Journeys

ONE

The FBI Building, Washington DC

Several Days Later

Mulder looked up as I entered the office, two cardboard cups of coffee in my hands.

"Thought you could use one of these." I said with a grin as I handed him one of the cups. I had gotten the coffee from the deli around the corner. They did a great espresso there. Their cheese danishes were not too bad either.

"Thanks Krycek." Mulder said, carefully taking the cup filled with the steaming liquid from me. Taking a sip, he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Not bad, you obviously didn't get from the staff cafeteria."

"No, a deli nearby." I told him as I sat down at my own computer. I had finally managed to procure a corner of the untidily jammed office for myself. It had taken some doing. Mulder sure as hell did not like to share. Idly I wondered how Scully had managed when she had been assigned down here.

Probably had to fight Mulder tooth and nail for every pencil and paper clip. Still at least I would not be down here much longer.

Word had it that both Mulder and the X files were on their way out. I wondered if it was true. Probably, given that this particular rumour was coming from directly upstairs. If Mulder had heard any of the rumors, he gave no sign.

No, he still stayed down here in his basement office, pouring over his precious files, still searching for the truth.

A truth that he was nowhere near ever finding.

"So, anything new come in?" I inquired, keeping my voice casual. I knew for a fact that there was nothing new so far. Just the usual slew of emails and letters from cranks. Most of them accompanied by blurry out-of-focus photographs of what they thought to be UFO's. Usually it just turned out to be a weather balloon or an insect swarm. Something like that. Mystery explained.

"Not much." Mulder replied. He returned to his computer, peering through those oversized glasses of his.

"I've just been going through a few old cases." He continued, speaking in his usual soft, distracted tones.

"Come up with anything?" God I sincerely hoped not. The last thing I wanted to do was go haring off to Buttwhack Idaho or Mosquito's Armpit Georgia in search of some weird crop circles or strange rock carvings.

"No, nothing at all." He replied with a distinctly regretful sigh. Secretly I rejoiced, the last thing I wanted or needed right now was to have to pull Mulder's irons out of a Consortium fire again.

Spender had once told me that Mulder had caused the Elite more trouble than anyone in the history of the FBI. He sure as hell had not been exaggerating about that. It was that brilliant, inexhaustible mind of his. That and his endless guilt that he carried around with him like a lead weight. Dragging it behind him much like Jacob Marley's ghost, the guilt over his sister Samantha that drove him on.

With a sigh I put these thoughts aside. As sorry as I felt for Mulder, my impatience for his futile quest was growing. For all the while he was nipping at the heels of the Elders, trying to drive out his own personal demons, I was stuck here acting as spy, mole and bodyguard and I was rapidly growing tired of all three roles that had been forced upon me.

But still, there was one bright spot in all of this. My thoughts turned to Walter Skinner and I smiled. Just the thought of seeing the big man tonight was enough to put me into a good mood for the rest of the day.

Over the last few weeks, Walter and I had drifted into something of an 'affair'. I called it that with grim amusement seeing that Walter was a married man. And I...?

I still took the occasional young man home with me, usually on the nights that Walter could not come over to my apartment. The young men meant nothing to me, but then they never did. They were just a way for me to kill time until I could see the Assistant Director again.

These thoughts chased themselves around inside my mind until finally not being able to stand it anymore, I stood up and walked towards the doors. Mulder looked up startled at my abrupt departure.

"Going somewhere Agent Krycek?" He asked. I opened my mouth to answer him, when my cell phone buzzed.

Taking it out, I flipped it open and answered in clipped professional tones.

"Agent Krycek speaking." It was Walter.

"Agent Krycek, I would like to see you in my office immediately." With that, the phone went dead.

Keeping my face carefully neutral, I put my cell phone away once more. I was aware of Mulder's sudden scrutiny.

"Everything all right Alex?" He only ever used my first name if he was either in a good mood or concerned about me.

"Uh, that was Assistant Director Skinner, he wants to see me." I replied, hoping against hope that my voice had not betrayed my inner turmoil.

Mulder gave me a sympathetic smile. "Nothing too serious I hope." He said.

He thinks that Skinner has summoned me into his office to chew me out. I thought with something close to relief. I managed to return his smile.

"Me too." I replied.

With that, I turned and left the basement office, wondering what the reason was for the sudden summons.

Kim was not at her desk, probably off on some errand for her boss. I knocked on the door and that familiar voice barked permission to enter.

