Gift Wrapped

By Kindli

Fandom: X-Files/Highlander

Pairing: Mulder/Krycek

Rating: NC-17, some bad language too.

WIP-(very much so)

Disclaimers: Fox, 1013 Productions and Chris Carter own the X-Files characters, as Panzer/Davis owns the Highlander stuff.

Notes: Thanks to Quinn for beta and encouragement. Highlander won't come into play in this story for a few more chapters, but it occurred to me that since it eventually will, I had to put it in the heading. Oh, and this isn't my usual schmoop.

Summary: Mulder finds a gift in his living room.

Gift Wrapped
By Kindli

Mulder stepped cautiously into apartment 42 with his gun drawn. It was obvious his door had been tampered with and the likelihood that he would walk in on his uninvited guests was too great to be caught off guard.

He flicked on the light, and gaped at the subject in the center of the room.

Bound head to foot with a ribbon was a naked Alex Krycek.

He checked the rest of the house for any unbound visitors. Not finding anyone else, he went to tower over his gift. "What the hell are you doing here?" he finally asked, getting no reaction to his glare.

The ribbon covering Krycek’s mouth prevented him from responding with more than a muffled grunt. His body was a mass of ugly looking bruises, while an envelope dangled from a loop tied neatly around his neck.

Snatching the envelope from the captive's neck, Mulder stalked over to his couch, and now ignored the man kneeling on the floor. Inside he found a birthday card addressed to himself and a doctor's certificate, giving Krycek a clean bill of health. He read the card silently a couple of times before he read it aloud to his nemesis.

What the hell does the old man think he is? A philosopher? And what can he mean, he set it up so Krycek wouldn't want to be free of me? He glanced over to see Alex watching him closely, listening avidly to his every word. Not an ounce of resentment could be detected on the traitor's expression. Damn it, what the hell did they do to the rat-bastard this time? He stuck the card and certificate back into the envelope and shoved it into a drawer.

Krycek knelt before him trussed like a turkey, so Mulder brought a pair of scissors over and carefully stuck his finger between the man's neck and the ribbon. After cutting it free he moved on to snip the band from the captive man's mouth. To his surprise, Krycek continued to breathe deeply through his nose, saying nothing. Mulder continued to snip away the bindings around Krycek's different body parts, carefully freeing the single arm and ankles, from their ties, continuing on with the younger man's cock.

Whoever had 'wrapped' his package had taken special care to display Krycek's abused cock to its best advantage, using the ribbon in such a way as to force the tortured member into an artificial erection. Lovely Mulder thought sourly, careful not to nip the sensitized flesh. Happy fucking Birthday

The newly freed man remained on his knees, watching Mulder like a mouse would watch a cat, waiting for God knew what. Surprisingly enough, he looked more anxious than scared.

Mulder eyed the naked body critically and finally ordered, "Sit down on the couch. I'll be right back."

As he walked away, he heard Krycek get slowly to his feet.

Some time later, Mulder returned to see his new 'property' sitting on the couch. He carefully set the bowl of hot water on the table and reached out to cup Krycek's chin.

Krycek flinched violently but didn't actually pull away, he simply watched warily while Mulder studied the cuts on his face, before reaching for the cloth.

"I'm going to wash and clean these cuts, Krycek. Can you hold still for me while I do this?" he asked, even as he started dabbing the blood from Krycek's face.

As Mulder tended his face, Alex sat silently with his eyes lowered. Once he realized Mulder didn't plan to hurt him; he leaned closer, into Mulder's space; moving as directed while the cloth migrated lower. He kept his gaze down, but every so often, Mulder noticed him glancing up; before guiltily returning his gaze to the floor.

Mulder realized his hostility towards the younger man was dissipating with every stroke over the yielding flesh. There was no clash of wills this time, as Krycek was submissive and accepting of his every movement. At his command, Krycek rolled onto his stomach, and Mulder realized his 'gift' hadn't been bound only with ribbon. He eased the phallus out as gently as he could. The body beneath him shuddered as he removed the over-sized butt-plug and began trembling as he ran the cloth gently over the lash-striped ass cheeks.

