Government Safe House
One Week Later

All the equipment and software Alex had asked for had been delivered, plus a few extras. He and Mulder were setting it up in one of the spare rooms. As Alex was unpacking, a roach crawled out of one of the boxes and scurried across the floor. He froze; the look of terror on his face unmistakable.

"Alex... Alex, what's wrong?" Mulder grabbed his arms and tried to get his attention.

"No... no... nonononono..." Alex broke from Mulder's grasp and ran out of the room screaming.

Mulder found him in his bedroom sitting in a corner. His arms were wrapped around his knees, and he was gently rocking back and forth. He approached Alex slowly, not wanting to frighten him any more than he obviously was, and sat down in front of him.

"Alex..." Mulder spoke softly. "Alex, I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you. Talk to me, please."

"Oh, Mulder... It was horrible..." Alex started shaking.

Mulder wrapped his arms around his lover and held him tightly. "Take your time, Alex. It's OK. I'm right here."

Alex took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm himself. "It started in Hong Kong... at the airport... after you took me to the bathroom to clean up. I was standing there and I heard someone come in. I looked down and saw a pair of women's shoes. I jerked my head up in surprise, and the next thing I knew, I was being slammed hard against the wall. I don't remember anything after that until the silo."

"Nothing?"

"No... It's like... it's like for awhile I didn't exist."

"But you remember being in the silo." It was said more as an affirmation of the facts than a question, but the effect it had on Krycek was immediate.

Alex tightened his grip around Mulder. He tried to fight back the tears that were screaming for release, but found it was easier to just give in. "Oh, God, Mulder... I... I remember leaning over the ship and... and this stuff was pouring out of my eyes and mouth and nose and... I could barely breathe. But it kept coming and coming and I felt like... like my insides were being pulled out. Finally I looked down and saw... hell, I don't know what it was. It looked like a puddle of oil, except it was moving all by itself into the ship. I collapsed. I don't know how long I lay there, totally exhausted, but I eventually got up and tried the door. It was locked. That bastard had left me there to die! I kept pounding on the door, screaming for someone to let me out... but no one came. Then... then the lights went out. There was just a trickle coming from somewhere in the hallway. I lost it then. I flashed back to when I was a kid -- when my dad would lock me in the closet. I screamed and screamed and screamed and... leaned against the door and slid to the floor. Then I guess I got hysterical because I started to laugh. I couldn't stop myself. Reality eventually set back in and I started looking for a way out. There wasn't one of course."

"How long were you locked in there?"

"Three days. I'll spare you the gruesome details of how I survived."

"I remember... When we first brought you here. I was going to make you some waffles. You said something about sitting in a dark silo eating roaches."

"Yea... you would remember that."

"I filed it away because I felt it was important... because it obviously upset you. And I felt that you really wanted to talk about it... just not at that particular time."

"That's what I get for falling in love with a psychologist."

"Are you sorry you fell in love with me?"

Alex raised his head to look at Mulder. "No... never. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Fox. I'll never regret the time we've had together."

"Good answer. Now, tell me how you got out of the silo. Did Mayhew and his militiamen really liberate you while on a salvage mission?"

"No, that was a cover story. He came back and let me out."

"Cancer Man?"

"Yes..."

"Why? I thought he wanted to kill you."

"He had ulterior motives. Hey, can I have some water? All this talking's making my mouth dry."

"Sure, I'll get it." Mulder went downstairs and got a bottle of Evian from the kitchen. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Alex drank most of the bottle before continuing. "Two paramilitary types dragged me out of the silo and threw me into the back of a van. He was sitting there, smoking one of his damn Morley's, looking smug..."

"Well, Alex, it looks like we found you just in time."

"You bastard! You're the one who locked me in there in the first place."

"Now, now. Is that any way to talk to the man who just saved your life? I thought you'd be more grateful. Don't I even get a thank you?"

Alex glared at him, then lowered his eyes. "Thank you."

