The P oker G ame

Title: The Poker Game
Author: Feignedstoicism
E-mail: Feignedstoicism@AOL.com
Fandom: X-Files
Pairing: K/M
Classification: angst, post colonization, AU
Rating: NC 17

Notes: I wrote this for one of Peja's challenges. The challenge
was to use the sentence: "Don't worry, we're gonna get intimate
real soon now." This story will stand alone. It will fit in with a
longer story I'm working on, but they don't need each other.

Warnings: non-con situations; Mulder torture, mostly in the past;
also, I like a scheming, ends justifies the means, complex Krycek.
You've been warned. Not beta read.

Archive: Please ask

Disclaimer: Not mine. No money in it. I'm a huge fan of the X-
Files and I've bought all the DVD's.



The Poker Game


Krycek was unfolding the chairs while Mulder held the next one
ready for him. "Let me play tonight, Alex."

"You don't have the money. You only have $80 in your account."

"You could loan it to me," Mulder wheedled, flashing his sweetest
smile.

"I promised the other guys you wouldn't play. Give it a rest or
you'll spend the evening in your room."

"Why did you tell them I wouldn't play? We had fun last time."

"They don't want to play if you do, Fox. You talk too much and
you pick those fucking, nobody ever heard of, off the wall poker
versions when it's your turn to deal."

What he didn't bring up was on the other two poker nights Fox sat
in, Fox, using that brilliant, intuitive mind of his and his ability to
play thds wds while seeming audacious, had all but wiped them out
before 1:00. He also knew that although Fox's constant banter had
annoyed some of the players, they would have put up with it if Fox
had been losing.

"Why don't we ask them when they get here?" Mulder asked,
thrusting the last chair at Krycek with just enough force to hint at
his displeasure.

Krycek took the chair and scooted it under the table. "Because it
would embarrass them. Drop it, okay?"

Mulder turned and gave him a peck on the cheek, snuggling. "I'll
tone it down. You'll hardly hear a peep out of me, and I'll only
call High-Low, no wild cards."

Krycek folded his arms lightly around Fox. He lowered his right
hand and rubbed slow circles on Fox's rump. "I promised them
you wouldn't play," he said lightly. "Drop it, Fox. I don't want to
punish you today."

"Why did you have the game here if I couldn't play? Why couldn't
you have held it at one of their houses?" he asked, feeling
ostracized.

Alex pulled him in closer. "They like to come here because I have
more space than the single guys and there's no wife and kids
hanging around. I want it here because a couple of new players are
coming and I want to show you off," Krycek purred, rubbing his
face against Fox's soft hair.

Mulder jerked his head back. "They won't play cards with me, but
I'm suppose to . . . what? Play the gracious hostess? I won't do it.
I think spending the evening in my room is a great idea." Mulder
entertained visions of himself reading the new book of poetry Alex
bought for him last week and then watcha moa movie on the
television. He'd stock his room with beer, piznd snd snacks before
any one showed up and he wouldn't have to leave his room.

"Fox, go get cleaned up. I want you to wear the gray sweater with
the washed out jeans." Alex was smiling, but the tone of his voice
said he expected to be obeyed.

Mulder leaned back from the waist, frowning. "I am not going to
hang around and watch. I'm staying in my room," he said firmly.

Mulder let out a grunt when Krycek pulled him forcefully back in
again. In a low, shark fin in the water dangerous voice he said in
Fox's ear, "Pet, go to the wall."

Mulder stiffened slightly. "Sir?" He whispered into Alex's
shoulder.

"Now," Alex said with quiet force, dropping his arms.

Mulder stepped back, his head turned away. He walked to the far
wall, positioning himself directly below the small, roughly
patterned disk nailed high up on the wall. He paused, careful not
to let his distress show, then went into position. His feet touched
the wall as well as his forehead. With one hand placed over the
other, he stretched up until his bottom hand touched the disk. The
position was bearable, for a short time. What he hated was being
punished at all.