Anger burned deep in the pit of Mulder's stomach. Seeing him nemesis in such a state did nothing to cause him any pleasure. In the past, he'd never felt guilty about hurting his ex-partner, but back then, Krycek was able to give as good as he got. Suddenly here he was, silent and passive. It just wasn't the same when Krycek wasn't trying to talk his way out of it. He wanted the 'old' Krycek back.

"Shh--it's okay, Alex. I'm not going to hurt you." Mulder assured him softly, using his first name to reassure him, surprised to realize it was true. At least it would be true until the man became his normal, annoying self again. Needing clean water to treat the bloody gashes on Krycek's back, Mulder stood up to go back to the kitchen.

He had just finished cleaning the blood from the whip marks when there was a knock at the door, Krycek's body began to tremble violently. Pulling out his gun, he stepped past the couch and petted the sable hair briefly. "Stay right there, Alex. I'll be right back. -- Who is it?!"

Scully spoke through the door, "Mulder, it's me."

He swung the door open and pulled her in. "Just the person I wanted to see."

Scully let him pull her in, glancing at him sharply, before her eyes fell on the man on the couch. "Is that who I think it is?" she hissed, disbelievingly.

"Yeah, I found him an hour ago, wrapped head to foot with a ribbon. Cancerman says he's my birthday gift. Would you check him over? I don't know what all to do for him."

She stared at him in surprise. "Why would you want to do anything for him?"

Mulder glanced away, avoiding her gaze. He knew his behavior towards Krycek had never indicated emotions of anything other than stark hatred; and he admitted it wasn't like him to show compassion for someone he couldn't stand; but he couldn't explain his sudden turnabout himself.

"How do you know it's not a trick?" Scully arched a brow at him.

Mulder had a gut-feeling that this wasn't a set-up. He knew there were a lot of things Krycek would do, but above all other things, Krycek was a survivalist; and he couldn't see the other man allowing himself to be used like this without something that would ensure Mulder's compliance first. Now if he could just put it into words. "He puts up with a lot to get what he wants, but I don't think this is part of anything for which he may have bargained."

Walking back to the couch, Mulder pointed out the state Krycek was now in. Not wanting to startle him, Mulder stroked his hair again and whispered, "Scully is here, she's going to check you over, okay?"

He wasn't sure why, but he felt very protective of the confused man now supposedly in his care. It was one thing to beat up on a man in full control of his faculties, but quite another to abuse one as deep in shock as Krycek appeared to be.

Scully inspected the man's injuries and helped bandage his back. She asked Krycek if she could check him on the inside as well, when Mulder told her about the phallus.

Krycek looked at Mulder, nodding when Mulder did, otherwise remaining still. His brain felt like rice pudding at the moment, and the only thing he could focus on was Mulder. Words jumbled together in his head, resounding in his head and twisting until they made sense again, the way he'd been told they would. 'If you want it, so does he. If you want it so does he. If-you-want-it-so- does-he. If-he-wants-it-so-do-you. If he wants it so do you. If he wants it, so do you. You want to be what he wants you to be.'

Eventually, Scully turned to Mulder. "Would you make me some tea, please?"

Though Mulder wasn't so dense that he didn't understand Scully's desire to have him out of the room for this part of the examination; he couldn't help staring at his partner in surprise, wondering what made her think he had tea. He none-the-less walked to the kitchen, hoping to oblige her. There had to be something in his cupboards. Scully had stocked them a few months ago, and he supposed she may have brought some at that time.

Mulder moved quietly around the kitchen, his body automatically going through the soothing domestic motions of making tea while he strained to hear the words under Scully's gentle tone. He recognized that tone, it was her 'wild animal' taming doctor voice.

