in his ear. "Like it?"
"It's beautiful. You rented this whole house just for the two of us?
"Just you and me, remember?" Krycek nuzzled the ear he was speaking into.
Mulder risked an embarrassed glance at the housekeeper who watched at a
discreet distance, smiling an amused, motherly smile.
Krycek spoke again. "Why don't you have a look around? I need to talk with
Marie for a minute." He dropped a quick kiss on Mulder's jaw, then led Marie
away.
Mulder watched his lover's slow pace, marveling at how very much at ease he
seemed. He had no qualms whatsoever about his blatant displays of affection in
front of the housekeeper and the driver, who had since brought their luggage
into the house and was standing by the door, waiting for his next direction.
When Krycek and the woman stopped walking and began to talk, Mulder turned away
and began to tentatively explore his new surroundings.
"Marie, I'm going to need some help."
"Yes, sir?"
"Yeah. First, don't call me sir. It's Alex. Second," He looked in the direction
of the man who had meandered out onto the terrace. "We're here for some very
specific reasons. Umm...Fox hasn't been well. He's had it pretty rough for the
last several months. He's getting better now, but we'd decided that maybe we
could speed his recovery along someplace other than home."
Marie tossed a sympathetic glance in Mulder's direction. "I did notice an
unhealthy paleness to him when you arrived. And he's so terribly thin, poor
child."
"Yeah. He's dropped quite a bit of weight. We've got a lot of rebuilding to do.
Not just his weight. Strength, endurance..." He hesitated. "So many things. So
uh...as far as meals go, he's still eating lightly for now. His stomach won't
tolerate anything heavy or spicy."
"Not a problem. I can plan a menu a couple of days at a time in advance. I will
of course, check with you to make sure that it meets with your approval."
"Thank you."
Marie followed his gaze to the terrace. She glanced back at Krycek, noting the
softness in his expression as he watched the other man.
"Don't you worry none. We'll fatten him up in no time." She studied Krycek for
a moment then continued. "You look as though you could do with some
lookin'after, yourself."
"Me?" He smiled. "I'm fine."
"I been a mother for more years than you been alive, darlin'. I suspect that
you been frettin' so long about him, that you take no time to take care of
yourself. But what good will you be to him if you take sick?"
Krycek silently considered her words.
"Why don't you get on now? See the rest of the house and get yourselves
settled? Will you be wantin' dinner at home this evenin'?
"Uh, yeah. We'll just be hanging out here for the next couple of days to
unwind."
Marie winked. "Good idea. You go on now. See to your sweetheart."
Krycek cocked his head and gave her a curious half smile.
"Darlin', I been around sixty-one years and if I learned one thing, it's that
love is love. Makes no nevermind who it's between." She shook her head. "Not
nearly enough love in the world. If you're lucky enough to find it, hang on to
it."
Krycek said nothing, only stared at her in silent amazement. Marie shoved him
away.
"Go on with you now. Have a look around...maybe have yourselves a nap before
dinner."
"Which would be at what time?"
"What time would you like it?"
Krycek shrugged. "I don't know...six-thirty?"
"Very good." Marie gave him another wide grin and bustled away.
Krycek stared after her for a moment, then turned to join Mulder on the
terrace. As he passed through the parlor, a deep voice reached his ear.
"Excuse me sir but, where would you like your bags?"
"I'm sorry Anthony, I forgot you were there. Uh...just put them in the master
bedroom. Do you know where that is?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Because I have no idea."
"Up the stairs, sir. Last door on the right."
"Thanks."
As Anthony made his way up the stairs, Krycek found his way to the terrace.
Mulder leaned forward against the stucco wall and breathed in the warm salt
air. Even though he wore his sunglasses, his light-sensitive eyes squinted in
the glare of the early afternoon sun. He looked down at the empty beach. The
sand had the appearance of pink sugar, fine and pure. Turquoise water, capped
with foam, washed it's edges, smoothing and flattening and making it look not
entirely like the stuff in the bottom of nine year old Fox Mulder's cereal
bowl.
He smiled, hearing a very young Samantha complain as he scraped his spoon along
the bottom of the bowl, gathering up the gritty sweetness.
"How come mine doesn't make that noise, Fox?"
"Because you don't let it sink to the bottom. You stir it around until it all
melts."
He scrunched his lips up and sighed as his little sister began to pout.
"Here," he slid his bowl across the table. "You can have mine."
Smiling again, Samantha happily scratched at the remains in the bottom of her
brother's bowl.
"Earth to Mulder."
"Huh?"
Krycek smiled and leaned back against the wall. "You were a million miles
away."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Was it a good place?"
Mulder nodded and turned to Krycek. "This is beautiful. I can't believe you did
this. It must have cost you a fortune."
Krycel shrugged. "I never splurge. Felt good."
"Let me help you with the expenses."
"Nope. I got it covered."
"Yeah, but Alex..."
"No." He raised a hand to Mulder's cheek. His thumb swept back and forth. "Just
shut up and let me spoil you, okay?"
Mulder opened his mouth to protest further, then thought better of it.
Krycek leaned to the left and laid a soft kiss on his mouth.
"Tired?"
"Not really."
"Want to poke around the rest of the place?"
"Sure."
For the next couple of hours they explored the house and grounds, leaving the
upstairs for last. When they'd finally reached the second floor, Mulder was
looking a bit weary.
"I think we could both do with a nap," Krycek suggested, reading his eyes.
They reached the last door on the right and Krycek opened it with a flourish,
bowing deeply.
"Your bed chamber, my lord."
Mulder grinned and grasping a handful of dark hair, pulled Krycek up straight.
"Knock it off," he said on a soft chuckle, as he entered the room and looked
around. "Damn."
The bedroom was huge, done in mostly ivory, with pale accents here and there.
In one corner of the room, sat a small round dining table and two overstuffed
chairs, draped in ivory. In the middle of the table, there was a slim crystal
vase, from which sprang three graceful, green Midori anthuriums. Several feet
away, against the north wall, there was a polished teak highboy dresser.
Slightly right of the center of the room, was a sitting area. The sofa and one
of the two chairs, done in the familiar ivory. The odd chair was a dull
celadon. The three seats surrounded an oblong coffee table, carved of the same
gleaming teak. In the middle of it rested a bowl, cradling the same green
anthuriums as those found on the dining table.
Mulder's eyes traveled to the left and took in the sight of the king-sized four
poster bed. Adorned with a fluffy ivory comforter and at least eight pillows in
different sizes and shapes, it beckoned to his exhausted body, invitingly.
Just beyond the bed and straight out before them, were two huge french doors,
the frame draped with yard upon yard of sheer ivory curtains. Mulder moved to
the doors. He opened them and stepped out onto the private veranda, where he
found yet another small table and two chairs. He smiled, fondling one of the
half dozen plants inhabiting the area and looked out to the ocean.
"Bet it's a hell of a sunset."
He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He turned to meet Krycek's eye.
"Think you can take two months of this?"
He faced the ocean once more. "Yeah, I think I can suffer through it."
"Glad to hear it. I think I'll go take a shower, I feel kinda grubby."
Mulder nuzzled his cheek. "Want some company?"
"Now why does that not sound like such a good idea?"
"Sounds good to me..."
"No, no...I can't trust you to be good."
Mulder pulled back and stared into his eyes. "Oh, you can trust me to be
good..."
"God." The word broke from Krycek's lips in a choked whisper. "Come on, Fox.
Let's just try to unwind and relax first, okay? We've got two months. Let's
take it slow and easy." He could see the disappointment in Mulder's face.
"Fine. Go take your shower. I gotta call Scully, anyway. Forgot all about it.
She must be having a fit."
Krycek wanted to say something to him. But what the hell could he say? Even
though Mulder knew the consequences, he was becoming more and more frustrated
with each refusal and it was becoming increasingly difficult for Krycek to
pacify him.
He dropped his head to Mulder's shoulder. "I'll be back in a few."
Not receiving an answer, he lifted his head and walked back into the bedroom
and toward the bathroom, picking up one of the small bags along the way.
Mulder waited until the door closed, before he walked back into the room and
picked up the phone.
"Scully."
"It's me."
"Mulder." He could hear the relieved breath. "You forgot, didn't you?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry. We started looking around and it completely slipped our
minds."
"It's okay. So how do you like it?"
"It's beautiful."
"You don't sound very enthused."
"I am, I'm just..I'm tired."
"Sound like more than just fatigue."
Sometimes he really hated that she could read him so well.
"I'm fine, Scully."
"Where's Alex?"
"Shower."
Scully rubbed her temple. When he started with the one word answers, it was a
sure bet that something was up. She decided not to pursue it. Let Alex handle
it.
"Okay, Mulder. Get some rest and please, try to relax and have a good time."
"I will. I'll call you soon."
"All right, then. Bye, Mulder."
Mulder dropped the phone back into the cradle and walked back out to the
veranda.
Alex turned on the spray and stripped out of his clothes. He sighed as the
cooler open air hit his screaming erection. He stepped into the shower and let
the water flow over him.
"Mmmm...."
The warm water played over his cock, teasing it into greater stiffness. Unable
to stand the pressure any longer, he closed his hand around the shaft and began
to slowly stroke it. His eyes drifted shut as he imagined that it was his Fox's
hand wrapped lovingly around him, bringing him to that delicious state of
insanity, doing things to his mind and body that only Fox could do.
In his mind's eye, he could see his lover, soaking wet and sliding down his
body. Kneeling on the cool tile, in a pool of water. Taking him into his mouth.
Long fingers gently squeezing his ass, pulling him forward, coaxing him as far
down his throat as he could go...
Krycek leaned forward on one hand, directly under the shower head. His other
hand worked his cock faster and with firmer strokes. He bit the inside of his
lip to keep himself from crying out as he came. Warm, slick fluid gushed up and
flowed over his fist and down his arm. He turned and fell back against the
wall, gasping for air.
As he drifted back into awareness, he felt a sharp stab at his chest. He
recognized the pain as remorse. So often now, he jerked off alone in the shower
and he hated it. But Fox drove him crazy and though he always offered...hell,
he practically begged Krycek to let him take care of him, he'd always refused.
"No, lisa. It's not fair to you."
"But Alex..."
"You can't tell me that getting me off wouldn't turn you on."
"Well...yeah..."
"Yeah. And there's nothing I can do about it. So you stay frustrated and
unsatisfied." He shook his head. "I can't do that to you. When we get away and
you wind down and relax, we'll try again. Okay?"
"Yeah, okay."
He always turned quiet after one of these conversations. Going off into a
corner to lick his wounds. Krycek learned quickly to leave him alone when he
got like that. He'd come out of it by himself and be all right, until the next
time.
He moved back under the water and washed quickly. After he'd dried off, he
pulled on a pair of white boxer briefs and a loose fitting tank top and left
the bathroom. As he walked into the room, he noticed that Mulder was still on
the veranda, only now he was sitting at one of the wrought-iron chairs, staring
out into the water.
"All yours."
Mulder turned in the direction of the voice. His eyes quickly swept the length
of Krycek's body. He nodded and rose from the chair. Krycek stood motionless as
the still brooding man brushed past him and walked into the bathroom. When he
heard the soft click of the door, he walked slowly to the bed and sat down.
Soft.
He ran his hand over the comforter and spun to his feet, throwing it back and
folding it neatly at the foot of the bed. He lowered himself again to the
mattress and lay back against the pillows. By the time Mulder had emerged from
the bathroom, he was sound asleep.
Mulder stood over his sleeping lover, dressed much the same way. Heather-gray
boxer briefs and a loose gray tank. His hair fell in damp strands over his
forehead and into one eye, giving him that "little boy lost" appearance that
always went straight to Alex's heart.
He hesitated for a moment then got into bed, propping himself up against the
pillows. He stared down at the still figure beside him. He always felt so bad
after they'd had one of these things. Yet he knew with certainty, that he'd
react the same way again. As much as tried not to, every time Alex denied him,
he'd shut down. He didn't want to. He knew all too well, Alex's concerns and
he knew that his refusals were necessary, but he was so damned tired of it. He
wanted Alex. He wanted to have him the way he used to. Willing and sweet. Not
afraid of causing him unimaginable pain. Mulder skimmed the dark hair with the
back of his hand.
And hot.
He smiled.
Jesus, this man was hot. Mulder found himself wondering sometimes, how any one
person could have such a bone-jarring effect on another. One of Alex's
smoldering looks, and he was jelly. One lingering touch and he was good to go.
He wanted that back. He needed it and it drove him out of his mind that he
couldn't have it. He shouldn't take it out on Alex, though. He was just as
unhappy about this as Mulder was, though infinitely more patient.
"I'm sorry, Alex," he said, so softly, even he barely heard it, but Alex's
eyes snapped open and he turned onto his back. He blinked up at Mulder.
Damn.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep."
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Go back to sleep."
"What about you?"
To appease Krycek, Mulder slouched down into the pillows and closed his eyes,
though he did not relax. And Krycek knew it. Tension radiated from him like so
much steam from a hot press.
"Fox?"
"What?"
"Lie flat and turn over."
Mulder opened his eyes and looked at Krycek, who was now sitting up.
"Go on."
Never moving his eyes away from Krycek's face, he slid flat onto his back then
turned onto his stomach.
Krycek manuevered into a more comfortable position beside him then began to
massage his back and shoulders. An involuntary moan escaped Mulder's lips.
"Close your eyes and relax," the low soothing voice said. "Let it all go."
Slowly, Mulder's knotted muscles began to relax. As usual, he never completely
unwound, but it was enough to aid in getting him to sleep.
As Mulder's respiration slowed, Krycek continued to speak softly to him.
"That's it, baby. Let all your troubles go. You're with me and you're safe. Go
to sleep. I'll be right here when you wake up. Right here. I promise you..."
6:01 p.m.
Mulder's eyes drifted open and focused on the empty space beside him. He jerked
into a sitting postion, eyes darting around the room.
Empty.
He looked to the spot where their bags had been left.
Only his remained.
Heart pounding, he skittered across the bed and started for the door. Before he
could reach it, the bathroom door swung open and Alex stepped out. Mulder
stopped short and forced himself to drag two long breaths into his lungs.
"What's the matter?" Krycek asked, noting the trace of panic in his eyes.
"Where are you going?"
"N-nowhere."
"You look a little spooked. Did it startle you to wake up in a strange place?"
"Uh..." he raked a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Y-yeah, that must be it.
Um...Alex...I ...I'm sorry about before."
"S'okay."
Mulder shook his head. "When are you going to get tired of accepting my
apologies?"
"All the stuff you're going through right now is my fault. You don't owe me any
apologies and I feel guilty as hell every time you make one. Please. I wish
you would stop."
"What's done is done, Alex. You're here and you're trying to make it right and
I accepted that. I'm supposed to be working with you, not makings things
harder."
"You didn't ask for this. I'd have to be out of my mind to think that any of
this was going to be easy. You feel how you feel and there's no need to make
apologies for it."
Mulder's eyes danced away from Krycek's face and over to his bags. "Where's
your stuff?"
"I just finished putting it all away. I was just coming in to get yours and
wake you up. Dinner is in half an hour."
See, Mulder? Logical explanation.
"Okay. I'll get changed."
Without another word, he grabbed one of the bags and started toward the
bathroom. Krycek caught him by the arm, bringing him to a halt. The sensation
from the light pressure of his fingers around Mulder's bicep, traveled through
the restrained man's body, generating tiny shivers.
"What were you thinking?"
"When?"
"When you were heading out of the room."
The way Mulder saw it, he had three choices. Tell the truth and risk an
argument or worse, hurting his feelings, lie and leave him suspicious or say
nothing at all and open his non-reaction up to speculation.
He remained silent.
Let the postulations begin.
"You thought I'd left, didn't you?"
Accuracy has never been much of a problem with you, has it Alex?
More silence was Krycek's answer.
He could have told Mulder to stop worrying. He could have said, for the
hundreth time, that he would not leave him, but he knew that it would be
pointless. Words were not going to do it. All he could do was keep doing what
he was doing and hope that Mulder would finally, really get it.
He backed up a couple of steps, then moved in front of him. His arms went
around Mulder's back and pulled him in close.
The bag fell to the floor and Mulder's hands slid up Krycek's back and clenched
in his shirt. He closed his eyes and released a shuddering breath as he felt a
gentle hand weave through his hair and a soft mouth, planting reassuring kisses
on the side of his face. He raised his head and met his lover's eyes.
"I'll go get dressed."
Krycek nodded and laid another kiss on the tip of his nose. He watched Mulder
disappear into the bathroom, then picked up the remaining bags and walked
toward the second closet.
6:35 p.m.
The two men sat across from each other at opposite ends of the dining room
table, separated by at least three place settings.
"If we move everything away from the middle, we can play table hockey with the
salt shaker," Mulder offered.
Krycek laughed. He was in better humor. Good.
"I think Marie probably thinks that this is romantic."
Mulder rested his head against his splayed thumb and forefinger and raised his
eyebrows.
"The lady is way cool."
"I guess so."
As if she'd heard her name, Marie appeared out of the kitchen with dinner,
interrupting their conversation.
"All right, you two. Eat." She turned and stared pointedly at Mulder.
"Especially you."
Mulder made show of looking around. He faced Marie again and pointed a finger
into his chest. "Me?"
"Yes, you. If you got any thinner, you'd disappear completely."
"I'm not that thin."
"Don't argue with me, child. Eat."
Mulder smirked at Krycek. "Yes, ma'am."
Marie gave him one of those maternal smiles and paraded out of the dining room.
Krycek waited until she was out of earshot, then leaned over his plate and
spoke in a low, confidential tone.
"I think we've been adopted."
"I can think of worse things than being mothered for eight weeks."
Krycek displayed a flash of white teeth. "Definitely." He plucked his glass
from the table and raised it. "To two months of peace and relaxation."
Mulder did the same. "To getting us back to where we were."
Each man took a small sip. Krycek spoke again. "To...patience."
Mulder countered. "To warm nights..."
"To long walks and quiet conversation."
"To...the pale moonlight reflecting in your eyes..."
A tiny smirk quivered in the corner of Krycek's mouth. "Eat your dinner."
Deciding not to push the issue any further, Mulder turned his attention to his
meal. Twenty minutes later, Krycek looked across the length of the table, at
his plate and smiled.
"Hey, you did pretty well."
"It was good."
"Feel okay?"
"Yeah."
"Up for some dessert?"
Shit, did I just say that?
Mulder chewed the corner of his lower lip. The heat of his gold-flecked stare
traveled the length of the table like a fireball, hitting it's target full-on.
Were it not for the fact that he was already sitting, it would have knocked
Krycek flat on his ass. It took him a moment to find his voice.
"Uh..." he cleared his throat. "You know...pie...chocolate pudding..."
Mulder continued to stare.
"Jello?"
Mulder's eyes finally dropped away, letting him off the hook. "I couldn't eat
another bite."
Krycek blew out a silent breath. "How about a walk?"
Mulder looked up again, the raging fire reduced to smoldering embers.
"Sure. Why not?"
7:45 p.m.
"Sky's starting to change color." Krycek stopped and hoisted himself up onto a
flat rock. "Want to watch?"
Mulder removed his sunglasses and squinted up at him. A soft smile graced his
lips as he observed the child-like enthusiasm.
Krycek grinned down at him. "What?"
"You act like you've never seen a sunset before."
Krycek looked out to where sky met water. "It's been years since I've actually
had time to sit and appreciate one." His eyes darted back down to Mulder's.
"I'm willing to bet that it's been a while for you, too."
Mulder climbed up and sat beside him. "My last memory of a sunset was when I
was a kid at our summer place. I'd take Samantha out near the water to see it.
It was so quiet up there. Too quiet. I got her as far away as possible, but the
sound of my parents arguing, carried for quite a distance."
"Well...I hope in another twenty-five, thirty years, you can look back and
remember this as being good."
Mulder fixed a soft stare on him. "How else could I remember this?"
Krycek released a satisfied sigh. His eyes cut away, back to the skyline.
Not another word was said between them as they watched the sun dip below the
horizon, turning the sky and inhabiting clouds to a countless number of shades
of purple and pink. When dusk had finally settled, Krycek turned back to the
man sitting beside him. He breathed deeply, drinking in the shadowed beauty of
him.
Awesome.
Jesus, this man was more beautiful than any man had a right to be...
Mulder sensed more than saw that he was being watched. His head turned in the
direction of the stare. Curious hazel eyes locked with solemn green eyes,
searching. Seeking an answer to questions that had no definitive answers. Not
now.
The muscle in Krycek's jaw flexed. He could feel the warmth of his Fox's thigh,
just a hair-breadth away from his. He felt himself falling. Sinking deeper into
those eyes. He swallowed against the dryness in his throat. All he had to do
was lean in a few inches. Fox would meet him the rest of the way...
His eyes flicked to that outrageously sexy mouth. He wanted that mouth in the
worst way. He could spend hours on that bottom lip alone, licking. Sucking it's
sweet fullness into his mouth. Biting hard enough to draw those low raspy moans
that he loved to hear, but not so hard as to bruise. He could never hurt these
beautiful lips.
He focused again on the eyes. They seemed closer, somehow. The gold in them,
brighter and more prevalent. Had he moved? He wasn't sure. He might have. Or
maybe Fox had. Maybe they both did. He blinked and backed away. He tore his
eyes away and looked up at the sky.
"It's almost dark," he said, faintly above a whisper. "You want to head back?"
The answer took a while to reach him. "No. Un-unless you want to..."
"No. No, I was j...I..I was just asking."
They sat quietly in the gathering darkness. An hour had passed before either of
them spoke. Finally, it was Mulder who broke the silence.
"I'm a little tired."
Krycek rose and held a hand out to him. "Come on, then."
Mulder reached up and grasped the hand, pulling himself up. As soon as he was
on his feet, he released his grip and started to move his hand away. Before he
was completely out of reach, Krycek recaptured the hand. Keeping his eyes
focused on Mulder's, he interlaced their fingers and gently pulled him close.
He tilted his head and laid a brief kiss along the line of the older man's jaw.
Still holding on to Mulder's hand, he led him up the rocks and back to the
house.
10:01 p.m.
Mulder lay against the mass of pillows, the light sheet draped across his hips.
His bare chest rose and fell slowly as he drifted into sleep. Krycek emerged
from the bathroom and stopped at the edge of the bed. His eyes roamed the
length of his lover's torso, letting them drop to the sheet covered area. He
idly wondered if he was wearing anything under that sheet.
He smiled.
It'd be just like Fox to be naked...just to drive him crazy.
He lifted the sheet and slid underneath. And while he was at it, he snuck a
peek. Underwear. He found it unimaginable that he was actually behaving
himself, but anything was possible. Maybe he was just too tired.
He leaned to his left and brushed his lips across the surface of Mulder's hair.
He slid closer and settled back against the pillows beside him. "Goodnight,
lisa."
Thursday
"God, I'm stuffed." Krycek caught Marie as she passed by the table. "Marie,
that was fabulous."
"Glad you liked it." She looked to the other man at the opposite end of the
table. "What about you, child?"
"Excellent. Thank you, Marie."
The housekeeper moved closer to investigate Mulder's plate. She nodded
approvingly. "Not bad. Not bad at all. By the time you leave here, you are
going to be at least ten pounds heavier."
"Sounds like a threat."
"Take it for what you want, boy."
Marie cleared the table and left the two to themselves.
"It's been forever since I've actually sat down to Thanksgiving dinner," Mulder
commented.
"I know. Me too." Krycek studied him. "You probably thought that the next time
you did this, it'd be with your wife and kids, huh?"
Mulder's mouth opened slightly and turned up into some semblance of a smile.
His head twitched back and forth. When finally found his voice he said, "You
know, I never thought about it."
One dark eyebrow arched upward. "Never?"
He thought for a moment then, "No."
"Wow."
"You?"
Silence then, "No."
"Why not?"
"Well, first of all, not in my business, second, I never thought I'd live
long enough to even consider something like that and third, I've spent the last
several years of my life lusting after a guy."
Mulder feigned shock. "Get the hell outta here..."
Krycek raised a hand. "Swear to God."
"Holy shit. Anybody I know?"
The corner of Krycek's mouth quivered. "I'm not sure. He's in law enforcement
of all things. Tall, gorgeous, lips that I'd kill or die for..." He suppressed
the smirk he felt coming. "Eyes you could fall into and beautiful blonde
hair..."
He couldn't duck fast enough to avoid the balled-up napkin that sailed across
the table. It connected with his head as he laughed helplessly.
While Mulder was looking around for something else to throw, Krycek slipped out
of his chair and moved behind him. His arms encircled the seated man, securing
his arms to his sides. He nuzzled the slightly rough cheek. "You know I'm
kidding."
Mulder twisted his head away from the soft lips. "I know no such thing."
Soft chuckle. A hand against his cheek, turning his face into a waiting kiss.
"Yes you do."
Mulder closed his eyes. The feel of his lover's mouth skimming his cheek
sparked a riot of sensation within other parts of his body. He freed an arm,
reaching behind him and plunged a hand into the dark silk, intent on holding
Krycek's head where it was.
He couldn't be sure which of them that throaty, feral moan came from but it did
snap him back into reality. He'd made a promise to himself that first night,
after they got back from the beach that he would stop torturing Alex and
himself. It was a promise he intended to keep.
The hand in his hair released it's grip, surprising Alex. Mulder dropped a
quick kiss on his lips, then pulled completely away. He stood quietly startled
as he watched the older man move across the room, stopping at the glass doors.
"Going to be another beautiful sunset, I think. Want to go for a walk?"
Alex gave no immediate answer. He was presently wrapped up in trying to figure
out this new phase in Fox's attitude.
For two days now, he'd been on his best behavior. No questionable comments. No
smoky looks. Tonight was the closest he'd come to anything resembling a
sexually motivated touch and even now, he'd reined himself in. Alex's eyes
narrowed. There was something going on in that gorgeous head but he wasn't sure
what...
"Alex?"
"Hmm?"
"Walk?"
"Yeah. Sure. Let's go."
The next couple of weeks went fairly smoothly. On the whole, Mulder's appetite
had improved. He'd gained three pounds and his color had started to come back.
His sleeping habits had also improved, though he was still plagued by the
occasional dream. He'd had two since they'd arrived. The first happened their
third night on the island and the second came just two nights ago.
He awoke as he usually did, clinging desperately to Alex, shaking and in pain
but made no attempt to ask for release. Alex wondered why. Could it be that he
was simply accepting this as part of his life or was there something else going
on here? Mulder gave him no clues and when he tried to broach the subject just
yesterday, it was promptly changed.
Alex glanced at his watch. Five-fifteen. Until now, they'd stuck relatively
close to the house, exploring the surrounding caves and mangroves or lounging
on the private beach. Today, they were going to dinner in town. Mulder's
suggestion. Krycek couldn't hide the surprised expression when he'd brought the
idea up yesterday.
"Really? Uh...yeah. Sure, that'd be great."
"Well if it's so great," Mulder teased, "how come you hadn't suggested it
yourself?"
Krycek shrugged. "I didn't want to push."
"I think maybe it wouldn't hurt for you to push just a little..."
Krycek finished buttoning his shirt then stood back to check himself in the
full-length mirror.
Cool and casual but not overly so, he'd chosen a pair of oatmeal colored
pleated pants and a chocolate brown, raw silk shirt. The leather slip-on shoes
matched the shade of the shirt almost exactly.
He turned to the left then to the right, tucking and smoothing and when he was
satisfied, exited the bathroom. He walked through the bedroom and stopped just
short of the French doors, observing Fox in silence.
He stood on the veranda, leaning on his forearms against the rail, giving the
man behind him a rather enticing view of his rear, encased in the light-weight
fabric of the black pants he wore.
Alex sucked half of his lower lip into his mouth as he advanced.
Sensing that he was no longer alone, Fox spun on his heel and came face to face
with Alex.
"Scully was right."
The younger man raised a curious eyebrow.
"I should get you a bell."
Alex gave him a mock sneer then looked him up and down.
"Very nice."
Mulder shrugged. "If you slapped a jacket and tie on me, it'd look like I was
ready for work."
Alex shook his head slowly. "No. This material is loose." He brought his hands
up to the white silk shirt. "Touchable..." He undid two buttons, partially
baring Fox's chest, his fingers teasing the sprinkling of golden-brown hairs
along the way. "Sexy."
Fox's eyes rose to meet Alex's. It had been quite a while since he'd seen that
look. Predatory. So completely raw. Utterly Alex. He'd missed it.
Mulder wondered what would happen if he responded the way he wanted to. If he
moved just half a step forward and rubbed up against him....
The familiar stir in his crotch brought him back to his senses. He backed away,
maybe a bit too quickly because he could see the lust flicker and fade.
Confusion tinged with a bit a of regret took it's place.
Alex cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. "Ready to go?"
Mulder plucked his wallet off the bed and slipped it into his back pocket.
"Ready."
As the two men made their way down the stairs and through the parlor, a deep
warm voice followed them.
"Enjoy your evenin', children."
"Thanks Marie," they called in unison as they departed.
"Where'd this come from?" Mulder asked, walking toward the the black Porsche
convertible.
"The garage. It came with the package." He grinned and opened Mulder's door. "I
really didn't think you'd be comfortable riding around in the back of a
limousine all the time."
Mulder hesitated then folded himself into the low seat. "You're right about
that."
Alex shut the door and rounded the front of the car. Once inside, he turned to
Mulder and smiled. "I figured."
A flick of the key and the engine roared to life. "Ohhhh, I could get used to
this," Krycek murmured. "Maybe I'll trade my car in when we get back."
Mulder chuckled. "A car freak. Wonderful."
Alex pulled out of the driveway and started down the narrow road. "Come on, you
can't tell me that this isn't nice..."
"Of course it is. I guess I just never give a whole lot of thought to what I'm
driving. All those cheap rentals and requisitions."
Alex pulled off to the side of the road and parked. Mulder watched curiously as
he opened the door and got out. He motioned to the other man to do the same.
"What?"
Alex came around to the passenger's side and threw the door open. "You drive."
"What the hell for?"
"You need to appreciate this."
"And I can't do that from the passenger's seat?"
"It's not the same. Get out. Let's go."
Mulder heaved a long sigh and switched places with Krycek. He pulled back onto
the road and continued on to their destination.
"Well?" Krycek said impatiently.
"Well what?"
He cocked his head and scowled at Mulder.
"Yeah, it's nice."
"We're on a straightaway. Open her up."
"I said it was nice..."
"Would you just...please..."
"All right, all right." Mulder threw it into high gear and in seconds, reached
a speed in excess of seventy.
"Happy?" he shouted over the roar of engine and wind.
Alex closed his eyes and threw his head back. "Aren't you? Come on, Fox. Can't
you feel it?"
Mulder fell silent and concentrated on the loud rumble that surrounded him and
the feel of barely contained power at his fingertips. He had to admit, it did
have a wee bit of an erotic quality to it. And okay, maybe it wouldn't be such
a bad idea for Alex to consider trading in his car.
He smiled.
Or maybe he'd just buy his own...
It did feel good. Too good. That steady rumble beneath him was not a good
thing. Ordinarily it would be, but...
Alex's eyes flew open as he felt the car begin to slow. His head rolled to
Mulder's direction. "What are you doing?"
"Slowing down to a speed less apt to kill us."
Long sigh. "Yeah, okay....but wasn't it cool?"
The corner of Mulder's mouth twitched. "Yeah, Alex. It was cool."
They arrived at the restaurant windblown but in one piece and were almost
immediately escorted to their outdoor table.
"Hope you don't mind," Alex said, "but they told me that the terrace provided a
spectacular view."
"No. Not at all." Mulder observed the ocean scene. "It is beautiful." He
glanced at Alex who at the moment had his eyes trained on the seascape before
them.
The view was beautiful but could never rival the one right before him. His eyes
slid over the man across the table, marveling at the way the lengthening
shadows of the coming evening touched him in all the right places, softening
and caressing. The waning sunlight highlighting and illuminating and when he
turned, Mulder's breath caught in his throat. A pale orangy-yellow band of
sunlight fell across his eyes, catching in them, being absorbed, giving them a
warm glow all their own.
"You okay?"
Mulder blinked. "Okay?"
"Yeah. You seem like you're somewhere else."
"No," he murmured softly. "No, I'm right here."
Before the conversation could continue, the waiter arrived with menus, took
their drink orders, then departed. After he'd gone, Mulder looked around. "Not
a whole lot of people," he said, noting only four other couples on the large
terrace, one of which was another couple of men.
"We got what we wanted then, didn't we? Privacy. Quiet."
Mulder nodded in agreement.
They sat quietly together enjoying their surroundings and sharing long
lingering looks until the waiter returned with their drinks. Mulder gave the
waiter his dinner order first and began to glance around the terrace. He hadn't
noticed it before, but there was music playing. He probably wouldn't have taken
notice now were it not for the fact that two of the couples had gotten up to
dance. He focused in on the male couple, wrapped around each other, swaying in
time to the music.
Krycek finished ordering and turned to watch Mulder, watching the men. Long
minutes went by before he leaned across the table and spoke softly to his
entranced partner.
"What do you say?"
"Hmm?"
Krycek motioned to the floor with a tiny toss of his head.
Mulder opened his mouth then closed it again, not knowing how to answer.
"Come on," Alex prodded softly.
"I don't think so."
"Why not?"
Mulder shrugged. "I just...I don't..." He grimaced and fell silent.
"Okay." Krycek reached out, taking his hand. "I just thought that maybe you
wanted to. You seemed to be watching them so intently."
"I guess I'm just surprised. They seem so..." he struggled for the words.
Krycek finished the sentence for him.
"Relaxed? Oblivious?"
"Yeah."
"This is the Bahamas. They're much more laid back here."
"I guess so."
They went on to other subjects but every now and then, Mulder couldn't help
sneeking glances at the couple who had since returned to their table. They sat
close together, laughing and touching, sharing tiny kisses and intimate
whispers.
They lingered a while after dinner was finished, sipping wine until the sun
completely disappeared beneath the horizon.
"How was your meal?" Krycek asked, finally weary of the silence.
"Very good."
"I wasn't sure you liked it. You didn't eat that much."
"No, I really liked it. It was just very filling."
Krycek drained his glass. Mulder took two more small sips of his wine, then set
the glass down, pushing it away.
"Want to get going?"
"You don't have to rush. Finish your wine."
"I've had enough."
"All right, then."
After Mulder won the ten minute argument over who was going to pay the bill,
they left the restaurant. As they passed through the parking lot, a voice out
of the darkness spun them around.
"Remember when we were that age, Jack?"
A soft chuckle followed by another voice. "Remember when we were that
handsome?"
The two men from the terrace.
They leaned side by side up against a blue Cadillac, one drawing deeply on a
cigarette. Mulder froze, studying them curiosly. Krycek smiled and started to
turn away.
"Have a nice evening, gentlemen."
"How long have you boys been together?"
He stopped and turned back. Casting a sideways glance at Mulder, he answered.
"Not long."
"Weeks? Months...days?"
Krycek sighed, not knowing how to answer and wondered at the same time why he
should answer at all. "Less than a year."
"Remember our first year, Jack?"
"Yeah. The newness. The excitement..."
"How long have you been together?"
Krycek turned surprised eyes to Mulder.
Jack smiled. "He speaks."
Eric stamped out his cigarette and blew a long stream of smoke out of his
lungs. "Fifteen years."
"You're still very close."
Eric nodded. "What people don't understand is that our relationships are not
much different than those of men and women. We love, too. And we certainly are
capable of spending our lives with only one person." He skimmed his knuckles
across Jack's cheek. "Right, babe?"
Jack caught the other man's hand and pressed a kiss into it. He turned his head
to the young men. "You boys in love?"
Mulder and Krycek looked at each other. They'd admitted it to each other but
never to anyone else. Well, besides Scully and then, it was only Krycek she'd
heard the words from.
Mulder was first to answer.
"Yes."
Krycek smiled softly and ran the back of his hand down Mulder's arm.
Eric nudged Jack's arm. "I knew it."
"Yeah, you knew it."
"Good luck kids. Enjoy your stay on the island."
"Thanks. We will." Krycek hooked a finger around one of Mulder's and motioned
toward the car. Mulder gave the men a slight trace of a smile, then let Krycek
lead him away.
Once they were on their way, Mulder settled into a pensive silence. Krycek
allowed him some time to himself, then reached across the seat and covered his
hand.
"Talk to me, lisa."
Mulder looked to the side, then again turned his eyes to the road. "Fifteen
years."
"Long time."
Wary hazel eyes searched his face. "Do you ever think about the future?"
"Our future or the future in general?"
Mulder stared silently at him. His expression was answer enough.
"Sure. I think about it."
"Do you ever think of us in the long-term?"
Krycek squeezed his hand. "I'm here for as long as you want me."
The tone in his voice left no room for 'what ifs'. Mulder gave a barely
noticeable nod of his head, then turned his attention back to the road.
9:52 p.m.
Krycek pushed the bedroom door open and let Mulder enter first. He watched from
the doorway as Mulder wandered into the room and toward the French doors. He
swung them open and stood there, staring out into the starlit sky.
"Another beautiful night," he observed. "This place has got to be as close to
paradise as you can get."
He heard no answer, only the soft sounds of music coming from behind. The
volume increased slightly and he closed his eyes.
Nice. Soulful...sexy.
He cocked his head ever so slightly as a new sound was added.
"You are...
Singing. A smooth alto, drifting closer. Right behind him. Vibrating gently
against the side of his neck...
He opened his eyes as if it would help him to confirm what he was hearing.
"Just take care
Arms slipping around him. One at his waist, the other coming over his shoulder
and down across his chest. Pulling him back against the warmth right behind
him.
"And don't be late
His eyes slipped shut again as his body was pulled into in a slow, rhythmic
sweep. Alex continued his seductive serenade for a few minutes more, then
turned Mulder around to face him. His eyes, mesmerizing. His voice softly
persuasive.
"Dance with me."
Not waiting for an answer, he pulled his lover into his arms and began to sway
in time to the music.
Mulder trembled as he wound his arms around Alex's neck and moved with him.
Their eyes met and he lowered his head. He couldn't look at him. Here they
were, wrapped in each others arms, their bodies touching everywhere two bodies
could touch, writhing against each other in perfect harmony. Looking into his
eyes was just too much.
He was afraid.
Jesus, of what?
Of where this was going.
This had been such a good couple of weeks, with just a few exceptions and he
was terrified of ruining it by finding out that his condition hadn't changed.
But you have to find out sooner or later.
Well, let's just make it a little later, okay? I'm not ready...
The tightening of the material in the vicinity of his crotch told him something
else.
He drew a few deep breaths and attempted to shake off the feeling.
No go.
His body tensed and he began to pull away.
"Alex..."
Krycek allowed him only a few inches distance.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't...I can't..."
"Fox, listen to me. This isn't going to go anywhere you don't want it to go."
Mulder shook his head. "It's not a matter of want."
"Okay. This won't go anywhere you're not ready for it to go."
"I'm sorry..."
"Stop. I told you about apologizing."
Mulder looked down and away.
Alex slipped a hand under his chin and lifted. He smiled reassuringly. "It's
okay. All I want to do is dance with you." He skimmed the stubble-roughened
skin. "Is that all right?"
Mulder answered by melting back into him and they began to move once more. An
eternity later, he spoke.
"You never told me you could sing."
The low rumble of his voice vibrated against Alex's cheek, drawing the younger
man out of the sea of sensuality he'd been immersed in. He inhaled and exhaled
slowly, then answered.
"Told you I was a choirboy."
"Yeah, when you were eight."
Silence.