He realized he was growing angry and that was dangerous. He
calmed his mind and assumed a placid face. He wanted to tell
Krycek ('Alex . . . don't forget to call him Alex,' he shuddered.) to
go to hell, walk out the door and lead as free a life as possible. But
that wasn't possible. Not since the aliens started colonizing and
Krycek had become a man of power. Not since Mulder had been
captured almost fourteen months ago and the aliens had made
changes on him, turning him into Krycek's wet dream.

Mulder had learned the consequences of attempting an escape a
year ago. After his third attempt, he knew he'd never risk it again.

Alex was mostly kind now, even loving in his way. As long as
Mulder didn't push. As long as he kept himself perfectly groomed.
As long as he was compliant in bed. As long as he was
entertaining at meals and gracious with guests. Alex seemed
proud, protective, and possessive of him, but Alex didn't trust him
and he didn't hesitate to hurt him if he thought Mulder was
'reverting.'

Krycek sat on the arm of the couch and studied Mulder. He took
delight in seeing Mulder's long, lean body stretched. It didn't
matter if it was horizontal or vertical. That's why he chose this for
minor infractions. Keeping Mulder under control was a full time
job, and he was given a generous amount of money to do just that.
Krycek was also assured he could have him for the rest of his life,
if he wanted him, and as long as he never lost control of him.

Krycek had asked for and been given a few bonuses, too. Fox
looked and moved like a man twenty years younger than his real
age. All the little imperfections and scars were removed from
Fox's skin, except for the moll on Fox's right cheek, which Krycek
couldn't bring himself to have removed. Now Krycek told Fox it
was his beauty mark. Fox still had his thick head of hair, his
eyebrows and lashes. Not another hair grew anywhere on his body.
Krycek also had some selective memory wiping done to make
things easier.

Krycek accepted the offer of age reversal on his own body and the
regeneration of his arm, but he kept his general appearance as it
was. He had always looked much younger than he really was and
in the past being underestimated had it's advantages. Now he
wanted to be taken seriously. A few wrinkles around the eyes, a
couple of gray hairs, would help. Despite being hobbled with
Fox's care, he still had resources available to give him more than a
general feel for what was going on out there . Once he had Fox's
loyalty, he could get back in the game with Fox as sidekick. That
image made him smile, realizing how unlikely that thought would
have been a few months ago. There was a time his hatred for
Mulder had been so strong that Mulder's death would not have
satisfied it. Somewhere along the way, the hatred had lost it's
edge. He shook his head, amused at his own predicament. He
wouldn't call what he felt love, it was too dark for that, but he
knew with certainty that he would do everything in his power to
protect Fox from anyone who seriously threatened him. He would
attempt to destroy anyone who tried to take him away.

ooOOoo

Mulder almost looked around toward the sound behind him, but
cn sen sense stopped him. Mulder realized his concentration
had lapsed and he wasn't touching the disk anymore. He stretched
the inch he needed, hoping Alex didn't notice. Krycek did, but he
ignored it.

Krycek stood up and leisurely walked up behind Mulder. He
slapped Mulder on his inviting ass, keeping his hand there a
moment to enjoy a fondle. Mulder startled but stayed in position.
Krycek smiled and placed himself directly behind his errant boy.
He pressed himself against Mulder, laying his chin on Mulder's
shoulder blade. His hands started roaming up and down Mulder's
sides, creeping occasionally around to run his palms or nails over
Mulder's stomach and chest. Mulder shivered and twitched away,
trying not to break position.

"Please, Sir," half begging, half scolding. "I can't . . . "

"Sure you can, Pet," he breathed into Fox's ear, causing more
shivers. "Because you like to make me happy, don't you? Don't
you, Pet?"

"Yes, Sir," Fox whimpered, squirming. "I . . . I . . . do . . . I . . ."

"Just like tonight. You want to make me proud. I'm so proud of
you, Pet. Everyone will see how handsome you are. And clever.
Just like a Fox. But don't talk too much. Show them how clever
you are, but don't take center stage." Alex's voice was dark and
husky, not quite a whisper. Mulder loved that voice, feeling both
fear and lust when he heard it. He didn't want Alex to use it now.
There was too much wrong. He hurt too badly.

