Twelve Years Later

ONE

The FBI Building Washington DC

Holding the folder in my hand, I scanned the busy office searching the various faces until I found the man that I was looking for.

There he was, sitting behind the desk, wearing a pair of headphones. I could see that he was busy transcribing wire tap tapes.

I took a deep breath and put on my best 'Alex Krycek, green agent and all around geeky kind of guy' look.

Hell, I knew that I would not have much trouble putting that one over. After all, I was painfully aware that my new hair style and cheap suit certainly helped me look the part.

I hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to approach him. Then throwing all caution to the wind, I walked up to where he was sitting, folder outstretched in my hand.

"Agent Mulder." There, that got his attention at last. "Here's your 302. Assistant Director Skinner finally approved it."

He took the folder off me, looking somewhat stunned. Then he replied.

"There's been a mistake here. There's another agent that's been assigned to the case."

"Uh, that would be me. Krycek, Alex Krycek." I stuck my hand, practically in the other man's face. He stared up at me as though I was some strange and interesting new species of bug. I felt my face colour slightly under his cool scrutiny.

"Skinner didn't say anything about taking on a partner." Mulder replied.

"It wasn't Skinner." I answered. "I opened the case two hours before your request so technically, it's my case."

Mulder sat back in his chair. Judging by the look on his face, he did not like to be one upped. I suddenly had a feeling that I was not going to be added on his Christmas list this year.

"And you already talked to the police?" He asked.

"Yes, just hung up on the officer in charge a few minutes ago."

Diving my hand into my coat pocket, I pulled out the FBI issue note pad. I knew all the details of the case off by heart, but I wanted to add to the persona of 'green agent' so I began to read from the notepad anyway.

"A detective named Horton, it turned out that Grissom called 911 and reported a fire."

Mulder nodded. "I heard the tape."

I lifted my eyebrows slightly, this guy's attitude was really beginning to bug me now. So I decided it was time to go in for the kill.

"Well did you hear that forensics found a spent fire extinguisher on the floor? Grissom's prints were all over it."

A look of undisguised annoyance crossed Mulder's face now. With great delight, I leaned over his desk and pointed towards one of the photographs. It showed the victim lying sprawled on the floor in his living room.

"The walls and floor in his living room were covered with ammonium phosphate." I said.

"But no trace of fire." He said.

"Not even a burnt match." I replied.

It was not difficult to tell now that Mulder was starting to like me less and less. But that was okay, it was beginning to serve a purpose.

"Is that all you know?" He asked me sourly. No congratulations, or a hearty well done for my own investigative work. Just that cold sullen expression on his face.

"Yeah, so far." I told him. Then quickly remembering that I was suppose to be the new kid, decided to toss the guy a bone.

"What do you think it means?"

Neatly ignoring my question, he replied. "Look, I appreciate the show and tell and I don't want you to take this personally but I work alone."

Then grabbing the case file, my case file, he headed off as he tossed over his shoulder.

"I'll straighten things out with Skinner."

Oh no you don't you don't. I thought grimly to myself. You aren't shaking me off that easily.

"It's my case Agent Mulder." I told him in no uncertain terms. Mulder stopped, then turned to face me.

There you arrogant son of a bitch, I thought to myself. That sure as hell got your attention.

"Look, I may be...green, but I had the case first so I'm not going to give it away so quickly."

Personally I could not have given a rat's ass about the case, but I had to establish some sort of relationship with Mulder. Even if it was just a partnership. I had to eventually win his trust. After all, that was the whole purpose of me being here in the first place.

And besides, his attitude was really starting to tick me off, big time.

By the look on his face I could see that he was not used to being challenged.

Finally he gave in. "All right, look I have some work I have to finish up here. Why don't you go down to the motor pool and requisition us a car, I'll meet you down there."

"What, that's all, you don't have a problem with us working together?" I asked him surprised. I had not expected him to give up quite so easily. After all, Mulder's difficult personality was legendary amongst the FBI.

He shrugged slightly. "It's your party."

"I'll go get the car." I said before he could change his mind. Hell, maybe this guy was not so bad after all.

TWO

Riverview Apartment Complex

Jesus I was mad. No, strike that. Make that furious. No, make that murderously furious.

Storming into my apartment, I tossed my keys onto the sideboard and went into the kitchen in search of a well deserved drink.

If that bastard had any idea of how close he had come to getting his neck broken...

I found the bottle of lemon Stoli and carried it back into the living room.

Fucking bastard prick. I could not believe it. Mulder had ditched me. Me, Alex Krycek.

Fuck, I could not believe I had fallen for that whole, 'yeah sure, we can work together routine. Jesus but I should have seen it coming.

With a savage twist, I tore the lid off the bottle and without bothering to use a glass. I downed a large swallow.

The liquid burned it's way down my throat and I choked slightly. Fuck it, fuck it fuck it. If Spender were to find out about the farcical events of the day, he would tear me a new asshole for sure. And I much preferred to keep the one I already had thank you very damned much.

I simply could not believe it, he had ditched me like, as I snarled at him at the time, somebody's bad date. Christ.

And that smug look on his face, god but I had to fight then urge to wipe it off. Then if that had not been bad enough, he just had to add. "Sorry if I hurt your feelings."

That sentence had nearly sent me sky high.

But instead, I had to feed him a 'green agent' line instead. The one about 'following his work because we believe that there was more out there then they were telling us.

I could see that got to him because he had stopped dead in mid stride.

Well at least I had managed to meet the famous Scully. Although an autopsy room had not exactly been my favourite choice of places. Still getting the opportunity to observe them both together had been perfect.

I could see that the both of them still had a strong rapport. Something for me to report when I was to meet with Spender again.

Feeling decidedly tired now I took another mouthful of Stoli then decided on a shower and bed.

Just then, the phone rang. Shit, who was it now I wondered. I reached over and picked it up.

"Krycek here."

"Alex, it's me, Mark."

I sighed, shit, Mark. The guy I had picked up in a bar a couple of weeks ago. How the hell did he get my number, I could not recall giving it to him.

"Alex, are you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm still here." I said, although I was beginning to wish I weren't.

"I was wondering if I could come up?" He sounded so pathetically hopeful that for a moment I felt sorry for him.