"Do you have any other surprises for me?"
"Maybe yes, maybe no."
"Thanks for clearing that up."
"No problem...you sound tired."
"I guess I am, a little."
Krycek stopped their rocking motion. "Let's get some sleep, then."
Fifteen minutes later, they were settled into bed. As Krycek moved to draw
Mulder into his arms, the older man stopped him. He pulled away and rolled back
against the pillows. The confusion cleared from Alex's eyes as Mulder held his
arms out to him. He rolled onto his side and tucked himself against the warm
length of his lover's body. A gentle hand in his hair pulled his head down
under the stubbled chin.
"You're tired too," Mulder whispered into his hair. "You try so hard not to let
it show but I can see it."
"What would I be tired from? Marie does everything."
"You do plenty."
"Like what?"
"You worry about me and I know that lately, that's been a full time job. Stress
is exhausting. I know."
"Well, I'm fine."
"Liar." He hugged Krycek to him. "All I've done the last few weeks is take all
the comfort you've had to offer me. I need to give some back."
"You owe me nothing."
"How can you say that? I love you, Alex. And that brings with it a certain
amount of responsibility. Or at least it should. I can't continue to ignore
your feelings and needs because I've got problems..."
"Problems that I caused."
"So because of that, you think that you don't deserve my consideration? Say
yes, and I'll beat your ass."
Krycek smiled into his chest. "I don't think that you're capable of that quite
yet."
"I'll make that second on my 'to do' list."
"What's first?"
Mulder buried his face in his lover's hair and hugged him tighter still. "You."
Krycek quivered with silent laughter. "Let me get this straight. You're going
to do me, then beat me."
Mulder smirked into his hair. "Mmm hmm."
"Could you maybe like...reverse that?"
"Beat you then do you?"
"Makes better sense. Unless you don't want to kiss all my boo boos and make
em better."
"Are you kidding?"
Krycek closed his eyes and rubbed his head against the sensitive skin of
Mulder's throat. "You know, I have to admit...this does feel good. It's been
so long. I loved waking up in the middle of the night and feeling your arms
around me. I'd only be awake for a few minutes but it was during those few
minutes that I'd really felt that maybe I wasn't so worthless after all..."
"Why then?"
"There's truth in sleep." His hand traveled slowly up and down Mulder's arm. "I
fell asleep in your arms but never expected to wake up there. It's only natural
to move during the night. Nobody falls asleep and wakes up in the same
position. But you never let me go. And I knew I was wanted."
Mulder laid his palm against Alex's face and brushed his thumb back and forth
across his cheekbone. "I want you to know that all the time, Alex. Not just in
the middle of the night. Don't ever doubt that I want you. All of you. Always."
Krycek shifted, releasing a tiny flutter of kisses across Mulder's collarbone.
His mouth traveled up the slender length of his lover's throat, over his chin
and finally coming to rest tenderly against the full lips. He pulled away and
once again snuggled against Mulder's chest. They lay quietly together, losing
themselves in each other and the soft music that still wafted through the room.
The last CD finished and there was no other sound but those of deep, peaceful
sleep.
Tuesday
Krycek treaded water, watching entranced as Mulder's lithe body cut gracefully,
effortlessly, through the ocean. The sun danced madly on each flash of skin as
he stroked smoothly, in wide circles around his stationary partner.
"Come on, we gotta get back," Krycek called without conviction. "You don't want
to lose our reservation, do you?"
Mulder had felt like a swim before they went out to dinner and as soon as
they'd gotten down to the beach, he unceremoniously stripped off his shirt and
plunged into the water. He'd gone out probably ten yards before truning around
to find Krycek still standing on the shore.
"You coming?"
Krycek shook his head, smiling as he kicked off his topsiders and swam out to
meet him.
"Race you."
"My, aren't we feeling frisky this afternoon."
Mulder's eyes sparkled. "Well?"
"Let's just have a nice swim. I don't want you to overdo it."
Mulder would not be put off. He began to swim in circles around Krycek,
taunting him. "Whatsa matter? Afraid I'll beat you?"
"Ha! I could beat you on your best day."
"Well? Put up or shut up."
Krycek snorted. "Where to?"
Mulder squinted at the shore and pointed out a particularly conspicuous
formation of rocks. "To there and back. Ready?"
"Whoa! Hang on, now." Krycek grinned. "Care to make it interesting?"
Mulder cocked his head. "What'd you have in mind?"
"Nothing too unreasonable. Loser makes the winner breakfast in bed for a week."
"Fine. I'll give you my order later."
"Oh, Fox. My poor beautiful, delusional Fox. This is going to hurt me more than
it hurts you."
"That's sweet. Are you ready?"
"Let's go."
Krycek was a good swimmer. Excellent, in fact. He gave the older man a run for
his money, but it was Mulder who won, beating him by at least four lengths.
Laughter greeted him as he reached the point from which they'd started.
"Well.....let's see now...." Mulder began to backstroke around Krycek, grinning
triumphantly. "Tomorrow, I'd like...uhhhhh....pineapple pancakes, I think."
"I let you win."
"Bullshit. Bacon...crisp, but not burnt....fresh squeezed orange juice..."
"I was just trying to build your confidence."
"Uh huh. Right. Admit it. You couldn't beat me." He turned over and continued
to swim around Krycek. "On Thursday....french toast. I like it sweet and a
little on the dry side. I hate it when it's soggy..."
"How long are you going to gloat?"
"I don't know. A while, probably....ham. Thinly sliced...fried..."
"You're supposed to be gracious in victory."
"I thought I was. I could make you serve me wearing nothing but a
G-string..." He stopped swimming and stared off into the distance. "Hmm."
He arched and disappeared beneath the surface, leaving Krycek to contemplate
the meaning of that 'hmm'. While he was wondering, he felt something brush the
back of his shin. By the time he'd turned around, it was gone.
Not it. Him.
Another brush. Higher this time, right across the small of his back. Krycek
smiled and turned again.
Nothing.
"You gotta surface sometime," he shouted at the water. "I'll j..." He groaned.
The latest contact came across the front of his thighs. Dangerously close to
his crotch. "Come on, now..."
The swish as Mulder surfaced behind Krycek was swallowed in the continuous
crash of the ocean. One arm clamped around his chest and the other around his
neck, catching him by surprise and dragging him backward.
"Shit!" He ceased his initial struggle for balance and relaxed, letting Mulder
pull him along.
"Sorry, did I scare you?"
"Scare me? Well, if you consider taking ten years off a guy's life scaring him,
then yeah. You scared me."
"You knew it was me..."
"I never expected that you were going to grab me like that."
Cool, wet lips grazed his cheek. He winced and groaned softly, feeling Mulder's
teeth close around his earlobe. He tugged gently at the ear then released it
and Krycek. He glided away and began to swim in circle around him.
"Dinner, Fox..."
"Okay, okay. Two more minutes."
Krycek waited patiently, thankful for the seemingly dramatic change in Mulder's
mood. He'd been in relatively good humor lately but today was exceptional. He'd
never seen him more relaxed and he'd be damned if he was going to do anything
to spoil his playful mood.
Finally, after executing a few lazy circles around his patient lover, Mulder
started swimming in a straight line for the shore.
"Come on," he called to Krycek. "Do you want to lose our reservation?"
Krycek tipped his head up and blinked into the sun. "Didn't I just say that a
little while ago?" He swam to catch up to Mulder, who was already halfway to
shore.
4:50 p.m.
"...and on Thursday, banana walnut muffins... from scratch..."
Krycek closed the bedroom door behind them as they entered. "Are you enjoying
yourself?"
Mulder spun to face him, eyes sparkling. "Very much."
Krycek made a faint rasping sound in the back of his throat and walked to his
closet. "I'm going to take a shower," he announced as he pulled out a shirt and
pair of pants. Before he could close the door a pair of arms imprisoned him and
warm breath fanned his ear. the seductively low voice closed his eyes and
brought a smile to his face.
"That was nice."
"Yeah, I'll bet it was."
Soft chuckle. "I don't mean because I beat you. Well... that was fun but it's
not what I meant. I just had a good time in general."
"Yeah?"
"Mmm hmm."
Krycek caressed the arm across his chest. "Good. Well... I'd better get into the
shower." He paused, hoping to hear an offer to join him but none was
forthcoming. He untangled himself from Mulder's embrace and went into the
bathroom. Had he turned around, he wouldn't have missed the devious grin on the
other man's face.
Alex entered the bathroom and closed the door, leaning against it.
Shit.
Didn't Fox realize what the hell he was doing? Couldn't he feel the rapid
pounding of the heart beneath his hand? Didn't he know the amount of damage he
caused when he spoke in that tone? He couldn't know or he wouldn't do
it... would he? He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Shit, shit.
Time to hit the shower.
Mulder listened at the door, waiting to hear the shower go on. When it did, he
waited a few minutes more, then eased the door open and peeked inside. A quick
glance at the opaque shower door told him that Alex was inside. He slipped into
the room, pulling his shirt over his head. As his hand moved to the button of
his shorts, he looked back toward the shower door. The smile fell from his face
as he got a better look at Alex's profile. He was leaning against the wall of
the shower, head thrown back as his hand worked quickly and steadily on his
erect cock.
Mulder stood frozen for a moment, trying to swallow past the lump that had
suddenly risen to his throat. The small gasp he heard above the running water
spurred him into action. He picked his shirt up and quietly left the room.
Back in the bedroom once more, he slipped the shirt on and went out to the
veranda. He sat heavily in one of the two chairs, his mind racing in a dozen
different directions at once.
Come on, now. What did you expect? Did you really think that he's gone all
this time without it just because you have?
I didn't want him to! I wanted to take care of him and he wouldn't let
me!
He told you why he didn't want you to.
But I needed to. I needed to feel like I wasn't totally useless.
You never told him that.
Did I have to? I begged him and he refused. No wonder. What did he need me
for?
"Fox?"
Mulder's head jerked in the direction of the voice coming from right behind
him. Krycek smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder. The smile was replaced by a
look of curiosity as he felt the muscles tighten beneath his hand.
"What's up?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing," Krycek repeated. "That look on your face tells me that it's
something."
Let it go, Mulder. Don't ruin everything. It's not that big a deal.
He stood and faced Krycek, trying his level best to look nonchalant. "I'm
fine. Really."
Krycek studied him, not believing his words for a second.
"I'd better go get ready." Without another word, Mulder brushed by him and
headed for the bathroom.
Krycek stared after him completely mystified.
What the hell happened?
Still pondering that question, he started to get dressed.
Mulder appeared twenty minutes later, gorgeous as usual, but still looking very
much troubled.
"We'd uh, better get going," Krycek said softly.
"I'm ready."
"We don't have to go if you don't feel up to it, you know."
"I told you, I'm fine. Besides, the reservations are made."
"It doesn't matter about the reservations."
"I want to go, okay? Come on." Without any more conversation, they left for
the restaurant.
6:57 p.m.
Alex looked around the dining room. "This is nice, huh?"
"Yeah." Mulder stared down into his wine glass.
Krycek chewed his bottom lip for a moment then reached across the small table,
covering Mulder's hand with his own.
"Baby, tell me what's wrong. What happened between the time I went in to the
shower and the time I got out?"
"Nothing."
"How can you expect me to believe that?"
Mulder shrugged and lifted the glass to his lips.
"Lisa..."
"Leave it alone okay, Alex?"
There was no anger in his voice, just a kind of sadness that disturbed Krycek
more than any irritation would have.
He released Mulder's hand. "Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bug you, I'm just
worried, that's all."
"There's nothing for you to be worried about. Everything's fine."
Krycek pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel the beginings of a
throbbing headache.
Christ.
How could such a wonderful, promising day turn around so quickly?
7:29 p.m.
"Oh my God. Nicole, you should see the two guys in the other dining room.
They're gorgeous!"
"Yeah?"
"Shit, yeah! Go look!"
"What am I supposed to do, Deb? Just walk in there, gawk at them, then walk
back?"
"No! Go to the ladies room, stay in there a minute, then come back."
"Nah."
"Come on, Nic! You gotta see them!"
"Okay, okay. I suppose you won't leave me alone till I do."
The young woman was gone nearly ten minutes before her companion saw her
returning, hand raised to her chest.
"My, my, my."
Deb laughed. "Let's get 'em before somebody else does. Which one do you want?
I'll let you pick, cause I just can't make up my mind."
"Sorry, kid. They're attached."
"Damn! There are women with them, now?"
"No."
"So who are they attached to?"
"Each other."
"You're kidding. How do you know?"
"I know."
"How do you know? Where they kissing?"
"No."
"Holding hands?"
"Nope."
"So?"
"Okay. The one with the lighter hair is picking at his food and brooding. And
the dark one is really concerned."
Deb stared at her. "And from that, you're assuming that they're a couple?"
Nicole nodded. "Since when does a guy friend care so much about whether or not
his buddy is eating?"
"If you were upset about something and had no appetite, I'd care."
"We're women. I'm not saying that guys might not be concerned. It's possible.
But the look on the dark one's face...trust me. It's more than buddy-buddy."
Deb sighed. "Are you sure?"
"Wish I could say I wasn't."
"Damn."
Krycek watched as Mulder pushed the food around on his plate. "Do you feel
okay?"
Mulder managed a weak smile. "Yeah. Just not very hungry, I guess."
Krycek grinned. "Trying to get me to feed you, again?"
"No."
"Well...if you don't eat tonight, I guess I'm in for a lot of cooking tomorrow
morning."
Mulder shook his head. "Forget about that."
"Nooo, no. A bet's a bet. I lost...much as it pains me to say it, and I intend
to honor our bet."
Mulder knew that if he said any more, Krycek would end up right back on the
'what's the matter' thing, so he elected to keep quiet.
That quiet continued on the drive home. Not until they entered the house, did
Mulder finally speak.
"You know, I'm exhausted. I think I'll go up to bed."
Krycek set the keys down on an end table and looked up at him. "Do you want to
be alone?"
Mulder blinked. "Uh...I didn't....I....it's just that it's early and I didn't
think that you'd want to turn in right now."
Krycek nodded. "Yeah. You're uh...you're right. You go on. I'll be up later."
Mulder's eyes cut away and he proceeded up the stairs to the second floor.
Krycek watched his ascent then dropped onto the sofa, pressing his knuckles to
his temples and rubbing in small, firm circles.
Upstairs, Mulder stripped and fell into bed. He stared up at the ceiling, his
mind screaming at him.
What are you doing? Why the fuck do you do this shit? You're screwing up
what was a perfect day. If you hadn't reacted like such a baby and just gotten
into the shower with him, it could have been really great.
And maybe he's perfectly happy with the way things are and wouldn't have
appreciated the interruption.
Oh, please. That sounds crazy, even to you.
Fifteen minues later, he gave up the one way argument and fell into an uneasy
sleep.
Wednesday
Krycek stirred. A faint sound drew him out of sleep and into
semi-consciousness. As he began to blink, another sound brought him upright on
the sofa, where he'd fallen asleep. He shook off the heaviness and bolted for
the stairs.
As he reached the last door on the right, Mulder's voice, pleading and
desperate, sounded from within the room.
He threw the door open and ran to the bed, where Mulder was twisting and
sobbing his name.
"Fox." He shook Mulder gently. "Fox! Wake up." He tapped the stubbled cheek
with his palm. "Come on. Wake up!"
Mulder's eyes opened and stared up into Alex's shadowed face. He turned away,
trembling violently.
"Fox," Krycek's voice softened as he lay behind the shaking man and tucked an
arm around his chest. "I'm here. It's okay. Everything's okay. Take a deep
breath and try to relax. Does it hurt much?"
"Do you care?" Mulder ground out between clenched teeth.
"You know I do. Why would you ask me that?"
Mulder gave no response. He buried his face into the pillows and drew his knees
up.
Krycek released a soft hiss of breath and kissed the back of Mulder's neck.
Then the the curve of his shoulder. The muscle quivered beneath his touch.
"Don't."
A rasping plea so soft, he almost hadn't heard it.
"Don't what? Don't try to make you feel better? Don't show you that I love you?
Sorry. Can't do it. You don't want me so close to you?" His hand slid up and
down Mulder's arm. "You don't want me to touch you? Tell me. Push me away."
Mulder didn't move. He didn't speak. The only sound that came from him was a
deep, distressed wheeze. Krycek hesitated a few seconds more, then dropped the
softest of kisses into his hair. "If there was anything I could do to make this
go away," he whispered, "you have to know that I'd do it."
Still nothing.
"You had the dream again because of something that happened this afternoon,
didn't you? Things had been so good until then. You were eating. The dreams had
stopped. I even thought that maybe...well..."
Mulder turned his head. The dim moonlight illuminated his face just enough so
that Krycek could see the pain still etched in his features.
"Sorry to disappoint you."
"I'm not disappointed..."
"No. Why should you be?"
"What does that mean?"
Silence.
He could feel his headache coming back. Worse than before, yet he knew it
couldn't compare to the pain that his Fox was suffering. He shifted higher
against the pillows, pulling the tense, prone body back against his. He stroked
the golden-brown hair again and again, half expecting some sort of protest but
received none.
"Relax, baby. Try to go back to sleep. You'll feel better in the morning." He
wasn't sure he believed that but at this point, he was at a total loss for
anything else to say. He continued to caress Mulder's heated skin and speak
soothing words to him until he finally fell asleep. Even after his respiration
slowed and his body stopped trembling, Krycek continued to lightly massage his
arm and chest. The action was no longer for Mulder, but for himself. He needed
the closeness and comfort. He needed to feel that things hadn't gone as
downhill as they seemed to have done, even if just for tonight. He curled
himself tightly around his sleeping Fox and closed his eyes.
Thursday, 9:12 a.m.
Mulder opened his eyes and sniffed at the subtle odor that wafted by his nose.
Pancakes. Pineapple to be exact.
Just as he was sitting up, Alex entered the room with a large tray. He looked
shyly at Mulder.
"Morning."
"You didn't have to do this. I told you..."
"I wanted to. How do you feel?"
"Okay."
"Hungry?"
"Smells good. Let me just go brush my teeth, at least. Be right back."
Krycek waited patiently until Mulder returned five minutes later. As he headed
for the table, Alex's voice stopped him.
"I believe that the bet was breakfast in bed."
Mulder turned around without argument and slipped back under the sheet. Krycek
placed the tray down in front of him, the legs straddling his thighs. He
removed the silver lid from the dish and handed Mulder a forest green napkin.
He took the linen cloth and dropped it into his lap.
Krycek watched as the first forkful went into his mouth.
"Good?"
"Yeah. Thank you. Did you eat?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Just wasn't hungry."
"You wouldn't appreciate it if I didn't want to eat..." He cut into the huge
stack of pancakes and held the fork out the Krycek.
His eyes never leaving Mulder's, Krycek leaned forward and opened his mouth.
Mulder placed the fork into his mouth and withdrew as his lips closed around
it. He chewed slowly and swallowed as Mulder ate some more.
"Fox?"
"Hmm?"
Krycek hesitated, not entirely sure that he should ask.
"What?"
"Are....are we okay?"
Mulder blinked twice and looked down at his plate. "I'm sorry about yesterday."
"Sorry about what? Tell me what it was that got you so upset in the first
place."
Mulder shook his head. "Can we just drop it? Just chalk it up to me being
foolish and let it go at that."
Ah, if only he could. Krycek pushed the issue, much to the protestations of the
little voice in the back of his head.
"But what do you think you were being foolish about? I don't understand."
Mulder set his fork down. "Forget it, Alex. Please."
"I don't know that I can. You were upset. Enough to trigger another dream. I
want to see those dreams gone for good. I want you to be at peace. How can I
help you if I don't know what's wrong?"
"Maybe you can't help me with everything. Stop knocking yourself out trying."
He was irritated again. Alex could hear it in his voice and immediately backed
off.
"Okay. I'm sorry." He covered Mulder's hand. "I'm sorry. Finish your
breakfast."
Mulder took one more bite, then pushed the tray away. "I'm not hungry anymore.
I'm sorry you went to so much trouble."
Alex hesitated, staring down at his own hand, gathering and twisting bits of
ivory sheet. "It's okay," he said softly, then rose to clear away the tray.
Once Alex was gone, he threw himself back against the pillows and swore aloud.
"Fuck!"
He threw the sheet off and stormed off in the direction of the bathroom.
10:56 p.m.
Mulder stared out at the beach, straining to see. The light of the almost full
moon, bright though it was, didn't afford him much illumination.
Where the hell was he?
Alex had gone out for a walk two hours ago and had yet to return.
Mulder groaned. When Alex made the announcement after dinner, he'd gotten the
distinct impression that he wanted to be alone. He couldn't blame him. They'd
spent the day in one of two ways. In silence or apart.
It was insane.
Mulder knew that all he had to do was go to Alex and put his arms around him.
Apologize sincerely for his behavior... then explain said behavior. Not a
difficult thing to do. It was damn easy, in fact.
So why couldn't he do it?
And now Alex was gone. Off for a walk. Alone. For two hours.
Go look for him.
And if you find him, then what?
Talk to him, you freakin' idiot. Tell him what he wants to know.
I don't know...
What's not to know? It's not that hard. He'll understand. Christ, he's
understood a hell of a lot more than this. Do it. Put all this shit to rest
once and for all. Unless you want to lose him...
Mulder spun around and stalked out of the room.
Part Two
11:13 p.m.
Alex sat against the rocks, hidden from view. Mulder almost walked right by
him, but the sensation of his presence was strong. Mulder stopped and turned
slowly, peering into the near darkness. He stopped as he caught sight of the
dark figure sitting silently, about eight feet away.
"Where you just going to let me walk right by you?"
Krycek answered his question with a question.
"What are you doing out here? I thought you'd be asleep by now."
"I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that you were still out here. What are you
doing?"
"Sitting. Listening to the ocean. Thinking."
"About?"
"Us. This." His eyes glistened in the moonlight. "I don't know what else to do.
I've tried so hard and still I've failed."
Mulder shook his head. "You haven't failed..."
"Of course I have. Look at us. We're not happy. Yeah, we had a few good days,
but what does that mean after a couple of days like yesterday and today?"
"It means that I'm an impossible mess. And it's not your fault. You have
tried. You've made a superhuman effort and I've sabotaged that effort at every
turn. What can you do if I won't help you?" He walked over to Alex and sank
down into the sand beside him. "I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to throw in
the towel and hop a plane back to the states tomorrow."
"I thought about it," Krycek answered honestly.
Mulder cast his eyes downward. "Have you made a decision?"
"That's what I was thinking about when you got here."
"And?"
"I vowed that I wouldn't leave your side. That I'd do whatever I had to, to put
this right....but I don't know what else to do. I think I've tried just about
everything and still, when all is said and done, I've gotten nowhere."
"You don't have keep that vow, Alex. If you've had enough, and I wouldn't blame
you if you have, we can stop this. I hate thinking that you're unhappy here
with me but you're just hanging around because of some promise you refuse to
break."
"Fox...you're the reason I've stayed. Did you forget that? The promises I've
made, the things I've done...they're all because I love you."
"And look what it's gotten you. Nothing but misery."
Krycek shook his head. "Because you won't talk to me. I can handle all the
rest of it. We can get through it together if only you'd open up your mouth and
talk to me."
Mulder picked his head up and met the tired green eyes.
"I'm begging you, Fox. Trust me enough to tell me what you're afraid of. I'll
help you work through it. You just have to let me."
Mulder lowered his eyes.
"Why are you so afraid to tell me? What do you think is going to happen?"
"I don't know."
"The only times you've ever expressed your fears about me leaving you, you've
been under extreme stress. Anytime I've ever tried to initiate a regular
conversation with you about it, you shut down. I've tried in every way I know
how to let you know that I'm here to stay. Why doesn't it sink in?"
Mulder sat quietly for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Then, "I...haven't had
many personal relationships. Outside of my family and Scully, I've only had one
other."
"Phoebe Greene."
Mulder raised his eyes to Krycek's face. The other man lifted one shoulder and
let it drop.
"Anyway, it was a disaster. All she wanted was to play with my head. After her,
I smartened up. No more relationships. Not that kind. I never again allowed
myself to get close to anyone. To trust or become emotionally dependent on
anyone, until a few months ago. I never thought I'd take to it so readily, but
I did. And when you were gone so suddenly from my life, I couldn't handle it.
I'm like an addict Alex, and you're my fix. Scully kept telling me that I
needed to get over you but it was so much easier said than done. I'd do okay
for a short while then something would happen to make me think of you and I'd
be gone again. I tried telling myself that needing someone as much as I needed
you couldn't be good. I'd fallen into such a deep depression that Scully was
actually afraid I wasn't going to make it." He stared out into the darkness.
"Sometimes, in a particularly weak moment, I'd wish that I wouldn't."
Krycek's eyes closed. His jaw worked convulsively.
"It was frightening sometimes, needing you the way I did. Missing you. I felt
so out of control..."
Alex interrupted. "...The way you did?"
Mulder regarded him. His eyes glowed softly in this light. He corrected his
statement. "Do. I do need you, Alex."
"But?"
"But...I'm afraid. I'm afraid of needing you too much. If you left me....I
couldn't...I couldn't go through that again..."
"Fox, I'm not going anywhere."
"You were just thinking about it..."
"Right. I was thinking. Just thinking."
"But you could decide..."
Krycek rose suddenly and stalked back and forth. "How many goddamn times do I
have to say it?" He turned away and shouted into the night. "I'm not going to
leave you!"
Mulder got his feet as well. "You wanted to know how I felt, remember? This
is how I feel! I can't help it. If you can't deal with that, I'm sorry. Believe
me, I'd really prefer not to feel this way!"
Krycek spun around. "What were you upset about yesterday?"
Mulder's anger seeped away. "Haven't you heard enough?"
"No! I want all of it!"
No answer.
Krycek advanced and grabbed Mulder's shoulders. His fingers bit into the soft
skin.
"Tell me!"
"I saw you in the shower!"
Krycek blinked, unable for a moment to respond. Mulder went on.
"Yesterday was a good day. I felt strong and relaxed. And I had every
intention of surprising you in the shower. I snuck in a few minutes after you'd
gone in and I saw you in there, against the wall...jerking off."
Krycek's hands slipped away from Mulder's shoulders and hung limply at his
sides.
"I would beg you Alex, to let me...but you wouldn't. I was always disappointed
but I tried to understand that you were just concerned about me. I never gave
any thought to the fact that you must have been taking care of yourself and
when I saw you yesterday, it just...it threw me. I felt so completely useless.
So unnecessary."
"That's not true..."
"Maybe not, but it's how I felt. I knew it was unreasonable and I was trying to
deal with it myself. You didn't need any more to worry about."
"Do you still feel that way?"
"What way?"
"Unnecessary."
Mulder looked down at the sand between them and shrugged. "I'm trying..."
Krycek stepped forward until their bodies were about as close as they could be
without touching.
"Listen to me. You are not useless, unnecessary or anything else along those
lines. You couldn't be more necessary. Don't you know that you're the center
of my world and that I was just as miserable as you were while we were apart?
You were all there was between me and the barrel of my gun. If you had died,
I wouldn't have stayed. There wouldn't be anything left to stay for. It..."
his eyes filled with tears. "...it hurt so much." He swiped at one eye with the
back of his hand. "Don't you see? Once I had you back, how could I ever dream
of leaving you?"
Mulder leaned forward a fraction then stopped. Alex stood motionless, gasping
soft, ragged breaths. He sucked the last one in and held it as he felt his
Fox's lips against his face, kissing a tear away as it rolled down over his
cheekbone.
Alex brought his hands up, curling his fingers in Mulder's shirt and rested his
forehead against his shoulder. He uttered a broken, last-ditch, desperate plea.
"Please...please, can't we fix this?"
Mulder wrapped his arms around Alex and pulled him closer. "I want to. God
knows I do. I know I haven't acted like it at times."
Krycek lifted his head from Mulder's shoulder and sniffed. "Do you think you
can give me your complete trust?"
Mulder studied him for a brief moment before nodding.
"Are you sure?"
"...Yeah."
Cautiously, Alex leaned forward and touched his lips to Mulder's. He pulled
away almost immediately and waited. His eyelids drooped as fingertips,
featherlight, whispered across his bottom lip. He forced himself to refocus on
the turbulent hazel eyes that watched him so intently.
"I'm..." he stopped to clear his throat. "I'm sorry about yesterday. Please
believe that I would much rather have your hands on me..."
Mulder's fingers left Alex's mouth, sweeping down the length of his throat and
coming to rest at the opening of his shirt. He traced small lazy designs there,
teasing the sparse dark hairs that peeked above the midnight blue silk.
"Like this?"
Krycek nodded, unable to speak. Christ, he really could do with a glass of
water about now.
Their eyes met and locked. Mulder moved in, not closing his eyes until his lips
gently covered Krycek's. The low moan that vibrated against his mouth,
encouraged him to deepen the kiss. Krycek opened himself to it eagerly, his
tongue meeting the one that had just slipped inside.
Mulder teased the warm interior for a few seconds more, then withdrew and
kissed his lover's chin. The hand that was still stroking the small patch of
exposed skin, dropped down to the buttons of Alex's shirt, undoing them slowly.
When he'd reached the last visible button, he began to pull the shirt free of
Alex's pants. Once he'd unfastened the remaining buttons, he slipped the shirt
over the lean shoulders and let it drape down his back.
Alex flinched, groaning harshly as he felt that tongue again, sliding through
his chest hair and over to an already tight, brown nipple.
"My God..."
His fingers wove through the golden brown hair and he lowered his face to it,
nuzzling the silky strands. A gentle nip and pull on the hard little peak just
about sent him over the edge. His fingers clenched reflexively and a coarse
gasp escaped his throat. His head was swimming. His body began to scream it's
need. His conscience...his fucking conscience shouted to him, trying to be
heard above the din.
What is he doing? And what are you doing, letting him do what he's
doing?
Oh, give it a rest, would you? This constant attack of conscience is getting
pretty tired...
Alex felt like a cartoon character, sure that if he opened his eyes, he'd find
a tiny little Alex, complete with pitchfork and horns, sitting on his shoulder.
You want him, he wants you. He knows the chances and he's obviously willing
to take them, so for the love of Christ, relax and enjoy the ride. Deal with
the consequences later.
I can't, I...he's in so much pain after...
What the hell has happened to you, man? When did you become such an
emotional sap?
The minute I realized how good it felt to love him and know that he loved
me, no matter how unworthy I thought I was.
Just as his mind was clearing, Alex felt himself being turned and backed
against the rocks. The pop of the button at the waistband of his pants, forced
a decision.
"Baby..."
Mulder paused, hand at the zipper. Reading Alex's expression, he leaned forward
taking his mouth again, this time with an unrestrained hunger. Making his
intention well known, daring and at the same time pleading for submission.
Krycek wrapped his arms around his lover, his acquiescent sigh devoured by the
mouth that refused to release him until it drank in yet another soft moan.
"I'm tired of being careful, Alex. I'm sick of us tip toeing around this." He
gripped the zipper and drew it downward. "I've missed touching you." He
separated the material and brushed his knuckles against the hardness behind it.
"I need to feel you in my hand..."
Alex inhaled sharply as the other man slipped the pants and underwear over his
slim hips and let them drop to the ground. Mulder's hand gently cradled his
pulsing cock, stroking slowly along the velvety shaft.
"You're so hard," Mulder whispered, squeezing him gently. "Did I do this?"
"You know you did. Jesus Fox, just the thought of you does this."
While one hand teased Krycek's rigid cock, the other threaded through his hair,
grasping the strands and pulling his head back. Starting at the base of his
throat, Mulder licked a long, straight line all the way up to his chin.
"Mmmmmm......"
The rest of Krycek's moan was lost in another kiss. Tender, slow and seductive.
Fanning the flames of lust, taking him past the point of rationality and
straight into madness.
Finally, Mulder released his mouth and slid back down his throat, planting tiny
kisses along the way. He continued his descent and zig zagging to a nipple,
pulled it into his mouth and tugged.
Krycek arched against his mouth and whimpered impatiently.
Feeling more than a little anxious himself, Mulder continued his downward
journey. He sank to his knees in the sand, kissing and licking the smooth skin
of his lover's stomach and hips, coming close to but never touching the rock
solid erection that bobbed so temptingly before him. Summoning every last bit
of restraint, he moved down to the muscular thighs.
Krycek yelped, not so much in pain but surprise, as he felt Mulder's teeth nip
at the sensitive skin of his inner thigh. The cry faded into a moan when the
teeth were replaced by a warm,wet tongue, soothing and caressing...teasing.
Moving steadily upward. He sucked in his breath, waiting.
Mulder nuzzled the heavy sac below Alex's cock, letting the fuzz tickle the tip
of his tongue. Alex threw his head back and opened his mouth on a silent gasp.
This was just too good. It was just too...
Before he could finish his thought, Mulder's lips closed around the head of his
cock, sucking and licking greedily at the leaking tip.
Alex Krycek had never passed out before in his life, but had he not had the
rocks behind him for support, he would most assuredly have dropped to the
ground. He wound his fingers in Mulder's hair and thrust deeper into the
welcoming heat of his mouth. A drawn out moan vibrated against the shaft,
making him even harder, if that was at all possible.
"Moy lisa. God, that mouth is magic..."
Mulder gripped his hips and pulled him closer, taking his length as far down
his throat as it would go. He pushed Krycek back about halfway, then pulled him
forward again, encouraging him to thrust on his own.
Krycek complied eagerly, rocking his hips back and forth in ever quickening
strokes.
Mulder knew that from the increasing speed of his movements and noticeable
change in his respiration, Alex wouldn't last much longer. He tightened the
muscles in his arms, bringing Krycek to a very abrupt halt.
"Fox...what...no. Please."
Mulder released Alex from his mouth and rose to his feet. He placed a hand at
the back of the younger man's head and titlted it forward. Alex opened his eyes
and met the amber blaze that raged before him.
Without a word, Mulder's hand went to the buttons of his own shirt. He backed
away slowly, undoing the buttons at the same maddening pace. Krycek watched for
a few seconds, praying that this was no dream. He stepped out of the pants that
were still pooled around his feet and moved forward. His eyes never leaving his
lover's, he practically ripped his own shirt off as he stalked his prey.
He caught up to Mulder just as the shirt was dropping from the other man's
body. An arm around the slim waist, jerking forward and Mulder practically fell
against his chest. He moved to take those sinfully full lips but Mulder avoided
the kiss, drawing a frustrated moan from him. Mulder leaned in, brushing a soft
kiss along the line of his jaw, then gently pushed him away. Alex watched
hungrily as his hands dropped to the waistband of his pants, unbuttoning and
unzipping.
God, please...oh please...
Green and gold glittered in the pale light of the moon as the remainder of
Mulder's clothing was removed and kicked away.
Alex's eyes raked over the length of the body just a few feet before him. The
excercise and Marie's cooking had begun to pay off. Mulder was filling out,
gaining mass and muscle and not an ounce of it was lost on his lover.
Mulder stood quietly, bathed in shadow and dim light. His gaze slipped away
then back up, through the veil of thick brown lashes. He was backing down.
Turning control over to Alex.
The other man understood and responded to the submissive action, closing the
short distance between them in a few long strides.
A loud gasp. From one or possibly both men, as they came together. Skin against
skin, pressing, sharing heat and hardness.
Mulder clung trembling to Alex as his hands knowingly traveled the familiar
paths of the body he loved so much. "You are beautiful," Alex whispered against
his ear, as his hands took a downward turn, following the line of his back to
the delicious dip just before the gentle outward curve of his backside.
Mulder groaned into Alex's shoulder as he was pulled closer. Held immobile as
his lover's hips ground into his.
"Alex...oh Jesus, Alex..."
"Sshhhhh." Alex stroked his hair with one hand. He kissed Mulder's ear then
murmured into it.
"On your knees."
Mulder lifted his head from Krycek's shoulder and looked into the glittering
darkness of his eyes.
A command.
Issued gently, but a command nonetheless. And the businesslike look in his eyes
left no room for debate. Not that Mulder had the desire to do anything of the
kind. He kneeled obediently in the sand and waited, head tilted at a slight
downward angle.
Alex slipped a hand under his chin and lifted. He stroked the stubble-roughened
skin there, with the tips of his fingers then moved to Mulder's cheek, doing
the same with the back of his hand. He walked in a half circle, sliding his
knuckles across the trembling lower lip. He came to a stop when he was directly
behind the kneeling man.
Mulder swallowed hard, anticipating...what? What was he doing?
Christ Alex, do something. A touch. A word. Something...
Krycek read his thoughts and moved forward, stradling Mulder's calves. He slid
his palms over his shoulders and down his chest, coming together briefly to
feel the thundering heartbeat. He continued on, scraping his nails lightly
against the flat nipples, ugring them into tighter buds.
Mulder inhaled deeply as Alex moved closer still, letting his cock brush firmly
between his shoulderblades. His own erection throbbed, the increasing ache
becoming more and more difficult to ignore. He was going to be in some serious
agony later, but being here like this with Alex was worth it.
Krycek slid to his knees behind Mulder and wrapped one arm around his chest
while his other hand cupped his lover's chin, tilting his head back. Mulder
pushed back instinctively, against the hardness that teased him. He choked back
a sob as Alex's hand momentarily left his face to help guide his cock between
the rounded cheeks of his ass. Alex's hand returned once again, tipping
Mulder's head back to his shoulder.
Mulder grasped Krycek's forearm with both hands, his fingers digging into the
tanned skin. His breaths came in short, panting gasps.
Alex nipped at the tender skin of his neck, working his way up to and stopping
at his ear. His hand held Mulder's head still while he expertly tongued the
sensitive interior.
"Alex..." Mulder shook all over. "Please..."
"Shh, shh, shhhhhh. Listen to me, lisa." Krycek's hand swept slowly, up and
down Mulder's chest. "Do you hear me?"
Mulder nodded.
Krycek pushed against him, wedging his cock tighter into the fleshy crevice and
releasing a flood of new whimpers and moans.
"Shhh. Easy. You're too tense. I need you to relax. Can you do that for me?"
"I don't...don't know. It's s...so hard."
Krycek kissed the side of Mulder's neck and pulled away. Supporting the older
man's quivering body, he eased him down onto his back, then stretched out
beside him in the sand. He draped one long leg over Mulder's hips, his knee
pressed snuggly against the base of his cock.
Mulder gritted his teeth and, letting his head roll to the side, closed his
eyes. The next thing he felt was Alex's hand on his face. His thumb swept back
and forth along the tight jaw.
"You're not relaxing. Come on, let the tension drain out of your body. Breathe
slowly and concentrate on my voice. Breathe, Fox... that's right. Follow my
voice. Hear only me." Krycek caressed his forehead. "Feel only me. You fear
nothing. The world is yours." He bowed his head, brushing his lips against
Mulder's flushed cheek. "I'm yours. Always. Nothing will separate us. Say
it."
Mulder opened his eyes and turned them to the man hovering above him. He
repeated the words as if in a trance. "Nothing will separate us."
"Believe it." Alex kissed the corner of his Fox's mouth. "This is your world.
You can do anything. You can have anything."
Mulder stared up at him, mesmerized.
"Is there something you want?"
He nodded slowly.
Krycek held his eyes. "Take it."
Mulder reached up and, threading his fingers through the dark hair, pulled
Krycek down to his waiting lips. The younger man melted into his lover's kiss,
surrendering his will and body.
Taking the lead, Mulder rolled Alex beneath him. He covered the sweet mouth
once more, muffling the soft grunt emitted from the constricted throat. An
eternity later, Mulder broke the kiss and moved down the lithe body, scattering
tiny kisses along the way.