There was silence for a moment, and Scully appeared in the doorway. "You better come out here with him, Mulder. You seem to have a calming effect on him, and he needs that for what I’m about to do."

He stepped back into the living room, cup of tea in hand, to see Scully walking off to the bathroom where she kept a spare doctor's bag.

Mulder tried to appear indifferent as he watched Scully touching Krycek so intimately, but was uncomfortable with her familiarity. He realized the younger man's eyes were fixed on him as he moved into the room.

"He'll heal," Scully finally determined. "Turn over, Alex." She reached into her medical bag and retrieved a penlight. After checking the dilation of his eyes with the small light, she ordered, "Open your mouth."

Though Krycek was obviously confused about much of what was transpiring around him, the order had evidently been clear enough for Alex to choose to refuse with a tiny shake of his head. Taken aback, Mulder frowned, even more confused when Krycek turned tear filled eyes to him in mute appeal.

Mulder sensed something other than disobedience in Krycek's refusal, but wasn't sure why Alex thought he would know what was wrong. "Do as she says, Alex." He put his finger under the other man's chin, and lifted it, trying to read the tortured dark eyes. Cancerman had obviously done something to him, but what? Just thinking of the strange things the old man could have done to his 'gift' had him furious.

Krycek lowered his gaze in the face Mulder's impatience and while Mulder understood that Alex didn't realize the irritation wasn't directed at him, he decided against reassuring him. Guilt raised it's nagging little head just then, but this submissive behavior was too necessary for this examination to go and put an end to it.

"Come on, Alex. Just a little." Scully tried coaxing, as she reached over and gently pulled Krycek's chin away from Mulder. She carefully pressed a finger against his lips to try and pry them apart, but pulled away when Krycek whimpered in pain and shook his head. Using the penlight to see why he was so reticent she peered into the small opening, and started cursing angrily.

Unused to hearing his partner swear, Mulder's curiosity got the better of him. "What is it?" He reached over to look, but Scully pushed him away.

"The bastards sewed his mouth together, from the inside," Scully finally explained while she pulled a pair of scissors from her supplies. She carefully wedged them between Krycek's lips and began snipping. "Would you bring some luke-warm water and a dish, please?" she requested.

Mulder went to get the necessary items, contemplating his own frame of mind. He was appalled by the depths Cancerman sank to, in order to degrade the younger man. Two days ago, he knew he would have applauded anyone that might have suggested such treatment of his traitorous ex-partner. But now, when the man gazed at him with such rapt attention, dark eyes devoid of the derision they had always been filled with in the past, he knew he couldn't tolerate the reality of such a plan.

Scully turned to Krycek, once Mulder was out of the room. "What the hell is going on? Did you allow them to do this to you for some twisted plan to get in with Mulder again?"

Krycek eyes were filled with confusion, and he shook his head. "Where's Mulder? He knows..." his voice clearly sounded panicked, and he was having difficulty breathing as he stared in the direction of the kitchen, trying to will Mulder to return. His body relaxed and his breathing became normal again when the door finally swung open and Mulder stepped out.

Scully spun around, blue eyes spitting fire at her partner. "What is he going on about? He says you know why he's like this." She jerked her head at the floor next to the couch.

Warily, Mulder set the supplies down, avoiding her gaze. After a very long pause he moved to the desk and pulled out the envelope. He should have shown it to her in the first place, but he had honestly hoped he wouldn't have to bring her into the little game Spender wanted to play with him.

Mulder watched as Scully opened it impatiently. After scanning the contents, she stared from Mulder to Alex and back at Mulder again. "What did he mean, set it up?" Her eyes sharpened as if things were beginning to click together. As if Krycek's docility was beginning to make sense to her. He wished he could convince her to explain it to him.

"I don't know. I assume Spender drugged him with something." Mulder admitted. He turned to Krycek and asked, "Do you remember what happened?"