"That's better." The cigarette smoking man reached into a cooler at his feet and took out a bottle of water. "Are you thirsty, Alex?"

"What do I have to do for it?"

"Oh, nothing too difficult. Something I heard you're quite good at, actually." He placed the bottle of water next to him, then unbuckled his pants and pulled the zipper down. "Well?"

Krycek's gaze shifted from the man's groin to the water and back again. He raised his eyes to meet Cancer Man's, then curled his lips into a sly grin. "S udavolstvitim, vahs svoloch." (2) He slowly crawled over to the older man, never losing eye contact. Alex ran his hands over Cancer Man's thighs and hips, while burying his face in his groin, nuzzling his cock through his cotton boxers.

"That's very good, Alex. Very good, indeed." He took another puff of his cigarette, then reached down to stroke Alex's hair.

Alex pulled the other man's cock from his briefs and began licking it, rubbing his balls at the same time. He wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible so he engulfed him and began sucking, moving his head up and down the hard shaft.

It had been too long since he'd indulged himself like this. He should have thought of it earlier. Alex Krycek would make an excellent lover. Yes... If his mouth was this good, he could just imagine what the rest of him was like. And he would find out, he was certain of it. Alex would service him for as long as he wanted him to.

Krycek moved his hand to the base of the other man's cock, pumping it as he sucked and licked. Alex felt the man's hands on the back of his head, holding him against his groin as he thrust his hips up and fucked his mouth roughly. Finally his mouth was filled with hot, sticky cum, and he swallowed quickly.

Cancer Man released him. "Not bad, Alex. But I'm sure you'll do better next time, won't you?" He took another drag from his cigarette before grinding it out on the floor.

"Yes..."

"Good. Here, you've earned this." He handed Alex the bottle of water and smiled as he guzzled it down. "Would you like some more? Or perhaps you're hungry? Why don't you have dinner with me tonight, Alex? I'm sure you'd like to take a shower and change into some clean clothes."

Alex nodded.

"I'm glad we understand one another. You will do everything I want Alex, whenever I want. Do you understand? Because if you don't, I'll have you brought back here, and I guarantee no one will ever find you."

"I'll do anything you say... just... please don't put me back in there."

"He put me up in an apartment, bought me clothes; gave me everything I needed. All I had to do was let him fuck me every night. I figured it was worth it, considering the alternatives."

Mulder felt sick. He thought he hated Cancer Man before... "How long did it go on?"

"Six months. I should have just killed the bastard when we were in bed together, except... except he used to pump me full of amytal nitrate before hand. I don't have to tell you what kind of affect that has on a person. Sometimes... sometimes he'd bring some of his 'associates' along and I'd do them all. That didn't happen too often though. After he'd fuck me, he'd just get dressed, leave some money on the dresser and leave. It was a sick joke, him paying me. I think he's the one who infected me with the virus. It would have been easy to mix it with the drug."

"Oh, Alex..." Mulder gathered his lover more tightly in his arms. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. He'll pay for everything he's done to hurt you, I promise." Mulder kissed his forehead.

"Would you kill him if you had the chance? In cold blood?"

"In a heartbeat."

Alex smiled. "You're a terrible liar, Mulder. You couldn't kill anyone in cold blood and you know it, no matter how much you hated them. Look at Duane Barry. You wanted to kill him for what he did to Scully. You tried to, but you couldn't go through with it. It's called conscience."

"Now who's playing psychologist?"

"It's true. Admit it."

"I guess you're right, Alex, but..." Mulder was interrupted by his ringing phone.

"Mulder."

"The DC police fished a naked body out of the Potomac this morning, Agent Mulder. One .38 round to the heart at close range. They put a photo on the wire to all law enforcement agencies. Want to take a guess at who it was? Let me give you a clue -- he was fond of Morley's."

"They killed him?"

"Apparently. I wouldn't be surprised if more bodies suddenly started showing up. It makes sense for them to clean house, especially since they're obviously aware of the evidence we've compiled. I want you and Krycek to be extra careful, do you understand? I sending over four more agents to cover the grounds. I'll call you later."