Alex writhed and moaned, conveying his need with perfect clarity. His hips
jerked upward and Mulder's name ripped from his throat as his lover
unceremoniously sucked the complete length of his cock into his mouth.
Mulder maintained suction, prolonging the unbearable pressure until he was sure
that Alex could take no more. He picked his head up slowly, flicking at the
underside with the tip of his tongue then focused on the head, swirling his
tongue around it, again and again. He paused abruptly, smiling. Hmm. That was
different. Alex arched against his mouth, making a low mewling sound deep in
his throat.
He drew the head into his mouth once more, but only briefly. Alex was more than
ready and he didn't want to push it. Reluctantly, he let go, kissing the tip
softly before rising up to settle his body on top of his lover's.
"God, I love you," Krycek breathed into his mouth as he came down for another
kiss.
"Of course you do," Mulder whispered confidently, sliding his hands under the
other man's knees and lifting. "This is my world."
Krycek's soft chuckle turned to a loud gasp as his lover entered him with one
firm push.
"This is beautiful, but we really shouldn't be here," the young woman reminded
her friend.
"Don't sweat it, Deb. It's late. And if we should come across anyone, we just
smile, say hello and act like we belong here. Who's to know?"
"I guess... wow. Look at the beach down there, Nic. It looks beautiful now,
imagine how gorgeous it must be in the daytime."
"Yeah... hey, let's go take a walk."
"What? Down there? You think we should?"
"Yeah, why not? Come on Deb, live a little."
Nicole bounded ahead and disappeared behind a large clump of shrubs. By the
time her companion had caught up to her, she'd found her crouching over a bunch
of rocks, staring intently at something down on the beach.
"Nic, what are..."
Nicole quickly held two fingers up to her lips and motioned to Deb.
As the other woman approached, Nicole grasped her wrist, pulling her down to
her knees.
"Want to see something absolutely gorgeous?" Nicole asked, just below a
whisper.
Deb's brow wrinkled.
"Down there." Nicole pointed to a moonwashed spot on the beach. Deb followed
her direction and practically fell over.
"Oh—my—God... are they doing what I think they're doing?"
"You bet they are."
"Those are the guys from the restaurant, Nic! I'm willing to bet money on it."
"Yeah, I think so too... they're beautiful, aren't they?"
Deb nodded, entranced. "Nic... we should go..."
"Why?" Nicole asked, not taking her eyes off of the scene below.
"Because... we should give them their privacy."
"They won't even know we're here. Come on Deb, how many more times in your life
do you think you're going to get to see something like this? Look at the way
they move. So fluid... graceful." She stiffled a giggle. "Like jungle cats."
"Nic, you've been reading too many smutty novels."
"I know. Ain't it great?"
Deb watched the men, chewing her bottom lip. "Never thought I would appreciate
watching two men doing it but damn, they are beautiful..."
The sand crunched softly under Alex's back as Mulder thrust slowly into him,
adding layer upon layer of tension with each stroke. His eyes fluttered open
and he stared dazedly up at the clear, star-strewn sky. It was as if he was a
part of that sky, hovering with the stars, there in the blackness. And it was
this man, this beautiful, unselfish man who had taken him there.
Cause you are
Mulder smiled through his building agony, listening to Alex's soft sounds of
pleasure. It almost sounded for a second there, like he was humming. He studied
his lover's expression. So soft. His lips...those lips that he never tired of
kissing, slightly parted, allowing low moans and sighs to escape. And his eyes.
Beautiful, hypnotic eyes, glazed and distant, turned up toward the stars.
Time to reach those stars, lover.
Alex's body arched and a harsh growl filled the night air as he felt Mulder's
fist close around his rigid cock and begin a series of long firm strokes,
exactly matching the tempo of his hips.
"Oh my... God... Fox... Fox..."
There was more than just the frantic need for release in his broken cries.
Mulder cut him off, every word spoken with agonizing deliberateness.
"Come on, baby. Come for me. It's what I want..."
Mulder quickened his pace and took Alex over the edge, pulling spasm after
violent spasm from his body, pumping relentlessly, plunging as deep as he
possibly could to prolong the moment.
An eternity later, the coursing shudders subsided but the driving presence
within, remained. Blindly, Alex reached up and pulled Mulder down to him,
sliding his hands along the perspiration drenched, sand sprinkled back. His
fingers dug into slippery muscle, giving silent encouragement.
Mulder squeezed his eyes shut, his soft whimpers growing in volume as he
slammed into the man beneath him with short, almost brutal thrusts. His whole
body felt like a spring, being wound tighter and tighter until it was ready to
break apart at the seams. The sensation and the need to relieve it consumed
him, drove him harder and faster, wringing choking sobs from him as Alex held
him tightly.
Please... A tear formed in the corner of Alex's eye and rolled down,
dropping off of his cheek and into the sand. Don't let him suffer any more.
Don't let him...
Almost as his thought was completed, something happened to the man above him.
Mulder gritted his teeth as a tidal wave of devastation blasted through his
body, ripping him apart. A furious snarl tore from his throat as he continued
to ram into his lover until sheer exhaustion forced him to stop. He collapsed
onto Alex's chest, his now depleted cock slipping from between the still
twitching muscles of the younger man.
Through the aftermath of Fox's orgasm, he clung desperately to Alex, his body
still wracked with violent shudders. Alex hugged him tightly, stroking his damp
hair as he began to sob. Alex smiled through the flood of his own tears and
kissed the top of the golden brown head.
"No more pain, lisa." He kissed him again. "No more dreams..."
Mulder inhaled raggedly, struggling for breath as he continued to cry. Krycek
held him, cooing softly and dropping tender kisses into his hair. Gradually,
the sobs abated and his respiration slowed. His body began to relax and his
grip on Alex loosened.
"Fox?" Alex called softly to him.
No answer.
"Baby, are you with me?"
"Mmmm..." Mulder tried to lift his head but a gentle hand stopped him.
"No. It's all right. I just wanted to know if you were still alive." He rubbed
the barely conscious man's back. "Relax. It's okay. I love you. You rest...."
The two men lay quietly together, lost in each other and the joy of the long
awaited completion of their reunion. All was silent now, except for the
constant swish of the ocean and the steady rhythm of their combined breaths.
1:04 a.m.
The two women watched, struck silent by the thing they'd just witnessed.
It was over now, the beautiful, sensuous prelude. The ferocious, screaming
climax that would have drawn all sorts of attention, had this not been private
property... the achingly emotional finish that left both men exhausted and
crying in each other's arms.
Nicole drew a deep shaky breath and turned glazed eyes to her companion. "I get
the feeling that we just witnessed a hell of a lot more than just two guys
having sex."
Deb swiped at the corner of one eye. "I know. I have no idea what it was
but...damn. My hands are shaking." She started to back away. "Come on, Nic.
Let's leave them alone."
The two women left as silently as they'd arrived, leaving the objects of their
attention blissfully unaware that they'd ever been there.
2:45 a.m.
Mulder stirred and sighed softly. Gentle fingers massaged his temple and a warm
mouth pressed against his forehead.
"Alex?"
"Thought you were going to be out for the night."
He lifted his head and looked down into tired but contented eyes. "Sorry."
Alex reached up and pushed the hair away from Mulder's eyes. He gave his lover
a devilish grin. "What for? I can think of a hell of a lot worse ways to wake
up in the morning than naked with you, on a beach."
Mulder gave him a timid half smile.
Alex caught a handful of hair and pulled Mulder down to his mouth. After a long
dizzying kiss, he murmured softly. "So..."
Mulder drew the corner of his lower lip into his mouth. "So."
Soft chuckle. "How do you feel?"
"Weak. Exhausted...better than I remember feeling in a long, long time." He
lowered his head to Alex's chest. "Thank you."
"For?"
"For sticking this out with me. I know it hasn't been easy."
"It's been hell. Watching you suffer so much and not being able to help....it
was a hell of a chance we took tonight. I woud've hated myself if nothing had
changed."
"Right. We. I was as much a part of it as you were. You didn't force me." He
stretched up and kissed the underside of Alex's chin, tasting the clean salty
flavor of sweat and sea spray. "Actually, I was the one who'd initiated it.
And even if it had ended badly for me, it would have been well worth the pain
to know that I could still satisfy you."
Krycek tightened his hold on the man in his arms. "The pleasure lasts only so
long. But the misery I'd feel later, would go on and on. Don't you know that it
breaks my heart every time I think about one of those episodes? Every time it
happened I'd lay there holding you, feeling your body shake, seeing the agony
in your face and wishing to God I could absorb the pain..."
"I understand how you felt. But worse than that pain for me, was the pain of
wanting to be close to you. Of wanting to be what you needed and knowing that I
couldn't. It made me crazy." He lifted his head once more and smiled. "I guess
this is one point we'll never agree on."
Krycek skimmed the side of his finger down his lover's nose. "Guess not...we
don't have to. It's over. Thank God....come on. Let's get back to the house.
You need to get to sleep."
"You too..."
The men rose and brushed the sand off of each other, then went about collecting
their clothes. As Mulder was pulling his pants up, Alex appeared behind him and
helped him slip into his shirt.
"Thanks." He groaned softly. "God, my muscles feel like spaghetti."
"Still weak?"
"Yeah."
"Nothing that a warm shower and a good long rest won't cure."
"That sounds so good."
Alex took his hand and silently led him back to the house.
3:38 a.m.
The bedroom door opened and Mulder entered first. He heard the click, signaling
the locking of the door and then Alex was behind him, removing his shirt. He
grinned.
"Make up your mind, would you?"
"Hmm?"
"You dress me, you undress me..."
Alex moved around to his front and began to unzip his pants. "I promise...I
will not be dressing you again tonight."
Mulder leaned in and, pushing Alex's shirt from his shoulders, planted a long,
teasing kiss on his mouth.
"Morning."
"Huh?"
"It's morning."
"Whatever...m-mmm..." Alex slipped the pants down and off and raised an amused
eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Nothing."
"Really. Have I ever told you that you've got the most impressive 'nothing'
I've ever seen?"
"Yeah?"
Alex reached for his own zipper. "Oh, yeah." He let his pants drop and kicked
them away before he moved closer, brushing against Mulder who glanced down
between them, then back up.
"Speaking of impressive..." He inhaled sharply as Alex shifted, bringing their
cocks together, allowing them to rub against each other.
"Yes?" Alex rumbled against his cheek.
"I uh..." he swallowed hard. "I forgot what I was saying..."
"Come on," Alex grasped his wrist and pulled him toward the bathroom. "Shower,
then bed."
They entered the bathroom and Alex turned on the shower, testing the water
before leading the other man inside.
Mulder closed his eyes, enjoying the warm spray as it ran down his body. He ran
his fingers through his hair, pushing it back as he turned his face up under
the water. Alex joined him, their bodies touching, as he did the same. He
smirked and turned to reach for the bath wash and sponge. As he did, Alex
wrapped his arms around him and pulled him backward.
"What are you...aah..." He winced, feeling the nip of teeth at his shoulder.
Alex pressed his straining erection against his lover's backside and stroked
his hand up and down his chest.
"Too tempting," he mumbled into Mulder's shoulder and pushed harder against
him.
Mulder dropped the items in his hand, letting Alex push him up against the
tiled wall of the shower. Alex fastened his lips onto the padded muscle between
his shoulder and the base of his neck and applied a moderate suction. Mulder
grinned.
"You know how many years it's been since I've gotten a hickey?"
Alex released him and admired his handiwork. "No, how many?"
"More than I can count."
Alex licked the mildly tender area, sending shivers up his lover's spine.
"Well, that's just too long." His hand slid downward and grazed the tip of
Mulder's swollen cock.
Mulder bit off a harsh groan.
"I didn't think you'd be so sensitive again so soon," Alex purred against his
shoulder as he closed his hand around the smooth shaft.
"Got a lot of catching up to do," Mulder replied through gritted teeth.
"Hmm...I see." Alex stroked him slowly.
"Mmmmmmmmm..."
"Good?"
Mulder laid his cheek against the tile and nodded.
Alex grinned wickedly and ran the fingers of his other hand down the cleft of
his ass.
Mulder jerked reflexively against his hand. "Alex..."
"Hmm?"
"Please..."
Alex worked one finger in, past the clenching muscle, preparing him. It had
been a while and he was extremely tight. He added a second finger and smiled as
his Fox bucked against his hand.
"We are impatient, aren't we?" He pulled his fingers out, leaving Mulder
scratching at the tiles and whimpering.
"Nooo...Alex..."
"Easy, lisa. I'm not going to tease you..." He guided his cock to the place his
fingers had just been. "I just thought you might like this instead. Would you?"
"Yes." Mulder pushed back against him. "Give it to me, Alex..."
Alex wrapped an arm around his chest and leaned forward against his back. His
mouth traveled up Mulder's neck to his ear. "I have a question for you."
"Now?"
"Mmm hmm."
"Come on, Alex..."
"Answer my question first."
Frustrated sigh. "What?"
Alex pushed forward until the head of his cock just began to stretch the
muscle. A low growl rumbled deep in Mulder's chest. Alex's tongue inched out
and swiped at his outer ear.
"Who do you belong to?"
Not a second's hesitation. "You."
Mulder's mouth dropped open and a hard shuddering gasp escaped as his lover
surged forward, filling him with his solid heat.
Alex held him in a secure embrace and pumped steadily into him. One hand
slipped down to his hard, wet cock and curled around it. Mulder automatically
began to thrust into the firmly closed fist but Alex stopped him.
"Don't move," he instructed softly. "Let me."
Difficult as it was, Mulder submitted to his lover's request and held still.
Alex soon found a comfortable rhythm and got down to business. No teasing, no
fooling around. Pure and simple, this was a matter of need.
Mulder rested his forehead against the wall, palms flat out on either side. His
breaths came out in rasping hisses from behind tightly clenched teeth and every
muscle in his body screamed for relief.
Alex increased the speed and strength of his movements, taking Fox for the
second time tonight, to the heaven he never thought he'd see again.
"Jesus.....ah, shit..."
In a heartbeat, it was on him. That teeth-grinding, mind-shattering ecstasy
that had for far too long, eluded him. His strangled screams bounced off of the
walls of the shower. His muscles tightened like a vice around Alex's cock,
triggering the younger man's own violent orgasm. He held tightly to his lover,
his hoarse cries muffled in the older man's back. His hand continued to milk
the cock it held, even after it had become slick with fluid. Only after they
both went quiet, did he let go and wrap both arms around Mulder. Still
connected, both men slumped forward, gasping for air.
Alex recovered first. He gently disengaged himself and pulled Mulder into his
arms.
"You okay?"
Mulder nodded wearily, the hazel barely discernible beneath his heavy eyelids.
"You're not going to slide to the floor if I let you go for a minute?" he
teased.
A slow shake of his head was all the answer Mulder could muster.
Krycek released him and retrieved the bathwash and sponge from the floor.
Quickly and efficiently, he washed his barely awake lover then led him out of
the shower where he dried him and then put him to bed. That done, he returned
to complete his own shower. Ten minutes later, he was under the light sheet,
draping one long leg and an arm across the sleeping man. He nestled his head
close to Mulder's and immediately fell into a heavy slumber.
1:41 p.m.
Comes the day
Still he sleeps
Truth in love and light
Take from me what you will
And you
Boundless patience
You made me believe
And the specter of an icy solitude
Alex stirred, rising from a sleep, deeper than any he could recall. The arms
around his back and the steady thud beneath his cheek brought a smile to his
lips. He moaned softly and cuddled against the man who held him.
Mulder ceased his rhapsodic musings and opened his eyes. One hand began a slow
sweep up and down Alex's back and he rubbed his cheek into the silky hair.
"Good afternoon."
Sleepy reply. "Afternoon? Really?"
"Mmm hmm. Going on one."
Alex lifted his head and found his lover's eyes. "How did you sleep?"
"Like the dead. You?"
He laughed softly and again rested his head "The same."
"Alex."
"Yeah?"
"Last night...this morning was...shattering. I had no idea...it took me
completely by surprise."
"I know. I prayed for it but I didn't think..."
"Neither did I. I'd been scared to death, thinking about what would happen to
us if this trip didn't work out."
"You would've gone for professional help when we got back home and I would have
been there with you every step of the way."
Mulder raised a hand to Alex's hair, petting and finger-combing the wild
strands. "I know that you would have stayed. Finally I can say, I really
know. The patience you've shown is nothing short of amazing."
"I'm a very patient man."
Mulder's amused voice reached his ear. "Not always..."
"Well okay but you know...when it counts..."
"Uh huh."
Alex shifted and came in contact with the stony length of Mulder's erect cock.
"Ooooh." His hand dipped down between their bodies and stroked the twitching
shaft. "Is this for me?"
Mulder's eyelids fluttered then slid shut. "Only for you."
"That's good to hear. What do you suggest I do with it?"
"I'll just leave that to you. I trust your good judgment."
"Really?" Alex turned his face into Mulder's chest and teased a nipple to
stiffness with the tip of his tongue. "What if I decide that you've had enough?
Three times in twelve hours may be overdoing it a bit..."
"Alex..." Mulder released his name on a deep sigh. "I would really hate to
have to hurt you."
"S'cuse me...didn't you just say that you trusted my judgment?"
"Yeah...except when it's so glaringly flawed."
"Ohhh, so it's like that. He only trusts me when it suits him..."
"Alex."
"And when it doesn't I get threats of violence..."
Alex..."
"Pretty damn good. I think I should be insulted..."
"Alexei..."
Alex broke off his tirade upon hearing the unfamiliar sound of his full name on
his lover's lips. "What?"
"Shut the hell up and suck my cock."
A tiny smile twitched in the corner of his mouth. "Pushy, pushy..."
Alex slid down Mulder's chest, licking and nipping all the way. Mulder closed
his eyes and rolled his head to one side. He inhaled deeply, anticipating that
first sweet touch of his lover's mouth.
Alex reached his destination and delicately ran the very tip of his tongue up
the underside of the smooth shaft, following the large, distended vein.
"Oh, yeah...m-mmm..." Mulder's hands clenched in the sheets and he squirmed
in response to Alex's teasing touch. "Baby..."
Alex smiled and lapped at the weeping tip. "You never call me that. I like
it..."
"Sure, I have."
"When?"
"Last night..."
"I don't remember."
"You were busy."
"Oh. Well anyway...say it again." He sucked the entire shaft down his throat,
causing Mulder's body to jerk up off the mattress. A hard groan filled the air.
"Mphh...oh God, baby..." He sucked a long hissing breath in through his
teeth. "Aaaaah....so good..."
Alex's already erect cock throbbed in reaction to Mulder's words. He ignored
it, difficult as that was, and concentrated on bringing his Fox to another
blinding orgasm.
Minutes later, Mulder lay panting and exhausted and completely satisfied.
"Goddamn, you're..."
Before he could finish, Alex's mouth came down hard on his, robbing him of
words and breath. An insistent tongue invaded his open mouth, bringing with it
a familiar bitter tang.
Mulder's soft moan vibrated inside Alex's mouth, traveling down his throat,
through his body and settling right around the general vicinity of his groin.
He tore his lips away and grasped a handful of hair.
"I'm not done with you yet."
He locked eyes with his drained lover, giving him a moment to decide if he
wished to protest. Hearing no sound, he stroked the stubbled cheek. "Spread
your legs for me."
Mulder obeyed without question. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back.
"Open your eyes, Fox."
As he did so, Alex kneeled between his thighs. "Look at me. Don't let your eyes
leave mine."
Mulder's respiration deepened. He loved it when Alex took control. He loved it
when Alex was submissive...shit, he loved Alex.
Alex stroked his own cock. "You see this?"
Oh, no. You're not going to get me with that. He kept his eyes trained
on the glittering green above him.
Alex smiled his understanding. "You can look."
He glanced down at the stiff erection then right back up to his partner's eyes.
"You know when that happened?"
Mulder shook his head.
"It happened the second I woke up and felt your arms around me. I need to do
something about this... uh... allow me to rephrase...you need to do something
about this."
He decided to play it out. "But Alex..."
"But Alex, what?"
Mulder gave him his best pathetic look. "I'm so tired."
Alex shook away a smile. "Yeah?"
Slow nod.
He pitched forward to drop a flutter of tiny kisses along Fox's jaw. "My poor
lisa. Well. This does pose a problem. How do you propose we solve it?"
"Cold shower?"
"I don't think so."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"I suggest fucking you till I can't fuck you anymore."
"I don't know..."
"I do." He hooked his hands under Mulder's knees, pulling him forward and into
position.
"I don't get a say in this?"
Alex's eyes burned into his. "No." He grasped his cock by the base and guided
it, unlubricated, to the small opening.
Mulder bit his bottom lip and waited.
"Don't take your eyes off of me..."
Alex grasped his hips and pulled as he pushed foward. Mulder gasped out loud
and his formerly flaccid cock began to harden.
"Thought you were tired," Alex whispered as he pumped slowly into the tight
heat.
"I am."
"Apparently your cock doesn't know..." He thust a little harder.
Sharp groan and a rough whisper. "It just really likes you."
Alex gingerly wrapped his fingers around it. "Yeah?"
"Oh, yeah." Mulder's back arched as Alex's hand moved up and down on him.
"Uhhhhhhh....Alex...." As his eyelids began to droop, the low demanding voice
drifted down to him.
"Look at me." He removed his hand from his lover's now completely-hardened cock
and used two fingers to point to his eyes. "I want you right here when you
come." He returned his hand and began to stroke faster.
"What...oh God...what makes you...think that I'm go...going to?"
"Of course you will," he promised breathlessly. "You have to, don't you? You
can't get enough. I'll finish you now, and you'll be ready for me again by
lunch time."
"It is lunch time."
"You're a fucking wise-ass, you know it? Someday I'm going to whip that ass..."
He plunged deeper. "And I promise...you're going to like it." He pumped
harder and faster, his hand keeping time with his hips. The building presure
that started at the base of his spine and spread through his lower body drove
him harder, still. Each word he uttered was accompanied by a brutal thrust.
"Come..with..me..." The hand at Mulder's hip left it to wind in his hair,
holding his head immobile. He stayed fixed on the glazed hazel eyes before him,
refusing to let them close or turn away.
"Alex...I'm..." Mulder's next words stretched into long, unintelligible gasping
sobs. Alex immediately followed, adding his own hoarse cries. He collapsed onto
the older man's heaving chest and lay there for a while, listening to his
lover's occasional moans of contentment. When he'd gathered enough strength, he
rolled onto the mattress and tucked an arm around the unconscious man. A gentle
brush of his lips against the relaxed jaw and he drifted into sleep.
7:38 p.m.
Alex opened his eyes slowly. He blinked, closed them then opened them again.
What the...
Candles. Dozens of lit candles all over the room in various shapes and sizes.
His eyes flicked back and forth around the room until he found what he was
looking for.
Mulder walked over to the bed and leaned against one of the posts at the end.
The candlelight shimmered around him, highlighting and shadowing his features.
"About time," he said softly.
"How long have you been up?" Alex asked, noting that he was dressed.
"Hour and a half or so."
Green eyes slid appreciatively over the man before them. Black pants. Black
silk shirt, three buttons undone. Fox knew that he loved him in black. Hair,
carelessly sexy and a day's growth of stubble, yet to be removed. He was up to
no good.
"What's with all the candles?"
"Atmosphere."
One corner of his mouth slanted upward. "For?"
Mulder motioned with a flick of his head to the table at the other end of the
room. It was set for two, silver and crystal gleaming in the yellow flickering
light.
"Dinner in our room, huh?"
Mulder nodded then pushed away from the bed. "Come with me."
Alex got out of bed and followed him to the bathroom, also lit with candles. He
turned curious eyes to Mulder who was busy rolling up his sleeves.
"Time for your bath."
"My...bath?"
"Mmm hmm." He motioned to the full tub.
Alex felt his cock stir. "Let...let me get this straight. You're going to give
me a bath?"
"Any objections?"
Alex cleared his throat and answered in a small voice. "No..."
"Good. Get in the tub. I'll be right back."
Alex stepped into the cavernous claw-foot tub and sank up to his neck in suds.
Seconds after he heard the soft music start, Fox reappeared and sat int the
chair he'd placed beside the tub. He reached for the sponge and, dipping it
into the water, began to move it across Alex's chest and shoulders. Alex's eyes
rolled upward and his lids slid shut.
"Mmmm..."
"You like that?"
"Yes." He was so far gone, Fox could have been using twenty grit sandpaper and
it would have felt just as good.
As Mulder continued with his thorough ministrations, Alex sat quietly in his
warm, wet heaven, wondering how the bloody hell an existence as cursed as his
had been, could turn into something so beautiful.
"What are you thinking about?"
He opened his eyes. "Hmm?"
"You look deep in thought."
"I was just thinking..." he raised a soapy hand to Mulder's face and traced a
line down his jaw with his knuckles. "..how my life has gone from hell to
this...and how thankful I am to have you." He smiled and shook his head. "I
never dreamed that you could ever be anything more than an unreachable fantasy.
You got me through a lot of bad shit, you know."
Mulder cocked his head.
"Thoughts of you, I mean. Any time I was in a tight spot, sometimes in a
shitload of pain and it looked like I wasn't going to be able to get out of it,
I'd retreat into myself. Far away from the dirt and the slime and the hurt. I'd
go to where I could always find you. In the deepest, most protected part of my
soul. The one tiny little part I'd never let them take away from me. And you'd
be there waiting, smiling...and I'd go to you. Kiss you. Love you...talk to
you."
Mulder's hand stilled and he listened to the surprising admission in silence.
Alex stopped, taking note of his expression. "Are you shocked?"
"I wouldn't say shocked..."
"I told you I'd wanted you for a long time. That was the only way I ever
thought I could have you. And you'd do exactly what I wanted. Be exactly what
I wanted."
"Real life seldom measures up to our fantasies. How far off am I from what you
wanted me to be?"
Alex turned to look at him head on. "You're more than I could have hoped for.
Christ, you're so much more. More vulnerable, much more complex and far more
open and talkative than I thought you'd be. I thought I had a pretty damn good
imagination but you're definitely hotter...I never could have imagined all
those pretty little sounds you make when we're..."
Mulder interrupted him. "What's all this about talking?"
"Talking?"
"Yeah. You've mentioned it twice."
"Oh. Well...it's been literally years since I've had an actual conversation
with someone. I thought I might have forgotten how. Nobody I worked for or with
ever wanted to talk to me and I gotta say, I wasn't really too into talking
to them either but...I was starved for conversation. My fantasy Fox filled that
need for me..." His eyes closed and a soft smile crossed his lips. "That and a
few other needs..."
Mulder's hand began to move again, sinking lower into the water, carressing and
stroking. As he moved to Alex's thigh, the back of his hand brushed a smooth
hardness. He smiled but ignored it, instead working all around it.
Alex tipped his head back and groaned softly. He reopened his eyes and raked
them over the upper body of his lover. "You should take that off."
"What?"
"That shirt. It might get wet."
"Not if you hold still and don't splash."
"Come on, take it off."
"Nope."
Alex smirked and brought his hand up out of the water. He flicked the drops
from his fingers, directly at Mulder's chest.
"Bastard."
"Take it off."
"No."
More drops.
"You're going to ruin this shirt."
"I'll get you a new one tomorrow. Take it off."
"You're not getting me into this tub with you, Alex."
"Did I say anything about that? I just prefer that my bath boys be bare
chested, that's all..."
"S'cuse me...bath boys?"
"Figure of speech."
"It'd better be."
Alex rose a little higher in the tub and leaned to the side, pressing his lips
against Mulder's. "You know it is." He kissed him again, and busied his hands,
unbuttoning the shirt.
Mulder moaned against his lips in protest. "Alex..."
"Shut up." Mulder complied and he chuckled. "Just your shirt, okay? I promise."
"I think," Mulder murmured softly, removing his shirt, "that it's a very bad
thing that I can't seem to be able to say no to you."
"Funny, I think it's a pretty good thing." He scattered a few heated kisses
over the surface of the older man's chest. "I'll never ask you to do anything
illegal....well....you know, not too illegal..." His lips captured a hard
nipple and pulled gently.
"God Alex, you're killin' me. Come on now, this isn't how this is supposed to
go."
Alex released the nipple and sat back. "Okay, I'm sorry. I promise, I'll be a
good boy."
"Yeah, why don't you just promise world peace while you're at it?"
Alex closed his eyes and grinned. "You may continue."
"Gee. Can I? Thanks."
Fifteen minutes and a whole lot of teasing later, he made the announcement.
"All done."
"You sure?"
"Didn't miss a spot."
"Oh yeah, you did..."
One corner of Mulder's mouth slanted upward. "Really? Where?"
Alex pouted. "You know where."
"Okay, but no funny business."
"Scouts honor."
The sponge dipped back into the water, sliding up one thigh. Mulder's other
hand joined the one holding the sponge and gently lifted Alex's aching balls to
wash the area underneath. Alex gritted his teeth, trying unsuccessfully not to
make a sound.
Mulder released him and ran the sponge up and around the sac again and again
before proceeding up to his cock. Alex flinched when finally, he reached the
base and stroked upward along the solid length. When he reached the tip, Mulder
caressed down the other side, skimming the back of his hand along the sensitive
skin on Alex's belly. When he again reached the base, he closed his hand into a
fist, wrapping the sponge around Alex and drawing it up slowly.
"Oh God..."
"What is it, baby?" Fox whispered, so very close to his ear.
"Finish me."
"No, no, no."
"Come on," Alex whined. "You know I'll be good to go again by the time dinner
is through."
"Yeah, I believe you. But, I want you desperate."
Long sigh. "Well, that's just wrong."
"Depends on which side of the sponge you're on."
"Evil..."
"No. I just like when you're out of control."
Alex's eyes turned dark. "Be careful what you wish for..."
Mulder stared intently at him, doing that insanity inspiring thing that he did
with his mouth. He rose from the chair and moved away, calling over his
shoulder. "Get out of the tub."
Alex hesitated for a moment, drumming his fingers on the edge of the tub then
got up and out. A thick towel came around him from behind and warm, sweet
breath fanned his cheek as Mulder dried him gently. He worked slowly,
methodically, moving down his lover's body, paying loving attention to his cock
and balls.
Alex placed both hands on Mulder's head and kneaded gently. "Hey, uh...while
you're down there..."
"I do admire your tenacity." Mulder kissed the tip of Alex's cock, then stood
up. "All done."
"Sadistic son of a bitch."
"But you love me."
Alex trailed his fingers through the hairs on Mulder's chest. "And I love
you."
Mulder rewarded his statement with a deep, heart-stopping kiss. Seconds later,
he broke away, leaving Alex panting and flushed.
"Let's go get dressed."
Alex followed him into the bedroom and waited while he opened the closet door
and looked inside. He selected a dark tan pair of pants, an ivory shirt and the
brown slip-on shoes. He turned to Alex and raised an eyebrow. "Well. I was
going to tell you to drop the towel but...nevermind."
Alex smirked, totally unselfconscious about his present state of undress.
Mulder laid the clothes across the bed and crossed over to the highboy. He
pulled out a pair of brown silk underwear and returned. Alex reached for the
underwear but he snapped it away. Alex heaved an exasperated sigh.
"What?" He smiled, noting the gleam in his lover's eye. "You're going to
dress me?"
Mulder bent over in front of him and let him step into the shorts then slowly
slid them up his legs. Just before he brought them up all the way, his tongue
slithered out and licked it's way up the underside of Alex's cock. He smiled at
the coarse groan.
Once he had the underwear in place, he snatched the pants off of the bed and
dropped the shoes to the floor in front of Alex. He slipped the pants up over
the muscular thighs, brushing his cheek against the silk covered hardness
between them.
"Fox..."
Mulder ignored him, zipping and buttoning. When he had it done, he snapped his
fingers. "Oh...wait. Gotta tuck your shirt in first." He undid the button,
then dragged the zipper back down slowly, taking care to brush his knuckles
firmly against the bulge underneath. He looked up through the golden-brown
fringe of lashes at the contorted face of his lover and smiled. He picked the
shirt up and held it up as Alex shrugged into it. He began at the bottom
button, moving slowly and deliberately upward. When he'd made it to the third
button from the bottom, their eyes met. Mulder stopped and ran the back of one
finger up and down his chest. Alex grasped his hand and brought it up to his
mouth. He took the finger between his lips and, never taking his eyes off of
his Fox, sucked it into the warm recesses of his mouth. Mulder gritted his
teeth and winced.
Alex let the finger go and moved forward until their bodies were touching. He
raised a hand to Mulder's bare shoulder and stroked downward. When he reached
the other man's hand, he curled his fingers around it and leaned in close to
his ear.
"Come on, lisa. What do you say we take the edge off?"
Mulder chewed on the inside corner of his lip and said nothing.
Alex's other hand slipped down to his crotch. "You're just as hard as I am. You
want me. Don't you?"
Mulder paused then whispered, "You know I do."
"Then why torture us both? I want to feel you inside me so bad, I can taste
it." He tugged gently on Mulder's hand. "Do me, baby. I need you. Please..."
Just as Mulder was about to give in, there was a soft knock on the door. Mulder
tore his eyes away from his lover's, breaking the spell. He cleared his throat
and answered the knock.
"Yes, Marie?"
"Dinner in ten minutes?"
"That's good. Just bring it up when it's ready. Thanks, Marie."
He looked back to Alex. The heat blazing in the younger man's eyes hadn't
diminished. He finished buttoning the shirt and, tucking it into his pants,
kissed him softly.
"Saved by the bell."
"Uh huh. So we'll have dinner first." Mulder moved toward the closet for
another shirt and Alex grabbed his arm, roughly pulling him back. "But just so
you know? You are my dessert and I've got a vicious sweet tooth."
Mulder speared a hand through Alex's hair and pulled him close. His mouth
brushed the other before covering it in a long, gentle kiss. He pulled away
then returned with two tiny kisses, before again moving toward the closet.
Alex stepped into his shoes and watched as he pulled the only other black shirt
out and put it on. He turned around and smiled as he tucked it in. "I like the
feel of the other one better, but this'll do for now."
"We can go look for another one tomorrow, okay?"
Mulder nodded and moved toward the knock at the door. He swung it open and
allowed Marie to enter, carrying a large tray. She set it down beside the table
and gave both men the once over.
"Aren't you two looking handsome this evenin'? Much be a special night," she
said, regarding Mulder. "You look happier than I've seen you in the past month.
Those eyes are sparklin' like emeralds."
"Not much gets by you, does it Marie?"
"I got children, darlin'. I knew from their eyes exactly what they were
feelin'." She squinted at him. "And I know that look." She smiled knowingly
and flounced out of the room. "Have a lovely evenin', children."
The door closed soundlessly behind her and they were alone again.
"Is it that obvious," Mulder began, "or is she really just that good?"
"I don't know," Alex approached. "You look much better to me, but I'm on the
inside, you know? It's my business to notice things like that." He stopped just
inches in front of his partner and spoke softly. "From yesterday to today, your
color has improved. That dull film that always seemed to be there in your eyes,
no matter how much fun we seemed to be having...that's gone. Your movements are
much more relaxed and you look about ten years younger." He smiled and ran the
back of his hand down Mulder's cheek. "It's amazing."
"You're amazing. You've been so good to me through all of this."
Alex wrapped him securely in his arms. "I'd go to hell and back for you. You
must know that by now."
Mulder tightened his arms around his lover and buried his face in the curve
between his neck and shoulder. He inhaled the clean, male scent, letting it
swirl seductively through his senses.
"I love you, Alex."
Alex's brow creased and he pulled Fox tighter to him. "Everytime you say that,"
he murmured, "it's like I'm hearing it for the first time."
They stood, wrapped around each other for long seconds. Mulder was first to
pull away. "Come on," he said gently. "Let's eat." Alex nodded and let himself
be led to the table.
Dinner was a study in seduction. Long glances, full of meaning. Every body
movement designed to attract and entice, conveying the promise of a night so
deeply intimate, a worded description was pointless.
Halfway through the meal, Mulder interrupted his lover's lascivious thoughts
with a totally unrelated subject.
"You know what I was just thinking?"
"Did it have anything to do with me licking raspberry sauce off of you?"
Mulder's cock jumped within the confines of his pants. "No."
"Then I have no idea."
"Chirstmas is in five days."
"So it is. I'd suggest that we do a little decorating but somehow I doubt that
we'd find a Christmas tree anywhere on this island."
"We can still decorate. Let's go shopping tomorrow and see what we can find."
"Okay. Gotta look for your present anyway..."
"No. Oh, no you don't. This trip should cover Christmas, my birthday and any
other gift giving holiday for the next fifteen years."
"Don't bother to fight me on this one, Fox. You will lose. Besides, this trip
wasn't a gift. It was necessary. To your physical and emotional health. It
was necessary for me to try and repair the damage that I'd done to you."
Mulder had learned quickly that arguing with Alex about this subject was
futile. He reached across the short distance and covered the younger man's
hand.
"You can stop driving yourself crazy, now. I feel more at peace today than I
have in a long, long time. More complete than I ever have. You did that."
Alex turned his hand palm up and grasped Fox's hand. He brought it up to his
lips then held it to his cheek. His eyes glowed softly in the candlelight.
"My beautiful Fox."
Mulder felt that familiar lethargy invading his body. Desire weighed heavy on
his eyelids...his limbs. Somehow he managed to pull himself out of his chair
and traverse the few feet to where Alex still sat.
The seated man pulled his chair away from the table and started to rise, but
was halted by a hand on his shoulder. Mulder moved in front of him and
straddling his thighs, lowered himself onto Alex's lap. Alex's hands
immediately rose to caress his back. Mulder's fingers wove through the thick
fringe of hair at the back of his neck and slowly inclined his head, capturing
his lips in a sweet, agonizingly tender kiss.
They went on that way for an eternity it seemed, their mouths separating only
to be rejoined an instant later, tongues searching, stroking...teasing
mercilessly.
When Mulder pulled away, he did so only within a fraction of Alex's lips. His
tongue slid out of his open mouth and began to lap delicately at his lover's
swollen bottom lip. He could feel Alex's rock-solid erection spasm against his
crotch. He rocked gently against it as he continued to lick Alex's lips.
A low rumble fromed deep in Alex's chest. "Do you have any idea what you're
doing to me?"
"Driving you crazy, if I'm doing it right."
"God yes, you're doing it right. I'd say you've only got a few seconds before
I throw you down on the floor..."
"Uh-uh. We're going to do this my way." He started undoing the buttons on
Alex's shirt one by one, licking and nuzzling each patch of newly exposed skin
along the way.
The grate of stubble against the more sensitive skin of Alex's chest, drew a
sharp groan from him. Mulder looked up, concerned.
"Does that bother you?"
"No," he said quickly. "No...don't...don't you stop..."
Fox continued his journey south and when he could bend no lower, got down on
his knees and spread Alex's legs. He moved between them and finished the
buttons. When the shirt was pulled from Alex's pants and lay completely open,
he licked a long continuous trail back up to his lover's mouth and planted a
teasing kiss there. He slid back down to his knees and started working on the
pants. He got the belt undone, then the button and finally the zipper. His lips
brushed the silk-covered bulge and he listened to Alex's sharp intake of
breath.
"Oh God, baby..."
Mulder smiled and gently clamping his teeth onto his lover's cock, pulled at
it.
Alex emitted a loud gasp and sank down in the chair.
So this was how he was going to die.
Half naked, in a chair, in a bedroom of a rented house in the Bahamas, with his
lover nibbling at his cock through a pair of silk boxer shorts.
Nice.