Eyes closed, biting his lower lip, Mulder nodded his agreement,
careful to not break contact with the wall. Krycek turned him
around and looked into his face. Mulder's worried eyes looked
back.

"You want me to help you get ready later?"

Mulder shook his head. "No. The gray sweater. I remember."
Mulder knew how much Alex liked to dress him. "Should I wear
the silver chain and bracelet?"

A wide toothy grin crossed Krycek's face. "Yeah. But no rings
tonight. And wear the black ankle boots."

Mulder tried gamely to smile, but it wavered slightly.

Krycek deliberately misunderstood the extent of Mulder's distress.
"I'm not unhappy with you, Babe. Look, it's a few hours before
we need to shower and dress. The place is ready for company.
Why don't you take a nap and I'll wake you up in a couple of
hours?"

Mulder understood that was an order and nodded in agreement. He
turned and started up the stairs. He realized Alex hadn't told him
which bedroom to use. He shrugged and went to his own.

In the 'before time' before Alex became his owner Mulder
slept in a t-shirt and boxers. Now he was required to sleep nude. It
was one of the smallest of the changes in his life, yet somehow it
had come to symbolize all he had lost. His body had felt strange to
him after his body was left hairless. Sometimes when he looked
down to see his smooth arms and legs he felt disoriented. It felt
like he was seeing something new and strange. He despised the
way his balls and cock were exposed, making him feel on exhibit.
If he was ever free, he'd never sleep nude again. Ever.

-ooOOoo-

"I love that body," Krycek said, kneeling down over Mulder's. He
reached down and gently stroked Mulder's cock. Mulder wasn't
awake, yet. Krycek kept patiently stroking, soon feeling a small
pulse of reaction. "Don't worry, we're gonna get intimate real
soon now," he promised the growing erection.

Mulder rolled on his back, trying to open gummy eyes.

"Shh, Baby. I'm gonna take care of everything. You just lie still,
okay?" He knelt down and kissed Fox, the kiss quickly becoming
rough and demanding. His hands held Fox down forcefully. Fox
stayed submissive below him and softened his lips for Krycek's
pleasure. When Krycek moved to his neck, Fox turned his head
and stretched away to give Alex easy access. Krycek licked, kissed
and bit his lower neck and shoulder. Mulder only flinched once,
when Krycek sucked a little too hard, but he covered it up with a
moan, making it seem as though he was aroused. It hadn't been
easy for Mulder to become the submissive Alex wanted. It would
never be a natural response. But he had learned what to do, and
Alex could make it good for him. Mulder hoped he would do so
now. Facing the men tonight was going to be unpleasant. While
the players gloated over his exclusion, Mulder would at least be
able to think about the good fuck he had earlier.

While Mulder had been daydreaming, Krycek had been busy.
Mulder hissed and his body arched as Krycek slurped the head of
his cock. He wanted to touch Alex, but months of training kept his
hands limp at his side.

Alex's grin was lopsided and evil. "Such a good boy. It's hard to
remember what a manipulative, overzealous, self-righteous s.o.b.
you used to be." Alex thought he saw something like fire in Fox's
eyes, but it was gone too fast to be certain. Fox's hazel eyes were
innocent now, and wounded.

"I've given up a lot to own you and I'd do it again. I'd kill to keep
you, Babe. That's something for you to remember. Don't ever
doubt how much I want you."

Krycek's head quickly ducked down again and his mouth
enveloped Mulder's cock: sucking, licking, teasing. Mulder's
fingers dug into the rumpled sheet. When Mulder started rocking,
Krycek released him. He pushed Mulder's legs apart with his
knees while grabbing a tube of lubricant with his right hand.

"Don't let it flag," he snarled at Mulder. Mulder reached up and
tentatively stroked his own penis. He really didn't think there was
a danger of it softening soon and Alex would be angry if he came
by his own touch. Krycek finished with the lube and tossed the
tube to one side. He slowly worked his way into position,
expecting and not being disappointed when Mulder positioned
himself the way Krycek liked.

"I want you too bad to give you all you want, Baby, and you really
haven't deserved it. But if you're good tonight, tomorrow will be
your day. We'll take all the time we want tomorrow. Okay?"