Krycek answered with a husky, hesitant voice, "Spender and..." he paused, looking confused. At Mulder's impatient look, he quickly spoke again, "the man I used to drive around... you called him the Well-Manicured Man, he was there too. They were with me in a room, and looking down at me. I was tied to a chair, and they were talking to me, but I don't remember what they were saying. Just a bright light." He shut his eyes, trying to see it again, but the memories were fading and all he could see was Mulder's face. He opened them again, his expression repentant. "I'm sorry, Mulder."

Mulder ignored his apology and turned to Scully. "Maybe hypnotism?" Suddenly a thought occurred to him. "I thought the Brit was dead."

With a curt nod, Scully offered her idea, "Alex could be remembering a shape shifter. It would make sense to have him identify someone you know is dead, if they don't want you to believe him. Hypnotism is a pretty safe bet. I'll take some blood and have it analyzed for drugs, but I'll lay you ten to one odds he was mind-wiped."

Mulder agreed and turned back to Alex. "Do you remember where you were yesterday?"

Alex shook his head. He knew something wasn't quite right, but he didn't know what it was. All he could remember was Mulder. He lived because Mulder allowed it. He had done something to displease Mulder, and he had to change that, elsewise Mulder would kill him. He belonged to Mulder, he loved Mulder, he wanted Mulder to be happy. The phrases kept swirling in his head and he didn't realize when he spoke them aloud.

A chill ran through Mulder when he heard the words. It sure as hell sounded like hypnotism to him. He glanced at Scully again and she nodded. "How is he otherwise?" he asked.

"His body will heal. I'll take some blood and get it analyzed tonight." Scully pulled out a needle and walked back to the couch. "His body will heal," she repeated, "but I'm not so sure about his mind."

(2)

Mulder really wanted to ease some of the tension, but he didn't want to sound as if he were trying to minimize the situation; since he knew Scully would scold him if he dared, he asked, "Well, do you think I can keep him?" He used the tone a child might use when asking if he could have the dog that followed him home after school.

Scully rolled her eyes at him, lips tightening. "He's your gift, and I don't think we have much choice but to keep him; until we figure this out." She sat next to Krycek on the couch, and reached out to take his arm.

Alex flinched, not sure what the needle was for, and raised frightened eyes to Mulder's.

It was unnerving for Mulder to see Krycek in need of reassurance from him, and even stranger to realize he didn't want the him to be afraid. He found himself walking over to kneel on the floor next to the couch. "She's just going to take some blood so we can make sure you're okay."

Scully waited until Alex nodded his consent, though his eyes were still trained on Mulder, and she wrapped a band around his arm. "This will only take a few minutes," she promised, searching for a vein.

True to her word, five minutes later two vials of blood were in her satchel and she was applying a bandage to Krycek's arm. "Mulder, turn up the heat, and find him some clothing." Scully nodded at the goose-bumps forming on Krycek's naked skin.

Mulder flushed slightly and stood up to head to the bedroom. He had completely forgotten Alex was wearing no clothing, lost as he'd been in wondering what Cancerman might next have up his sleeve. Muttering under his breath, Mulder rummaged through his drawers in turn, finally producing a pair of sweat pants and an old sweatshirt.

He reentered the room to find Alex sitting up, drinking some of the tea and watching for him avidly, but no Scully. He glanced around the room in vain; relaxing only when the sound of running water in the kitchen let him know where she went off to.

"Hey there, let's get you into some clothing, huh?" Mulder winced at the sound of his own voice, he didn't mean to be condescending. He hoped he sounded more comforting to Alex than he did to himself. When he saw the small nod of agreement, he stepped closer.

Alex wondered why Mulder was being so gentle with him while helping him into the sweat pants. He didn't remember anything solid, but something told him that he usually experienced pain while in Mulder's care. He must be angry that someone else dared hurt me A thrill ran through him at Mulder's possessiveness; before he started to wonder where the thought had come from in the first place. He remembered nothing about Mulder clearly. Vaguely he recalled the voices from the spotlight, words he didn't understand, but emotions that were becoming clearer with every action Mulder made.