The tapping of Fox's hand against his thigh brought him back.
"Lift up a little."
Alex complied, lifting himself a few inches off the chair so that his tormentor
could slip his pants and underwear off.
Mulder discarded the clothing and his shoes, then spread his legs again and
moved between them.
Alex looked down at him through glazed eyes. He laid a hand on Fox's cheek and
swept his thumb back and forth over the bone. And waited.
Mulder smiled and lowered his head.
Alex's head fell back and his hips thrust upward as he felt the warm, moist
tongue on him, licking every inch of his cock.
"Fox...mmph...baby, don't...oh Jesus....Jesus..."
Mulder lifted his head, knowing full well that Alex was teetering right on the
edge.
"Fox, please!"
"Sshhh. Calm down..."
"But..."
"I know. I know you're close." He kissed the inside of Alex's thigh. "Look at
me, Alexei."
Alex opened his eyes and tried to focus on the man kneeling before him.
"Hang on, okay? I want you inside me when you come."
Alex swallowed past the huge lump that had formed in his throat. "I'll try,
baby."
Mulder smiled seductively up at him. "Just relax." His fingers massaged his
lover's thighs. "We're going to come together....soon." He stood up and moved
to the back of the chair, lovingly stroking his lover's hair. "Close your
eyes."
Alex did as he asked and attempted to breathe evenly. The hands in his hair
felt so good...so soothing. He let out a long sigh.
"That's it. Calm. Slow..." One hand left his head but the other remained,
petting and massaging. "Better now?"
Alex nodded slowly.
"Good."
There was the sound of metal, at first clinking, then a soft grinding and Alex
felt his lover moving behind him. The next sound he heard was that of material
hitting the carpet.
The missing hand returned, this time resting on his right shoulder. The other
hand dropped from his hair to his left shoulder and massaged slowly.
"Mmmm, that's good."
Mulder worked silently, efficiently. When Alex's knotted muscles began to
loosen, he stopped and moved to the side of the chair.
"Open your eyes."
Alex's eyelids slid open and he looked to his right.
So much for calm.
A swollen cock bobbed invitingly below his face. His hand went to it
immediately, grasping it at the base. He bent over and took the tip into his
mouth, dragging a soft moan from Mulder. He opened his throat and swallowed the
entire length of it.
Mulder's eyes rolled up into his head and he gripped handfuls of dark hair.
The blood roared through Alex's veins once again as he sucked hungrily at his
lover. He moaned his protest as the hands in his hair began to pull his head up
and away. He opened his eyes and met the amber-flecked gaze of his Fox.
"Sorry," Mulder panted. "Had to stop you." He stradled Alex once again and sat
down. Two rigid cocks bobbed and bumped against each other. Mulder pitched
forward for better contact.
Alex threw his head back and blew out a heavy breath.
Mulder leaned all the way forward until his chest was resting against Alex's.
"Does that feel good, Alex?" He rocked his hips back and forth. "Does it?"
Alex gritted his teeth. "Yes..."
The older man leaned back, breaking off a good portion of the contact. "Alex."
"Hmm."
"Take off my shirt."
Alex forced his eyes to open as he reached for the first button of his
partner's shirt. Mulder stroked both cocks ever so gently, together in one hand
as Alex fumbled with the button. His hands shook so much, it was nearly
impossible for him to get the small disk through the hole.
With the first button finally undone, he reached for the second. Mulder
squeezed them together in his hand and Alex nearly lost it. He stopped
struggling with the button and issued a loud groan.
"Come on, Alex. Take off my shirt and you can have me..."
Short, fast breaths came from the open mouth as Alex resumed his fight with the
second button. "Fox," he stammered. "I can't. I...my hands are shaking too
much..."
"No shirt, no Fox," he warned in a low teasing voice.
Alex grimaced and tried again. Finally, he'd had enough.
"Fuck!"
With little more than a deep growl, he grasped the shirt and yanked it apart,
sending buttons flying everywhere. He pulled it from Mulder's body and threw it
to the floor. "There you go," he whispered roughly. "It's off."
"That's the second shirt you've ruined..."
Alex reached down swiping away the fluid that leaked from the tip of Mulder's
cock and used it and his own, to lube himself. "Fuck the shirts." He lifted
Mulder and slouched down a bit. When the older man was again lowered, he
gasped. A hot, hard presence had made itself known just behind him. It pressed
urgently against his ass. He locked eyes with the man underneath him.
"I can't stand it anymore, Fox. Come on..."
Still held by his lover's eyes, Mulder lifted himself a bit. Alex grasped his
own cock by the base and guided it to the small opening. Mulder lowered himself
slowly, wincing as he felt every inch of the thick shaft work it's way up into
him.
Alex removed his hand and pushed as he pulled Mulder's hips down, insuring that
he was as far inside of his lover as he could get. He held on to the lean hips,
not moving a muscle. His eyes closed and he fought to regain his composure.
Mulder understood and remained still, taking the opportunity the study the taut
face in front of him.
So different from his own. Rounder. Less angular. Long, thick eyelashes. Dark.
Tempting, bow-shaped mouth. Definitely a nicer nose than his own....a beautiful
face, almost angelic in repose. Downright malevolent when he was angered.
Completely changeable. Utterly fascinating...always gorgeous.
The green eyes opened and looked up into his face. They flicked back and forth,
searching his expression.
"What is it?" Alex whispered.
Mulder smiled serenely. "I love you."
Alex's heart leapt in his chest. He wrapped his arms around Mulder's back and
pulled him down for a lingering kiss. He began to move beneath him, thrusting
carefully.
Mulder moaned into that beautiful bow-shaped mouth and moved with him. He felt
Alex's hands on his chest, pushing him away, urging him into a straight sitting
position.
"I want to look at you," Alex said softly, caressing his chest. "You're so
beautiful when I'm fucking you..."
"Christ, Alex..." Mulder moved with him, establishing a perfect rhythm.
"Remember..." Alex grimaced, thrusting deeply. "Remember when I told you once,
that I could make you come twenty times a day, just to see the look on your
face?"
Mulder smiled and closed his eyes briefly.
Alex grinned up at him. "I'd like to see how close to that number we can come."
Mulder's laugh ended on a faint moan. "I don't think we'll come too close
today."
"Mmmm....I know....maybe we can start early tomorrow..."
"Alex."
"Hmm?"
He grasped one of the hands that still stroked his chest and placed it over his
straining erection. "Make me come."
Alex's fingers closed around him. "With pleasure, lisa."
Mulder's head fell back and a long groan slipped past his lips as his lover's
hand expertly milked his cock. He gripped Alex's shoulders and ground his ass
into the younger man's groin, tightening his muscles.
"Aww, baby..." Alex grated, "God, that's good..." He pumped Mulder's cock
faster. "Come on, beautiful...come with me..."
Mulder began to rock frantically against his lover. "Alex...I'm...it's
coming..."
"Let it. I'm with you. I'm with...you...."
Two bodies, drenched in sweat, thrashed against each other, giving in to the
storm that overtook them. Two voices combined, doubling the deafening cries
that emanated from constricted throats. Two hearts stopped then started again,
beating triple-time as lovers clung shuddering, to each other.
They remained connected for a time, neither man possessing the strength
necessary to move. Mulder trembled in Alex's arms, his head resting heavily
against the younger man's shoulder.
Alex's dark head lay against the perspiration dampened, golden-brown silk to
his right. His chest heaved in an effort to drag air into his lungs.When he'd
successfully managed to gain some control of his body, he moved a hand,
sweeping it up and down his Fox's slick back.
"I think I'm dead..." He kissed the side of Mulder's head. "You're incredible,
you know that?"
Mulder sighed and snuggled against Alex's shoulder. "We're incredible."
Alex hugged him. "I'll buy that." He pulled Mulder's head back and kissed him
again and again. "How about a nice warm shower?"
Mulder traced the line of his jaw with the tip of one finger. "Sounds good...if
I can stand up long enough, that is."
"Want a few more minutes?"
"I think I need a few more minutes."
Alex pulled him closer. "Okay. Just rest." He kissed Mulder's bare shoulder.
The taste of salt was strong on his lips. "Mmmm." He opened his mouth and slid
it along the smooth skin, licking at the quickly drying sheen of moisture. "You
taste good."
Mulder moaned softly into Alex's neck as he continued to bathe his lover's
shoulder.
"Umm," He disengaged himself and stood on shaky legs. "Let's take that shower,
now."
Alex looked up at him. "You okay?"
Mulder gave him a soft smile and nodded. "Let's go."
They linked fingers and moved slowly toward the bathroom. Once in the shower,
they washed each other gently, rinsed and dried off, then fell into bed. Alex
curled himself tightly around Fox and almost immediately, they fell into a
deep, dreamless sleep.
Saturday
Mulder shifted the two bags he carried to his left hand. "We got some pretty
neat stuff, huh?"
Alex chuckled. It's certainly different from any Christmas ornaments I can
remember."
"Me too. I think that's what I like best about them. No reminders of my
childhood."
They walked in silence for a few moments, then Mulder spoke up again. "Think
Scully'll like her gift?"
Alex shrugged. "I think so, but what do I know? You've got a much better idea
about that than I do." he swung the three bags he carried. "Let's dump this
stuff in the car, okay? I'm getting pretty sick of lugging them around."
With the bags safely stored in the small trunk of the car, they returned to the
middle of the shopping center.
"Okay," Alex announced, checking his watch. "How about we split up for an hour,
then meet back here and go have some lunch?"
"Sounds good. I'm a little hungry now, I should be starving by then." He leaned
across the short distance and gave Alex a quick peck on the mouth. "See you in
an hour."
Alex smiled, pleasantly surprised at Fox's public display of affection. He
stood watching his lover as he walked away, momentarily taken with the beauty
of his lean frame as it moved smoothly through the sparse crowd. The increasing
tightness in his pants snapped him out of his trance. "Ah, shit." He smiled,
rolled his eyes up and strolled in the opposite direction.
12:01 p.m.
Mulder walked the narrow path, wandering by shop after shop. What the hell was
he going to buy? He'd never shopped for a man before, not even his father. His
mother always handled things like that.
Hell, this should be easy but if anything, it was somehow harder. Maybe it was
because Alex was his lover. He sure as hell couldn't just pick up the first
nailgun that caught his eye...it had to be a meaningful gift. But what was he
supposed to get that was masculine and sentimental? The two just didn't seem
to go together.
He stopped in front of the jewelry store where they had bought Scully's
bracelet.
Hmm. That watch of his looks pretty old...
While he stood contemplating, an odd feeling came over him. Not terribly
strong, but it was there. Someone was watching him. Not Alex, he knew very well
what that felt like and this was not it. He searched the reflections in the
window in front of him but detected nothing out of the ordinary. He shrugged
the sensation off and entered the store.
"Hello again!" The salesman smiled. "Something else you need?"
Mulder returned the smile. "Yeah, I'd like to see some watches."
"For a lady or gentleman?"
"A man's watch."
"For yourself?"
"No uh...it's a gift...for the man I was in here with earlier...these are
nice." He pointed to a grouping of Movados.
"Any of the six would be an excellent choice. Which do you prefer?"
Mulder studied the watches then pointed. "That one."
The salesman opened the case and presented the watch for inspection. As he
rattled on about it's features, Mulder began to frown. There was that feeling
again...
"It's very handsome but I think you'd look better in gold."
Mulder's head snapped around and met the brown gaze of the man behind him.
"Thanks for your opinion but it's not for me."
The man smiled. "I see."
Two words. Yet they felt like ants crawling straight up his spine. He turned
without another word and attempted to pick up his conversation with the
salesman.
"So you said that it's waterproof up to ninety nine feet?"
"Yes sir."
"It's a nice little piece of machinery. Lucky guy...your dad, is it?"
Mulder's irritation began to show. "If you don't mind..."
"I'm sorry. I'll let you shop in peace."
The man sauntered quietly to the door and disappeared onto the street.
Mulder turned back to the man behind the counter. "I'm going to take it. Do you
engrave?"
"Yes sir! I can have it done for you by tomorrow if you like."
"That'd be great."
"How would you like it to read?"
Mulder paused, not knowing exactly what to say. He wanted it to mean something
but was afraid of getting too mushy. A thought and a smile came to his lips.
Ah, what the hell?
"I'd like it to read, 'My heart's deepest secret. I love you. Lisa'."
They reviewed the spelling and type of script. When it was exactly how Mulder
wanted it, he pulled his credit card out and handed it to the salesman.
"Will that be all now, sir?"
Mulder was about to say yes, when something else caught his eye. "Uh, hang on."
He walked over to another case and chose a small pair of silver, wide-band hoop
earrings. "I'll take those."
When he'd completed his business, he left the shop and started off down the
street. A few yards away, a voice brought him to a halt.
"So...did you get it?" His skin began to crawl.
"What is it that you want?"
"Just looking for a friend."
Mulder twisted his lip and looked away. Before he could give one of his
pattented Mulder responses, he was knocked off balance.
"You've got a very nice mouth."
Mulder stared, shaken.
"It's sexy."
What the fuck?
"Have lunch with me."
Mulder gave himself a shake.
Jesus Christ, the man was hitting on him.
Completely at a loss for words, he just stood and continued to stare. He
blinked as the man waved a hand in front of his face.
"You in there?"
Mulder found his voice. "Look...I don't know what you think..."
"I think you're a very handsome man and that I'd like to get to know you.
Nothing menacing in that..."
Sure there was. Plenty.
Alex stepped out of a small shop and scanned the street. Catching sight of Fox
not more than ten yards away, he began to smile but it soon faded as he
observed the expression on his face. Something wasn't right. His eyes flicked
to Fox's immediate left and narrowed on the man who was talking to him. Average
height. Decent build. Brown hair. Tanned. Lascivious grin plastered to his
face. The muscle in Alex's jaw clenched.
Mulder shook his head almost imperceptibly as the man continued his attempt.
"Come on, just a little bite to eat." He moved closer and ran a finger lightly
down Mulder's arm. "And then...a little bite to eat..."
Mulder flinched and pulled away.
The man's smile grew wider. "Come on now, handsome. I wouldn't hurt a hair on
that pretty head..."
"Touch him again and I'll hurt yours...bad."
Alex walked up behind the man and passed him on his right. He came to stand
next to Mulder and fixed an icy stare on the man in front of them.
The man looked him up and down and smiled. "I didn't mean any harm. I'm here
alone and I'd just like to make some friends. I was inviting your friend here
to have lunch with me, not realizing that he wasn't alone. No matter. How
about all three of us get together?"
"Let's not and say we did." He looked to Mulder, who stood quietly, looking
rather pale. He placed a hand at the small of his back. "You okay?"
Mulder nodded.
"Let's go," he said softly. He shot the man a warning look and turned Mulder
away.
"Get used to it," the man's voice trailed after them.
As they walked toward the restaurant that they'd decided earlier to have lunch
at, Alex broke the silence. "Where'd he come from?"
"I don't know. I...I felt like I was being watched earlier, and when I was in a
store, he was there behind me and tried to strike up a conversation. I managed
to get rid of him, but when I left the store, he was there again...Alex, I've
never been hit on by a man in my life. Why now? Is there some kind of sign on
me now, that only gay men can see?"
"Would you believe me if I said yes?"
Mulder cast a sideways glance at him.
"It's a phenomenon. I wish I could explain it. I think it comes with time and
experience. I could look into this crowd and pick out every gay man here."
"But what is it? Is it a look? The way a person moves? And if it is, have I
changed in any of those ways?"
"You're the same man you've always been. You don't look or act any differently
than you did a year ago."
"Then...how?"
Alex shrugged. "I don't know. But I do know about people like that guy. He's a
predator. He spends his time in places like this, trolling for innocent,
unsuspecting young men. And he'll find one. Maybe two. He'll use em. He'll ruin
em...then he'll move on to the next." He shrugged. "No different than the men
who prey on women or kids."
"I'm not a kid, Alex. Yet I was completely stunned. I didn't know what the hell
to do."
"You don't have to be a kid to be innocent. And you are. In as far as this life
goes. Creeps like him can smell that a mile away."
They arrived at the restaurant and were seated at an outdoor table. Alex took
the seat right beside Mulder, sensing the other man's remaining insecurity.
Their knees touched lightly and he covered Mulder's hand with his own.
"You're still pretty shook up, aren't you?"
"I feel stupid."
"Why?"
"It's just that...I'd never been attracted to a man before in my life. Never
gave it a thought till I met you. And even now...I can't even say that since
we've been together, I've looked at a man and thought that he was attractive.
It's just you, Alex. The thought of another man touching me makes me cringe."
Alex smiled and squeezed his hand. "I can't say that I'm sorry to hear that."
"But...what does that make me? I mean, if you're gay, you're attracted to men
in general, right?"
"Yeah..."
"So were does that leave me?"
"I don't know. Is it really so important for you to categorize yourself?"
"No...I guess not. It's just got me curious."
Alex smirked at him. "You always have been in a class by yourself...no sense
in changing things now."
Mulder looked down and smiled. A loosely closed fist came up under his chin and
tapped gently. "Feel any better?"
He looked up. "Yeah." He started to chuckle. "You were pretty upset."
"When?"
"When you were walking toward us and that guy touched my arm."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Damn straight. Nobody paws you but me."
Mulder gave him a smoky grin. "That sounds just a little possessive."
Alex leaned forward until their lips were almost touching. "Yup. You uh, got a
problem with that?"
The tip of Mulder's tongue crept out and slid along Alex's bottom lip. "Nope."
"Good." He pressed forward, joining their mouths for a brief but thorough kiss.
They spent over an hour, having a leisurely lunch and talking about nothing in
particular. On the way back to the car, Mulder looked down at all the bags Alex
was carrying.
"What's all that?"
"Nevermind."
"Come on..."
"You'll find out."
"That's an evil grin."
"You think?"
"Alex..."
"What?"
"What did you do?"
"Only one bag contains your Christmas present. The rest of this stuff is for us
and that's all I'm going to say."
"Fine. I can wait."
"You're going to have to."
When they reached the car, Alex put the bags into the trunk and they were on
their way.
Halfway back to the house, Mulder turned to him and began to stare. He glanced
over and smiled.
"What are you doing?"
"How come I've never seen you with an earring?"
Alex smiled and frowned at the same time. "Where'd that come from?"
"Your ears are pierced. How come you don't wear any earrings?"
"God, I had that done ages ago. I'd wear one, sometimes both when I went out
but it's been a while."
"How come?"
He shrugged. "No reason. I just don't think about it, I guess."
"The holes still look open."
"Yeah...what's this fascination with my ears all of a sudden?"
Mulder smiled and reached into the small bag he'd kept with him. He opened the
small black velvet box and pulled out one of the two silver earrings and held
it up on the tip of his finger. Alex grinned.
"That for me?"
"Uh huh. Do you mind?"
"No. Whatever turns you on."
As Alex drove, Mulder worked one silver hoop into the hole in his ear then
leaned back and looked at him. The corner of Alex's mouth tilted upward as he
glanced at himself in the rearview. He reached across the seat and stroked his
partner's cheek.
"Thank you...so...do you like it?"
Mulder nodded slowly. "It's sexy." He moved in and whispered against Alex's
ear. "Cause you know, you weren't sexy enough." The tip of his tongue tickled
the sensitive interior.
Alex tipped his head into the caress. "Come on, now. Behave yourself."
Mulder pulled away and sat heavily in his seat. "All right..."
"Just till we get back to the house. Then you can be as bad as you want."
"I don't think I'll feel like it by then."
Alex shot him an amused look. "Oh, who do you think you're kidding?"
Mulder changed the subject. "Did you have anything planned for tomorrow
afternoon?"
"No..."
"I've got to go back into town for a little bit."
"Okay."
"Alone."
"Oh?"
"Yeah."
"Got a hot date with that guy?"
"You're a real comedian."
"Well, why do you have to go alone?"
"To pick up your Christmas present if you must know."
Alex smiled. "Oh. What'd you get?"
Mulder quirked an eyebrow.
"What? I won't tell anyone..."
"Alex?"
"Yeah?"
Mulder ran a hand lightly up and down Alex's thigh. "Shut up and drive."
3:36 p.m.
Once their purchases were all put away, Mulder suggested a walk.
"But," Alex protested, winding his arms around his lover's neck, "I thought you
wanted to..."
Mulder silenced him with a kiss. "I do."
Alex drew back and studied him. A slow smile curved his lips. "Okay....let's
go."
4:14 p.m.
They walked along silently through the stretch of trees behind the property.
Only the distant sound of the ocean and the occasional cry of a bird followed
them. Every few feet, the sunlight broke through the canopy of green, glinting
off of the silver of Alex's new earring. Mulder inhaled deeply, imagining the
combined feel of soft flesh and smooth metal in his mouth. The sound carried to
Alex's ear.
"You tired?"
"No...uh...yeah. Let's stop for a minute?"
Mulder sat down on a nearby rock while Alex leaned back against a tree and
looked around.
"I'm going to miss this place."
"We've got another month."
"I know but look how fast the last month has gone."
"True." Mulder's gaze swept over the long frame draped casually against the
tree. A small, thoroughly evil smile crossed his lips. "Alex."
Green eyes turned back to him. "Hmm?"
"Unbutton your shirt."
Alex cocked his head. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
Mulder's eyes darkened. "I said...unbutton your shirt."
"That's what I thought you said."
"Do it."
Alex's hands rose slowly to his shirt and began to undo the buttons, his eyes
never leaving his lover's face. When that was done, his hands fell away and he
waited for further instruction.
"Your pants."
He looked down. "Yeah, they're my pants. Or they could be yours....no, no, I'm
pretty sure they're mine..."
"Take them off, wise ass."
"Oh." He popped the button and worked the zipper down. He watched Mulder draw a
deep breath and let it out slowly. He smiled and pulled the pants down past his
knees then let them drop the rest of the way to the ground. He straightened his
posture and stared at Mulder.
"Underwear too."
When the white boxer-briefs were also discarded, he leaned back again, against
the tree, giving Mulder an enticing, unobstructed view of his most impressive
erection.
Mulder chewed the inside corner of his lip. "Do something for me."
Alex waited quietly for him to voice his request.
"I want to watch you."
"Watch me what?"
"I want to watch you get yourself off."
"You do?"
Mulder nodded. "Go ahead, Alex. Touch yourself."
Alex's eyes grew heavy as he brought his hand to his mouth. Slowly he licked
his palm, then slid it down his chest, over his lean stomach and down to his
twitching cock.
Mulder watched entranced, as Alex just barely skimmed the shaft again and
again. His eyes were closed now, his head rolling forward then arching back
against the trunk of the tree. His left hand flattened out beside his hip, his
fingers flexing occasionally against the trunk. Mulder's voice drifted to him.
"Does it feel good?"
Alex swallowed hard. "Yes."
"Is it exciting for you to know that I'm watching you?"
The barest hint of green became visible through the dark veil of eyelashes.
"Very."
Mulder licked the corner of his mouth. "You're ready to come already, aren't
you?"
"Oh, yeah."
"Go ahead."
Alex's hand closed around his cock and began to stroke slowly. His thumb
circled the head, spreading the slick fluid that had leaked from the tip.
Mulder rose and stalked toward him. His hand stilled.
"Don't stop," Mulder whispered, moving past him and around the tree.
Alex resumed, now using long, steady strokes.
"That's it," his lover encouaged softly as he moved around to Alex's left side.
"Do it, baby."
A small, unintelligible sound left Alex's throat and his hand moved faster.
"Come on. I'm waiting. Come for me."
Alex gritted his teeth as he pumped his cock harder.
"Now, Alex."
Alex's hoarse cries were absorbed into the dense expanse of trees. His body
tightened and arched as a warm geyser flowed from it and on to the ground.
"Beautiful." The breathless groan rumbled into his ear, then he was spinning,
being turned around to face the tree. His upper body was pressed against the
trunk and the hands at his hips pulled, forcing him to spread his legs for
balance. There was a small flurry of activity behind him, then he felt the
urgent press of solid muscle against his ass. His arms went around the tree in
an extra measure of support. Gentle hands spread his cheeks and that hardness
pushed into him.
"Nnnnhhh...uhh...Fox..."
Once Mulder was completely embedded in his lover, he leaned forward, draping
himself over the damp, shirt covered back. He reached around and lovingly
stroked Alex's sticky, not altogether limp cock. He murmured against the damp
material. "Squeeze me, Alex." He stood motionless as Alex obediently began to
tighten his muscles, effectively milking his cock. Mulder clenched his teeth
and endured the exquisite torture in silence. Not long after it began, he
started to feel that familiar tightening in his lower body. Soft whimpers
pushed past his lips.
Alex knew those sounds all too well. Fox was ready. He squeezed harder and
faster, drawing louder, harsher moans from his lover. All at once, Mulder's
muscles tensed up and his fingers dug into Alex's skin.
Alex continued, draining the older man of every drop. Only when he felt his
partner's body go slack and heard the cries change to soft purrs, did he relax
his grip.
Mulder slipped out of him and slid to the ground. Alex dropped down beside him,
kissing the perspiration drenched face and hair. "I really am going to miss
this place," he whispered against his Fox's cheek. He tucked an arm around his
lover's heaving chest and closed his eyes.
7:23 p.m.
Mulder sat at one end of the long table, finishing his dinner. Alex sat to his
immediate right, having long abandoned the whole "look but don't touch, stay as
far away from each other as possible while you're eating,"romantic thing.
"Want to go out, tonight?"
Mulder set his fork down and picked up his wine glass. "Where?"
Alex shrugged innocently. "While we were in town, I'd spoken to some people.
They told me that there was a nice club not all that far from there. I thought
we could go. Listen to a little music, have a drink or two..."
Mulder paused a moment, then replied. "Yeah. Sure, why not?"
"Great." Alex's eyes sparkled. "Why don't we go get ready in a little while?"
Mulder's eyes narrowed. "Okay..."
Both men walked naked from the bathroom, freshly showered and more than a
little aroused from the merciless teasing each inflicted on each other.
"You know," Mulder informed, "this is not a good thing. How are we going to
walk into a public place in this condition?"
Alex grinned. "Believe me when I tell you, we probably won't be the only ones."
"Alex, where the hell are we going?"
"I told you."
"I have a feeling there's more to it than you're letting on."
Alex flashed him a tiny smile before going to the closet and pulling out a grey
suit and shirt. "Why don't you wear this?"
Mulder's eyes darted down to the clothing just placed on the bed, then back up
to Alex who had already retreated to the other closet.
"Alex..."
Alex had pulled out his own clothes and was now rummaging in the bottom of the
closet. "Hmm?"
Mulder sighed heavily. "Nevermind." He reached for his underwear but Alex's
voice stopped him.
"Uh...hold on."
Mulder turned to face him. He stood a feet away, clad only in a pair of forest
green silk shorts. He held his hands behind his back.
"What?"
"Got something for ya."
"This wouldn't be something out of those mysterious bags from this
afternoon..."
Faint smirk. "It would." He sauntered toward Mulder and held up a leather
object. "Wear this for me."
Mulder tilted his head from side to side. "Okay, call me stupid, but I have no
idea what the hell that is."
"Allow me to demonstrate."
Alex grasped Mulder's cock and wrapped the three connected leather straps
around it, buckling and adjusting each one. Each of the two remaining straps
went around the testicles, separating them. Mulder winced as he secured each
one snuggly.
"Shit, Alex..."
"Like that?"
Mulder drew a deep breath and let it out. "It's so...kinky. You don't uh...you
don't want me to wear this out, do you?"
"That was the idea. You don't have to if you don't want to..."
Mulder hesitated. Then a tiny smile slanted across his lips. He turned to get a
pair of underwear.
"You don't need those."
"Alex...I need some kind of support."
Alex held up one finger and returned to the closet.
"More goodies from your bag of tricks?"
He returned with what looked like a ...
"Alex...is that a leash?"
Alex swung the fine gold chain around in his hand. The metal whistled through
the air, creating a tiny breeze as it spun.
"Don't you wonder what that little ring is there on the last strap?"
Mulder looked down. "Okay, yeah. Now that you mention it..."
Alex hooked the clasp at the end of the chain on the ring and tugged.
Mulder grimaced. "Oh, you shouldn't do that...I'm just about ready to..."
"Don't worry," Alex replied matter of factly. "You won't."
He unhooked the clasp and drew the end of the chain through the ring, bringing
both ends around Mulder's waist, then securing it snugly so that his cock lay
virtually immobile against his belly. A few inches of the chain dangled down
the back, tickling his ass as it swung freely.
Alex couldn't resist. He bent over and lashed the head of Mulder's cock with
his tongue.
"Ah, shit. Alex, don't..."
Alex straightened up and kissed him on the mouth. "God, you are beautiful. I
just want to jump you where you stand."
Mulder gave him a cocky smirk. "That'd just sort of blow your plans all to hell
though, wouldn't it?"
Alex snorted. "Yeah, so get dressed, would you?"
An hour later, they arrived at the club.
"This is nice," Mulder observed as they walked in. "Who told you about it?"
"Just some people I met in town. It's supposed to have a nice mix of people."
"Not very crowded."
"It's still early. Plus, how many people could there be on this island,
anyway?"
They tucked themselves away in a comfortable corner booth where they could sit
virtually unnoticed, but still had an unrestricted view of the rest of the
club.
"Want a drink?" Alex asked, running the back of two fingers down the sleeve of
Mulder's jacket.
"Yeah, I think I could use one about now."
Alex nuzzled his cheek. "Why do you say that?"
"I'm still trying to get behind the fact that I'm sitting in a public place,
wearing this thing."
"Is it uncomfortable?"
"Well, not in a bad way..." He released a soft hiss as Alex's hand dropped
down to his crotch and the back of it brushed lightly back and forth.
"Alex..."
"That feel good?"
"Too...too good. Do you plan on torturing me like this, all night?"
"Aww, lisa. Don't think of it as torture. Think of it as a promise."
"Yeah, well your promises are going to kill me."
Alex chuckled into his shoulder. "What do you want to drink?"
"Beer is fine."
"Be right back." He gave Mulder's bound cock a gentle but unexpected squeeze,
then slipped away, leaving his lover squirming in the agonizing aftermath of
his touch.
"Shit, shit, shit," he muttered, throwing his head back against his seat and
closing his eyes. He inhaled deeply, concentrating on the sensations generated
by even his slightest movement. He smiled, remembering the ride over in the
car. He thought he'd come in his pants at least half a dozen times, but snug
leather held him in check.
Ohhh, Alexei. Payback is a bitch...
A sobbing laugh tumbled from Alex's lips as he approached the corner booth.
Why the fuck don't I have a camera?
Fox sat sprawled over the burgundy leather seat, arms draped loosely across the
back, eyes closed.
Alex watched him, transfixed, until the hazel eyes opened just a crack.
Like this morning, Mulder had the sudden feeling that he was being watched.
Only this time, he knew who's eyes were on him. His chin tilted down a fraction
and his eyelids lifted just a bit more.
Had Alex's grip tightened any more around the bottles, they would have
shattered. The golden-brown head tipped seductively to the side and those lush
lips parted and began to move. Alex had to concentrate to decipher the sounds
that came out of them.
"What are you doing?"
The slitted amber-flecked eyes watched his trembling hand place the bottles
down on the table. They slid back up to his face and remained concentrated on
it as Alex moved forward and sat beside him.
"I'm trying to figure out a way to do you right here without anybody noticing."
Mulder studied him through the veil of his lashes. "You'd do it too, if you
could...wouldn't you?"
Alex lowered his head until their lips were almost touching. "In a heartbeat."
He sucked in a breath as the older man's tongue feathered his lips. "Christ, I
want you."
Mulder gave him a lazy grin. "Yeah?" His hand left the back of the seat and
landed in Alex's lap, stroking the solid bulge beneath the black material of
his pants. Alex's eyes closed and his respiration deepened.
As Mulder continued to rub the lover's cock, he whispered softly against his
cheek.
"You know what I want to do?"
"Tell me."
"I want to get down on my knees under this table and suck you till you
explode."
Alex's cock jumped beneath Mulder's fingers. He swallowed hard then spoke.
"Putting aside the fact that there are about two dozen other people in this
place, don't you think that would be kind of messy? I mean, I don't want to
walk around with a big old wet spot on my pants..."
"There wouldn't be one."
"Oh, no? And how would you manage that?"
"Same way you did that day in my kitchen. Remember?"
Alex's lips twitched in the hint of a smile. "Vaguely."
The tip of Mulder's tongue tickled the inside of his ear. "Only vaguely?"
Long shuddering sigh. "Okay, so I remember it down to every last drop."
"I thought so."
"Of course, I washed you with a warm cloth afterward..."
"I'll wash you with my warm tongue."
"Mmmmm.......as much as I'd love to, we can't."
"But it's so dark and secluded here...please, Alex."
Alex chuckled. "I can't believe Fox Mulder is asking me to let him give me a
blow job in the middle of a club, surrounded by dozens of people."
Mulder began to knead him gently. "We're not in the middle of the club and
we're not surrounded by people. No one will see..."
"That may be true, but I'm goddamn sure that they'll hear. There's no way in
hell, I'd be able to keep quiet." He grasped Mulder's hand. "And if you don't
stop doing that..."
"What?"
"You know what."
Mulder removed his hand. "Okay, fine. I'll be good."
Alex groaned softly. "Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"That. That..that thing you're doing with your lip."
"I'm not doing anything with my lip..."
"Oh yes you are, and you know it drives me insane which is exactly why you're
doing it."
Mulder reached for his beer. "I don't know what you're talking about." He
raised the bottle to his lips and took a long swallow. He pulled it away from
his mouth only long enough to run his tongue around the smooth brown lip. His
eyes drifted shut and he opened his mouth, taking in a few inches of the neck.
Alex forgot to breathe.
Mulder pulled back almost to the end of the bottle, licking the underside of
it, then descended again. His head moved almost imperceptibly, from side to
side, then pulled all the way up and away from the bottle. He cut his gaze up
and to the right, looking at Alex from the corners of his eyes.
Alex's voice came out in a weak croak. "Fucking cock tease."
Mulder skimmed Alex's lips with the rim of the bottle. "I love it when you talk
dirty to me."
Alex sighed in mock exasperation. "What the hell am I going to do with you?"
"You know what to do with me." Mulder set the bottle down on the table then
cupped the back of Alex's head and pulled him down for a long kiss. When they
separated, Alex snatched up his beer and drained half the bottle.
"Yeah." He put the bottle down then tangled his fingers in Mulder hair. "I know
what to do." His mouth came down again on his lover's, drinking in the soft
moan. His tongue swept inside, slowly caressing it's mate, teasing and
tempting. He broke the kiss suddenly and brought the bottle back to his mouth.
He finished off the remaining contents then looked back down at his Fox, who
had again rested his head against the back of the seat and closed his eyes.
Alex brushed the bottle against his cheek. "I need something a little stronger
than beer if I'm going to endure an entire evening here with you."
Eyes still closed, Mulder smiled. "That almost sounds insulting."
"You know what I mean." He started to move out of the booth. "Want something
else?"
Mulder's eyes opened half-way. "I'll just stick with the beer."
"Okay." He paused before standing. "I'm almost afraid to leave you alone."
Mulder gave him an amused look. "Why?"
"I'll probably come back and find a hoard of men buzzing around you."
"What?"
"The vibes you're radiating can be felt all over this building, I'll bet. Every
man in this joint is probably sniffing the air. If they find you alone, they'll
be on you like flies."
Mulder's lips twisted into some semblance of a grimace. "Stop."
"I'm not kidding."
"Okay, thanks for the warning."
Alex winked. "Be back in a few."
Mulder picked up his beer and waved him off.
Part Three
10:04 p.m.
A man watched Alex approach the bar. He stood quietly at a distance, studying
the young man as he ordered an Absolut and another Corona. When Alex was
finished, he spoke up.
"Excuse me, please."
Alex turned in the direction of the soft, polite voice. He looked the man up
and down making a snap assessment. Average height and build. Expensively
dressed. Perfectly coiffed silver gray hair and eyes that matched almost
exactly.
The man smiled, revealing even white teeth. He waved a hand between Alex and
the direction from which he had just come. "I couldn't help noticing you and
your companion. I do hope you don't mind me saying so but..." He glanced
briefly toward the booth. "...he is exquisite." No one but Fox would have
recognized the slight change in Alex's expression. The man continued. "As are
you. You compliment each other beautifully."
"Yeah, thanks."
"You know, I do a terrible lot of traveling and it would be so much more
enjoyable if I had a companion...or two."
"Good luck with your search."
"A tiny trace of a smile curved the man's thin lips. "I'm a very wealthy man."
"Congratulations."
"You would never want for anything..."
"Look man, I'm not interested in being your boy toy."
Gray eyes slid across the room. "Maybe your friend..."
"No."
"Are you sure? Perhaps I should ask him."
Alex's expression turned glacial. "Stay away from him."
One silver-gray eyebrow arched. "Are you afraid of what his answer might be? Or
are you simply very protective of him? I wonder..."
"Wonder all you want. But leave him alone."
The man executed a shallow bow. "Have a lovely evening."
Alex paid the bartender, picked up his drinks and with one last icy glare at
the man, started back toward his table.
"See?" Mulder smirked as Alex sat down. "No hoard of men."
"I'm shocked."
"I guess you're the only one in tune to my vibes."
"That's just great with me."
Mulder cocked his head and frowned at the younger man. "Alex, what is it? You
look a little ticked off."
The hard set of Alex's mouth softened. He cupped Fox's cheek and scattered a
few light kisses across his face. "Nothing."
"Don't hand me that...did something happen at the bar?"
"Just some asshole. I took care of it."
"You took care of it, how?"
Alex laughed softly. "I didn't kill anybody, don't worry."
"You sure?"
"Did you hear any commotion?"
"No, but that doesn't mean anything. Can't you kill a person at close range, in
a crowd of people without anyone noticing?"
"I suppose I could if I had to...nevermind about that." He kissed his lover's
mouth tenderly. "How are you doing?"
"Okay." Mulder turned his head a bit, listening to the sensuous thrum of the
music. He turned back to Alex, eyes glowing softly. "Want to dance?"
"Really?"
"Really."
Alex shook his head. "You never cease to amaze me." He took Mulder by the hand
and led him out to an open space on the floor. The older man slipped into his
arms and they began to move, swaying gently among the other couples.
Mulder rested his cheek against Alex's and closed his eyes. He whispered into
his lover's ear.
"This feels so good."
Alex's right hand glided down to Mulder's lower back and he pressed their hips
together.
"How does that feel?"
His only answer came in the form of a long low sigh.
His hand slipped under the gray jacket and through the gray silk of the shirt,
pulled at the chain around Fox's waist, drawing his cock up a little tighter.
The older man's fingers clenched in Alex's shirt and his head dropped down to
his shoulder.
"Christ, Alex. What are you doing?" He gasped as Alex alternately slackened and
increased the tension.
"Making you crazy."
"Yes, you are."
Alex's hand stilled but did not let go of the chain.
Fox rubbed his face into the hollow between Alex's shoulder and neck. "Don't
stop."
"I have to. All that whimpering is starting to draw attention."
"I'm not making any noise."
"Yeah, you really are."
Mulder nuzzled his neck as they continued to move. "Please..."
"You know I can't resist you when you ask me so nicely..." Alex gave the chain
one more firm tug. Mulder's body jerked against him.
"God..."
"Okay," Alex released the chain. "That's enough for now."
Hopeful eyes turned to him. "More, later?"
"If you're good."
Mulder drew a deep breath and lowered his head to to the other man's shoulder.
His body moved with Alex's as though they were one, flowing together with the
languid rhythm of the music.