"No Mark." I replied firmly. "I'm tired, I was just on my way to bed when you called."

"Really." His voice suddenly became seductive. "Maybe I could join you."

"I don't think so Mark." I replied tiredly. "Look, I'll call you in a couple of days. Okay?"

"Okay." He sounded disappointed, well that was too frigging bad. I hung the phone back up without waiting for him to give me his number. After all, it was not like I was planning on ever calling him back. All he had just been was just a quick and easy fuck for the night. Like all the young men I found in the various bars I frequented, just a warm usable body for me to satisfy myself with.

Ever since that first experience with Dominick, I knew that I was queer, but that was okay. I had learned to deal with it. And as for the Consortium Elders, they did not care who or what I fucked. To them it was nothing, as long as I did not let it interfere with my work and as long as I was discreet I could have stuck it in a billy goat for all they cared.

And as for Piotr, well I was away from his sphere of influence and authority. I was my own person now.

With a sigh, I heaved myself up out of my chair and wandered into my bedroom. Setting the bottle of vodka on the chest of drawers, I pulled my clothes off and walked into the bathroom.

The water was steaming hot and wonderful against my tired body. Quickly I washed myself, then stepping out of the shower recess, I grabbed a towel and headed back into my bedroom.

I dried myself off roughly with the towel, then naked I crawled in between the sheets.

Christ, what a day. Staring up at the ceiling, I reviewed all the events that had taken place.

First of all, Mulder, well Spender had not lied about him. He was one odd duck all right. Okay he was damned good looking, and that slow drawl was somewhat enticing, and I had to admit that he was quite obviously a gifted man and a dedicated agent. But there was something about him, something that I could not put my finger on. Something that vaguely disturbed me.

And Scully. Dr Dana Scully to be precise. Boy but she was one cold fish. Pretty, but unreachable. And I could tell straight away that she definitely did not like me.

But strangely enough, it was neither Mulder, or his red headed ex partner that preoccupied my mind at this moment in time. Rather it was my boss, Assistant Director Walter Sergi Skinner.

Of course it had been Spender that had arranged for the Assistant Director to be my direct superior. He was the one that I had been instructed to report to.

I had turned up at his office expecting to find a middle aged bureaucrat. An anonymous nine to five office drone wearing a baggy suit and sitting behind a desk. Some poor bastard that had been cowered by the Consortium to boot.

But that was not what I had found.

Restlessly I turned over, trying to settle myself to sleep, but all I could think of was Walter Skinner. The set of his broad shoulders, the powerful looking hands that had handled the file with a grace that had been almost delicate.

Suddenly I felt my cock harden. I could not help it. That smooth rich voice as he had introduced himself to me. The calm authority that seemed to surround him almost like an aura.

Oh fuck, my cock had awakened fully now. Reaching down, I grasped the hardened shaft and slowly began to stroke it up and down, my eyes closed. Even as I started pumping it, I tried to visualize my favourite fantasy, some beautiful young porn star from one of the few movies that I had started to collect. It was no good, no matter how hard I tried to bring the young blonde man's face to being, it keep changing into that of Walter Skinner.

The blue eyes turning to brown. The blonde hair receding from a bald scalp. The finely shaped mouth widening, becoming more sensuous.

I moaned, feeling my climax building up inside. My hand worked harder and harder, my back arching slightly off the bed.

"Oh shit!" Semen, warm and sticky flowed over my hand. With a sigh, I heaved myself up of the rumpled sweat soaked sheets and headed into the bathroom to clean up.

When I finally climbed back into bed, I felt as though my entire body had been put through a wringer.

Pulling the quilt back over my exhausted body, I closed my eyes and firmly put all thoughts of the Assistant Director out of my mind.

THREE

FBI Building, Washington DC

The Grissom case had finally been wrapped up. Mulder and I had written our reports and had given them to Skinner. He in turn had read them, then finally signed off on them.

Personally, I was glad to see the back of this case, it had been weird from start to finish. The sight of that huge man, the one that had been called the Preacher, standing there, weapon in hand pointed straight at Mulder. Of course I had reacted immediately, drawing my own FBI standard issue weapon and despite Mulder's frantic protests, had fired.

Preacher had dropped to the floor and I had dashed over to him searching for the gun, but finding only an old battered looking bible instead.

No gun had ever been found and to my relief, the case was quietly closed.

After leaving the FBI building, Mulder and I had gone to a nearby bar later on that evening, whether to celebrate or not, I was not quite sure.

We had talked for a while, or rather Mulder had talked. He did get quite chatty after a few tequilas.

At first the conversation had covered this and that. The FBI, various cases, but after a while and a few more tequilas, he had opened up, telling me about his sister and his constant search for her.

I had listened to him as he had described the pain of his loss and his unending quest to find her. I could see the raw pain on his face and suddenly I felt myself soften towards him. Okay the guy was still a prick, but it was the unyielding devotion to his sister, and to his work that made me start to feel more sympathetic towards him.

Finally I decided it was time for Mulder to go home. By the way he was rambling about alien conspiracies now, I could see that he'd had enough.

"Come on fella." I told him cheerfully as I managed to get him to his feet.

Mulder stared blearily at me for a moment, then gave me a warm slow grin. "How about one for the road?"

"Ha, you've had enough for an entire highway." I answered. "Come on Mulder, let's get you home and in beddy bye."

"Beddy what?"

"In the sack Mulder." I told him with impatient good humour. Mulder laughed at that and shook his head.

"You aren't the only one that's wanted me there you know." He said as I half carried half dragged him towards the bar's exit.

"Is that so?" I asked, my voice neutral. Why did I have the feeling that we were entering dangerous territory now.

"That's right." He mumbled. We were outside now, the cool night air wafting on both our faces. Mulder seemed to revive a little now. Straightening up, he pushed himself away from me moving with sudden cold abruptness. His closed and somewhat hostile persona had returned.

"Thanks Alex." He spoke with cool formality now. He stepped away from me, then ducking his head, started off down the street, shoulders hunched as though they carried the weight of the world.

"Poor bastard." I muttered as I watched him go. Then I headed towards my own car, and my own lonely apartment.