"Mulder, what's wrong? Who's dead?"

"Cancer Man. They found his body floating in the Potomac. Skinner's sending over some reinforcements just to be sure you're safe."

"Shit. I never thought they'd go that far to protect themselves. I always assumed he was pretty high in the organization."

"Not high enough, obviously. I have a sinking feeling that none of the people you've identified in your surveillance will be alive by the time Skinner finishes presenting the evidence to the Justice Department."

"Then everything I've done... everything I've been through has been for nothing. Why the fuck did I even bother!?" Alex got up and stormed out the room. Mulder was right behind him.

"Alex wait."

"I need some time alone, Mulder."

"Don't shut me out, not now. Tell me what's going on in the thick skull of yours."

"I gave up three years of my life for them, Mulder. Three fucking years! I lost my arm, for God's sake. No, not lost -- I had it cut off in the middle of a fucking forest in Russia without any anesthetic. And let's not forget all the times I was beaten up and shot at -- mostly by you. And for what?... Justice?... The truth?... I was right when I told you there was no truth. These men will never be brought to justice. I'll be dead and they'll still be out there doing their best to change the world. And no one can fucking stop them. Not you, not me, not anyone."

"Maybe we can't stop them, but we can expose them. Didn't you say that's what they feared the most? The evidence you've gathered will bring their activities out into the open, Alex. And that's much more than I've been able to do. Don't sell yourself short. You have made a difference."

Alex just stood there for a moment staring at the floor. "What do we do now?"

"Why don't we finish setting up the equipment Skinner sent us, then you can show me just how good a hacker you really are."

"Why does this remind me of a scene from Sneakers?"

"You know it's interesting you should mention that movie, Mulder. It was a lot closer to the truth than most people realize."

"Are you telling me that you actually have a super chip that can break codes among all this junk?"

"Hey, watch what you're calling junk. You just don't appreciate good hardware when you see it."

"Oh, you're wrong, Alex. I appreciate your hardware very much." Mulder slid his hand slowly up Krycek's thigh.

"Mulder, behave yourself."

"OK, OK. So do you have one of these super chips?"

"ASICs, Mulder. They're called ASICs -- Application Specific Integrated Circuits. Custom chips designed specifically for breaking codes. And, yes, they do exist. They're a bit expensive for my budget, but entirely within the CIA's black budget."

"OK, so the CIA has these ASICs. How do they use them?"

"They use them to break DES keys."

"They break desk keys? I always wondered why their budget was so much larger than the Bureau's."

"DES -- D - E - S -- keys."

"Krycek, will you please speak English. What the hell is a DES key?"

Alex chuckled. "Data Encryption Standard. It was developed in the 70's by IBM and the NSA, and adopted by the government as a Federal Information Processing Standard for data encryption. Most government computer systems use it to protect their data. It's a 56-bit key, but it's no match for the hardware I'm going to be using."

"All this stuff?" Mulder gestured to the equipment surrounding them. "Just looks like your average bunch of personal computers."

"This equipment is anything but average, Mulder. Each computer contains several plug-in cards custom designed by me; each card has an array of AT&T ORCA chips -- FPGAs -- Field Programmable Gate Arrays, about 1,000 times faster than your average high-end PC microprocessor; and each chip can chew through 30 million DES keys each second. These PC's are programmed to run several dozen of them in parallel."

Mulder whistled. "I'm impressed, Alex."

"Don't be. This is only about $10,000 worth of equipment. That's small potatoes compared to what the CIA has to work with. Their Crypto Section's $300 million super computer contains thousands of ASICs, and each of them can go through over 200 million keys per second. We're talking serious computing power. They can break a 56-bit DES key faster than you can blink an eye. We're going to need that kind of horsepower to hack into the files we're after."

"So all this hardware is just to get you access to even more powerful hardware? And that more powerful hardware is what you'll use to actually break into the files, right?"