Krycek pushed in slowly, stopping and retreating to tease himself.
He concentrated totally on his own pleasure, knowing Fox would
keep himself aroused but wouldn't allow himself release.

Mulder's erection softened when Alex entered him. He
concentrated on one of his favorite fantasies and began stroking
himself in earnest. Today he was thinking of long legged brunettes
with trim waists and firm breasts. He imagined them in a cabin
somewhere away from everything. They had just come in from the
outside. They had been star watching and the cool breeze had felt
like freedom. She was wearing a blue silky nightgown now. They
fell together on the bed . . .

Krycek started pumping harder, dimly aware of Fox's moans and
his own grunts. He exploded in Fox, arched, then relaxed. He
took a few moments to enjoy the feeling, then told Fox to "Finish."
Fox pumped himself several times and semen flowed over his fist.
Krycek stayed embedded in Fox for a little longer, then slid out,
rolling to one side. He lay there breathing deeply for a minute
then went up on one elbow to look down at Fox.

"Oh, no you don't, Fox. You're not going back to sleep. Shower
then dress. Move it."

Mulder gave Krycek a soulful look, then hurried out of bed when
Krycek popped him on the butt. Krycek snickered and followed
him to the bathroom. Mulder jumped in the shower. Krycek
shaved. Mulder looked at the products lined up on the shelf and
debated skipping them this time. Having Krycek in the room with
him decided him against it. Mulder exfoliated his face and body,
used a foot rasp on his feet, shampooed and conditioned. He
stepped out of the stall, not surprised that Alex had finished
shaving and was off doing something else. Mulder smeared hair
gel on his palms and ran it through his hair. He used fingers and a
comb to get it the way Alex liked. Then he moisturized his face
and slathered moisturizer over his body. He checked his nails.
They were okay except for one fingernail that he needed to run a
file over. Last of all, he put on a little of the cologne Alex liked
him to wear.

Krycek seemed obsessed with Mulder's body, beyond the obvious.
When Mulder failed in his second escape attempt, Krycek had
hung him in chains. He had been very careful to cause as much
pain as possible without leaving any permanent marks. Mulder
had fought against the chains, worrying at the cuffs when Krycek
left the room, pulling against the rings that held them when Krycek
had gone to bed that night. When Krycek came in the next
morning he was outraged to see the blood on Mulder's wrists and
running down his arms. He was horrified that Mulder might have
scars. Mulder had found it grimly amusing, until he realized how
inventive Krycek could be. Now cuffs were padded. Ropes never
touched Mulder's skin. A punishment chair was specially designed
with Mulder in mind. Nothing used on Mulder ever broke the skin.
Krycek searched for new ways to 'train' Mulder and Mulder
discovered after months of hell that he did have a breaking point.

-ooOOoo-

Krycek checked himself out in the full length mirror in his
bedroom and declared himself 'good enough.' He checked his
watch. The guests would be arriving in about 45 minutes. He
passed Fox's room, pleased to see the bed was made. He headed
down the stairs just in time to see Fox putting coasters down on the
table. Several bowls and platters were already arranged on the
buffet.

He took time to enjoy watching Fox stretch across the table to
place the last two coasters. Fox turned around and looked up at
him expectantly. Krycek beamed his approval.

Fox looked young enough to be his son now. He moved and stood
with a loose, lazy grace that some mistook for pride. Once Krycek
had believed it, also. Now he knew his Fox, while comfortable
with his body, believed himself very ordinary. He also discovered
that Fox's smart mouth was only bravado, hiding multiple
insecurities. Most of them had hung on since his childhood.
During those hellish first months, Krycek had been grudgingly
impressed with Fox's will, intelligence and defiance. Fox only saw
his own failures.

Fox was lean, with good shoulders and moderate muscle definition.
Krycek had him work with weights one hour in the exercise room
every day. He set up a routine to make sure Fox didn't bulk up, a
look Krycek found unappealing. Fox added an hour on the
treadmill and yoga for his own relaxation. The room had weight
machines, free weights, a treadmill, mats, and a stationary bike.
There was a large open area where Mulder did his yoga and Krycek
his kata. Krycek worked out when Fox did. Their routines were
similar, except Krycek used more weights.