"Only you can punish me, right?" He spoke his realization out loud, hoping to please Mulder with his perception. The pain in his mouth began to dull until it was merely a persistent throbbing, and it was becoming easier to talk without feeling as if his mouth were on fire.

Mulder froze. The tone in Krycek's voice sounded happy, contented even. He couldn't help wondering yet again what ideas the Smoking bastard had put into what Mulder had thought to be an impenetrable brain. There was no way he could have had any affect on the man without using some sort of drug... or hypnotism. He finished helping Alex into the sweat pants.

"That's right, Alex. If someone else tries to hurt you, then you should defend yourself." He tried to sound soothing so he wouldn't spook Alex, but he was cautious, too, hoping his wording wouldn't encourage Krycek to kill anyone. He was annoyed that his training in psychology wasn't helping him in this situation.

"Yes Mulder." Alex agreed, sitting on the couch so Mulder could help him with the shirt next. "Thank-you for untying me. For some reason, I thought you would be pleased with what they had done to me," he admitted as he pushed his head through the top.

What with the younger man's childish attitude, the mussed up hair and the earnest expression, Mulder found himself feeling very protective, and reached out to ruffle the assassin's hair with affection. That realization brought him up short. This dangerous killer appeared to be declawed and tamed--dropped on his doorstep. What would happen if 'Alex' ever became 'Krycek' again? No, not if, when. What would happen when the innocent child became the deadly traitor again?

From the tone of Cancerman's letter, the old man didn't consider that Mulder might look past their history together. Instinct told him the old man expected him to do exactly as he had suggested; beat him, fuck him and kill him. It wasn't a very flattering portrait, all things considered, but Mulder knew he'd never given any indication otherwise. Still the question remained of whether Alex would eventually become 'himself' again? What would happen then? He didn't want to form a bond with this particular man again, just to have it torn asunder, again.

He pulled his hand away from Alex's hair and caught the fleeting expression of joy in Krycek's eyes from being touched. Trying to speak lightly, in an attempt to distract himself from the protective emotions taking over his person, he said, "Nope, I like you like this. Unfettered." Then a sudden realization struck him. "Where's your prosthetic arm?"

Glowing under Mulder's regard, Alex glanced carelessly at his missing limb. "They said I didn't need it. You would prefer me in my natural state." The fact that he no longer even remembered who they were didn't concern him.

"I want you so you're comfortable, Alex. Would you like another prosthetic fitted? I have a friend that could set it up for you." Mulder offered, hoping to encourage Alex to make his own decision. It would take awhile before the man could be 'unconditioned', and this seemed like a good place to start.

Alex thought seriously for a moment. "I'm not sure. I don't remember what it was like when I had one. I'm okay this way," he assured Mulder, suddenly very tired. All he wanted was to sleep, preferably as close to Mulder as possible.

Mulder stared at him, surely Alex couldn't have accepted the loss of his arm so easily, not even the innocent and easily dominated part of his subconscious that had evidently been brought to the fore. What had happened to the cynical but determined traitor of the past? The man was sounding more and more like a young boy with every passing minute. What was he supposed to do? He couldn't just throw the young man out and expect him to survive on his own. It was like Scully said, there really wasn't much choice to what his responsibility would be for the next few days--or however long it took to fix what had happened. Damn

Scully stepped back into the room. "I don't want him eating solid foods," Scully said, her abrupt appearance cutting through Mulder's thoughts. "I prepared some soup for later so all you have to do is stick it in the microwave," she assured Mulder, slanting an amused glance at him, before turning to Alex. "How's your mouth feeling?" she asked, walking over to the couch, where Alex sat, his eyes fluttering with weariness.

Alex shrugged. Not wanting to complain, he wasn't sure how to answer so he opted for silence. He didn't want Mulder to be angry with him for soliciting her sympathy.

Scully shook her head and sighed. "Why don't you two get some sleep, -- you both look beat," she suggested and added almost inaudibly, "Since you're both too stubborn to do it on your own."