FOUR

The Haddon Building, Washington DC

"So what do you have to report?" Spender asked tersely. He, the Brit and the a couple of other men that I did not recognize, were sitting around the long polished conference table.

"Not much at the moment." I told them simply. "You have already received my report regarding the X Files, and Mulder's ex partner Dana Scully. Nothing much has changed there I'm afraid. Mulder still continues to work with me, but I have to admit I am finding it difficult to break through the man's natural distrust and paranoia."

"But have you made any progress at all Alex?" This came from the Brit. I glanced at him. The old man's eyes were boring into me now. The tension seeming to come off him in waves.

"I have made some progress, but it has been slow." I admitted. "You have to understand that Fox Mulder is not an easy person to get close too. I have yet to fully gain his trust."

"Then continue to do so Alex." That came from Spender.

"Very well." I replied. That effectively ended the meeting. The Elders of the Elite rose and retired to the large lounge that was adjacent to the conference room for refreshments. I in turn gathered my papers and other stuff together preparing to leave, when Spender approached me.

"A word please Alex."

"Sure." I looked up at him expectantly. He paused to light a cigarette while I waited, wondering idly what state his lungs must in by now. As black as his heart most likely.

"I'm quite pleased with the progress that you have made so far." Spender said finally, blowing out a cloud of smoke. I nodded. "I'm glad."

"There is one thing though Alex, something of utmost importance that you have to be aware of." He continued.

"And what would that be?" I asked him. Spender sighed and glanced away from me, I could see that something was troubling him deeply.

"It concerns Mulder." He replied. "I want you take particular care not to arouse his suspicions."

"I can assure you that I have been very careful Mr Spender." I replied puzzled, why did I have a feeling that there was something else going on here? Something that I had not been told about.

"Fox Mulder is very important to the Project, and to the Cause as a whole." Spender continued, his voice low now, as though he feared being overheard.

"Nothing must be allowed to endanger that, or Agent Mulder...is that clear?"

Still puzzled, I nodded. "You have nothing to worry about Mr Spender." I told him quietly.

"Good, see to it that I don't, or else it will be your head on the chopping block." Spender said coldly. I watched as he turned on his heel and entered the Lounge, the door closing behind him.

I stood staring at the closed door, my mind racing now. So it seemed that Mulder was very important to Spender, and perhaps not for the reasons that I had first assumed. This could turn out to be most interesting indeed.

FIVE

Sothie's Bar Washington DC

"Another vodka Sir?"

I glanced up at the barman, then nodded. I watched as he poured me another drink, then went down to the other end of the bar to serve another customer.

It was still pretty early in the afternoon so the bar was not very full. With a sigh, I reached over and picked my drink.

"Agent Krycek."

I looked up surprised, it was Walter Skinner. He settled himself onto the stool next to me, as the barman walked over to take his order. Nonplused, I nodded, this was the last place I had expected to bump into the Assistant Director.

"What will you have Sir?" The barman asked as he used a spotlessly clean cloth to wipe down the counter in front of us.

"Scotch." Skinner ordered. The barman nodded, then turned to get the bigger man his drink.

"So how long have you been here for?" He asked me as he tossed some money onto the counter.

"Not long Sir." I replied, I lifted my glass up, tilting it towards him slightly. "This is only my second drink."

Skinner chuckled and lifted his own drink to his mouth. "You don't have to call me 'Sir' here Alex." He replied. "We are both off duty now."

You may be, I thought, my mind going back to the meeting with Spender and the Elders, but I'm not. I am always on duty, you just don't know about it.

"So how are you and Mulder getting on?" He asked suddenly. I looked over at him for a moment, then then dropped my gaze back down to the drink in front of me.

"He's a fine agent Si..., Walter." I replied slowly, choosing my words with care.

I saw Skinner's lips quirk up and for some reason it sent a tiny little thrill coursing through me.

"One of the best profilers that the Bureau has." He replied. I watched as he took another mouthful of scotch, then setting the glass down, he turned towards me.

"I happen to have great respect for the man and for his work Alex. Great respect indeed."

Saying nothing, I merely nodded, wondering where this was going.

"I know who pulled the strings to get you into the FBI Alex." Skinner continued calmly. I know who it is you work for."

"The same people that you work for." I retorted. Skinner stared at me for a moment, his eyes boring into me. Then he nodded.

"We may have the same boss Alex, but that's all we have in common." He replied, regarding me coolly. "Nothing more."

I lifted my head to face him squarely, my face grim. "What is it you are trying to tell me... exactly Walter?" I asked.

"Just this." Skinner replied. "I admire Fox Mulder, no more than that, I like him. I respect what he is trying to do and I don't want to see him or his work jeopardized in any way. Do I make myself clear?"

"I'm sorry Walter, but I have no idea what you are talking about." I told the bigger man, putting on my best 'perplexed young agent' look. Not that I thought it would work with this guy, but still, it was worth a try.

With one swallow, Walter downed the rest of his drink, then sitting the glass down with great deliberation got up off the stool.

"Oh I think you do Alex." He told me succinctly. "I think you do."

"I think that we should go somewhere and discuss this some more." I replied, lowering my voice slightly. He stared down at me for a couple of minutes, his face unreadable, he he replied.

"Is that so Alex?"

Looking up at him, I gave him my best smile. "Yeah Walter." I drawled. "After all, why not?"

"I don't think so." He replied, but I could see the smile that was now beginning to play around the corners of his mouth.

"What's wrong Walter?" I asked him, my smile widening to a grin. "We could go back to my place, talk... you know, have a conversation." I was aware of the seductive tone that had crept into my voice now. I was still staring directly at the Assistant Director, carefully gauging his reaction.

"Are you aware of the fact that you are actually hitting on your direct superior?" Skinner asked me. I could hear the amusement in his voice.

"I take it you're not interested then?"

"Not with a junior FBI agent, no." Skinner replied firmly. "And especially one that just happens to work for Spender."

I shrugged lightly. "I work for him Walter, but that does not mean that he owns me."

"No?" He raised an eyebrow in pure disbelief. Then he leaned down towards me, so close that could smell the faint heady odor of scotch and aftershave coming from him.