"AD Skinner." I said as formally as I could manage. Walter glanced up at the me, the overhead light reflecting off his wire rims momentarily obscuring his eyes.

"Ah, Agent Krycek, come in and sit down please."

I did as he asked, wondering what the hell was going on. Suddenly Walter rose from behind his desk and walked over to the door. I watched mystified as he locked it.

"Now Agent Krycek, it seems that it is time for your half yearly assessment."

My half yearly....what? Walter must have seen the expression on my face because he suddenly broke into a huge grin.

"And you know what that means don't you...Agent?" He said slyly. Slowly he walked over to where I was still sitting, bending down he grasped both my arms and gently pulled me to my feet.

Finally the penny dropped, Walter had called me into his office to play a sex game. With a grin, I lifted my face to his, allowing him to kiss me with a passion that was new and not entirely unwelcome. Not that we had become complacent lovers over the weeks, but I could tell this little scenario he had cooked up was really turning him on.

Finally after releasing my mouth, Walter began to slowly undo the buckle of my belt.

"But Assistant Director Skinner, this is not part of the assessment, is it?" I asked, playing along. I stared up at him through my eyelashes, the sweet innocent young rookie at the mercy of his superior officer. Christ but I could feel my own cock becoming hard in the process.

Walter had definitely noticed as well. Reaching down, he grasped my dick through my suit pants and gave it a sharp little tug.

"And what is this Agent?" He barked, the ex-marine turned AD now.

"M...my cock Sir." I replied, stammering slightly. He grasped it even tighter. Oh shit, if he wasn't careful I was going to end up coming in my pants.

"I can see that Agent, now I want an explanation as to why it's standing up at attention. Did I give it permission to?"

"N...n...no Sir." I answered, painfully aware that I was blushing like a schoolgirl and ready to cream my pants like one. Oh sweet Jesus but this was hot.

"Well then Agent, we had better do something about it then, hadn't we." Walter replied, still the gruff stern AD. With that he slowly unzipped my pants and out sprang my cock as though it had a life of it's own.

Without a word, Walter knelt and took me into the hot depths of his mouth. I gasped and shuddered, blindly reaching out to grab his shoulder in order to steady myself.

"Ugh, unhh, oh shit." I whispered as I felt his hot tongue lap around the head of my cock, tickling the piss slit in a way that made shivers run up and down my spine.

"Oh Walter." Christ, I vaguely hoped that Walter's office was not bugged. Probably was, but at this very point in time with Walter deep throating me, who gave a flying fuck. Hell the whole Consortium could listen in, fuck, they could sell tickets for all I cared.

Right now, the only thing that I was able to focus on was Walter's beautifully shaped lips wrapped around my cock. The way his hands gripped my butt cheeks, his fingers digging into the flesh. There would be marks there tomorrow.

Suddenly, at the thought of wearing Walter's fingerprints on my ass like a brand, my cock spasmed. Without missing a beat, Walter caught every pearly drop with his tongue.

He's done this before, I thought dimly as the last shudders of my orgasm rippled through me.

"Well Agent, it would seemed that we have taken care of that little...problem of yours."

Even though Walter's voice and expression was still in 'AD' mode, I could see the twinkle in the depths of his warm brown eyes. Shit, he was really enjoying himself here.

Still playing along, I managed to flush prettily as I cast my eyes down. The demure little toy boy, the green unsure rookie agent, the sweet little virgin, his ass cherry still intact but about to be broken by the big stern AD.

And Walter was lapping it up.

"Thank you Sir, I'm sorry Sir." I said shyly, I did not simper though, I simply loathed simperers.

"That's all right Agent, just do not let it happen in future." He replied, his voice brisk. "Now, for your...assessment," he added meaningfully.

"And what would that be...Sir?" I asked, making my voice husky. I stepped towards him, still regarding those broad handsome features under my eyelashes. I was playing the wanton now.

"Getting down on your knees and servicing my cock." He ordered.

Without further delay, I complied, getting down on my knees and taking his erect penis from the charcoal gray suit that he was wearing.

Oh God, the taste of him, it filled my mouth, my nostrils my very self. Running my tongue up and down the length of his shaft, I worked until I could hear the soft whimpers and moans of pleasure coming from above me.

One giant hand came down on my head, gently caressing my hair as I went about the business of sucking my boss and lover off.