"You catch on pretty quickly for someone who can barely navigate the e-mail system at the Bureau. I'm going to use these babies to break into the FBI's low-level Internet system, then spoof my way into Eric Thompson's e-mail account."

"Eric Thompson?"

Yea, he's the head of AccessData Corporation's crypto team, and the Bureau was one of his best clients. I'm hoping I'll find something in one of his files, like a password, that will get me access to the Crypto Super Computer at the CIA. Then we'll use that system to break into the files we're interested in."

"You're going to use the CIA's computer to break into their own files? I thought you'd just wave your magic wand over the keyboard and chant 'ala peanut butter sandwiches' or something."

"Anybody ever tell you that you were a smart ass, Mulder? I'm going to use our system to break into the FBI's computer, then use the FBI's computer to break into the CIA's super computer, and then use the CIA's super computer to break into their own files. Poetic justice, don't you think?"

"Sounds like a plan to me. How do we get started?"

"Watch and learn, Agent Mulder. Watch... and... learn..."

Alex booted up the equipment, then began typing in commands. He turned up the speaker volume to make sure the modem was dialing.

"Talk to me, Alex. Tell me what you're doing."

"I'm using a customized version of UNIX -- that's an operating system like DOS -- to dial into the Bureau's Internet Service Provider. There's a bug in UNIX's send mail program that I'm going to exploit. It'll allow me, with the help of a rogue program I've written, to assign myself 'super user' privileges. I'll be able to access any part of the system I want." Krycek moved to another computer, called up the program he needed, and set it running.

Mulder watched, fascinated. "Remind me never to introduce you to Byers or Frohike. I hate to think what kind of trouble you three could get into, left to your own devices."

"Who are they?"

"Friends... they're the ones who told me about the DAT tape."

Alex looked away from the monitor. "The Lone Gunmen?"

Mulder's mouth dropped open. "No... don't tell me you know them?"

Krycek was grinning. "By reputation only, I assure you. Despite what the government might believe, there are actually only a few people that I would consider 'super hackers'; individuals who could be a threat to national security, if they were so inclined. The Lone Gunmen are among the select few."

"What is this, a mutual admiration society? They were telling me the other day how good you were."

"Tell them thank you for me. No... Do you think I could meet them?"

"I don't think I'll have any trouble convincing them."

"Thanks, Mulder. OK, let's see how we're doing."

"Well, I've got Thompson's e-mail account. Now all I have to do is give myself rwx privileges. And before you ask -- that's read/write/execute -- then I'll do a search on his archived e-mail for any CIA references."

Mulder stood up and stretched. "I need to walk around a bit. You want anything?"

"Daitye chai s limonam, pazhalusta." (3)

"Krycek, I'm having a hard enough time understanding you in English. Don't throw Russian in, too."

"I'm sorry, Mulder. I said..."

"You want tea with lemon, right?"

"I thought you didn't understand Russian?"

"I don't, but that's all you drink besides water. I took a wild guess."

"Well, you guessed right."

"Be right back."

"Here you go." Mulder placed the cup next to Krycek. "Any more progress?"

"Thanks... Yes, actually. I found a reference in one of Thompson's e-mails about a test account he set up on the CIA's system. It was still active, so I used it to get in."

"You're in the CIA's system?"

"Yep. Kak dva paltsa obossat. A piece of cake."

"You hacked your way into the CIA's computer system in..." Mulder looked at his watch. "... a little over three hours. Wow. I'm sure glad you're on our side."

"All I have to do now is access the personnel records." Once in the employee database, Krycek responded to the computer's query by typing in his own name and pressing enter. Two seconds later the screen was filled with his employment information. "Yes..." Alex hit print and sat back, smiling like the cat that ate the proverbial canary.

"Damn, you are good."

"Thank you, Agent Mulder. I'm going to download this information to our system. That way we'll have a backup as well as a hard copy."

"What happens next?"

"We call up every bit of information we can find on me and do the same. Irrefutable evidence for the Justice Department."