"Allow me to let you in on a little secret Alex, men like Spender own everybody, including you."

With that, he turned and left the bar, leaving me alone with my own troubled thoughts.

SIX

Riverview Apartment Complex

I groaned softly as I rolled over in my bed, coming face to face with another man.

"Oh fuck." I muttered sitting up. I ran my hand through my sleep tousled hair trying desperately to bring back the event of the previous night.

I recalled the meeting with Spender and the other members of the Consortium, then going to the bar. That was where I had bumped into Skinner. And then after that?

Well a few more drinks, then waking up beside this rather sweet faced young man, Christ, boy more like, he hardly looked old enough to shave. How old could he have been? Sixteen, seventeen?

Not wanting to think about it anymore,I glanced at the clock, it was after nine. Thank god it was Saturday, no work. Slowly I climbed out of bed, wincing slightly. Shit but my back felt sore. I glanced back at the sleeping form of the young man.

What the hell did we end up doing last night? I wondered, I felt as though a herd of stampeding yaks had trampled over the top of me.

Naked, I made my way into the kitchen. What I needed now was coffee, strong and hot. I plugged the electric kettle into the power outlet and switched it on.

Just then, the phone rang. Walking into the living room, I picked it up.

"Krycek speaking."

"Agent Krycek hi, it's me Mulder."

"Yes Agent Mulder, what can I do for you?" I asked, glancing towards the bedroom. I thought I saw the shape under the quilt stir.

"Have something for us." Mulder said, his voice obscenely cheerful over the phone. "In fact I'm on my way over to your apartment to pick you up as we speak."

"What, today?" I exclaimed into the phone. "Mulder, may remind you that today is Saturday. Our day off?"

"Ah but the FBI never sleeps, not does it take days off." Mulder chirped into the phone.

Rolling my eyes I replied. "Okay, so what's so important that we have to work on the weekend huh?"

"I'll explain on the way Alex, scouts honour. I'll be there in five so hurry up and get ready." With that, he hung up.

Cursing under my breath, I hurried into the bathroom and turned the shower on. I just stepped in under the spray when I felt a presence behind me.

Reacting on sheer pure reflex, I spun around, hand lifted up in a half fist, ready to smash it into the bridge of the intruder's nose. A move that would have cause instantaneous death

Startled blue eyes met mine. It was the kid that I had picked up at the bar last night. He took a step back, staring at me nervously. Relaxing, I lowered my hand.

"Um, hi." The kid said, still staring at me with those startled blue eyes. At that moment, he looked like a fawn caught dead in a hunter's sights.

"You gave me a start." I told him tersely, then softening my voice I said. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just don't like people sneaking up behind me, that's all."

The kid visibly relaxed. "Oh, sorry about that." He said with a grin. "I didn't mean to frighten you. I guess you didn't hear me over the noise of the shower huh?"

I shook my head, returning his grin with one of my own. "No, I didn't as a matter of fact."

Confidence returning, the kid stepped back under the spray, lifting his head up towards the rushing water. I watched as he lifted his hands to wipe the wet locks of blonde hair away from his face. Oh but this one was pretty, I thought to myself, but I knew that like all the others, would not see him again. We had our fun but I was finished with him now.

"Can I use your soap?" He asked suddenly, startling me out of my reverie.

"Oh yeah, sure." I replied, then finishing my own ablutions, I stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around my hips.

"I have to get going shortly, I told the kid. Hell for the life of me I could not even remember his name. He peered out at me from under the steaming flow of water.

"Really?" He sounded disappointed. "I thought we might have lunch together or something." He replied.

I shook my head. "Nope, I'm afraid not. I have to work."

"What, today?" he almost yelped. "But today's Saturday."

"I know." I told him with a smile. "But some of us do have to work weekends you know."

The kid sighed and nodded, then he turned off the shower taps, cutting off the flow of water.

He stepped out of the shower and reached over for a towel, water dripping of his lean body. That was when I noticed that he was half a head shorter than I was.

After the kid dried himself, he walked back into the bedroom, bending down to gather up his discarded clothes. From the view I had, I could certainly see that he had a nice ass.

A knock on the door made us both turned around, oh crap, that had to be Mulder.

Pulling on the robe that I snatched up from the end of the bed, I hurried to the front door. It opened to reveal Mulder standing there, look of impatience on his face.

"Come on Alex." He said as he stepped in through the door. "Tempus fugits as they say..."

He stopped dead, his gaze traveling past me towards the bedroom. I turned to follow his gaze.

There in the bedroom door stood, or rather, leaned the kid. Smiling at me, he walked over to where Mulder and I were both standing.

"Hi there Alex." He all but purred. "Who's your friend?"

"This is my work partner, Fox Mulder." I grated out. Fuck, now Mulder has just discovered my little secret, just fucking goddamned great.

Mulder's response to to give the kid his most charming smile. "Hi there yourself."

"So you both work together?" The kid asked, giving Mulder a slow once over.

"That's what I just said." I snapped. Both the kid and Mulder stared at me. Then the kid turned to Mulder once more.

"Hi, I'm Owen." He extended his hand. Mulder grasped it briefly, then let it drop.

"Nice to meet you Owen" he said easily.

"Likewise." Owen responded, then he turned to me. "Will we be able to get together tonight?"

"No, I don't think so." I said shortly. God all I wanted to do was get this little prick out of here. Owen's face dropped, his lips full and sensuous, became a pout.

"Oh, okay then. Well I best get going then, hadn't I?"

Without waiting for a response, he headed towards the door, then turned back to give Mulder a smile and a wink.

"I might see you around huh, Fox."

Before my now bemused partner could reply, Owen was out of the door and heading towards the elevator.

"Well, your friend seemed quite..." Mulder let the sentence trail of more out of embarrassment than anything else.

I sighed, then gave a mental shrug. It seemed as though my secret was well and truly out now. No point trying to deny it, honesty being the best policy and all.

"He's no friend of mine Mulder." I told him in no uncertain terms. "In fact, somehow I don't expect I'll be seeing him again."

Mulder stared at me for a minute, then nodded thoughtfully. "I kind of gathered that."

"So does it bother you?" I asked him. He frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"The fact that I'm gay." I replied.