Biting back a cry, Walter's penis twitched and hot cum flooded my mouth. Neatly I swallowed it, then licked the head and slit clean.

"Ah, thank you Agent Krycek." Walter said, his voice still shaky from the sudden exertion. "You have...ah, passed your assessment with flying colours. Congratulations."

"Does that mean I get a gold star on my chart for being a good boy?" I asked fluttering my eyelashes at him coquettishly.

"It means that I won't upend you and tan that impudent rump of yours for insubordination." Walter replied with a grin.

At his words, I felt the colour drain away from my face. I knew he was only kidding, still playing the Ad/Daddy role, but the mere mention of physical punishment was enough to set off a sick reaction in my stomach.

Walter must have seen the change in my face because suddenly his smile was gone, replaced by a look of concern now.

"Alex, are you okay?" He asked. He reached out and took hold of my arm as if to steady me. Without thinking, I pulled away from him, flinging his hand away roughly.

"Alex?" I could hear the confusion in his voice now, he had no idea of what had gone wrong.

"It's okay Walter." I mumbled. "I just need to...excuse me." With that, I turned and after unlocking the door, left Walter's office, painfully aware of his eyes fixed on me filled with hurt and bewilderment.

TWO

Riverview Apartment Complex

It was late and I was tired, but no matter how hard I tried, sleep just would not come. Finally tired of staring at the ceiling, I threw back the covers and padded barefoot out into the darkened living room.

Sitting on the couch, I picked the remote up and flicked the television on. Some grainy old late night movie was playing. Sound turned down, I sat and watched without really concentrating on the on-screen action. Instead the events of the day kept playing around and around in my head.

God, that scene in Walter's office, that had been nothing sort of amazing. I thought of myself as a pretty experienced lover, but the sex that we'd had...

And then I had to go and spoil it. I though morosely. All over a stupid throw away remark, a joke. As if Walter was ever going to tan my ass...

I closed my eyes, an involuntary rippling through my wiry frame. Even just the thought of it was enough to send me into a near panic attack.

Reluctantly I cast my mind back to that fateful day. The day that Piotr had caught Dominick and yours truly tangled in each other's cum slicked body. The look on his face, that look of pure anger and worse...disgust.

My stomach clenched at the memory. And what had happened afterwards, Dominick and the other guard making me strip, bending me over so that Piotr could whale the tar out of my bare and very vulnerable backside.

And then the box. Oh that was a particularly grim little memory in itself. The way I had been marched naked, hands on head to the amusement of everyone at the Facility. How I had sat in that hellish tin shed for three days, the smell of my own piss and shit and sweat in my nostrils until I thought that I would pass out.

Sitting on a sorely strapped behind on the rough concrete floor, thin arms wrapped around my legs. Chin resting on my knees, I had waited until Piotr finally came and let me out.

I remembered how the door had swung open and instead of a guard to give me my food or give me a clean slop bucket, it had been Piotr.

All the rage and betrayal that I had nursed deep inside me seemed to melt away with pure relief and I had flung myself weeping into his arms. Sobbing out apologies, I had hugged him, and despite the stink that enveloped me, he had hugged me back.

After soothing my tears, Piotr had taken me back to my room where I was able to shower away the sweat and the stink of the Box. Then afterwards I was given a proper meal instead of the rubbish that they had been feeding me out there.

I had wolfed the meat and vegetables down ravenously, Piotr watching me the whole time. Finally satisfied that I was going to recover from my ordeal, he had sat and given me a lecture about obedience and trust.

Not wanting to rouse his ire again, and in some way craving his company, I sat and listened to what he told me. I nodded every now and again letting him know that I was listening, but somewhere within that lecture, my mind had wandered away back to being in my room with Dominick. Back to his arms.

Of course that had been the last I had seen of Dominick, he had been promoted and transferred across the country. I missed him though, even though I could never bring myself to forgive his act of betrayal. Something inside me still craved for his touch.

With a sigh, I pushed there dismal thoughts away. Briefly I wondered where Walter was tonight, probably playing house with wifey.

Suddenly I realized that I missed him, I missed that big warm presence that he always brought into my otherwise small, cold apartment.

I suddenly found myself glancing towards the phone, what would happen if I were to call him? If I were to just dial his number just to hear that warm mellow voice.

And what if his wife to were to answer? An insidious little voice whispered with malicious glee. What would you do then?