Mulder shook himself out of his thoughts, rousing himself enough to nod. "Good idea. Thanks for helping me out. Which reminds me, what did you come over for?"

"I just came over to ask if you wanted to watch a video with me." Scully shrugged.

"Maybe some other time," Mulder offered, going through the motions of small talk.

Alex wasn't even listening to them anymore. He had nothing against Scully if Mulder trusted her. He merely watched the two with bleary eyes and hoped they could sleep soon.

"Good-night, Alex." Scully smiled at him and reached over to ruffle his hair, just as Mulder had done, a short while ago.

He smiled at her. "G'night, Scully." He leaned back into the couch with a contented sigh. He was happy to be so close to Mulder, and to have Scully leaving. Maybe now they could sleep.

Mulder stood up to see Scully out, locking the door behind her. He turned back to the couch, wondering how to handle this new situation. Running his hands through his hair, he asked, "Are you tired?"

Alex nodded, struggling to keep his eyes open.

"Come on, you can sleep in the bed. I'll sleep out here on the couch." Mulder reached out for Krycek's hand.

Alex eyes opened wide in confusion at this statement. "Why can't I sleep with you?"

Startled by the bluntly asked question, Mulder was at a loss for how to respond.

Suddenly Alex remembered the voices telling him Mulder was angry at him for some reason. He wished he knew what he must have done, as it was hard to apologize for something when he wasn't sure what wrong he'd committed. Ashamed of himself for not remembering whatever it was, he murmured, "I'm sorry." He lowered his eyes to the floor, wishing he knew how to make things right.

Hell Mulder couldn't kick the man when he was already down. "You can't sleep with me because you're injured and need space to heal."

Alex nodded, his gaze still lowered, not accepting the ridiculous excuse, but accepting the verdict.

"Alex, you just got here today. Could I get used to having you here first? Making you sleep alone isn't intended to be a punishment. It's just for the first few nights," Mulder found himself promising, lost as to how to explain without hurting the younger man's feelings.

"Used to my being here? Don't I live with you?" Alex was confused, but grateful to have something other than 'angry Mulder' to latch onto.

"Not until today." Mulder hoped he was untangling himself from this web of confusion, rather than getting himself further ensnared.

"Oh." Alex looked confused. "I don't remember," he apologized.

"You will, eventually. Now, how 'bout you lay down, okay?"

"Yes Mulder." Alex let Mulder help him stand up and walked with him to the bedroom. He walked in and laid down on top of the covers.

Mulder rolled his eyes in annoyance. Taking care of Krycek was going to be like caring for a child. Whatever the smoking bastard had done to him, he'd done it good. Maybe he forced Alex into some sort of regression or something. He stepped forward and pulled the sheets back. "Under the covers, Alex." He couldn't believe he was tucking his father's murderer into bed.

He watched as Alex closed his eyes, almost immediately falling asleep.

Meanwhile, Mulder left the room, wondering how he was supposed to deal with his new charge. Now he had some time to process and assimilate everything that had happened so far. This man had betrayed his trust, assisted in the success of Scully's abduction, probably killed his father, allowed him to be subjected to the black cancer, among other crimes Mulder knew nothing about.

Apparently, Krycek now knew nothing about said crimes anymore, either. Unless he was an even better actor than Mulder gave him credit for. But the likelihood of his going so far, just to trick Mulder was about zilch. It was like he'd told Scully earlier, Krycek never did anything without an ace up his sleeve. There were no aces this time. He was completely at Mulder's mercy, willingly.

He lay down, knowing that to pretend the past had never happened went against everything for which he stood. He wanted to expose the Consortium, not help conceal it. But assisting Cancerman in getting rid of a 'loose end' was even less appealing. There could be no other reason for Cancerman's sudden 'generosity'.