"No it doesn't bother me Alex." He replied then added off handedly. "Why, should it?"

"No." I muttered. "Of course not."

"Of course getting some clothes on might help." He said with a grin. I looked at him for a moment, then realization dawned on me. I glanced down at my robe.

"I be right back." I told Mulder as I headed towards the bedroom. His chuckle followed me all the way.

SEVEN

Skinner's Office FBI Building, Washington DC

"So gentlemen, would one of you care to explain exactly what took place on Mr Edmons farm on Saturday afternoon?" Skinner's voice was deceptively mild but I could tell that he was pretty damned angry.

The older man folded his hands neatly on the desk, pinning the both of us with a smoldering look. Okay, scratch pretty damned angry and try absolutely fucking furious.

I sat in my chair trying desperately to match Mulder's expression of calm nonchalance and knowing that I was failing miserably. Christ, how did he do it? Mulder I mean. After all, here we both were, sitting in front of this incredibly masculine AD in full alpha male mode and it seemed to have no effect on Mulder at all. It was as though the man was made of ice. Or he just didn't care.

"Agent Krycek and I traveled out to Mr Edmons farm to investigate an X File Sir." Mulder answered, speaking in his usual smooth monotone.

"I see Agent Mulder." Skinner replied. "And how is it that..." he stopped to check the file that sat in front of him on the desk. "...dead cows figure as an X File?"
"Sir, if I may explain." Mulder replied. Skinner gave him a curt nod.

"Please Agent Mulder, by all means."

"There were seven dead cows found in the back paddock of Mr Edmons farm early this morning." Mulder began. "These cows had all died the same way. They had all been eviscerated." He paused for effect.

"So I read in your report." Skinner replied. "Please continue Agent Mulder."

"Mr Edmons had sent for the local vet, a Dr Harris. He examined the animals but could not come to any conclusion as to what might have caused the fatal wounds inflicted on the cows. He could not tell if the wounds had been inflicted by an animal or by other means."

"I see." Skinner looked first at Mulder, then his gaze slowly traveled over to me. His brown eyes rested on mine for a moment and a felt a peculiar quiver deep down in the pit of my stomach.

"And by other means Agent Mulder, I take it that you mean human." He said.

"Or non human." Mulder answered.

Skinner glared at him, his eyes snapping brown fire behind the wirerims that he always wore.

Another quiver rippled through my belly. What the fuck is happening to me? I wondered inwardly. How is it that a bald middle aged desk jockey could have this effect on me? I was the one that tended to cause this kind of effect on others. Others like that kid I had picked up at that bar the other night, Owen.

"So have you anything to add to Agent Mulder's report Agent Krycek?" Skinner asked, his voice still that restrained calm tone.

I felt my face colour, shit I was acting like a green agent now. "No Sir, Agent Mulder's report pretty much covers everything. I can't see that there is any thing more to add."

"I see Agent." Skinner was almost purring now. "So I take it that you have no insights of your own into this case. No possible theories for what might have happened?"

I shook my head, Jesus, all I saw was some dead cows. What could I possibly have to add to that?

"Very well, thank you gentlemen, that will be all." With that, Skinner dismissed us both.

I stared at the older man for a moment completely surprised. I had been expecting a chewing out for going with Mulder on one of his hair brained 'X Files' cases. Even though it had been on our own time. The farmer, Mr Edmons had not known that his wife had been spooked by finding the dead cows in the field. By all accounts, Mrs Edmons, a tall spare looking woman had loved reading all about UFO's and extraterrestrials. She had been convinced that it had to be the work of aliens. It also seemed that she had read an article in the paper a few months back about the X Files and she had immediately called Mulder.

Of course as soon as her hubby had found out, he had ordered us both off his property. It had been easy to see that Mr Edmons did not read the same articles as his wife did. One thing had been clear though, he did not trust the 'fibbies' at all.

Mulder had tried to argue with him, insisting that he be allowed to examine the animals and take photographs but the old coot had stubbornly refused, saying that no one from the goddamned government was setting foot on his farm.

Seeing that there was no more that could be done, Mulder and I had left, trudging across the field and back to the car. By the time we had made it back, our shoes were covered in mud and cow dung. Christ, what a day. To think that I had left my nice warm apartment for this.

Both Mulder and I went to leave the AD's office, when suddenly I was called back. Mulder raised an eyebrow at me, then headed out of the door and back down to his office in the basement.

"Sir?" I asked, striving to keep my voice even. Oh this was getting ridiculous, here I was, a grown man, a consortium operative to boot and I was sitting back down in the chair feeling like a schoolboy that's been sent to the principle's office.

"I would like a word with you Agent Krycek...alone." Skinner said as he leaned back in the chair, it creaked under the older man's large powerfully built body.

"May I ask what about Sir?" I replied.

"Do you realize that the fact that Agent Mulder took you along to examine these dead cows and not Agent Scully indicates that he is showing some faith in you. Not to mention trust."

"I am glad that Agent Mulder trusts me Sir." I answered. Personally I wished that Mulder had decided to take Scully along on these kind of cases, let her be the one to ruin her good shoes.

Skinner drew a deep breath, then let it out slowly, it was easy to see that he was building up towards something.

"Alex, I know who you work for." He said quietly "And I know that you were put here to spy on Mulder."

"I believe we have already had this conversation...Sir." I said, my voice dropping ten degrees. And it's one I am heartily getting sick of, I added mentally.

"I know Alex." Skinner replied thoughtfully. "But I can't help wondering if you might not have your own agenda."

"I'm sorry?" I cocked my head to one side, puzzled. "I don't quite understand what you are saying here Sir?"

"Oh come off it Alex, quit playing the innocent, you are not fooling anybody you know."

Oh yes I am, I could not help but think smugly. I am fooling the one person that I need to fool, thank you very much AD Skinner Sir.

"You know Alex, I can't quite figure you out." Skinner said, he was eyeing my up and down now, his gaze, cool and direct, sizing me up. Suddenly I felt exposed, as though not just my clothes had been stripped away, but my very self. It was like Skinner was able to peel back the layers that went into creating Alex Krycek and he was able to see Sascha Kryeckovski underneath. It was the most unsettling feeling I had ever experienced.