"Do you think you can teach me to do this?"

Alex shook his head and laughed. "Let's work on the e-mail system first, OK?"

He came back to the living room and stretched out on the sofa, using Mulder's lap for a pillow.

"You have something in mind, Krycek?"

"Yea, how about a movie? We never finished watching The Hunt for Red October."

"OK..." Mulder grabbed the remote, turned on the TV and VCR, and hit 'play'.

They'd been watching the movie quietly when Krycek suddenly rolled onto his back and looked up at Mulder. "Where's Scully?"

"What?"

"You heard me. Where's your partner? Why isn't she here with us?"

"She's teaching at Quantico. It's part of the story to cover up my absence."

"Why doesn't she call? I always assumed you two were pretty close."

"What brought this on, Alex?"

"I don't know. It just occurred to me that all the other times we've been together, Scully's been there too; and now she's nowhere to be seen. It's me, isn't it? She still thinks I killed her sister. Even after seeing the evidence; knowing who I am; she still thinks of me as a criminal, doesn't she?"

"Let's just say she's having a hard time dealing with this, OK? You were involved with killing her sister, Alex, even if you didn't pull the trigger. She can't forgive you for that."

"But you can forgive me for your father's death?"

"You didn't kill him, and you didn't know he was going to be killed. You told me that yourself. How can I blame you?"

Alex got up and stood in front of Mulder. "What if I lied to you? What if I've been lying the whole time we've been together? Just using you to save my ass? How would you feel about that?"

"I'd feel pretty stupid, Alex, and you know it. But you're not lying, are you? You haven't lied to me in a very long time."

Alex sat back down on the sofa and sighed. "No, I haven't." He turned to face Mulder. "You know all the time we've been together, you've kept asking about me; about how I felt. What about you? This must be pretty rough -- first, coming to terms with how you felt about me; and second, having Scully abandon you. How are you feeling about all this?"

"Krycek, I'm the psychologist, remember? Don't try and get in my head. You'll be disappointed."

"OK... what if I give you head instead?" Alex grinned and pounced on Mulder, both of them breaking into giggles.

"You're incorrigible, Alex." Mulder wrapped his arms tightly around his lover.

"I know. That's why you love me." Alex kissed Mulder's forehead, eyes, and nose before latching on to his lips. They were interrupted by Mulder's cell phone.

Skinner entered the phone booth, dropped in some change, and quickly glanced around before punching in the number.

"Mulder."

"Agent Mulder, listen very carefully. I want you and Krycek to get out of there now. There are two Federal Marshals on their way to your location with orders to take Krycek into custody."

"Where should I take him?"

"Take him to my apartment. I'll meet you there."

Mulder clicked off his cellular and looked over at Alex. "That was Skinner. Grab some clothes and throw them in a bag. We have to get out of here before the Marshals arrive."

"Marshals?"

"Looks like your reprieve is over."

Skinner motioned the two men in. Krycek took a few steps forward, then froze. He was staring at the patio door intently, remembering his last visit to the AD's apartment.

Mulder placed a gentle hand on Alex's arm. "Hey... it's OK. You'll be safe here."

"That's what you said last time." Krycek turned to face Skinner.

"That was another lifetime, Alex. Circumstances have changed considerably. You two make yourselves comfortable. I need to make a few phone calls." The Assistant Director disappeared up the stairs, while the two men sat down on the sofa.

"What happens now, Mulder?"

"We'll need to find someplace else for you to stay. I'm sure that's what Skinner is doing."

"And if they find me again? Do you just keeping moving me from safe house to safe house? I can't live like that, Mulder. Maybe I should just go. I stand a better chance alone anyway."

"No, it's too dangerous."

"I can take care of myself, Mulder. I'm a survivor. You said so yourself. Look, I still have a network of contacts out there that can help me. There's always work for someone with my obvious talents and abilities."

"Dammit, Alex, stop it! I'm not one of your terrorist cronies. You think you can move back into an assassin's lifestyle just like that? After everything you've been through the last four months? I know you..."