Krycek watched Mulder openly when he went through his yoga
routines. At first Mulder had been flustered, but now he ignored
his audience.

When Krycek went through his kata, Mulder liked to use the
treadmill which happened to face the open area. Mulder thought
the routine was beautiful and enjoyed watching. Krycek wisely
pretended he didn't notice.

-ooOOoo-

Alex closed the distance between them and embraced Fox, his kiss
hard and demanding. Fox melted into the embrace, his own kiss
turning daringly bold. When Alex didn't seem to mind, Fox let his
hands roam. He cupped the back of Alex's head and held him in
the heated kiss. His other hand stole under Alex's sweater feeling
warm, bare skin. Alex cupped Fox's ass and held him in, grinding
against him. When Alex pushed him away and gave him a shit
eating grin, Fox emitted a breathy moan of frustration.

"Better get yourself together, Baby," Alex smirked. "They'll be
arriving any time now." Fox gave a pouting glare and jerked down
his sweater. Alex laughed out loud, reaching down to smooth his
own clothing.

On cue, there was a pounding on the door. Alex opened the door
and greeted Randy and Joel.

"Hey, Krycek. How's it going?" Randy bellowed, pushing past.

Joel followed, grinning. He saw Fox standing there and looked
uncomfortable, although the smile hardly faltered. "Hello, Fox. I .
. . ah . . . brought a cheesecake." He handed it over to him.
Mulder smiled politely and took it from his hands.

"Thanks, Joel. I'll just put it on the buffet." Mulder looked over to
see Randy and Krycek joking around. Okay, Mulder thought,
looks like I'm on my own. There was knocking at the door and
Mulder realized he'd be expected to open it. He pasted on a smile
and invited in the rest of the players as they arrived. Robert and
Jim, like Joel, were in various degrees uncomfortable seeing him.
The two new players, Hayes and Janice, were friendly, seemingly
unaware of any tension. The smug look Chuck gave him when he
arrived was difficult to ignore, but Mulder managed a few pleasant
remarks before he took the paper sack containing beer from him
and was able to disappear into the kitchen.

Mulder was moving things around in the refrigerator to make room
for the beer when he felt someone brush up against him. Expecting
Alex he didn't turn around immediately. When he did push back
so he could turn around he found himself face to face with Chuck.

"Excuse me. I need to close the door," Mulder said, both face and
voice neutral.

"You're looking good, Fox," Chuck said, moving back a couple of
steps.

Mulder's smile was patently false. "You, too," Mulder said,
closing the refrigerator door and trying to move past him.

"I understand you won't be playing tonight. All dressed up with no
place to go, huh?"

"Yeah, well. Seems some people are threatened by me. Not able
to play in my league," he finished in a false whisper, making it
sound as though they were conspiring.

Chuck was determined to play innocent. He meant his smile to be
friendly, but it put Mulder on guard. "You have quite a bit of my
money, Fox. Maybe you'd like to give me a little something
back."

"Sorry, Chuck." He drew out the name, " I've already spent it. I
gave it to Alex to buy me an aquarium and fish."

Chuck put his arm out, his hand on the wall, blocking Mulder.
"I'll settle for a token. That's not too much to ask is it?"

As Mulder bullied his way past him Chuck made an exaggerated
kissy face and made the appropriate sound to go with it. Mulder
moved quickly toware cle cluster of people chattering around the
table.

"Fox." Alex waved him over. " I want to introduce you to some
people. Come on over here."

Mulder hid his exasperation. He was brought up with good
manners and excellent social skills, even if many who had worked
with him during his FBI years would have found that hard to
believe.

"Fox, this is Janice Spears and Hayes Hunt."

Mulder automatically shook hands and exchanged greetings. Hunt
was short, portly, starting to bald and wore heavy framed glasses.
He had a good handshake and laughed easily. Mulder decided not
to dislike him.