"There is nothing to figure out." I told him abruptly, more to hide my confusion than anything else.

"You know, I suspect that there is a lot more to you than what you are letting on." Skinner continued as though he had not heard me. "A lot more indeed."

Suddenly I got to my feet, wanting, no needing this conversation to end. I stared down at the Assistant Director, hands clenched at my sides. Suddenly I wanted to smash that complacent knowing look off his face. I wanted to be able to throw my badge and gun down onto the table and walk the fuck on out of there. I wanted never to have to see neither Mulder, or the Assistant Director ever again

I wanted to be able to walk away from him, the X files and the whole fucking mess. And more than anything I wanted to be able to do all this, to make my own decisions for once, to be my own man.

Finally getting my emotions under control, I spoke.

"If you have anything more that you wish to discuss AD Skinner, you know how to reach me."

With that, I abruptly turned and left his office.

EIGHT

Sothie's Bar

I was not sure if it was my tenth vodka or my eleventh, shit for all I knew it could have my fiftieth.

I watched with great interest as my hand reached over and picked the glass up. It lifted the glass to my lips. Clever hand, it knew what it was doing all right. Didn't need any help from me.

My hand set the glass back down onto the counter in front of me, it didn't even so much as spill a drop. That's what you got when you had a well trained hand like this. It did everything for you, including wiping your ass for you as well.

I glanced around the bar, there were a few more people in tonight. Must have been happy hour or something.

A young man with purple and green spiked hair gave me a grin and a wink. Shit, a fucking green and purple haired mutant was giving me the come-on. Just what I needed, a fucking left over from the punk era. I much preferred twinkies like Owen.

In fact, that's exactly what I was in the mood for, a twinkie, a sweet empty headed little boy that I could fuck into the mattress and not have to worry about him analyzing me later.

Not like that fucking bastard Skinner.

I lifted my drink to my mouth once more, swallowing the fiery liquid, feeling it burn it's way down my throat, cleansing it.

Why did I let that prick get to me in the first place? It's not as though the bastard had any real power over me. He was just another office drone, that's all.

Yeah, a nasty little voice piped up unbidden from somewhere in the back of my mind.

It's not like you feel any attraction to him now Alex...is it?

Fuck off, I snarled silently at the snide little voice. Leave me alone.

I set the glass back down, it was empty. Shit, well there was a cure for that. All I had to do was order another one. Easy peasy as the kids say.

"Alex, I thought I would find you here."

Oh no, reluctantly I looked up to find Skinner staring down at me, his face unreadable.

"What are you doing here?" I asked grumpily.

"I came in for a quick drink, and to look for you." Skinner replied.

"What if I didn't want to be found?" I replied sourly. I watched as the bigger man sat down onto the stool next to me.

"Well that's too bad Alex because here you are, and here I am."

For some reason his glib reply irritated the hell out of me. I straightened up in my seat, aware that I was swaying a little. Too many vodkas and not enough food in my system, I thought blearily. That and the fact that I was as drunk as a lord.

"Whoa there fella." Skinner said as he grabbed my arm to steady me. "How many have you had?"

"Who knows." I answered him cheerfully. "I stopped counting after the first ten."

Skinner laughed at that, it was rather a pleasant sound. I kind of liked it.

"I think maybe I should skip the drink and just take you home."

"I don't need to go home." I told him, mustering all the dignity that I could. Not an easy thing to do when you are starting to see double.

I must have swayed again because Skinner grabbed me again and this time lifted me off the stool.

"Come on Alex, up you go." I found myself leaning against him as he reached over to grab my coat. The next thing I know, I was led towards the door.

I grinned up at the bigger man. "My place or yours?"

"Yours." He answered shortly.

It did not take long for Skinner to bundle me into his car and drive me home. He had opened the passenger side window and the cold night air scooped straight onto my face, helping to clear my head a little.

Once in my apartment, I was feeling a little better. Skinner helped me onto the couch, switching the lamps on and filling the room with warm soft light.

"I'll make some coffee." He told me abruptly as he headed towards the kitchen.

"I have some scotch if you prefer." I called after him.

He stuck his head around the door. "I think you have had enough. He replied.

"Whatever." I shrugged, then wincing, closed my eyes. Oh shit but I was going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow.

I could hear Skinner rattling around in the kitchen and soon he reappeared bearing two steaming cups. He handed one to me and I sipped the bitter black brew.

"Not bad." I commented. Skinner gave me one of his rare smiles.

"Thanks, actually coffee is something of a forte of mine."

"Is that so?" I replied. Skinner settled himself down beside me, his own cup in his hand.

"That's so." He answered flippantly. "Not to mention ham and eggs, omelets, steak and baked potatoes..."

"Throw in a souffle and you could be the next Martha Stewart." I said with a grin. That got a laugh out of the bigger man.

"Only if Martha was six feet two and balding." He replied, still chuckling.

Now that made me laugh, then I winced, Jesus but my head was beginning to hurt. Note to self, never drink straight vodka on an empty stomach.

We finished our coffee in silence, the both of us sitting side by side on the couch. It was not an uncomfortable silence though but rather one where two people where starting to grow used to the presence of the other one.

Perhaps Skinner felt that too because suddenly he glanced over to where I was sitting, his eyes finding mine with cool clear accuracy.

"It's getting late." He said. I shrugged, then leaned forward to set my now empty cup onto the coffee table.

"I should get going." He added almost as an afterthought.

Still I said nothing, the ball was now in his court.

"I'll see you tomorrow then, bright and early."

"Sure thing Walter." I replied, deliberately using his first name now. "Especially if you stayed the night."

Skinner stared at me for a moment, then sighing, shook his head.

"You don't give up do you Alex." He replied with something close to wonder in his voice.

I gave him a lazy grin. "You are so right there Walter."

"I must be going out of my mind." Skinner muttered under his breath as he got to his feet.

"Why do you say that?" I asked him as he headed towards the door. He stopped and turned to face me, his face closed and expressionless once more.

"I shouldn't even be here with you Alex." He told me quietly. I stared back at him for a moment, then I pushed myself up off the couch and walked over to where he was still standing.