Instinctively, he knew the old man thought to destroy Alex Krycek. Even if Alex eventually remembered his true history and identity, the humiliation of this recent event would haunt him. Torture him with recollections of submission that went against everything in him. A revenge that would fester in Krycek's sub-conscious mind until it became too much and the man did something rash, most likely against Mulder. It seemed as if he had always despised Krycek, but suddenly he was rethinking his conclusions. The younger man was suddenly helpless and instead of feeling a power rush, Mulder just felt sick to his stomach.

Mulder didn't consider himself stupid enough to not see the reality of the consequences of Krycek's crimes. The said crimes did have certain results that were in Mulder's favor, but they weren't done as Mulder felt they should be. In any case, the fact remained, Krycek was fighting the colonization, same as he and Scully. Krycek didn't have the same knowledge, but he was productive.

This was more personal. He liked having Krycek as an opponent. He was beginning to admit to himself that with all the sins Krycek had committed, he didn't truly hate him. Realistically, he himself had done things just as bad... he just preferred not to recall that fact too often. If he were to be honest with himself, he was actually more angry at Cancerman for having destroyed HIS enemy.

Where the hell did the smoker get off, anyway? He was such an interfering old biddy... a serious nemesis-- but on a personal level, he was a pain in the ass. Cancerman had been 'overseeing' him ever since he had made a few uncomfortable discoveries about Mulder's time in Oxford... damn him.

Mulder fell asleep wondering if he were going to have to deal with Cancerman sooner than previously planned.

(3)

The next morning, he awoke to the sensation of being watched. Opening his eyes gave credence to his instincts as he saw Alex kneeling on the floor, staring at him.

When Alex realized Mulder was awake, his eyes brightened with joy. "Good morning," he said happily.

"Hey there, good morning to you, too," Mulder whispered, reaching out to lightly run a hand over Krycek's hair. What the hell am I doing?

Krycek leaned into the touch, practically purring his contentment.

Mulder wasn't sure if he should encourage him or not. It was really difficult to deny the man when he expressed himself so vocally. "You hungry?" he asked, remembering the soup Scully mentioned the night before.

Alex nodded, laying his head onto the couch next to Mulder's chest.

After considering his options, Mulder decided to get Alex some breakfast before he went to shower. Considering the child-like man of the night before, it was unlikely the man could be trusted near any kitchen appliances. "Scully made some soup, why don't I heat it for you?" he offered, sitting up.

Alex made a face. "Soup for breakfast?"

Mulder agreed with the sentiments, but Scully had a reason for the soup, what was it? Ahhh.. "How does your mouth feel, Alex? Isn't it sore?"

Krycek thought for a moment and nodded. "But I can have eggs. Can't I?"

"If you can find any that aren't spoiled. Otherwise you'll have to wait for me and we'll eat out."

"I bought eggs this morning, I'll make them. How do you like them?"

"Over-easy. Wait a minute, why did you buy some this morning?" Mulder's eyes narrowed, wondering what the hell was going on.

"I always shop in the morning to avoid the crowds." Alex seemed to think this made perfect sense.

Mulder tried processing this fact but ended up saying, "I'm trying to figure out where you got the money and what made you decide to go shopping in the first place."

"I used your money, I always do. When you need something around the apartment, I go buy it. Don't I?" Alex's eyes clouded with confusion as he realized things weren't as clear in his mind now as they had been an hour ago. His memories were breaking off again, the voices were murmuring indistinctly, and he wasn't sure of anything.

"No, but I'm not going to complain... yet. I'm going to take a shower." Mulder hoped to escape gracefully, but it was not to be.

"Should I come in later to wash your back?" Alex suggested, scooting to the side so Mulder could sit up.

Mulder froze. "Erm... no, Alex. I'd rather if you make breakfast instead. Thank-you for offering, but I'll be fine." He could feel the smile split his lip. Hell, this can't be happening.