When the song ended, they returned to their table. Alex slid into the booth
first, Mulder right behind him, curling himself into his lover's side. Alex
petted the soft golden-brown head as it came to rest against his shoulder.
"I love you, lisa."
His murmured statment garnered an affectionate nuzzle from the man pressed
against him.
They sat that way for long moments, each content in the role they'd slipped
into. Without discussion, Alex took charge for the remainder of the evening,
rewarding his lover's joyful submission with soft words and loving touches.
Mulder virtually purred with happiness, surrendering himself completely to
Alex's every whim. Responding to every touch, every look as though it was the
most intimate of caresses.
Two hours and half a dozen dances later, Alex made the announcement.
"I think we've both had about all we can take for one night. What do you say we
get out of here?"
"Okay. Let me just hit the men's room before we go." He started to slide out of
the booth when Alex grabbed his arm, stopping him.
"I want to find that leather back just the way I had it."
Mulder's skin tingled at the soft warning. "Be back in a minute."
Alex released his arm and watched him disappear into the crowd. He smiled to
himself and lifted his glass to his lips.
Sunday, 12:53 a.m.
Mulder entered the large, spotless bathroom and went into a stall. He chuckled
to himself as he looked down at his leather-manacled cock. Cerainly didn't want
anybody coming in and seeing this.
God.
His hypersensitvity made it almost impossible to get the straps undone but he
managed.
All this trauma just to take a piss. Baby, you are going to pay...
When he was through, he strapped himself back up, taking care to insure that
he'd done so exactly the way Alex had done it. He left the stall and as he was
washing his hands, suddenly felt eyes on him. He looked into the mirror and met
the steady gray gaze of an older man, standing a few feet behind him.
"Good evening."
Mulder hesitated, then nodded his greeting.
"Very nice club, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"I had a brief conversation with your companion earlier."
Mulder turned to face him.
"Didn't he tell you?"
"He mentioned something about some asshole at the bar...was that you?"
The man chuckled. "Judging from his reaction to me, I would say that yes, it
was. What did he tell you?"
"He didn't."
"I thought not. I had informed him that I was in search of a traveling
companion and he informed me, under no uncertain terms, that neither of you
was interested."
"And?"
"He answered for you. Is that your feeling on the matter?"
"Yes."
"I also informed him that I am a very wealthy man. I can offer you a very
comfortable life."
Mulder folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the sink. "In return
for?"
"Companionship."
"And?"
"You're a very handsome young man. And very intelligent, I'll wager. I'm sure
you know what a man of my wealth and age would want with a beautiful young man
such as yourself."
"Forget it."
"You would live a very pampered life. I can give you everything you could ever
want."
"I have everything I could ever want."
"Ah. Your friend out there? He seems a rather angry young man. And terribly
jealous." His eyes slid over Mulder. "Not that I can blame him for that. If you
were mine, I probably wouldn't be especially fond of sharing you, either. As I
said, I originally made the offer for the both of you. It would be lovely
having two handsome young men around. Now, if your worry is about leaving
him, I would be more than agreeable to reiterate that offer. If you think you
could talk him into it..."
Mulder chewed the inside corner of his lip. "You're nuts, you know that?"
"Oh, I've been called eccentric, but never nuts." He took a step forward.
"What do you say?"
"I say no."
"I can't change your mind about that?"
"No."
The man smiled again. "Such loyalty in one so beautiful. I hope he realizes how
fortunate he is."
Mulder pushed away from the sink and brushed by the man as he exited the
bathroom.
1:20 a.m.
"I was about to go in after you," Alex joked. "Have trouble with the straps?"
"No. I was just talking to your friend."
Alex's brow crinkled. "My..."
"Yeah, you know. The asshole at the bar."
"Where?"
"Men's room. He bopped on in there while I was washing my hands. I think he
followed me."
Alex was up and moving toward the men's room in a instant. Mulder caught him by
his arm and spun him around.
"Whoa. Where are you going?"
"I told him to leave you alone."
"I'm okay, Alex."
"What did he say?"
"He just offered to make me his pampered pet."
"I'll fucking kill him..."
"No, you're not. I handled it."
"Fox.."
"I know, you're worried about me after what happened yesterday morning, but
that guy threw me because it was the first time and I was completely
unprepared. That didn't happen this time. I handled it, okay?"
"Yeah, but I can't believe he went after you after I warned him not to."
Mulder wound his arms around Alex's neck. "Don't worry about it. When he
realized he wasn't getting anywhere, he gave up. Now, come on. You've given him
far too much attention. I'm feeling a little neglected."
Alex pulled him close. "You are?"
Mulder nodded, treating his lover to that little pout that always turned him to
jelly.
"Well, we can't have that, can we?" His mouth closed over Mulder's, coaxing a
soft moan from him. He broke the kiss and the older man inclined his head
slightly, burying his face in Alex's neck. Alex stroked his back slowly. "Are
you ready?"
"I've been ready for hours."
"I know you have. Let's go home so I can..." Alex looked up, feeling a
presence. His body tensed and his arms unsconsciously tightened around Mulder.
"Alex, what's..." Mulder shifted his head and saw the man he'd just left in the
bathroom not more than five minutes before.
"What the fuck do you want?" Alex rumbled.
Mulder smiled to himself in spite of the nastiness that could so quickly
develop from the confrontation. He snuggled closer to Alex, winding his right
arm around his lover's waist and running his left hand up and down his chest.
He looked up at the man through the fringe of his lashes.
The man observed him for a second then his eyes flicked up to Alex's face. "I
simply wanted to concede my loss. It's the gentlemanly thing to do."
"Your use of the word loss, implies that there was something for you to lose
in the first place."
"I suppose you could see it that way."
"There's no other way to see it."
Mulder tipped his head and strung a trail of kisses along Alex's jaw. "Come on,
baby. Let's go. Forget about this guy."
Alex closed his eyes and leaned into Mulder's kisses. His eyes reopened slowly,
to find the man still standing before them. Before he could say anything, the
stranger spoke.
"Not many young men would pass up what I have to offer. Consider yourself a
fortunate man." Gray eyes flicked appreciatively over Mulder, then came back to
meet Alex's granite gaze. "You're well-loved." He glided away, leaving them
alone.
Alex watched him for a few brief seconds, then turned his attention back to the
man wrapped tightly in his arms. He brought a hand under Mulder's chin, holding
it steady and covered his lips with his own. He explored the warm interior of
the older man's mouth while his other hand crept under his jacket. He found the
chain and pulled gently. Mulder groaned into his mouth.
"Have you any idea how hard I am right now?" he asked after pulling away from
the kiss. "Arousing is much too mild a word to describe the feeling I got from
you doing what you did right in front of that guy. You, my love, are a very bad
boy...God, I love you."
Mulder rubbed his crotch against Alex's. "Let's get out of here."
They linked hands and walked out to the car. Mulder got in and sat as close to
Alex as he could, laying a hand on his thigh. He rested his head on Alex's
shoulder and closed his eyes. Alex kissed the top of his head and pulled out of
the parking lot.
As they drove along in silence, Mulder's hand began to travel, moving up and
down from Alex's knee to the top of his thigh.
"I thought you were asleep."
"Are you kidding? How can I sleep when all I can think about is getting
fucked?" He could hear the smile in Alex's voice.
"Slut."
"Whatever."
Mulder's hand wandered farther, skimming the diamond-hard bulge in his lover's
pants.
"Mmmmmm......"
"Alex."
"Hmm?"
He reached for the zipper and began to pull it down. Next, he undid Alex's belt
and button.
"Fox, what are you....aww, shit."
Mulder reached inside and pulled Alex's cock out from behind the slitted fold
of his underwear. He stroked it gently, while his head lowered.
Alex grabbed a handful of hair. "Baby, as much as I'd love to, I really don't
think..."
Mulder untangled Alex's fingers from his hair and buried his face in the
younger man's crotch.
Alex gritted his teeth and groaned harshly. "Jesus Christ..."
Mulder rubbed his face against the velvety shaft, swiping at it with his tongue
with every pass.
"Fox....cut it out..."
No response.
Alex winced. "Come on now, I'm serious. If you don't stop, and I mean right
now, I'm going to..."
Mulder lifted his head. "You're going to what?"
Alex sighed and stroked his hair. "I'm going to come and I don't want to do
that. Not yet. First of all, I'll lose complete control and I really don't want
to kill us both. And second...I want to be deep inside that pretty ass of yours
when I do."
"You have such a way with words." Mulder grinned, then again lowered his head.
"Hey!"
"Relax." Mulder brushed his lips lightly along the shaft then rested his cheek
against it. He stroked Alex's thigh. "I'm not going to make you come. I just
want to be close to you."
"Well, that's sweet, but you're killing me."
"Just concentrate on the road. I promise, no teasing." He closed his eyes,
enjoying the heat pressed to his face and inhaled the clean, musky scent that
he'd come to know so well.
Alex's hand came down on the golden-brown head cradled in his lap. He combed
his fingers through the strands slowly. "I didn't think I could ever be this
happy, you know?"
"I know. Me either...I love you, Alex." Mulder smiled, feeling Alex's cock
twitch beneath his cheek. "'I love you', has a sexual effect on you?"
Alex laughed softly. "Almost anything you do or say has a sexual effect on me."
"That's good information to have..."
Alex tugged on his hair. "Oh, like you didn't know that already."
Mulder kissed Alex's cock and tucked a hand under his thigh. "I had no idea..."
"Liar."
Silence fell between them for the rest of the drive. The only sound now, was
the hum of the motor and Alex's soft singing.
2:32 a.m.
Alex pulled into the garage and killed the engine. He sat quietly, caressing
the head of the sleeping man. He almost hated to wake him, but...
"Baby..." He rubbed Mulder's shoulder.
"Hmm..."
"Wake up. We're here."
"Here?"
"Uh huh. Come on, you and I got some things to take care of."
"What things?" The sleepy voice mumbled from his lap.
Before he could respond, a warm, moist tongue began to lick his still very hard
cock from base to tip.
Alex's head fell back against the seat.
"You keep that up and we won't make it into the house."
Mulder ignored the warning until Alex pulled his shirt from the waistband of
his pants and gave the chain around his waist a good firm tug. He released a
sharp groan and raised his head.
"Get out of the car," Alex instructed softly.
Both men got out simultaneously, Alex zipping his pants as he did. He motioned
to Mulder with a small toss of his head. The older man obediently moved around
the car and came to stand before him. Alex pushed him back against the car and
trailed his fingers slowly, up and down his chest. He leaned in as close as he
could get and let his lips hover near Mulder's.
Mulder mouthed his name and tried to touch lips, but Alex would not allow any
contact. His hands slipped downward, undoing the gray pants. He reached around
Mulder's waist and unhooked the chain. He slid it out of the ring, then clamped
the end onto the small gold circle. He backed away and pulled gently.
"Let's go."
Mulder hesitated for a moment, unable to help himself. He smirked and said, "So
when Scully inevitably tells me that you're leading me around by my dick,
I...aah!" He gritted his teeth as Alex pulled once more, this time a little
more insistently. He moved away from the car and followed Alex's lead. They
walked through the back entrance of the garage into the house and up the steps
to the second floor.
Once they reached the bedroom, Alex dropped onto the sofa and, still holding on
to the chain, started giving orders.
"Take off your jacket."
Mulder shrugged out of the jacket and let it fall to the floor.
"Now your shirt."
He looked down as he began to unbutton the shirt.
Gentle tug. "Look at me. You know," Alex observed Mulder as his eyes rose,
"your eyes are almost blue right now." He shook his head. "I never met anyone
who's eyes changed color before." He shook his head. "You do amaze me in so
many ways."
Keeping his eyes on Alex's, Mulder finished unbuttoning his shirt and shed it.
He stood silently, waiting for further instruction. It came without delay.
Alex's eyes dropped down to Fox's pants then back up to his eyes. He stepped
out of his shoes then hooked his thumbs in his pants and slowly began to pull
them down. When the pants joined the other items on the floor, Alex smiled. He
swung the chain in a half circle and rose from the sofa. "Come here." He walked
over to the bed, pulling a naked, very much aroused man along behind him. He
wrapped the chain twice around the bedpost and stroked the side of his Fox's
stubbled face with the back of his hand. "Stay put, now."
Alex strolled over to the closet and reached into the bags at the bottom.
Mulder watched warily as he approached, swinging a pair of fleece lined
handcuffs in one hand. In the other, he held a long piece of black silky
material. A flick of his wrist, and the silk floated up around Mulder's neck.
Alex drew his hand downward, allowing the material to slide over his lover's
shoulder and down his chest.
"What's..."
"Shh."
Mulder closed his mouth and waited.
"Hands behind your back."
Mulder chewed the inside of his lip and did as he was asked. The cuffs were
snapped on snuggly, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. Next, Alex brought
the black silk up to his face. He paused, meeting Mulder's eye. "Do you trust
me, Fox?"
Mulder stared back. "With my life."
Alex brought the material up to his eyes and secured it behind his head. He
unwrapped the chain from around the bedpost and gently pushed Mulder,
trembling, to his knees.
Deprived of sight, Mulder listened attentively to every small sound. He heard a
zipper being undone, then the swish of material, as Alex's pants hit the floor.
He felt the approach then the warmth of a hand sliding along his face. Fingers
threading through his hair and...something else. Hovering. Fractions of an inch
in front of his face. Instinctively, his mouth opened and he began to search.
Alex held his cock by the base and teased the blindfolded man, skimming the tip
lightly across his questing lips. Mulder began to moan impatiently. Fingertips
caressed his jaw and a voice, soft and low taunted him.
"What is it, lisa? What do you want?" He lay the head of his cock just inside
the open mouth but quickly withdrew, pulling a frustrated whimper from Mulder.
"Is that what you want?"
Mulder nodded.
"Well, far be it from me to deprive you." Alex thrust forward, filling the
kneeling man's mouth. "There you go, baby." He rocked slowly, in and out. "That
good?"
The vibration of Mulder's moan was his answer. He clenched both hands in the
golden-brown hair and continued to move. "God....suck me, baby." He grimaced as
Mulder obeyed, applying a steady, rhythmic pressure to him.
"Mmm...yeah.....damn, you're good...."
A muffled whimper escaped Mulder's lips as he began to suck harder.
"No...baby, slow down..."
He couldn't. The desire to feel this man erupt in his mouth was overwhelming.
It excited him beyond reason. His cock throbbed within the confines of the
leather strapping, screaming for release.
Alex's fingers wove through his hair and forced his head back.
"No...."
"I told..." Alex paused, panting heavily. "I told you to slow...slow down...no
more for you..."
"No...please, Alex. Please..."
"Sorry. Maybe next time you'll do what I tell you."
Mulder doubled over, wincing as if in pain.
"Please..."
"Please, what?"
"Please let me suck you. Please..."
Alex placed two fingers under Mulder's chin and lifted him into a straighter
position. He stroked his lover's cheek tenderly. "You really want it that
badly?"
Mulder nodded.
He felt movement and the sound of the chain being wrapped again, around the
bedpost. The warmth of Alex's presence was removed briefly but soon returned.
"Open your mouth."
Mulder obeyed without hesitation. A smooth, blunt object was placed inside his
mouth and he knew immediately that although it felt real, this wasn't his
Alex.
"Suck it."
Mulder closed his mouth around the dildo. If this is what Alex wanted, he'd
give him a show he wouldn't soon forget.
His head slid forward, slowly taking the latex shaft into his mouth, inch by
inch. When he took it in as far as it would comfortably go, he began to
withdraw, moving his head from side to side. When he reached the tip, his
tongue inched out, lapping quickly at the head.
Alex held the object tightly in his hand, watching hungrily as his lover's
mouth, that...that lush, succulent mouth did to the dildo what it wanted so
badly to do his cock.
Mulder's tongue swirled around the head again and again, then sucked the shaft
halfway in, applying hard pressure and tugging at it. His chest heaved with the
effort it took to force the breath from his nostrils. Whether or not he was
conscious of it, Alex wasn't sure, but Mulder's hips began to move slowly,
thrusting into nothing.
Alex took hold of the chain once again and held it taut. Mulder released a
small grunt and continued to move, pulling against the chain with every
backward thrust. His mouth worked the latex, still sliding over it in a slow,
sinuous rhythm. Alex's eyes struggled to stay open. His lips parted and
released tiny, labored breaths. He couldn't take another second of this, he
couldn't...
A loud sob escaped Fox's throat as the tension on his cock was slackened and
the dildo was pulled from his mouth. Alex's hand came through his hair and
jerked his head back.
"You drive me fucking insane, you know that?" A short, harsh laugh burst past
his lips. "Of course you know." His mouth slanted across the trembling, swollen
lips. "Every sound. Every goddamn little move you make, every flash of those
eyes....they're all designed to drive me out of my fucking mind, aren't they?"
No answer.
"And the thing is, you don't even know you're doing it, half the time...which
only makes it worse...get up." He hooked one hand under Mulder's arm, helping
him to his feet, then pushed him back onto the bed. His hands went to the
leather strapping, undoing one snap at a time. Finally, Mulder was freed of his
restraints. His cock throbbed in gratitude and anticipation.
Alex tucked a hand behind his shoulder and turned him onto his stomach.
Ohhhh, shit.
Mulder's hips jerked into the mattress once...and only once. A firm smack on
his ass brought him to a halt.
"No, you don't." The soft voice loomed somewhere just above his head. Then all
at once, it was closer. On him. In him. "You don't come until I tell you to.
Understand?"
Mulder nodded and flinched as he felt the hand approach again. But it touched
him gently, lovingly caressing the patch of skin that still stung mildly from
his slap. His hand left the slightly pink skin and the next thing Mulder felt
was that blunt latex cock, lightly grazing the cleft of his ass. He tensed up
automatically, drawing a chuckle from the man above him.
"Don't worry, lisa. When I finally decide to fuck you, it's going to be with
the real thing." He stroked the shaft over the rounded flesh, giving rise to
tiny goosebumps. "So..." he dropped the dildo onto the mattress by Mulder's
hip, then stretched out beside him. Dark eyes traveled the length of the
magnificent body and his cock twitched uncontrollably. He wished again for the
damned camera he hadn't thought to bring. What a picture this was. His Fox. His
beautiful, beautiful Fox, blindfolded, hands cuffed behind his back, lying
helpless before him...completely at his mercy. "...did you have a good time
teasing me tonight? Hmm?"
No answer.
"That stunt with the beer bottle almost sent me over the edge. I wanted to
throw you up on the table and...well, just use your imagination." He petted the
golden-brown head affectionately. "And the whole scene with that guy...did you
see the look on his face? Did you notice the hunger in his eyes when he looked
at you? Of course you did. It was me you were wrapped around, but I wasn't the
only one being turned on and you knew it. Did you like that? Turning another
man on right in front of me? I sort of enjoyed it, you know. But only because
I know that you're mine and that no other man will ever touch you." He
licked a path from Mulder's quivering jaw to his ear. "You'll never let another
man touch you...will you, Fox?"
"Never," Mulder gasped into the sheet.
"Never," Alex repeated, whispering harshly. He continued to stroke Fox's
hair. "Are you tired, baby? Would you like to go to sleep? It's very late, you
know."
Mulder shook his head frantically. "No...n-no..."
"You don't have to tell me no just to please me, Fox. You can go to sleep, it's
okay..."
Mulder writhed against the mattress. "Nooo...don't leave me like this Alex,
please..."
"Okay, shhh baby, okay. Hang on..."
Mulder felt the mattress rise as Alex got up. He waited, shaking visibly, until
his lover returned. The cuffs were unlocked, but only long enough for his hands
to be pulled in front of him. Alex locked them again, then pulled his hands
over his head, slipping something between the cuffs and securing it to the
horizontal post of the headboard. He turned Mulder onto his side, rose briefly
to remove the shirt he still wore, then dropped back down onto the bed, pulling
the older man back against him. His mouth unerringly found the erratic pulse,
pounding in the slender throat, while one hand idly stroked his chest.
"It's time, love." He brushed his fingers over one hard nipple. "Are you
ready?"
Mulder nodded, afraid to trust his voice.
"Now remember," he warned silkily, "you don't come until I say you can.
Understand?"
Another hasty nod.
Alex kissed his neck. "Good boy." His hand dipped down to Mulder's cock, two
fingers scraping away the slick fluid that appeared at the tip.
Mulder turned his face into the pillows and groaned into them.
Alex ignored the sound. He concentrated on combining the fluid with his own,
preparing his cock. That done, he guided the shaft into the clutching ring of
muscle, pushing forward slowly but steadily, forcing a long sobbing moan past
his lover's lips.
"Baby," he whispered. "Moy lisa. This is where I've wanted to be all night..."
He shuddered as he withdrew, then slipped back in. "So warm. So tight..."
Mulder whimpered softly and pushed back with his hips. Alex grasped a nipple
and twisted none too gently. Mulder's mouth dropped open but no sound was
emitted.
"Don't. Move." Alex observed his partner and smiled. He grasped the dildo that
was still beside Mulder's hip and brought it up to his lips. "Your mouth is
open, Fox. Is this what you're looking for?"
Mulder's mouth closed around the long shaft and began to lick and suck
greedily.
"That's it, baby." Alex held the dildo while he pumped slowly into his Fox.
"God, you're so gorgeous..." He nuzzled the back of his head. "Do you want to
come, now?"
Mulder nodded, never letting go of the object in his mouth.
"Soon, love. Very, very soon." Alex increased the strength of his thrusts
slightly. He positioned the free end of the dildo against the pillow so that it
remained taut in Fox's mouth. His hand then slipped down to his lover's aching
cock and grasped it at the base. A muffled sob sounded deep in Fox's throat but
he did not move for fear that Alex would stop and he couldn't....he couldn't.
Alex worked the stony erection as he continued to thrust into the quivering
muscle. "It's right there...isn't it?"
Mulder whimpered.
"You can...feel it. It's coming but...you won't let it...let it go....until...I
tell you...to..." Alex thrust harder, driving into the older man now, with all
his strength. His fist pumped quickly, drawing loud, anguished moans from his
tortured Fox.
"Okay, baby...let it go...come...with me...."
Wild screaming sobs rose into the air, lasting for what seemed like an
eternity. When all became quiet, they lay together, breathing heavily, far too
drained to move. Both men dozed off and on for at least half an hour before
Alex finally gained enough strength to release Fox from the cuffs. He untied
the black silk and slid it away from his eyes.
Mulder blinked slowly, then focused on the face above him. Deep green eyes
stared intently into his. A slow, lazy smile came to his lips.
"Next time," he croaked, unable to get his voice to work properly, "your
turn."
Alex laughed softly and kissed his mouth. "Yes, sir." He wound an arm around
his lover's waist and tucked his head under his chin.
Fox's arms encircled him and the two fell into a deep, satisfied sleep.
Monday
Mulder bit into the warm croissant, smeared with raspberry sauce.
"Hey, save some of that."
He looked up at Alex, sitting across from him at small the table on the
veranda.
"Some of what?"
Wicked grin. "That raspberry sauce."
He closed his eyes and smiled, remembering their conversation from a couple of
nights before. "Ohhh, yeah. After last night...you still have the energy for
such lascivious thoughts..."
"Sure do." Alex raised an eyebrow. "You're going to tell me that you don't?"
Mulder tried to hide a grin. "I wouldn't say that."
"I thought not."
"What time is it?"
"Eleven forty eight. Got an appointment?"
"No, I just wanted to know what time it was...that okay with you?"
Mulder shrugged, popping the last of the croissant into his mouth. "I guess."
"Thanks."
"What do you want to do today?"
Alex's head dropped back against the chair. "Nothing. I'm zonked."
"Yet, you're having thoughts of raspberry sauce..."
"Well....I don't have to move. You can lick it off of me..."
Mulder grinned, dipping his finger into the small bowl and dragging it across
Alex's cheek. He pulled his chair alongside the other and delicately lapped up
every last bit of the gooey sweetness.
Alex's eyes closed and soft sigh rose from his throat. "Bad Fox...bad, bad.
"You think so?" Wait till later..."
"Mmmmm, do I have to?"
"Yes. Let's go be beach bums for the day, what do you say?"
Alex opened his eyes. "Yeah, I guess I can handle that."
"Good. Finish your breakfast and let's go."
2:12 p.m.
Mulder rolled onto his stomach and rested his chin on his fist. He watched from
the shady shelter of the rocks that surrounded them, as the surf pounded
against the shoreline. The man beside him slept peacefully. Had been for the
last half hour, now. He glanced at Alex and smiled soflty.
Pure heaven packed into a six foot, hundred and eighty pound, green eyed frame.
What the hell else could he ask for? He flattened his hands and rested his
cheek on them, watching Alex's chest rise and fall. Watching the occasional
flutter of those impossibly thick eyelashes. Listening to the soft sounds of
sleep he'd grown so accustomed to...
Alex moaned and shifted slightly. His eyes drifted open and focused on the man
to his left. A sleepy smile curved his lips. "What are you doing?"
Mulder shook his head slowly. He lifted himself up onto his elbows, then leaned
in and planted a kiss on Alex's shoulder. "You know," he spoke in hushed tones,
"there are still times when I look at you and find it so amazing that we could
go from practically killing each other, to this.
Alex looked up at him with a thoroughly solemn expression. "I know. I thank God
every day for the second chance we've been given." He grazed Mulder's cheek
with the back of his hand. Mulder caught the hand and brought it to his lips.
"I love you, Alexei."
Alex reached over and pulled Mulder down on top of him. "Even after what I did
to you last night?"
Mulder laughed softly. "Especially after what you did to me last night."
"So now you're my loyal sex slave?"
Mulder licked the side of his mouth. "Have been since the first day you touched
me."
"Oh, so you're easy..."
"Only for you."
Alex looked up at him, eyes sparkling. "You mean I could have tied you up and
tortured you way back in June? Shit."
Mulder nestled his head against Alex's shoulder. "Don't be too upset. You know,
you never find out everything there is know about each other in the first
day..."
"Yeah, yeah....hey, what time is it?"
Mulder lifted his head. "What is it with you and the time?"
Alex shrugged innocently.
"And where's your watch?"
"Damn band broke yesterday. I guess I could just carry it around in my
pocket...so?"
"So, what?"
"Time?"
"Two twenty-two. Why is the time so important?"
"It's not! You know what it's like when you're not wearing a watch..."
Mulder squinted down at him.
Alex looked up, wide-eyed. "What?"
"I don't know..."
He grasped the back of Mulder's neck and dragged him down into a sizzling kiss,
obliterating all thought from his mind. "Don't know what?"
Mulder's fingers tangled in Alex's hair and he brought his head down for more.
"I don't know...."
4:10 p.m.
Mulder pulled his sunglasses down to the tip of his nose and watched the
limousine as it drove away from the house. "Wonder where Anthony is going."
Alex shrugged. "Taking the car for servicing? Sneaking out to meet a woman?"
"In the middle of the afternoon?"
Alex shrugged again. "Who'd be suspicious?" He tugged at Mulder's hand, pulling
him along through the sand as they headed back to the house.
5:46 p.m.
"Lanugo."
"What? Get the hell outta here! That's not even a word!"
Mulder reached down beside his leg and picked up the dictionary. He held it out
to Alex, who snatched it from him.
"I'm calling your bluff."
"Go ahead." He laced his fingers behind his head and waited patiently, while
Alex thumbed through the book. He smiled when he heard it slam shut. Alex
tossed it back onto the floor.
"How the bloody hell do you know all these obscure words?"
"Oh Alex, I should have warned you about playing Scrabble with this guy."
Mulder's head snapped around in the direction of the feminine voice.
"Scully!"
He leapt to his feet and threw his arms around her, lifting her about a foot
off the floor. "What are you doing here?"
"Alex called me a couple of weeks ago and asked if I'd like to come and spend
Christmas with you guys."
Mulder turned to look at Alex, who had since risen to his feet and was standing
quietly by the sofa. He stepped forward and moving past Mulder, embraced Scully
briefly.
"How was your flight?"
"Very smooth, thanks." She took a step back and studied both men. "Well, you
both look tanned and rested." She grinned, noting their slightly longer hair.
"And shaggy. And you..." She turned her full attention back to Mulder.
"You've put on weight!"
Mulder smiled and nodded in the direction of the woman who had entered the room
with Scully. "Marie stuffs me full of every fattening food she can get her
hands on."
"That's right, boy. One month ago you came here lookin' like a sneeze could
topple you. And look at you now."
Scully laughed at Marie's response. "She's right, Mulder. You look so much more
like yourself." She looked to Alex and nodded her approval. "Good job."
Before Alex could respond, Marie broke in.
"Let me show you to your room, darlin. Dinner will be ready in about an hour."
Scully turned bright cerulean eyes to Marie. "Okay, thank you. Be right back,
guys."
As Scully ascended the stairs, Mulder turned to the other man, his eyes glowing
with a soft light. "You're very sneaky."
"I know you missed her."
Mulder closed the short distance between them and wound his arms around Alex's
neck. His fingers combed the fringe of hair at the base of his neck.
"Thank you."
Alex raised a hand to his cheek. "Anything for you, lisa."
The older man pitched forward slowly, brushing Alex's mouth with his own. As he
moved away, Alex caught his head and pulled him back, covering his mouth with
his own. Mulder groaned softly into his lover's mouth, melting into the kiss,
so easily giving himself up to the moment. Long seconds later, Alex's lips left
his, touching the tip of his nose then his forehead, before he lay his head
against the younger man's shoulder.
Scully descended the stairs, a tiny smile touching her lips as she observed the
scene in the living room. Her partner, wrapped tightly in his lover's arms,
being stroked and kissed and luxuriating in every second of it.
"Okay you two, break it up."
Mulder pulled himself reluctantly from Alex's embrace and the two men turned in
the direction of the stairs. Alex cleared his throat and spoke first.
"Like your room?"
"It's gorgeous." She looked around. "This house is gorgeous."
"Isn't it?" Mulder agreed. "I'm going to hate to leave it."
Scully joined the men and Mulder ushered her to the sofa where he took a seat
beside her. Alex dropped into the chair across from them.
"So how's the office?"
"Fine but you're going to have your hands full when you get back, I'm afraid.
I've handled as much as I can, but there are some people who won't deal with me
alone."
"Sorry to leave you with all that."
"No! Don't worry about it. I'm handling it. By the way, I told Skinner that I
was going to see you over the holidays and he said to send his regards. The
Gunmen said hey, too."
Mulder nodded. "So how long are you here for?"
"I leave the twenty-seventh. I told my mother that I'd be home in time for New
Years."
"She uh, didn't mind you not being with her for Christmas?"
"No, she understood. Besides, I spent Thanksgiving with her and my brothers.
They both flew in with their families, so it was more important that I be
there, then."
"But she's not alone for Christmas..."
"No, no. She went to Bill's house." Scully looked to Alex. "So, what have you
guys been up to, the last month?"
"Relaxing, mostly," Alex answered. "We've gone into town a few times for dinner
and whatnot, but mostly we just hang close to the house. Walking, swimming..."
"Well, this life of leisure sure seems to agree with you." She turned back to
Mulder. "I can't remember the last time I saw you looking so content."
He lowered his head and smiled. A little boy gesture. He raised his eyes to
Alex's and the little boy faded away.
Scully quietly watched the sultry exchange of glances, wondering if in that
second they'd even remembered she was there. Marie's voice broke the silence.
"Dinner, children."
Hazel eyes flicked away from green, setting the flame down on simmer. The two
men stood, allowing Scully to precede them into the dining room. When she was a
few steps in front of them, Mulder placed his hand at the small of Alex's back
and kissed the side of his neck as they walked together, behind the petite
redhead.
7:59 p.m.
"I've got to be crazy Mulder, to let you talk me into this," Scully said,
placing her letter tiles in front of her.
"You," Alex snorted. "He just kicked my butt three times today and here I am,
back for more..."
"Babies." Mulder lounged on the sofa, behind Alex, who sat on the floor. He
clasped his fingers in the dark hair and tugged gently.
"Uh, hey. If we're gonna play, you gotta move," Alex complained. "You can see
all my letters."
"I don't want to look at your stupid letters. Besides, I'm comfortable."
"Fine." Alex put his tiles in his lap, satisfied that Mulder couldn't see them
there.
Scully looked from one man to the other. "Are you two finished?"
"I'm done," Mulder shrugged. "You can go first, Scully..."
A game and a half and at least six challenges later, Scully finally made her
big move.
"Yes! Fifty-two points for that word. Mulder, I've got you..." She cocked her
head, observing the man stretched out on the sofa. "He's asleep."
"Huh?" Alex turned carefully, taking care not to disturb the man who's head was
nestled against the back of his neck. He turned back to Scully and nodded.
"Yep."
"I can't believe it. This is the closest I've ever gotten to catching up to his
score and he zones out on me." She shook her head. "It's just like him."
Alex grinned. "You want to finish?"
"No, it's no fun if he doesn't know how close I am."
Alex moved slowly away from the sofa and got up. Scully helped him put the game
away, then he turned to her. "Are you tired?"
"No, actually, I'm not. I slept a lot on the plane, so..."
"Want to go out for a walk?"
"Umm...sure."
Alex bent over Mulder and touched his head gently. He dropped a light kiss on
the golden-brown surface, then turned and left with Scully.
9:16 p.m.
"I saw some of this on the drive in," Scully began as they made their way down
the path to the beach. "Can't wait to really see it tomorrow."
Alex displayed a wistful smile. "It really is paradise."
"And it really does agree with Mulder. He looks wonderful, Alex. How is he
doing, really?"
They approached a group of rocks and Alex stopped, leaning against them.
"It was touch and go for a while. I was afraid that it was all over. He'd
retreated so far into himself that I wasn't sure he'd ever come out."
"What happened...when?"
"Actually, all in the span of the last few days. He was doing well, I
thought...till a few days ago. He was eating well, we got lots of excercise,
his humor was returning." He pressed his lips together. "And then,
uh...s-something happened. My fault. And he shut down. And I found out that he
really hadn't been as happy and relaxed as he had seemed to be."
"Did he have any more of those episodes?"
Alex nodded. "Three, in all. The last one happened on the night he'd shut down
on me..." He bowed his head.
Scully touched his arm. "Alex...what happened?"
He started to speak, then fell silent.
"I understand it may be rather uh...sensitive information. If it's too
personal and you'd rather not say, I understand. But if you want to tell me,
you don't need to worry about embarrassing me."
Alex drew a deep breath. His eyes cut up to Scully, then away. "We
hadn't...slept together since we arrived here. Well, I mean we slept
together, we just didn't...you know. Seemed like first I was afraid, then
he was afraid, then....umm...he was killing me. I..." He risked a glance at
Scully. "I wanted him so much. And it seemed like everything he did and
everything he said drove me insane. There are times when a man's just gotta get
some relief, you understand?"
"I think so."
"Well, one afternoon, a few days ago, we went swimming. He was in the best mood
he'd been in since we got here. He was so relaxed and playful
and...happy....and in a horribly teasing mood. When we got back to the house, I
went in to take a shower, kind of thinking that he'd offer to join me, but he
didn't. I was going nuts. So, while I was in the shower, I...you know..."
"I gotcha."
"What I didn't know was that he was planning on surprising me. He snuck into
the bathroom and saw and got very upset. He left the bathroom and when I came
out a while later, the wall was up and I had no idea why. We had dinner plans
in town. We went, he was virtually silent the whole time, we came back, he went
up to bed alone, I fell asleep downstairs on the couch, only to be awakened in
the middle of the night by sounds coming from upstairs. He was dreaming again.
I ran up to the bedroom and woke him. He didn't want me to touch him. He said
things I didn't understand at the time. I refused to leave, though. I held him
in my arms and told him that if he wanted me to go, he'd have to make me. He
just went quiet and after a while, he fell asleep. The next morning, he didn't
seem quiet as bad but still was very distant. I asked him to tell me what was
wrong. He wouldn't. I pushed the issue, he got upset and I let it drop. We
spent the rest of the day avoiding each other. Later that night, I came down
here by myself to think. I must have been out here for a couple of hours, when
he showed up..."
Scully sat down on a flat rock. "He came looking for you?"
"Yeah. We...sort of had it out. I made him admit to his fears...then I got
upset when he did. Stupid. I pushed him into telling me what had gotten him so
upset the day before. He said that he was trying to deal with it on his own,
but he felt useless and unnecessary. I apologized and told him that he should
never feel that way and I pleaded with him to work with me and help me save our
relationship. I don't know what it was exactly that got through to him, but
from that point on, things turned around. We uh..." he glanced briefly at
Scully. "We ended up making love that night, here on the beach...I was afraid
to at first...I couldn't stand the thought of the pain he'd suffer but...he
needed to, and I wish I could explain it to you better than that, because I
can see where you might think that I'm just rationalizing, to cover up for my
own weakness, but I'm not. Umm...he brought me to a mind-blowing orgasm and
though I really did expect to be eaten up with guilt, and comforting him half
the night, it didn't happen that way. It took a little time, but he came, too.
And it was explosive." He smiled, eyes glistening as he recounted the story.
"We held on to each other and cried for the longest time...and things have been
great ever since."
"I can see it in his face. Yours too." She drew a deep breath and released it.
"I'm so glad it's over. I know it sounds cliche but, he would be completely
lost without you."
Alex turned to her. "That's the way I feel about him. Scully, I want you to
know. I mean, I want you to really know...he means everything in the world to
me and I'm with him for as long as he wants me to be."
Scully gave him a brilliant smile. "Then you guys are going to grow old and
gray together...or bald."
Alex wrinkled his nose. "Bald? Bite your tongue." He motioned with his head in
the direction of the house. "I want to get back before he wakes up and wonders
where we are."
Scully's voice stopped him as he turned to leave.
"Hard to believe that less than a year ago, I was positive that you were the
dirty rat I'd always thought you to be and that you were using my partner to
some devious end."
Alex smiled in the darkness. "Thank you for accepting me. I know how hard it
must have been. I couldn't blame you if you never trusted me."
They began to walk toward the house.
"I'm hard to convince Alex, but when I've got hard proof right in front of me,
I can't ignore it. I'd have to be seriously blind not to see that you love
him."
They reached the house and Alex headed straight for the sofa and his still
sleeping Fox. Scully stood at a distance, smiling uncontrollably, as she
watched Alex kneel beside the sofa. He scattered several small kisses across
Mulder's face then leaned back and watched as a flash of hazel...no...tonight
it was green...became visible under the heavy lids.
"Come on, lisa." He petted the soft hair. "Let's get you up to bed."
Mulder shifted and struggled to open his eyes. "How long have I been asleep?"
"I don't know, about an hour or so."
"Where's Scully?"
She stepped forward. "I'm here."
He grinned sleepily. "Sorry. You fly all this way and I fall asleep on you."
"Shut up Mulder, and go to bed."
"Mmm hmm." His eyes drifted shut again.
"Fox." Alex shook his arm gently, then leaned over and brushed the tip of
Mulder's nose with his own. "Baby..."
"Hmm?"
"Bed."
"Getting up..."
"Sure, you are." Alex brought a hand under his back and pulled him into a
sitting position. Once Alex had gotten him sufficiently roused, they headed for
the stairs with Scully a few steps behind. They reached the landing and she
turned toward the first door on the left.
"Goodnight, guys." She ruffled Mulder's hair affectionately and smiled at Alex.
"Get him into bed before he falls over."
Alex flashed her a grin and nodded.
"Night, Scully," Mulder mumbled before Alex steered him down the hall.