"Why not Walter?" I was aware that the question had come out almost as a challenge. I moved closer to him, deliberately invading his personal space. The bigger man did not take a step back like most men would have done. Oh no, the Assistant Director was back into uber male mode now. He held his ground, watching me through narrowed eyes.

"I don't know what the hell your game is boy." He growled, his voice sending a thrill deep down inside me. Making me aware of what dangerous ground I was on now.

"There is no game Walter." Did I just say that? I think that caught Skinner off guard as well, because suddenly he was looking at me in a whole new way.

"Do you honestly expect me to believe that all this is on the level?" He asked. Slowly, with real fear building up deep within me I nodded. Yes, incredible as it seemed, I was being level with him. I wanted him, not for the reasons that either Skinner and I thought though. This was working on a far deeper level now, this want, this need, this terrible urgency. It was powerful, it was absolute and it was beginning to scare the hell out of me.

Sensing the internal struggle and the fear that was raging through me now, Skinner took a step forward, his bigger frame dwarfing me, making me feel small, almost childlike.

"Tell me Alex, what exactly is it you want?" The question was softly spoken but it was the tone that let me know how utterly close I was now standing to the precipice.

"You." I answered.

Long moments followed and then much to my amazement, Skinner reached over and took my hand in his much larger one.

"Be careful of what you wish for little boy." He said, but his voice was gentle, there was no trace of mockery in it at all.

"I'll take my chances."

"They aren't yours to take."

His answer took me by surprise, then I realized that Skinner was taking a far greater risk than I would be. Sure the Consortium might be pissed if they were to find out about this, but I knew that Skinner had a wife, a home life not to mention his entire career. His would be the greater risk, after all I could not imagine the FBI condoning one of their AD's fucking a junior officer. Especially if they were both male.

But despite that, he was willing to take the risk, and he was willing to take it with me.

"Come on Walter." I said, aware of how husky my voice had become. "The bedroom's this way."

NINE

Riverview Apartment Complex

I watched hungrily as Walter undressed, for a big man he moved with a lithe grace. I knew his favourite pastime was boxing so imagine all that training in the ring had helped.

Jesus, I knew Walter's body would be good, but I never realized just how good. No longer being able to wait, I moved across to touch him, stroke the hard muscle of his arms and shoulders. Run my fingers over his broad chest covered with hair.

Cock standing straight at attention now, I bent my head to take one of his nipples in my mouth. Fuck but how I was aching to feel his cock inside me.

Usually I was the one who topped, but this time I was the one that wanted to be topped. To be taken.

My mouth met his in a white heat and I kissed his finely shaped lips like a drowning man searching for life giving oxygen.

Refusing to be outdone, Walter wrapped his powerful arms around me, drawing me close enough so that our cocks touched, rubbing together. Impatient now, I moaned, feeling the blood pumping through me, to my brain, to my dick, to my very fucking soul.

"Ever fucked a man before Walter?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

"As a matter of fact, yes." He replied with that beautiful smile of his. "A couple of time, back in my college day, but you don't want to hear about that now."

"Not now." I told him as I reached down to grasp his cock with one hand. "But later I will."

"Okay." Walter replied. "Later it is, but now, first things first."

With that, he led me over to the bed. I had already stripped my clothes off and I was now more than ready. Reaching over into the top drawer of my nightstand, I pulled out a tube of lubricant and a condom.

Walter chuckled. "Always be prepared hey Alex."

"That's my motto." I replied.

Walter took the condom and opening it, rolled it over his huge erection. "Prepare yourself for me Alex." He commanded.

Obediently I opened the tube and squeezed some of the gel on my finger, then opening myself, I applied the cold lube to my anus. I shivered slightly, it's been a while since I had been the one to ready my ass to be fucked.

I could feel a sheepish grin spread over my face. What had happened to Alex Krycek, ass fucker and all around top? And what the fuck did it matter any more.

I went to turn over, but I felt a hand on my shoulder, restraining me.

"No Alex, I want to see your face while I fuck you." Walter whispered, voice like smooth burgundy. "I want to watch you watch me as I enter that beautiful ass of your. As I fuck you into the mattress."

If nothing else had served to send me into the stratosphere, it was that sentence that did it. I laid back, my head against the pillows watching almost detached as Walter lifted my legs up, resting them on his broad shoulder in order to give himself access to the most intimate part of myself.

The first thrust, gentle though it was took me by surprise. I suddenly found myself clinging onto the bigger man for support as he found his way deeper and deeper inside until with almost unerring accuracy he found my prostate.

"Oh Lord sweet Jesus." I screamed as my body reacted to this new and wonderful sensation.

I felt my body arch itself off the mattress and Walter's thrust became more urgent. He leaned down towards me, the sweat dripping off his face and falling onto mine, mingling with my own droplets of perspiration.

Suddenly, my hands left his shoulder and clung helplessly to the bars of the bedhead as I rode out each thrust, riding the crest of a climax that I never thought possible.

One last thrust and then my own cock spurted, covering us both in sticky semen. My butt cheeks must have clenched at the same time, tightening down on Walter's own cock because with a roar, he quivered inside me, then collapsed onto my chest.

Wrapping my arms around him, I held him close to me, feeling his breath hot and ragged against my sweat slicked skin, hearing the slow beat of his heart. Feeling his cock, shriveled and damp against the inside of my thigh.

"God, that was..." he began, his voice muffled against my shoulder.

"Intense?" I finished for him. He lifted his head up to give a smile. "Incredible I was thinking actually."

"I'll go with that." I replied, then winced slightly. Jesus how the hell was I going to be able to sit tomorrow? It had been so long since I bottomed that I was out of practice. I forgot how much it hurt afterwards.

"Sore?" Walter asked, concerned now. I nodded, then shrugged. "It's okay, it's just that I am the one usually doing the fucking that's all."

"Is that so." Water replied teasingly. "No wonder you have such a nice tight little butt there."

"Why thank you kind sir." I said, then wondered where that came from, the Alex I knew did not indulge in banter. Not with guys he just fucked anyway. No, by now, I would be giving them friendly little hints about having to get up early for work and needing to have the bed to himself.

"Well, I think I shower might be in order." Walter said as he sat up. I reached up to stroke that absolutely incredible chest of his.