The disappointment in the younger man's eyes made Mulder feel like a heel. Hoping to distract him, Mulder said, "Eggs, Alex." He couldn't understand why he should feel so guilty. He was simply trying to save Alex from the orders in his head, preventing him from doing something he'd eventually regret. He knew himself well enough to know he couldn't hold out for much longer. If Alex pushed him too hard, he'd end up giving in, just because he didn't want to resist him. He could be noble for only so long.

Alex stood up. "Yes, Mulder, over easy," he recited and walked to the kitchen.

Mulder considered following, but went to take his shower instead. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged to find Alex at the stove, frying potatoes. The man's hunched shoulders spoke of dejection and Mulder hated himself for his conflicting emotions. He walked up behind Alex and wrapped an arm around the younger man's waist, brushing his lips against Alex's neck. "Looks good," he whispered, "almost ready?"

With a shudder, Alex tilted his head so he could grin at Mulder, his eyes alight with gratitude and joy. "Uh-huh, I'll make the eggs next."

Mulder went to get dressed and returned to find a plate full of food waiting. He rather liked the idea of eating breakfast at home, it was a novel concept.

Once Alex finished his own meal, he moved to kneel at Mulder's feet.

Idly, Mulder realized Alex would wear out the knees of the sweats soon if he kept putting himself in this position. "I have to go to work today. Will you be okay on your own?" He felt odd, leaving the vulnerable man alone in his apartment, mostly concerned, but also a bit distrustful.

"Sure, I'll just clean up and dust and stuff. Same as usual," Alex gazed mournfully at Mulder, though he spoke with confidence.

Hoping his voice didn't sound as shocked as he felt, Mulder shrugged, "If you like, that's fine." Then deciding now was as good a time as any, he asked, "Alex, what do you remember about yesterday?"

As Alex considered the question, his eyes clouded over with confusion. "I'm not sure--it's like I have two different memories. I just don't know." He looked up at Mulder for guidance, arching into Mulder’s touch.

Mulder found himself rubbing Alex's neck comfortingly. "It's okay, Alex. Come with me to the living room and we'll talk about it." He pulled his hand away and stood up, offering the younger man a hand.

Alex followed him to the couch and knelt again at Mulder's feet.

"Sit up here, with me. Tell me what you remember, everything." Mulder urged Alex to sit next to him on the couch.

The timidity in Alex's expression as he scrambled to sit where directed was unexpected, and Mulder wondered what he feared would happen.

"I'm not sure. It's as if I know what happened yesterday is what happens everyday, but then it's also as if something different happened. I just don't remember what it could be."

"Okay, let's start with what you know happened." Mulder suggested, turning so he could look directly at Alex.

With a nod, Alex started to talk, "The same thing as every day. Breakfast, you went to work while I cleaned, you came home and we had supper."

"You said it's as if something different happened though, right? What?"

"I remember this bright light and these droning voices. I vaguely recall strangers with whips, beating me and..." he paused, touching his lips gently, "sewing my mouth together. I don't know where the memory came from. But that wouldn't make sense. Only you're allowed to touch me, to cause me pain. Right? I'm not supposed to allow anyone else to hurt me, am I?"

"It wasn't something you willingly allowed, Alex. You were abducted and abused by Cancerman and his goons. They brought you here for me last night."

"Why would they abduct me?"

Mulder shrugged, unsure as to how to answer the man without getting him more confused, before deciding such a thing was impossible. "Because Cancerman is a black-hearted creep who gets his jollies from tormenting us"

"Who is 'Cancerman?'"

"Cancerman AKA CGB Spender AKA The Smoker is working with the colonists to take over earth and enslave us. I've been fighting him, trying to prevent him from succeeding."

Dark eyes glittered curiously, "Colonists?"

Mulder didn't realize until that very moment the extent Cancerman had gone to in destroying Krycek's memories. "Colonists are alien's from another galaxy that feel we would make good hosts to their shapeless oil creatures. Hell, I can't explain this to you, Krycek. It's something you have to experience to believe."

"I would believe you," Alex assured him staunchly. "You wouldn't lie to me."

To be continued...