Fuck off, I wanted to tell that nasty little voice, but then again, it was right. What if Walter's wife were to answer, what would I say? And more importantly, what would Walter's reaction be?

Damn, damn, damn. Sitting up I grabbed the remote and savagely pressed the off switch. If I was going to sit here and brood, I may as well do it over a drink. Who knows, there might even be a sweet piece of ass I could bring back for a quick sweaty mindless forgettable fuck.

Cock twitching at the thought of plunging it into some sweet little twinkie's ass, I wandered into the bedroom and to throw some clothes on. I was just reaching over to grab my leather jacket, a souvenir from my New Orleans adventure, and head out the door when the phone rang.

I froze, could that be him? dashing over to where the phone sat, I grabbed the receiver.

"Krycek, is that you?"

I felt my stomach plummet, it was Mulder.

"Yeah it's me." I replied heavily. "What do you want at this hour Mulder?"

There was silence for a moment, then Mulder said quietly. "I need to see you Alex, is it okay if I come up?"

"Sure." I told him, puzzled. "Where are you now?"

"Parked around the corner from your place." He replied.

I sighed and rubbed my hand over my face. "Okay, come on up." With that, I sat the receiver back onto the cradle of the telephone and settled down onto the couch to wait for him.

He must not have parked very far away for ten minutes later he was standing outside my apartment door.

He stepped into the living room, a slightly sheepish smile touching his well shaped mouth.

"Couldn't sleep either huh?" I said as I opened the door to let him in.

Mulder shook his head. "No, I was driving around and then I thought maybe you might still be up..." He let the rest of the sentence trail off, I could see that he was embarrassed.

"That's okay Mulder." I replied. "You want some coffee or something?"

He gave me another grin, his tired looking hazel eyes lighting up a little. "Sure, coffee would be great."

Soon we were both settled on the couch, mugs of steaming coffee sitting on the table in front of us. As an afterthought, I had also laid out a plate of Oreos and Fig Newtons. Not my favourites, but I never met an American that did not like either type of cookie.

True to form, Mulder reached over and picked an Oreo up off the plate and bit into it, scattering crumbs everywhere.

I watched him with a mixture of weary amusement and curiosity, wondering what it was that had led him here to my apartment. He finished the cookie and picked another one up, eating it with obvious enjoyment.

I felt a smile lift the corners of my lips. Mulder seemed to take such an almost childlike delight in such little things, like eating a cookie. It was sweet somehow, touching.

"You're lonely aren't you?" I asked him, then I froze. What made me ask that particular question? I had not meant to, it had just popped out unbidden. Mulder looked up at me, his eyes wary and cold now, and just as quickly, he turned away.

I felt the colour rise in my cheeks. "I'm sorry Mulder." I said contritely. "I should not have said that."

Mulder shook his head. "It's okay Alex." He replied softly. "After all, you are right, I guess I am feeling a bit lonely."

"Like me." I replied. "It's hard you know, when you are on your own, when you have no one at all..." I stopped realizing how self pitying I sounded just then. The one thing I despised was self pity. Over the years I had come to learn that feeling sorry for yourself was a total waste of time. It's not like anyone ever cared.

"Don't you have any family Alex?" he asked. I shook my head. "Not any that I see." I replied, and left it at that. The less he knew about me, the better.

"What about you?" I asked him more to change the subject then anything else, after all I knew everything there was to know about him. The file that I had been given on Fox William Mulder had been very thorough indeed. I even knew what his favourite foods were and that he was allergic to pollen and black food colouring. I even knew that he was red/green colour blind.

No, there was not much that I did not know about our favourite FBI agent.

He shrugged. "Just Mum and Dad." He replied diffidently. "I don't see a lot of them though, you know because of work and stuff. It keeps me pretty busy"

I nodded slowly, sensing the hint of pain that laid under his words. I knew that he was not close to either of his parents. From what I could understand, they both seemed to blame him for the disappearance of his sister Samantha.

Suddenly, he leaned forward and set his coffee cup down onto the table. "I should go." He said abruptly.

"You don't have to Mulder." I replied. "You can stay as long as you want."

He glanced up at me, his hazel eyes unreadable, then looking away he spoke softly. "Do you want me to stay Alex?"

"Sure." I replied.

"It's just that most people don't like having me around, that's all."

"Why's that?" I asked, hiding a grin, he sounded so much like a lost little boy at that moment, that despite myself, I felt my heart go out to him.