"My shower is big enough for two." I said, aware of the seductive tilt to my smile now.

"Then what are we waiting for." With that, Walter leaned over and kissed me, his lips lingering over mine. I closed my eyes, savoring his taste, his scent, the way his unshaven cheek scraped against mine.

With great reluctance, I broke the kiss. Walter looked down on me, his eyes shining in a way that I had never seen before. He reached out to brush his hand down the side of my face in a way that was peculiarly gentle but possessive all at the same time.

I felt my cock stir again and I quickly moved off the bed, heading towards the shower The water was steaming hot, just the thing I needed to wash away the slight ache in my muscles. It had been awhile since I had indulged in such vigorous sex.

Suddenly I felt the soap taken from out of my hand.

"Turn around." Walter instructed. I did so and I leaned back, enjoying the feel of having my back washed.

Walter soaped my shoulders and back, then I felt his hand moving lower and lower, rubbing the bar of Ivory soap over my butt and down the backs of my thighs.

Without thinking, I opened my legs, allowing him access to the inside of my thighs. I could feel the warmth of his hands as they worked the soap against my skin.

The breath quickened inside me, coming out in harsh gasps as his hands slid upwards towards my now very interested cock. Suddenly I felt Walter's fingers as they opened me and he began to soap my crack.

"Oh Jesus." I moaned, my own hand reaching for my cock.

"Like that Alex?" I heard him whisper, his mouth inches from my ear. Wordlessly I nodded. At this very moment I was beyond speech, beyond any sane rational thought. The only thing that I could concentrate on was the throbbing ache in my balls.

Before I realized what was happening, I felt a hand rest on the back of my neck, my ass cheeks were parted and I felt Walter's dick slide inside me.

"Oh shit." I muttered, leaning back against him, unaware of the water hitting my face, of the soap lather covering my legs and butt. Only aware of Walter's penis seated deep inside me, of his hand covering mine, controlling the way I jerked myself off in time to his thrusts as he fucked me. Blindly I reached out with one hand, touching the wet tiles of the shower recess, as I steadied myself. Finally I felt Walter's cock spasm inside me, just as my own penis spurted hot semen all over how hands. I watched emotionlessly as the water from the shower rinsed it all away until all traces of our coupling had disappeared.

NINE

Riverview Apartment Complex

"I have to go Alex, I'm sorry."

"There's no need for you to be sorry Walter." I replied as I lay on the bed, watching as the bigger man dressed. He looked over at me, I could see that he was embarrassed about something.

"It's just that Sharon, my wife was expecting me home hours ago, she'll be worrying if she doesn't hear from me soon." Walter dropped his eyes away from mine as he sat down to pull on his shoes and socks.

"It's okay Walter, really." I said, sitting up. "I know that you have to get home. Don't worry about it."

He looked up at me, then he smiled, but his eyes remained troubled behind the wirerim that he always wore.

"I just don't want you to think..."

"That you are fucking and running?" I smiled as I spoke, to take the sting out of the words but he winced anyway. That was precisely what he had been worried about.

"Alex, I have to explain something to you." Walter said slowly. Oh shit, I thought unhappily. Now it's confession time, great.

"My marriage is not good at the moment." He began speaking hesitantly as though he were choosing his words with great care.

I said nothing, just sat on the end of the bed waiting for him to continue.

"Don't get me wrong, Sharon is wonderful, she is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, but right now. Well not to go into great detail, things have been kind of tense at the moment."

"All marriages have their rough patches." I replied. Walter sighed and shook his head. I could see the look of utter sadness that had crept into his face.

"I'm afraid this is not just a rough patch Alex." Walter said slowly. "It's a lot worse than that."

"Is it because you like guys?" Walter's head jerked up, the question taking him by complete surprise.

"Oh come on Walter." I said impatiently. "It's not like it's some big secret, well not to me anyway. Jesus Christ, we just had the best sex of our lives and that can't have come from someone who does not like men."

I could see the colour rise in his cheeks now. I waited while he finished tying his shoelaces, taking his time over them, probably to try and sort out his own jumbled thoughts.

Finally he looked up at me, his face unreadable. "I have been married for a long time Alex." He said, his voice strained. I shrugged.

"So, what has that got to do with it?" I asked him.

He opened his mouth to answer me, then with an impatient gesture, he got to his feet and strode over to where I was sitting. Before I could gather my wits, he gripped me by my arms and dragged me to my feet. With one hand behind my head, he kissed me long and hard, taking my mouth with the same possessiveness as he had taken my ass just moments before when we had been in the shower together.

There as no mercy in that kiss, no clemency at all, just the hard bruising embrace.

After what seemed like an eternity, he released me. Stunned I stumbled backwards, the back of my knees hitting the end of the bed. My legs gave out and I landed heavily on top of the bed.

"No more question Alex," he said coldly. "No more questions and no more talk about my personal life. What happens here with us stays here with us and whatever happens between Sharon and myself stays between Sharon and myself."

I was tempted to point out the fact that it was in fact him that had started on the topic of his wife and the state of his marriage, but wisely decided to say nothing. Instead I stared up at him, my emotions in turmoil.

Suddenly Walter's face softened. "I'm sorry Alex." He said softly. "I'm the one having the problems and I'm taking it all out on you. That's not fair, please forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive." I told him. He smiled at that.

"I have to go Alex." Walter said. "I'll see you later."

I watched as Walter left my apartment, the door closing behind him, then I laid back on my bed, my thoughts jumbled and confused chasing each other around in my head. My ass still smelt faintly of the soap that Walter had used to wash me with. No one had ever done anything like that to me before. God it had been so...erotic.

Suddenly I knew that I could not let this continue, that I had to stop this before it got any further. After all my mission was to sabotage Mulder and the X Files, to stop him from doing any further damage to the Consortium. The Cause, that was what I had to concentrate on. Making sure that the Cause, The Greater Purpose was not jeopardized.
Rolling over onto my stomach, I buried my head into the pillow. I could feel the stinging prick of tears behind my eyes.

Lethargy gradually crept over me and I closed my eyes feeling the moisture on my face as they finally spilled over and for the first time in years, I wept.