He ignored Janice's appraising look, but felt a sudden warmth
toward the brunette. He thought she looked cute in her walking
boots, jeans, t-shirt, and open flannel shirt. He approved of her
lightly made-up face.

She was only the second woman he'd seen since he'd arrived here.
The other one had been a nurse who took care of him during the
first few months after he arrived. He had despised her. He
wanted to like Janice. He missed being around women. He missed
working with them. He missed light flirting with friendly
waitresses. He missed dating, even though he hadn't dated a lot
during his FBI years. He missed seeing Scully. He was grateful
Alex allowed him to write Scully and allowed her to write back.
At first her letters had looked like Swiss cheese after Alex was
done censoring them, but now she had a good idea of what Alex
would let Mulder read about the outside world. If Alex didn't like
what Fox wrote, he simply handed him the letter back until the
letter was acceptable.

He worked at charming Janice while not ignoring Hunt. He
glanced at Alex and saw that he was pleased with him. Things
were going well, he thought.

Everyone started taking their seats. Alex was named the banker
and everyone received their $200 worth of chips. The game would
continue until 1:30 a.m. Fox settled in front of the tv with the
sound turned down low. The tv only played DVD's. Fox didn't
know if it was because television stations didn't exist anymore, or
because Alex didn't want him to have access to news. Fox hadn't
seen a magazine or newspaper since he arrived here, either.

A half hour later Alex called out to Mulder to bring him a beer, and
while he was at it, bring two more. Mulder sighed and 'hopped to,'
a term he'd picked up from Jim.

ooOOoo

"Hey, Fox! I need another beer."

That was the third time Chuck had called Mulder over. Alex and
Chuck were the only two who did. The rest of them got up
between hands and waited on themselves. The first time Chuck
had asked for a beer, he had brushed his knee against Mulder's leg.
The second time Mulder had stayed further back, but Chuck had
reached for the beer bottle as Mulder tried to set it down and had
taken a couple of seconds longer than necessary to secure the drink
in his own hand. Meanwhile, some of his fingers were holding
Mulder's hand.

This time Mulder made sure there was no contact. He looked over
the table while he was standing there. Alex had a nice pile of
chips. So did Janice, Joel, and Robert. Randy and Chuck were
almost out. He caught Janice looking at him and smiled back.
Janice had been drinking iced tea all evening and he decided to get
her a fresh glass. He brushed his hand across Alex's shoulder as he
walked past him.

"Can I bring you anything?" he asked softly.

"A piece of that cheese cake Joel brought," Alex smiled up at hi
"
"Next time bring two or three," Randy teased Joel.

"Next time don't come with your hands empty," Joel answered, an
easy going rib.

"Next time both of you stay home," Mulder muttered under his
breath, too softly for anyout Kut Krycek to hear. Krycek sighed
internally.

Mulder was pouring the iced tea when Chuck sauntered into the
kitchen.

"You need something, Chuck?"

"Some better hands," he laughed. "Games over for me."

Mulder shrugged. "That's too bad, Chuck. Well, I better get Alex
his cheese cake."

Chuck blocked him. "Come on Fox. Give me a chance." He
reached out a meaty hand and gripped Mulder's upper arm. "I
dreamed about you the other night."

"I'm flattered, Chuck. But, you're just not my type." For the
second time that night he found himself trying to push past him.

"What's your type, Fox?"

"Women. Soft, curvy women."

Chuck's face darkened. "Everyknowknows about you and Alex."

"What's between us is something you wouldn't understand, and
it's none of your business."

Chuck was suddenly on him and trying for a kiss. Mulder turned
his head and pushed, losing his grip on the glass of tea. It fell to
the floor and broke. Mulder went backwards and fell against the
counter, causing a loud thump. Chuck looked at him in surprise.
He tried to reach out and steady Mulder, but Mulder slid sideways
and was already standing steady on his feet.

"Everything all right in there?" Janice called out.

Mulder frowned and made a shooing gesture at Chuck. Chuck
hesitated, still looking confused, but finally turned and left the
kitchen.

"It's fine, Janice. I just dropped a glass," Mulder called back.

Mulder was mopping up the mess on his hands and knees when
Alex came in.