"I don't know." Mulder grimaced as he spoke. "I guess most people think that 'Spooky Mulder' isn't a lot of fun to have around.

"Well then they're wrong." I told him firmly. "I admire your work Mulder. I admire the fact that you are prepared to consider the more extreme possibilities. That you can and do make that leap of faith over and over again no matter what the consequences are."

He lifted his head to stare at me, I returned that stare steadily, my eyes meeting his. Finally he nodded as if he was satisfied with what he saw.

"Thanks Alex." He said huskily. Smiling at him, I reached out to take his hand. Before either of us realized what was happening, we were kissing with a passion that stunned the both of us.

With confusion and embarrassment warring inside me, I hurriedly broke the kiss. "Sorry about that Mulder." I stammered uncertainly. "I have no idea why I did that."

"It's okay Alex." Mulder replied with a hell of a lot more equanimity that I could muster.

"It was actually quite nice." Then he added almost as an afterthought. "I've never done it with a man before."

"Never?" I asked this time no longer being able to hide my grin.

He shook his head. "No, I've slept with women, you know, the usual, but never with a man."

"Then maybe I should introduce you to the wonderful world of hot guy on guy sex." I replied half jokingly.

Mulder looked at me, I was suddenly disturbed at the raw pleading in the depths of his eyes. "Would you?"

"Sure Fox." I replied, using his first name. "If that's what you want." Outwardly I was calm, but inside was in turmoil. This was something that I had simply not bargained for.

Sure, I wanted to take Mulder to bed, and why not, after all he was beautiful. Those clear hazel eyes, that beautifully shaped mouth. Sure the nose was a little on the large size, but that seemed to only add to the peculiar balance of grace and beauty of his features.

What about Walter? That tiny insidious voice had surfaced once again. I frowned, yes, what about Walter?

He doesn't have to know Alex, the voice reassured me silkily.

What the eyes don't see and the ears don't hear, the heart don't grieve. That's what Sergei always used to say. I could almost hear his voice speaking the words, and hell, it's not as if Walter and I are in any kind of relationship. No he's too busy playing 'Mr Happily Married Man'.

With my mind made up, I firmly pushed all thoughts of Walter Skinner aside and reaching over, I took Mulder by the hand and lifted him up off the couch.

As gently as I could, I led him into my bedroom towards the still rumpled bed.

Slowly, savoring the moment, I undressed him, exploring that lean runner's body with my fingertips. Finding a nipple, I flicked the hard nubble with my tongue. I heard Mulder's sharp intake of breath and moved to the other nipple.

"Oh Christ, Alex." He moaned softly. Stripping off the rest of our clothes, I knelt in front of Mulder's stiffening cock. Gently, as though handling a precious object, I took it in my fingers, stroking up and down the slick shaft.

I heard a moan from somewhere above me and grinned, I certainly had his attention now.

With once swift movement, I took Mulder's cock in my mouth, sucking him, tasting him as my hands explored his well rounded rump.

Mulder gasped and arched himself towards me, allowing me to take him deeper and deeper inside my mouth. From the way he was reacting to the blow job I could tell he had not had sex in some time.

Suddenly his semen flooded inside my mouth. I swallowed it, then ran my tongue around the smooth skin of his cock head, cleaning away every drop.

Just then I heard Mulder let out a shuddering sigh. "Oh Alex, that was..." He let the sentence trail off as post orgasm lethargy overtook him.

Getting to my feet, my own erect cock bobbing between my legs, I led him over to the bed.

"I've never..." he began hesitantly.

"It's all right Fox, I'll be as gentle as I can." I quickly reassured the now nervous man.

He nodded, trusting me. Eyes wide now, he watched as I laid him on the bed. I laid him on his back so that he would be able to see me as I took him.

I wanted him to watch me as I fucked that tight little hole of his. I wanted him to watch me as much as I wanted to be able to watch him.

Quickly, my need a deep aching inside me now, I applied the lube to his anus. I felt him shudder as my fingers delved deep inside him, preparing him for me.

Then rolling the condom on, I carefully lifted Mulder's legs so that they would rest on my shoulders while I slid inside him.

Very aware of his virginity now I entered him as slowly and as carefully as I could manage. Mulder groaned and shifted underneath me, his eyes watching my every movement with glittering fascination.

After a moment I managed push my cockhead past the tight ring of muscle and soon I was bottoming out inside of him.