"You don't fucking know anything about me, Mulder! You have no idea who or what I am."

"Don't I? How about this? You're a man trying to erase the pain caused by an abusive father, and a vindictive, controlling bastard you were sent to gather evidence on. In other words, a man trying to escape his past and his present. You're also a man who desperately craves affection, but believes the only way to get it is to debase himself. Am I close?"

"You son of a bitch!" Alex launched himself at Mulder and they rolled to the floor, each trying to pin the other. Krycek won.

"Alex, listen to me. I love you, dammit! Have I ever hurt you, or asked you to do anything you really didn't want to do? Have I?"

Green eyes stared into hazel. "No... Mulder, I... I'm sorry." Krycek released him and walked over to the patio door, leaning his head against the glass.

Mulder joined him. He kissed the back of Krycek's neck, then wrapped his arms around him securely. "Alex..."

Alex began to cry, his body trembling as the sobs escaped him. He turned and buried his face in Mulder's shoulder.

"It's all right, Alex, I'm here. Shhh... Don't cry, lover." Mulder placed gentle kisses on Krycek's face, while tracing circles on his back with his hand.

"Fox... I love you... I love you." He raised his head and kissed Mulder deeply. Neither man noticed Skinner's return.

"Ahem... I know I said to make yourselves comfortable, but..."

"Sorry, Walter. We had a bit of a crisis."

"I can see that, Agent Mulder. Is everything all right?"

"Is everything all right, Alex?"

"Yea, I'm fine. Sorry." Alex wiped the tears from his face and sat back down on the sofa. Mulder sat next to him, and Skinner took a seat across from the two men.

"I just got off the phone with my people. It seems the Consortium is putting forth every effort to find and eliminate Krycek. I'm sorry, Fox. This isn't going to be easy for either of you. I've made arrangements to get Alex out of the country tonight. He'll fly to Mexico, then to Buenos Aires. He'll stay there a few days before catching a flight to Europe."

"Then what happens?"

Skinner clasped his hands together and looked down at the floor, refusing to meet his agent's eyes.

"Sir... Walter, answer me. What happens then?"

Walter let out a long breath. "Then... then he's on his own. I'm sorry. It was the best I could do."

"You just can't throw him to the wolves. You're no better than Cancer Man."

Skinner grabbed Mulder by the front of his shirt. "Don't ever compare me to that bastard! Do you understand me, Agent Mulder? I'm risking my ass over this. If the Bureau ever finds out... And I'm not throwing him to the wolves. I'll make sure Alex gets a list of contacts that can help him."

"I'm sorry. You've done so much. It's just..."

"Don't say anything more, Mulder. I've been there, remember?"

Alex had been ready to lay into Skinner the moment he grabbed Mulder's shirt, but he'd restrained himself. Somehow he knew the AD wouldn't hurt his best agent. "Walter... Damn, it feels weird calling you that. Sir, what time does my plane leave."

Walter chuckled. "Probably no weirder than the sudden realization that you and I were actually on the same side, Alex. And call me whatever you feel comfortable with. To answer your question, your flight leaves Dulles at 1:47 a.m. You might want to consider taking a nap. I've got a spare bedroom." Walter winked at Mulder. "I have to go out and make sure all the arrangements are in place. I might not be back for several hours, so just relax. There's beer in the fridge and help yourself to anything else you need. Call me if there are any problems."

Skinner got up and went for the door. He was just about to leave when Mulder grabbed his arm.

"Thanks, Walter."

"Whatever do you mean, Agent Mulder?" Skinner opened the door and walked out, a wide grin spread across his face.

Mulder grabbed Alex and pushed him down on the bed, kissing him fiercely. Krycek's lips parted easily, willingly; he moaned as his lover explored his mouth hungrily.

Alex ran his hands up and down Mulder's back, tugging his shirt free from his jeans, desperate for the feel of the other man's skin. The two lovers parted slightly and Mulder leaned close to lick Alex just below the ear, then continued down his neck and chest. He worked at the buttons on Krycek's shirt, placing a kiss on each piece of exposed skin he encountered.