Once in their room, Alex gently but efficiently got Mulder undressed and put
him to bed. He stripped his own clothes off and slid in under the sheet,
pulling his nearly unconscious lover against his body. Mulder sighed softly and
snuggled into Alex's embrace.
"Want to fool around?" The barely audible voice came from somewhere under
Alex's chin. The rumble of his laughter vibrated against Mulder's cheek.
"Go to sleep."
Monday 9:02 a.m.
Alex opened his eyes and blinked in the bright morning light. He didn't have to
look to his left to know that he was alone in the big bed. He stretched and lay
there for a few seconds more, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He stared up at
the ceiling, listening for sound, but there was none, save for the swish of the
ocean and the distant call of sea birds. Alex rolled out of bed and headed for
the bathroom.
9:47 a.m.
The front door swung open and Scully entered, followed closely by Mulder.
"This is some place, Mulder. It's so cool, having a beach to yourself..." She
looked up at the figure descending the stairs. "Well, look who finally decided
to wake up."
Alex reached the bottom of the stairs and approached. He touched Scully's arm
lightly. "Morning." Then he turned to the man standing a couple of feet away
and cupped his chin. Their lips met briefly. "How long have you been up?"
"Since about seven-thirty."
"Did you have breakfast?"
"No, we were waiting for you."
"What if I didn't get up until noon?"
"Oh, I was only giving you until ten-thirty, then I was going up to get you."
"Ah." Alex looked to Scully. "So what do you feel like?"
"Oh gee, I don't know. Whatever."
"Okay, how about you?" He turned to face Mulder.
Wicked grin. "Where did we leave off with the bet?"
"Hey, you screwed that up. That bet is now null and void..."
"What bet?"
"Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who says it's null and void?"
Scully looked from one man to the other. "What bet?"
Mulder placed a hand at her back and directed her toward the kitchen. "We went
for a swim a few days ago and somebody bet me that he could beat me in a
race..."
"Who wanted to race in the first place?"
Mulder looked from Alex to Scully. "Anyway...he lost. So, he owes me
breakfast in bed."
"And that kind of got interrupted, didn't it?"
"Okay, okay, I'll tell you what. Wait till we get home. When we're back on a
time schedule, you can resume."
"Oh, can I? Let me tell you..."
"If you two don't mind..." Both men turned toward Scully. "Argue about it
later, okay? I'm starving, so somebody make a decision!"
Mulder moved toward the refrigerator. pushing Alex out of his way as he went.
"I'll make something."
Alex stared blankly. "You."
Mulder rested his hands low on his hips. "Yeah."
Alex raised both hands and seated himself at the table.
Scully looked from one man to the other. "Uh... Mulder? I'll help you..."
Mulder grabbed a pitcher of orange juice and set it down on the table. "You've
got about as much faith in me, Scully, as he does. That hurts."
"No...Mulder, I didn't mean..."
"I know what you meant," he said softly, making the most of the moment. He
retrieved the eggs and milk and turned his back to them, heaving a long sigh.
Scully glanced at Alex, who sat with an amused smirk glued to his lips. No help
there.
"Really, Mulder. I just thought...uh..." she tried to peer over his shoulder.
"What are you making?"
"French toast."
"That's ambitious," came a soft comment from the table.
"I'm ignoring you, Krycek."
"Mulder, have you ever made french toast before?"
"You know, just because you people have never seen me cook, doesn't mean that I
can't. It's not all take-out and restaurants, you know."
Alex spoke up. "Okay, in his defense, he does make some decent scrambled
eggs."
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"Of course,there aren't too many ways you can screw up scrambled eggs..."
"Get out, the both of you and don't come back until I call you."
"Mulder..."
"Out."
Alex rose to follow Scully to the door. "You sure you don't want my help?"
Mulder kept his back to them. "I don't need your help, thank you."
"Great," Scully whispered as they left the room. "Now even if he does need
help, he won't ask for it and we're going to have to eat that, however it
turns out."
Alex pressed his lips together and looked toward the door. "No, we're not."
"Oh, no?"
"No, but..." he looked back toward Scully. "You may want to just stay out
here." Slowly, he stalked back into the kitchen. When he reached Mulder, he
slid his hands up the other man's back.
Scully opened the door carefully and watched as the younger man seduced her
partner.
"Lisa..." Alex trailed his palms across Mulder's shoulders and down his arms.
Mulder answered without turning around. "What?"
"Let me help."
"No. Go find Scully, Alex. I can do this myself."
Alex rubbed his cheek against the curve of Mulder's shoulder. "I know you can."
He kissed the side of Mulder's neck. "But Scully's hungry and besides..." He
threaded his hands through Mulder's hair and massaged his scalp. "I don't want
to be out there. It's too far away from you." Mulder's neck arched slightly and
his head rolled against his lover's palm. The wisk he'd held, clattered to the
counter. "I want to be here where I can see you." His hand continued to travel
through the golden-brown silk. His lips pressed close to Mulder's ear. "I want
to be where I can touch you." His other hand grasped Mulder's shoulder and
turned him so that their bodies were touching. His lips covered those in front
of him.
Scully watched fascinated, as her partner fell completely and totally under
Alex's spell.
Shit. If he ever wanted to use that talent for evil...
Alex broke the kiss then dragged his mouth across the line of Mulder's jaw.
"Okay?"
Soft groan. "Okay."
As Alex started to move away, Mulder's hand clenched in the front of his shirt,
pulling him back for one more long kiss.
Once released, Alex straightened his shirt and cleared his throat. "Let's get
cooking," he breathed only inches from Fox's lips.
"Just what I was thinking."
Alex displayed a flash of white teeth. "Uh, we've got a starving woman out
there. Get your mind out of the gutter."
Muder grinned back, rubbing the pad of his thumb across his lover's bottom lip.
"But then yours will be so lonely..."
Scully rolled her eyes and slipped quietly back into the living room.
God, I'm never going to eat.
11:08 a.m.
The kitchen door swung open and Alex smiled at Scully. "Breakfast in five
minutes."
She studied him from the sofa, shaking her head. "You're good, you know that?"
He let the door swing shut and walked toward her. "What do you mean?"
"I caught some of that, between you and Mulder." She gave him a thin smile.
"The way you play him...I wish I had you with us on some of the cases that I
wanted to drag him away from."
Alex hitched his hands low on his hips and looked toward the floor. "You
realize don't you, that it's not at all one-sided." He looked back over at her.
"He can and does do the same thing to me."
"Oh Alex, I hope you didn't think I was being judgmental. I'm just amazed,
that's all. I've never seen Mulder so easily...tamed."
"Believe me Scully, when he wants to be stubborn about something, no amount
of coaxing is going to change his mind. He's still the same pigheaded pain in
the ass that you've always known. I haven't changed him. I wouldn't want to."
"But you've definitely brought a side out of him I've never seen. I can see it
whenever he looks at you. Soft. Open and completely unguarded. He's so
vulnerable."
"That's not concern I hear in your voice, is it Scully?"
Scully smiled and lowered her head. "No...I'm just making an observation."
Mulder's voice bellowed from the kitchen. "Let's go, before this gets cold!"
Alex laughed and motioned to Scully. "We'd better get in there before the chef
throws a tantrum."
Scully rose and as she passed Alex, he caught her gently by her arm. He looked
down at her with earnest eyes. "I love him with my whole heart and soul and
I'll protect him to my dying breath."
Bright blue eyes met his. "I know."
Breakfast was a jovial event. Laughing and teasing. Light conversation. Talk of
work and family kept to a bare minimum. When they were finished and the kitchen
was again restored to it's original pristine condition, the three set out for
town. They returned hours later, both men exhausted and loaded down with bags
containing Scully's purchases.
"God, Scully." Mulder dropped the bags down onto the sofa. "Remind me to
never go shopping with you, again."
Alex sank down, bags and all, to the floor and closed his eyes. Mulder peered
at him from the sofa. "Look what you did to him, Scully. Alex? You okay?"
No answer.
"Alex?" Mulder burrowed from under the bags and dropped to the floor. He
crawled over and dug Alex out of the pile and cradled his head in his lap. "You
killed him, Scully. Are you happy?"
Scully started to gather up her bags from the sofa. "Oh, you two are such
wusses. I'll take this stuff upstairs myself. Wouldn't want either of you to
get a hangnail or something."
As Mulder watched her ascend the stairs, a hand came up around his neck and
pulled him down for a long kiss. Alex released him after a few seconds and he
gasped in mock surprise.
"He's alive! Thank you, God!"
Alex laughed softly. "Barely. Jesus, Fox. How does she move so fast? She's
so....little."
"Don't let her hear you say that. What do you say we help her get the rest of
this stuff upstairs? She's already called us a couple of wusses, God knows what
else she'll say if we let her take all these bags up by herself."
Alex rolled his eyes then raised himself off the floor and the comfortable
cushion of Mulder's lap. He held out his hand and helped the other man up. They
gathered up the last of the bags and headed for the stairs.
11:45 p.m.
Mulder sat quietly with his back to the sofa. Alex lay on his back, by his
lover's hip, facing him, legs draped over the seat cushions. Their fingers
intertwined. Alex pulled Mulder's arm toward him and looked at his watch.
"Fifteen minutes."
Mulder gave a hint of a smile but said nothing.
"Scully had a good time today, huh?"
"Yeah. It's no wonder she dropped off at ten. She didn't stop moving for a
minute, did she?"
Alex shook his head. "I don't think so...most of the day was a blur." He
stared intently. "I'm glad she went to bed early. I wanted to be alone with you
at midnight." Mulder met his warm gaze and kissed his hand. Alex went on. "Our
first Christmas together."
"Yeah."
"Nine minutes."
Mulder closed one eye. "You were the type of kid who drove your parents crazy
at Christmas, weren't you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Looking in closets, under beds...begging them to let you open one gift on
Christmas Eve... up at the crack of dawn on Christmas Day..."
Alex looked away and suppressed a grin. "And what if I was? You mean you
weren't?"
"Nope."
"You never got excited about Christmas?"
"I wouldn't say that, it was just sort of a quiet excitement. And that was only
till I was eleven. After that..." His voice trailed off and his eyes dropped to
the floor.
"Hey."
He looked back at Alex.
"Good Christmases from now on."
The smile came back to Mulder's eyes. He nodded and brought Alex's hand to his
cheek.
Tuesday
"Guess what?"
"What?"
Alex drew himself up and came face to face with Mulder.
"It's midnight." He touched the lightly stubbled chin with two fingers. "Merry
Christmas, lisa."
A slow smile graced Fox's lips as Alex moved in for a lingering kiss. They
parted long enough for Alex to hear his lover's whispered, "I love you." They
kissed again. And once more, before Alex produced a small package from
seemingly nowhere. Wrapped in a flat, rich gold paper and adorned with
shimmering gold ribbons, it was so beautiful, Mulder almost hated the thought
of opening it. He wanted to preserve this moment, this precise moment, forever.
Freeze it. Suspend it in time and never let it go. Alex's voice jerked him back
into the here and now. "Before you open this, can I explain it to you?"
Mulder regarded his vaguely nervous expression. "Sure."
"I uh..." he twisted the little box around in his fingers repeatedly as he
spoke. "I changed my mind about half a dozen times before I decided to go with
my first instinct and get this. It's not what it first looks like. Not
actually, though it is a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
Mulder's brow wrinkled in mild confusion.
"You know, it's funny. I'd conviced myself that this was the thing to do and I
was fine with it...right up until the second I pulled it from my pocket. Now
all of a sudden, I don't know." He looked up at Fox, then averted his eyes.
"Maybe I should just shut up and let you open it...maybe I should take it back
without you ever having seen it and get something else..."
"Alex. This is a gift from your heart. How can I not love it?"
Alex hesiated, then held the package out in the palm of his hand and let Mulder
take it. His hand closed into a fist and dropped slowly to the floor.
Mulder carefully unwrapped the black velvet box and set the paper aside. He
looked up at Alex, who sat looking more nervous than he'd ever seen him. He
studied Alex for a moment, then smiled and opened the box. The smile fell
slowly from his face and Alex's heart sank.
"I'm sorry, Fox. I didn't...I..."
Mulder looked up sharply. "Why would you be sorry?" he whispered. "Alex, it's
beautiful. I only wish I'd thought of it."
"You really wouldn't mind wearing it?"
"I'd love to wear it."
Alex took the simple gold band from it's resting place.
"It doesn't, you know, go on your left hand. You wear it on the right."
Mulder nodded. "Well, that'll save a lot of questions and odd looks..."
"Oh, and there's one more thing." He tipped the ring to the light and directed
Mulder to the inside of the band.
Mulder read the inscription silently at first, then closed his eyes and
repeated it. "Only you. All my love, Alex." He opened his eyes and met those of
his lover. He started to laugh softly.
Alex smiled. "What?"
Mulder lowered his head. "You'll see...I love it, Alex. And I love you and it
would make me happier than I can say to wear this."
"Really? I mean, really? I thought it might seem a little too possessive. I
thought it might seem like I'm putting my brand on you."
"I don't think there's any doubt that it's possessive." He stroked Alex's chin.
"But I am yours. And perfectly content to be so." He leaned forward and
rested his forehead against the younger man's. And I like the idea of being
branded."
Alex smiled his relief. "God, I love you." He placed the band on Mulder's right
ring finger and kissed him deeply. "I wish I could find a way to express to you
how much."
"You do, Alex. Every day." Mulder pulled a flat, silver wrapped box out from
under the sofa and held it out. "Your turn."
Alex gingerly took the package from Mulder's hand and tore the wrapping off.
Mulder watched his hands as they opened the lid, then looked up to his face
which had lit up with joy. Bright green eyes turned up to him.
"Is this what all that concern about my watch was?"
"I just found it sort of ironic."
Alex lifted the watch out of the box. "It's beautiful!"
"And practical. You don't have to save it just for dress occasions. It's an
everyday watch."
"Thank you, baby. I love it."
Mulder smirked. "And like you..." He turned the watch over in Alex's palm.
Alex read the inscription, his voice catching halfway through. He turned
glistening eyes up to Fox. His mouth opened then closed. He looked quickly back
down to the watch, blinking rapidly. Mulder's fingers brushed his cheekbone.
That brief caress was enough to release the tears that Alex had fought so hard
to suppress.
"Alex?"
Alex met his gaze momentarily, then leaned forward into his chest. Mulder
wrapped him in his arms and rocked him gently, kissing the top of his head and
brushing the tears away as they silently fell.
"Sorry," Alex croaked when he'd composed himself, finally. "Hearing things like
that is one thing, but I guess seeing it, really drove it home."
Mulder smiled and kissed one tear-stained cheek. "Gee, I don't know if I should
show you the rest, now."
"The...the rest?"
Mulder shrugged one shoulder. "That morning after the beach...while I was
watching you sleep...these words started running through my head. I wrote them
down later."
"I don't think I understand."
"It's kind of a...a poem." He touched his finger to the back of the watch.
"That's where this line came from."
"Really? There's more?"
"Yeah."
"I want to see it."
Mulder studied him for a moment, then picked up the box. He pulled the bed out
and removed a piece of paper, folded in four. He handed it to Alex, who
unfolded the paper and began to read.
"For my Alexei..." The glint returned to his eyes. He read the whole poem
silently and when he was done, lowered his hand slowly to his lap and closed
his eyes. Mulder strained to hear his words.
"This is for me?" Sparkling green eyes focused on purest amber.
Mulder nodded. "I used to write in college. The stuff was corny then...I don't
know. Probably still is."
"Are you kidding? This is exquisite, Fox. And you wrote it for me?"
"You really like it?"
Alex hesitated, trying to find the words. He lifted the watch to Mulder's eyes.
"I love this, lisa. I'll treasure it always." Mulder took the watch from his
hand and fastened it around his wrist as he spoke. "But would you understand if
I told you that this," he held up the sheet of paper, "means more to me than
any material gift you could give me?"
Mulder held on to Alex's hand, rubbing his palm across his knuckles. A soft
smile curved his lips. "Why?"
"Because...it's....you. Your feelings..your love. You've given me your soul in
this."
Mulder skimmed Alex's lips with his fingertips. "I gave you my soul a long time
ago, Alexei." Alex stared in silence. The older man grasped his upper arm and
pulled, motioning at the same time with a flick of his head. "Come here."
Alex shifted and ended up on his knees, straddling Mulder's thighs. Mulder
slouched down, resting his head back against the seat cushions of the sofa. He
reached up and caressed the length of his lover's arms. Once his hands reached
Alex's shoulders, they stopped. His thumbs brushed back and forth against the
light material of his shirt. Alex touched a fingertip to his cheek then drew it
down and across his lower lip. Mulder fought against the desire that threatened
to close his eyes. He wanted to lose himself in that incredible sea of green.
He needed to.
Alex lowered himself onto Fox's thighs, his legs folded under him. The long,
slender fingers left his shoulders and reverently skimmed the planes and
contours of his face. Traced the outline of his jaw. Slid down the column of
his throat, until they reached the first button of his shirt.
12:40 a.m.
Scully rolled onto her back for the fourth time. As lovely as this place was
and as comfortable as this bed was, it wasn't her own. Happened every time they
were away on a case, too. She'd wake up several times during the night and
usually need at least three cups of coffee in the morning before she started to
feel alive, again.
She sat up.
But there was a difference. In those cheap motels, she couldn't just go on
downstairs and get herself a glass of warm milk. For her, a sure-fire insomnia
cure.
She slipped out of bed and padded quietly out of the room. As she approached
the top of the stairs, she could see that it wasn't entirely dark on the first
floor. She listened for sound but could detect none. She advanced slowly down
the stairs and stopped, frozen before she got halfway down. Quickly retreating
up one step, she paused, waiting and wondering if they'd seen her.
No response from the living room.
Of course not.
Feeling deeply ashamed but unable to stop herself, she sat carefully on the
stairs and peeked down at the two men below her.
The fifth button on Alex's shirt gave and Fox's hands slipped inside to stroke
the heated skin. The younger man's head tipped back slightly and a soft hiss
escaped his parted lips. Knowing fingers found his nipples and gently teased
them into tight buds.
Alex's head rolled forward and he looked down at the man he loved more than
life. Luminescent eyes stared up at him. Absurdly beautiful lips parted only
enough to give him a small hint of gleaming white behind them. He needed that
mouth on him. More than he needed to breathe. He slipped his hand under his
lover's head and leaned forward until their lips met. Softly. Tenderly. For
tonight at least, each man leashed his feral instinct and gave himself up to
the sweetness of loving and being loved.
Alex's mouth moved against the other man's at an excruciatingly slow pace. His
tongue dipped into the warmth inside, tasting and teasing, drawing the softest
of whimpers from the constricted throat. As he continued the sensual assault on
his Fox's mouth, his hands traveled down to the front of the older man's shirt
and undid the buttons. Having accomplished that, he slid the shirt from Fox's
shoulders. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss to finish removing the garment and
his lover took the opportunity to reciprocate. When both shirts lay together on
the floor, Alex returned to his previous activity.
Scully watched, frozen in the shadows. She knew she should leave. Turn quietly
and go back the way she came, but try as she might, she could not get her legs
to cooperate. Nor her eyes. They remained glued on the two below. The way they
touched each other. The soft sounds they made. The graceful movement of their
bodies. Beautiful. She couldn't believe she was thinking it, but she was. They
were...beautiful. And she was entranced.
Hot.
Alex's skin seared Mulder's fingertips as they traveled over the younger man's
back
Hard.
The muscles rippled under his hands with each caress. His hands stroked
downward, passing over the various scars along the way. He'd never asked Alex
about them. He guessed he was afraid to. It wasn't like him, but he didn't feel
that he was strong enough to handle the painful explanations that would have
accompanied each one. Maybe someday.
His hands reached the waistband of the olive-colored pants and he'd decided
that there was just too damn much material between them. His hands moved to the
front and with Alex's mouth still teasing his, he undid the button and wrestled
the zipper down. His palms slid up under the younger man's ribs and pushed
upward, silently instructing him to stand. Mulder rose to his knees in front of
him.
The woman hidden away on the stairs, held her breath. Again, she willed herself
to leave, but to no avail. She watched transfixed, as her partner slowly pulled
his lover's pants and underwear down and off.
Whoa. Very nice. Oh God, what the hell are you saying? Come on Dana, this
isn't right and you know it. Go!
She remained motionless, hand raised to her mouth as Mulder's hands skimmed up
the back of Alex's legs and came to rest on the curved muscle of his buttocks.
He moved forward slowly. Scully stifled a gasp as she saw his tongue inch out
and graze the underside of the other man's cock.
Alex's hands clasped gently in Fox's hair and his eyelids fluttered then
closed. Mulder reached the head and lapped gingerly at the glistening tip,
sending shudders through the grateful recipient of his attentions. His hands
began to move, caressing and gently kneading the tight flesh beneath them, even
as his mouth opened to receive the full length of Alex's cock.
Scully felt a surge of electricity shoot through her body, riccocheting off
every major organ and pooling low in her belly as she watched Mulder swallow
what looked from her vantage point to be a pretty damned impressive erection.
Damn. Get a lot of practice, Mulder?
She heard the soft hiss of air as Alex inhaled sharply. Saw his face contort
into a mask of pleasure as Mulder's mouth slid back and forth along his
glistening shaft. Felt the tingles increase in her own body.
Tingles?
Oh God, tingles of what?
Excitement?
Admittedly...yes. God.
Longing?
Okay, yeah. That too.
...Jealousy?
No...he was her best friend. Closer to her than either of her brothers, for
goodness sake. She was happy for him. He'd finally found what he'd been needing
for a very long time and...shit. Yes, she was jealous. Not the 'he should be
mine, not yours' kind of jealous. It was more the 'Oh God, why can't I find a
man who'll worship me like that' kind of jealous.
Movement from down below, refocused her attention.
Mulder's mouth had left Alex's cock and he was being gently pushed back to the
floor, against the sofa. Alex kneeled beside him and stripped him of the rest
of his clothing. He stretched out in front of Mulder, between his parted thighs
and unceremoniously sucked the rigid cock down his throat.
Mulder's hips bucked up off the floor, pushing more of himself into the younger
man's mouth. Alex moaned soflty and encouraged him to repeat the action. Soon,
he was thrusting upward in a slow rhythm, making love to Alex's mouth. His head
rolled slowly, from side to side on the cushion and his fingers curled in the
soft dark hair. There was no sound, but the woman watching from above was sure
that he'd mouthed the word 'baby' at least twice in his obvious delirium. He
began to thrust a little faster and Alex had to make the decision to pull away.
Fox lifted his head a fraction off the cushion as Alex pulled himself back into
a sitting position, straddling his thighs. Alex looked down into his lover's
face. Desire burned in the dark depths of his eyes. His mouth, swollen and
moist, begged to be kissed. Alex lowered his head and took his Fox's lips
gently, feasting on their sweetness and reveling in the soft moans that filled
his mouth.
Fox's hands skimmed his lover's back as they kissed endlessly. He was drowning
in pleasure and the thought that this night would sooner or later have to come
to an end, as mind-shattering as that ending might be, slowed his movements.
Alex pulled away and looked down at him in mild confusion. Now green eyes,
dilated to near blackness, stared back, asking for understanding. His hand rose
to the younger man's face, stroking the stubbled cheek, slowly. Alex took hold
of the hand and pressed a kiss into the palm. His tongue inched out, tickling
the sensitive skin. He carefully licked the underside of each finger, then took
two of them into his mouth. Fox's eyes slid closed and a soft sigh tumbled from
his lips.
The undetected guest at the top of the stairs, bit down gently on the tip of
her baby finger. She pushed it into her mouth and ran her tongue over the
surface of it. Nothing. What was so damn erotic about that? Had to be
something, because Mulder looked like he was gone.
Probably feels a lot better if someone else is doing it to you...and you're
naked...
Alex released Fox's fingers and again looked down at him. Fox's eyelids
fluttered and opened. He reached up and, wrapping his arms around the other
man's neck, pulled him down into a tender embrace. They stayed quietly entwined
in each other's arms for a few moments, then Mulder began to move, nuzzling
Alex's face, kissing and licking the roughened skin. He moved up to his ear,
nipping gently at the lobe, delighting in the clink of the earring against his
teeth.
Alex massaged Mulder's back slowly, thoroughly enjoying the way the muscles
bunched and relaxed under his touch. He smiled into the golden-brown hair. He
couldn't ever be thankful enough, he thought, for being allowed another chance
at hapiness with his beautiful Fox. He'd always...
He froze for a moment, prompting Mulder to release his ear and whisper into it.
"Sweetheart? What is it?"
He narrowed his eyes, squinting at the stairs. He could have sworn he saw
movement, but now he wasn't so sure.
"Nothing," he whispered back.
Mulder pulled back to look at him. "You tensed up."
"I know. I just..I thought I heard something."
"I didn't hear anything."
"Yeah. Must've been my imagination."
Mulder nodded and and planted a string of light kisses across his chest.
"M-mmmmmm."
Mulder's lips latched onto a nipple and sucked gently. Alex's eyes closed.
"God, that's good....so good, baby..."
Scully was trapped. She couldn't leave now, Alex would be more alert now, to
sound and/or movement. All she could do was stay there and wait for her chance
to escape. And hell, while she was waiting...she lowered her head a fraction
and once more observed the men below.
I can't believe I'm doing this, I can not believe I'm doing this...
Mulder flicked at the hard brown peak with his tongue, bringing a low moan from
the man in his arms.
"Lisa," Alex whimpered. "Please..."
Mulder closed his teeth around the nipple and pulled gently.
"I'm begging you..."
"Aw, Alex. You know I can't resist it when you beg," Fox whispered softly, as
he lifted Alex a bit. He grasped his cock by the base and directed it between
his lover's rounded cheeks. Alex took it from there, lowering himself onto the
hard shaft. When Fox was fully embedded in him, he placed a hand at either side
of Alex's hips and held him motionless. Alex understood and remained absolutely
still. After a few seconds, Fox reached up and caressed his cheek.
"It's an incredible feeling."
Alex nodded slowly. "Can I move?"
"Yeah. Easy, though."
Ever so carefully, Alex's hips began to rock. His contracting muscles squeezed
and caressed the presence inside him.
Fox threw his head back and moaned softly. "Easy, baby..."
Alex stopped, allowing Fox to regain some of his composure before continuing
on. "Is that okay?" he asked, moving at a snail's pace.
"Yeah," Mulder breathed. "Mmmmmmmm...perfect. Just like that, Alex. Just
like...that."
Alex's lips claimed Fox's in a long, stunning kiss as he continued to move
against him. The feel of his lover's lips devouring his own, took Mulder right
to the edge. He twisted away from Alex's mouth, panting and grimacing.
"I know, lisa. I can't wait any more, either. Please say it's okay."
Fox closed and opened his eyes. Fixing a heavy-lidded stare on Alex, he dropped
his hand to the younger man's cock.
Alex swallowed a gasp and began to move faster, even as Fox's hand established
an identical rhythm.
A small squeak came from the direction of the stairs, but neither man heard it.
The island could have slipped into the ocean and they never would have known.
All that existed for them was this moment and each other.
Alex glided up and down on his lover's cock, tightening his muscles on every
upstroke. Mulder worked Alex's straining erection, pulling moan after anguished
moan from his partner.
"F-Fox...I'm..."
"I know, baby...I know...let it go." His hand moved faster and his hips thrust
upward, burying himself in Alex's heat, time and again.
Their climax hit with hurricane force, pushing both men into that familiar
realm of madness. Choking sobs emitted from both throats as they held tightly
to each other, shivering with each aftershock, then finally settling into a
sweet, purring silence.
Scully should have gone during all the noise, but she was glued to the spot in
which she sat, witnessing the most profoundly erotic thing she'd ever seen.
Still in a daze, she made her way slowly back up the steps and to her room.
Alex's eyes drifted open. Just in time, as it turned out, to see that moving
shadow again on the stairs. He stayed, draped over his lover's shoulder,
watching until it disappeared. He smiled softly and closed his eyes.
10:43 a.m.
"Thought you would have been up long before us." Mulder stood and gave Scully a
bear hug. "Merry Christmas, Scully."
Scully's lips trembled into a smile. She glanced away from Mulder's face,
rested her gaze briefly on Alex's, then flitted away. "Merry Christmas, guys."
Alex sent her a secretive smile and nodded his acknowledgment.
Fox and Alex chattered all through breakfast, arguing about when and how they
should prepare Christmas dinner. Having insisted on Marie taking a few days
off, they had left themselves to deal with the cooking, which was fine, but
with Mulder wanting to help, Alex had found himself wishing the housekeeper had
insisted on staying.
Scully remained quiet, smiling occasionally at this remark or that, but
contributed little or nothing overall, to the conversation. Alex observed her
closely, more and more sure that she had been on the stairs this morning,
watching them. He wouldn't say anything, she was obviously embarrassed enough
without ever having known that she'd been discovered. He guessed it was up to
him somehow, to make her feel better without clueing her in.
They finished breakfast, then exchanged gifts. Scully brightened considerably
when she'd opened her bracelet, then the earrings. After thanking Mulder
profusely, she turned to Alex.
"These are beautiful," she said, trying to keep her eyes from falling away from
his. "And such a surprise."
"We've come a long way, don't you think?"
Scully nodded. "I'm glad we were able to become friends."
Mulder watched happily as the two people he loved most in the world, shared an
embrace. Scully pulled away and cleared her throat.
"Well. Now. I've got something for you two." She moved away from Alex and
produced a single package. "This is only one piece of a set. No sense in
lugging it all here, just for you to have to lug it all back. Who wants to open
it?"
Mulder nodded to Alex. "Go ahead. You're closer."
Alex unwrapped the box containing the heavy stainless steel frying pan. He
looked up at Scully and Mulder and laughed. "This is great! And it's part of a
set?"
"Yeah. Pans, cutlery, yadda yadda. I know that this guy has only got the bare
minimum and now that there are the two of you, I figured you could use it."
"Yeah, we sure could. It's not easy to cook with the stuff he's got. Thanks,
Scully."
v
Mulder stepped forward and gave her a hug. "Yeah, thank you. Hey, maybe now
I'll even take an interest in cooking."
Alex and Scully shot each other a look.
"Don't look at each other like that. I can learn to cook. Wasn't my french
toast good?"
"Yeah Mulder, it was. But it was french toast...and Alex was there to keep it
from turning into a disaster."
"Okay. Fine. "I'll bet you that by Easter, I'll have mastered at least ten
different dishes."
Scully laughed. "Oh, I'll have to take that bet."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "How are you going to learn ten dishes in the next
three months?"
"You're going to help me," Mulder said matter of factly.
"Ohhhh no I'm not."
"Oh yes you are."
"Oh no, I'm not."
Mulder smiled and nodded as he sidled over to Alex.
"No," Alex insisted as he approached. "No, no, n...m-mmmm....."
Mulder draped his arms around the younger man's shoulders and nuzzled his neck.
"Alexei," he moaned into Alex's ear.
"Don't..."
A twinge of guilt ran through Scully as she watched her partner coax and tease
his lover.
"Please..."
"Fox...come on, stop that...we'll...we'll end up wanting to k...kill each
other..."
"No we won't." Mulder closed his teeth on the silver hoop and pulled.
Scully drew a quick breath and backed into the sofa. She dropped onto it with a
soft thud.
"Okay...ah...okay. I'll help you. Now..." He grabbed a handful of hair and
pulled Mulder away from his ear. "Behave yourself." He glanced pointedly over
at Scully.
Mulder looked over at his partner whose face was almost as red as her hair.
"Uh...sorry, Scully."
Scully waved at them. "No! Listen, it's okay. You don't have to worry about me.
You guys have been through so much. It's only natural I guess, that you can't
keep your hands off of each other. I'll get used to it." She fidgeted under
Alex's intent stare, then looked away. "Well! I guess we'd better get this
stuff picked up and start thinking about preparing dinner, huh?"
Mulder gave Alex a curious look. Receiving only a patient smile in return, he
moved to help Scully clear the wrappings and boxes away.
"I'll go and start getting things set up in the kitchen," Alex stated, then
moved off in that direction.
When the two remaining had finished picking up the living room, Mulder came to
stand in front of Scully.
"Can I ask you a question, Scully?"
"Hmm? Oh, sure."
"You made mention of Alex and me not being able to keep our hands off each
other..."
She gave him an uneasy smile. "Yeah."
"You and I haven't really discussed my condition. How did you know..."
"Oh! The first night I was here, Alex and I went out for a walk after you'd
fallen asleep on the couch. We talked."
"I didn't know that."
"You were dead to the world. We went for a walk down on the beach and I asked
him to update me on your progress."
"Did he tell you what a miserable pain in the ass I'd been?"
Scully lowered her lashes and said nothing.
"It's okay if he told you... I almost blew it completely, Scully."
"But you didn't. And everything worked out for the best. And he loves you, you
dummy. He'd never see you as a pain in the ass."
Mulder laughed softly. "Are you kidding? He'll tell me right to my face."
Scully scowled at him.
"It's okay, he means it affectionately. Scully, I hope that..." he flicked his
hand back and forth in front of him, "what happened a little while ago, didn't
make you too uncomfortable. It's just that... I have such a hard time being near
him and not touching him."
"It's okay, really. Don't hold back on my account. He's part of your life and I
just have to get used to him being there. You can't tip toe around me all the
time. I wouldn't want you to."
Mulder nodded. "Thanks, Scully."
"Come on, let's go see what we can do to help him with dinner."
Part Four
7:23 p.m.
Scully lounged in an oversized chaise on the first floor veranda. Mulder
dropped into one a few feet away.
"I'm stuffed," she complained good-naturedly. "I couldn't move if I wanted to."
She looked up to the man who'd just appeared in the doorway with a bottle of
wine and glasses. "Alex, that was delicious."
Alex shrugged and set the items down on a nearby table. "You guys helped."
"Yeah, we shagged for you and mixed and chopped, but you did all the real
cooking."
Alex said nothing as he opened the bottle and poured, handing Scully the first
glass. He picked up the last two glasses, handed one to Mulder, then moved to
take a seat on the third of the four lounge chairs, but found his wrist
shackled by Mulder's hand. The older man spread his legs, planting one foot on
the tiled floor and tugged gently, drawing Alex down onto his chaise. He pulled
his lover back against his chest and wrapped one arm around him. Alex reclined,
stiffly at first, but Fox's caressing hand and gentle lips in his hair, soon
relaxed him.
A tiny smile crossed Scully's lips and she glanced hastily out to the water.
"I've always found the sound of the ocean to be very soothing."
A dark glint became visible beneath Alex's eyelashes. "Mmm hmm. Too bad we
missed the sunset. It's spectacular, huh lisa?"
Mulder rubbed his cheek into the soft hair beneath him. "Yeah."
Scully looked back over to the men and did a double-take. "Hey. Is that your
new watch?"
Alex shifted his head in Scully's direction and raised his eyebrows.
"He called me and told me about it."
"Ah." Alex set his glass down on the table between them and stretched his arm
across the short distance so Scully could inspect the watch.
"Very nice...and since I 'm being nosy," she directed her conversation to
Mulder. "What'd you get?"
Alex twined the fingers of his right hand with Mulder's and pulled it toward
her. Scully's eyes grew wide then her composure was quickly back in place.
"Oh...uh...so what does...I mean...does it mean..." She didn't know how to ask.
Mulder smiled indulgently and let Alex answer.
"It simply means that I love him madly," he raised Mulder's hand to his lips,
"I'm completely committed to him, and this a symbol of that."
She breathed a visible sigh of relief then laughed nervously. "Thank God. I
thought for a minute there, you guys were going to want to take me shopping for
a bridesmaid's dress or something."
Alex threw his head back against Mulder's chest and let out a loud bark of
laughter.
Mulder turned to her. His tone never rose above that usual Mulder monotone but
his eyes glinted with restrained humor. "Hey, do you think that Skinner would
give me away?"
Alex nearly spit out his wine. Scully's eyes widened in horror.
"Oh God, Mulder! Don't even joke about that!"
Mulder smiled and shrugged then changed the subject. "Well. Who thinks I've
beaten around the bush long enough?
Scully gave him a confused look. "Huh?"
"My mother. I haven't called her yet today."
Alex tilted his head back so that their eyes met. "Well, if you're going to,
you'd better hurry up before it gets too late."
Mulder drew a deep breath and let it out. "Yeah..where's the phone?"
"Inside. I'll get it."
Scully watched Alex disappear into the house, then turned to Mulder. "You want
a little privacy?"
"No. I expect it'll be a very short conversation."
"Maybe not." Alex reappeared and handed the phone to Mulder. He perched on the
edge of the chaise and rubbed Mulder's shin.
Mulder looked at the phone for a full minute at least, before dialing. A few
seconds later, he spoke into the mouthpiece.
"Mom? It's me. Merry Christmas..........did...did you have a good day?
.........that's good.....how have you been? Good......y-yeah. I'll...huh? Oh.
Okay. Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. Tell Aunt Greta I said hi. Okay,
bye...." He flinched every so slightly at the soft click. "..Mom."
Alex and Scully glanced at each other, then Alex spoke.
"So, she's got company."
Mulder stared down at the phone. "Yeah. S...so, she couldn't talk. Didn't want
to be rude to my aunt." He raised and lowered his eyebrows and set the phone
down on the table.
"Sorry, Mulder."
"I really didn't expect much more." He looked at Scully, then glanced away and
said softly, "She didn't even ask how I was."
Alex lowered his head and his leg bounced up and down. Scully watched him
closely. Mulder had been hurt and he was pissed.
It was easy with the guy who'd shot Mulder. Alex simply hunted the fucker down
and killed him. But this was his mother. She'd coldly dismissed her only
remaining child and there was nothing Alex could do..and Scully could see that
it was eating the shit out of him.
Alex took a deep breath, pushed all his anger to one side, and looked up at
Fox. "You okay?"
His eyes remained focused on the space between them. "Yeah...yeah. Fine."
"Fox..."
Green eyes flecked with gold, rose. Mulder pitched forward, and closing his
fingers around Alex's forearm, he pulled until the younger man was once again
resting against him, wrapped in his arms. He buried his face in Alex's hair and
closed his eyes. Alex tugged on the sleeve of Mulder's shirt.
"Baby..."
Mulder didn't answer. He merely turned his face to the side and rested his
cheek on Alex's head.
Scully wondered if Alex knew that right now, Mulder needed him there, needed
his presence and his comfort, but was in no frame of mind to talk. She'd
learned from her years with the man, that there was a time to talk and a time
to just shut up and be there.
Alex knew. He turned onto his side and burrowed his face in Mulder's shirt,
letting the other man hold him tightly.
Mulder sat quietly, stroking Alex's back, drawing on his warmth. Long minutes
later, he turned his eyes to Scully. She felt his gaze on her and turned to
meet it. He was coming back. The cloud was clearing from his eyes. He treated
her to a tiny smile. She smiled back.
Amazing.
She'd never seen him snap out of a brooding session so quickly, especially if
his mother had been the cause. All this time, it had been as simple as that.
Too bad they'd both spent the last few years wanting to kill Alex. He could
have made her life so much simpler.
Her smile turned into a wide grin and she lowered her head.
Alex opened his eyes and looked up when Fox decided to speak.
"How about we take you out tomorrow night, Scully?"
"Where?"
Mulder tapped Alex's back. "Want to take her to that club we went to the other
night?"
"Sure." He directed his conversation at Scully. "Do you mind loud music?"
"Not if it's good."
"Depends on what you call good."
"Just about anything except for country and heavy metal."
"You'll like it, then."
"Okay, then. You got a date."