Mulder's cries echoed off the ceiling as he held on to me me, his fingers digging into the flesh of my shoulders and upper arms. I knew I would have bruises there tomorrow but right now I didn't care. All that mattered now was the hot tight little ass that I was buried up to the hilt in.

Suddenly I felt my cock spasm and gasping, I rode out the orgasm that shook me down to the very core. Dimly I heard Mulder as his own climax hit, his body jerking underneath me.

With sweat trickling down my arms and back, I carefully withdrew from Mulder's no longer virginal hole and reaching down, I peeled the condom off my now limp cock.

I tossed the sticky piece of latex into the trash can, then laid down beside the limp body of Fox Mulder.

"You okay?" I asked him with a smile.

"Hmmm." Mulder answered languidly. "Sure am."

My smile widened, Mulder looked as though he had just had the best sex of his life. Courtesy of yours truly of course.

"How are you feeling?" I asked him. Rolling onto my side, I propped my head up with my hand, watching Mulder carefully.

He winced slightly. "A little sore, you know." He told me with a sudden shyness that I found kind of touching.

"You will be for a couple of days." I replied gently. Reaching out, I cupped his face with my hand. "But you'll soon get used to it. After all, I did."

Mulder gave me one of his rare smiles. "Thanks Alex." He said, his voice suddenly hoarse.

"For what?"

"For this, for everything." He replied. Suddenly he sat up and swung his legs off the side of the bed.

"Hey, where are you going?" I asked as I watched him pad barefoot over to where his clothes were lying on the floor.

"I have to go now." He mumbled as he gathered his clothes up.

"Why don't you stay a little longer, we could heat up some frozen pizza if you like." I offered. Mulder looked up at me, his eyes were dark and shadowed.

"Some other time Alex." He replied, his voice distant. "I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he pulled his clothes on and left the bedroom. I briefly thought about going after him, then gave a mental shrug.

It was obvious that he needed some time to himself. Poor bastard I mused as I heard the front door open and close. No matter how hard he tries to reach out to someone, he is always going to find himself alone.

THREE

FBI Building Washington DC

The next morning, Mulder was not in his office. Concerned I tried his cell phone but he was not answering. The machine picked up his home phone so I left a message.

Briefly I thought about calling Scully but the clear dislike and distrust that she harbored against me was enough for me to change my mind.

Slowly, I made my way towards the cafeteria in search of some halfway decent coffee when I heard my name called out.

Looking up I saw Walter standing near the elevator. Walking over to where he was, I got into the elevator, the doors closing shut behind me.

Seeing that we were the only ones in the elevator, Walter leaned down to plant a quick chaste kiss on my lips. The skin where his mouth touched mine tingled mildly.

"How are you Alex?" I could see the concern in his deep brown eyes. I offered him a smile.

"I'm okay Walter, thanks." I replied, then I frowned. "Hey, isn't there a security camera in these elevators?" The last thing I needed was a scandal about the both of us kissing in a lift.

Walter grinned at me. "Of course there is." He pointed towards the camera that sat nestled in the corner of the lift.

"Shit," I muttered. "Walter..."

"Relax Alex, it's broken, I had Kim call maintenance to fix it. A crew is going to get right onto it, tomorrow."

Relief flooded through me." "Thank God for that." I muttered.

"Alex, I happen to be an Assistant Director here, do you think that I would risk my career, not to mention my reputation by doing something as stupid as kissing you in front of the security cameras? Give me a little more credit than that."

I felt the colour rise to my face, no of course he wouldn't, it's just that I hated this... charade and after what happened with Mulder last night. I sighed inwardly, I was rapidly growing tired of all this. I wanted out, yet I did not want to be away from the man that was standing beside me in this elevator right now.

"Alex, are you all right?" I felt Walter's large hand grip my arm. I glanced up at him, managing a weak smile.

"Yeah Walter, I'm fine." I replied.

"Look Alex, I wanted to talk to you about yesterday..." Walter began.

Just then, the doors opened with a soft whoosh and a young dark haired woman stepped inside. After giving us both a quick smile, she reached over to press a floor button. The door closed once more and Walter and I both rode the rest of the way in silence.

Finally the elevator stopped on my floor. Without a backward glance, I stepped out leaving Walter standing there. I hated leaving him so abruptly, but there was nothing else I could do. Resolving to see him later and try to sort everything out, I walked down the office building corridor towards the cafeteria.