Krycek closed his eyes and allowed the sensations to wash over him, knowing this might be the last time he and Mulder ever made love together. The arousal began low in his belly, spread slowly down his legs and finally centered in his groin. His cock stiffened and he moaned audibly.

Mulder sat up and tossed his shirt on the floor, followed by the remainder of his and Alex's clothes. His tongue moved to Alex's right nipple, licking and sucking until a hard nub formed, then turned his attention to the left one, nipping it lightly with his teeth.

Alex had never wanted anyone like this before. Mulder's kisses and tongue licks were driving him mad.

The kisses continued down Krycek’s chest, over his stomach, to his navel. Mulder twirled his tongue there while running his hands lightly over Alex’s chest and nipples.

Alex moaned again. His hands wandered over Mulder's back, enjoying the feel of his lover's heated skin. He moved lower to knead taut muscles and tease at Fox's opening, causing his lover to moan and press his cock harder against Alex's leg.

Mulder's tongue slid down through dampened curls. He parted Krycek's legs, moving his mouth to his lover's balls, taking each one in his mouth and sucking it gently before releasing it. He ran his tongue over his lover's cock from base to tip, then began to lap just under the head, slow gentle licks.

"Oh, god, Mulder... Please... I want you..."

Mulder paused long enough to give his lover a wicked grin before returning to tease Alex's cock, again licking just under the head. Alex's hips bucked off the bed as he sought the moist heat of his lover's mouth. Mulder continued his exquisite torture for a few more moments before taking Alex's cock deep in his mouth. He moved up and down Krycek's cock, bringing him to the edge of release before pulling away roughly.

"Nooooooooo..."

Mulder jumped out of bed and began searching through the night stand next to the bed. He found the lube immediately. He pulled Alex to his knees and squeezed a generous amount of the gel into his hand. He used his fingers to open and lubricate Alex before thrusting his cock into him.

Alex almost lost it. He was so close to the edge, but he wanted this to be good for Mulder; wanted him to remember this night for as long as he lived.

Mulder pulled out and thrust back again roughly. He was too close to be gentle, and he knew Krycek was on the edge as well. Alex cried out as his lover's cock rammed into him, taking him until he dripped with sweat; panting, grunting as the hot shaft filled him with ecstasy.

"Fox... Fox..."

"Alex... Oh, god..."

They both collapsed on the bed, drenched in sweat and too tired to move. It took Mulder a moment to realize that Alex was shaking. He rolled over and pulled him close.

"Alex, why are you crying? Did I hurt you?"

"No... it was so beautiful, Fox. It's never been like this before with anyone."

"I know. Don't think about it. Just think about us now, and know that I love you, Alex. God, I love you so much." Mulder closed his eyes and allowed himself to cry.

Mulder had set the alarm, giving them enough time to shower before Alex had to leave for the airport. Skinner had returned and was sitting in the living room when they walked out.

"Are you ready, Krycek?"

"Yea, I guess so."

"Here, you'll need these."

Skinner handed Alex a new wallet containing a driver's license, Social Security card, and a credit card. Alex pulled the last item out and looked at the AD questioningly.

"To get settled into your new life. You have a $2,000 limit on that. Consider it an inter-agency loan. Oh, that suitcase is yours, too. I got the rest of your things from the safe house."

"I don't know how to thank you, sir..."

"Just stay alive, Alex. Mulder will never forgive me if anything happens to you."

"I'll do my best."

"We should be leaving if you're going to make your flight."

Alex turned to face Mulder. Both men had been dreading this.

"I think it would be better if you didn't come to the airport, Mulder. I might embarrass us, or worse... get us arrested." He tried to laugh, but a sob came out instead.

"Alex..."

They held onto each other tightly, not wanting this moment to end.

"Mulder... don't ever stop looking for the truth. It is out there, and if anyone can find it, it's you."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Agent Mulder, we really have to go. I'm sorry."