Two hours and the entire bottle of wine later, Scully stifled a yawn. "Well
guys, I think it's time I turned in." She rose from the chaise and looked down
at the two still snuggled together. "You going to bed?"
Fox looked down, reading Alex's eyes. "No, not just yet."
Scully felt a tingle go through her. She had a pretty good idea what that look
meant. "O..okay, then. Goodnight."
Alex tried to disguise the smirk. "Goodnight, Scully."
When she was gone, Fox slipped a hand under Alex's chin and lifted until he
could see green. "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"That look."
Alex stretched up for a kiss. "I think she saw us."
Mulder's brow wrinkled in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"This morning," he whispered.
"This....nooo. Why do you say that?"
"Remember when you asked me what was wrong and I told you I thought I'd heard
something?"
"Yeah. If you thought Scully had..."
Alex interrupted him. "What would you have done if I told you that Scully was
watching us from the stairs?"
Mulder opened and closed his mouth without having answered.
"Right. That would have been the end of it. And there was no way in hell, I was
going to let you stop."
"But Alex....if she was watching us..."
"She'd been there for a while, Fox. I'd bet money on it."
Mulder shook his head. "I can't believe that Scully would..."
"Why not?" He licked the underside of Mulder's jaw. "I bet we're real pretty to
watch."
Soft moan. "Jesus, Alex."
White teeth clamped down gently on his lower lip then released. "Didn't you
notice that she was a little on edge this morning? She was feeling guilty as
hell."
"I don't know..."
"Face it, Fox. Your prim and proper little partner is a voyeur at heart."
Mulder fell silent.
"Does it bother you very much, knowing that we may have been watched?"
"I don't...I..."
"Think about it," Alex coaxed. "Scully obviously got a thrill out of it, or she
wouldn't have stayed there and watched."
"I guess, but..."
Alex grinned, nuzzling Fox's neck. "I know it's probably a bit of a surprise.
It's something you never would have expected of your partner but, she could
certainly say the same of you, about a lot of things."
Mulder laughed softly. "You're right about that." He cupped the back of Alex's
head and swooped down for a hard kiss.
Alex could feel the familiar coiling in his stomach. The heaviness in his
eyelids and limbs came immediately. Mulder pulled away and gave him a smoky
stare.
"How about a walk?"
"On the beach?"
"Yeah."
Alex ran a hand down his chest and skimmed lightly over the bulge at the front
of his pants.
"Let's go."
Wednesday
Alex stepped out of the shower and into the fluffy bathtowel that was held out
to him. Mulder kissed the back of his neck and began to rub the towel over his
body.
"I can do this myself, you know," Alex said without much conviction.
"Humor me."
When he was dry, he was led to the sink where Mulder lathered his face and
picked up a razor. He leaned back against the sink and let Mulder straddle his
legs. He held perfectly still as the other man carefully shaved him.
Mulder smiled, feeling Alex's cock hardening against his crotch.
"I'm just shaving you..."
"I know," the younger man moaned, "but it's so damn erotic."
"Is there anything that you don't find erotic?"
"If you're even remotely involved? No."
Mulder grinned a particularly evil grin and drew the razor slowly down the
right side of Alex's cheek, along his jaw, then moved away to rinse. His hand
came back, this time to to the base of the younger man's throat. The razor
glided upward, followed by Mulder's flicking tongue. Alex's eyes closed and he
moaned deep in his throat.
"Shhh. You gotta be still and quiet You want me to cut you?"
Alex grasped his wrist and pulled his hand away. "How do you expect me to be
quiet when you do things like that?"
"Have you no self control?"
"Not where you're concerned, no."
Mulder's other hand trailed up the towel-wrapped thigh. "Wish I could say that
I was sorry...now hold still, would you?"
"Get your hand off my cock and I'll think about it."
"Huh? Oh, sorry. Just has a mind of it's own, sometimes."
"Yeah. Now move it."
"You move it."
"Fox..."
Mulder resumed his task. "What?"
Alex spoke through gritted teeth. "Your hand."
"Don't be such a wuss." His hand stroked the bulge in the towel, gently as he
drew the razor up Alex's throat.
Alex's eyes squeezed shut and he held his breath. His cock seemed to grow
harder with every feathery touch.
"Relax...this'll be a lot eaier if you're not so tense."
"This'll be a lot easier if you'd just shave me."
"I am shaving you."
"Without the extras.
Mulder removed his hand from Alex's crotch. "Can't take the heat, huh Krycek?"
Alex gave him a mock glare. "I got your heat."
Mulder gave him a rather odd little smile, then resumed the shave.
"Head back."
Alex's head tipped, responding to the light touch of fingers under his chin.
Mulder continued to shave him slowly, stopping to tease him every so often.
Mission finally accomplished, they moved into the bedroom. As Alex pulled some
clothes from the closet, Mulder's hand appeared in front of his face. An
all-too familiar object dangled from his fingers.
"Uh. What's that?"
"You mean you don't remember?"
Alex's voice came out in a tiny squeak. "Remember what?"
Mulder swung the leather strapping in front of his eyes. "That it's your
turn."
"Oh. Uh. Well...you know, I...I would, but ummm....Scully! Uh, Scully's
coming with us and, you know..."
"No, I don't know. So what, if she's coming with us? It's not like it's
something she's going to see."
"Yeah, but she'll know something's up. I mean, look at what happened to you."
"What happened to me?"
"You got all....goofy."
Mulder quirked an eyebrow. "Goofy?"
"Well okay, that was a bad choice of words, but you know what I mean."
"Not a clue."
"You were all over me, Fox. The way you looked, the way you moved. Everything
about you screamed, 'fuck me.'"
He wouldn't argue with that statement.
"So what makes you think you'll be the same?"
"Because you and I are alike in as many ways as we are different. The same
things excite me that do you, and wearing this thing all night....having you
touch me and thinking about what you're going to do to me when we get back
here, will drive me out of my mind. Tell me that isn't what happened with you."
Fox smiled. "Can't."
"Right."
He wrapped his fingers around Alex's half erect cock and pulled gently,
bringing the still naked man closer. He began fastening the leather binding
into place, securing it snuggly.
Alex winced and moaned. "I guess your mind is pretty much made up..."
"Yup."
When Mulder had him bound in exactly the same way he had been just a few nights
before, he allowed Alex to get dressed.
"Umm..." Alex squeezed his eyes shut and opened them. "I think I'm going to
need a little help here. My brain seems to have turned to mush."
Mulder laughed. "Okay, so maybe you are going to react the same way I did."
He helped Alex get dressed with a minimum of teasing. He was saving that for
later.
"Okay, handsome." Mulder finished buttoning Alex's shirt and ran a hand lightly
down the front of his pants. "Let's not keep Scully waiting."
"Oh God," Alex sighed softly as he followed closely behind Mulder. "I've got
this feeling..."
8:53 p.m.
"You look very nice." Mulder approached Scully, who was waiting for them
downstairs.
"Thanks. I'm glad I packed something decent." She eyed the two men. "You two
look very handsome."
Mulder smiled and held his hand out to Alex, who stepped forward to take it.
Mulder pulled him tightly to his side and kissed his slightly downturned head.
He turned to Scully. "Ready?"
She glanced from one man to the other. "Yeah, I'm ready..." She followed them
out the door, whispering to herself. "...I think."
9:48 p.m.
The limo ride to the club was an interesting event. Scully sat in the seat
across from the two men, conversing with Mulder, who seemed very much at ease,
while Alex gave a her distinctly different impression. Outwardly, he was very
quiet, but the tension radiated from his body. She didn't believe they'd
argued, it wasn't that kind of tension. When Mulder drew Alex closer to him,
stroking and soothing the younger man, never missing a word of their
conversation, Scully narrowed her eyes, wondering what exactly it was, that she
was missing.
Upon arrival at the club, Mulder scanned the room and pointed to the corner.
"Look Alex, our table is empty." With one hand positioned high on Scully's back
and the other very low on Alex's, he steered them through the maze of tables
and people, toward their destination.
Scully slid in first, followed by Fox, then Alex. Once settled, Scully surveyed
the large, multi-level room. "This is beautiful. And the music isn't very
loud."
For the first time since they'd left the house, Alex strung more than two words
together. "It gets louder as the place fills up." His eyelids dropped suddenly
and the muscle in his jaw flexed as Mulder's hand lowered unseen, to his thigh
and slowly stroked the length of it. He managed to compose himself, then opened
his eyes and turned them to Scully. "Want a drink?"
"Sure. Uh, I don't know...something tropical, I guess?"
Alex nodded. "Fox?" Softly, through gritted teeth.
Mulder shrugged, squeezing Alex's thigh. "Mmmm...I think, something hard..."
his hand rose higher but not high enough, "strong....Russian..." Alex's head
began to pound. "....Absolut."
Alex drew a deep, raspy breath. "Be right back."
As he started to slide out of the booth, Mulder's hand around his arm, stopped
him. "Hey."
He turned to look into smoky gold eyes.
Mulder repeatedly curled and uncurled his index finger. Alex slid back toward
him and into a sizzling kiss.
Scully watched, deeply embarrassed but unable to tear her eyes away, as her
partner nearly devoured his lover's mouth. She heard Alex's involuntary moan.
Saw his tongue inch out to lap at Fox's mouth when it withdrew. Frowned when
Fox pulled away, allowing no more contact. Inwardly screamed in sympathy for
Alex as he quietly removed his trembling body from the booth and walked toward
the bar.
When the younger man was out of earshot, she turned on Mulder.
"What the hell was that?"
"What the hell was what?"
"What did you do to him?"
"What did I do to him?" he repeated, all wide-eyed innocence.
"Yes!
The pretense vanished. "Nothing he didn't want me to do."
"You're telling me he wants to be tormented like that?"
Mulder glanced down at the table drumming his fingers on the warm wood surface.
"This might not be a conversation you want to get into, Scully."
"Well, I don't want to pry, Mulder. Your personal life is your own."
"I don't mind, Scully. I want you to understand Alex and me. As long as you
don't mind..."
"I find the two of you fascinating. Not in a detached, clinical sort of way...I
mean from a human standpoint. It's amazing how two people who could so easily
have killed each other less than a year ago, could end up so completely devoted
to each other."
Mulder nodded.
"And," she added, "I find it astounding that you, a man who'd only ever
been with women and who claims to have never had a homosexual thought in his
life, could be capable of what I've seen you do to Alex, tonight. What is the
deal with that?"
Mulder smirked. "He did it to me, the other night. You know what they say
about payback..."
"So this is like, a game?"
"I guess you could say that. He got me incredibly turned on, then took me out
where there wasn't a whole hell of a lot I could do about it. Then he really
drove me up the walls. I warned him...tonight, it's his turn."
"So...it's all a big act?"
"It may be a game, but it's no act." He gave her a silky smile. "He's
suffering."
"And you're enjoying it?"
"Like you wouldn't believe."
"Doesn't it seem just a bit cruel?"
"It'll be worth the cruelty...and he knows it."
Scully started to smile, feeling much more relaxed about having this
conversation. "Was it worth it for you?"
Mulder lowered his head and closed his eyes. "Oh, yeah. He did things to me..."
"Well...good evening."
Mulder's head snapped up. His expression turned icy as he stared up at the man
in front of them.
"Playing on the other side of the fence, are we?" he asked, tossing a careless
glance in Scully's direction.
"I thought I'd made it clear to you the other night that I was not
interested."
"Oh, you did...then. But I see that you're not with your handsome, albeit
hot-tempered companion. I thought you may have had a falling out and were
possibly more open to my suggestion."
Scully looked from one man to the other with interest.
Mulder smiled and replied smoothly. "Apparently, you've only just arrived."
"Oh, he's here?"
"Yeah, he's here. And I suggest you leave quickly before he comes back. You
remember how upset he was the last time."
"Indeed, I do." He turned ice-blue eyes back to Scully. "Young lady, you're
very beautiful. I'm surprised that he's allowed you to sit within a half mile
of him." He nodded toward Mulder.
"Ignore him and he'll go away." Mulder looked past the man and bolted from his
seat. Scully peered around the man who stood partially blocking her view and
saw Mulder, about eight feet away, palms flattened against an obviously
infuriated Alex's chest. He was talking to the younger man, trying to calm him.
Scully's eyes slid back up to the stranger, who was watching the proceedings
with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Are you happy?"
He turned to face the seated woman.
"Happy?" he answered evenly. "I'm always happy."
"I don't think you fully appreciate the seriousness of the situation you're
creating. That is not a man you really want to tick off."
He studied Scully for a moment. The angle of her head, the expression in her
eyes. He decided to take her at her word. He bowed deeply and without another
word, moved on. Scully watched him walk off, then turned her attention back to
the two men who were now moving toward her. Mulder held tightly onto Alex's
hand as he bent over the table. Alex scanned the room with angry glittering
eyes, paying no attention to what Mulder was saying to their female companion.
"Scully, will you be okay for about ten minutes? I gotta try and calm him
down."
"Sure! Absolutely, don't worry about me."
Mulder grabbed a passing waitress and ordered the drinks that Alex had left the
bar without. He smiled at Scully. "Be back in a few, okay?"
"Good luck."
"Alex..." Mulder tugged at his hand. "Come on...come with me." He led his still
fuming lover through the growing crowd and onto the dance floor. He pulled Alex
into his arms and began to move slowly. "Relax, baby." He massaged the base of
the younger man's neck. "Look at me."
Alex's eyes stopped darting around the room and came to rest on the tranquil
hazel in front of him.
"Forget about it. The guy's annoying but that's all he is. He can't touch us."
"Yeah, but..."
"But nothing. He's a manipulative jerk who thinks that money can buy him
everything he wants. You should feel sorry for him. He can surround himself
with all the good-looking young men he wants and he'll still be lonely. They
won't love him, they'll only love his money. I..." he brushed Alex's lips
with his own, "love you."
Alex studied him for a moment, then dropped his head into the curve of his
shoulder. Mulder rested his cheek against the dark head and closed his eyes as
they continued to sway in time to the music.
"Now," Mulder said softly, his hand sweeping up and down Alex's back, "can we
get back to business?"
"Business?"
"Yeah." His tongue teased his lover's ear. "Business."
Alex felt his cock leap back to life, straining against it's bindings. Fox felt
him too, hardening against his own erection. He slipped both hands inside
Alex's jacket, around his waist and down to his ass. He caressed the tight
muscle and moaned against Alex's cheek.
"That's better."
Alex's fingers curled into Mulder's shirt and he rubbed against him.
"Much better." One hand inched up and began to toy with the chain beneath
Alex's shirt. "You know how I'd moan and squirm every time you pulled on this?"
Soft yes.
"I think it's time you found out just what that felt like."
Alex's body convulsed as Mulder pulled up on the chain and released it.
"God, Fox..."
"You want to come, don't you?"
"Yes..."
"You need to..."
Another pull.
Alex's arms tightened around his tormentor's neck and a harsh groan fell from
his lips.
"But you can't..."
He shook his head.
A gentle hand caressed his back.
"My poor baby. It's torture, isn't it?"
Another nod.
"Good."
Alex lifted his head.
Shit, he was dizzy.
He tried to focus on Fox's eyes. "I'm really in for it, aren't I?"
"Oh yeah, you are."
"But...Scully..."
"Scully's presence isn't going to save you. She and I started to have a little
talk while you were at the bar. She understands. In fact, I think she was
enjoying the conversation...till our friend showed up. I think you're right,
Alex. I think she was watching us." He leaned in and ran the tip of his
tongue across Alex's lower lip. "I think she's watching us, now." He undid a
button on Alex's shirt and licked the exposed skin as they went on dancing.
Another button.
"Fox...mmph...Fox..."
"Hmm?"
"You're undressing me..."
"Don't overreact. It was only two buttons." He slipped a hand inside the shirt
and teased an already rigid nipple.
Alex sucked in a breath. "Fox," he whispered, "please."
"Please what, baby?" Mulder ground their hips together. "Please undo another
button? Please lick this nipple I'm playing with?"
Alex gasped.
"Please...take you into the men's room and let you suck me dry?"
The younger man shuddered against him.
"Would you?"
"Would I..."
"Let me take you into the men's room..." Both hands were now back at his ass,
pulling him into a rythmic grind. "..so you can get down on your knees, and
suck my cock."
"My God...Fox..."
"Would you?"
"It...it's a public restroom."
"There are stalls with locks. Would you?"
His legs were starting to shake. "You know I would."
"Do you want to?"
"Yes."
"Then, come with me."
Mulder led him slowly through the crowd and off the dance floor. But when he
should have turned left, he turned right and headed in the direction of their
booth.
"What...where are you going?"
Mulder turned to him and smiled and they walked. "I changed my mind."
Fortunately, by the time what he'd just done sank in, they were at the table.
Alex practically fell onto the seat, sprawling bonelessly. His head dropped
back against the cushion and he fought to control his respiration.
"You okay?"
Deep shudders ran through Alex's body. "No."
Scully stared at Alex for a moment, then looked to Mulder.
"What did you do to him?" she mouthed at him.
Mulder smirked at her and turned his attention back to Alex. "Scully thinks I'm
torturing you." He brushed the back of his hand up and down the younger man's
crotch.
Alex's body tightened. "He is," he ground out between clenched teeth.
"Mul-der! You're terrible! Look at him!"
"I am looking at him." His hand left Alex's crotch, traveling up to his face
to tilt it in his direction. "He's beautiful, isn't he?"
Alex opened his eyes, meeting Mulder's smoky gaze. Their mouths met in a
searing kiss, electrifying both men and the woman who watched them.
Mulder broke the kiss off abruptly and reached for his drink. "Wanna dance,
Scully?"
Alex groaned and rolled his head back to the right.
Scully shaded her eyes with one hand. "Mulder..."
"What? You don't want to dance?"
"What about Alex?" she asked under her breath.
"Oh..well..." he nudged the tormented man to his right. "Baby, you want to
dance with Scully?"
"That's not what I meant!"
"Oh. Sorry. What did you mean?"
"You're going to leave him here like this?"
"He's okay. You okay, Alex?"
No answer.
"See, he's okay. Come on."
He shooed Scully out of the booth and slid out behind her. Before they walked
out to the dance floor, he leaned over Alex and brushed lips.
"I love you..."
Alex's head lifted from the seat cushion and he stretched up in search of
something more. Mulder obliged, bringing his mouth down on the younger man's,
inflicting a punishing kiss on him and forcing his head back against the
cushion. Alex reached up, cupping the back of Mulder's neck, trying to hold him
there but when the older man had decided that enough was enough, he abruptly
broke off the assault and stood up.
"Be back in a few." He gave Alex a dazzling smile. "Behave yourself."
Alex moaned softly and fell over sideways onto the seat with a soft thud.
"Amazing," Scully shouted above the music as Mulder pulled her out onto the
dance floor.
"What is?"
"That you can torture him horribly and he practically begs for more."
"Told you, he likes it." He drew Scully into his arms and began to move slowly.
"Unbelievable...who was that guy?"
Mulder shrugged nonchalantly. "Just some rich jerk who hit on me in the men's
room, the last time we were here."
"How do you know he's rich?"
"He made it a point of letting us know. He was looking for a young playmate
who would look good on his arm at parties and whatnot."
"And he wanted you?"
"Actually, he wanted us both. He hit on Alex first, at the bar. When he didn't
get anywhere with him, he came after me in the men's room. I made the mistake
of telling Alex about it. He lost his mind but I managed to get him out of here
without any loss of life."
"And you think leaving him alone is a good idea, since you know that man is
here again, tonight?"
"He won't approach Alex again."
"And you don't think that Alex will go after him if he sees him across the room
or something?"
"I..." He opened and closed his mouth. "I don't think so..."
Scully raised her eyebrows. "But you're not sure."
"Well...no...but I can...I can see him from here."
"I don't see him, Mulder."
Mulder laughed and peered over Scully's head. "He's still laying down. I see
his foot hanging over the edge of the seat."
"Is it your intention to torture him like this all night long?"
A small twitch of his mouth was all the answer Scully got.
"I actually feel sorry for him."
"Just keep in mind that he put me through a similar hell a couple of nights ago
and this is my retribution."
"I'd never have pegged you for the sadistic type, Mulder."
"You'd never have pegged me for the type who'd fall in love with another man,
either."
"Very true."
They finished the dance and returned to the booth, where Alex was still
stretched out on the seat. Mulder ran a hand back and forth from his knee to
his hip.
"I'm baaaaack......"
Alex whimpered. "Scully, take him back for another dance."
Mulder grinned and patted his rear. "Forget it."
"Come on, Fox," Alex murmured so Scully wouldn't hear. "The throbbing is just
starting to subside."
"What? Oh, no no no. We can't have that. Sit up."
"Noooo...."
Mulder supported his weight, placing one hand on the table and the other on the
seat beside Alex's head and bent over him. "Yes," he moaned against the flushed
lips before covering them in a long, sensuous kiss. Using no contact other than
that of his mouth, he pulled up slowly, bringing Alex with him and shooting
whatever little progress the younger man had made, straight to hell. He broke
the kiss and motioned for Alex to stand, sitting on the edge of the seat, when
he did. He spread his thighs and pulled Alex between them. His eyes flicked
down to Alex's crotch, only a few inches in front of his face, then back up at
the glassy eyes that watched him intently.
Alex's body twitched and jerked involuntarily toward Mulder when his partner's
all-too tempting lips parted slightly and his tongue made a single upward
licking motion, then disappeared back into his mouth.
Unable to see what was happening from where she was sitting, Scully could only
guess at what new torture Mulder was inflicting on his lover.
Mulder gave Alex's ass a hard squeeze then slid over, allowing him to sit. With
the younger man now seated next to him, Mulder raised a hand to his face. His
fingers moved in small circles over Alex's cheek. Hazel eyes locked on purest
green, promising, seducing. Blinding Alex to all but what was right in front of
him.
"When we get back to the house," he began softly, "I want you to go straight
upstairs and wait for me. Don't undress. Lay down on the bed..." Alex closed
his eyes, and swallowed hard. "Don't touch yourself. Just lay there and
wait...and wonder."
"W..where will you be?"
Mulder smiled a thoroughly evil smile and removed his hand from Alex's face. He
picked his glass up and drained the remaining contents. "Think I'll have
another...you?" Alex shook his head absently. Mulder turned toward Scully who
had been watching them with an amused fascination. "Want another, Scully?"
"Yeah," she lifted her glass and took another sip. "This one is getting warm."
"Okay, be right back. Come on, Alex. You look like you could use a walk."
The two men moved off toward the bar, Mulder's arm slung low around Alex's
waist. They reached the bar and stood at the far end. Mulder pulled Alex back
against his chest, wrapping an arm across his shoulders. His mouth pressed
against the rapidly pounding pulse in the younger man's neck.
"Mmmm..." Alex's hips thrust back, pressing intimately against his lover's
crotch. Mulder pushed forward, rocking gently against his lover and whispered
into his ear.
"You know, Scully thinks I'm being terrible to you."
No answer.
"Turn around."
Alex did a slow spin and stopped when they were face to face. His fingers
closed around the material at the front of Mulder's sage green shirt and he
blinked up at him through a veil of dark lashes. Mulder leaned forward and
nuzzled that sensitive patch of skin, just beyond his chin.
"Do you?"
"Do I what?"
"Think I'm being terrible."
"Yes."
Mulder pulled away and met his eye.
"Don't stop."
Mulder grinned and slid his hands down to Alex's ass, pulling him tightly into
the cradle of his hips. "Feel that?" He pressed his raging hard-on against his
lover's, feeling it strain against the strapping.
His name tumbled from Alex's lips on a stuttering gasp.
A soft, moist mouth trailed the length of his throat. Stopped at the base.
Nipped gently before moving down to kiss the exposed skin of his chest. Alex's
eyes rolled up into his head, lids drooping over them as his lover's hand
teased the chain hidden beneath his clothing.
"Lisa...please..."
His body jerked in response to the firm tug.
"Again?"
"Yes."
Again. Harder.
Alex clasped his arms around Fox's neck and groaned into his shoulder. "Fox...I
need...I...I need to..."
"How bad do you need it?"
"I'll do any...anything. Anything, baby...please..."
Fox lifted Alex's head off of his shoulder. "You will do anything..." he
stroked the underside of the younger man's chin. "..and everything I tell you
to do. And I promise you...I'll make you scream."
"Now, okay? Please? Can't we just leave now?"
Mulder shook his head slowly.
"But..."
"No, sweetheart," Fox cooed. "We promised Scully a night out, remember? We
haven't been here all that long. It wouldn't be very fair to her, would it?"
"No..."
"She'll be gone tomorrow and we'll be alone again...we'll stay just a couple
more hours, okay?"
"Okay..."
"I'm going to make you feel so good, baby. You're going to come harder than you
ever thought you could."
Alex trembled at the thought. He lowered his head to Fox's shoulder, and clung
silently to him. The older man kept Alex pressed tightly to his body,
continuously petting the soft hair, while he waited to place the drink order.
Some minutes later, the two drinks were placed on the bar in front of him. The
bartender smiled at the two men as she accepted payment.
"Enjoy the rest of your evenin', gentlemen."
Mulder gave her a sincere smile as he released Alex to pick up the glasses. He
motioned with a flick of his head, in the direction of their table. Alex
followed closely, sliding into the booth right behind Mulder and molding
himself to the older man's side. He grasped the back of Mulder's shirt and
again rested his head against his shoulder.
"Here's your drink, Scully." Mulder slid the glass toward her.
"Thanks. You were at the bar an awful long time," she said suspiciously.
"Yeah. There was a ton of people up there. They must be short on waitresses."
He dipped two fingers into his drink, stirring slowly and turned his head
slightly in Alex's direction. "If you change your mind about the drink Alex,
you can have some of mine."
Alex watched him through lowered lashes. He heaved a long, unsteady sigh.
Mulder raised his fingers to his own lips, sucking the liquid away. The fingers
went back down to the drink. "Want some?"
By now, Alex's mouth was practically watering. Mulder felt the nod against his
shoulder. He lifted his fingers to Alex's mouth. His tongue inched out,
tentatively at first, lapping the heavy drops away, then bolder, licking at the
underside of the two fingers. Then finally, his mouth opened wider and took the
offering, desperately pulling and sucking. Mulder nuzzled the top of his head.
"Bet I know what you wish this was..."
Alex groaned and swirled his tongue around the fingers before drawing them
deeper into his mouth.
Fox watched, heavy-lidded, and smiled. "Show me, baby," he whispered. "Show me
what you'd do if this was my cock."
Alex obeyed the soft command, sliding up and down on Fox's two fingers, his
head bobbing slowly, in time to the music that flooded the club. He opened his
mouth a bit and his tongue danced around the tips, tickling and teasing.
Mulder drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I love it when you do that."
He pulled his fingers away and immersed them in the glass, then again held them
up. Alex took them, suckling voraciously. "Just like that," Mulder breathed
into Alex's hair. "I want it just like that, later." He turned his attention
back to Scully while still allowing Alex to feed on his fingers.
"So. What time is your plane leaving tomorrow?"
"Uh..." Scully forced herself to tear her eyes away from the man sucking on her
partner's fingers with such uninhibited lust. "Five thirty. I'm all packed
and..." her eyes flitted back to Alex, then away. "ready to go. You guys still
have about, what? Three weeks?"
"Yeah, about that."
"Bet it's going to be rough to go back."
Mulder gently pulled his fingers away from Alex's mouth, drawing a low moan
from the younger man. "Yeah. I'm going to hate leaving here." He replaced his
fingers with his mouth, kissing his lover deeply then withdrew. "This island is
where I found something that I was scared to death, I'd lost forever." His eyes
locked on Alex's and held them for several seconds before the younger man
curved an arm around his throat and snuggled against him.
An hour later, Scully made the suggestion that they call it a night. Alex could
have kissed her.
Mulder called for the car and when it arrived, all three got in, Scully in the
same seat she'd occupied earlier and the men in theirs. Mulder got in first,
sitting sideways, back against the body of the car. He stretched his right leg
out along the seat and motioned to Alex, who came to sit in the space between
his legs and leaned into his embrace. They rode back to the house that way,
Mulder and Scully chatting amiably and Alex quietly contemplating what his
lover had in store for him, his cock swelling almost painfully, in reaction to
the thoughts running through his head.
The car pulled up to the house, dropping it's passengers at the door. Scully
entered first, followed by Fox, then Alex.
"I could use some coffee, Scully. How about you?"
Both of his companions shot him a surprised look. Scully spoke up.
"Mulder, you never drink coffee after morning."
He shrugged. "I just feel like some coffee. Want some?"
"Yeah. Sure."
Alex closed his eyes and lowered his head. He opened his eyes, feeling Fox's
hand close around his. Raised them to his lover's face. Read the intention.
Allowed himself to be led to the foot of the stairs.
Fox raised Alex's hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss in the palm then
released. Alex looked from him to Scully, who was trying, unsuccessfully, to
look nonchalant.
"Goodnight Scully," he said barely above a whisper.
"Goodnight Alex," she called, much too brightly. "See you in the morning."
Alex glanced once more at Fox, then ascended the stairs. The older man watched
him until he was out of sight, then headed toward the kitchen. Scully followed
close on his heels.
"Mulder, I know what you said about Alex enjoying this as much as you, but
don't you think enough is enough?"
Mulder pulled out the items he needed to brew the coffee.
"Not yet."
"Did you see the look on his face when you sent him upstairs alone?"
"He knew he was going up alone. I told him that at the club."
"Maybe he was hoping that you'd change your mind from there to here."
"I think he knows better than that."
Scully rolled her eyes and reached for two mugs.
"Just one."
"Huh? But you said..."
"Scully," he gave her a devious grin. "You know I never drink coffee at
night..."
Thursday
Alex entered the bedroom and closed the door softly behind him. He moved to the
bed and lay down, actually grateful for the chance to relax his tightened
muscles.
Come on, Alex. Chill. If you don't, this'll be over in nothing flat. He'll
walk in, unstrap this fucking torture device that you bought, stroke your
cock once, and you'll be all done. You don't want it to happen like that.
You've been waiting hours for this. You want it to last...
He took long, deep breaths in through his nose and let them out of his mouth.
That's it...calm...cool...breathe deep....deep....long, deep strokes...in
and out of your ass...warm hand up and down on your cock....oh,
yeah.....oh....shit! No!
He gritted his teeth as the throbbing resumed.
Aw, fuck! You can't go five fucking minutes without thinking of that? Well
shit, how do you expect to when he's driven you as insane as he has
tonight?
He checked his watch and rolled onto his side. He drew his knees up and crossed
his arms over his chest.
Please, baby. Please, please, please...
2:28 a.m.
Alex heard the door open softly and his heart began to pound double-time. He
lay curled up on the bed, back to the door, trying to stop the tremors that
coursed through his body. The carpeting absorbed the sound of the footsteps but
he could feel Fox's presence drawing nearer. The bed dipped slightly and the
soft monotone drifted down to him.
"You're not asleep, are you?"
He answered without turning around. "No."
"What have you been doing?"
"Nothing."
Mulder ran a hand down his arm. "Nothing at all?"
"You told me not to do anything."
The hand left his arm and stroked his hair. "Good boy."
Alex felt him rise from the bed and while he was wondering where Fox was, he
heard the CD player go on.
"Alex."
The voice came from across the room.
"Yeah?"
"Get up."
Alex unfolded himself and stood on the other side of the bed. He stared at the
man who leaned against the wall, watching him.
"Strip for me."
Alex's hands went to his shirt and started to undo the buttons.
"No."
He looked up.
"Not like that."
He cocked his head, not entirely sure he understood. Fox displayed a lascivious
smirk.
"Strip for me."
Alex's knees almost gave out on him. Jesus fucking Christ, he wanted him to do
a striptease!
"Fox...come on..."
Mulder tilted his head, listening to the CD player. "Wrong kind of music?"
"No...it's just that...you don't really want me to, do you?"
"Yeah, I really do."
Eyes that at the moment, were as green as his own, held him entranced. Willed
him to obey.
Keeping the visual connection, Alex moved around the bed and stopped on the
other side, now about six feet away from his one-man audience. Becoming one
with the music, his body began to sway. He removed the jacket slowly,
slithering out of it and letting it fall to the floor. Next, he undid the cuffs
of his shirt, then moved to the buttons at the front. When he had four buttons
undone, he slipped his hands inside, stroking his own chest, teasing his
nipples as his hips rocked seductively. His back arched as he pinched one
nipple and his gasp reached Fox's ear.
The older man closed his eyes but only briefly. He didn't want to miss a second
of this.
The one hand continued to tease the painfully hard peak and the other ran
through his hair, down the back of his neck and back to the front of his shirt.
He finished with the buttons and turned his back to his lover. He shrugged out
of the shirt, rolling one shoulder, then the other, until that garment too,
fell to the floor.
Mulder watched, mesmerized, as the muscles of the younger man's back rippled
with every movement. The gold chain also became visible, reminding him, as if
he needed reminding, of what was beneath the pants.
Alex spun back to face him. His hand dropped to his pants, unbuckling the belt
and letting it hang free. His eyes closed and his hips made subtle grinding
motions as he undid the button and drew the zipper down.
Mulder forced himself to remain where he stood. He ached to go to Alex and rip
the remainder of his clothing off, but he refused to rush this. A muscle in his
cheek jumped as his lover slid the pants down and off. He slipped his hands
into his pockets and tightened them into fists as Alex stalked slowly toward
him and draped one arm over his shoulder. He continued to move in time to the
music, his body lightly brushing Fox's as he slowly descended to his knees and
looked up at his lover.
Eyes dilated to near-blackness, stared down at the kneeling man. Hands longed
to reach out and touch but remained clenched, deeply entrenched in pockets.
Interpreting his lover's silence as permission, he continued, rubbing his face
gently against the rigid bulge, still hidden by black material. He smiled,
feeling some small return of power with the jerking movements of the older
man's cock against his cheek. He rose slowly and began a seductive bump and
grind against the clothed body. His eyes drifted shut as he immersed himself in
his performance.
Enough was enough.
Scully's words.
They rose suddenly to Fox's mind and echoed.
Alex emitted a soft gasp of surprise as he was roughly jerked against his
lover's body. Feverish lips assaulted his throat while restless hand roamed the
length of his back.
"God, Fox." His hand went to the older man's shirt but before he could get one
button undone, Fox's hands left his back and clamped around his wrists.
"Fox...no..." Alex struggled half-heartedly. "Let me undress you."
Fox watched him silently.
"Come on..." He fought a little harder. "Fox, please."
No response. Quick...change of tactic.
"I need you, baby..." He writhed against Fox. "And I know you need me..." He
licked the underside of the stubbled jaw. "I can feel how hard you are. I know
you've been having fun torturing me, but you can't stand there and tell me that
you're not torturing yourself as well..."
Almost unreadable eyes studied him. Still, the other said nothing.
"Come on," he whispered against the pouting lips. "Baby..."
Enough was definitely enough.
In a display of strength that neither man thought he'd yet possessed, Mulder
suddenly bent and pushed his shoulder into Alex's mid-section, forcing him to
double over. He lifted and carried his lover on his shoulder to the bed and
unceremoniously dumped him onto the mattress. Shocked green eyes stared up at
him.
Fox practically ripped the clothes from his own body and fell onto Alex. The
younger man's arms immediately wound around his back.
"Get this thing off me," he pleaded.
Fox gave no indication that he'd heard. His mouth came down hard on Alex's,
pulling many a whimper from him before he withdrew.
"Fox," Alex panted. "Please..."
"Not yet."
So he had heard. And he'd...refused? No. Alex arched against his lover.
"Please."
"No."
Okay, so he had heard right.
"Fox, I'm dying..."
"Remember what I told you at the club?"
"What?"
"Remember when you were sucking on my fingers?"
Alex closed his eyes and drew a shaky breath.
"Sure, you remember. Suck me, Alex. And if you make it real good, I'll think
about unstrapping you."
He made Alex lay sideways and kneeled in front of his face. The younger man
needed no prompting. He immediately dove for the solid erection that bobbed in
front of him.
Fox's eyes rolled up into his head as Alex sucked his entire length down his
throat. That all-too familiar tightening in his stomach began almost instantly.
This was going to be quick. Much too quick. Fox tried to relax. Tried to forget
how incredibly wonderful it felt to have this man's lips around him. Tried to
breathe deeply and slow it down but Alex had been right, earlier. He'd tortured
not only his lover, but himself and now, he was more than ready.
No. Ohhh, no. Not like this.
He pulled out of Alex's mouth, eliciting a groan of protest from the abandoned
lips.
"Shhh." He moved Alex back under his body and pulled the tube of lubricant out
of the dresser drawer. Coating two fingers, he pulled his partner's legs back
and up and worked them both inside the tight opening.
Alex's back arched and his head pressed into the pillows. His cock was ready to
explode but the bindings held him in check. The thought that this is what it
must have been like for Fox all those months, crossed his mind just before his
lover's fingers fluttered across that magic spot, obliterating any and all
thoughts from his mind.
Fox smiled at the scream that tore from Alex's throat.
"Fox! Jesus...oh, shit!" Alex sobbed into Fox's shoulder. "Now...please, I
can't...I...can't..."
"It's okay, baby." Fox withdrew his fingers and positioned himself.
"Yeah...yeah..." Alex panted. "Do me, Fox."
Mulder paused to quickly lube his cock, taking care not to prolong contact with
his hand. Alex squirmed beneath him.
"Hurry...baby, hurry....ahhh!"
The head of his lover's cock stretched him, bringing brief discomfort then
unimaginable pleasure. He twisted and dug his fingers into taut muscle,
silently pleading with his Fox to complete their connection and crying out in
relief when he did.
Now buried inside of his lover, Fox stopped to compose himself. As he closed
his eyes and breathed deeply, Alex's voice reached his ears.
"Fox...Fox...please...take this thing off of me..."
Alex's hands went to the leather binding and began to work on the first buckle.
Mulder opened his eyes and caught Alex's hands before he could get it
completely undone.
"No, you don't," he rasped. I'll take it off."
"So, do it!"
"I'll do it when I'm ready to do it."
"You're ready now!"
Mulder pulled his cock out almost to the tip, then pushed quickly back in. Alex
gritted his teeth and choked back a groan.
"Last time I checked, this was still my party. I'll tell you when I'm
ready."
Sufficiently chastised, Alex abandoned his fleeting attempt at control. Mulder
felt his body go slack and smiled, stroking his chest.
"That's better."
He began to move slowly and steadily, grunting softly with each thrust. The man
beneath him whimpered frantically as the pressure became unbearable.
"Fox," Alex whined, "please, I'm begging you..."
Mulder thrust harder. "Begging won't...help you. Not tonight. Not..." The words
died in his throat as he felt the unstoppable approach of his climax. He began
to move faster and harder, slamming into his lover with all the strength he
could muster. Seconds later, his hoarse cries filled the room.
He slumped in an exhausted heap and lay motionless on top of his yet
unsatisfied lover. Alex's mind raced frantically as he felt Fox begin to relax.
No. Oh, hell no. He's not going to fall asleep on me. He
wouldn't...oh, God...oh, God..."
The world began to return in fuzzy blues and grays. Fox blinked sluggishly and
finally opened his eyes. He picked his head up and looked down into a pair of
dark, tormented eyes. He placed a tender kiss on Alex's mouth and carefully
stroked his hair.
"Your turn."
A breathless sob.
Slowly and oh so carefully, Fox began to remove the cock restraints, pausing a
countless number of times to allow Alex to calm down. Finally, it was off and
tossed to the floor.
"Thank you," Alex gasped. "Thank you..."
"Okay," Mulder crooned while finger-combing his hair. "Take it easy. Easy,
love."