"What happened, Fox?"

Mulder stood up and stepped over the mess. He leaned a shoulder
against the refrigerator. "Chuck's gone beyond just looking. He
made a pass."

"What happened?"

"I got away. The bastard was surprised when I didn't respond with
enthusiasm to his advance. I hate living like this. Alex . . . ?" He
turned slightly, looking like a man who hoped to be rescued. "I
miss basketball," he blurted. Somehow it was important that Alex
knew.

Alex laid a hand on Fox's shoulder. "I need these people, Fox. I
know this isn't easy. Some of them are pricks. But, Babe, Chuck
isn't going to rape you with all these witnesses. Don't antagonize
him, okay? Avoid him when you can, but a quick feel or a pat on
the ass won't hurt you and I can live with it. Believe me, if I didn't
need him right now, you'd never have to see him again."

Krycek was furious, but hid it from Fox. Chuck was poaching on
his home grounds. He was upsetting Fox, and Fox was already on
the verge of another hysterical rebellion. How many times could
he break Fox before Fox Mulder was a shadow of the man he
wanted? If the research the underground was working on to expel
the aliens panned out, a true rebellion could happen in two to three
years. He hoped that in a year, maybe even a few months, he
could begin to tell Fox about the tests and what they hoped to
accomplish. That would give Fox hope and focus again. He would
also realize Alex hadn't sold out to the aliens, but was buying time.
Fox needed to stay together until then. Alex was often terrified
when he thought about the balancing act he had to maintain with
Fox. His Fox. His. He pulled Fox into a half hug.

"I'm not gay, Alex."

"I know. We've discussed this."

"I like when you touch me, though. Only you. I've never viewed
other men that way. I still don't. Just you." He was quiet for a
while. He had asked Alex one time, screaming with rage, if the
aliens or one of his soulless scientists had done that to him, but
Alex never gave him an answer. "Janice might give me a dream or
two," he said lightly.

Krycek gave a dismissive grunt then kissed the mole on Fox's
cheek, ignoring the calls from the other room to join the game.

"Why not the nose?" Mulder asked.

"What?"

"The nose. You had changes made on my body, why not the
nose?"

"Because it's perfect."

Mulder pulled back to give him a dubious frown.

The cries from the poker table were getting more demanding.
Janice and Robert were both threatening to come get Alex.

"It's perfect, Babe," Alex repeated, kissing his nose this time. He
broke away and rejoined the players. Mulder finished cleaning up
the mess then brought out Alex's slice of cheese cake and Janice's
iced tea. He was relieved to see Chuck, Randy and Jim were
leaving, having already lost their chips.

-ooOOoo-

"Come to bed, Fox. Leave the mess for tomorrow." Alex
stretched mad made a production of yawning. "I was glad to see
them leave. I really wasn't in the mood for company tonight."

Fox was gathering up plates. Alex took them from his hands and
set them back down. "Come on. I want you in bed with me. I'll
sleep better."

"How'd you do?" Fox asked politely, sounding unconcerned.

"680. Not bad," he grinned. Then he looked serious. "Look. I'll
find some players that like a challenge, Fox. Janice and Robert
will take you on. I've already talked to them. I'll find a few more.
I'll still have to have this group over, but I'll alternate the games."

"Don't bother. It's not important." Fox bit out.

"I've already talked to people. This is for you. Don't throw one of
your tantrums now."

Fox started gathering up dishes again.

"Look, Babe. I don't want to fight. I'm tired. You're tired. Come
to bed with me. Please. I just want to fall asleep. Come on," he
said, grabbing Fox's hand.

Fox gripped his hand back. In a remote way, he knew Alex was
trying to make things easier and he should let Alex know he was
grateful. But, his heart felt like lead. He wanted to weep, but
knew he wouldn't. He wanted to walk on grass and feel a breeze
again. He wanted to play horse with the guys. He wanted to walk
into a McDonalds, if they still existed, and order a cheeseburger
and vanilla shake.

He leaned into Alex and gently kissed the side of his face. They
walked up the stairs side by side holding hands. Fox was dreaming
of the past, Alex was planning for the future.