They kissed one last time, gently, before parting. "Da svidaniya, moi lyoobit." (4) Alex grabbed the suitcase, turned and walked out the front door.

"Agent Mulder, you can wait here until I get back."

"Thank you, sir. I think I will."

"He'll be fine."

"I know... but that doesn't make it any easier."

"It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you love, Fox. I should be back in a couple hours. We'll talk more then." Skinner walked out the door and closed it firmly behind him, leaving Mulder alone and empty.

Skinner and Mulder talked until morning. They'd both done a lot of crying and comforting, and the entire affair had brought them much closer together.

"I want you to take a few days off, Mulder. Relax for a change."

"Thank you, sir, but I think I've been away from work long enough. Besides, I won't think about Alex so much if I'm engrossed in investigating an X File."

"I'll leave it to your discretion then. If you feel you need some time after you get back to work, just let me know, OK?"

"Yes, sir. I'd better be going. Thank you again for everything you did for Alex."

"Forget it. You're welcome to stay here if you like."

"No... I don't think I could sleep in that bed..."

"I understand. Be careful driving home."

"I will. Goodnight, Walter."

"Goodnight, Fox."

Epilogue
Washington DC
Four months later

Mulder walked into his basement office and turned on his computer before starting coffee. He was back into his old routine, following up on every piece of information that came across his desk, no matter how insignificant it might seem.

Skinner presented all of Krycek's evidence before the Justice Department, and again at a Senate sub-committee hearing, but nothing became of it. Cancer Man, whose identity was never revealed, was dead and buried; and the other members of the Consortium had slithered away into the dark recesses waiting for the excitement to die down before emerging again. The only action officially taken was to clear Alex of any wrong doing -- which meant he could return to Washington... some day.

He and Scully had come to an understanding about Krycek, especially after he'd told her that they'd been lovers. She at least tried to see that Alex had some good in him.

A chime from the PC alerted Mulder that he had mail. He sat down, logged in, and scrolled down the list of new messages. Three of them were from Ratguy@worldnet.com. 'You're warped, Alex,' he thought. He clicked on the first one and chuckled when he read:

I don't think 'masturbate' is a very appropriate log in, Mulder. Certainly a lot more imaginative than 'flukeman', though. Or is that how you've been spending your time since I've been gone? : D

Sorry it's taken me so long to get in touch, but I've been moving around a lot. Couldn't decide where I wanted to live, actually. But I'm settled now, and I have Internet access, as you can see.

I miss you terribly. The nights are the worst, even with the lights on. : (

Ask Walter to let you know when he gets my package. I mailed it yesterday. Thank him again for me, too.

Well, lover, I have to leave for work soon -- don't worry, it's nothing illegal -- and I still need a shower, so I have to make this brief. You should get two additional messages from me. I hope you enjoy them. I'll write again when I can.

I love you, Fox... Happy Birthday!

Alex, the Cool Rat Guy

Mulder wiped away the tears rolling down his cheeks. At least he knew Alex was alive and well. He scrolled down and found the other messages Krycek had sent.

One directed him to a web site where he retrieved a virtual birthday card with animated balloons accompanied by the strains of 'Happy Birthday'. The second message also directed him to a web site, where he found a virtual long-stemmed red rose waiting for him, along with the following message:

O, my luve is like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my love is like a melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair thou art, my bonnie lad,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun!
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands of life shall run.

And fare the weel, my only luve!
And fare the well awhile!
And I will come again, my love.
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!

All my love... Alex (with apologies to Robbie Burns).

Mulder laughed. He'd have to find something appropriate to send back. He pulled out his day planner and wrote, 'Call Byers about Internet training'. He chuckled again and leaned back in his chair. Maybe a long distance romance wasn't such a bad thing after all.

The end.

Translations:

(1) Hello.
(2) With pleasure, you bastard.
(3) Bring me some tea with lemon, please.
(4) Goodbye, my love.

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