The coffee was weak as usual but at least it was hot. I carried my cup over to one of the far tables and sat down. The staff cafeteria was only half full so hopefully I would be able to drink my coffee in peace.

"Alex?"

I looked up, it was Mulder.

"I've been trying to call you." I said as I indicated towards the empty chair opposite me.

Mulder sat down, placing his own cup of coffee onto the table in front of him.

"I know," he replied curtly. "I got your messages."

"I was worried about you." I replied calmly. "The way you took off so suddenly last night..."

"I know. Mulder replied. "I'm sorry."

Sighing I shook my head. "You have nothing to be sorry for Fox." I told him wearily as I lifted the my cup up to my lips. I tasted the coffee, then set the mug back down once more aware of Mulder's eyes on me the whole time.

"I just need to know that you're okay...that we are okay, that's all."

Mulder suddenly gave me one of the rare smiles that transformed his face. "Sure Alex." He replied warmly. "We're okay." With that he got to his feet and left the cafeteria. I watched him go, different emotions spinning around in my head.

"Hello Alex."

The sound of that deadly smooth familiar voice made me freeze. I looked up just in time to get a plume of smoke in my face.

"Mr Spender." The words felt tasted like dead leaves in my mouth.

"Alex." He acknowledged. He moved into the seat that Mulder had just vacated. "How are things with the X Files?"

I shrugged. "The usual." I replied.

"I was hoping for a more comprehensive report." He remarked casually.

"You shouldn't be sitting here with me." I replied coldly. "Someone might see us together, it could blow my cover."

"There's no one of any consequence here to see us Alex." Spender replied quietly. He settled back against the chair.

"Agent Mulder has gone down to his office to work on some fresh reports. Skinner is at this very moment at a meeting with the other assistant directors. All that are here right now are secretaries and a couple of agents visiting from regional offices."

I felt my lips quirk up in an ironic smile, it was so typical of the old bastard to know exactly who and where everyone was. All part of being the Consortium's main man I suppose.

"I want a full report from you as soon as possible Alex." He continued, his eyes boring into mine.

Pressing my lips together tightly, I nodded.

"Good." This seemed to satisfy him and pushing the chair back, Spender rose and left. The faint odour of cigarette smoke the only indication that he had ever been here.

I went to finish my coffee, but with a grimace I pushed it away. The smell of the old man's Morelys had permeated the drink, fouling it.

With an inward sigh, I pushed myself away from the cafeteria table and made my way down to the basement office. All the while, my thoughts focused on both Walter and Mulder.

How in God's name was I going to be able to extricate myself out of this crazy situation I had now found myself in?

I knew one thing for sure, I should never have fucked Mulder. I knew that I did what I did out of pity for the man, that and the loneliness that I had been feeling that night. But I realized now that pity and loneliness were two of the worst reasons to have sex with anyone.

I had no right to use Mulder like that, it truly could not satisfy me and it was horribly unfair to him. No, I had no real feeling for him one way or the other, save pity. Now he must think that there was something there between us when in reality it was Walter that I wanted.

Suddenly I came to a decision. To hell with Spender and the rest of the Elite. To hell with the Consortium, I wanted out. I wanted my life back. But how?

Disappear. The answer seemed to stand out in front of me. Disappear, get the hell out, away. But where?

Back to Kiev? No they would find me there. Where then, there had to be somewhere that the Consortium did not have it's damned tentacles.

With these chaotic thoughts tumbling around in my mind, I rode the elevator back down to the basement and headed towards Mulder's office.

He was already working at his computer when I walked in.

"Hey." I greeted him, keeping my voice carefully neutral. Mulder looked up, his eyes warming behind his glasses.

"Hey there yourself." He replied. "I think I might have found us an interesting case."

"Really" I replied feigning interest. Mulder nodded. "I'm going to Georgia to check it out. If it pans out I'll let you know."

"Great." I replied, then I added cautiously. "You don't need me to come with you?"

Mulder shook his head. "Nope, it's just some reports of possible UFO sightings. It could turn out to be nothing so there's no point the both of us going. But if there's something there that might pan out, then I'll contact you immediately."

That's if I'm still here by the time you get there, I thought privately. Aloud I replied. "Sure thing, there's a whole stack of paperwork that I have to finish anyway."

"Good then, I'll be in touch." With that he turned back to his computer screen and I quietly left the basement office, ideas already formulating in my mind.