He was almost hyperventilating. "I can't wait, Fox. I thought I could...I
thought...I..."
"Listen to me, Alex....Alex, come on." Alex tried to focus on his lover's
reassuring smile. "You've waited so long. You don't want it to be over in the
blink of an eye, do you?"
"No, but I can't wait anymore. I'm so close..."
"I know you are. But just try to relax. Take a few deep breaths. I want to make
you feel good, baby. If I touch you right now, it'll be over. Won't it?"
Alex nodded, whimpering softly.
"All right, then. Just relax and trust me."
He stroked Alex's face, massaged his shoulders. Whispered soothing, nonsensical
words in his ear. Minutes later, the younger man's respiration began to slow.
"There now," Fox nuzzled his jaw. "That's much better."
Alex gazed dreamily up at him. "Mmmmm...."
Fox cupped his face and moved in toward his mouth. "I love you, Alex..."
Alex's eyes slid shut as Fox's lips slanted across his. He opened his mouth,
willingly surrendering his moist heat to the man above him. His hands crawled
up to his lover's shoulders then wove through the golden brown hair,
luxuriating in it's silky softness. Fox twisted away from his lips and kissed a
leisurely trail over his chin and down his neck. Alex's pulse began to race
almost immediately.
"Easy baby," Mulder warned softly, against his throat. He moved lower, now
teasing the heated skin of Alex's chest, purposely avoiding the sensitive
nipples. For now. His tongue stroked through the light scattering of hair,
flattening against the flesh, trying to gather as much of the man's taste as he
could in one swipe. He murmured against the moistened skin. "Have I ever told
you how much I love the way you taste?"
"Tell me later."
He smiled faintly and returned to giving Alex his tongue bath. He finally moved
to one side, licking heavily at one of the erect nipples.
Alex arched into his mouth, crying out sharply. Fuck, that hurt and
it...felt...good and he wanted more. And more.
More came in the form of a tiny nip at the same nipple, sending a wave of pain
through his body. But goddamn it, by the time that wave reached his cock it had
somehow translated into shattering pleasure.
Fox released the reddened peak and worked his way down Alex's chest, pausing to
lavish equal attention on his stomach. He delighted in the way the muscles
rippled under his slightest touch and the way Alex's low moans vibrated through
his body. Jesus, anyone would kill for a lover as responsive as his...
His. Beautiful, smart, loving and sexy as all get out. All his.
Alex twisted and turned, trying to get closer. He could feel Fox's chin
hovering just above the head of his throbbing cock. And if his chin was that
close, his mouth couldn't be too far behind...
No more waiting.
The flat surface of Fox's tongue grazed the very tip of Alex's cock, sending
him into a thrashing fit. He grasped Alex's hips to hold to him still, while he
continued. His tongue swirled around the head and probed the small, weeping
opening at the tip. The deliciously bitter flavor teased his palate with the
promise of more. He felt his own cock rising for a second time, somewhat
altering his plans. He swallowed the shaft to it's base, lifting Alex's body
off the bed and pulling a long growl from his throat. One hard sucking pull and
he released his prisoner.
"No!"
Fox slid up Alex's chest and kissed him briefly. "Slight change of plan."
"Fox..."
"Hear me out, okay?"
Alex fell into an impatient silence.
"I want you to come in my mouth...and I want to come again in yours...at the
same time."
Alex managed a pained grin. "I'd love that."
One long kiss and Fox positioned Alex lower on the bed, on his side, then
turned himself in the opposite direction so that Alex's engorged shaft lay
temptingly in front of his face. He lay one hand on his lover's hip slipping
over and curving into the rounded flesh. Pulled him forward and enclosed the
solid heat in his mouth.
Alex felt the world begin to crumble. So much sensation at once, he didn't know
what to concentrate on. Fox's hand clenching in his ass, his mouth, damn,
those lips were made for this...enveloping his cock. His own mouth, surrounding
Fox's velvety, hard length, sucking lightly as Fox thrust in and out,
encouraging him to do the same...
Red. No, black. No...sort of a hazy red-blackness colored the void behind his
closed eyelids. The haze brightened to a blinding shade as Fox worked a finger
inside his ass. Up until that point, he'd been holding on to sanity by a
fingernail. No more. He formed a painful grip on Fox's ass, forcing the other
man to thrust harder and faster, as he did the same.
The initial surprise of Alex's action caught Fox off guard, choking him. He
quickly regained control, directing his lover's frantic movements, forcing them
into a more fluid, steady rhythm. He added a second finger to the first,
squeezing a strangled scream from Alex's lips.
What a way to go.
Alex thrust himself back and forth between Fox's mouth and his fingers. He'd
had himself convinced that when he came, the force of it would kill him. He
always thought a bullet or a bomb or some other violent, messy vehicle would
figure prominently in his demise. Never did he think that he'd be fucked to
death. And certainly not by this man. Goddamn, somebody up there really did
like him. He never even thought they knew his name...
Fox felt Alex's body tighten. Knew what it signaled. His own body gave him the
same message. Screamed it, actually. There was no choice but to heed it. His
pace quickened, prompting Alex to follow.
Satisfaction came an eyeblink later. Each man held tightly to the other,
refusing to let go until it was done. Their muffled cries filled the room then
faded as peace descended. Long minutes passed as they lay, fighting for every
breath.
Fox was the first to recover. A serene smile curved his lips as he nuzzled his
lover and began to gently lick him clean. A soft moan sounded from the head of
the bed and the favor was returned. For a long while they lay that way,
cleaning each other with the lazy thoroughness of a couple of housecats
lounging on a sunny windowsill.
Finally, Fox turned himself around and came up to meet the satisfied glow in
his lover's eyes. Alex kissed him, mingling their tastes.
"If you ever do that to me again, I'll..."
Exhausted grin. "You'll what?"
Alex moved closer and tucked his head under the heavily stubbled chin. Fox
could hear the smile in his tone. "Become your sex slave for life."
"Thought you already were."
"Yeah okay, but it's all I could come up with on such short notice."
Fox kissed the top of his head. "Did you enjoy tonight?"
"More than I can say...I know you did."
"Damn straight. I think Scully was even having a little fun."
"Jesus, how am I going to face her?"
"Why?"
"I was so...so...."
"Slutty?"
"Yeah...thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Heavy sigh.
"If it'll make you feel any better, she took your side in it. Said she felt
sorry for you."
Alex snorted. "Oh, that's nice. I just feel so much better now."
"You should. I remember her telling me once that she'd be civil to you for my
sake, but she'd never makes friends with you. The fact that she actually took
pity on you..."
"Okay, okay, I get the picture." Alex raised his head to look over Fox's chest.
"God, it's late."
"Or early. Depends on how you look at it."
"If we'd slept, I'd call it early. But since we haven't, it's late. Good
thing Scully doesn't leave till afternoon."
Fox kissed Alex's forehead while gently massaging his scalp. "Yeah, I know.
We'd better get some sleep."
Alex nodded and stretched up toward Fox's mouth. His lover met him halfway,
sharing with him a long, tender kiss before both drifted into sleep.
12:31 p.m.
"Thanks for breakfast, Marie. Sorry I got up so late."
"That's all right, darlin'. I haven't seen our boys around yet. They still
sleepin'?"
"I guess so."
"Late night?"
"Yeah."
Later for them.
Scully finished her juice and thought back to early this morning. The sounds
coming from just down the hall. They drove her insane. She could only imagine
what was going on behind that door. God, and the things she was imagining. The
urge to masturbate didn't often hit her, but it did this morning. How could it
not? She'd never really viewed her partner as a sexual entity before, but that
had all changed in the last few months and most especially in the last few
days. It was beyond amazing and one incredible turn-on. Not that she wanted
him, it was just that...ah, shit. They were just so erotic to watch and hear. A
person would have to be made of stone, not to be affected and contrary to
popular belief, she was not.
She fell asleep as satisfied as she could be under the circumstances, and awoke
at eleven this morning. Their door was still closed and she assumed that they
were still asleep after the workout they'd surely gotten.
So now, here she sat, breakfast finished and still no Mulder or Alex. They'd
have to wake up soon...
1:02 p.m.
Scully listened at the door belonging to the last room on the right. Not a
sound came from inside. Maybe they weren't in there, at all. Maybe they'd risen
earlier than she did and went out for a walk until she awoke. They could've
gone out without Marie knowing it...
She knocked softly at the door and called Mulder's name. No answer.
Check outside.
Yeah, but I might as well check here first, right? I mean I'm standing here.
She turned the knob carefully and inched the door open.
The bright afternoon sun flooded the room and fell across the rumpled bed,
bathing the occupants in white light.
Scully froze, gaping at the beauty of the two who still slept peacefully,
curled around each other. The tanned skin of their completely naked bodies was
a stunning contrast to the pale ivory of the sheets. Mulder lay on his back,
propped against a stack of pillows, arms wrapped around Alex, one long leg
draped over his hip. Alex's head rested on his lover's chest, arm tucked around
his waist, lower body half covering the other's. She flinched, ready for flight
as Mulder stirred. He sighed softly and tightened an arm around Alex, who never
moved an inch. She relaxed as Mulder went still again. She watched, unable to
help herself from wondering if they'd awakened since that early hour of the
morning when their passionate cries finally went silent. Wondered if they'd
made love again. Or if they'd been soundly asleep, since.
She smiled, taking one last long look before closing the door.
They had one more hour, then she was coming in to get them...
1:23 p.m.
Dark lashes lifted and fell. His mind, still sluggish, pieced together fuzzy
fragments of the night before. His lips flushed from sleep, curved into a
half-smile and turned against the warm chest beneath his cheek.
"Fox."
No movement.
"Lisa..."
"Hmm?"
"Time to get up."
Fox reinforced his grip on the man in his arms and mumbled almost incoherently,
"Don't want to get up..."
"I know, but it's almost one-thirty. Don't you want to spend a little time with
Scully before we take her to the airport?"
"All right, all right."
Alex kissed the underside of his chin and attempted to free himself from his
lover's embrace. "Fox...you're not cooperating."
Fox's eyes opened and smiled up at Alex. "Don't wanna let you go."
"That's very sweet, but it's the only way that we're gonna get showered and
dressed."
He sighed and reluctantly loosened his grasp. Alex ducked out from under the
circle of his arms and drew himself up into a sitting position. "I'm going to
go get in the shower. Don't you go back to sleep."
"You want to make sure I don't go back to sleep?"
Alex lifted one dark eyebrow waiting for him to finish.
"We could shower together."
"Bad idea."
Fox gave him an exaggerated hurt look. "Why?"
"You know why."
The older man cut his eyes away. "Fine."
"Fox..."
"Go on, take your shower. I'll just wait right here...alone...and lonely..."
"Jesus, Fox..."
"Don't worry about me. You go on." He slung one arm over his head and brushed
the fingertips of his other hand across his chest. "I'll entertain myself
somehow..."
"Fox...stop it..."
His fingers moved to a nipple and his eyes fluttered closed. "Stop what?"
"That."
He tugged gently on the nipple and arched his back. "This?" His hand drifted
down to his harderning cock, skimming his palm over it's surface. "Or this?"
The corner of Alex's mouth twitched as he watched his lover. "You're killin'
me."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Fox sat up and nuzzled Alex's throat. "I don't want to kill you, baby." His
tongue inched out, tracing a moist line to up the younger man's chin. I just
want to shower with you. I'll wash your back..."
"Really." Alex brushed a knuckle across his lips. "What else will you do for
me?"
Fox licked his finger. "What do you want me to do for you?"
Alex grabbed his wrist and hauled him off the bed and toward the bathroom. "Oh,
lisa...so many things..."
2:10 p.m.
"Well, no kidding." Scully smirked at the two who'd just appeared on the
veranda. "I was beginning to think that I'd just have to leave a note."
"Sorry," was Mulder's only offering as he dropped into a chair at the table.
Alex took up the slack.
"Guess we kinda overslept, huh?"
In a burst of boldness, Scully folded her arms across her chest and slouched in
her seat, grinning slyly. "Well, if you'd gone right to sleep, you wouldn't
have."
Alex glared out of the corner of his eye at Mulder, who sat smirking down at
his folded hands. Scully rolled her eyes.
"You two gonna have some breakfast? God knows you must be starving..."
The three sat together while Alex and Mulder wolfed down everything Marie set
in front of them. Scully sipped at a third cup of coffee, watching them.
Watched the croissant drop from Alex's hand when she said, "I had a really good
time last night. You two are certainly entertaining." She took it a step
further. "Alex, I didn't think you had a submissive bone in your body."
Alex tried to sound casual as Mulder snickered into his orange juice.
"Uh...yeah...well..." he nodded in the other man's direction and spoke
confidentially to Scully, "it was for him... makes him feel good."
Mulder set his glass down. "What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Uh huh."
Alex attempted to change the subject. "So, have you got someone picking you up
in Washington?"
"Yeah. My mom."
"Be sure to tell her I said hi and happy holidays," Mulder instructed.
"I will. She was so happy to hear that you were much better. She worries about
you."
Mulder's lips twisted into a wry smile. "More than my own mother...uh,
Scully? Does she..."
"I didn't say a word to her. I'd never betray your confidence, Mulder."
Mulder looked over at Alex who was staring down into his juice. "It's okay,
Scully. You can tell her."
Alex's head snapped up.
"Fox, what are you..."
"There's no need to keep it from Mrs. Scully. She's always been very good to
me. I think..." he looked to Scully, "I think she'd understand."
Scully gave him a tiny smile. "I think she would."
Mulder turned back to a doubtful Alex. He grazed the length of the younger
man's arm. "There are certain people who for obvious reasons can't know but...I
don't want to keep you a secret, Alex. No more than necessary."
Alex covered Fox's hand with his own. "That's admirable lisa, but..."
"It'll be okay." He flashed his lover a wide grin. "Don't worry."
Alex couldn't help but return the smile. "If you say so."
"I do."
He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on Alex's mouth. That kiss led to another.
And yet another. Scully cleared her throat to get their attention.
"Uh," She checked her watch. "There's still a couple of hours before we have to
leave. You boys wanna take advantage of it?"
Mulder's mouth reluctantly left his lover's. "No..."
"You sure? I can go for a long walk on the beach or something."
"All right Scully, all right," Mulder chuckled. "We get the picture. How 'bout
we go for that walk together?" He turned his eyes back to Alex, letting the
question hang in the air.
"Sure," Alex agreed. "I'm up for it."
Mulder gave him that miniscule Mulder-smirk and raised one eyebrow. Alex
pointed at him and warned softly. "Don't say it."
5:15 p.m.
"Well guys, it's been fun. And an education." Scully wrapped her arms around
Mulder's neck. "See you in a few weeks."
"Safe trip, Scully. Call when you get in."
"I will." She backed away from her partner and moved to Alex. "Thank you. It
was great to get away for a few days. I really enjoyed myself."
"I'm glad. Have a good flight." He held his arms out to her and she leaned into
them, patting his back.
She stretched up on her toes and whispered into his ear. "I can't ever thank
you enough for that sparkle in his eyes."
Alex treated her to a full, beautiful smile. "Your friendship and acceptance
are all the thanks I want."
"You got it."
Mulder moved toward Alex and slipped an arm around his waist as they watched
Scully board the plane. They stood together in silence until the plane was in
the air, then turned toward the waiting limo.
"So," Alex began as he slid into the seat beside Fox. "What do you want for
dinner?"
"Don't know. Hadn't thought about it." He reached out and wove his fingers
through Alex's hair, drawing him close. "But whatever it is, let's have it in
our room."
Alex displayed a wide grin. "Why?"
Fox kissed him and murmured against his lips. "Can't eat naked in the dining
room..."
Monday
The second rainfall in nearly six weeks. Plans for an outdoor dinner ruined but
the two quickly adapted and overcame.
Again insisting that Marie take New Years Eve and Day off, they prepared dinner
on their own. Alex lit the last candle just as Fox brought out the platter of
vegetables. He set the platter down and perused the table.
"Not too shabby."
Alex blew out the match and smiled at him. So beautiful with that yellowish
glow and thin wisps of smoke swirling around him. Fox's heart stopped and
started.
"Is that the last of it?"
"Yeah."
They sat close together and shared a quiet dinner, mindful of the importance of
the night. Each wrapped up in his own memories of the year soon to pass and
thoughts of the one to come.
When dinner ended, they adjourned to their bedroom, taking a bottle of
champaign and two glasses with them.
"Stopped raining," Fox called as he opened the double doors and looked out at
the black sky.
"Figures," Alex said absently as he turned the CD player on.
"Still overcast, though."
"Oh well."
Fox turned quickly, the voice right behind his right ear, startling him. Alex
ran his knuckles down his lover's cheek. "A beautiful night would have been
nice but it makes no diffence, really. All I can see is you."
Fox spoke softly, never taking his eyes off Alex's. "You sure know how to get
to me."
"I'm not trying to get to you. I'm just telling you what I feel."
Fox froze, barely breathing, lost in the heat of Alex's stare. His intoxicating
smell.
Alex spoke again. Directly. In a tone that could never be mistaken or
misinterpreted.
"I love you, Fox."
He'd heard Alex say it a hundred times. Two hundred. And it was always a
wonderful feeling. But this time was...a surge shot through him, hot and hard
and electrifying as the most intimate touch. If Alex had wanted him right now,
right on this spot, he'd strip without a second thought and drop to the floor.
Alex had other plans. He pulled his Fox tightly against his body, clueing him
in to the advanced stage of his arousal and learning that his lover was in the
exact same position. They moved slowly, letting the music carry them into an
easy rhythm. They danced endlessly it seemed, totally immersed in the feel of
their bodies moving together in perfect unison. Alex's hand swept firmly,
slowly, up and down his lover's silk-covered back. He rubbed his
lightly-stubbled cheek against the one pressed to it, coaxing a shaky sigh past
the lips that many would kill or die to possess but belonged to him alone.
"What time is it?" Alex asked, breaking the wordless silence.
Fox shook off the lethargy that had settled into his body and lifted his arm.
"Eleven forty-eight."
Alex stopped their rocking motion and led him to the bed. Fox sat at his quiet
urging and Alex moved to the table and plucked the bottle out of the bucket of
ice and picked up the glasses. He handed the flutes to his lover and popped the
bottle open. "Tell me what you wish for this coming year, lisa." He poured the
champaign and set the bottle down. Fox handed him his glass and he stood in
front of the seated man, leaning against the bed post.
"What I wish for?"
"Yeah."
"I think I've already got everything I could ever wish for."
"There's got to be something."
Fox stared at the carpet between them for a second, then raised his head. "I
don't know, I guess for starters, I'd wish for an end to what would seem to be
a futile search for the truth about what happened to my sister..."
"No matter what that end would be?"
"Yeah. I just want to know," he said without much of the emotion Alex expected.
"Fox...I don't know about your sister...I mean, that's not included in the
information I have, but...but maybe if I tell you what I do know...maybe
somehow it'll help lead to her."
Fox shook his head. "You can't do that."
"But it could help you. What if she really is alive and she's out there
somewhere? Think what it would mean to your mother if you were to bring her
home. Maybe you could piece your family back together..."
Fox stared up at him for long seconds before answering. "Listen to me, Alex.
Nothing, do you hear me, nothing is worth you risking your life. My mother
will always be my mother and because she is my mother, I'll always love her.
But family is in here." He thumped a hand over his heart. You're my family.
You and Scully. I can't lose you. I won't."
Alex reached down and ran a hand through Fox's hair. His voice came out in a
soft croak. "What else do you wish for?"
Fox grinned up at him. "A dog."
"What?"
"A dog. I never had one. My mother was allergic to pet hair. And now, I live
in an apartment that doesn't allow animals. Did you ever have a dog?"
"One. When I was pretty young. It was a small, shaggy mutt that followed my
father home one day and he just kinda stayed. After a few weeks, my father said
I could name him." Alex lowered his head and laughed softly.
"So?" Fox prodded. "What did you name him?"
Alex looked up, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "Rat."
Fox doubled over with laughter. "Are you kidding me?"
Alex held up his free hand. "Swear to God."
Trying to shake off a few residual giggles, Fox raised his arm to check the
time. "Hey, it's eleven fifty-nine."
Alex looked at his own watch. "And forty-eight seconds."
They began the countdown at ten and at exactly midnight, touched glasses.
"Happy New Year, Alex."
"Happy New Year, lisa."
Each man took an obligatory sip then Alex quickly discarded the glasses. He
leaned over Fox who still sat on the bed and rubbed the tips of their noses
together before covering his mouth in a tender kiss. "Let's kick this new year
off right," he murmured against the older man's lips.
"And how would we do that?"
Alex drew back just far enough to focus on the amber flecked eyes. "I want to
make love to my beautiful Fox."
Golden-brown lashes drooped heavily at the whispered words. Fox pushed back and
up against the pillows as Alex crawled over him, straddling the length of his
body on hands and knees.
Open mouth met open mouth, tongues stroking, sharing the faint flavor of
champaign. Hands impatient but gentle, tugged at clothing, efficiently
discarding every item.
Alex lowered himself, resting the full length of his body along that of his
lover. He caught Fox's sigh in his mouth as his hands roamed freely over the
heated skin.
"You're so warm, lisa."
Fox's closed eyes flew open as he felt Alex's weight lift from him.
"What are you doing?"
He watched the younger man move gracefully toward the bottle of champaign. Alex
lifted it from the table and carried it back to the bed. He stretched out
alongside Fox and tipped the bottle carefully.
"Alex, what are you..."
Fox's body jumped and he released a low growl as a small amount of icy liquid
dribbled out over his chest.
"Just trying to cool you off, love." Alex's head dipped and he began lapping at
the champaign before it could roll off.
Fox's head tipped back into the pillows, exposing the elegant line of his
throat. It was too much to resist. Alex finished licking up the last of the
champaign, then moved to cover the throbbing pulse, thinly camouflaged by the
layer of sensitive skin.
Fox sucked in a sharp breath. Cold transferred from his chest to his neck.
Delivered there by Alex's talented mouth. His hands began to travel, wandering
the expanse of the younger man's back, squeezing and stroking in all the right
places. His hips arched upward, pressing harder into the erection that rested
so intimately against his own.
Alex winced as he bore down on his lover. "That what you want?"
Fox's mouth dropped open on a loud gasp.
Never one to waste an opportunity, Alex closed in, plunging his tongue into the
welcoming heat, stroking over smooth teeth and and soft walls. Fox moaned into
his lover's mouth and returned the soft caresses with his own tongue.
Alex pulled away and again reached for the bottle. Eyes glued to Fox's, he
raised the bottle to his lips, taking a small drink. He bent over his reclining
lover and brought their mouths together. Fox sucked the champaign from Alex's
mouth, the chilled liquid soothing his parched throat. Alex drew back, allowing
the other man to lick the remnants of the liquid from his lips.
"More," Fox demanded impatiently.
Alex shot him a grin. Devious. Arrogant. So typically Alex. He draped a leg
across Fox's thighs and pressed his cock against the slim hip. "I thought you
wanted this.
"I want both."
"Oh," he whispered, bringing the bottle to his mouth.
Fox stretched up, anxiously anticipating his lover's mouth. The moment it came
down on his, he began to drink, moaning softly with every swallow.
Alex thrust slowly against Fox's thigh as the older man drank from him.
"I may never use another glass," Fox gasped after swallowing the last drop.
Alex smiled but said nothing. He set the bottle down on the nightstand and
returned for another kiss. Fox threaded his fingers through the dark hair,
holding Alex's head where it was. He pressed his thigh against his lover's
rigid cock and murmured against his lips, "Now, this."
Alex released a long sigh into Fox's mouth. "How do you want it?"
Fox licked his partner's lips. "First in my mouth." He pulled back and looked
into a turbulent ocean of green. "Then deep in my ass."
A fresh surge of desire shot through Alex, hardening him to impossible levels
of discomfort. He propped a few pillows against the headboard of the bed, then
directed Fox to them. He kneeled before the partially reclining man, straddling
his torso. He stroked the golden-brown hair away from his lover's face,
watching the glazed hazel eyes follow the intermittent jerk of his cock.
"Take it."
No more needed to be said. Fox slipped his mouth over the flared head, flicking
his tongue over the tip. Alex's hands clenched in his hair but made no attempt
to force more into his mouth. He kept a tight rein on his control, letting Fox
lead.
He looked down through the dark veil of his lashes at his Fox, so gorgeous,
eyes closed, drenched in ecstasy as he teased and tormented his lover's aching
cock. The sight of it nearly drove him out of his mind. He closed his eyes and
tipped his head back, trying to rid his mind of the image. An impossibility,
when he could still feel the wet warmth of Fox's mouth around him.
Suddenly, the movement ceased and he looked down just as the other was looking
up. It was almost frightening that they could read and understand each other
with nothing more than a touch or a glance. Alex gripped the headboard with one
hand, placing the other one at the back of the golden-brown head and began to
pump slowly, in and out of Fox's mouth.
Fox sucked him gently, making it that much more difficult for Alex to stop when
he knew he should. He tightened his grip on the headboard and thrust faster. A
fine sheen of sweat appeared on his face and chest as he moved and a low rumble
broke from his lips. Fox grasped his hips to stop him, eliciting a groan of
protest, then gently pushed him away. Never breaking eye contact, the older man
slid down until he was lying flat. He opened himself to Alex, issuing a silent
invitation.
Alex slid over him, licking and biting at his nipples, before claiming his
mouth for a deep, wet kiss. Fox pulled away, rattled and out of breath.
"Now, Alex."
Alex positioned his lover beneath him and began to work one finger into his
ass. Fox twisted and bucked away from his hand.
"No. I want your cock. Give it to me." His eyes blazed a bright green. "Give it
to me, Alex."
Alex struggled to control his breathing as he grasped his cock by the base and
pushed the head slowly inside, past the clenching ring of muscle. Fox arched
his back and pushed down, trying to impale himself further. Alex gave him what
he wanted, quickly establishing a smooth rhythm.
"Ohhhhh, yeahhhhh. Oh God, Alex...Jesus, you're incredible." He reached up and
pulled at both of his partner's hardened nipples, sending a deep shudder
rippling through his body.
Alex moaned through gritted teeth and wrapped a hand around his lover's cock.
Fox jerked up into the closed fist, whimpering hysterically.
"Harder. Please, baby. Harder..."
Alex obeyed the sobbing command and doubled the strength of his thrusts,
pushing Fox into the pillows again and again. His hand worked faster, keeping
time with his hips, bringing them both closer and closer to that
mind-shattering rapture that they never failed to achieve.
Fox's eyes squeezed shut and a loud, choking cry escaped his lips. Alex was
right behind him. He threw his head back and let out a long, harsh growl.
Unable to hold himself up any longer, he collapsed on top of his exhausted
lover and moaned softly as he slipped out of of him.
They lay together, too weak to move, for neither knew how long. Finally, Alex
lifted his head and kissed Fox's chin. "You alive?"
"Mmmm."
He started to lift himself from the warm cushion of his lover's body but Fox's
arms encircled him and pulled him back down.
"Don't. Stay here."
"I'm too heavy, lisa."
"No you're not. I love the feel of you on top of me." He held Alex's head to
his chest, petting the soft, damp hair. "Close your eyes."
"I'll fall asleep if I do that," he protested even as his eyes wafted shut.
"I know...Alex?"
"Hmm?"
"You didn't tell me what you wish for this year." He could feel the smile
against his skin.
"Stamina."
"Funny. Come on, really. What do you wish for."
"Same thing I'll wish for every New Year...hell, every day for the rest of my
life."
"What?"
"To wake up every morning and go to sleep every night, next to you."
Fox hugged him close. No need to elaborate, that said it all.
He closed his eyes and followed Alex into sleep.
Wednesday
They walked slowly, in silence, to the river they'd frequented during the last
two months. As much as they loved the beach for walking and that intoxicating
feeling of freedom, this place was their favorite. With it's lush overgrown
greenery and small waterfall, it was their own little slice of heaven. Paradise
within a paradise.
Alex spoke first.
"We uh...we gotta keep track of the time."
"I know," Fox said softly.
"Two months felt like two days, didn't it?"
"Yeah."
"God, I'm going to miss this place. Not just because it's beautiful and
peaceful. I'll miss it because here, you were all mine." Fox turned to face
him. "I didn't have to share you with anyone. I didn't have to hide how I feel
about you. Is that selfish?"
"I don't know if it is. But I do know that I feel the same. The thought of
going back to work...to the shit, isn't nearly as appealing as I thought it
would be after eight weeks off."
Alex released a heavy sigh. "How about it? One last swim?"
"I didn't think we'd be swimming. I didn't wear my..."
Alex smirked at him. "And your point would be what?"
Fox peeled off his shirt and reached for the button of his pants. "I had a
point?"
10:45 a.m.
Alex looked at his watch. "We should probably think about getting back, soon."
Fox stroked through the water toward Alex, stopping when their bodies touched.
He wrapped his arms around his lover's neck and planted a thorough kiss on his
lips.
"In a while, okay? There's one more thing I want to do."
"What's that?"
Fox lowered his head, almost timidly. "I've wanted to do it since the first
time we came here..."
"What is it?"
"You won't laugh at me?"
"Fox, would you just tell me?"
He spit the words out before he changed his mind.
"I want to make love under the waterfall."
Alex stared silently.
"I know, corny, right? Nevermind..."
Alex slid a curled finger under his chin and lifted. "Not corny." He moved
backward in the water, pulling Fox along with him, until he felt the water
begin to beat against his back. He stopped, caressing his lover's wet face.
"It's your fantasy, baby. How do you want me?"
Fox hesitated for a moment, searching Alex's eyes, then he backed him against
the rocks. The water pounded them both as he found his lover's waiting mouth.
The roar of the falls drowned out the moans as he lowered his head to the
younger man's chest, licking and sucking at the nipples already made hard by
the cool, splashing water. His hand dropped between them and grasped the solid
erection, still hot through the surface chill. He used long, firm strokes,
bringing his lover along quickly. When Alex began to pant and writhe, he
removed his hand and, grasping the younger man by the shoulders, spun him
around and pressed him into the rocks.
Alex clung as tightly as he could to the unyielding surface of the stone, as
Fox's hands wandered over his skin, tracing lines of muscle and bone, dancing
through the curves and hollows. He groaned ineffectually as his lover's mouth
took the place of the pounding water against the sensitive back of his neck.
Winced at the hot sting of teeth...melted into the loving caress of a soft
tongue.
Fox moved lower, licking and nipping down Alex's back, sinking slowly toward
the smooth, hard muscles of his ass. His teeth clenched delicately in the right
cheek, feeling more than hearing the low moan. He coaxed Alex's legs apart, at
the same time spreading his ass with his hands.
Alex jerked against the rocks at the first feel of his lover's tongue moving
gently up the crevice between his cheeks. His loud cry cut through the roar of
the falling water as he felt the soft probe at the opening. The second thrust
gained access and Alex's body trembled violently in response.
Fox reached around and gently closed his fingers on Alex's cock while he
continued to tongue his ass. The younger man's desperate cry rose above the
sound of the water, the word "please," bouncing off the rocks and disappearing
into the surrounding bushes and trees. Fox unwrapped his fingers, withdrew his
tongue and licked his way back up to Alex's neck.
"Please..."
Whispered...or spoken clearly. No matter, it could not be heard. But Fox read
it plainly on his trembling lips.
"Okay baby," he mouthed into Alex's neck and guided his cock to the place his
lover begged for it to be.
Alex's head dropped forward. His lips stretched into a grimace, baring gritted
teeth, as his lover's cock penetrated the small opening. He pushed back,
wanting it all. Wanted it hard...deep. And he wanted it, right now.
Fox gave it to him. He curved one hand on Alex's hip and the other around his
cock and began a driving rhythm that dragged a ragged scream from his lover's
throat.
Harder.
Alex bounced between Fox's hand and hips.
Faster.
Fox buried his head into his lover's back as the first wave hit.
The sudden, piercing screams startled a small group of birds into flight. The
two men thrashed wildly against each other until every ounce of strength was
gone. Both fell forward onto the rocks, panting heavily, struggling against the
pounding water, to remain standing.
Slowly, they made it to the shore and collapsed in a wet, satisfied heap, next
to their clothing.
"My God," Alex whispered breathlessly. "Are you ever going to stop surprising
me?"
Fox's answer came in the form of an exhausted smile. He wearily raised a hand
to Alex's face and stroked his cheek.
Alex's eyes widened and he grabbed the other man's wrist. "Fox...your hand."
"Yeah, it's my hand..."
"It's bleeding."
"Huh?" He inspected the hand and found that indeed, it was bleeding. "Guess I
scraped it against the rocks while I was jerking you off," he said matter of
factly.
"Looks like more than a scrape. Looks like the skin came right off."
"It'll be fine. It was well worth a little skin, to hear you scream like that."
Alex smiled and kissed the wound. His eyes lifted to his lover's, then back
down to his hand. His tongue inched out and began to lap daintily at the blood.
Fox watched him, competely entranced.
Alex's mouth covered the area and gently sucked away the remaining blood. He
looked up and gave Fox a sweet smile.
"It's time to go."
"I don't want to."
"I know, lisa. God, I know. But it really is time." He kissed the hand again.
"Besides, we gotta go get this cleaned up. Come on."
They dressed and, taking one more look around, walked back up to the house.
3:23 p.m.
Alex stared out the window, as the plane carried them away from their island
paradise, his expression so pensive, that Fox hesitated to speak to him.
Finally, he'd had enough of the silence.
"Alex?"
No response. He touched the other man's arm lightly.
"Alex."
Alex snapped out of his trance with a start. "Huh? What?"
Fox leaned in, resting his chin on his lover's shoulder. "Talk to me."
Alex gave him a half smile and kissed his forehead. "I'm sorry. Guess I was
kinda deep in thought."
"Can you tell me what you were thinking about?"
"Just....stuff. You know..."
"Like?"
Another kiss. "Like how much I love you. How sorry I am that we're leaving..."
His expression grew distant. "How sorry I am about what brought us here in the
first place."
"Alex..."
"You asked."
"Yeah, I did."
"I'm not going to get morose about it, don't worry...I was just reviewing."
Fox shifted the balance from his chin to his cheek. "What else?"
"Change."
"What about it?"
"How much it's going to affect us...mostly you. My life has changed for the
better and I was wondering if you could say the same."
Fox lifted his head quickly and stared at him. "Alex, I can't believe you just
said that..."
Alex cupped his cheek. "I just...I just meant it...in the sense that, you've
added a full time relationship to your already very busy life. I don't want to
distract you from what you need to do."
"Alex, lots and lots of people balance careers and full time relationships. I
see no reason why I can't."
"Yeah. People like accountants, doctors, bank managers....not people like you.
You don't have a career, you have a mission. Twenty four hours a day, seven
days a week...the phone rings and you're gone. Off halfway across the world on
an hour's notice. Can you be sure that having me around won't hamper that?"
"I'm still going to do what I need to do, Alex." He stroked the younger man's
arm. "But now, when I drag home in the middle of the night after a horrific
nine hour flight, it won't be to a cold, lonely apartment. You'll be
there...unless you get tired of me being gone so much and decide you can't deal
with it."
Alex shook his head. "Never worry about me leaving, Fox."
"You won't get bored?"
"I've done and seen so much shit in the last few years...awful, ugly...believe
me, bored would be blessed relief. But I hardly think I'd have time to be
bored. As long as you're in the field, you'll be in danger. And while you're
protected under the deal I made with our friends, there'll always be new
threats. And with the chances that you take, watching that beautiful backside
of yours is a full time job in itself."
"No, it's not."
"I bet Scully would disagree with you."
Fox smirked at him. "Oh, I didn't mean that it wasn't tough keeping up with me.
I meant no, my backside isn't beautiful."
Soft laughter. "You haven't seen it from all the angles that I have, my
love."
"Very true. And listen, I'll make a promise to you. I won't take dangerous
chances any more."
"Really? And why should now be different than before?"
"I had no reason to care before, whether I lived or died. Now I do."
"Thank you, lisa."
Brief flash of white teeth. "So...what else?"
"We never talked about living arrangements. You know, like...you're much more
settled in your apartment than I was in mine, so..."
Fox nodded.
Alex continued. "But...and speak up if you don't agree, but...it's so dark and
small and..."
"You want to find a bigger place?"
"What do you think?"
Fox smiled. "Someplace airy and sunny...a house maybe, rather than an
apartment?"
Alex brightened. "I was thinking that, but I didn't know if you'd go for it."
"I'd love to live in a house. Something that was mine." He lifted his head from
Alex's shoulder. "Ours."
Excitement prickled the back of Alex's neck. "I want a yard. A big one. With
lots of trees for privacy...and a gourmet kitchen...you know...for all those
meals you say you're going to learn to make..."
Fox laughed. "I'm gonna, I'm gonna. I'll show you and Scully. We'll have a
big dinner, invite her and the Gunmen over and I'll cook it all myself..."
Alex's smile faded. His gazed dropped to his lap. Fox's smile disappeared as
well.
"Hey. What is it?"
"Listen to us."
"I am listening. It sounds great."
"It does. But is it reality?"
"Why not?"
"I don't... I don't know, it's..." he struggled for the words, "..we're going
back. Back to real life. The fantasy is over."
Fox stared at him for a moment. "So are you saying that you think we can't be
the same people we were for the last two months, once we get home?"
"How can we be? Back there, we were carefree. We could relax and enjoy each
other. We had nothing to worry about. Nothing to do but exactly what we wanted
to do. We opened ourselves to each other completely. We learned to trust and
love without reservation. We found each other. That place was magic for us."
"The magic was us, Alex. It is us. We didn't leave any of it behind. We
packed it up and we're taking it home with us. Being there simply gave us the
time and privacy to do those things. But it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't
in us to begin with." He grasped Alex's hands and squeezed them together in
his. "We'll go home. I'll go back to work..." he grinned, "you and Scully will
keep me out of trouble, we'll find the perfect house, pack up, fight about how
much of my stuff is moving with us and how much is going into the trash, move
in, and grow old and gray together."
Alex's eyes glowed with renewed hope. "You make it sound so easy. Like it just
might be possible."
"It's more than possible." He melted Alex with his smile. It's reality. And
it'll all happen just the way I said."
"And what makes you so sure?"
Fox's eyes sparkled a brilliant amber. "It's my world, remember?"
END
Admission
by Aries
Paradise Found
There was a time
When I was everything
And nothing all in one
I was feeling like a cloud across the sun
How you light up every second of the day
That in the moonlight
You just shine like a beacon on the bay
But it's something about the way you look tonight
Takes my breath away
It's that feeling I get about you deep inside
And I can't describe
That it's something about the way you look tonight
It takes my breath away
The way you look tonight
—The Way You Look Tonight, Elton John
3:38 a.m.
6:17 p.m.
Thanksgiving
my life
I have to go on
Have me
any way you want to..."
and love me till my tension's gone
Cause you are
my starship
Come take me up tonight..."
Yes you are
my starship
Come take me up tonight
And don't be late
And don't you come too soon..."
2:55 p.m.
less than one week later
1:12 a.m.
my starship
Come take me up tonight...
bright
new
leaving night's soft sighs
and tender passions behind
dark angel
lover of my dreams
and sleep
for I have more to give
than ever I imagined
my heart's deepest secret
love's most puzzling mystery
give more than ever I knew
you possessed
soothing touch
and loving promises
made so earnest
haunts me no more...
11:32 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
Christmas Eve
12:00 a.m.
Christmas
7:34 p.m.
1:33 a.m.
9:12 p.m.
New Years Eve
10:13 a.m.
Three weeks later
